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. 

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... 

Evidence of growth in you!

“For 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

God is working the same lesson of learning to lean hard on Him alone in so many of us! The fire has been turned up 7 times, but we are not consumed. 

We process our "stuff" quieter. Faster. Less flailing of the arms. Less tantrums and blow-ups. We cry out to friends less frequently. Explain our details a little bit less. We have stronger faith. Enduring hope. Increasing peace. Jesus is more real to us than ever before. And it shows.

Our view of community has become more like sprinkles on life to enjoy and cherish - instead of our bread & water to live from. 

Jesus has become our sustenance and our thirst quencher. That is GOOD! 

Press on, dear sisters! For, as the pressure continues, our hope will not fail! God will finish what He began in us and in His kingdom! Praise be to God who sustains us by His Word and ministers to us by His Spirit!

Father God, thank You! Thank You for changing us. For promising to finish what You began! For bringing us hope that endures, greater faith, peace and happiness. Thank You for being our sustainer, encourager, guide, and friend. You are faithful and have loved us so deeply. Fill us to overflowing with the love of Jesus, that we may continue to love You more and share that love with those around us. 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!)

Talking Myself Thru (5) - Grace helps us face HARD

Hopefully you have taken  - or recommitted to - some healthy steps toward a renewed mind:

• Figured out the lies you are typically attacked with
• Found verses to read, pray through, and focus on daily
• Found 1-2 followers of Jesus who will pray with and support you as you learn to take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ
• Chosen and/or created some reminders of God’s faithfulness to you

Our brains are intricately designed, and they hold an incredible amounts of detailed information. Training brains takes time and is a process. Please give yourself time. Abba God is faithful and loves you enough to help you fight this battle. You may find some days are easy and others are hard. Take heart because “

…the one who is in you (Jesus) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).” - 1 John 4:4

I thought it might be helpful to someone who is struggling to know what awful lies used to be engraved in my mind. Maybe you can identify. Maybe you’ll think I’m loony. Regardless, I do hope this helps someone to know you aren’t alone in the battle AND that God is powerful enough to break those chains!   I used to think: 

• I was too awful for God to unconditionally love. I was absolutely terrified God would run out of love toward me one day.
• I wasn’t enough – not good enough, not lovable enough. Sure, maybe a human wanted to be my friend for a short time, but they didn’t stick around. So, why would God be different?
• I was too stubborn - too rebellious – for God to be able to change me, to help me stop sinning.

Yep. Just a few of the big fat lies I believed for way too long. Over time – and much seeking and wrestling with Abba – He has been revealing how His grace is bigger than all of my lack could ever be. 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. – Titus 3:5–8, NASB

His grace justifies us, made us right with God, and made us heirs with Christ Jesus. It motivates us and provides what we need to do today’s work. 

That kind of grace – God’s grace – leads me to hope!

GRACE is a mighty powerful weapon that rejuvenates hope. His grace causes me to be able to say: 

• Because HE loves me and never leaves me, I have hope that HE will help me through the ‘hard’.
• Because HE gives me all I need to do the work HE planned for me to do – because HE will finish what He started, I have hope that He will help me through all that today holds. 

He has loved me on my worst days. He has proven His faithfulness to me over and over again. He loves me right now. Right here, even when….

Abba God, thank you for your grace, for loving me right where I am today. You embrace all of me. Give me eyes to see how deeply you love me. It’s crazy to me to think that in my most embarrassing season of life – in the depth of sinful actions and harmful words – that YOU LOVED ME EVEN THEN. No human can earn your love; I’m so glad I can’t do anything to make you love me more or to drive you away. Help me accept your grace today, to accept that I am OK, valuable, loved and worth having in your family. Teach me how to battle according to Scripture, to trust YOU to be with me, and to never despair. Thank you for forgiving me, for training me so I can live in freedom, and for your perfect love which casts fear far away. I’m not “there” yet, but I’m glad You are taking me there! Help me lean on your strong arms and to trust that your grace is enough. Your love is enough. Jesus is enough. And I can do today, because YOU ARE HERE. You are present and alive and active. You are with me. Thank you for being faithful!!! In Jesus’' name…

Talking Myself through (4) - Remembering

There are two words in particular that help me in the battle for the brain. One is “but” - when I need to “finish the sentence” (mentioned in a past post). The other word is...  

 

Remember.

Think back to the Old Testament, from Abraham to Joshua.

 

How did they remember God’s work on their behalf? What did they use to share their amazing story with others?   

 

Passover Meal: God instituted the Passover Meal for the Israelites to observe and remember when He rescued them out of Egypt (Exodus 12:14). Still observed by many around the world, it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love. What a poignant visual of the ultimate Passover Lamb who saves us from death.  

 

Stones: As I imagine Joshua 4:1-9 unfolding (the sights, smells, sounds), I wonder how awe-struck I might have been if I were a grandchild of someone who had been there. When they took me to the stone memorial and testified to God’s work in their lives, what would it be like to see with my own eyes? I surely would have touched the monument with my own hands. I would have paused to listen to the river and consider what it looked like on the day of their crossing when God cleared the way. What a tangible reminder to share God’s works!  

They weren't the only ones blesses with memorial reminders...  

 

Remember The Cross:

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” - Colossians 1:18, NASB

“and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24, NASB

“And when you were dead in trespasses… He made you alive with Him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.” - Colossians 2:13-14, HCSB

Communion:

“The Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

As humans, we tend to forget. Reminders are good tools.

In addition to the reminders Abba God has given us, mentioned above, I've chosen to "pick up various types of stones" along the way to remind me of God’s answers to my prayers. Memories, tangible objects I can reach out and touch, and places I visit.

• I can almost feel the Bible pages being tossed against my finders by the playful wind as I sat on a bench on a mountaintop when I realized God really did love me.
• One particularly weedy and unkempt sandy knoll has a very special place in my heart. While I didn't "feel" God's presence, I felt stronger in faith... I knew I was in an absolutely lovely and special place, and God knew me by name. I felt safe, valuable, and free from all my cares.
• Then, there's the rock I picked up on the day when I knew His answer was coming swiftly to release me from an obligation I couldn’t carry out any longer.  
• When I struggle with not understanding, I am encouraged by the faith of others who've gone before... and of the beautiful confessions of faith on white-washed tombstones in Salem, NC. Said in many ways, the heart of their faith was: "We don't know, but we know the One who does."

These memories build up my faith. They remind me of what is true: God is so much bigger than me and my struggles. He was faithful then. He is faithful now and always. 

These are just a few ways to remember. They make it is so much easier for me to command my soul to:

“Be still, and know He is God. He is faithful. He loves you. You are ok. He has you in His hands and will make all things work together for the good. Do you not remember what great things He has done?”

Abba God, thank You for reminders of what YOU have done FOR US. We can’t do anything to make you love us more – or less. How great is your love and kindness! Show me what memorials I can build into my daily life to remind me to renew my thinking. Thank you for hope, for teaching me that I CAN be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Help us to remember. Help us to choose to daily train the brain, using the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. In Jesus’ name...

Talking myself through (3) - Strength Training our Brains

train the brain?

Yes, it's hard and it's work. Not my favorite adjectives, I confess. However, this is very important for your survival. It's as important as water and air!

We are at war. We have enemies who are ruthless, who want to keep us down, standing over us with their stinky feet on our necks. The world - blindfolded to truth and hostage to sin and death - taunts us daily. "Come join us! Seek pleasure while you can!" The evil one roars about seeking whom he can devour, trying to confuse and confine us.

BUT GOD SAYS: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove (or approve) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2, NASB

So how can we be transformed by the renewing of our minds?

We can start by asking some questions.

1. What am I thinking? What am I saying? Does it line up with God’s Word? Is it true?
2. How am I reacting to these thoughts?

• Am I trying to ignore or suppress them, as I’ve tried repeatedly?
• Am I choosing to address them, training my brain to walk in line with Jesus?

3. What does God say? Don't assume or guess! Find Scripture that – in proper context – applies directly to those thoughts. Ask God to direct you. He is faithful!

• Abba God, please show me truth. Show me which verses to learn and speak when I am attacked. Please fight this battle for me because I know I cannot do this in my own strength. I need your help. 

4. Find 1-2 trustworthy, safe, sisters in Christ Jesus who will pray with you. Choose wisely, asking God to show you the right people to confide in. Pray via phone, email, text messaging, letters – whatever it takes! We need to support each other in this battle. If you cannot honestly find anyone to pray with you, contact me and I will pray with you through email. You are not alone!

Abba God, help us learn to believe truth and spot the lies immediately when they come. Help us stand firm in Christ Jesus, knowing we are no longer condemned or covered in shame. Give us courage to believe YOU have covered us in the righteousness of Jesus - who is beauty, light, and truth. Open our eyes to see truth - both what YOU say, and what thoughts we have been allowing to flood our minds. Show us what garbage we must toss out and help us cling to Jesus alone. Thank You for being faithful and promising to finish what you began in us. I'm looking forward to learning more of what your will is - your good and acceptable and perfect will. In Jesus' name...

Talking myself through (2) - It's ok. You are ok - right where you are.

I like easy. Mornings are NOT easy (at least, not for me).

Sure, I know:

• God made the mornings.
• His mercies are new every morning.
• We are called to rejoice in the mornings, because God made them.
• Some even find morning to be “wonderful” times with The Lord.

I’m just not there yet. I might never be. I don’t know. Anything’s possible I suppose. Some even say “mornings can be my friend.” Pardon my skepticism.

 

I've tried several tips and techniques to try to befriend mornings, but each effort has led to more frustration. [Please don’t send me a million emails telling me how to love them.] Thankfully, after much searching, I have found something very good to come from my wrestling match with mornings. This conclusion: it’s OK for me to struggle with the morning. Why would I even think I had to attain to loving mornings, as if it were a measure of perfection? (sigh) I make things way harder than they need to be.

• It’s OK that mornings feel hard to me. What feels hard to you?
• It’s OK that I feel yucky when I wake up. What frustrates or overwhelms you?
• It’s OK that I have to talk myself into facing the morning. What “hard” are you facing today?

What I struggle with ≠ who I am.

None of this affects my standing before God. The Provision – Jesus – has paved the way for me to stand united with God. Jesus alone – not what I struggle with – determines who I am.  Jesus is my Perfection, and the more I lean on Him, the more I will learn to trust Him and be less tossed by my struggles. This is a process, a lifetime journey to learn. Not a destination to be reached by shortcuts.

How I feel ≠ who I am.

Jesus alone – not how I feel – determines who I am. It’s important that I differentiate how I feel from who I am. Sad, mad, glad - doesn’t affect who I am.

Jesus is my Salvation.

The Way to joy,

The Truth which sets me free,

The Life I crave.

 

HE is greater than how I feel.  My emotions – by themselves – are not sin. How I feel may lead to sin, if I play with temptation instead of running from it. 

 

My emotions do not define me – proving or disproving who I am. I’m ok right where I am. And so are you.
 

You are ok – right where you are!

Abba God, “Help me in my unbelief!” Help me choose – daily – to believe that emotions are not my identity or destination. They are a tool in your gracious hands, used to draw me closer to you. Give me courage to trust YOU to help me take steps of faith when I feel so weak. Help me to remember these truths: 

...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1, NASB

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28, NASB

Thank you for shining light and truth into my life. Give me feet quick to run from temptation, courage to turn my back on the lies I’ve believed (whether in my head or from others’ mouths), and eyes to see the way of escape which you have promised to provide. I’m so glad I can trust you to help me face each hardship. In Jesus’ name…

Talking myself through (1) - God uses struggles to grow faith

Most days, I honestly feel like all I have to show for my struggles is this resolution – of which I become more convinced of the older I get:

God uses struggles to grow faith.

He is creative - and able - to turn what was meant for evil into good. Our hardships are not ever wasted or ignored by our Abba. He not only weaves those hardships into good eternally, but also internally. He teaches us remarkable peace, unquenchable joy, and tender love. How mighty and kind is our God!

God tells us attacks will come, that there are evil forces we cannot see who hate Him (and therefore us), that there are thoughts not in line with Christ Jesus which need to be taken captive, and that we must renew our mind by focusing on what is true.

We all struggle with thoughts of doubt, fear, condemnation, shame… You are not alone in your struggle! God tells us there is nothing new under the sun, that Jesus went through every temptation, and that He completely understands our struggles. He shows us, through David's example in the Psalms, that we can develop the ability to command our souls to put trust in God. We can learn to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.

To struggle with thoughts is human. Yet there is something

absolutely amazing

about being transformed

from broken "caterpillars" into vibrant, healthy butterflies

who can soar in faith.

 

Soaring in faith can happen. YES! It's true! Hope is calling you to choose to believe. It is not easy, but God is faithful and HE makes it possible for our faith to grow. We who are saved, are not only saved for eternity. We are also saved from this present age of darkness. We are free to live as living “lamps” for Jesus to shine through.

God Himself says in Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (emphasis mine)

 

Do you see all of the present-tense wording? For followers of Jesus Christ, these things are DONE. We have peace with God. We have obtained grace which we stand in. We learn to exult as we mature in our understanding of what has been done for us. [There are countless testimonials of believers who grew to welcome persecutions because Abba taught them what an exceedingly great joy was available to them through those tribulations. So we ought not be discouraged when we don’t grasp this yet. We know that God’s Word is true.]

 

Sisters, let us not be afraid to hope. Let’s believe – at this moment – that Abba God uses our struggles, because He loves us and He finishes what He starts.

 

Oh, Abba! Please release us all from the crippling fear that keeps us from trusting you. Give us courage to believe that you really do know what is best for us and that you intend to bring it to pass. That best might not look like what I expect it to look like, but I want to believe your love is perfect and always tender. Teach us what perfect love even means. So many of us have been hurt deeply by others and don't know what goodness is. Teach us, Father. We are listening. Protect us from those who beat, torment and taunt us. Give us sound minds, full of courage and faith. And help us cling to Jesus while we wait for your faithful answer. 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… 

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... 

A Messy, Beautiful Love.

I've really messed up. I chose Easy, instead of Right. God still wants me. At this very moment. 

When I don't care about potential consequences of my actions. He desires me. At that very moment.

In my filth, He is with me, longing for me to look into His peaceful eyes. When I crossly turn away because He doesn't "fix me" or my circumstances, He doesn't force me to look and seek truth. Perfect gentleman. Patiently waiting. For me. Who else waits for me like He does? 

 

He's secured our relationship with His Spirit and through Christ Jesus. It's done. I'm His and He is mine. Why do I withhold myself from the only One who cares for me fully, infinitely more than any human can love another? 

At this moment, what will I choose? Will I turn toward my Lover or turn away? Will I hold onto my struggles instead of running into His strong embrace, trusting His real and constant provision for me? 

Whatever my choice, He chooses love - always. He waits for me. That is grace beyond my comprehension. 

Abba God, thank You for being who You are - Love. Open my eyes to see how much You love me. Give me courage to look through the glass that separates me from You - the glass of circumstances, struggles, emotions - instead of only looking at the dusty, bug-covered glass itself. Teach me what I'm to focus on and give me courage to let go of the rest. In Jesus' name... 

Romans 8, NIV & Message paraphrase

Callouses are tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Painful. Healthy. Sensitive for a time. Strong protection if maintained.

Awful until they're built up, they're very useful and worth building. Thick calluses allow guitar players to focus on improving sound and technique. Calluses protect the hands of farmers, builders, and artisans – dabblers and experts alike. 

So, callused hands are good but calloused hearts are bad? Well, no. Call it semantics if you want. I propose that callouses are good. It's the infections you've got to watch out for (ex: bitterness).

When life’s cuts and bruises cause me to run to God, He bandages me up, checks for infections, corrects faulty thinking, and gets me ready for the next task. Why? So I can better love and serve those around me. With thicker callouses, I'm more free and better equipped for whatever today brings. 

I cherish these calluses, on my hands and my heart; they’re tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Abba God, thank You for calluses. Even though they hurt, I know they are a gift of protection. Thank You for walking me through hurts and making me stronger in Christ Jesus, enabling me to love others without fear and without enabling unhealthy behavior. Protect me from evil, and when I face temptations, give me the audacity to RUN without looking back. Thank You for loving me as I am. How amazing that YOU want to be with me even when I’m not the best of company. Wow. I love You, Abba. In Jesus' name and for your glory I pray...  

Listen!

I wonder how often God stands beside me. Waiting. Ready to help me.

Yet I'm unwilling to stop my attempt at controlling the situation long enough to look into His eyes and ask.

Repeatedly, He offers His help, His kindness, His love... No, not repeatedly. Constantly!

While Isaiah 30:15, 18 (click to view) is written to Israel, hasn't God echoed this same message throughout history to all people?

Listen!

Do you have trouble? Are you tired, bruised, or burdened?

I will provide all you need. No one else can.

Simply COME TO ME.

I will help you.

Gracious... Abba God... You are pure, holy and good. I don't deserve your help, but You graciously long to give me help to live well. Give me eyes to see Your constant love for me and courage to trust You to provide all I need. Thank You for loving me so well. 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…  

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… 

Worry and Lies (2)

Lie # 2) I’m a loser, stupid (etc).

This one has really done a number on me through the years. Maybe it’s my lack of ability to hang a simple shelf on the wall – which drives me crazy; I know what needs to happen but I just can’t get it right no matter how many times I’ve tried! <sigh> Sometimes I’m haunted by the failed relationships in my repertoire. Some days, it’s from being the last one picked too many times, or not being seen as the life of the party. It’s always something…

All humans sin, make mistakes, and make bad choices! It’s human nature, passed down through generations from Adam and Eve. When I call myself names, I might as well be calling my closest friends and loved ones the same; we’re all in the same human race. (ouch)

Truth: “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature… Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ… He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Cor 5: 17-21, NASB

I may not always live – or feel – like I’m new, holy, righteous… but that doesn’t change the truth of what God’s done! 

Time to refocus: I can choose to trust (one moment at a time) that Jesus is enough to give me value. I’m now called into a royal family, a high priesthood, a life of devotion to The God who created all matter – from here to the end of the furthest universe. That’s a pretty big deal, and I’d do well to remember it.

Abba God, Thank You for calling me, for reconciling me to You through Christ Jesus, and for making me new! I know that I need to rely on You. This habit of sinfully worrying and relying on myself is one I need You to help me break. I want to throw off this hindrance and run passionately toward the prize You hold out for me. Thank You for calling me your child, for grafting me into the Bride of Christ, and for the promise that one day soon I’ll be united with Jesus. Forgive me for believing the lies instead of focusing on You. You are holy and beautiful. Give me eyes to see, as I learn from Jesus… in whose name I pray…  

Worry and Lies

I worry way too much. I know it’s sinful. I want to stop. It’s a habitual sin with deep roots into my childhood. I don’t remember when I learned to start worrying, but it’s pretty easy to learn how to worry in our culture. 

Here are some lies I started believing early on in life. Maybe you can relate.

Lie # 1) I need to fix my own problems. God only helps those who help themselves. BIG FAT LIE! While this is a source of pride for some, it’s been a mark of inadequacy for me.  

Truth: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” - Matthew 11:28, Amplified

Jesus beckons those who have problems!

“I am the vine; you are the branches…. apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4  

While I may be able to fix a few things in life, there are many problems only God can fix (ex: reconciliations with Him and others). I certainly can't do anything of eternity-lasting value without Him.

Instead of exhausting myself of precious time and energy, worrying about how to fix everything, I ought to be focusing all I have into abiding in my Lord Jesus.

Life’s not about fixing my problems. It’s about building a relationship with God: trusting Him and loving Him in return.

Abba God, your patience continues to amaze me. I’m so quick to fall back into old habitual sins of trying to do everything on my own, worrying and striving to control relationships and circumstances – which is a ridiculous waste of time and energy. I want to fully trust You and love You. Thank You for Jesus’ teaching through your Word and your Spirit. Remind me of truth when I forget – even for a moment – that I’m not called to do it all by myself. Thank You for truth that I can cling to when I’m feeling weak: I can do all that You’ve given me to do when I choose to trust You to provide me with the strength of Christ Jesus and the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name…