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... 

Desert of Shame (Warrior Princess Series)

Defeat’s salty tears sting as they flow over scars from the past. Reminders of failed attempts – my lack – bring me to the Desert of Shame. I didn’t need to go “there,” but I didn’t know where else to go. I’ve failed so often! How could The King possibly want me to be His ambassador?

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

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears

And delivers them out of all their troubles…

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

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

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

My God is BIG, STRONG, and ABLE!

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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… 

Anxiety's enemy? God's consolations which delight my soul!

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,

Your consolations delight my soul. – Ps 94:19, NASB

But the Lord has been my stronghold,

And my God the rock of my refuge.

He has brought back their wickedness upon them

And will destroy them in their evil;

The Lord our God will destroy them. – Ps 94:22-23, NASB

Abba God, there are times when my soul is so distraught that I do not know how to pray or what to do. Sometimes I feel so alone and wonder where You are. 

In Psalm 94, You remind me of sweet truths: 

You have been my faithful stronghold.

You are the rock of my refuge.

You defend me from - and destroy - those enemies I cannot fight in my own strength.

You have been faithful to me and sustained me - through all of my choices, my fears, my doubts, struggles, etc. You have saved me from sin and death. You promised to never leave me, and yet there are times when I feel so lonely. What then, Father?  Oh, Father! Increase my faith and strengthen my resolve to trust You when I  feel abandoned or unable to cling to truth. I cannot fight alone, but I want so much to glorify You and delight You! 

I praise You, even in the hard times. I don’t understand, but I make the choice to put my hope in You. One day all will bow their knee before You, and I have full assurance that my enemies (seen or unseen) will not prevail; in the end You will vindicate your own. Help me as I wait for what I cannot see. Remind me of your deep love and constant companionship. Give me strength to persevere today. Open my eyes to see how You are helping me in my weakness. Have mercy and compassion on me in my unbelief, remembering I'm merely human - walking clay that only breathes because You have put life into my frame. I submit to You once again, and choose to put my trust in the One who died for me. Help me understand what sufficient grace means, and to take delight in your consolations when anxiety threatens to choke all hope. In the name of my Mighty Warrior Prince Jesus I pray…

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… 

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

Enough!

How is it that I can be days away from celebrating Jesus’ birth, listening to Christmas music (reminders of Abba’s faithfulness), surrounded by festive decorations … and still worry about tomorrow???

Matthew 6:34

Oh, Abba! I don’t want to worry – a sure sign of unbelief in your faithfulness. I’m so sorry! Forgive me. Help me to believe your eyes are on me, that you have kind intentions, and that I’m always in your hands. May your will be done I my life! For you are enough. Your grace is enough. My Jesus is enough. He makes me complete and makes my life have abundant meaning. You are so good! Thank you for sending Jesus to save me and make me beautiful! In His beautiful and strong name…