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.

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!

Charging Toward Forest Fires

February 13, 2019Leave a comment

Precious, merciful Savior – you have healed the stripes that cover every inch of my body. Aching and crying, when I call out to you, you hear me. You lift my face, bowed in complete surrender, and breathe your life altering words over me.

You boldly speak to me: I am here, child, you say. I have always been here. Give it to me – all the worries and ailments that weigh you down. Place them in my hands that were pierced for you. You are my treasure, created for a mighty purpose. I will heal you and empower you.

Your words wash over me like a monsoon of warm water. I can feel your protection, love and devotion. My lips are met with the beautiful kiss of your might. They are lined with the wisdom written in red.

I accept the raw preparation. You are equipping your child for the battle ahead.

Smoke lines the horizon and you have called your special warriors to charge toward the forest fires in the distance. May I strap up my boots, blow my shofar of promise and tread on the hot coals shouting your name. When we cling to your faith, you claim the victory every time.

“And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.” – Joshua 6:16

You are worthy of all praise.

You are my healer. You are my comfort. You are my provider. You are my vision, God. You tell me to crush fear and trample the lies of the darkness.

Prepare me, God, for your service. Use this earthen vessel is the cry of my heart! Open my eyes that I may see your wonderful commission in the sky.

Blessed be the Lord God!

Since When Did God Become So Offensive?

January 29, 2019Leave a comment

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4_4.jpg What has our culture become Jesus? One that tramples on your words, one that regards our greatness as supreme, refuses to acknowledge the one that fashioned our bodies, minds and spirits?

Oh, how I long for the days when many would seek and revere you.

Woe to those who have believed the snake lies of the Evil One. They have fallen prey to his whispers of grandeur. How tragic to worship the laurels thrust upon us by this crumbling society. How utterly catastrophic to disregard the greatest sacrifice in human history!

Since when did your name become so offensive to others, God?

This terrible truth crushes my heart. Deep sadness cascades over my whole being when I think of how you are not admired and adored. You are the rightful King. You are the Creator of the Universe and our selfless Savior. We should be washing your feet and adjusting our lives to run after you. You are the one that died for us –that we might have life! You are the Master Artist that fashioned us – knit us together in our mother’s wombs.

May our hearts turn back to the LORD!

May we desire to turn back to you, sweet Jesus. Without you –society crumbles. We become no better than the wicked culture in the days of Noah.

We need an army to rise up and carry the torch of truth into this dark, desperate society. Name calling and persecution should never phase us – for we have a God that can scale walls, walk on water and shut the mouths of wild lions.

Ascribe to the LORD – all who love him! This is a battle.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

We will not leave this world unscathed by the darts of the wicked unless we suit up in our Master’s battle armor. May we hold his promises close to our heart and apply them. Let us walk forward in his power. Take heart — precious torch bearers and trust in God to lift us up in this oppressive time!

Charge full force into the waterfall of grace afforded to us by his blood and stand firm!

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

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

Clean, Supple & Overflowing with Love

October 3, 2018October 3, 2018Leave a comment

Let go of all that holds your heart for ransom, dear child. Do not harbor bitterness, rage or envy in that beautiful pumping vessel. Keep it clean, keep it supple, keep it overflowing with love.

Like a balloon that graces the stratosphere when released, liberate those emotions that are keeping you from loving to the fullest, smiling from ear-to-ear and singing for joy at the top of your lungs.

There is no place for resentment in a soul that is occupied by the Holy Spirit. Your soul is my territory and my spirit desires to move and work in a tender, lionhearted soul.

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4: 31-32

Unshackle that fear that holds you back from moving forward. Forgive – and do not let the sun set on your anger. You, my child, were called to bless others. Open your mouth and speak life. May your words truly resemble the sweet aroma of flourishing wildflowers.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9

Look to the heavens and feel my forgiveness. Absorb my love and understanding and do the same for others. Unwrap that seal of hostility that ties your heart in tightly. Let this vital organ breathe. Walk as an unscathed soldier waving a flag of my grace and truth.

Bless and you will be blessed, child. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.

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.