The Father's Plan for your Day

It is the plan and purpose of God this day to bring into your life people and circumstances that will make you more like Jesus.  Today you have awakened to His classroom.  He has prepared lessons for you to learn and work for you to do.

 His plans for you today are good and perfect.  You can trust His heart.  He loves you.  You can trust His Mighty power.  He is able to accomplish His lofty, and seemingly unattainable goals.  He has already seen this day.  Nothing will surprise Him.

He will bring to you today wonderful opportunities to see Him at work in your life, opportunities to join Him His beautiful work and opportunities for you to grow.  Often these opportunities come in the form of annoyances, inconveniences, unexpected interruptions, delays, pain and heartache.  They also come in the form of laughter, exciting surprises and enjoyable moments.  And yet it is also the plan of God to use the mundane, ordinary, experiences of life as well.  They, too, are a part of His perfect plan.  All of these things have been carefully chosen for you to experience  and masterfully woven into your life by our loving and perfectly wise, Supremely powerful Father so that you might experience His highest good.

 If you fully cooperate with our Heavenly Father, not fighting and resisting Him, not complaining and not trying to avoid the things you don't like, you will experience blessings in such HUGE MEASURE that you won't be able to hold it all!

Protection
Provision of every need
Power
Peace
Healing
Joy
Wisdom
Freedom
and every good gift

Or you can spend your day choosing the path that is most comfortable for you.  You can complain, whine, argue and resist our Father's PERFECT PLAN.

It's up to you.

He hasn't left you to go through life alone.  He's given all of His children a priceless,  gift--His Spirit.

I'm praying that you will choose the path that the Father has prepared for you today.

His plans for you today are perfect and good!

Have a wonderful day!

Jealous lover?

Our God is a jealous lover.  He intensely longs to have our hearts alone.  He desires our complete devotion.  He will not share our hearts's affections with another.  We CANNOT give ourselves completely to God and to __________(fill in the blank).  When He takes up residence in our hearts, there is no room for anyone or anything else-- because He completely satisfies.  But there is a lie that our enemy continually whispers.  That every other thing will satisfy and God will not.  Most of  us who claim to follow Christ want God and _____.  Just enough of God to get us to Heaven when we die, and to fix our messes when we're in a jam, but not ALL of Him.

That might mess up our world.

He just might take over, setting up His kingdom and ruling Supremely in my life.  That means we're no longer in control.

I like being in control.

And I like gods that I can control.  Though I often try, I know I can't control the Supreme, and Living God.  He will not bow before me.  And He will not enter into my life unwelcomed.  He stands at the door and knocks.

Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I wil come in and eat with him and he with me. Rev 3:20

On the Auction Block

I was once on the auction block.
 A slave.
 Weighted down.
 Enchained.
 Afflicted.
 Full of Shame.

 My master, who had once lured me into His trap, had promised me freedom, peace, and a joyful life. He gave me instead a life full of pain, shame and oppression. I was trapped in his grip and unable to escape from his wicked clutches. Though he promised to care for me, all he did was take from me. He took and took and took and took, until I had nothing left to give. I was used up. And now that he had no use for me, he placed me on the auction block, hoping to squeeze one last bit of profit from my existence. As I stood on that block, I heard the words of my Master. “For Sale, one slave woman. Useless and of no account. Sold to the highest bidder.” He grinned a merciless, sly grin as he said these words. It was then that I realized that he had no intention of letting me go. He seemed to find great pleasure in giving me the hope of freedom, and completing dashing away all possibilities of escaping his evil clutches. I sighed a deep, painful sigh. It was a sigh that came from the very pit of my stomach. There was no hope for me. None at all, for of course, no one would purchase me. Why would they?

But a man appeared and said, “I'll buy her.” I saw my Master's look of utter shock and annoyance at the man's proposal. As for me, I was too afraid to hope again. I knew my wicked master would find a way to destroy my hope again. But I did appreciate this valiant man's attempt. For a moment, I felt human again. I felt worthy of love—for just a moment. I tried to hold on to this moment for as long as I could, for it was the only joy I had felt in such a long time. This man wore a Royal Robe, and was obviously of great wealth. Yet, he put on no airs. There was a tenderness about him, a gracefulness in the way he moved and a searching quality in the way he probed the scene. This was no ordinary man. There was something about this man that gave me hope, though I was certain there was no hope. This man intrigued me.

My master responded to this man's offer to buy me, by setting my price at a price no reasonable person would accept. I wasn't surprised. As I said before, he had no intention of letting me go. And yet, this mysterious man responded again, “I'll buy her.” My master decided he would play a game with this noble man. I knew my master well. He was a shrewd businessman and he would not miss the opportunity to profit from this man of great wealth. So he increased the price again, and again the man replied with, “I'll buy her.” Well, obviously even these absurd amounts were nothing compared to this man's great worth. My master greedily continued increasing my selling price, with the full intent of keeping me and swindling this man out of absurd amounts of his fortune.

Finally, my master informed the regal stranger that he would only let me go if someone volunteered to take my place. That was the only payment he would take. Well, that would do it. At this point I knew my master had accomplished his wicked scheme. Who would dare to take my place? My state of affairs was a most pitiful existence. No one would choose my fate for their worse enemy, and because I sensed that this man was of high and noble character, he would not place my fate on any other. But something unexpected happened. It was a strange twist of my fate, and it rocked my world to its very core. The man persisted in pursuing me. He offered His life in exchange for mine. I didn't understand how this royal man could pay such a high price for me. He was of great importance in the world. I was useless, helpless and of no value. The world needed someone like him. I had nothing to offer anyone anymore. The man's offer was ludicrous and I honestly could not allow him to pay such a price for me. Though my life meant nothing, I knew this man didn't deserve my fate. I would accept my fate with the knowledge that there was some good in the world.

As I was pondering these strange and peculiar circumstances, this royal man stood before me. He uttered no words. He only smiled lovingly at me. Tenderly, he embraced me. I distinctly remember feeling such a sensation of joy and peace as I'd never known before. This was love. I wanted to say something to this man, but I could not utter a word. Not even a syllable. I wanted to say thank you. I wanted to say, “Don't do this.” Instead, I sobbed in His arms, and somehow I sensed that he knew. He knew all that I wanted to say. He removed His royal robe and placed it around me. He took the rings from his fingers and placed them on mine. He told me that everything he owned, was now mine. Honestly, I had no idea what this meant. I never owned anything. I had only been “owned”. He told me his servants would take care of me. My mine was in a daze. I was dumbfounded. And just as I had gathered my wits enough to speak, my master's servants snatched this man away from me. They released me from my chains and placed them on this man. This man wore MY CHAINS. This was wrong!!!! No! No! No! No! My mind began to race. My heart felt like it would escape my chest. How could they take this man?

I somehow managed to scream, “Why?!”

He replied, “Because I love you.”

And then they took him away.

So there I was left standing on the auction block, dressed in a royal robe, with rings on my fingers, and servants waiting to respond to my every command. And this royal man was taken to the place of my torment. The place of my shame. I could not understand it all.

 Suddenly the reality of it all began to take shape in my mind.

I was free.

Paid for by the precious life of this Royal and noble man. My life is not my own, I have been purchased at a great price. So I live to honor the One who paid such a high price for me.

Beautiful Love

It is a mind- boggling thought to consider the perfect unity of the Father and the Son. Their beautiful love relationship which has no human comparison and yet all beautiful relationships find their origin in it.

 Perfect love. 

 Fully understood. 

 Fully satisfying.

 Completely accepted.

 Hearts fully open wide. 

 Complete vulnerability. 

 A complete capacity to bring the highest good to each other. Lifting each other up. No strife among them. Complete peace. 

 Joy.

 Love in its purest and complete form. 

 No Jealousy. 

 Not even a hint of selfish motives. No harboring of bitterness for past hurt. In fact, no pain at all. 

 Complete delight in each other.

 Complete.

 Complete. 

 Complete. 

Forever and ever and ever. 

 And this amazing and perfect God calls us—all humanity to join in this beautiful love relationship. It's awesome! It's amazing! It's humbling! In fact, this marvelous God desired so much that we would enjoy the glorious perfection of His love, that he sacrificed his own perfectly undisturbed love relationship.

 He sent his son here to this place called earth. His son willingly obeyed all that the Father required. He became one of us. He entrusted himself to the care of His Father. He laid aside His crown, his power, authority, and glory. Because their hearts were so tender towards us, He was willing to take on the limitations, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities of humanity. The Creator became like one of His created. 

 This led him to a cross. 

 And while on that cross, God experienced something that He had never experienced before. The perfect love relationship that they had always shared with one another was not only disrupted, it was broken. The Father refused to even look on his own beloved son as his son took upon himself the wickedness of all mankind. As Jesus took upon himself the crimes of ALL humanity, the Father turned his back on him because sin cannot survive in His presence. The pureness of His holiness and goodness and beauty consumes every evil thing that attempts to come near him. It just cannot survive! So the perfect unity that they shared was broken.

The perfect love relationship was broken.

In fact, Jesus cried out in agony to His father, “My God, my God why have you forsakened me?” Yet Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame because of the joy that was to come. Not only would he be reunited with his Father again, and their relationship be restored, never to be broken again, but he would bring us with him to join in the intimacy of this perfect love relationship. Now we have the opportunity to be a part of this perfect love relationship with God, fully satisfied, with no hint of animosity or selfishness.

Jesus had to bring us there. Not only that, he had to give us his righteousness so that we could live in the glorious presence of the perfect one. He had to give us his power, his mind, and his heart so that we might have something to contribute to this relationship. He has to teach us how to trust Him so that we might commit ourselves fully in this love relationship—open and vulnerable. As we live in this love relationship, he asks of us the same thing the Father asked of the son. To entrust ourselves completely to Him, to trust His love, to trust His heart, that we might fully submit ourselves to Him and not resist Him-- that we might be His lover, His friend, His children, and His bride.

There would be no selfish motives, but instead a desire to lift him up and he promises to lift us up. Amazing, right? And so it is that we find all that our hearts long for in this beautiful, satisfying, and pure relationship that we've been given the opportunity to enjoy—forever and ever.

Hallelujah!

Amen.

Divine Intervention

We're all in desperate need of divine intervention.  When Jesus is interjected into life's circumstances,
we are dramatically changed.
The Real Jesus,
the Jesus with all power and authority,
the Jesus whose life was given to pay the price of ALL my sin,
the Jesus whose love is lavish,
whose compassion is perfect.
The One who is able to Rescue us from our deep, dark, and tangled mess.
The Real Jesus.
Often life is like quick sand,
the more we struggle to get ourselves out,
the deeper we sink.
We need a rescuer.
We need someone to grab our hand and pull us out of the mess we're in,
placing our feet on solid ground.

Jesus is the hand God offers us.

He is the only hope for our rescue from the tangled mess of life.

My New King

I've been rescued from the Kingdom of Darkness
I now pledge my allegiance to a new King.
A Righteous, Holy, perfect and loving King
A King that brings only good
A King that is generous and kind.

The old king was a tyrant.

The old king hated me
The old king lorded his power over me
oppressed me
belittled me
and used fear to keep me submissive and weak.
He does this to all of his citizens.
He is a liar.
He made big and bold promises in order to trap me, but once I surrendered myself to him, he immediately accused me,
bringing guilt and shame.
His rules brings hopelessness and despair.
It is a life that is no life.

It is death.

His citizens are the walking dead.
Empty
Lifeless
hopeless
pressed down under the extreme weight of his tyrannical rule.

But I've been set free!

And My new King loves me!
I'm free!

I've been given life that is full
complete
satisfying
I've been given hope that does not disappoint.
I've been given love that is free,
flowing
and abundant.

I've been given  power--
an All-surpassing power
to rule with the King.

I've been given an extravagent supply of gifts with the promise of more,
with NO END in sight.
His gifts are FAR BEYOND my capacity to imagine or understand

He gives and gives and gives.

Every word that comes out of His mouth is true.
I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again
He loves me,
And He is my friend.
I trust this King,
and I gladly and willingly give my life to serve Him.
For serving Him brings utter joy
and the deepest satisfaction
I am satisfied in ways I never even imagined.

It is so good!!!!!!!!

If You're Waiting

If you're waiting for a blessing from God, be the blessing someone else is waiting for. 
If you're waiting for healing, be an instrument of healing someone else for someone.
If you're waiting for provision, be the provision someone else is waiting for.
If you're waiting for a big breakthrough, be apart of someone else's breakthrough.
If you're waiting for an answer to prayer, be the answer to someone else's prayer
If you're waiting to hear from God, speak the words of God to someone who needs to hear from Him.
If you want to be forgiven, give the blessing of forgiveness to someone.
If you want others to be gracious and patient with you, be gracious and patient with others.
If you really truly want to be loved and accepted  unconditionally, love and accept others unconditionally.

Don't delay. Do it today.

Do You Want a New Life?

Do you want a new life?
Jesus will give you life.
A  life of joy
A life of peace
A life of freedom
A life of beauty
A life of love
A life of healing
Just ask Him
He delights in giving new life
to all who ask.

Just ask Him.
and follow Him.
The life you've been looking for is in Jesus--alone.

My Best Friend is the King

My best friend is the King

Not just a King

but the King

the Absolute Ruler

the Mighty One

the Blessed One

the Beautiful One

He is my friend

And I am His

He is tender with me

He loves me

He blesses me

With good things

He reveals secret things to me

I am in His inner circle

And He has given me great authority

His authority

I can speak in His name

Act in His name

On His behalf

Not out of my own selfish ambition

But to honor my king

His name has weight

Power

It's Mighty

His enemies tremble at the 

mention of His name

But his name also brings Healing

Beauty

goodness

truth

freedom 

peace

every good and perfect gift

He is tender to those in His Kingdom

He cares for His subjects so well

He  protects them

And lavishly provides every good gift for their enjoyment

He will not let them harm themselves

or each other

He's the perfect King,

perfect

Yet those who oppose Him

or seed to harm His loyal subjects

will be DEFEATED

All must bow before this righteous King

And those who bow,

live under His constant care and love

And they too become a part of 

His inner circle,

Not simply servants

But servants that are friends of the King

this King is my best friend

Oh how He loves Me

Oh how He love you

He's a King that sacrificed greatly

so that you might live in His glorious kingdom

He gave His life

He left His glory and splendor behind

HE became weak and poor

He was insulted

spat upon

hungry

He submit himself to His enemies

He did this for one purpose:

To free us!

from the clutches of his enemy 

We were His captives

And Jesus

our mighty King

set us free!

And now we can walk from our prison and chains

into the glorious kingdom of God

where Jesus

our Mighty King

Rules and Reigns Supreme

No One

No One

No One

Can snatch us from His hands

My best friend is the King.

My prayer

Teach me your ways
Guide me in your truth
Give me your mind
Place your words in my mouth
Release your power through my hands
Let your compassion be evident in  my eyes
Let your beauty radiate from my countenance
May peace, joy and laughter be my aroma
Yes, let me leave an aroma
everywhere I go
Like Peter's shadow brought healing
Let my shadow bring healing and life
Life
Wholeness
healing
refreshment
Everywhere my feet touch
let there be life
A trail of flowers following after me
everywhere my hands touch
let there be healing
wholeness
peace

because life overflows in me
Life that comes from you
Every time I open my mouth
May I speak hope, joy, freedom
Songs that bring rest to the restless
flowing from my pen
That didn't originate from me
But from the endless source of life
I AM
Let my every move
bring music
Let there be a change in the atmosphere
because of your presence
in me

Notes from the Father IV

Do not doubt my Spirit.  Do not doubt my power to redeem your mistakes.  Do not doubt my love and compassion for you.  Why would I not tell you that you are doing something that will bring harm?  I love you!  I want NO harm to come to you.  I want you to know my voice.  As you listen to my voice, I will direct you.  Don't worry.  Keep moving forward inspite of what you see or feel.  Do not let fear have control or motivate your decisions.  Let faith reign!

Naked and Thirsty

I've been reading through the gospels this year and more recently the Gospel of Luke.  I've been learning so much as I've been studying about the life of Jesus.  Several weeks ago I read something Jesus said that has confounded me for years.

 

Luke 5:36 He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. [37] And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. [38] No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. [39] And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is better.' "

I've heard people talk about this referring to new paradigms.  Ok.  But I really wanted to understand this parable.  So I ask my Teacher to teach me.  And Oh boy!  The Holy Spirit opened my mind to understand this scripture, and spoke to me very personally.   I'd like to share what He revealed to me.

So Jesus gives two examples, to make a point.  First He uses clothes.  When your clothes or old, what do you do?  First, consider the culture in which Jesus lived.  The common person only owned one item of clothing--maybe two..  Believe it or not, many people around the world live like this.  Anyway, when clothes became worn, one would patch the holes, until it couldn't be patched anymore or until they were able to get a new garment.  Why would a person damage a new garment, to patch an old garment?  If you have access to a new garment, you would replace the old garment with the new garment, not patch up the old.  If a person were to patch up the old garment with the new cloth, the patch would be ineffective.  The new cloth would pull away from old cloth, and end up becoming an unwearable garment.  And guess what?  The new garment is ruined too!  The result:  No wearable garments.  

We end up naked!!!!

 Jesus uses wine and wineskin to illustrate the same point.  When a person was out of wine, they would need to make more wine.  If a person was to put new wine in an old wineskin, the wine would burst through the wineskin, leaving the person with no wine.  So instead of having wine, and a wineskin, they end up with nothing.  

They end up thirsty! 

So why would anyone do such absurd things?

Jesus answers that in His last statement.  "And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is better.' "  

No one wants "the new", because...

• The old is familiar
• The old is safe
• We think the good of the old will stay good

When we hold on too long to the old, being UNWILLING to change, we end up losing everything.  The good of the old is gone, and we don't experience the good of "the new" either.  We find ourselves in need of change, but instead of changing we want to patch our lives. You know, just fix the things in our lives that don't work.  

When "the new" presents itsself, take hold of the new.  Stop trying to make the new, fit into the old.

I'll be honest here.  The Holy Spirit is convicting me of this BIG TIME!  I've been praying that the Lord would change some things in my life, and I've been praying for a patch job.  God wants to give me a new garment.  Something I've never seen.  Something I'm not familiar with.  Something-- better.  Don't get me wrong.  The old garment wasn't bad.  It was good for a season, but now it's outdated and no longer provides the best for our family.  It's time to let go, before I lose all that I'm trying hold on to.  

Just as the old garment was good, I can trust that the new garment is good too.

Just as the old wine was good, the new wine will be just as good--maybe even better.

Are you in need of a big change in your life?

What are you refusing to let go of? 

 What are you asking God to patch in your life?  Are you asking Him to fix the things you don't like, so you don't have to really change?

Can you trust our Loving, and completely wise Heavenly Father to give you that which best for you?

Will you give Him permission to change anything He wants to change?  Anything.

 

He wants to replace your old and worn garments with a fresh new garment.  He wants you fully clothed, not naked.  He wants to replace your old and empty wineskins with new wineskins full of wine.  He wants you satisfied, not thirsty.

Let's encourage each other on this journey.

Let me know what big change you've been praying for, and how God surprised you (or is surprising you) with the most amazing blessings as you walked out into the unknown of "the new".  

I'll be sharing my story of change soon.  I think this post is long enough.  ;-)

Believe in Yourself?

I just realized something.  It goes along with my last post.  I trust in my perceptions more than I trust God.  I trust what I see, what I feel, what I hear, what I think, more than God's word.  Why do I do that?  It seems foolish as I ponder it.  How many times have I misinterpreted what I see?  How many times have I misunderstood what someone has said?  How many times have I misheard someone, or come to the wrong conclusion?  MANY TIMES!!!!!  Yet I still have faith in ME.  (I'm hearing the song: Believe in yourself as I believe in you... lyrics @ the end of the post) I say to myself, "God I don't know if your word is really true for me, because I see something different and I trust my eyes more than your words."  Well... I don't really say that, but my actions communicate it.

Have you done that as well?

God promises that He will NEVER leave nor forsake us.  But their are times when I feel forsaken and left by God.  And I ask the question, "God where are you?"  (Don't get me wrong, God wants us to be open about our feelings, so if you feel that way, ask the question.)  At that moment, what I feel takes precedence over what God has said.  I believe He's left me, because I don't FEEL his presence.  So I'm trusting in my feelings rather than His words.

His words are trustworthy, not my feelings.
He is trustworthy.

He promises to meet ALL OF MY NEEDS.  I don't need to spend one second worrying about needs.  But I worry all of the time about needs.  Why?  Because it doesn't look like my needs are being met. I don't know how my needs will be met.  The provision I have doesn't look like enough, so I worry or try to "figure it out".  Most times I do both.  Worry, pray and try to figure it out on my own.  Rather than resting in His promises.  If He said he would provide, I can trust Him.  Then I'm free to do His work:  seeking the kingdom and His righteousness.  When I trust Him, I can thank Him with the "not enough", and the "not on time" (not on my time), and the "not the way I expect".

I can trust that His ways are always perfect.
He's always acts at the proper time.
He's moving, even when I don't perceive anything.
He CANNOT fail.
He loves me for more than I can ever imagine.
He always brings about the HIGHEST good in my life.
He has the full capacity to execute every one of His promises.  In fact, it's easy for Him!
I cannot figure Him out or what He's doing, but I can trust His heart.  He loves me.

No more believing in ME, for I fail myself and others over and over and over and over again.  (At least, I'm consistent. ) But He NEVER fails me.   Instead...

I think I'll Believe the Words of the Most High God.

The song sums up the lie of believing in yourself quite well.  Have you believed these lies as well?

Believe in Yourself

(charlie smalls)

If you believe
Within your heart
You’ll know that no one can change
The path that you must go
Believe what you feel
And know you’re right because
The time will come around
When you’ll say it’s yours

Believe that you can go home
Believe you can float on air
Then click your heels three times
If you believe
Then you’ll be there
That’s why I want you to
Believe in yourself
Right from the start
Believe in the magic
Right there in your heart
Go ahead believe all these things
Not because I told you to
But believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
Just believe in yourself
As I believe in you 

No thank you.  I'll believe God instead.

There's a Hole in My Heart

The hole in my heart is so deep,
And yet the vastness of His love is deeper still,
so many things have tried to fill this heart
The more I pour
The deeper the hole
the more I pursue things
the emptier I feel
Until the gaping, wound in my heart consumes me

But one cry out to Jesus satisfies me like 10,000 kisses from a lover never could
Yahweh, only your love fully satisfies.

Life

Vibrant, movement, wiggling, squirming, dancing, jumping, skipping, blood pumping, circulating, overflowing, heartbeat, warmth, refreshing, healing, freedom, giggles, joy, purpose, feeling, satisfied down to the core, content, at peace, complete, my soul is at rest, excitement, anticipation...

Jesus is the source of life
apart from him there is no life
In Him life has no end
it overflows
like a rushing waterfall
yet its a most gentle and refreshing flow
It calls me
He calls me
to himself
that I might be healed
refreshed
that my thirst might be quenched
that I might be satisfied
cleansed
that I might be filled
with His inexhaustible life
 So that many others may drink
and be brought to life
there is no growth without life
there is no rest in our hearts without life
there is no hope without life
there is no beauty without life
Jesus isn't a source of life
He is the One and only source
All others who claim to give this life are posers and fakers
They are wolves in sheep clothing
They promise life but they bring death
no growth
no joy
just inner turmoil
they heap burdens of performance upon us
or feed the beast within us
the sin that I cannot seem to overcome
they want to destroyus
Yes, they look like angels of light
and their promises are tempting
but their mouths are full of lies
and their bite is full of poison
turn away from them

Come with me
whoever is thirsty
Come
Let Him take the free gift of the water of life

Our hearts long to be with you Yahweh
though our minds may not understand this longing
And many promise to fulfill this longing
and no one succeeds
Our heart only aches all the more
at the disappointment

Taste and see that Yahweh is good
Happy is the man who trusts Him

40 Days of Discovery- Day 38

Today my daughter asked me if I was excited that this time of fasting and seeking the Lord was almost over.  I didn't answer, because today was so, so good.  I just thought to myself, "Do I really want this to end?"  I'll be honest, there have been moments when I've wanted to quit and give in to my physical cravings.  Yet, I've persevered, because I know that joy awaits.  I'm pressing forward for the blessing of being nearer to my Father.

I don't know if you know this, but I was adopted 31 years ago by the perfect Father.  By the King of the Universe.  I'm still learning how to receive His love.  I'm still learning how to live as a child of the Most High King.  I'm still learning how to trust Him completely.

But there are days like today when I know my Father loves me.  He shows me in such tangible ways.  It isn't simply a theory.  I know!

My heart is just overflowing with His joy! 

Oh how I love Jesus!
Because He first Loved me.

There is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. If you have not tasted of His sweetness, I challenge you to call on His name today.  Those who earnestly seek Him will be rewarded with His sweet, sweet presence.

40 Days of Discovery - Day 37

I'd like to share a few quotes from "Come Away My Beloved" that blessed me today.

I am aware of your needs and will provide in abundance, but it is for my glory and honor and I will  have praise.  You will tread lightly and not allow your feet to be ensnared in the net of undue concern for the things about you.  They are mine, just as all things are mine and you are mine and I am more interested in you than in things.  Likewise, I want you occupied with Me rather than my gifts.  You will be my mouthpiece in places where there are no other voices to be heard.

You will magnify my name in a dark corner.

You will not allow your foot to be bogged down in the mire of earthly cares and riches.

Thank you Lord for speaking so clearly to your people.

40 Days of Discovery- Day 36

Honestly, I've lost track of the days.

Today was a difficult day.  A day that I felt unmotivated, uninspired,and  tired, tired, tired of the same old struggles.  Tired of being tired.  Tired of waiting. 

But I keep pressing.  I keep praying.  I won't stop until I touch the hem of His garment.

And tonight I heard the voice of my Jesus.  It wasn't anything new, really.  It was his reassurance.

He loves me.
He has a plan for me--and it is GOOD!

He said that he's preparing me.  He said I'm like an unwrapped gift under the christmas tree.  Really?  A gift?  Sometimes I feel like I'm all wrapped up--but not in a good way. Sometimes I feel like I just want to break free.  But from what?  There's so much inside of me that wants to be free.

The Father says that feeling of not being content where I am is from Him.  He doesn't want me settling.  He doesn't want me comfortable being less than His best.

I thank you Father.  I thought I was losing my mind today.  Yes, I am hormonal and I'm sure that was  part of the problem, but I thank you that there is more.  I'm thankful for my family, for my children, for the opportunity to serve them, but I was made for more than cleaning, cooking and homeschooling.  I was made for more.

And if I don't embrace ALL of me, then none of me will be effective.  
I'm a better mom, wife, teacher, etc. when I'm walking in my full calling.  I know that there is more.  I just don't know what that looks like in this season of life.  But the Father assures me, that I will have enough time, and energy to do ALL that He's called me to do.  I believe I'll have more energy than I have now.

   

40 Days of Discover- Day 20

Praying that my family members would each experience deeper depths of God's love.  That God would manifest his love to each of us in an undeniable way.  In a way that communicates, "God loves me".

How do you know that God loves you? ( That would be a great book to write.  )  Yes, I know what you'll say: "Because the Bible tells  you so."  I mean, outside of the Bible telling you.  Has God shown you that He loves you.  He shows me all of the time.  I call the incidences:  "God kisses".  I just love it!

I woke up this morning thinking:  "when we speak words of affirmation and encouragement, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to someone, they are so lifted up.  I pray that I might speak the very words of God, His words of life, so others may be encouraged to live out the plans and purposes that God has ordained for them.

40 Days of Discovery- Day 19

   Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

If God is able to do immeasurable more than I ask (exceedingly, abundantly more!), why do I ask so little of Him?  My sights are too often too low.

Father help me to ask you for greater things--higher things--those things which fulfill your immense plans and purposes for our lives.  Help me to trust you more.  More than I ever have.  Let me rest soundly in your loving care.  Help me to have full confidence that YOU WILL TAKE care of us--of every need.  Help me Lord. Help me.

Just recently, the Holy Spirit has given me a special gift.  His gifts are amazing, and often surprising.  They are given when we least expect them, and I've decided to receive every gift He wants to give me.  I know I cannot manipulate Him into giving me gifts.  I am absolutely in awe, that my Lord loves me so much as to give me another gift.  He's blessed me so lavishly already.  I have so, so much, and here He comes with arm full of gifts again.  Let me tell you, I'm like a kid on Christmas morning.  I'm so enjoying His gifts to me.  Each one is so perfect for me, so special, so beautiful...  Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to be in the family of God.  Thank you for sending me your Spirit, and thank you for ALL of the gifts.  Amen. and Amen.

Oh by the way, just in case your wondering...

I've been given the gift of a greater sense of God's presence and power.  I can literally feel His presence--physically.  I've also been given the gift of tongues.  I feel like a two year old trying to talk, and I guess I am.  This is all so new and unexpected.  So unexpected.