Adding Truth to My Day

I needed to find creative ways to place Scripture in my life - right in my face throughout my day. Truth to cling to when I don't "feel" so strong in faith.

Post-it's and slips of paper disappear. So I painted some blocks, glued on some paper and plastered Truth on them! I'll be drawn to look at them now - and maybe someone who comes in my home will be encouraged as well. 

Here is a verse dear to my heart. It reminds me of so many truths!

How deeply loved I am!
God wants me to be with Him.
Jesus made a way for me to remain.
God hears me.
God works through me.
He produces fruit - that lasts beyond my last breath.
God is glorified in my relationship with Him and through my prayers.
God wants to answer my prayers.
Because of Jesus.

I could go on and on. (I'll spare you.)

Abba God, thank You for truth to put in our belt (Eph 6) - we need it!!! We need Your Word for guidance and encouragement. Show us what verses You want us to focus on - and how to increase truth in our daily lives. Whether it's through post-it's, a daily calendar reminder, crafty decor, etc. We are all created differently; let us not compare ourselves but to focus simply on You and Your Truth. Saturate our souls so thoroughly with Truth and Grace that doubt dissipates into oblivion. Increase our faith as we seek You. Thanks Abba, for guiding us and encouraging us through Your Word! In Jesus' name...

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

He is here!

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came into being through Him...

In Him was life...the Light of men.  

The Light shines in the darkness…

as many as received Him, to them
He gave the right to become children of God...

[HE] became flesh, and 
dwelt among us,

and we saw His glory... full of grace and truth... 

For of His fullness we have all received,

and grace upon grace...

grace and truth

were realized through Jesus Christ. from John 1:1-18, NASB

Abba God, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for dwelling with us, through Jesus in the flesh and now through your Holy Spirit. How precious are You to me, Abba! Shine your light and hope brightly through me to those around me. May they see YOU and glorify your name. Season my words and actions with grace. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You. I love You, my Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (4)

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time." - Luke 1: 18-20, NIV 

Reactions reveal our heart condition! 

... and just how is that a good assurance??? 

 “…God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” - Hebrews 12:10b

God reveals truth to us about ourselves...

so that we can repent and be more like Jesus!

 

Oh Zacharias, I have often speculated the many reasons as to why you reacted to Gabriel’s message the way you did.  I wonder if all the human encounters with angels are met with humans asking questions. We are funny people, aren't we? Still, I’d really like to know. Why? Was it simply a cultural habit of skepticism that led you to challenge the mighty angel of God? Had you lost hope so much so that you couldn’t accept a blessing from God?

The kingdom of Israel was overrun by other nations, and YHWH had been silent for a very long time. Then, there was the one thing you wanted more than anything else. What else was left but to survive by living a life of righteousness as you waited for the long-awaited Messiah?

The passionate song you poured out clearly reveals that you reflected on God’s greatness, faithfulness, the wonder of life, and how small you are. I love how Abba God changed your heart, rekindling your confidence in YHWH, and bringing you great joy

Oh, Zacharias, your story gives me such hope and convicts me that God is greater than I dream, more involved in my life than I think, more faithful to fulfill His promises than I believe, and worthy of all honor – more than I give.

Abba God, thank You for working in Zacharias' life and sharing his story with us. Thank You for revealing my heart to me so I can repent - and for conforming me to Jesus' image. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Enable me to serve You without fear in holiness and righteousness all my days. Give me the ability to pray big, to believe that You are active in my life, and a passion to give You more honor. In Jesus' name.

 

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

And the child grew and became strong in spirit... - from Luke 1:67-80, NIV

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (3)

I wonder if Elizabeth and Zacharias were still earnestly praying for a child up to the day that Gabriel came with God’s message. Had they given up praying for children or had they kept praying into their old age?

 

We aren’t told. We’re only told that his prayer had been answered – in a BIG way. 

Abba knows that waiting is important in our journey as His children, and He knows when the right time is to answer our prayers.

 

God does really answers our prayers! 

“The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” – James 5:16, AMP

God does answer our prayers. In ways we can’t imagine. Hope is worth keeping. Prayers – BIG and small – are worth praying. 

Abba God, thank You for teaching me to pray big and keep on praying. You are so faithful to correct me when I need to pray differently, so I don’t need to worry about how I pray as long as I’m seeking YOU above all else. As I wait for answers, create in me a clean heart and fill with me with a desire to love You more. Protect me from disappointment by renewing my heart and mind with truth of Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for hearing my prayers before Your throne and promising to answer “Yes” in Christ Jesus. It’s in His name I pray… 

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (2)

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot...

"... your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son...He will be a joy and delight to you... He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” – Luke 1, NIV

What was a high honor for a priest to be chosen to burn incense in the Holy of Holies. Yet, something was missing: relationship with YHWH. It had been a very, very, very long time since God resided with the Israelites. Were the priestly duties simply a job due to the broken fellowship that had endured for centuries? 

I find it amusing that Gabriel was sent to talk with Zacharias when he had been chosen – not by accident – to go into the temple to burn incense. Can you imagine his shock? Going about his business and then BAM! “Um. Hello, mighty angel who stands in God’s presence. What brings you to the right hand of the altar of incense?” It’s just crazy to think that God would meet someone in a holy place. Or is it?

Abba was quite aware of Elizabeth and Zacharias, their desire to live righteously, their prayers for a child, and of the need to reconcile the Jews to their God. Abba is powerful and capable of meeting anyone He wants to meet, at any time. And it was time for...

God is with us!

How often do we go about our duties, which God set apart for us before the creation of this world, and not carry them out with an expectation to meet God? Do we believe that He is with us making all things work together for the good of all who love Him and are called according to His purpose? Greater is He who is in us, than He who is in the world. Do we believe that and live that out daily? Do we live with a sense of anticipation for Jesus’ return, because we are so in love with Him that we just can’t wait to meet Him face to face? Do we give up praying big prayers as we wait?

God is with us!

What a great gift of God’s presence we have! Yet we forget that He lives in us, by His Holy Spirit who counsels us. We forget that Abba God is always listening to us. We forget that we have a great High Priest – the Spotless Lamb of God – who intercedes for us.

How peculiar we are. He is with us. Yet we forget. Do you think it's time for us to start remembering?

Abba God, I’m so sorry for the times when I forget that You are with me in the set-apart duties You’ve given me to do. Thank You for seeing me and for caring about me – right now, where I am. Help me learn to abide more fully: to take a deep breath, to be still and dwell on “God with us.” Show me how to celebrate Your presence in my life more each day. For You are with me. You love me intimately, forever lavishing Your kindness on me. How great and good You are! In Jesus’ name…

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (1)

Luke writes:

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:1-4, NIV

God is real and His Word is trustworthy. 

Having the assurance that His Word really is true has gotten me through many desert times. If you struggle with doubts, and haven’t yet done a study on whether the Bible is historical and really God’s Word, then I strongly urge you to do so. If you aren’t sure where to start, I highly recommend this short study guide:

Foundations: Where We Got Our Bible 101 Study Guide (Amazon link)

Abba God, thank You for reminding me today of a foundational truth: You are TRUE and Your Word is TRUE. I can trust that You are who You say You are, and You will do what You said You will do. I am so grateful that You are in my life, and You have given me Your written Word to cling to and learn from. Thank You for sustaining me and encouraging me through Your powerful Word. Increase my faith in You and the power in Your Word. Have Your way in me, Abba. 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

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…  

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… 

Despair-To-Go? No way! I'll Take an Extra-Large Order of Truth!

Some days are just rough, tempting me to enter a land of despair. But, God’s so faithful to give me a way out through praise, and reminders of His capability to work out the details. Focusing on who God is strengthens and stretches my faith muscles. Daily exercises and choices give me an opportunity to see how strong my faith really is. "Do I really believe? Oh, Lord, help me in my unbelief!" 

Join me in proclaiming truth of who God is. (you can whisper if need be. lol.)

“The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty;

The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength;

Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.”

Oh, Abba God, “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” Just as Scripture says,

“More than the sounds of many waters,

Than the mighty breakers of the sea,

The Lord on high is mighty.”

No matter what I face today or tomorrow, You are the One I put my hope in. You are capable of seeing me through, and your grace is sufficient for me – just as it was for Paul in all of his suffering... Just as it was for Jesus while He walked on earth. When I feel despair creeping into my life, I ask that You remind me of this:

“Truly, Father God,

Your testimonies are fully confirmed;

Holiness befits Your house,

O Lord, forevermore.”

I love You so much and am so grateful that You’ve called me to be your daughter and co-heir with Christ Jesus. Teach me your ways, which are holy and true. May You be glorified through my life, today and forevermore. In Jesus’ name…

--some, but not all of Psalm 93, NASB is included in this post.

I have a truth button, and I’m activating it!

Remember the Staples^R “That was easy” button? I decided to tweak their idea. Yup. I’m making a Truth Button for myself. When the lies fly, I can push my handy Truth Button and say “Aha! [insert a truth from God’s Word here]!”

Hopefully I won't too quickly assume a swordsman pose, thereby scaring anyone in proximity (WalMart, here I come. Ha!). Maybe tomorrow those big ol' lies will whimper, “Oh no! She has a truth button and she’s not afraid to use it!” Or not.  Hey. It’s worth a try, isn’t it? 

I have a truth button, and I’m activating it!

Ok, so it may sound a bit silly, but who cares? Tangible tools can be very helpful.

So, what Truth Button statement can I make today each time I start to feel overwhelmed, fearful, or fried?

Aha! The truth of the matter is...

~ God’s for me, not against me! No weapon formed against me will prosper because He is my Defender!

~ Abba God created me; I'm His workmanship! He'll provide what I need to do what needs to be done.

~ I can choose, as Jairus did, to "Don't be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36) I'm not controlled by these emotions or circumstances! What small step of faith can I take right now to show trust that God's Holy Spirit is here with me now? 

Abba God, thank You so much for giving me truth to anchor to, for making me complete in Christ Jesus, and for molding me into the piece of work You intended to make me into.  It's so reassuring to know that You gave me truth to read and cling to, that truth matters, and that truth is powerful. Help me continue to get stronger as I learn to use my “Truth Button.”  In Jesus' name... 

Out of the Muck and Back Into the Yoke

Maybe you can relate. I'm stumbling through my day, the obstacles rapidly increasing, tension mounting, and suddenly out bursts some exclamation. "Will I ever learn? I can't do this! What's wrong with me?" (etc)

Now picture this. A grown woman, hand on her hip, whips out the biggest scolding she can muster and says, 

"What did I just say?"

"What does that even mean?"

"Well, little missy, what does God have to say about that?" 

Yes, I talk to myself and it is a funny thing to behold. But it works for me and may even save lives. <chuckle> 

Have you ever stopped to think about those comments? 

"Will I ever learn?" <chuckle> Short answer: duh, I learn every day. Serious answer: If I'm expecting to be perfect, I'm not lining up my expectations with God's. 

"When will I learn?" Same question. Amusement crosses my lips as I realize big internal knots lead to such simple questions. 

"I can't do this!" statements lead to a referee whistle and a yellow flag, signalling that I've stepped out of bounds. Intellectually, I know "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," yet I'm having a child-like emotional meltdown. Meanwhile Jesus waits patiently for me to calm down and get back into the yoke with Him so we can finally continue our day. Recognizing I've slipped out of the yoke is a great place to be! That's the exact moment to Stop, Drop & Roll. 

STOP.

DROP to our knees, grateful for God's grace, we submit to Him. 

ROLL around in some good conversation. With friends. With yourself. With God. 

Dear Abba God, thank You for being my Truth and anchor. Please remind me when I'm walking in doubt or fear to stop, drop (to my soul's knees), and roll (around in some good conversation). Guide me to specific verses to cling to as I walk through this journey with You. Thank You for being with me every second and for consoling me with your tender grace.  Help me to take myself less seriously, to be childlike (minus the tantrums) and to just get back in the yoke. In Jesus' name... 

Fabulous Friday!

Reminder heading into the weekend.

“… we can study the Bible, read books, attend church and listen to worship music as much as we want, but to really experience God, you have to go and live out what you believe. There’s only so much that God can teach us unless we actually step out of our comfort zones and walk in faith, trusting in Him even when the road ahead of us is dark -- Michelle Knisley

"[Truth]'s true, whether you believe it or not." - Betsy Shatto

Refreshment from Abba's own Word:

"Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God."

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

-Psalm 43:3-6, TNIV

Abba God, Thank You for being with me this week. You are good. You are faithful. You love me. I celebrate these truths (even if I struggle to always believe them). Help me remember the life lessons You're teaching me, and to walk in faith more each day. In Jesus' name...