Living in Love

I am in my Father's care
I have entrusted myself completely to the Father
I know His love
I trust His love

You are in my care
I have made myself intimately known to you
I have entrusted you with all that I have
and all that I am
My life and my love are completely yours in FULL measure
Entrust yourself to me
completely
vulnerably
Open your heart to me
and I will fill it
I will satisfy you in ways
you've never even imagined
Do not fear for even a moment
I will never fail you
I am able to care for you
I am able to protect you
I have EVERYTHING you need
just give me ALL  of you
and I will give you ALL of me
Give me your hopes
Give me your dreams
Give me your children
and all that you hold dear
Give ALL to me
You can trust me
I won't withhold any good thing from you
Let me love you
fully
perfectly
Let me pour my inexhaustible love through you
Join in my beautiful, wonderful work
For it is my plan to love you as you love others
GIVE
and ALL will be given to you
The more you give
the more you will be filled
the more you will be satisfied
Just imagine yourself as a perpetual fountain
That fountain is my love and my life in you
You will experience All
in excess
in abundance
in huge and generous proportions
in such great measure
as you've never seen or imagined
My supply can NEVER be diminished
and neither will  yours
as long as you stay connected to me
vulnerably
openly
honestly
submitted completely to me
You never need to worry that you won't have ALL you need
The one who supplies for your physical needs
also supplies for your spiritual needs
I will keep you near me
You need only to say “Yes” to me
You need only to give up your way
And take my way
I also supply enough for you to meet the needs of others
in generous proportions
I am also the one who INCREASES
I MULTIPLY your giving
and I abundantly supply for you in EVERY WAY,
Any time a need arises
you will always have MORE THAN ENOUGH to give
even when the need seems far beyond your ability to meet the need
Remember, no need is beyond my ability to fully satisfy it
I can.
I will.
Just make yourself available to me
and I will supply
AS YOU GIVE
I will satisfy you
AS YOU GIVE
Just entrust yourself to me
Believe my words
for they are truth
I will do it.

from Jesus.

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!!!!!!!!

Saying No to Religion, and Yes to Jesus

Part of my family and I spent the morning volunteering at a local food pantry.  I spent the time getting to know people, hearing their stories, and re-introducing them to Jesus.  I say re-introduce because Jesus is so familiar, and yet so unknown.  Most people have been inundated with religious jargon, that seems completely irrelevant to our lives.  We've heard that Jesus died on the cross on our sins.  People know they should go to church, pray, read their bibles and try to be good people.  Religion is all about trying to be good.  Over and over I've heard  people talk about going back to church so they can start living better, or get themselves right.  Others go to church so that they hear an encouraging message that will jump start them for the week, then they go back to life as usual.  I spoke with a lady today who was more concerned about God answering her prayers than God himself.  "Yes, I believe God answers my prayers because I always see a rose when he does."  That's cool, but do you know God?  Why would God do something so personal, if he didn't want you to know Him intimately? 

(Many of us want God to answer our prayers, but we're uninterested in actually knowing Him. He's just our Genie-in-a-bottle.)

The American culture is full of religion.   So many of us put on religious masks that keep us from encountering the real Jesus.  We can say the "right" words.  We pray the "right" prayers.  We can quote scripture, and sing the "right" songs.  We go to church and participate in church activities.  But... do we know God(aka Jesus)?

How, you ask?

Great question.  How do you get to know anybody you want to know?  It's quite simple.  By spending time with him or her.  Get alone and spend face to face time getting to know God.  That requires, quite obviously, a recognition that there is a God to be known.  If you don't believe that God exists, why would you ever attempt to spend time with Him?  Once alone, talk to God.  We call that prayer.  If you're going to talk to God, you must believe that He's listening.  Why would you waste time talking to someone who can't hear you, or who doesn't care to listen?  Next you must listen to Him.  That's right, listen.  Of course, that means that He speaks.  Not only does that mean He speaks, but He wants to speak to each of us personally.  He speaks through His words.  Many of His words are written in the Bible.  He reveals to us who He is.  He shows is ways of working in the world.  He gives us examples of others who were His friends.  He teaches us much about ourselves and the world. 

He will speak specifically to us.  About our lives. About our destiny.  About our circumstances.  About who we are.  His words aren't simply printed words on a page, they are words that are overflowing with life, and meaning.  They are relevant and true.  They go beyond our natural understanding. They go deeper than deep.  Those who continue to dive into His word daily find themselves discovering treasure after treasure. There's an endless supply! 

God also speaks to our Spirits in ways that cannot be explained in words.  He speaks in our minds.  He speaks through creation.  He speaks in dreams and visions.  He speaks  in the silence.

And once He's spoken, we must believe His words to us.  What's the use in listening, if you won't believe? And what's the point of believing, if you won't do what He tells you to do?

We can also know Jesus by being around others who know Him--His children.  His children are also known as "the church".  God wants us learning together, praying together, and serving together.  TOGETHER is the key word.  He doesn't want us on our own.  In fact, He promises a special manifestation of His presence when we gather together.  I can't completely explain it, but I've experienced it many, many times.  When we come as humble seekers of the true and living God, expecting Him to speak to us and to do something special among us, He does.  Often, we come with our own agenda, that we expect Jesus to follow.  We often gather with others in order to check off our, Went-to-church-this-week box, rather than with the desire to meet with Jesus, and pour out our love and devotion to Him.

Don't abandon gathering with other true followers with Jesus.  Just find some true followers to gather with.  God will guide your search. He doesn't want you alone.

I'm currently reading a book that is encouraging me in my search to know the "real Jesus".  I want to know Him for myself.  So I'm reading the gospels with new ears, and new eyes, asking God's Spirit to show me the real Jesus.  The author of this book encourages His readers to do the same.  We've painted this flat, uninteresting, powerless, and quite frankly, impersonal Jesus.  We've made Him distant and unapproachable, sorta like the Pope.  That's not the real Jesus!  The real Jesus was continually surrounded with sinners.  Prostitutes. The despised. Thiefs. The sick. The demon possessed--crazies. The destitute. The broken. The  poor. Jesus welcomed these people in His presence.  Jesus isn't somewhere up in the clouds, unapproachable by us.  He wants us to know Him and to live in a continual relationship with Him. 

The last lady I spoke with today talked about her frustration with her church.  She wants more.  She thought that there was more. 

There is.

Religion doesn't fill the deepest longings of our souls.

Jesus does.

Say yes to the real Jesus.

He wants you to know Him.

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.

Do you Measure up?

We live in a country that is trying to create a paradise here on earth, only to have the cold water dashed on its dreams.  Aging, losing jobs, death, divorce, etc.

If only we can work, work, work harder to belong, to achieve, to live up to some unattainable standard.  Why would people even care about Heaven if they can attain it here through their own hard work?   The lie is that paradise comes to the one who works hard enough. Isn't that the American dream?  The one who works the most hours. the one who studies the hardest.  The smartest.  The fasted. The funniest.  The prettiest.  The one who practices perfectly, becomes perfect.

And if we can't be the best, be the worst.  Even that seems to pay off.

And in spite of all we do, we never seem to arrive. Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes calls it "chasing the wind".  It always seems to be within reach, but we are never able to grasp it.  The "it" I speak of is "a full and satisfying life". Paradise.

Of course, the experts unequivocally promise that if we do this or that, we will finally have that utopia.  You know:  good health, financial success, a beautiful home, great kids, a great career, a great marriage-- no problems.  No sin.  We'll finally be satisfied.  We'll finally have inner peace.  Everything will be perfect.

 The solutions seem so clear, yet no one can seem to execute them. 

And christians have believed the lies too.  In the name of being a good christian, I've found myself trying to be good, and feeling guilty because of my constant failures.   I've listened to the experts too, and I've continually added to my "to do" lists.  Since I want a good marriage, I must... If I want my kids to feel loved, and to reach their maximum  potential, I must... If I want to have financial success, I must... The list just grows and grows.  If I want to be healthy, I must...

And don't you love it when the "expert" changes his or her recommendation or when the "experts" have opposing views?

Why are we listening to these people and who made them experts?

I long for a simple life.  A life where I am free.  Free to fail.  Free to take risks.  Free to love. Free to dream.  Free to live out my convictions.  And life won't come to a crashing halt if I'm wrong, or if I fail.  

I need forgiveness, and redemption.  I need a remedy for my "not measuring up".

Our Creator, understanding the gravity of the situation far better than us, provided the remedy.  Jesus is that remedy.  I know His name is familiar, but hear me out.   Because He knew that mankind struggles with an endless  pursuit of that which we can never attain, Jesus came and achieved for us what we could never do on our own.  He measured up.  Not to human standards of being handsome, or funny, or rich... but to this perfection that we're all trying to attain.  He did it.

He never sinned.  He didn't even contemplate it.

Then He transfers His perfection to us.  At least He transfers that perfection to those who will receive it.  It's free.  And it's yours if you want it.  That's what His life, death and resurrection was all about.  It was about our Creator loving us so much that He gave His One and only son so that we wouldn't have to live apart from the source of life, hope, joy, contentment, peace, goodness, beauty... 

Jesus died so that we might be free. From what, you say?
Good question.

From ourselves.  From our "not measuring up".  We are like hamsters on the perpetual wheel of life going no where FAST. We all know we don't measure up.  Even if we consider ourselves good people or others consider us good, we know we just can't seem to get it ALL right.  There is always more to be done, with no end in sight.  Even those who have chosen religion to help ease the burden, often find new burdens heaped on.  Go to church. Give to the poor. Pray. Read the Bible.  Attend Bible Study. Volunteer at church. ..And the list goes on and on.

But Jesus offers the remedy.

"Come all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30 

Are you tired of the hamster wheel yet?  

Jesus offers you a free gift.  FREE and no strings attached.

He offers you everything you've been working for today.  EVERYTHING you long for. EVERYTHING!

Whoever is thirsty, let him come and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.  Revelation 22:16

Only Jesus offers this free gift.  We can "measure up" because He offers us His perfection.   

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.

Can You Hear the Music?

Can you hear the music?
Heavenly music
The Music
from the throne of Grace
Listen
Listen with your heart
It responds to the melody
As if somehow it recognizes a long forgotten love
Your heart strains to remember this melody
Your mind races through your life's memories
But you cannot fathom this mysterious song
So you settle in
relaxing to enjoy every single note
you savor the sweetest sounds
You strain and the music begins to fade
Disappointment and frustration set in as you search for more of this beautiful tune
But your search is in vain
what you don't know is that this music is from the throne of Heaven
From the presence of God
Yes you've heard it before
when you were in your mother's womb
the Heavenly orchestra
sang you to sleep
And the sweet kisses of your Creator
comforted, and surrounded you with love
You've forgotten
But your heart remembers
So turn your face to Heaven
call on the name of Jesus
And you will hear that music again
and it's melodies will become clearer and more beautiful
everyday

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 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.

40 Days of Discovery - Day 13

God speaks in the present tense since He is outside time.  He is always in the present tense since He's ever-present.

I must be so busy following Jesus that I don't have time to worry about all the voices around me telling me how to live.  There are so many gospels being preached--in and out of churches.  These gospels tell me how to live and how to receive a full and satisfying life.  But any other gospel outside of Jesus is a FALSE GOSPEL.

John 4:13 "...whoever drinks the water I (Jesus) give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  

Only Jesus can satisfies the deepest needs of the human heart. Only Jesus.

Revelation 22:17 says "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

In the Storm

This morning I was reading Matthew 7:18-27.  While reading and thinking about friends who are in the midst of some difficult circumstances, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these words.  I pray that you are comforted, and encouraged as you read.

Jesus got in the boat, and is disciples followed Him

Into a furious storm

How often does that happen?  We follow Jesus into the storm, and not away from it.

And Jesus slept in perfect peace. He knew he was in the perfect care of His Father.
That's how he wants us to be in a furious storm.  When our lives are falling apart.  When there is one thing, then another.  It's like a hurricane, and like the disciples, we become Frantic! 
saying...

"Lord SAVE us!"
"I think I'm going to drown!"
"Help!"
"Where are you?"
"Do you even care?" 

And He responds.

Oh you of little faith.  Why are you so afraid?  Why, my child?  Why do you not believe my promises?  Why do you not trust me?  Why?

Then He causes the storm to cease.  Everything becomes calm again.  And we are again amazed by the God who controls the very storms of lives.   
He brings us into the storm, and at His word, He brings us out.

Oh Lord, help me to trust you and to rest in you in the midst of the storm.  In the midst...  You are there beside me, in the midst of the storm.  Every wind and wave is under your complete control and I will not drown.  I trust you.  I trust your every word.  Oh God help my unbelief.  Make me lie down in your green pastures.  May your rod and staff comfort me.  As I walk through this difficult place, may your perfect peace cast out ALL FEAR and ALL ANXIETIES.  
So I lie down beside you in this boat, on the stormy sea.  As the winds and waves threaten to destroy me, I snuggle up next to you.  As people all around me scream, in a panic telling me what I ought to do, I look to you alone.  Embrace me that I might rest.  That I may know your perfect protection.  And the storms will become strangely dim as I listen to your loving voice lulling me to sleep.  Amen.  

40 Days of Discovery- Day 7

Today's been a good day.  I had the privilege of praying for someone who is struggling to forgive himself for past failures.  What good news I had for him.  I was able to share from my own experience.  I was able to speak truth from God's word.  It's amazing how many of God's people still can't believe that God's grace is truly sufficient for our failures.  It's amazing that the enemy continues to hold God's people hostage with regret, unforgiveness, and guilt.  And Jesus set us free!  What a liar the enemy is!  And I'm not believing his lies anymore!  And I'm praying that God's people would no longer believe his lies.  We are free!  We been bought with the precious, and perfect blood and body of Jesus Christ.  There is no other sacrifice needed.  We don't need to punish ourselves. That's been taken care of by Jesus.

You're free!  I say it again.  You're free!

That is, if you've received His gift of freedom through Jesus.  God doesn't force His good gifts on you.  He only offers.  You must receive.  It's that simple.

I was thinking today that if I were to have a conversation with Jesus, and I came to Him asking Him to forgive me for my sins, mistakes, failures, rebellions.... How would He respond?  First, I know He wouldn't be shocked.  He knows my failures, and weaknesses far better than I.  Second, He wouldn't rebuke me.  I'm reminded of how he responded to sinners when He walked on this earth.  Those who came to him in humility with repentance received forgiveness.  His response was so simple, "Go and sin no more." or "Your sins are forgiven."  I love Jesus' simplicity.  I believe He would say the same thing to me. I imagine Him lifting my chin up and  looking me straight in the eyes. He would look at me as if looking into the very depths of my soul.  He would not let me look away as He lovingly pronounced  "You're forgiven.  Go and sin no more."  Then He would embrace me as His daughter, His dearly beloved daughter.  I believe I would leave His presence lighter than air.  My heart would be at rest.  I would know that His love for me hasn't diminished one bit.  And then I would make it my life's aim to serve Him-- the Great King.

Indeed, this conversation has happened, and continues to happen.  And that is why I love Him!

Another thought I pondered today:

Focusing on ourselves does nothing good.  When we focus on our strengths, and successes we become prideful.  When we focus on our failures, mistakes, and weaknesses , we sink into despair.   When we focus on Jesus, we will have the right perspective of ourselves.  We are free to receive His power in our weakness, and His redemption for our failures.  We can rejoice for the marvelous gifts we've been given.  We can offer Him praise for His lavish grace.  And we can live our lives as servants of this All-powerful, and benevolent King!  Amen!

40 Days of Discovery- Day 3

Today was a day of discovering something old.  The Holy Spirit brought me back to the basics of my life's mission:  sharing the gospel.  Everything should come back to the gospel, right?  If the gospel really is good news, why would I not want to share it?  God has chosen the church, his followers, to be the means by which the mystery of the gospel is revealed.  What an awesome privilege!  God certainly doesn't have to use us.  He's God!  He could have a donkey to proclaim it.  He could write it on a wall.  He could have the birds to sing it.  But He chose people like me.  And I've neglected this great privilege.  Oh, Lord I repent.  Forgive me.

There are people around the world dying because they're sharing the gospel.  They're just that passionate.  They're just that committed.  And I don't want to offend.  Poor excuse.  I was reading an article a month or so ago about a woman and her husband in Iran who prayed EVERYDAY that God would show them who they are supposed to share the gospel with.  Everyday!  And this is in a country that is hostile to Christianity!  What's wrong with me?

So I asked the Spirit this question:  How can I share the gospel in a relevant way?  with creativity, boldly, wisely, lovingly  The gospel message isn't foreign here.  Many have heard it, and tune it out.  I'm asking for fresh creative ways to share the ancient message of truth.  I'm asking for passion, and power to do this great work.  Creativity means nothing if there is no power.  God's power changes people's lives, not my convincing words.

I echo the prayer of the early church when they were under persecution, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."  and the response  "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."  (from Acts 4:29-31)

Here are a few other scriptures that the Spirit gave me as I asked the question:

 Colossians 4  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Give me an awareness of the opportunities that you provide me--those doors that you open for the message.  Enable me to proclaim the message clearly and allow my actions confirm my beliefs and bring you honor.

 Matt10: [16] I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Holy Spirit, give me practical ideas, a great sense of discernment of people and situations, and intelligence beyond my physical capability so that I am able to speak with sincerity, boldness, and simplicity.  Do this for my children, my husband, and all of your people. Awaken your people to great boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

I do need to give myself some grace, for God has lavished His grace on me.   I tend to be hard on myself.  I have shared the gospel.  I'm just not nearly as committed as I should be. Thank you Holy Spirit for revealing the truth.

40 Days of Discovery- Day 2

Recently, I've been reading two very different books.  One book is a collection of essays and articles written on the "inner spiritual life" or meditative prayer.    I thought the book looked interesting.  I'll be honest, you almost have to have a PhD to read it.  It is a book written by intellectuals to intellectuals--though it continually encourages the reader to engage the heart in prayer rather than the mind.  It takes the most simple concepts and describes them in such complexity that they become unrecognizable.  I am gaining insight into other sides of Christianity-- Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic faith.  It's good to hear other perspectives and see what nuggets of wisdom can be gleamed.  But there is MUCH sifting to be done.  MUCH!  I am honestly most disappointed with the lack of devotion to Jesus.  It's Jesus and...  It's "the Christ" or "the Christ in us" or "the divine is us".  One article even proposed that Jesus came so that we could become God.  There is no gospel message spoken.  If meditation doesn't compel us to "Go and Make disciples..", then Christianity simply becomes one of many paths that one can take to somehow achieve the "divine is us"--as some say. 

On the other hand, I just finished reading Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand(www.persecution.com).  What a powerful and passionate book!.  It talks about the author's experiences in Communist Romania working in the Underground Church and his 14 years in prison being tortured, as well as giving lots of stories of others who have been persecuted for the name Jesus.  What a stark contrast to the other book I've been reading.  This book isn't some theological discussion about higher plans, and such, but a book written about people who have fallen deeply in love with Jesus.  It's plain and simple.  People are going to prison, refusing to renounce their faith, refusing to hate their enemies, and refusing to STOP preaching the gospel.  And the Church continued to grow in spite of the intense persecution they are under.  This book inspires you to support our brothers and sister who are being persecuted around the world through prayer, and financial support.  It's also convicting!  People around the world are excitedly sharing the gospel and publicly declaring their love for Jesus amidst intense opposition! What excuse do I have?

Oh Jesus give me such intense love for you that I long to live in your presence, allowing you to fill me to overflowing that I may be a fountain for a world that is thirsty for your redeeming grace.  Amen.

40 Days of Discovery- Day 1

Today I began a 40 day journey of discovery.  As I walk on this journey I'd to invite you to join in.  On each day of my journey I'd like to share something that may encourage, uplift, or perhaps even make you say, "ouch!" or "hmm".  So what is the destination of this journey?  Closer intimacy with The Lover of My Soul.

An excerpt from my journal entry today:

Fill my mouth with your rich and filling goodness.
Fill my hands with your everlasting presence
Fill my ears with melodies from Heaven
Fill my eyes with beautiful, glorious Heavenly treasures and make all earthly things pale in comparison

You must do these things, else earth's pull on me is too strong to overcome.  The trinkets it offers will shine too brightly in my eyes.  And I will cling too tightly to those I love, demanding that they give me happiness, and satisfaction.  I've tried it so many times, and it's left me frustrated and discouraged.  And its worn them out!

Read a quote today from Paul J. Tillich.  He wrote an article called: "To Whom Much was Forgiven"  Here's the quote:  "...forgiveness makes love possible.  We cannot love unless we have accepted forgiveness, and the deeper our experience of forgiveness is, the greater our love."  He was speaking in the context of the woman who poured out the alabaster jar on Jesus, anointing His body for burial.  I thought it was a thought provoking quote.  I'm still pondering its meaning.

May You Discover the True and Living God in unexpected places today.

Shalom.