Intimacy

Sometimes we are caught up in what we need to do, out of obedience... we entrench ourselves in survival mode while mortar shells are flying overhead. Maybe we aren't necessarily caught up in the doing (today), but in some other overwhelming matter than claims to shackle us to a wall. 

We forget that there is a quiet, private room where only two can fit... cozy, not claustrophobic. Where Jesus waits for us, desiring to fill our tea cups, to warm us, to assure us, to give us all we need for today's battles. Where He gives us the good gifts of peace and joy... 

John 4:10a "if you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

Father God, help us tell our souls to be still... to rest in the beautiful and strong assurance of Jesus. Give us the courage to sit still before You for a few minutes longer... to breathe deeply from Your provision and blessing. Give us courage to close the door on all the noise and trust that You really are God - wisest, highest, most able, and completely faithful to finish the work You've begun in our lives and in this world. In Jesus' name... 

On whom God's favor rests. A Shepherd's Joy Series (3)

When I read about the heavenly choir's song, it completely makes sense to me that the angels gave glory to God when Jesus was born. Yet, their blessing of peace intrigues me.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth

peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:13-14, NIV

"... on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." - NAS

What does this mean? On whom DOES God’s favor rest? With whom is He pleased? 

Throughout the Old Testament, God shows mankind what pleases Him: live right out of a holy fear, love mercy and justice. These things were more important than sacrifices. In the New Testament, Scripture clearly states God is set apart and all of us have fallen short.

In this verse - the only occurrence of this particular word/form - "eudokia" is the idea of God taking good pleasure in showing His kindness. It's the same idea, spoken throughout Paul's letters especially, that God extends His good will toward mankind because He wanted to. 

"... on earth peace, good will toward men." - KJV

And I am reminded... This proclamation is BIG! Revolutionary! NEW! 

No longer will mankind have to try to attain God's favor.

It's God's kind intention... Undeserved.

That's something to celebrate! Joy to the world, indeed!

Abba God, thank You for sharing the big news with the shepherds and for "changing the rules" so we can know You. I'm so thankful for your gift of Jesus. Soften my heart more each year to the amazing NEW promise You gave through Jesus. Thank You for showing me The Way. Your kindness is beyond my comprehension... When I dwell on knowing You and your kindness forever, I am humbled. Who am I? Wow... Speak clearly with your grace and truth to those around me who don't yet know your peace. As I wait, I will continue to say, "Glory to God in the highest!" For You reconciled us to You through Christ Jesus, bringing us peace and favor in His sight! Hallelujah! In Jesus' name...

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's not about what I need to do!

Today, I can rejoice because of what He’s done and will do. Focusing on myself is a dead end. It’s not about what I need to do. No, it’s all about what HE has already done, is doing, and will do.  

All that I struggle with is NOTHING in light of HIM and what HE has done. His grace – what I don’t deserve – is so rich that it makes King Solomon’s treasures look poor. His mercy – not giving me what I do deserve – is mightier than a tsunami. His love is deep. His provision is overflowing. His promises are true. His wise and holy Spirit advises me. His own Son saved me from slavery and death.

Abba made me the object of Jesus' affection. I am Jesus’ Beloved, and He is mine. He tenderly showers me with His affections, patiently teaching me perfect love. His pure intentions are assurances that cannot be revoked or altered. 

As in all relationships, I still have the choice to draw closer or pull away. Daily I must practice trust. You may timidly wonder, "Can I really trust Him?" Oh, sweet sister, it is alright to ask! Abiding isn't running away from fear. Those who abide ask that question daily, and follow up with their answer. "Yes, He is faithful and true. He is trustworthy. He can and will transform me into Christ's image. I will obey Him, trusting that He will finish what He's begun in me."

He knows I am weak. He gives me strength to do what He calls me to do. He enables me to obey, teaching me to:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7, NASB

Abba God, to You belong all blessing, honor, glory, and power forever. There’s nothing I can do to make You love me more. Oh, how I want to please You! It seems all You are asking me to do is trust You. I can only obey when I trust You. Open my eyes to see the treasure trove of your perfect love (You’ve saved me, You love me daily, You watch over me, You’ve made me right & clean in your sight, etc). Teach me to open that treasure chest daily and bask in your love. Thank You for saving me through Christ Jesus and for promising to finish the work You started! Give me courage to trust You when I’m tempted to fear or hold to old lies. I do believe. Help me in my unbelief! All my answers that I seek are in Christ Jesus; He is truth, light, and life. Through Him all things exist, which were brought into being. Praise and honor to You, Abba God, for You are so incredibly worthy. I love You. In Jesus’ name… 

I don't know, but He does.

"There's nothing I can tangibly do, beyond watch and pray."

I find myself saying this more regularly, and it bothers me. Not the words, but the condition of my heart. You see, I've been saying this with great despair and resignation. Fear whether God can truly provide and love those I care about in their time of need (or for myself, for that matter). 

Yes, I know Abba God is crazy in love with people. He sent His precious Son as proof. Yet I question His faithfulness. He has never betrayed me, instead He's lifted me up. He was able to raise Jesus from the dead, yet I question His ability to provide, protect, and transform His own into the image of Christ Jesus. How ludicrous I must sound! 

Yet, I know I'm not alone in the struggle to trust God. Job and his friends struggled in the waiting. Abraham took matters into His own hands more than once. Peter cut off a man's ear. Moses struck the rock. Jesus' mother and brothers tried to control Him. The Bible lists many who struggled with faith. Hope of promises unseen. Love toward strangers (Can you imagine being told to love unclean Gentiles as a Jew?). Yes, the struggle is common. At least I don't have to feel too embarrassed for my lack of faith. Still, I'm sad that I am so quick to misjudge God's love or ability when I don't see Him act fast enough...  

Abba God, I'm dumbfounded when I consider how patiently You watch me and wait for me to just settle down and abide. I suppose I prefer fumbling around down here because it gives me the false sense of control. Truly, all I need is You and I'd be much more at peace if I simply rested in your presence. Give me the courage to believe that You do hear my prayers and are faithful to act on behalf of those who are your own. Thank You for faithfully reminding me of this truth: "I don't know the answer, but I know the One who does." Thank You for always bearing with me and loving me in spite of my attitude or lack of faith. You are holy and true, noble and pure. I know deep inside that I can trust You. Thank You for sending Jesus to be my Beloved and for the promise that He will return for me! In His name... 

Peace that lasts...

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – Jn 14:27

Ever pondered the facial expressions when Jesus delivered the news to the disciples about His upcoming departure? “I’m leaving, but don’t worry. I’ll send a replacement…” 

The disciples must have been perplexed, and unsure about this news. This is NOT what they signed up for. But, maybe Jesus was leaving to get reinforcements to help Him set up His kingdom on earth. There’s no way they could have understood what this meant, or what was to come. Did they wonder if they’d ever see Him again?

I wonder if Jesus was both saddened by their lack of faith, amused by their human eagerness (which could not do anything apart from Him), and maybe even thinking, “Oh, my little sheep, you will soon see and believe and understand…” 

Surely He powerfully spoke into their deepest parts a truth which they wouldn’t grasp until much later.  

“Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

I wonder how long it’ll be before I grasp this truth myself… that this peace isn’t a whim, a short-term feeling, or even something to be attained. It’s a promise meant to be believed, repeated throughout Scripture, throughout centuries – one I’m quick to forget.

So, in this moment, I choose to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Joshua 1:9, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Matthew 6:25-34

Psa119:151, Psa 145:18, Heb 10:37, Jas 5:8

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Abba God, You are the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. I ask in His name that You equip my sisters (and myself) with everything good for doing your will, that You give them peace at all times and in every way, and that You work in us what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Two Roads: Curse or Blessing

This is what the Lord says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Beloved sister, do you see? Every one of us has the choice between two paths. The destinations are vastly different and the choice is yours and mine. 

I can’t speak for you, but I sure do want that luscious jewelry-fruit, along with the opportunity to dangle my leg-roots into the babbling brook while my ever-green hand-leaves praise my Father in heaven! 

However, I know that confidence in Him and freedom from worry is not cheap or easy. I must place all my trust and all that I care about in His really big, strong, capable hands. It’s going to take time and practice, but I’ve got a great Teacher!

Abba God, thank You for your promises and generous grace toward us. We don’t deserve to be your children, and we are grateful! Give us hearts which are steadfast to trust in YOU alone, choosing to believe You are faithful and able to provide nourishment and strength for each situation. Give us courage to stand firm in faith no matter what. We give You all the honor, glory, and praise - only You are worthy! In Jesus’ name… 

Anger or peace?

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Thanks be to God!

I feel alone. BUT He is with me.

I feel conquered, BUT He is for me and makes me victorious.

I feel weak, unable to endure, BUT He strengthens me to do the very thing I thought I couldn’t do.

I feel angry because of hurts or disappointments. BUT He has shown ME grace for my transgressions against Him. He is holy, when I was sinful. He regarded me in my lowly state. 

The blood of Christ Jesus gives me the right to be God's child AND the right to citizenship in His great kingdom. I will not walk in disappointment or anger, for God is love and He lives me in. I choose to put to death fleshly desires to proclaim my rights. For I must boast only of Christ Jesus. My life is in Him alone. HE is my everything. All else must die. 

Abba, thank you for saving me, for paving a way for me to live rightly before you. Thank you for promises of peace, scattered throughout your holy word. Give me courage to stand firm in your ways and to forsake all that's not of you. No matter what. For your glory. Always. Every day. In Jesus' name... 

Is that yolk on your face?

I don't know about you, but there are many times when I feel yolked instead of yoked. 


Rotten eggs are stinky, embarrassing, and downright messy (yuck!). Not something you'd like to walk around with. On the one hand, I know that I'm Abba's precious child. On the other hand, I can't grasp how much He loves me and accepts me, so I act as if I'm covered in yolks. 


I suppose that imagery's what has been drawing me back to  Matthew 11:25-30 over and over through the last couple of years. Have you ever thought about Jesus' yoke? I've always pictured a clumsy me, awkwardly attempting to pick up a cumbersome (smelly) oxen yoke, only to crumble under its weight. 


The other day, I was blessed with a new mental picture, one which I think I'll keep.


Jesus was in the yoke beside me (which was very lightweight and didn't stink the way I thought it would), and he was patiently (with a twinkle in his eye) instructing me on the next task I was to do... as if he were instructing a toddler on how to plant his first seed in the ground. The sky was a pretty blue, the butterflies were fluttering all around, and the sun was just right. And there was peace. (Do you hear the beautiful music in the background? It really was lovely.)


So, I reread Matthew 11... noticing that Jesus made this proclamation to anyone listening immediately after declaring woes to those who refused to listen to truth. How amazing is our Savior, that He would not stop with statements of destruction. He went on to thank Abba for teaching babes. Then He offers rest, acceptance, and training to those who will learn from Him. 


Did He not say that He came to give us life? He didn't come to smear your face in guilt, fear, despair. He came to give you a hope, joy, peace, and every spiritual blessing. So, don't think of yourself as being yolked (embarrassed, smelly, and unclean). Think of yourself as YOKED. 



²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from thewise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. ²⁷All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

   ²⁸ “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”


Abba, you're the best! Thank you for promising me what I have yet to grasp. Thank you for walking right here with me, every day, loving me and accepting me AS IS... NO MATTER WHAT. In Jesus' name...

I am HIS. A long, but necessary post, even if it only benefits me.

This extra post is only for those who are

weary … or … fearful … or …

running … or …faking until they make it …

If you have “it all together,” don’t bother reading this (until you’re ready for it, cause we all come to a place of despair sooner or later).

A recent loss shook my world in ways I didn't expect. Facing different waves of emotions, I somehow closed my heart off to God. Not completely. Just in certain areas. I allowed my heart to become very guarded against God's love... Maybe I was afraid that God would ask too much of me? Maybe I felt that if I protected myself from God's love, that I wouldn't have to feel more pain? I really don't like to feel pain...  

Yet, if it weren't for the pain, I doubt I'd understand joy. I don’t understand how or why, but it seems to me that the emotions of joy and pain intertwine. When I accept pain (ugh), I face it and accept Abba’s plan for my life – even if He would choose to slay me. Not a pleasant thought.

In fact, it’s downright scary! To lay my life, my dreams, my wants, my hopes, my “rights” down – the point of NOoooo return??? Well, OF COURSE it’s easier to close my heart up and only delve into shallow waters! To only love God to the 4’ mark, instead of diving into 30’ waters. To close the door to further cross-carrying, than to open that heavy squeaky door that’s covered over with interwoven ivy-weeds of Fear and Worry who continue to shout “SHUT THE DOOR!”

I can’t do anything to bring back the one I’ve lost. I can’t change my circumstances (the ones which I know God’s put in my life for this season). But I can choose to let my heart melt or harden in the hands of the One who was, and is, and is to come.

So, tell me. Like me, have you been guarding your heart lately - from people, or more importantly, from the Lover of your soul? [Are you afraid? Good! You’re alive then. Fear reminds us that faith is required for the next step. And I, for one, think that the struggle is HARD and WORTH it. When we face the struggle and tell God we CAN’T, but we WANT to… that’s Jehovah’s business, ladies!!!]

So, my fellow Marthas, let’s remember together how to sit and listen, like Mary did. Hang up your “stuff” & your “doings” for a while. Rest in Jesus, so that your goings and doings become an outpouring of a relationship so much deeper than the one you’ve been trying to make happen.

He wants you to simply BE. 

BE yourself. Trust HIM for the rest. 

I encourage you to find a quiet time – ALONE - to listen to You're My Beloved (under 4 minutes); just focus on Abba and your relationship together. Rest in Him. Cast off those cares. Forget all your responsibilities for the moment. Hear His heart beat for you. Allow your heart to melt before the awesome - and TENDER - Father Creator, who loves you so incredibly much. 

Now, I know I'll get in trouble from at least one if I don't suggest tissues (you know who you are. Tee hee.). Some of you aren't emotional gals, and I understand that. However, may I ever so gently suggest – if you don't tear up at all while focusing on Abba's love for you – could it be that you're allowing your heart to be hard and guarded? Maybe we all would be wise to ask Him to melt those guarded lesions on our hearts before we listen, and take the time to listen again & again until we finally melt in His arms. (As with all of MY words, take or leave them... What Abba says is what really matters.)

Abba, we need you to melt our hearts. Teach us who You are & who you see when you see us. Teach us to soak in your love & to rest in your tenderness. Heal our brokenness, pour salve where we're hardened, and give us courage to look into your eyes. Give us strength to lay down ourselves and to fully abide in Christ Jesus alone - until He's our everything and nothing else matters. In Jesus' name... 

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30, The New Living Translation

Let's share comfort and love with the grieving...

Seems like every Fall, a group of teens is killed in our area. It's tragic and my heart breaks for the families and friends affected. A recent accident of this nature has been stirring around in my heart - the reminder of so many who are hurting and afraid to ask for prayers, because everyone forgets grief lasts a long time. It isn't something you can just "get over" or "move on from." Your life is NEVER the same.

It seems especially hard to face loss around a holiday. Traditions, decorations or music shared... so many reminders of our loved ones. This deep void can be so confusing when so much "happiness" is expected from us during the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasons. What a conflict! Grief vs. celebration. And society does not understand - or remember - that a loved one was lost. 

However, we who are in the body of Christ have hope! We not only have a sympathetic friend and brother (Jesus), a Father in heaven who knows our every tear, a great Comforter (the Holy Spirit), AND a large family of brothers and sisters on earth. We have the assurance that Abba uses everything we face to mold us into the image of Jesus.We ALSO have a promise that our pain's never wasted. 

1 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear sisters, let us be very careful to comfort others who are in need of comforting this season. Is there someone you know who lost a loved one in the last few years who may need an extra dose of encouragement during Christmas? We don't have to "fix" them, we just need to be a friend who lends a hug, sends a card, or simply prays fervently for them.

Abba, thank you SO MUCH for the spiritual blessings you've given us! Thank you for:

• the friend we have in Jesus. 
• being our ever-watchful and loving Abba! 
• your Spirit who so diligently encourages and comforts us. 
• for our family in Christ.

Many of us have been hurt badly by someone in the body of Christ. Help us forgive & let those hurts go. Give us courage (YOUR strength in our weakness) to allow others into our lives AND to love someone who might be hurting around us. May you be glorified in our lives as we look for open doors to share our hope that's in Jesus! In HIS name...

He wants one thing from me.

Oh, Abba. I need your grace. I feel surrounded on all sides. Demands abound all around! But, YOU only want one thing.

Good news for daughters of the King! (Warrior Princess Series)

Dear daughter of the King, I have some good news for you today.

Whatever struggle you face today... it does not define you. 

Peace beyond comprehension (Warrior Princess Series)

May our Prince of Peace strengthen you through His Word today!

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Lessons about contentment, peace, and trust are everywhere in my life right now. Maybe some of the increased frequency is due to Thanksgiving? Regardless, The Lord's been training me on these for a LONG TIME. Maybe I have a thick bunker-grade skull? Whatever the reason, let’s just say that this Warrior Chick has a long way to go in those areas. So, what better topic to delve into for study and share? Ha!