Secret to a victorious day!

Three verses today, each one special - together a treasure,  the answer to victorious living!!!!

Psalm 46:10

Be still

and know that I AM God!

John 15:9

AS 

(the same as, just like, equal to)

the Father loves Me

SO I love you!

Isaiah 41:13

I AM the LORD, your GOD

I AM holding your right hand.

DO NOT FEAR

I AM helping you!!!!

If we believe God's Word to be truth, 

If we truly embrace God's promises to us,  

THEN:

As we

"cease from striving"

"take our hands off"

"quiet ourselves in His Presence"

We begin to grasp just how 

BIG

POWERFUL

HOLY

MERCIFUL

LOVING 

INCREDIBLE

CAPABLE

SOVEREIGN

is our GOD!

We are overcome and fall at His feet by the words:

"JUST AS THE FATHER LOVES ME
SO I LOVE YOU!"

We dance with Him and praise Him as He proclaims:

"I AM THE LORD, YOUR GOD.

I AM HOLDING YOUR RIGHT HAND!"

With tears of joy and sweet release of submission we choose to banish

FEAR and WORRY

as He looks deeply into our eyes and lovingly says:

"DO NOT BE AFRAID!"

We then, boldly walk in VICTORY AND CONFIDENCE

filled with His promise -

"I AM HELPING YOU!"

Busy life filled with unknowns!

So much has happened over the last few months. This brain of mine can only do so much! It has been filled with new information and new experiences that some things just had to be put aside for awhile.

One big miss is blogging. In all the hustle of new happenings, time to think, write, take pictures has fallen by the way and I don't like it but I understand it.

There are changes in the air for 2014! I am working . . . and Bruce is retiring, again. New journeys and adventures for both of us. It is exciting to anticipate the surprises the Lord has in store - I smile at that statement. Yes, we are anxious at times. Yes, we are wondering what will happen. Then the Lord nudges us back to looking up and whispering "remember Me". This is a wonderful opportunity to practice training our thoughts as they pop up to be under His control. We can strengthen our "trust" muscle big time and "Be still and know He is God" in another very real way.

My new position at the pregnancy center keeps me on my knees. To be involved in this ministry - God's ministry -  knowing it is Him working through me and not me changing minds is humbling and exciting. The limited ultrasound training went fabulously well and I am slowly but surely becoming proficient at this new skill. Working with women who are open to Christ, filled with love, grace and compassion fuels the fire in me to be like them! To be like Christ! Getting to ride the train to and from work is icing on the cake!

Bruce announced his plan for retirement to his teachers last week. This has flooded our brains with questions, ideas, more questions, more ideas . . .Transitions are not easy, BUT GOD!

Isn't each day filled with changes, transitions small and great, decisions that will cause more changes in the "loop of life"?

So for today, we are looking to our God for the answers to our questions that in His time will be revealed . . .we continue to "Be Still and Know He Is God" . . . To joyfully thank Him in all circumstances and pray without stopping!

Before you call I will answer!

I have not been reading Jesus Calling for several days. We left Friday morning and traveled to
to stay with my "sister"-cousin and visit with my aunt and uncle from Scotland. Just talking, eating and resting!

I am about to leave home again to train in limited ultrasound. A nine day course, away from home, intense and using my brain in an oh so different way!

I woke up feeling a little worried and overwhelmed with the unknown. So I sat down with Wendy and cuddled (already missing my “wee” friend and my sweet Husband) and picked up my devotional book. I first read in the Daily Bread how the Lord's mercies are new every morning and how great is His faithfulness! The I picked up Jesus Calling.

Let me quote here:

"Do  not let any set of circumstances intimidate you.

The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal.

You seem to think that I empower you equally each day,

but this is not so.

Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you,

measuring them against you average strength.

This is an exercise in unreality.

I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly.

The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables:

the difficulty of your circumstances,

and your willingness to depend on Me for help.

Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual.

Look at Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do.

AS YOUR DAY, SO SHALL YOUR STRENGTH BE!"

Ok, did Sarah Young know I would need that devotional today and specifically quote that verse . . .NO! BUT GOD . . .who knew this day would come BEFORE the foundations for the world was laid DID! He knew that this is what I needed to read today. How many others are blessed by this? Only in Heaven will Sarah know, our Lord knows now!

Let me encourage you today! God is real, He is working each minute to mature us, perfect us and grow us into who He already sees through the power of the cross! We stand perfect, holy and pure before Him, dressed in His righteousness,surrounded and enfolded in His love, grace and mercy! 

REMEMBER - not matter what you find on your plate today . . .GOD IS . . .

step by step

Next week I leave for 9 days for additional training. A very special training - a specific purpose.

Over the years I was blessed to "work" in my passion - Labor and Delivery, Nursery and NICU.
What joy to see precious babies enter the world, breath their first breath and experience the love
of family!

Recently, the Lord has directed my steps to the beginning of this process. Working as a nurse in a center where we welcome women through our doors with the love of Christ. Sharing with them the truth in the choices facing them in lifestyle and unplanned pregnancies. The Center's mission is to glorify Christ, show His love and grace and share His hope - no matter the choice of our clients.

Abortion is a polarizing topic to some . . .and I could write . . . oh, I could write so many things at this point. Let me just say this. Taking life is wrong, choosing life is God's will. If HE is who He says He is, no matter the circumstances His way is the right way. He will provide, He will make a way. He will love those that choose life as well as those that go against His will with the love that sent our Lord to the cross. We stand before Him without Christ - all the same - sin is sin. But God so loved   us . . .

When precious, tiny, little ones are taken from their mothers they immediately are enfolded into the loving hands of the Father. I weep for those that perform and are part of this process. May they see Christ before eternity! I weep for the mothers who will deal with this loss the rest of their lives. I weep for the fathers . . .all hurting hearts. I weep for the power of Satan over God's creation that hardens and blinds hearts.

This new training? Certification in limited ultrasound to show these precious women their little ones, hearing the baby's heartbeat, seeing the baby move . . .allowing the Holy Spirit to touch and heal, work to change minds and see love and hope.

Not all will listen, not all will choose life - God is still God and His love is still available. There is no condemnation, only His constant and consistent reaching out to forgive, pour out grace and mercy and gather all who will listen into His Kingdom .  .  . can you see the reunion?

OK, I’m SHOCKED!

How appropriate Jesus Calling yesterday!

“. . . your time of being still in My Presence equips you for the day ahead of you. Only I know what will happen to you this day. I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way. If you are not adequately equipped for the journey,  you will grow weary and lose heart. Relax with Me while I ready you for action.”

Well . . . now begs the question, why were we (Bruce, a teacher and me) exposed to this incident, a glimpse of the depravity of man? What was the purpose? (and how can I eradicate the image from my mind!) We chose a different way to the train . . .mistake or not, I wonder?

First reaction – SHOCK quickly followed by disbelief then extreme sadness finally tears. 

How the Lord must cry when He sees His creation whom He so loves, His image desecrated.  His beloved children so deceived by the enemy – then to think globally! Past and present collide revealing the sinful heart of man. 

I felt the impact on “my armor”. I still am asking the Lord to wash my mind clean! Thinking back over the years to having “reality” slap me in the face (at least that is what most folks would call it) I shake my head. The “reality” is a glance, a brief window of seeing the truth – the enemy reaching out to

seek

kill

destroy

If we are not equipped beforehand. If we are not standing in the Gospel of Peace. If we are not wearing God’s armor of protection we will crumble, grow weary and lose heart! When dressed completely in our armor – our mind is protected by the helmet of His Salvation. Our heart is covered by the breastplate of His Righteousness. The flaming arrows, bullets, bombs of Satan are extinguished by the shield of Faith. We stand strong in His Peace and raise the sword of the Spirit – His Word in triumph!

Our battle is not against flesh and blood . . . Ephesians 5:10-18

Just got a Reminder!

October 25!

Days and events have blurred. The business of life – the responsibilities, concerns, newness of work, adjusting to a schedule that is so different! Wow, where had the time gone?

I sit this morning in quietness. You see, the Lord reminded me of something He whispered not that long ago.

“Be still and know that I am God”

A busy weekend ahead, this next month filled with scheduled surprises and commitments already and I wonder how it will all take place and I am tired thinking just anticipating the whirlwind and I am shaking my head, wondering how . . . and He taps me on my shoulder gently and points to our special place. 

“Sit awhile with Me”

He quietly says.

“Just sit and be with Me.

Let Me fill you with the sweetness of my fragrance.

Rest by the still waters and quiet pastures. 

Refresh your soul with My Spirit. 

Transform you mind with My Words. 

Heal your heart with My love. 

Unburden your mind as you give me your thoughts, your worries, your plans.”

I do this and my eyes are opened to seeing His hand in the details of the moment and I am amazed!

Sometimes life is like a discarded melon rind!

Ever feel as if your life is full of holes? Something has gouged out pieces, chunks – leaving craters, empty places – the losses, the grief – so hard to experience, so difficult to face.

I read Jesus Calling this morning and was FILLED with hope, courage and thanksgiving!

Listen to these words, say them out loud and let the God of all comfort fill all the holes, each of the empty craters and jagged tears of your heart . . . 

MY GOD answers me

MY GOD delivers me from all my fears

MY GOD fills me with His radiance

MY GOD never puts me to shame

MY GOD hears me

MY GOD saves me from all my troubles

MY GOD fills me with His strength

MY GOD welcomes me to seek His face

MY GOD is the Father of compassion

MY GOD is the God of ALL comfort

MY GOD comforts me

MY GOD spills over from my heart to show His comfort to others

MY GOD uses me to draw others to Himself!

Psalm 34:4-6, Psalm 105:4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

What You Are!

YOU are my salvation and my honor!

YOU will never leave me!

YOUR Presence is my shield!

YOU surround me with the light of your Presence!

YOU call me:

chosen one

a Royal priest

holy

belonging to YOU!

YOU never change -

You are the ALMIGHTY!

YOU are my life and peace!

I read something the other day that opened my eyes . . .

“When we begin to understand His love we trust” . . .

as our understanding increases so does our trust . . .When we see Him as our BELOVED we only have eyes for Him and dance in His light!!!!!

Romans 8:6, Revelation 1;8, Psalm 62,1 John 4:16

60–Wow, can I do this again!!!!!

In a recent blog I bemoaned the fact that 60 was fast approaching and I hesitated to embrace it. Silly me!

September has been a “celebration month”! I did this to ease the blow of the 24th, but seriously, I am “gobsmacked”! Not only has the Lord showered me with His incredible spiritual blessings in  working at Involved for Life, but my loved ones have rained love and surprises on me till I sit with my mouth open and shaking my head in amazement digging into a bowl of raspberries, cream and honey at 11:00 in the morning! (Celebrating, ha!)

Sunday, a wonderful sermon then lunch with Andrew, John and Marsha. Sunday supper with Dan and Donna! Then . . .

My precious husband stepped out of his comfort zone to surprise me. Now this a feat in itself. I am not easily surprised! He cannot easily keep a secret! 

Monday -  a day of not knowing where I was going or what I was doing only “we are going to peel the onion of surprises today!” WHAT FUN!!!! Driving to Allen in the morning to take Jack and Peyton to preschool. Hugs and kisses – what a special but quick time! Hugs and Kisses from my big boy, Kevin, as well! then the  “onion peeled again” and Bruce, as he was driving north stated “you are going to have a SPA DAY”! Now, that is a DREAM come true!!! When he picked me up 5 hours later I was a bowl of Jell-O and oh, so soft! At home, he led me to the stairs, and looking up I saw a progression of 6 BIG bags with SOMA written on each. “One for each DECADE”, he stated! And then said “open them and enjoy but we have to leave in an hour for supper!” Tears and smiles – you can imagine!!!!! Supper was at a wonderful restaurant in Plano – The Capitol Grill. Oh, did we enjoy it all!

Tuesday, Pappy playing the traditional “Happy Birthday” music box on the phone then a surprise breakfast at work! I have to tell you, my co-workers are amazing women and I feel honored and humbled to work side by side with these precious sisters, loving hurting women and seeing souls born into the Kingdom of God! After work, we hurried home for dinner with my dear friend, Christie. Upon opening the back door I was greeted with Wendy’s welcome and a living room full of balloons and banners! (thank you, Christie!) and then on to a delicious supper!  Upon coming home the phone rang. Sweet voices – Shannon, Kevin, Kate, Campbell, Peyton and Jack singing  “Happy Birthday”! Another call – Andrew, Cory, Lily, and Finnlay wishing me a “Happy Birthday!” Another call, Dan and Donna, and messages from friends and family near and far! Facebook is filled with well wishers, and we are not done yet!!!! The family celebration is coming next month! I am excited about this new journey of the SIXTY’S!!!!! 

Pardon me for sharing so much about this birthday! It is to encourage each of you in this:  The Lord knew of my true feelings about this small thing and has done nothing but pour out His love, His blessings, His affirmation through my precious family and friends to me. He is ever ready to surround us with His love. He wants nothing more than to show His ‘DADDY-side” and bring us joy. Join me in seeing Him clapping at the gates of Heaven as our thanks and love for all His "gifts" fill His courts with praise! 

James 1:17

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father,

who created all the lights in the heavens.

He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Don’t Wallow in the Pain!

Have you ever felt you have been abandoned, are alone, face in the dirt and hit in the gut with a pain that won’t let you catch your breath. Someone special has betrayed you and even shattered your heart into pieces by words you never thought you would hear? Or perhaps you feel there is no one at all who understands what you are going through? The walls of the room you are in has no windows and there is no door, you feel trapped with not way to get out.

We all feel like this at one time or another! Others will fail us, our loved ones will disappoint us, some more than others and some more painfully than others. If we dwell in this mire it will suck us down deep till we can't move or think. Grief takes time and healing takes time but as the healing happens we have to remind ourselves we can't wallow in the pain . . . it becomes a pity party and we need God's wisdom and guidance to see the difference between facing the pain and being comfortable in it.

Before our salvation, we were in darkness, alone, left, and then the Light came into our lives and embraced us in His circle of light, not just around us but in us. Satan wants us to cover that Light with our sorrows, our disappointments, our doubts, our pity parties. BUT CHRIST is not in that!

He says " come! You are not abandoned in ME - I will never leave you or forsake you. You are never betrayed in ME! I love you with an everlasting, unfailing love that is unconditional! You are not left alone in ME! I am with you always, I am inside you, I am surrounding you and My hand is on you! You are not divorced from ME! I am your Beloved, you are my beloved and the wedding supper is being prepared as we speak! "

Yes, your heart has been ripped apart, but Jesus is giving you a new one. A tender heart that will see pain in others and a wise mind to help them in time. He has promised to be our strength when we are weak, it only takes faith as small as a grain of mustard to move mountains! Keep your eyes on Him, not on the negative things that hit you but on the evidence of GOD's hand in your life. Crawl up in the King of Kings lap and let Him just hold you and rock you and tell you He loves you and that love will never go away but only grow stronger and brighter as the days go by. Allow His love to heal your heart and make it new. Stay in His arms, He Will Carry You. At the right time, He will gently put you down and hold tightly to your hand as you walk your journey with Him.

Get angry, not at the circumstances but at Satan who is the destroyer! Then smile, because the battle has already been won and we are under the Victor's command! Our Warrior King is greater, He is there with you now with arms open wide to embrace you with love and peace!

Walk, with your head lifted up - He is your King of Glory, He is the Lord of the battle who is before you and your rear guard. He is your JOY and your PEACE - you are His beloved - precious, holy and righteous in His sight because of Christ. Don't give Satan the joy of seeing you wallowing! Submit to God, resist the Devil and HE WILL FLEE!!

Picture him high-tailing it out of your apartment, your home, your work! Scurrying off as fast as he can to get away from the LIGHT OF THE WORLD! Is that not a sight to bring a comfort to our heart and a praise to our King!

One day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time - trust Him. Keep saying out loud, "Jesus, I trust you and I need you" He hears, His heart is tender and He RUNS TO YOU!!!!! He scoops you up in His arms and holds you tightly!

We all need to be reminded of this wonderful fact that our God is Sufficient for all life's problems and anything Satan throws at us. He is there in front of us to receive most of the blow  and only what brings us to Him He allows to slip through His fingers!

Lessons learned . . .

Are the days flying by faster than normal????

September is here – the middle of September is here! 101 days till Christmas! School is in full swing, where did the summer go?

Last week is a blur. Yet God’s hand was strongly evident in the lessons He provided.

In all that we do, in all our plans, preparations, thinking . . .

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, 

but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand

 

Lesson number one: God is in control . . .He has planned from the beginning this day . . .He will direct and establish our work! BE STILL!

 

Isaiah 29:16

You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”?

Isaiah 64: 8

 Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Lesson number two:  He is the POTTER . . .His way is perfect. . . He knows what is best for His work, His ministry, His beloved children!  We wait on Him, His leading, His loving hand to mold us into His beautiful creation, fit for the Master’s use!

If you can’t see His hand, trust His heart!

These words remind me of a song I heard long ago and how true they are.

We can’t see beyond the circle of light. We are so limited in the very NOW and not beyond. We are blindsided, felled by strong winds and swept away by rip tides, YET . . .

Who is our God?

He has undisputed Supreme Power (Sovereign)

He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings

He is present everywhere and at all times (Omnipresent)

He has unlimited authority (Omnipotent)

He is mighty to save

He is Holy

His love is infinite, unconditional and unfailing

His gift of grace and mercy

He is Creator of all things and holds all things together

He is my Shepherd

He cannot lie

He cannot deny His own

He is my Father, my Abba (Daddy)

He is Prince of Peace

He loves me

I am His

He knows my name and listens to my voice

He sings over me with gladness

My name is written in the palm of His hand

He is my anchor 

He is my refuge

He is my strength

He is my Rock

He is my Fortress

He is my Deliverer

and my Protection

He is my Provider

He calls me "Precious, Daughter!" 

He is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever

He is the beginning and the end

 

I we can’t see His hand . . . .Trust His Heart!

Walking in the light . . .

This morning . . .oh, brother!

Getting up early is not my thing! 

Wendy’s appointment for 7 am grooming means leaving the house at 6:30 to drive to Coppell from our home in Carrollton. And this time of year it is still dark outside . . . problem: NEW CAR!!!!!

Merrily, Wendy and I jumped into the car and off we drove to Coppell. Traffic was not too bad but still lots of activity on the road. Speaking of road! There was a little curve at an intersection and Whoa! the curb was there before I knew it . . . no, I did not hit the curb in the center of the road but it surprised me. Couldn’t help thinking how my eyes were not working.  Then dollar signs multiplied in my head as I thought of eye testing, new glasses , on and on and on!

Arriving  at the groomers, sqinting my eyes to see the turnoff, I shut the car off and reached for 
the  . . . LIGHTS!!!!  Yep, I did not have the lights on . . . the whole way! No wonder I couldn't see well. I laughed, the lights came on automatically in our other car.

This got me thinking about walking in the Light of our Lord. We can’t see well if we are outside His light  – just shadows and shapes, grey to blackness. It hurts our mind's eye and heart to squint and see what's around us. We have difficulty navigating, becoming frustrated and anxious . . .we loose our peace, the joy is gone and we struggle and we are afraid.

How wonderful it is that we just need to whisper, “Jesus, I trust You, I need You” and our world explodes with light and zooms into focus. We don’t need to squint and strain to see. The worries and fear fly away, trust is renewed, our hearts are bathed in His peace and we are secure in His Presence -  walking in His LIGHT!

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid? 

God said PRAY!!!!

Two weeks ago I began a new journey!

Debating on whether to put my nursing license on “inactive” Bruce and I left it in God’s hands knowing a decision would have to be made by September 1. God answered in a powerful way!

Downtown Dallas is a bustling, busy and somewhat confusing place. Situated across from the new First Baptist Church building is a wonderful place called the Downtown Dallas Pregnancy Center. Their mission: to glorify God in all they do, share the Good News with hurting souls and inform burdened women of their choices prayerfully resulting in the choice for life. Multiple resources are available to those that need and want help no matter their decision.

Clearing out old files and applications is an ongoing process in any business. Debra, one of the directors, was doing just that when she came upon my application sent two years ago. God said “call”! And was I surprised to receive that call!

Needless to say, a few days have gone by and I now am working part-time at the Center. Yesterday the other newbies and I were taken on a tour to sites important to the ministry, the new center in Dallas, the "Sono on Sight" bus, and another women’s center that we work with closely. 

Across the street from this center is an abortion clinic. As the director, who was driving us on the tour, stepped in to see if we could visit the women’s center I was slammed with emotions. I wept for those precious babies that are taken from their mommies, my heart hurt for the misguided and blinded women who allowed the procedure on themselves, I was bowed down with a burden for those performing the procedures and those assisting. Oh God, what a hell they will experience if they refuse your grace, mercy and love! 

Oh, the heaviness in my soul! The feeling of oppression and evil! Two other times I have felt this horrible feeling . . . in Amsterdam in the red light district and on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. 

GOD SAID PRAY!!!!!

And we bowed before our God, bringing these precious souls to Him. Crying for them, seeking His comfort and protection, and boldly asking for His mercy to be poured out and His power to be felt!

In the comfort of our homes, in the security of our routines we forget the intense battle all around us! Jesus is coming soon . . . the battle is raging. Ephesians 6:12

Join me in praying for this outreach and any you are familiar with in your area. Souls are being born into the Kingdom every day and life is chosen over death!

Never Alone!

Some of us are blessed with a personality that just loves to stand out in the crowd and take charge. “All eyes on me!” and feeds off the energy the attention brings. Then there are some of us who love the “behind the scenes” way of life. Don’t draw the focus to me, you will see wilting and stammering, ha!

Circumstances change. Even those who seek the limelight encounter times of feeling alone and isolated, cut off from others and afraid. Problems hit, new situations arise leaving you with a gut hurt that is fed by feeling vulnerable and uncertain. You feel like you are sitting on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean, under a single palm tree and the water is lapping at your feet, slowly inching closer and closer and the sun is setting quickly!

Psalm 139. What just a few words, full of power can do to my trembling heart! 

Read each line slowly and think about what it means! Life changing!!!! We are never alone, the God of Creation, Lord of Lords and King of Kings is with us, knows us and thinks about us . . .

The Lord searches me and knows me!

The Lord knows when and where I sit (in the living room, the family room, the kitchen table, the car, the office)

The Lord knows when I walk out the door and when I return.

The Lord knows what I am thinking!

The Lord knows when I lay down to rest.

The Lord is intimately acquainted with me and what I do.

The Lord knows what I am going to say before I even say it!

The Lord Hems me in – behind, in front and on either side and Lays His hand on me and draws me close!

The Lord is already there – even before I take that first step, no matter where it might be!

The Lord is light and there is NO darkness where He is, and He is with me!!!!

The Lord was with me as two cells came together and I was created and remains with me to the end of my days here on earth!

The Lord knows what each day of my life will hold . . .His provision is complete and there before the foundations of the world were spoken into being!

The Lord thinks about me, and those thoughts are so numerous and precious they cannot be counted!

The Lord is with me when I am awake and when I sleep.

Circle of light

Reading this morning brought comfort and a challenge!

Psalm 119:105

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.

This summer while in Colorado I noticed how dark it was at night. No street lights, no city lights and no car lights passing on the road. Just beautiful stars and the moon. It was dark. We did not go out much since the bears, the mountain lions and foxes tended to roam around in the dark. When we were driving up the mountain, the car’s headlights only lit up what was a short distance ahead  and we white knuckled it watching for deer and other critters. They appeared in front of us before we knew it! The light shone just so far ahead.

I imagine holding an old fashioned lantern . . .probably even with my shoulder and venturing into the darkness. The circle of light for my feet would only extend a short distance. I would need to be watchful and careful as I walked, step by step, in the circle the lamp created. 

The Lord promises us His Word will guide us, step by step, in the darkness as we walk in His circle of light. Our job? Stay in the Word!

Don’t let your heart be troubled. . .

The reading in Jesus Calling today is both powerful and timely!

In this passage of John 14, Jesus knows the coming events that will shake each loved disciple to their very core. There are events just around the corner that will bring them to their knees in despair and hopeless – yet, He says “Peace!”

 His peace, only His peace. Peace that is powerful enough to defeat any fear! His peace -  that immediately calmed the rough and violent storm that terrified his disciples in that small boat on the sea of Galilee. His peace that calmed the grieving disciples – huddled together, afraid, broken and hopeless after his death.

“Peace, I leave with you . . .My peace I give you! Don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid!”
Jesus’ Peace – powerful. Able to calm the raging sea, dry the tears and heal the broken, instill hope in the heart and banish despair. 

And it is promised, given, available right now to each of us! In His Presence there is Peace. At His feet no fear can live. His touch heals all. His unconditional love welcomes without condemnation. Peace, be still!

Don’t let your heart be troubled! We have a choice. 

The power of His peace is real. It’s ours. No matter the event, the circumstance – He is greater! Jesus instructs us, no, commands us – “let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid!”

We can show those around us His peace . . .let it overflow. Allow His peace to power our lives to draw others to Him!

Are You there????

Have a precious friend who is going through things I can’t comprehend. 

The pat answers come easily to my lips, even though every word is true:

God will hear

God is listening

God is working

It’s the pain.

Several times, over the years, that gut twisting, sharp heart pain that “never” seemed to go away  brought me to my knees, left me weak and curled in ball on the bedroom floor or holding tightly to my soaked pillow on the bed while screaming into it, “Are You there?”

For the onlooker it is easy to say “look up”, “just believe, just trust” and in our minds we know all this. But the pain, it draws our focus back to that dark, hurting place we want to flee. It locks us into the darkness and throws away the key. Are You there?

I loved the morphine pump by my bedside after my surgeries. The button never left my hand the first 24 hours post-op.  Each time I pushed that wonderful red button I would feel the numbness and drift off . . . a break in the cycle, a few minutes to let go and find relief.

In the pit of emotional pain – where is the red button?

I remember asking the Lord “why, Lord, is this path, my path?” His answer astounded me, “to keep you on your knees and in my arms!”

True, if, for these particular seasons in my life, would I be where I am in this spiritual journey? Would I draw close to Him as quickly as I do now if not for the “scar tissue” of my heart that keeps me bent over,closer to the ground, easier to fall on my knees before the Father?

Do we see the One holding us, no. We are wrapped in His arms tightly, our head buried deep into His chest, straining to hear His heartbeat – we can’t “see” Him because we are being held in the everlasting arms of our eternal Lover, our Bridegroom. Eventually He puts us down, holds us steady and we see His smile!

Are You there?

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

 If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

 even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you. 

Yes, in the pain He is there . . .His hand IS leading me and His right hand Is holding me.

 

hearing that still small voice . . .

Jesus spoke to His beloved disciples three specific times in Mark about His soon coming death. But they didn’t listen. They had other things on their minds, many other things, all revolved around self.

Mark 8:31 – Jesus explained completely the upcoming circumstances of His arrest, trial, death and resurrection. Details that were hard for the disciples to hear. Words turning their world upside down and inside out. Shock, denial, fear, definitely surprise, even anger followed the quiet words of the Savior! Totally missing the promise at the end of His speaking. Peter, ready for bear, stood up and said something like this. 

“No, Lord. You don’t mean that. Ummm . . . You can’t see the whole picture. You are here to be King! The better way is . . . I think this would be smarter if . . . Now, if you just take a minute and listen, this would be a better way of handling the situation . . .”

Jesus response? “Out of my sight, Satan, You do not have the mind of the things of God, but the things of men!”

Wow – Looking at our circumstances with our human reasoning blinds us to God’s heavenly perspective. Throws DOUBT of God’s Sovereignty  and purpose – DOUBT - Satan’s main tactic for temptation! 

Obviously, the still small voice is not heard over the loud, angry, bargaining protests. 

Am I listening or arguing when things don’t go “my” way, trouble comes, I’m blindsided . . . missing the promise in the “still small voice”?

Mark 9:31- 36, Jesus again reminds them of painful events to come, letting them know what will happen, finishing with the wonderful promise of His resurrection. Again, so wrapped up in self concerns they missed the point. Instead they focused on the fear, the what if’s and then the selfish concerns of who was the greatest . . .

Jesus, with words of love, knew their hearts and said’ “If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Double meaning – who could compare to His humility in coming from Glory, the King of Kings to be the Son of Man???? Yet, encouraging the spirit of humility in His followers . . .they still missed that quiet voice.

Do I, wrapped up in my life issues, my problems, become deaf to His “still small voice” of guidance along the path? Consumed with “me” instead of submitting to Him, His loving directions quietly spoken to my soul.

Mark 10: 33-34, Jesus again shares His heart about what is to happen ending with the promise of His resurrection. The disciples reaction? Move from fear to: 

“Ok, So we want you to do for us whatever we ask!” 

Whoa!!!! Seriously? Our Lord just said He was going to be betrayed, beaten, spit on and killed. Then by the power of God, would rise the third day . . .and they wanted Him to grant their desires, grant their wishes . . .

They missed His reason for being there, they passed over His purpose of coming to earth, they skimmed over the details and went to – “So because you are God will you grant us whatever we ask!” Wow, never heard the whispers of love, songs of mercy, poetry of grace, or felt undercurrents of power!

Don’ I?

In ignoring that “still small voice” and  take for granted HE IS GOD . . .Don’t I do this very same thing?

Lord, let me hear that “still small voice” in the quietness, in Your Presence!

Would I?

Last week I was given a thought provoking book to read. 

My emotions have been stretched – thrilling at the Lord reaching out to the Muslim people in dreams and visions and their  breath-taking response, then tears for the persecution these dear ones face in making that decision. The book – Dreams and Visions by Tom Doyle.

Would I, if faced with pain and torment – stand alone for my Jesus?

Would I?

Would I, as Stephen, look above as stones are hurled, as each one lands and takes its toll?

Would I?

Would I, as loved ones turn away, take up a knife to kill me – grasp Christ’s hand?

Would I?

Would I, with threat of death, in love proclaim “I do!” when asked do I follow Christ?

Would I?

Would I, “Be still and know that He is God” when faced with hatred, threats and evil?

Would I?

Do I, in safety and in peace – stand alone to share my Lord?

Do I?

Do I reach out, share Christ’s touch with no threat of blade or deadly thrust?

Do I?

Do I, when life is sure, proclaim my pledge to God alone?

Do I?

Do I stand firm or run when questions fly, rejections comes?

Do I?