I Will Turn Your Brokenness Into a Blessing

August 31, 2022Leave a comment

Child,

You fret over the broken dishes at your feet. You cry on your knees and frantically try to put the pieces back together. Searching for the perfect glue, you wrongly believe that nothing will mend the cracks and the priceless pottery that is shattered.

Did you not think to look to me for restoration? Afterall, I am the Mender of Broken Vessels and using cracked pots for my glory is my specialty.

Bring to me the shattered, fragmented pieces of your heart, and I will restore you. I will make you even more beautiful than before and line your imperfections with pure gold. You are my masterpiece, child. You carry my power inside your spirit. You point others to my glory, and I will not abandon you.

When you feel hopeless, I am your strength. When you feel discouraged, I will come to you and provide you with my encouragement. When you don’t know which way to go, I will provide a fleece for you in the fresh rain of my mercy. As I walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, so I walk with you.

I will walk with you in the daylight and in the midnight of the darkness you face. I will be your light. You need only to trust in my supernatural power to illuminate the shadowy roads.

Reach out. Hold my hand – it’s outstretched. Grab it and hold on tight. I will always mend what is broken. I will always guide you when you feel alone. If you give me the fragments of what you believe is broken beyond compare, I will restore you. I will turn your brokenness into a blessing.

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth, you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” (Psalm 71: 20-21)
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God Sees Your Soul and Grins Over Your Devotion

April 20, 2022Leave a comment

Don’t lose heart. Do not get weary in well doing. I think there are a lot of us out there who need to hear this message today. In due season – you will reap a harvest if you faint not.

Clutch on to your pearl necklace and hold on to this treasure tight. This world may not look at your heart and translate that burning passion into success. But you better believe God sees your soul and grins over the faithful devotion you embrace for him in the midst of the chaos.

Sing songs of thanksgiving to our Miracle Maker, sweet children of the Living God. You were made for much more than this world has to offer.

Remember the promises your Father has spoken over you and press on – for he is our living hope.

Do not grow weary, dear heart. The Lord will renew your strength. Live each day with eternity in mind (for that is our reward!)

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Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

The Mighty Spirit of The Lord

March 16, 2022March 16, 2022Leave a comment

The Spirit of the Lord is moving.

Can you feel it? Can you sense the wind rushing around your body?

The Spirit of the Lord is drawing near to the people of the King. It is hovering over the flesh temples of his people. A voice from the clouds calls out:

Draw nigh to me, O’ People of God. Listen for my voice. It echoes across creation. Knees throughout the earth will bow down in wonder and amazement of my power.
I am here – working amid this chaos. You may think I am absent, but I am here in the center of it all. I am providing my people a shield of protection. They will look to the heavens and gain strength that is perfected in weakness.
You will break chains – you children of the Living God. Look to me all you who are weary and downtrodden. I will envelop you in the power that shatters the darkness and makes all your enemies flee in seven directions.
You are my offspring – the image of the Rock of Ages. Feast on my words and my commands written in the scriptures. They are your food. They will fill you in this barren drought.

The Spirit of the Lord falls upon all who fear him and call him the Commander of their lives.

We say in unison, “Fall on us, sweet Spirit of God.”
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The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 11:2

Press on in Honesty and Holiness

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020Leave a comment

Last night my three-year-old threw spaghetti across the room and when asked if he threw his dinner — he lied. He looked in my face and said, “no.”

Of course I saw his sauce slinging action and the messy red noodle sprawled out across the ottoman. But, somehow in his mind he thought he could get away with it.

Obviously we took the time to explain to him the difference between lying and telling the truth. Even though it is exhausting a lot of the times, it is so important for parents to take the time and explain these truths to their children.

This spaghetti incident made me ponder the question — how often do we present falsehoods to our Heavenly Father, hoping to get away with it?

We know full well — that our Maker sees us; yet we choose to cling on to that sin nature. We hide like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden after they sinned – our postures noting “nothing to see here.” However, God knows – he sees our hearts and it grieves him when we decide to blanket ourselves in dishonesty.

No one is perfect. I mess up time and time again; and it’s beautiful that our Maker still loves us despite our failures. He loved us enough to die on the cross for us and the sin we carry. He loves us as we are; however, he calls us to live holy and pleasing lives.

Let’s make it a practice to come to the Father in honesty and humility acknowledging that apart from him we can do nothing. May we digest the truth – the only good in me is Jesus!

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Our Heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love. He will always embrace us and petition us to press on in his honesty and holiness.

Jesus – The Center of Self Discovery

September 10, 2019September 10, 2019Leave a comment

_The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because He made us._ - C.S. Lewis A sense of self worth. We search for this hidden treasure within ourselves. It’s a journey experts tell us — full of twists and turns, trials and errors. We are instructed to head off on a secret self discovery mission — and once we find ourselves, then we will be happy. Then we will have magical answers. Then will we know our purpose.

Clearly, it’s important to realize our skill sets and unique talents. These beautiful gifts are truly kingdom assets and we should embrace them with all our hearts.

As Christians, we can get lost in the hype of self discovery. We embark on a mission that is said to beautiful. We are promised to gain an understanding of what fills our joy tanks and what fuels our insides. However, sadly, that joy we’re after simply doesn’t appear like it was promised.

Could it be because we are looking in the wrong places or to the wrong people?

The glitter and glamour fades and we are left feeling confused. We want some revelation to burn across the sky — and turn on the lights of our souls. Yet we still feel lackluster and void of vision.

The simple truth is — if we are looking for self discovery without placing Jesus in the center, we are simply trying to drink water from a well that’s bone dry.

We should be praying — Lord, it’s you I want to define my life. You define me!

“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 6:17

May we yearn for a “self discovery” that leads us closer to the throne room of Christ. While seeking our self worth, may we look up and see the face of Christ — for he is the answer to every question and remedy we seek!

“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become – because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. . .It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.” — C.S. Lewis

May our wandering feet purposefully lead us to the empty tomb of everlasting love. It is through this love that we truly realize the weighty reality of our worth. We see that our lives meant enough for the King of Kings — to shed his precious blood.

That’s worth, my friend. That is self discovery.

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

You See Me, Lord

May 22, 2019May 22, 20191 Comment

You see me. You know my name. You catch my tears in your vast hands and charge me to keep going – for you are continuously guiding me with your radiant light.

You say always:

Look up, child. Gaze into the clouds and remember my sacrifice. Remember the blood I shed to bring heaven down to earth.

You are mine. Walk as a warrior. You are not a follower.

You were made to stand out from the herd. Stand tall and move forward.

You illuminate my feet. You are my lamp and the sunlight that brightens the road before me. Breathing deep into the atmosphere of your grace, I take in promise after promise – for these promises from you are rare gems.

I lap up your golden joy for it invigorates my body. I praise you, Maker, because your blessings bubble over – for you are the fountain that endlessly provides. You are Jehovah-jireh my provider!

May my focus be fixed, and my legs encased in the cement of your stability. You hold me together when the world shakes violently with uncertainty. You are my constant, Lord.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17

I lean into you. You are the source of all my energy. Your promise propels me forward and your grace encourages my weary heart to keep walking the path set me before me.

Walking with your word elevated high, I will shout your name to the heavens – because you are truly great and worthy of all my praise. You saved a wretch like me, hallelujah!

Walking from Famine to Plenty

April 3, 2019April 3, 2019Leave a comment

You lead us to your mountain and make a covenant with your people. We cry from the depths of our souls because the mountain is not just high and mighty – it also has hills and valleys.

We walk from famine to plenty. We are led by your hands from dark places to your pure, incandescent light. You appear like a pillar of fire to guide us. You, God, fill us with your presence and ignite our spirits.

We hear your voice … in the stillness you speak:

Look up precious children. Look to the stars! As I did for Abraham, I will also do for you. I will make a covenant with you. Your name is etched in my hands. I smile and rejoice over you, sweet children of mine!

Oh, how great is the love of the Father!

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! – Psalm 36:7

He refreshes us every morning with his presence. He goes before us and sings over us a new song – the beautiful melody of salvation through grace. May the words of deliverance always be on our lips!

He has made a way for us in the wilderness of our self-reliance. He holds out his hands and asks us to walk boldly.

May we step out in faith and stop trying to order our steps; but, look to the one who made our feet.

He is the Creator who spoke the world into existence.

Great is your faithfulness, Holy God. Great is your provision. We stand in awe and wonder of you.

Precious Savior – you are good, and your mercy endures forever. Hallelujah!

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.