Tag Archives: relationship with GOD

It’s time to move…

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Faith, Obedience, Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Trust

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bird leaving the nestIt came in the form of an email. A 30-day notice that I must vacate the home that Noah and I lived in for 2 years. A home that GOD had abundantly blessed us with. But in thirty days we were expected to find another home, pack, move, and relocate. My initial response was shock. I sat for a moment trying to gather my bearings. I did not immediately respond to the email. I wanted to be certain of what my next step should be. So, I ran to GOD. Oh, and I wrote a blog post about it (Earthquake shift).

My friend, sometimes GOD ruffles our nest to tell us it’s time to fly. The work we have done in that situation, location, ministry or vocation is complete and He has need of us elsewhere. However and whatever form this ruffling takes the initial response is usually shock, fear, disappointment or anger. We may even dig our heels in and say ‘no’ refusing to seek GOD’s heart, thoughts and will on the matter. But, my friend the ruffling is for your good and a necessary step to fulfilling your godly purpose (Romans 8:28).

One thing I’ve learned in my walk with GOD is that He is a God of movement. Even at times when it looks or feels like He’s not moving GOD is definitely on the move (Isaiah 55:8-9). One could never accuse Him of being stagnant. In fact, stagnation is your enemy. According to the dictionary stagnant is defined as ‘showing little or no sign of activity; not developing, advancing or progressing.’ And it causes you to stop when you should be moving, settle when you should be conquering, and relax and drop your guard when you should be focused and vigilant. We are to continually seek to grow closer to GOD; moving from glory to glory, striving to always be within His will and pressing to reach new heights in Him.

My friend, has your nest been ruffled? Was it in the form of a lay-off or foreclosure? Or perhaps it’s changes in ministry, finances, relationships, or location? Change is uncomfortable. Oh, trust me. I know. It is indeed venturing into the unknown where the outcome is uncertain. But what is certain is that GOD has gone before you (Deuteronomy 31:8). Your experiences and life events do not take Him by surprise because His eyes are never off of you (Psalm 139). Our GOD never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:3-5). He promises that where you are heading will work out for your good (Romans 8:28) and He will guide you through the unfamiliar and unknown (Isaiah 42:16, Jeremiah 33:3).

hand_reaching_outSo, let’s welcome the changes and resolve to move forward (Luke 9:62, Isaiah 43:18-19, Philippians 3:12). Let’s make the giant leap of faith from the familiar, comfortable, and safe into the unknown, obscure and uncomfortable knowing that GOD is there. He is standing there with His hand extended, beckoning you forward. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to put my hand in the strong and secure hand of Almighty GOD. Holding tightly to His hand, I am ready to walk confidently, securely, and expectantly with Him into the glorious, extraordinary, and awe-inspiring future He has predestined just for me. And all with my eyes held lovingly and assuredly on Jesus knowing that He will navigate me to where He has need of me next. How about you? Come on, my friend take His hand. It’s time to move…

I hope this message truly blesses you. I see you surrendering all fear and doubt as you take a leap of faith that will surely move you toward the spectacular future GOD has prepared for you. Your faith is pleasing to Him and I am ever so excited for you because you are placing yourself in the perfect position to receive His absolute best.

Yours, Yours, Yours…

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Faith, Intimacy with GOD, Obedience, Surrender, Trust

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Mine, mine, mineWhen my daughter was younger she went through a stage where everything was ‘Mine.’ No one could tell her any differently. She’d go to the store, pick up a toy and proudly say, “Mine.” She’d go to a friend’s house, grab one of their toys and aggressively shout, “Mine.” Once while clutching as many toys that she could carry in her small arms, she ran throughout the house shouting “Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!”

My friend, you and I must admit that there are areas of our lives that we have a difficult time surrendering to GOD because they’re “Mine.” Perhaps we gladly hand over the easy circumstances but when it comes to the more difficult ones, you know the ones that require great faith and trust, we are more comfortable ‘handling’ those ourselves. When we refuse to give GOD control and sovereignty over every area of our lives we proclaim ourselves king and through our pride we wear the crown of ownership. So in essence saying that we are wiser than GOD. And this is dangerous because we are not all knowing and all powerful but our GOD is (Isaiah 46:9, Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20). He is faithful, trustworthy, and loves us with an everlasting love (Psalm 33:4, 86:15, Romans 8:31-39). And He desires our total surrender (Matthew 16:24-27).

Casting crownTotal surrender is casting your crown of ownership at the feet of Jesus; relinquishing your kingship and giving complete control over to GOD. Your crown represents your control, your work, your accomplishments, and wearing it demonstrates pride because you can do absolutely nothing apart from Him (John 15:5, Deuteronomy 8:18).

GOD has indeed blessed us to be stewards over the very things He’s provided for us but it was never His intention that we watch over them without His revelation, guidance or wisdom (Jeremiah 33:3, Proverbs 3:5-6). Nor were we ever suppose to clutch on to these things so tightly that we fret and refuse to give them over to GOD (Exodus 20:3). You see, He created everything He’s entrusted to you. And as it’s Creator He knows best both how it operates and the purpose for its very creation (John 1:3). So, if you become frantic at the thought of losing any ‘thing’ that thing has control over you. And it is time to put it in it’s rightful position, which is under the submission, authority and kingship of Christ Jesus.

We are to go before GOD regularly and ask that He remove ungodly attachments that we may have with people, circumstances and things. These unhealthy attachments are dangerous distractions and can hinder our walk with Him (Matthew 6:19-20). Cast your crown, my friend. Both you and GOD can’t be king over it. Hand over your crown to the One who loves you beyond that which your brain can comprehend. Release control and ownership of it all. He will smile and rejoice over you (Zephaniah 3:17). He will draw close to you (James 4:8). And it will lead you into a more intimate relationship with Him. After all, isn’t this what your heart desires?

My friend, what area or areas of your life do you need to cast your crown of? Is it a relationship, money, circumstance, house or car? Perhaps it’s a child, marriage or ministry? Whatever it is it’s time to surrender it all over to GOD. He wants it. He can’t move mightily on your behalf unless you give Him His rightful position of it. Your insistence to tell Him ‘mine’ hinders His divine movement, revelation, and blessings. When your peace is disturbed and you’re worried about how things will turn out, cast your crown. When fear of releasing 10% of your income invades your heart and mind, cast your crown. The GOD Who keeps the universe in perfect order is able to handle every single area of your life with just as much precision and care. So, you can confidently and fearlessly cast your crown at His feet.

It’s very hard. Trust me. I know. But the Bible says that GOD opposes the proud but He graciously promotes the humble (James 4:6, 10). He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Go before GOD, my friend and talk to Him about the areas you’re having a difficult time releasing to Him. He will bend His ear and listen (Psalm 17:6, 116:12). He will give you His peace. And it’s a peace that the world can’t give and the world can’t take away (John 14:27, Isaiah 26:12). When you cast your crown in humility here on earth you’ll be earning eternal crowns in Heaven. And oh, my friend these crowns are well worth the sacrifice, obedience and wait! I promise.

As you cast your crown you are telling GOD that everything you have is His and He is LORD over it… All. My friend, it’s time to stop saying, “Mine, mine, mine.” And surrender it to GOD saying, “Father, in total surrender I give it all over to You. Please take it and use it for Your glory. It’s all… Yours, Yours, Yours!”

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you bowing humbly before GOD, grabbing hold of your crown and laying it at His feet. And my heart overflows because I know that such faith could only produce extraordinary rewards, both here on earth and in Heaven. I’m so very, very excited for you!

We must experience Him for ourselves…

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Faith, Intimacy with GOD, Relationship with GOD

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beautiful parisI am a book lover. I read a lot of books. I know that in the home GOD has already prepared for me there is a library with a huge comfy chair nestled smack dab in the middle of the room for every person to plunk in and enjoy a good book. I’ve learned however that books have a tendency to only take you so far. I’ll never, ever understand the beauty, wonder, and lavish of Paris, France no matter how many books I read, stories I hear, or pictures I see until I fly to Paris and immerse myself in all of it’s beauty and experience it for myself.

My friend, many people have sadly only gotten to know GOD intellectually. They may be able to quote scripture, give you the explicit details and dimensions of Noah’s ark, and run down all 66 books of the Bible both forward and backward. But when you ask them to describe their relationship with GOD their eyes gloss over. Because surely the information they just laid out or regurgitated demonstrates a knowing of GOD. But my friend, a personal relationship with GOD transcends mere intellect. It’s also about the heart (Ephesians 3:19, Psalm 119:11, James 1:26, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 15:8,18, Matthew 5:8, Matthew 6:21, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Deuteronomy 6:5).

GOD is to be experienced and not viewed, analyzed or awed from a distance, like some pricey statue on display. Through the blood of Jesus the Bible says that we can go boldly to the throne of grace and receive His mercy (Hebrews 4:16). GOD further promises that when you draw close to Him He will draw close to you (James 4:8). GOD created us for relationship with Him and everything else pales in comparison (Book of Ecclesiastes). He is indeed a doting Father (1 John 3:1, Psalm 68:5), a Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 8:24), and the Lover of your soul; loving you unconditionally with all of your quirks, imperfections, and idiosyncrasies. And it is His will that we seek intimacy with Him daily.

gwh2One of my favorite movies is Good Will Hunting. In it Matt Damon plays Will, an incredibly intelligent young man who has the talent to absorb volumes of information in one reading and solve difficult mathematical equations. He is also an orphan who has never ventured outside of his small town.

In one scene Will tells his therapist, played by Robin Williams a joke about a pilot and flight attendant on a plane. The therapist asks if Will had ever been on a plane before. Will is offended. But the therapist in a later scene goes on to say that Will could probably describe in great detail anything he’s read in a book. For example, if asked about art Will could probably ‘give the skinny’ on the painter Michelangelo’s life’s work, political aspirations, relationship with the Pope, etc. But does he know what it smells like inside of the Sistine Chapel or looked up in breathtaking awe at it’s grand and opulent ceiling. He was poignantly pointing out the vast difference between ‘knowing’ and ‘experiencing’. And it is indeed tragic, my friend to merely know facts about GOD and miss out on the experience of having a personal relationship with Him.

I can tell you in great detail about my relationship with GOD. The glory, wonder and inexplicable joys; as well as the mistakes, bumps, pains and heartache. But I promise you. It will not be enough. Because honestly intimacy with GOD exceeds any descriptive word that exists in the human language. It can only be aptly described in a language spoken from your heart to GOD’s (John 4:24).

My friend, when was the last time you experienced sitting quietly in GOD’s presence or hushed the world so that you could hear His voice? How about the last time He gave you a vision you felt was way too big for your feet to fill or told you to step out on faith and trust Him despite what you see?

This week let’s go beyond the head knowledge of knowing GOD and spend time in His presence. It is not enough to believe Him with our heads we must also believe Him with our hearts and this can only come by spending time with Him. My friend, carve out time to humble yourself and sit before Him. Glorify Him and let Him speak to your heart. Listening to everyone else’s stories of GOD’s blessings, revelations and how He’s brought them through difficult situations is great because it strengthens our faith. But until you walk, talk and spend time in His presence daily you will only be experiencing Him vicariously through someone else’s GODly encounters. And you, yourself will never understand the depth, height and breadth of His love for you (Ephesians 3:17-18). Don’t cheat yourself of this miraculous, jaw dropping, heart exploding experience of having a personal relationship with the Alpha and Omega. Let’s resolve to experience Him for ourselves.

I truly pray that this message blesses you. I see you going into your secret place and closing the door behind you (Matthew 6:6). I’m so very excited for you because I know that as you draw close to GOD He is drawing ever so close to you! And that, my friend is as they say “priceless.”

Standing your ground…

10 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by in Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, spiritual warfare

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Rudy movie football practiceDoes anyone remember the movie Rudy, about the small in stature young man who had the heart of a lion? In one scene he is running top speed towards his opponent and constantly getting knocked down. He’d pop up and go at it again, only to get knocked back down. After painfully watching him do this several times over I must admit that I began to question his sanity. I mean, who does that? Who voluntarily places themselves in a situation that guarantees swift opposition and fierce battles? And it was then that I heard that still small voice say, “Those who choose to sincerely follow Me.”

Choosing to sincerely follow GOD is both glorious and painful. It’s beautiful and sweet because you experience extraordinary encounters with GOD. He reveals Himself to you in jaw-dropping ways. You get the immense pleasure of being in His glorious presence and become more sensitive to His voice, thus receiving heavenly guidance and revelation. But you will also encounter fierce and wicked opposition in an effort to get you to retreat. It’s important to realize and accept that you will make countless mistakes and you will fall time and time again. Interestingly enough, falling is part of spiritual growth as you come to realize your dire need for GOD’s grace. If you didn’t fall you wouldn’t need the Holy Spirit. If you didn’t fall you would be sinless like Jesus. You may fall a hundred times a day but it’s important to remember that a hundred times a day you are forgiven (1 John 1:9).

As I’ve gotten older I realize that when I fall I don’t just pop up like I did when I was younger. I mean I sit for a good minute, but I know that I have to get up. With some trials we are able to pop up and quickly move forward but some take the very air out of our chest and we need to sit and be ministered to by GOD for a while; to remind us that we are forgiven, to soothe our sorrows and to regain strength to get back up to fight. There’s a constant, vicious battle for your peace, joy, heart and relationship with GOD. And this battle is not for the faint of heart (1 Corinthians 9:26, 2 Timothy 2:3-5). But ‘greater is He is that in you than he that is in the world’ (1 John 4:4) and so you do not fight alone. In fact, you can not fight this battle alone. Because this battle is not against flesh and blood but occurs in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:12). When you became a Christian you signed up to be a warrior. And GOD in all of His glory has provided everything you need to be successful conquerors (Romans 8:37). The weapons of our warfare is prayer, fasting, praise, the Word of GOD, spending time in His presence, and suiting up with the armor of GOD (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:11-12). And this is how we, as followers of Christ plant our feet and stand our ground.

The Bible says that we are to consider the cost of following Jesus (Luke 14:25-35). We are no longer our own but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23). Many will fall away and retreat to that which is easy, comfortable and simple; choosing to walk the road of least resistance and satisfying the desires of their flesh (Luke 9:62). If this has happened to you my friend, it’s not too late to dust yourself off and suit back up. I know it’s hard. I do. Just don’t stay down. Get alone with GOD and tell Him how much it hurts. Ask Him to strengthen and forgive you. He will honor your heartfelt prayer. I know He will.

So, my friend what opposition are you facing that’s tempting you to retreat? Is it discouragement, depression, or fear? Could it be an unanswered prayer or deep disappointment? Perhaps, it’s weariness of carrying heavy financial, emotional, or family burdens? Or possibly difficulty with a child, spouse or boss? The Bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers us from them all (Psalm 34:19). Not just some of them but All. Whatever opposition or trial you are facing know that it is no competition for your heavenly Father. He is stronger, wiser, and more powerful than any circumstances thrown your way.

Stand your ground, my friend. Plant your feet solidly on the infallible Word of GOD and refuse to let opposition knock you off your post. Use your faith to speak to that mountain and tell it to move (Mark 11:23). Go before the LORD and ask Him for guidance on how to proceed (Jeremiah 33:3). Anything the enemy throws at you can and will be handled by the Spirit of GOD and not by your power or might (Zechariah 4:6). Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) and take up your cross (Luke 9:23). Come on my friend you can do this. I promise. Our GOD is omniscient and omnipotent. Nothing can occur without it getting through Him first. So, GOD may not have sent this trial, setback or opposition but He promises that if you trust Him it will be used to work out for your good (Romans 8:28).

You see Rudy stood his ground even when his opponent appeared huge, overbearing and impossible and as a result he has become a part of football history. And with our determination to stand our ground against strong opposition, we too will be rewarded. We will be rewarded with intimacy with GOD, our name written in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 3:5) and the sweetness of hearing the LORD our GOD say, “Well done. My good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21,23 Luke 19:17)

I truly pray that this message blesses you. I see you planting your feet and standing your ground against opposition with a boldness like that of a Lion. I am ever so excited for you because it’s this very fortitude that is bringing you closer to GOD and into the fullness of His purpose.

You do not walk alone…

29 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Renewing of your mind, Surrender

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the fogOk, so I must admit that over the course of several months I have struggled with symptoms of PMS or possibly even perimenopause. (Stick with me fellas. I promise this blog post will minister to you as well.) Whatever it is, however you coin it, it is a very difficult time of the month for me. For about 3-5 days I become withdrawn, irritable, weepy and anxious. I feel very overwhelmed and focus on what’s not going right in my life. This was becoming quite bad – to the point where my mother thought I was going crazy and my ob/gyn suggested anti-depressants. But recently I discussed this with a friend and she suggested an herb called Black Cohosh. And although it has worked wonders by significantly decreasing the intensity and duration of the symptoms every month I still ‘walk through a fog’.

In this life we all have moments when we ‘walk through a fog’. These are times when life just doesn’t seem to turn out the way we’d hoped. And we experience periods of loneliness, disappointment, mourning, or heartache. It’s a time when we feel that we are all alone, no one understands us and GOD seems far away. These moments make it difficult for us to see what lies ahead because our view of life is so greatly distorted. And it is wise that we do not make any snap decisions because we are apt to make them based solely on emotion.

As we walk through the fog there’s a tendency to question GOD’s promises, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It may even feel like you’re going a little crazy and what you see around you is contrary to everything you are believing, hoping and trusting GOD for. But inside of these fog walks are opportunities for GOD to build, strengthen and prepare you for the amazing future He predestined just for you. So while walking through the fog rehearse the promises of GOD, recall the times He’s navigated you through previous fog walks and commit to trust Him despite your circumstances. Your circumstances may change but GOD Almighty won’t. These walks are not meant to harm you. I promise. In fact, if you’d let Him have His way He promises to even bless you – bless you with deeper faith, a closer walk with GOD, fresh anointing, a strong testimony, and a chance to experience Him like you never had before. Each walk through the fog promises positive change when we put our faith in His wisdom, power and love.

Where are you right now, my friend? Are you walking in, through or out of a fog? What’s causing you to focus on your circumstances or to become irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed? Is it weariness from waiting on a promise not yet manifested? Is a closed door with no open door in sight? Could it be that you just received some bad news that has shaken your world? Or perhaps it’s that you feel stuck in a season and desperately hoping for change? Whatever your fog represents know that GOD is with you and that He has never, nor will He ever leave. You can put all of your hope in the LORD (Psalm 43:5).

Fog walks can be very painful. Trust me. I know. And many ask during this time, “Where is GOD?” Well, He is right beside you. He’s making sure that you will not be overtaken. He’s ordering your steps (Psalm 37:23). He’s already gone before you to make the crooked way straight (Deuteronomy 31:8). I once heard that ‘when you can’t trace GOD’s hand, trust His heart.’ You see, GOD’s love for you compels Him to protect, provide and guide you, even when it doesn’t look like it (Exodus 14:14, Jeremiah 51:36). It’s a love so strong that it rushes in to be everything you need before you even realize you needed it (Jeremiah 31:3). It’s a love that never takes an eye off of you or loses it’s grip on you (Psalm 21:5, Psalm 121:8). He has a purpose and a plan for every fog walk. And He is always mindful of you. Talk to Him. Tell Him how much it hurts. Let the tears flow. He’s always excited to hear from you. Although it may seem like everything is turning upside down GOD is standing boldly and lovingly beside you. He’s there, my friend and He’s not going anywhere. Be comforted for you do not walk alone.

I truly hope this message blesses you. As you place your trust in GOD, I see blessings and favor raining down on you. You have no idea how excited I am for all that GOD has in store for you when your faith is in Him, and Him alone!

How to make GOD smile…

21 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in Faith, Relationship with GOD, Surrender

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GOD handing me His giftI remember like it was yesterday. It was Noah’s third Christmas and she’d wanted a doll house. But, not just any doll house, my friend. This doll house had all the bells and whistles: 3 ft tall, tri-story, pink, of course with beautiful, ornate furnishings. When she woke up that Christmas morning the smile on her face was priceless. In her amazement she was only able to utter five sweet words: “Is that really for me?” This beautiful memory has been indelibly etched into my brain and on my heart. I believe that GOD has placed in us a joy in receiving gifts because He too delights in receiving them. But, what can we offer GOD Almighty that He doesn’t already have? I mean, what do you offer Someone who already owns everything (Psalm 24:1)? Well, my friend GOD desires your time and your surrender.

The Bible says that when you delight yourself in the LORD by spending time with Him and seeking His face He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). So, it is good to go before the LORD with your deeply held hopes, dreams and ideal future. While in prayer one day I did just that. I went before the LORD and I presented to Him my ideal future. I mean I really did it big. Tears ran down my face as I imagined a life with every good thing I’d ever wanted. It was an extraordinary experience, my friend. But then something happened. Instead of holding this ‘life’ dear to my heart, I imagined putting all of these hopes and dreams into a huge box. I wrapped it beautifully with a big red bow and I offered it to GOD as my gift to Him. He smiled, my friend. I know He did! I made GOD smile. My gift to GOD was the surrendering of my hopes, dreams and future. In surrendering I gave it to Him to do as He saw fit. If this was the life He desired for me… Good. If it was not… Great because I trust that in His love and wisdom He’s got something much better!

If you’d like to make GOD smile set time aside, my friend to sit alone in His presence. Talk to Him about your day and then think of all of your hopes, dreams and ideal future. I mean dream big! After all, this is GOD. Let Him fill your heart and mind with His great vastness. Relax and enjoy this time with Him. Then place it all in a box. And with a pure heart give it over to Him. Surrender it all to Him.

Surrendering requires great faith. It means to remove all of your control over it and releasing preconceived ideas on how things will pan out. It is to give it to GOD trusting that He has your best interest at heart, even if you don’t get everything you want. But surrender also means that you no longer have to worry about how things will work because you have just given full control over to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Surrendering is not easy, my friend so let GOD prepare your heart for it and when you’re ready – Give it up and over to Him. He will smile! He will draw close to you! And the GOD who keeps the universe intact with perfect precision will rejoice over you (Zephaniah 3:17).

So, my friend what does your dream future look like? Is there deliverance from strife, family problems and debt? Is it for a promotion at work, a thriving ministry, or the restoration of a relationship? Could it be the opportunity to spend more time with your family or return to school? Perhaps, it’s to settle down, get married and have children. Whatever your hopes, dreams and future consist of GOD desires to see that you receive His very best, which greatly surpasses our best. He is a GOD that blesses His children. The Bible says that the LORD bestows favor and honor. And no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). He is a faithful GOD who rewards those who put their trust in Him (Psalm 9:10). If you would surrender your future to Him He will order your steps (Psalm 37:23). He will make every single situation turn out for your good (Romans 8:28). He will make sure that His will is done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). And you’ll come to see that in return He will see to it that you receive the gifts of peace, purpose, joy, and a future that exceeds your expectations. So humble yourself before Him today and let the Creator of all that is seen and unseen map out your life. You will not regret it. I promise.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you dreaming big and surrendering it all over to GOD. And because of your faith I see that He is setting the stage for the unfolding of the most beautiful future that only He can offer. I’m beyond excited for you, my friend. I really am.

Earthquake shift…

13 Monday May 2013

Posted by in Faith, Relationship with GOD, Surrender

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earthquake pictureThe other day a friend of mine wrote on his Facebook page that ‘sometimes you’ve got to lose to gain.’ Yeah, well we’ve all heard or read that somewhere before but it really hits home when you’re currently in the midst of experiencing it. And everyone has at one point or another experienced it. Recently, I received some unexpected news and I must admit that it shook my world for a few hours. Questions of What, Where, Who, and the inevitable Why quickly raced through my brain. But I have learned to make what I call “earthquake shifts.”

As we know earthquakes are unexpected, unpredictable, disruptive and scary. And they can range anywhere between 1 and 10 on the Earthquake Richter Scale depending on their severity and potential damage they may cause. And so it is with our lives. At times, we experience situations or circumstances that range from annoyances and minor disruptions to level 10 life-changing experiences that instill fear and leave us questioning our ability to recover. Earthquakes are inevitable, but shifts require work.

To shift is to change our perspective on the situation. It is to voluntarily transition from seeing things through our limited, natural vision to seeing them through the eyes of GOD. Shifting often doesn’t come easy because it’s quite unnatural. It is unnatural to see loss as gain. And at times shifting may require that we forgive the unforgivable. Shifting requires faith that despite what we see GOD is in control (Psalm 24:1), that He has a future plan on the other side of our ‘earthquake’ (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He is capable of working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). Shifts are necessary for our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Because without shifting we get stuck and are left to re-experience the earthquakes time and time again, with no Heavenly support. This is painful and unnecessary. So, shifting is a choice to surrender. Surrender requires faith. And faith, my friend pleases GOD (Hebrews 11:6).

We are so blessed to have a Savior who is touched by our infirmities as He, Himself has experienced what can be seen as an ‘earthquake shift.’ In the book of Luke it is written that while in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus ‘being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ It weighed so heavily on His heart that He was about to experience separation from GOD (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46), undergo excruciating physical pain (Isaiah 52:14), and receive rejection, hatred and ridicule from those He was so madly in love with (John 1:11). But in His wisdom, He made a shift and surrendered it all to His Father as He said, “Not My will but Your will be done.” It was at that moment that He no longer focused on the earthquake but shifted His focus on what was on the other side of the earthquake (our salvation). (Luke 22:39-46) So, to shift is to focus forward towards the future. And as you see GOD knows, my friend how painful life earthquakes can be. He wants you to surrender that pain to Him today. He wants to show you the extraordinary future He has ahead of you.

So, my friend what earthquakes are you in need of shifting? A layoff, 30 days to vacate, or an unexpected break-up? Perhaps it’s that something you desperately hoped for fell apart? Or could it be the loss of a loved one or unfavorable news from the doctor? Whatever range your earthquake falls, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and He longs to soothe and repair all of the damage the earthquake’s caused. Shifts can only come by allowing GOD to work through you. Are you ready to surrender the fear, anger, anxiety and hopelessness? Are you willing to make the shift to seeing things through the eyes of GOD? He is waiting to restore your hope in the future. He is ready to replace your fear with faith. And He is able to give you indescribable peace. But you must go before Him in prayer and ask Him to help you make the shift from relying on your own wisdom and strength to leaning on His everlasting love, wisdom, power, and might. It is then that He can make beauty of your ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you allowing GOD to restore and repair any and all damage that life’s earthquakes may have caused. I see you surrendering all the broken pieces to Him and in return GOD showing you the blessings on the other side. And boy am I ever so excited for you!

So, what’s on the other side of the door for you?

05 Sunday May 2013

Posted by in Faith, Protection, Surrender

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scared to open doorThe other day I met with a new student at work. She is one of my many children that has endured so very much in her sweet young 16 years. She has been in foster care since birth, which has resulted in multiple home and school transitions. My heart softens to hear their stories and I am always amazed at their resilience.

While she and I were sitting in my office we heard a loud noise at the door. It wasn’t a knocking but a very strong shaking. We both looked and said that it was strange, or “kinda spooky” as she put it. It happened again, then again and again. In my desire to protect her I told her, “Don’t be afraid. You’re with me and I’ll protect you.” She stepped aside. A fearlessness had risen inside of me and I was ready to go to battle for her if something broke down the door. I honestly felt that whatever was on the other side of that door would have to get through me to get to her.

This, my friend is what happens with GOD. His love for you is infinite, unconditional, compassionate and sacrificial. And this boundless love for you compels Him to defend, protect and fight for you. He boldly stands between you and whatever is ‘at the door’ causing you to worry or live in fear and anxiety. And when you decide to step aside by surrendering the circumstance to Him you give Him permission and room to move mightily on your behalf. He promises to fight for you (Exodus 14:14). He promises to defend you (Jeremiah 51:36). You are a child of GOD. And that means that anything, and I do mean anything, on the other side of that door is nothing compared to the GOD you serve. He is more than able to remove every obstacle standing before you.

At times GOD may not immediately stop what’s at the door by changing your circumstances but He may choose to change you instead. GOD did not prevent the three Hebrews boys from experiencing the fiery furnace. Instead He chose to be in the midst of it with them. For it was King Nebuchadnezzar that said that he saw a fourth person in the fire and “it looks like the Son of GOD” (Daniel 3:1-30). So, at times like this we are to trust His wisdom when He says that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). We are to trust His love when He says that He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). And we are to trust His power and might when He says that all power and might belongs to Him (Psalm 62:11). GOD always has a purpose and plan in every situation (Jeremiah 29:11). And He is always mindful of you. So, my friend it is always safe to step aside and allow Him to protect you. As a child of GOD, you do not have to defend or fight for yourself.

So, my friend, may I ask what’s on the other side of the door for you? Is it a foreclosure, mounting bills, family pressure? Could it be the temptation to retreat to an addiction or repetitive sin? Perhaps it’s a threatening boss or spouse? Or is it simply the unknown? The Bible says in Isaiah 53:19 that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. Notice it says ‘when’ and not ‘if.’ There will always be something at the door attempting to instill fear, worry and doubt in our hearts and we are to not consider it strange (1 Peter 4:12). Because there will always be a battle to steal your joy, peace and faith. But there is nothing in existence that can contend with the GOD we serve. Absolutely nothing!

The young girl I’d just met could’ve rejected my desire to fight for her and could’ve decided to fight for herself but perhaps it was the strength, confidence, and peace in my voice that made her step aside. Whatever it was she put her trust in a 5’6 120lb (Ok, 140lb) stranger. How much more will your Heavenly Father protect you when He has all resources, power and might at His disposal? Step aside my friend and throw all of your trust in GOD. He is faithful to reward those who throw all of their faith and trust in Him. Step aside and receive His comfort, wisdom, guidance and peace. He is trustworthy and faithful. When GOD made His promise to Abraham He swore by Himself because there is no one greater (Hebrews 6:13). That’s the GOD that says be still and know that I am GOD (Psalm 46:10). That’s the GOD that promises to never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). And that my friend is GOD, your Heavenly Father.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see the LORD, our GOD moving mightily on your behalf as you exercise your faith by stepping aside. And I am ever so excited for you.

Don’t miss a single moment…

29 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Relationship with GOD

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fall in love with Jesus - Lion and girl biggerI have a friend that I haven’t spoken to in a while. She and I have been friends since elementary school. Life gets busy and we can go months, even years without speaking. When we finally speak we have so much to catch up on. It’s as if time stands still and before we know it the minutes turn into hours. I must admit, this is not the ideal situation because I hear about the birth of her son and realize that I missed experiencing the joy of being there. I hear of the health problem he’s had to overcome and I’m saddened that I wasn’t there to comfort my friend or be a shoulder for her to cry on. I missed great moments and all because I was too busy.

At times this is how our relationship with GOD plays out. We feel as if life gets too busy to meet with Him. The overlapping deadlines, endless responsibilities, struggles of balancing work and home, and dealing with everyday pressures can weigh on us in such painful ways. But the Bible says that GOD considers us His friend (John 15:15, Proverbs 3:32 (NLT), Romans 5:10 (NLT)). We can have a friendship with GOD. How amazing is that! I mean this is GOD, my friend. The One who’s placed the universe in motion and keeps it precisely intact. He is the One that has all power and might in His hand and no one can withstand Him (Psalm 147:5, 2 Chronicles 20:6). He is the Lion of Judah, Almighty GOD and He longs to walk and talk with you daily.

When you cultivate a relationship with GOD He begins to reveal Himself to you in a personal way. He reveals what pleases Him and what grieves Him; what angers Him and what blesses Him; what brings Him joy and how to make Him smile. He delights in directing and guiding you and He desires to be known by you. My friend, GOD is not a monstrous entity somewhere high above the clouds passing judgement. No, no my friend He can be known and experienced just as you know your friends here on earth, only better. He is faithful and glorious; loving and kind; protective and wise; powerful and patient.

GOD doesn’t want you to miss a single moment of His comfort, guidance, wisdom and peace. If we are too busy to meet with Him we miss these precious moments. Then we are left to do things in our own strength and make decisions that may lead us in the wrong direction – venturing us into potentially dangerous territory. GOD patiently waits to speak with you every single second of every day. He is waiting now. He is beckoning you into a deeper relationship with Him that will leave you in complete and utter awe. Can’t you feel His tugging on your heart? My friend, hush the world and all of it’s many distractions and meet with GOD today. Set time aside and let Him reveal Himself to you in ways you could never, ever imagine. He will leave you hungering and thirsting for more of Him. I promise you!

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see GOD and all of heaven rejoicing over you as you meet with Him today. I see it, my friend, and I am so very excited for you.

Lessons from Spider-Man…

22 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Obedience, Surrender

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Spiderman and venomMy daughter loves The Amazing Spider-Man. She watches it on television in the morning while getting dressed for school. She can even stomach parts of the Spider-Man movies. For example, she likes Sandman but hates the Lizard. She enjoys Harry Osborn’s new goblin but not so sold on his father, the sinister Green Goblin. So when we came across Venom she was a bit on the fence. So, we talked about it.

Venom is a character that’s been consumed by ‘venom,’ a black sticky, icky mass that has the capacity to attach itself to people who are angry and vengeful. It’s constantly seeking a bitter and angry host. In the movie Spider-Man 3 Peter Parker (Spider-Man without the suit) finds out who killed his uncle and his anger rages. Hmmm, perfect opportunity for the venom to attach and it does. Once the venom attaches Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s personality changes. He is hipper, sassier, and wickedly more confident because venom gives him a surge of power and confidence that makes him feel alive. The only drawback is that this power is evil, menacing and controlling. And he finds out that it’s not so easy to free himself of this malevolent creature who desires to consume him.

So where’s the message? Well, I explained to Noah how extremely important it is to always forgive because if you don’t that anger is like a poison that takes root in your heart and has the potential of changing you in awful ways. When you harbor unforgiveness you become jealous, prideful, easily offended and bitter. Furthermore, it impedes spiritual growth and blocks our fellowship with GOD. All because of the poison in your heart that begins to control and consume your thoughts and behavior.

So may I ask you, my friend, is there anything or anyone you need to forgive? Or have you found justification for this anger? Has someone deeply offended or disappointed you? Perhaps you didn’t receive what you thought you deserved? Or maybe something you really wanted fell apart and now you’re upset? Whatever it is, forgive that situation. Forgive that person. Forgive yourself. The Bible says that you are to go and make peace with your brother and then come before GOD with your gifts (Matthew 5:24). Unforgiveness does nothing but harm and hinders the flow of GOD’s blessings, power, anointing and favor in your life. Further, that toxic poison has the propensity to negatively impact your relationships and skews your ability to enjoy and be grateful for what you do have. GOD desires for you to experience His fullness and that simply won’t happen until you surrender that anger, disappointment and pain to Him.

My friend, if you have been deeply offended, treated unjustly, angered or disappointed know that GOD is very well aware of the situation and with trust in Him we are not to pay back evil with evil (Romans 12:17). For He says that vengeance is His – not ours (Romans 12:19). The Bible also states that it’s okay to be angry but be careful not to sin in that anger or let it consume us (Ephesians 4:26 NLT). So are your ‘spidey senses’ telling you there’s someone or something you need to go before the Lord and forgive? Let the Holy Spirit lead you to surrender every person and every situation to Him. He is the only One that can prevent it from consuming you and remove the poison if it has taken root. And my friend I promise you – GOD is beyond ready and exceedingly willing. Humble yourself before Him and watch Him raise you up.

I hope this message blesses you. I see the Lord revealing to you all those situations that need forgiving and with your obedience the floodgates of His blessings, power and favor being opened up onto you. And I’m so very happy for you. I truly, truly am!