Knowing God - that's eternal life I can get excited about!

"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." John 17:3 NASB

Jesus gives us the greatest gift: to know Him and The Father!

God created us to know and be known. Secure, vibrant relationships - in which we are accepted and loved - are only a reflection of what Jesus knew we could have with Him and God our Father... for all of eternity.

Eternal life - not a boring time sitting on clouds, but rather kindred hearts enjoying each other. How much more with we enjoy our time with HIM who loves us so fully and faithfully supports and enables us! It is mind-boggling that we have the option to know God, who is above ALL and yet is immeasurably kind to us. Wow.

I am in awe that He would share himself with us, allowing us to know Him. Shall we celebrate by drawing close to Him in praise and gratefulness?

Abba God thank you for loving me so intimately, for accepting me as I am, and for the incredible gift of being able to know You. It baffles me that You - the Creator of all matter, the One who made all we can see from what can't be seen - that YOU choose to be known by me. Forgive me when I don't prize my relationship with you, choose not to draw near to you, or fall into temptation of believing I can manage even for a second without you. Jesus desired for you to be glorified and for me to KNOW you. Wow! When I take time to consider all you have done for me, and your character, I am repeatedly amazed at the depths you have gone through for me. Convict me when I forget or get distracted. Show me how to deepen my relationship with you; what it means for me to draw near to you. Be glorified in my life, Abba. Have your way in me. In Jesus' name...

Rejoice? Why again, exactly?

"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,

My soul will exult in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,

He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Isaiah 61:10, NASB

Abba God, I admit that I don't feel like praising You. My circumstances are frustrating and I feel so stuck. BUT I choose right now to rejoice greatly in You, for You have given me all that is good. You have cleaned me and given me truth to learn from. You chose me to be your very own child and You gave me the best You had to offer - a royal robe of righteousness. Thank You for loving me so well. Give me courage to choose to rejoice all day. Teach me what your love truly means - how it's impacted my present & future. I can't fight these battles any longer as I've been trying to, so I give them to You to deal with. Do as You know best. There is none like You, and You are faithful. Surely I'm in good hands! Knowing the filth that still lingers in the flesh (there is nothing good in man), I'm again humbled by the honor of knowing You & having a clean robe of righteousness. You are clearly more good than I often consider. All glory & praise are yours. In Jesus' name...  

Deliberate Choices... Deliberate Ruts...

I wish I could say that I wake up each morning, brimming over with affection for my Prince Jesus, and anticipation for what glimpses of Abba I might catch during the day. I don't. 

Daily I talk myself through a barrage of logic, based on Scripture, so that I am able to make the deliberate choice to die to the old fleshly girl who wants it her way, right away. I must choose - repeatedly throughout many days - to lay down old hurts which still haunt my mind and pierce my soul. I must choose to rip off those worries and concerns which crept back into my heart and mind when I wasn't looking. 

Two truths are in my arsenal to fight the Daily Battle of Choice to seek God (when I'd rather stay  in bed all day - or worse - treat others as badly as I feel inside). 

1. God did so much for me - none of which I deserve. 

I'm so embarrassed to say (I guess because of that "I have it all together" poker face we think we all have to carry.) that I often have to logically walk through Scriptures to convince myself of this truth. It's not a quick process and it is painful to lay aside the lies and doubts. Some days I'm not so successful, but after 20+ years of fighting this battle, the Stubborn Doubt Mode days are starting to lose out to the Truth Really is Reality days. 

2. Abba God has so much more to show me, which I cannot comprehend. 

I have to convince myself to leave the Valley of No Hope and step into the Realm of What I Cannot Yet See (aka I'm Going Home & It's Not HERE!). God didn't ONLY raise me from death into life so that I could live in a boring "heaven" - whatever your view is of heaven, it's not good enough. =). God's ways and thoughts are vastly beyond what we can imagine and His ability beyond what we can hope for. Therefore, I cannot help but think that we just don't grasp how amazing our heaven-citizenship is/will be. 

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7

He's raised me up so that He can show what??? Incomparable. Riches of His grace.

Just when will He be showing us? In the coming ages. 

Most of us find it refreshing when someone holds open the door for us when our arms are overloaded. Yet, how much greater are God's acts of kindness to us! He will continue to show His grace to us for all of eternity. He deeply desires me (even when I wake up not really feeling "in love" with Him). He wants me. He wants to love on me for... ever and ever after. 

He's an active God. He actively creates, and recreates. He brings grace and beauty to ashes. He gives life to bones. He saves from death. He went through great lengths to seek ME - AND YOU - out in the crowd. (Squeal with delight, girl. He loves and chose YOU!!!) He spent much patience and blood to draw me tenderly toward Him. His eyes are continually loving toward me. His mighty arm is ready to catch me, to support me, and to uphold me at all times. (He's so big and strong that He doesn't need to use two. ha!)

Abba God, Thank You so much for loving me in spite of the ugliness that daily rears its beastly head inside of me. Thank You for giving me choices, even I choose poorly. I can't imagine life without your words which speak truth into my innermost being. Give me courage to fight each morning against discouragement and doubt. Give me the determination to persevere so that I can stand firm even when I feel weak. I do believe, help me in my unbelief. May YOU be glorified in my weakness and be seen by others in my life. In Jesus' name. 

The Kindness of God Changes Me

I had an "Aha!" moment recently. It's still sinking in, but I just had to share.

God's kindness leads us to repentance according to Romans 2:4 (Amplified, NASB, & Message paraphrase). Truly, as I look back on my spiritual journey, it's been when I realize God's kindness toward me that I've learned the most from my failures and have wanted to please Him more.

When I stumble or am convicted of sin, I choose to wrap up in a scratchy, foul-smelling interfacing of lies. I berate myself for failing, instead of accepting the correction and asking Abba for His warm embrace, sweet fragrance, and strong arm. Only He can save me from the wretched person I am, and He does. 

Instead of focusing on my failures, maybe I could just focus on how good God is to me. (I know, it sounds so simple, and yet it seems so hard to live by.) I guess it's another "KISS" moment...

Keep It Simple, Sistah! 

Abba God, You are so very kind to me. I don't deserve anything good. It's clear that I've fallen short of holiness repeatedly, and You still extend kindness. Remind me when I stumble that You are kind to me, and your patience is long-suffering. Remind me of who You are & who I am in Christ Jesus. Teach me the depth of Your kindness. Ingrain it so deeply in my heart and mind that I can more quickly stand up when I falter, instead of struggling with discouragement and lies. Thank You for loving me so well. In Jesus' name...   

Do you remember what He has done?

Ps 107:43 keeps coming to mind, often when I’m struggling with Abba’s seemingly slow answer to my prayers.  You can read it here, in 4 translations.  That’s just like my Abba. He reminds me of hard truths when I feel weak and unable to do anything about a situation. It used to frustrate me. Ok, so it still often does. 

I’m starting to gradually learn that He does this in kindness. He extends His strong arms toward me, looking into my soul’s eyes with tender kindness. He offers me a yoke that is easier, a burden that’s light. He asks me to trust Him to carry my burdens, which I wasn’t shouldering well to begin with. He beckons me to focus on HIM instead of whatever burdens me. He longs for me to turn my eyes, my heart, and my mind solely toward Him. He reminds me that He alone

Is the way, the truth, and the life…

He brought me into an intimate relationship with Abba through Jesus, and He will lead me to the land of Fully Living (where nothing can touch my joy or peace). He teaches me what it means to abide – rest, trust – so that He can do the lasting work of creating fruit and answering prayers (as only He can).

He reminds me of what He’s done for me individually, and what He has already done for those I care about. 

He teaches me to remember… and rest in His ability.

Abba God, thank You for Jesus and the gentle teaching He offers through the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the imagery in Scripture which helps me to understand truth. I’m so glad You are patient and kind toward me. Help me to remember what You have done throughout history, from creation until now, and to remember that You are still at work. You are faithful and hear my prayers. Thank You so much for being with me, for going ahead of me, for surrounding me with great care and kindness.  Give me courage today to believe that You will never stop fighting or being faithful. Give me courage to pray for the lost, that they will have this understanding, too. Lastly, I ask that You give me courage to keep praying for what you lay on my heart. In Jesus’ name…

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 3)

We're looking at 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter what our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. Beauty and encouragement are pleasant. Today’s item isn’t guaranteed to be pleasant, and it isn't always appreciated, but it is crucial.

3. Adventure – like it or not  –  also waits around the corner. Adventures vary in enjoyment and hardship, but always offer us invaluable life lessons in hindsight. To the believer, adventure is a valuable tool in the hands of The Mighty God.

adventure

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Adventure always brings me to a place of awe. How incredible His love is for me – and you! He knows that these adventures (both the “good” and the “bad”) are tools used to reveal Himself to and through us. Wow.

Abba God, thank You for adventure - even when it scares me. Give me faith to believe that You have hemmed me in on all sides, that all adventures are useful to You in making me more like Jesus, and that always have kind intentions toward me. I do want to learn to count it all joy when I face troubles, but I'm still not grasping how that can happen. You do, and I'm trusting You to finish what You've starting in me. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 2)

I’m sharing 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter what our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. The first one mentioned was beauty. Let’s see what’s next on the list.

2. Encouragement also waits around the corner. I’m so grateful that our Abba is the God of encouragement and that His eyes are on us. In His utmost wisdom and kindness, He shares the perfect timely word (or silence) we need, when we need it. He may speak through nature, a song, His Word, or a person. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, my encouragement to persevere came from a complete stranger in a fast food restaurant, of all places. 

encouragement

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Encouragement from my Abba always brings me back to a place of humble wonderment. How incredible His love must be for me – and you! He shows kindness to the undeserving. He lifts us up, gives us firm footing, and delivers us from evil.

Abba God, thank You for encouragement - even when it seems to take too long. Give me faith to believe You always are on time with the best and most timely word and that You give me the strength I need. Remind me focus on truth, what is right, pure and worth of praise. Give me a heart which seeks to praise You continually, remembering what You have done for me. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 1)

This week, we’re considering 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. (I hope you’re working on Phil 4:8-9 with me, too!)

1. Beauty is just around the corner; you never know where you’ll find it. Sometimes beauty shakes our core being, but more often it gives us a glimpse of the peace offered to us by Jesus. It’s in nature, human-creativity, and in people. Beauty lives in the best - and the worst - of places. 

beauty

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Beauty brings me to a place of wonder and joy. How incredible His love must be for me – and you – that He would create this world for us to enjoy and seek His face. He gives us glimpses of our homeland that we will see one day soon. He does not leave us sitting in ashes or focusing on dross. No, He gives us so much more to consider and dwell on.

Abba God, thank You for beauty - even when I struggle to see it. Give me eyes to see beauty You created in my life. Give me the desire to look for beauty and dwell on it. Use beauty to remind me to focus on You and whatever is lovely. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items necessary to believer's growth and survival (intro)

Travelling is one of my favorite pastimes. Learning experiences, fun memories, the invaluable reflections on life… Ahhh. You might not agree with me; that’s ok. I think you’ll still find some nuggets of reflection applicable to you this week.

I recently visited a little town in the middle of “nowhere.” Nestled in the mountains, it was refreshing to find a simple community, full of peaceful country charm and a rich history – still a secret from most of the world. Beautiful.

This week, I’ll be sharing 3 items which are common to all of us, no matter where we are or how old we are. From lovely “nowhere” to Calcutta slums to the Grand Canyon to the beach… these three items are necessary for us believers, in both our survival and our maturity.

Today, let’s just soak in these two verses. I’m aiming to learn Phil. 4:8-9 by heart this week. You’re more than welcome to join me!

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

Goodness! Gracious!

Ever say that?

"Goodness, gracious!"

I'm not sure where the saying originated - and being that I was only a southerner for a few years of my life - it's funny that I even use the term.

I used to try to make myself stop the bad habit, but one day I realized that

I need help
(I know, you're SO SURPRISED, aren't you.)

I need help to remember

God is goodness.
God is gracious. 

So, when I'm frazzled, before "Goodness..." is finished on my lips, I've recently trained myself to say to myself, "Even though I'm frazzled & things aren't going my way. It's still true, that God is good. His goodness is with me. Even now in this very instance. He says His grace is sufficient." Then, I ask for His help.

I know this isn't the best of habits, and eventually I do hope to be "mature" enough of my strong rudder of a tongue. Meanwhile, I think it's ok to use some bad habits to kick-start good thinking. My Abba's grace is greater than my weakness, and I think He's pleased that I'm trying to develop good habits to replace those bad ones.

So, fellow sistas.... how about it? Is there something you frequently think or say that could become your jump start to transformed thoughts, taken captive according to Christ Jesus?

Abba God, You are good. You are gracious. Your grace IS enough in all circumstances. I do believe, and ask for help in the places of doubt which still permeate my live. Thank You for saving me completely from all that is not of You... and for assurance that You will finish what You have begun in me. Let my lips continue to learn to finish the sentence in the moments which test me. In Jesus' name...