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

Find Your Remedy in My Words

October 29, 2018October 29, 2018Leave a comment

Cast your cares on me. I know your burdens are heavy – they are weighing that precious heart down. Let go and give me your worries. Put all your hefty troubles on my shoulders. Cry out to your Abba Father, dear one. My body was broken for you.

Nestle yourself within my warm embrace. Feel my heart beating for you. I am here for you. My heart bursts with affection over your life, beauty and irreplaceable makeup.

You are mine.

Do not forget you are a child of promise. Do not lose sight of this precious assurance, child. The complex netting of your veins, vibrant color of your eyes and intricate composition of your soul is one of a kind. You were made with a heavenly purpose in mind. I knit you together to be a Kingdom Seeker.

Honor your body, value your life – for you are far more cherished than rubies. You, my dear, are a pillar in my castle.

Stand tall and strong. You adorn my courts with beauty and strength. Lean into me when times seem turbulent. I am always here, sweet one. Hold on to the hem of my robe of righteousness with unwavering faith. I will show you great and mighty things and work through you in breathtaking ways.

Don’t lose heart. Don’t crumble under worldly pressure. Look to me in times of trouble and find your remedy in my words.

Remember your purpose and revere it.

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. – Psalm 144: 12

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.

“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.

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.’

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.