The Plan

Jesus came with a mission. 

To rescue us. To keep His Father's Word. 

In the garden, Jesus had to face the reality of what He would soon face. 

Arrest. 

Torture. 

Humiliation. 

Loneliness. 

Death.

Why would He even consider going through with The Plan? 

Twice during His arrest, He answered the "Why."

To a friend and follower, 

[You know I could stop this,] "But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

Then, to the crowds, 

"But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” Matthew 26:54, 56a NLT

Jesus came to do what His Father had been promising to do. 

To rescue us from sin. From death. To set us free. To show us true love than gives abundant life. Freedom. 

Our life came at His great cost. 

Nothing could stop Him.

He kept His Word. 

Chains are broken. We are free. 

Father God, thank You for being faithful. You promised to send a Messiah to give people light, hope, and freedom. You kept Your Word! Thanks for being trustworthy and powerful enough to do what You said You're going to do. For giving us freedom from sin, death, from evil. For unfathomably loving us to depths we have yet to grasp. Father, as we reflect on these matters, increase our faith and increasingly love others through us. Give us opportunities to share our stories and share our hope. We trust that You will continue to do all that You haven't yet done, because You are faithful! Be glorified as we cry "Holy, Holy, Holy is The Lord God Almighty. Who was, who is, and is to come." We declare that all blessing, honor, glory, and power belong to You. In Jesus' name. 

Hard is Hard

Hard is hard. It stinks. But God - there's always a "but God" - He gives us tools we can use to get stronger through those hardships. Like King Asa, we have choices to make when we need face hard times.

"Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 NIV

Remember how God helped you through impossible circumstances before. He is faithful to you. He has walked you through hard before! Unsure how He helped you? Ask Him to show you. He won't zap you for this, I promise!

Remember the cost of not relying on God. Learn from others' choices. Learn from your own choices. (Have we not all chosen to trust ourselves or another human more than God at some point?)

Each time we remember God's faithfulness and the cost of not depending on Him, the choice to trust Him gets easier.

Choose to believe truth… God will strengthen you! He is with You!

See also: Romans 8:31-35 and Philippians 3:10-14

Father, thank You for walking us through hard! For giving us courage to face giants! For giving us faith that continues to increase. Help us finish each hard trial well. Convict us when we don't want to hear Your correction - when pride tries to rule in our hearts. Give us pliable, reachable hearts. We long to honor You and ask that You have YOUR way in us! 

We give You our hard circumstances and agree with You  that, being covered by the blood of Jesus, we are not defined by circumstances. Jesus is our circumstance!!! Jesus is our provision, our sustenance, our life abundant!!! Thank You! 

I ask a special blessing over those facing what seems impossible and mighty. Speak encouragement into their souls. Heal hurts. Strengthen weak knees. Help us in the Body of Christ to encourage one another as we wait for Jesus’ return. Let us finish well together!  In Jesus’ name!  

Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

(This is a long post. My heart is bursting and I deeply desire that The Body of Christ be encouraged in these truths!) 

I've been deeply reflecting on faith and hope these last few weeks. 

Faith and hope are focused on what we cannot see, but what is real nonetheless. 

We are constantly encouraged throughout God's Word - dare I say - urged to take hold of faith. To believe. To hope. 

Abraham "hoped against hope". Shadrach & friends told Nebuchadnezzar that God was able to save them, but even if He didn't that they would not bow. Paul & Silas singing praises to God in jail, confident that God was more powerful than their circumstances. Also, the many written of in Hebrews 11. 

Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

Truly we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and are not alone!!! Throughout history, how many people lived fully in awe of God whom we never hear about? Quiet lives who do His work and don't have books written of them. Yet they obeyed and impacted lives around them through their faith... 

Truly, God is at work in His Kingdom here on earth and He is helping us all to do the good works He has given us to do - whether our good work appears clearly to others or not is not the issue. God is revealed through us to those whom God is drawing to Him as we go about His business. 

In all these things, can we not rejoice today? Can we not celebrate His goodness to work in and through us? 

Dear friends, there is something even greater for us to rejoice in! 

When the 70 came back excited from their missionary excursions, Jesus instructed them to have Godly perspective in their victories.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."” Luke 10:19-20 NASB

Crazy! They had power from The Son of the Real God (not a made up god like cultures around them worshipped). BUT!!!! There was a GREATER gift to celebrate. Their names were written in the Book of Life. They were secure in Christ! 

We also are secure in Christ! We do not shrink back! We are the chosen and equipped warriors of God who seek His face. We work in His strength. We find refuge and encouragement in Him. We are made right with our Maker through Jesus and given authority and power to do the work God gives us to advance His kingdom against the gates of hell. 

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 NIV

The church will not be overcome. She is the Body of Christ. Jesus is in us and overflowing though us. Jesus has all God-given authority and He has given this to His followers so we can do the work God gives us to do. Our names are written in the Book of Life. Nothing can separate us from God's love.

“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 NIV

Father God, You are glorious! Mighty! Holy! You have not only saved us from sin and death, but also given each of us work to do today. We all have different jobs to do, and all are important. Speak through us to the lives around us. Let our lives be so full of Your Holy Spirit that even strangers would notice and be drawn to You. Open our eyes to opportunities to share Jesus, using words when necessary. Love boldly through us. Reach the individuals who feel lost and unloved. Let them know You are aware of them and that Your love for them is pure. Heal those with diseases, and if not healing in this lifetime, we ask for a mighty outpouring of Jesus through them. Give increased faith to those struggling with anxiety and depression, that they can build their 'believing muscles' today. Thank You for working in our lives and giving us work to do... That we get the awesome opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus with others! In Jesus' name.

Stars Also

Occasionally an author or speaker will share a discovered understatement that rocks my world. [Thanks to author Randy Alcorn for this one!]  

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. “

Oh, and by the way,

"He created the stars also."

Like an afterthought. Easy. What? Wait. 

The box – which I didn’t think I had put God in – is being shattered. 

The God who created the sun and the moon 

– oh yeah, the stars also – 

is my dearest Abba. 

My Abba is The Creator, with infinite creativity and power.

Our Abba God MADE THOSE colors and heavenly bodies in the sky. He set into motion all the rules that scientists are still trying to decipher.

When was the last time you made time to meditate on – and let yourself be astonished by Him?

His character… abilities… imagination … strength… desire for you.

His choice to save… to lean in to hear your hearts’ cry… to meet you in that desert.

Dear friend, THIS is our Father.

The more we consider Him, the easier it is to trust Him and to cast our cares on Him.

Abba God, I don’t want to settle for a lesser version of You! You can do, are doing, and will do more than we can think or imagine. Give us a bigger faith, courage to ask, and conviction that You are able. Don’t let fear keep us from asking. You extend grace with each answer – even with each “No.” Shatter our small understanding of who You are. Help us pray big prayers. In Jesus’ name… 

He meets us!!!

I've been reading through the Gospels chronologically. Following Jesus' resurrection, I have been captivated by the reactions of the followers of Jesus.

Wanna know what hit me today, in John 20?  

We ALL struggle with doubt. We ALL need God's help to believe. 

...and...

HE meets us all in different ways. 

Hope & Joy Will Come

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. (Matthew 28:1 NASB)

Confused. Frustrated. Saddened.

Maybe even angry. It doesn't seem right.

What we expected God to do, 

Didn't go as planned.

Have we misunderstood? What now?

Dear Abba God, as our life unfolds, obstacles rise and confuse us. Give us strength to do what we know to do (as the women did, preparing to embalm Jesus, not knowing He had risen) and to endure the period of active waiting. 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 

Meet us there in that place of obedience, when we are confused and waiting for You to unfold more of Your plan. Prepare our hearts for Your answer when it does come. Strengthen our hands and feet for our work. 

And behold, 

Jesus met them and 

greeted them. 

And they came up and 

took hold of His feet and 

worshiped Him. 

Give us hearts that seek YOU more than the plan itself-more than all we care about in this world. Let our hearts consider often the joy set before us, when we meet Jesus face to face. Fill our hearts with a desire to worship You!

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me." (Matthew 28:5-10 NASB)

Give us courage to believe, to trust You, and to do the work You gave us to do. Help us to cast down all thoughts that are not of You. Speak through us - in words, attitudes, and actions - as we look for opportunities to share The Good News of Jesus. Have Your way in us Abba. In Jesus' name...

Lord, we don't understand!

The crowd then answered Him, "We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light." These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them. (John 12:34-36 NASB)

Lord, we have heard...

How can this be?

We don't understand,

Didn't You say...

Where did You go? 

Did we misunderstand?

Your reply doesn't make sense to us.

What do we do now?

Abba God, just like those in John 12, we have heard Scripture and we understand it a certain way. When what we learned doesn't fit Your plans, give us strength to endure the waiting, standing firm in our faith. Change our perspective and increase our faith. We know You are all wise, good, kind. We believe You are faithful to finish what You began! In us. In this world. Help us encourage each other in The Body. Thank You for Your written Word, for promising to come for us, and for promising that the trials we endure and the good works You give us are useful in Your hands - never in vain. In Jesus' name.

What if...

What if...

Each time we cried out, "Abba!"

He whispered "Your answer is coming."

Yet we couldn't - or weren't willing to - hear.

 

What if...

When we needed Him the most,

He was there, right there beside us?

Yet we weren't ready to accept His embrace.

 

What if...

When we cried ourselves to sleep,

He was willing to comfort and wipe our tears, 

Yet we would not be consoled.

 

What if...

Every time we asked for help, He said "Yes,"

Yet we couldn't accept the way He answered

- His absolute best -

and we said, "No."

 

Abba God, please don't let us be so caught up in our desires - whatever they are - that we want anything more than YOU. Give us the courage to throw off all hindrances, including what "we" think the answers should be. Change our perspectives. Give us strength to endure. Increase our faith. We can relate with Martha: we do believe that You can, yet we struggle in the waiting. We are disappointed when the answers aren't what we'd hoped for. Let our hearts be always soft toward You, and emptied of all that is not of You. We pray in Jesus' name - His powerful, pure, and faithful name.

 

So when [Jesus] heard that [Lazarus] was sick,

He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.

John 11:6 

Martha then said to Jesus,

"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."
John 11:21, NASB

(If you don't know the rest of the story, read the John 11: 22+. It's good stuff!)

Unbelief

In Mark 6:1-6, we're told Jesus was not accepted in his own hometown, even by his family. 

I understand why the siblings of Jesus had trouble with what Jesus was doing.

Mary... how perplexed she must have been!

She knew the Torah and the Prophesies, but they weren't adding up to what the leaders had been teaching. Jesus wasn't acting like a King who would usurp Roman rulers.

She knew Jesus was God's Son. Mary had birthed Him, as a virgin.

She had heard the prophesies over Him when he was merely a babe.

Gabriel himself gave her the message of who this child was to become.

She saw Elizabeth's pregnancy in her old age - that was definitely a miracle!
God had protected their family more than once, by guiding Joseph through dreams to move to safety.
 

Yet... when Jesus was in full-time ministry, she couldn't grasp God's big plan in the midst of her preconceived ideas. It didn't make sense.

30 years is a long time to wait to see what God would do through Jesus. 

It's a long time when family members who heard the message of God and saw the miracles aren't living anymore - she was the last witness alive.

It's a long time when countless people whom you do life with - leaders, friends, and family - are focused on their personal gain and freedom from Roman rule.

Abba God, when we wait on You - for answers, for healing, for help, for wisdom, for a paycheck... Whatever we are waiting for, let us hold unswervingly to YOU. Don't let us get confused by people who are muttering, shouting lies, or questioning what we know You have told us. Help us remember that You alone are faithful and trustworthy. Even when we don't understand & it doesn't look like we thought it would, we can count on You to do what You promised.

Joyful When I Feel Lost?

There’s no warm up in Psalm 33. It’s a full-blown “Hallelujah! Let’s get up and praise God!” kind of song.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

“What about when life feels so hard? What if I don't want to? Why should I?”

 

Those days to go back to the foundational training, the questions we've all had to answer in our faith journey. Is God who He says He is? Will He do what He said He'd do? Is His Word true?

 

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Let’s switch gears a bit… Imagine for a moment that you are a pilot. Trained by the best, and given all the resources you need to fly successfully. Each time you fly, you have choices. Do what you’ve been trained to do... or wing it. Pardon the pun. Be sure to use that instrument panel; flying by sight alone, especially in bad weather, can get you killed.

Do you see the parallel to life?

We can choose to "fly blind" by emotion or use the instruments God provides for proper perspective. He is the Master Trainer. He made the rules of the universe and knows how to help us navigate life.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap...

For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

 

Believing these verses are true, what can we do when we feel lost in a cloudy mess?

1. Breathe. Take a breath. Breathing helps us separate THIS moment from the moment we just left. It gives us a bit of oxygen to think better. Breathing is good.

2. Trust. Get your bearings and trust those instruments. Remember what God’s taught you and choose to trust Him.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

...the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 

3. Remember grace is on-going.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

 

…I am confident of this very thing,

that He who began a good work in you

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6, NASB

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 

Somehow, in all of life's messes, Abba God meets us - FAITHFULLY. We might not FEEL peace or joy today. We don't know when we'll come through the clouds to a blue sky. Yet we have TRUTH printed on pages that we can pick up. We are held in the hands of a mighty God who is much, much bigger and stronger than any storm we face.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

That is why we can, and will...

Sing joyfully to the LORD...
it is fitting for [us] to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 

Abba God, You are beautiful. The way You work is beautiful. I'm so glad You know what I face and how to get me through today. Remind me when I look at the sky, that You are the One who made all I see... and when I look down, that You direct my paths. Give me the courage to praise You even in the storms. Have your way in me, Abba God. I know I can trust You. Help me live like it.Sustain those who are weary. Bind us the wounds of those who love You. In Jesus' name.

- Scripture portions from Psalm 33

Mary knew (2)

Up until Gabriel’s visit, Mary probably didn’t have to make many, if any, choices on her own. Now she had a big choice to make. Welcome to the big leagues.

 

Ever feel like your life has been turned upside down by a big decision? Play it safe, or say “Yes” to an Almighty God and jump into the wild unknown, hoping somehow He will provide the path and resources to get through? 

 

Mary knew she had a choice.

 

She chose to put her faith in the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Calling herself a bondslave wasn’t an accident. It meant that she was choosing to remain in service to her master instead of choosing her freedom. She was saying, “I am yours forever, Lord, do as you see fit.”

 

Major faith junctions help define who we will become and impact others. Only Abba knows whose life is changed by my choices - and yours. May He help us chose to always say "YES" to Him.

 

Abba God, thank You for Mary’s example. She chose to trust You. Help me to trust You today – not worrying about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own. Have your way in me, Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).

 

Faith in the name of Jesus.

In Acts 3, a lame man begs Peter and John for alms, but they don't have money to give. Instead, Peter gives the man the biggest surprise of his life!

What did Peter attribute the healing to? 

"And on the basis of faith in His name,

it is the name of Jesus

which has strengthened this man whom you see and know;

and the faith which comes through Him ..."

"...by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene... by this name

this man stands here before you in good health. - Acts 3:16 and 4:10, NASB

Healing wasn't the only thing that came to the lame man. More importantly, he was given faith. And it wasn't by any good works, that any man could boast. It was a gift from God.

We all ask God for "alms" of some sort in our lives - some kind of change - and our Good Father gives us more than we can imagine or hope for.

God swoops in and surprises us with faith on the most ordinary of days. While it's not usually a dramatic "event," we are all witnesses to Him giving us more faith over time, which is quite a huge deal if you ask me.

Life where death and sin used to hold us captive.
A tiny spark of joy during a time of deep sadness.
The calm steadfast peace where anxiety used to rear its debilitating head.
A strong certain hope where fear used to reign.

Jesus is the Author of our faith. He initiated; we only responded.  

Jesus is the Finisher of our faith. He will continue to perfect our faith! Nothing we can do, beyond obedience.

Jesus said He came to give us abundant life. He prunes, He provides the fruit. We keep choosing to abide. His POWERFUL and ABLE Word is true, and He is faithful to finish what He started.  

 

Abba God, You are so good to me!

When I take the time to thoughtfully ponder Jesus....

to consider this gift of faith in Jesus' name...

Faith which comes through Jesus. 

Oh Abba, who am I, that You would do this for me? While I'm grateful for the faith You have given me, I am grieved the times I struggle to believe your powerful Word. I do believe, help me in my unbelief! By the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene - by His name and not because of anything we deserve - strengthen all of us in the Body of Christ. Give us courage to trust You and to believe that You will give us all we need to live by faith instead of by sight. In Jesus' name...

Trust in The Lord (Warrior Princess Series)

Greetings, dear friends. I’m taking a break from my journey to share some truths our Beloved King shared with me recently, as promised.

I certainly hope that you are not disappointed by what I will share, as maybe you’ve already learned these truths. They are from old, and I’ve seen these words many times. Still, until The King opened my eyes, I was unable to perceive the fullness. That said, I beg your indulgence if you have already learned this in your daily training.

In this world we are like Jesus.

Wait a minute. Who? Me?
I’m like Christ Jesus in this world? Even though I still wage war against sin? Even though I seem to daily forget how important it is to be patient, kind, joyful, full of hope and gratitude?
“…as He is, so also are we in this world.” Wow. Isn’t that incredible???
What a blessed gift!
I am a NEW creation. The old is gone. I’m no longer condemned! I’ve been rescued and set upon a rock that cannot be shattered. I am sheltered by the wings of God Almighty. I’m able to talk 24/7 to the Holy One – and He sees me as clean and loveable.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love 1 John 4:17-18
Abba God, thank You for all You have done. Give me eyes to see Truth: who You are, who I am. Give me courage to walk in faith today… to believe that I really am made like Christ Jesus (not ONLY given eternal life, but also meant to live in freedom and holiness). Truly, You are worth more than I can conceive, and I’m humbled that You love me so well. In Jesus’ name….

It is done, though not through my efforts.

Exertion. Labor. Toil. Great effort. The cunning and deceptive Perfection Beast ravaged my soul, threatening to destroy Hope. Dropping to my knees, I cried out to the only One who could save me. I found myself shaking internally with fear. Was the day lost? Suddenly, a blinding light appeared. I opened my eyes to see Despair gone; Hope standing strong. With one spoken Word, my Prince and Savior had sent the beast screaming into the darkness from which he came. HALLELUJAH!!!

These are my mornings. These are my days. Lies torment me, but Truth prevails! From death and sin, Emmanuel saved me once and for all. From lies, trials and tribulations, Jehovah saves me daily. Emotions don’t always cooperate; some days the wait is harder. Maybe my heart’s just stubborn in believing? I don’t know, but I know the One who does know. He is enough.

How precious to know The Lord has said “it is finished”! Today is NOT about what I need to do, or what I am able to accomplish. My work is to abide in Christ Jesus, to rest from my works and trust in His ability to finish the work He’s begun. So, I abide, He produces the fruit. I’m weak, but He is strong. He gives me the strength and ability to do what He planned for me to do. 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." - John 14:1

Abba God, thank You for coming to my aid daily. You are my rock and fortress. You saved me, You love me daily, You watch over me, You made me right and clean in your sight. When I revert to frantically scurrying around in circles, looking for ways to run in circles faster, convict me to “finish the sentence” with truth - following up lies with truth. Your Word is the sword of the Spirit, able to penetrate between bone and marrow. Thank You for promising to finish the work You started! Thank You for making it very clear that my job is abiding in Christ Jesus, trusting that HE WILL do the work in me. In Jesus' name... 

Hello Trouble. I'd like you to meet my Abba.

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears

And delivers them out of all their troubles…

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, 
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” - Psalm 34:17 & 19, NASB

How cool would it be to have my brain so retrained that when trouble comes, I can sweetly smile and say, “Hello Trouble. I’d like you to meet my Abba. Oh, by the way, He’s not just my Abba, He’s God…”  

I will have trouble, but God delivers me out of them all. So, whom – or what – shall I fear? Nothing can separate me from Him. He is my ever present help and comfort. He supplies my strength. He hears me and always has time for me.

My God is BIG, STRONG, and ABLE!

“Hello, Trouble. I’d like you to meet my Abba… “

  

Abba God, How gracious You are to deliver me out of my troubles. Yes, this life has many troubles, but You are faithful and true to bring me through them. They do not have any authority or lasting power over me. Thank You for always hearing me, for continually being present with me, and faithful in answering my cries. You are good, and your love does endure forever! May my lips, thoughts, and actions bring You glory and delight today. In Jesus’ name…  

You may be the only one... (part 2)

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

I simply love to stop and look at trees, but I can’t stop there. I have to touch them, too. Words fail me to describe the joy and refreshment I experience when I touch pine needles (the bluer, the better!) and trace leaf designs.

Yet, I can’t tell you know how many trees I’ve stopped and touched, or which trees I’ve touched in places I’ve frequented. There’s no way I could even begin to figure out which leaves I’ve touched!

I can say that I’ve touched leaves, observed trees and enjoyed the detail God’s put into those trees. I don’t need to know which ones I’ve touched.

So it is with people. I can’t say who or when or where I’ve made a difference… I don’t need to. It’s not my business. It’s not a contest or a checklist to cross off on my way to heaven. Instead, I’d do well to simply trust that God’s so incredibly ABLE to use my life – no matter the circumstances – to bring glory to Him and to “touch a life”. He’ll use me to encourage, enlighten, or edify as He sees fit. He’s so much bigger and wiser than I am – I cannot do anything worthwhile outside of Jesus’ help through His Spirit and His resurrection power! I’d best simply continue to trust Him and not worry if I’m doing enough. He’ll let me know if I’m not.

Abba God, how gracious and kind You are to bless my soul and remind me of You infinite ability to touch lives through me. I’m nothing on my own, and You’re everything good. I want to please You and bring You glory; I’m so thankful that You’ll accomplish this through me! Give me eyes to see truth and courage to stand firm as You use me to reconcile others to You, one little minute at time – just like You use one little leaf on one small tree to change the air I breathe. In Jesus’ name…  

You may be the only one... (part 1)

Recently a Children’s Sunday School teacher shared a precious moment her grandpa gave her as a child. 

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

As I reflect on the countless times I’ve stopped and enjoyed trees, often reaching out to touch the needles or leaves, I honestly don't think I've ever considered the countless leaves no human will ever touch... How many leaves have I touched? Hmmm... How many leaves are on the tree I'm looking at right now? How long would it take one person to touch every leaf on that tree? (There. Now you've had just a glimpse into my brain. lol!)

I love observing the different shapes of trees, leaves, and how they move in the breeze. They are breath-taking reminders of my Abba God who loves me so much. 

Truly, The Lord God is so full of wisdom and grace! I'm humbled when I consider how He made trees to provide for our needs (oxygen, shelter, firewood, pollutant-remover, etc.) and made sure they'd grow again after The Great Flood - in vastly different geographical regions all over the world. He made them plentiful, beautiful, and full of variety. Wow... 

What other blessings has Abba God put into the details of my existence that I’ve missed? 

Abba God, thank You for the details You’ve taken care of in my life – many of which I’m sure I’ve still not noticed. Your perfect love and attention to detail is mind-boggling and brings awe into my heart for You incredible power and wisdom. You are powerful enough to overturn thrones and create this world, yet your giant fingers were full of great care when You knit me together in my mother’s womb. This piece of the world that I see is such a tiny part of the planet, and You’ve provided just want I need to be able to do all that You’ve called me to do while alive. I ask for eyes to see more of Your perfect love in the details of my life, so that I might praise You more each day. In Jesus’ name… 

My life. His way.

The mind of man plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps. – Pr. 16:9 NASB

I make plans in my schedule, goals, relationships, etc. Not much goes as I’ve planned in my life. And that’s ok.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.- Pr. 16:9 NIV

I’ve made lots of plans that never panned out. I suppose it’s like any adventure throughout history. We make plans and preparations, hope for the best, and adapt to survive.

I’m learning that’s ok, too. Abba knows where I need to be – and when. He’s rooted my faith and determined my steps in life. He allows me to make my plans and He aligns them to His plans when necessary.

We plan the way we want to live, 
but only God makes us able to live it. – Pr. 16:9 The Message (Paraphrase)

Abba God, how gracious You are! You know what provisions I need so that I can do what You have planned for me to do. You know when I need to rest and when I need to work. You know when I need times of stretching or times of refreshing. You know how to make my next steps firm and solid. I can rely on You, through all of my plans, to get me where I need to be. Give me wisdom to listen when You whisper and courage to trust You. I want so much for my life to glorify You and point others to Jesus! How can I repay You for your grace, mercy, and kindness? Thank You for loving me and patiently guiding me. I’m so glad You love me and care more about my life than I do. In Jesus’ name and for your glory… 

Worry and Lies (3)

Lie # 3) You’re not good enough. Never will be.

Hmmm… Wait a minute. This one isn’t a lie. Or is it? What does really God say?

Truth: There is none righteous, not even one. – Romans 3:10a

 I don’t have the purity to approach God apart from Christ Jesus.

Truth: “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants…” 2 Cor 3:5-6a, NASB

There’s nothing I can do that’s good enough to get to heaven – the only way in to the presence of God is through Jesus, It’s not about me.

Truth: “… learn from me...” Matt. 11:29

Learning does not mean perfection. It means “Follow me. Stay with me. Remain in me. Seek to know me and love as I have loved you.” It’s a continual process, much like a child’s education. The Disciples were with Jesus Himself for three straight years – in the flesh – and they still were learning how to follow Jesus years later (remember how Paul chastised Peter?).

Time to refocus: Instead of worrying or striving for unrealistic perfection, I choose to accept my weakness and accept Jesus’ ability to finish what He started in me. I choose to swing my foot over to that next foothold in the cliff of life. Even though I can’t reach or see it fully, He’ll help me find just the right place. One step at a time.

Abba God, Thank You for making me righteous and giving me adequacy through Jesus!  Your amazing mercy and grace continue to pierce my heart when I take time to ponder what it is that You’ve done for me. Remind me, when I am tempted to worry, that worry is not my friend – You are! Worry has no authority or claim on my life – You do. You are powerful and holy and pure of heart. You’re gentle, kind, and making sure that good comes out of all trials I face. I truly can choose to trust You – to be still (rest, relax), because You are God and You’ll do what You said You’d do! Truth doesn’t change. I want Jesus to be my everything, and I trust You’ll continue to strengthen our relationship. With praise and gratitude, in Jesus name…