Refined and Resting in the Waiting

August 30, 2019August 30, 2019Leave a comment

You’ve called us to do hard things. Life isn’t easy or fair. We ice-skate on treacherous sheets of frozen water in anticipation of the calamity below – holding our breath. Will the ice crack and splinter? Will we fall below into the tundra of the unknown? It depends on what we fix our eyes upon – the good, the lovely, the praiseworthy? If that’s our focus we surely will not drown.

This world spits sulfur and hurls debris at our fragile bodies. We close our eyes – trusting and waiting for deliverance. When will it come, we ask you? You are good, we cry. Show us your favor! Shine down on us the light that illuminates the dark and dissipates the fear hovering over our heads.

We walk like the Israelites trusting in the desert. Gazing at the clouds above and the fire in the sky by night. We know you are near. We cling on to the truth – by faith, not by sight. We know you are watching over our steps; but we are an impatient people. We yearn for the swiftness of your rescue. Unaware of the truth that you are making us stronger in the process, we diligently wait for your army of goodness to infiltrate our camp.

You sing over us – and call us precious gems. We are being refined in the waiting.

“I want a peace beyond my understanding. I want to feel it fall like rain in the middle of my hurting. I want to feel Your arms as they surround me. And let me know that it’s okay to be here in this place. Resting in the peace that only comes. In the waiting.” — Greg Long, In the Waiting

Abba Father, we are ready for your warrior-like skills. We beseech you, sweet Savior, to wave your banner of victory over our heads. Like the people in the time of Ezra, may we fall face down and worship you. May we place our faces in the dirt and elevate our hands – for you are worthy.

Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” — Nehemiah 8:5-6

We may not see the full image of your beautiful, intricate quilt; but we know you are a good Father. We know that you always deliver on your promises. You are the Savior that was wounded and bled for our transgressions. Our names are etched permanently in the palms of your hands.

We sing – hallelujah when we are still unsure of how you are working. We praise you even when we stand soaked in a thunderstorm. We shout at the top of our lungs in every situation – great are you, God! We pray for our enemies and bless those who curse us because you have defeated death.

You deliver. You show up – and you grant your children favor. May we humble ourselves in your presence, open our hands and expect a blessing because he is who has promised is 100 percent faithful!

Our Creator Speaks Through His Creation

July 18, 2019July 18, 2019Leave a comment

Do yourself a favor – and immerse yourself in nature. Walk into the woods. Gawk over the intricacy of the countryside. Listen to the birds sing overhead. Feel the cool breeze wash over your skin.

Open your ears to the peaceful sounds of God’s wildlife. Our Creator speaks through his creation; yet, often we are unaware of the soft, gentle words echoed in the forest of his beauty.

Set down your phones. Turn off your WiFi signal. Abandon all the electronic distractions that steal your focus. Sit on a rock in the middle of a rushing stream. Contemplate the Master Artist’s majesty.

Smell in the aroma of freedom all around you. Everything in creation sings in thanksgiving to the One that carefully and thoughtfully designed it.

Your life is a precious gift. Make each day count. Spend your time on what sets your soul on fire. Pray for others in the quiet. Take time to listen to that still small voice that tells you – “This is the way. Walk in it.”

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Isaiah 30:21

He Who Has Promised is Faithful

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019Leave a comment

You call us to step in sync to the power of your voice. It’s rhythmic, calming and soothing. Oh, but it takes faith to walk this road. We must lay aside our monstrous fears and focus on your light. In assurance, we go forward in faith – for we know he who called us out onto what we believe are the waters of uncertainty is faithful.

You are the God of promises. You encourage us to breathe in your provision and exhale’s this world’s heartaches. You are the Great Physician that mends our broken chests back together with the words that breathe life into dry bones. You stitch us back together with the glory from the hem of your robe. We are no longer broken pots but sanctified vessels.

You reward those who believe and earnestly seek you. Father, rain down on us the blessings of this beautiful promise. We are seeking you in this darkness on our knees with elevated hands.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. – Hebrews 11:6

May we feel this water fall from heaven. May it soak our souls with anticipation and excitable joy. Your words irrigate our spirits, Lord!

Show us your glory! Ignite a bush in the wilderness. Give us a sign. Speak to us, Beautiful Creator. Charge us in this season and for such a time as this!

We take off our sandals and accept your holy instruction, Abba Father. In obedience, we look up and receive the mantle you’ve spoken over us. It waves as a banner over our heads.

You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. – Psalm 60:4

May we fulfill your calling. May we shine your beautiful, radiant light. No longer terrified, may we keep our eyes fixated to the cross and the blood that was shed for us.

We must never concentrate on the flames at our feet; but, gaze in assurance to the promise splashed across the sky.

We are conquerors. We are not alone. We are chosen and adored – children of the light.

We will walk with you, Father in refreshing showers and in violent storms. You’ve promised you will provide, and we cling to that truth.

Hallelujah – God is with us!

The Rock That Is Higher Than I

March 25, 2019March 26, 2019Leave a comment

Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. – Psalm 61: 2,3

Oh God, I cry out so often feeling confused and weary laden. This world tries to snatch the life out of us. It grabs while we are the most vulnerable – introducing doubt, guilt and fear. Our hearts, overwhelmed by external sources, forget to climb the ROCK that stands taller than trees, buildings and even the heavens.

You call out – Remember daughter whose you are!

Consumed in worries, we fret; but you have told us not to worry. You are an ironclad King – fighting the darts being hurled our direction. Our simple selves cannot see the war being waged. You are present every single second of the day. You fight for us – battling for our hearts and our minds.

You say – Breathe it in, sweet child. Breathe in my power. Breathe in my security. Do not be afraid. I have called you to be courageous.

May we walk in your assurance and remember that we are daughters of the Highest King!

To the world our crowns may appear invisible; but, you, God, have assured us that we are cherished and adored.

We enter your gates with heads held high – shining your pure light. We pray that we are able to point others to you.

May our fear never outpower our faith. Earthy obstacles are just that – carnal. May we strive to build up lasting kingdoms.

May our lives be beacons – radiant and ever bright. May we point to you in the night sky and draw lost ships to your safe harbor.

“All for you, Mighty King” may our lives forever sing!

Choosing Life & Holding Fast

March 11, 2019March 11, 2019Leave a comment

I find you when I’m still – observing creation, basking in the beauty of the luminous sun and singing your praises with elevated hands.

You are the one that makes this heart of mine steady. You light a fire in my soul and line my feet with the purpose to tread this earth fearless.

I look to the mountains dotted with lush, dark foliage unafraid because you are with me.

God, you are my rock. Unmovable, solid and supportive. Help me to seek you every day and fully comprehend the wisdom in your profound words. Your words are the honey that I want to line my lips every single day.

Bestow meaning into your child’s life.

May l look to you and walk with a purpose – shining brightly with a radiant light. Give me your energy to press ahead with fire in my soul. I want to burn for you during the night – and light my lamp with the oil of your provision.

Oh, Lord – I want to choose life. May I always hold fast to your truths – for you are the perfect Father. You instruct me with compassion and encourage me to soar victoriously on your beautiful wings.

“Choose life so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20

You are my life, LORD. I pray every step I take is consistent with your will for my life.

Live and breathe in me today and always.

Your ways are perfect, and I bow to your flawless grace and mercy.

My Everlasting Garden

December 26, 2018December 26, 2018Leave a comment

I’ve made an everlasting garden for you — dear child. A lush space filled with beautiful fruit bearing trees and endless waterfalls of my grace.

Enter, child. The door is always open for you. I call you to step forward — out of the desert. I see your feet caked with dry sand and your sandals frayed from the arid heat. Lace those sandals up, unashamed.

Come into the covering of my garden. Let the moisture of my mercy wet your tongue and water your soul. Let the canopy of my provision shelter you from the harsh elements.

Admission to my garden is free. You will be fully awed by its flora. You will be overwhelmed by its sweet fragrance. You will be protected by its shield of invisible power. It was made for you.

Watchmen stand at its gate armed with swords of my word and breastplates of my righteousness. My garden is an impenetrable fortress for the weary and heavy laden. It houses the one and only sun — and shines that true radiant glory!

Take my hand and walk with me through this garden of grace. Be warmed by the light wrapped around you. Loose vines will never hinder your expedition in the garden of my mercy. You will see — uninhibited.

Sing with the angels the songs of deliverance and peace. Join in on the symphony of voices — lifted up in one accord. Your voice is precious to me.

You are my beautiful creation child. Walk assuredly with a lantern of oil that will never run dry. I will always provide for you.

May you lead others to the garden of fullness that is waiting for them! It’s your calling — share this beautiful, free gift with the world.

Shine bright, dear child.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. – Revelation 22: 1-3

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.

When I Rise – Give Me Jesus

September 18, 2018September 18, 2018Leave a comment

The sleepy sun rises in the distance – over the hills, meadows and tall buildings. The warmth of its glow tickles our skin and quickly welcomes us to a new day on this earth. Every single day we have an opportunity to make a mark, imprint on a life and breathe his glory in this rocky terrain.

However, what we set our minds on – impacts what air we will expel onto others. Do we start our days with doubts and worries of events in the future? Do we dread the routine of life to miss out on the opportunity that presents itself to us like crackling fire works?

We must start the day with an outlook – one focused through heaven’s spectacles. May we truly ask for the eyes of Christ each morning. I pray for us – in the morning, when we rise – that we seek Jesus.

“In the morning, when I rise – give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,

You can have all this world – just give me Jesus. – Songwriters: C.S. Brown

Give Me Jesus lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

It’s a precious time – one so intimate and necessary. A time in stillness and quiet when we can truly listen for our Father and set our minds on things above for the day.

Just as an athlete has a regimen of weights, cardio and diet, our fuel comes from the pages of his promises. We desperately need to be centered in his righteousness.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. – Proverbs 8:17

He has lined his children’s trail with precious gems. However, they are hidden riches and he calls us to search for them, seek them out – and share them with others.

Seek God – sweet one, from the tranquility of your home, from the stillness of your work-space or in the quiet in your car. Open his words and let them change you from the inside out.

He is waiting to speak to us – and show us the path he has ahead of us.

If we seek, we will surely find.

The Simple Moments Define Us

September 14, 2018September 14, 2018Leave a comment

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. – Luke 16_10 Simple moments. How often do we discard them and seek for the earthquake, colossal happenings in life? We look for the blessings from heaven that everyone will notice. The big events that show up like fireworks in the night sky. The ones that require a parade with confetti and multicolored streamers.

We wish for the moments that we think will escalate our purpose and journey on this earth. After all, didn’t God call us to do big things?

Yes, God did call us to do big and mighty things; but, it’s easy to discard the hours spent snuggling your smooth skinned baby still wrapped in diapers, that spontaneous heart bursting hug from your toddler, that home cooked meal that nourishes your family’s bodies, that quick conversation with your neighbor, or that fragrant vase of wildflowers on your desk sent from your adoring spouse or childhood friend.

These are the little things, right?

We look at these moments as mundane. They are everyday happenings; but, these are the moments that define us. These moments are the pieces of the quilt that determine the elaborate cloth design on our exterior and interior.

What design will you choose?

“…the quality of your life and the character of your person is primarily shaped and defined by the 10,000 little decisions, desires, words, and actions you make every day. Even when we experience a life-altering event, we will have 10,000 little moments to respond to it.” -John David Tripp

We must never ever give up on doing big things for God! Never. He has called us to be giant slayers! However, even King David had mundane moments in the field – looking after flocks of woolly sheep. In these moments his character was formed.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” – Luke 16:10

We must cherish the little moments and think of them as building blocks – ones that strengthen character, faith and trust.

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.