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.’

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.

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.

Little Girl, I Say To You, Arise!

May 5, 2017May 5, 2017Leave a comment

Awake my soul. My heart palpitates with fire-like jolts. Smells around me only intensify with every warm tremble in my chest. Sensing the robust dark coffee in the air, I call out to the heavens in the dawn – ‘Deepen my desire, LORD. Make my soul quake with an untamed blaze!”

I hold out a banner of praise. Fill my mouth and my longings with your power. You are my anthem. May my feet seek to follow the wake of your glorious splendor. Ignite my soul. Open these sleepy eyes – fixated on earthly plunder and worldly gain.

May I wake with one goal in mind – to shine your precious love. Let your spirit pervade my senses. May I truly seek the realm of godliness – to be clothed in a purple robe sprinkled in the dust of your steps. For this is power – this is might. This is strength.

Your holiness shakes me to the core. You say to me ‘little girl, arise.’ You wake me from my eternal sleep and breathe breath once again into my body of bones.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”). – Mark 5:41

How I am this privileged to trust and follow such a magnificent King? I want to sit at your feet for all time, LORD. The beauty for ashes you have brought into my life is unimaginable.

Hands in the air – fill me with the presence of you. My prayer is this – to house the goodness of your nature in my soul. Make the darkness of depression flee in seven directions from my life. It is you I want to exude through my interactions, quiet thoughts and personal aspirations.

Death once encompassed my life – you brought me back for a reason. Elevate my soul with visions from the chambers of your heart. May my eyes see the priceless glory of your affection, and may I walk through this life with the weight of your riches pressing on my spirit.

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.

He Captures My Heart With Lines of Love

August 19, 2015August 19, 20151 Comment

Words – His are beautiful. I gawk at the prose. These sentences are the only ones truly that can send chills down my spine and empower my footsteps. He captures my heart with lines of love, and once I digest his manuscript, I will never be the same.

It alters me – for the better. My complexion is clearer, eyes brighter and my mind fully aware of the riches rooted in such a Miracle Maker. You’ve heard it said time and time again – the Bible is God’s love letter written just for you! And how silly not to open a love letter and take in the beautiful text that tells you of its steadfast love for you.

The start of the chapter of John in the Bible is simply stunning. It states,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” – John 1:1-4

God is the Word. Let’s think on that for a moment. He is the Word – how powerful. By taking in his breathed lexis – we are getting to know him, his person, completely. How amazing that God has served as scribe and is holding out his love to both you and me. This should set a fire in our bellies and the sense of affection should permeate our bodies like a brewing blend of loose leaf teas.

The longer the tea bag sits in the cup, the stronger the tea. The more God’s word saturates our minds, the clearer our grasp on what’s important to Him and the stronger our prayers. – Joni Eareckson Tada

The more I read of my Redeemer’s goodness – the bigger sense of affection for him seizes my spirit. My whole soul is held captive by his glorious nature; but, this captive is not imprisoned in the worldly sense. She does not wear stripes and sit in chains. She is made free in him – because God is life. She is given wings and a new celebrated name – Child of God, Crown of Splendor, Beloved Daughter, His Workmanship…

I want to delve into the richness of my Savior’s Words – much like I would study my favorite author’s quotes and manuscripts. God, the Father, is the divine author of life and salvation. He is the reason for my waking breath in the first hours of sunrise. He is the cause of my humble strides on concrete streets.

How glorious the poetry of the King! May his truths take root in our hearts and minds; and, may a desire to absorb his faithful, freeing Word pervade our lives!