Her Healing Begins

 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Precious woman, as I sit here this morning my heart breaks for you. My chest seems to sense the agony of yours, and it breaks my heart even more. I can’t seem to grasp the fear that you feel, nor can I even begin to comprehend the sadness that has filled your home.

I cannot truly understand the anger, but I know if it were me, I too would be angry. Angry at the sickness, angry at the what if’s and why's, just angry. 

Precious woman, the very day I heard my heart has not been the same, nor have my thoughts, and yet I cannot even begin to comprehend what you felt or thought the moment you heard.

As I sit here this morning I know that today is the beginning of your fight; the fight to win, the fight to heal, the fight to not lose the precious you, the fight to not let this get the best of you.  And yet, you and I know the difficulty of this fight. Yet I believe it is not just the beginning of your fight but the beginning of your healing.  Oh, precious woman I pray you know this fight you will fight will end in victory! Healing will come!

Precious woman, though a portion of you will change, your beauty will not. For the beauty you hold is the beauty from within-His beauty in you. Cling to that beauty precious woman, and know it is His eyes that matter and the eyes of that wonderful man who has been next to you for the last 15 plus years. I know the beauty he sees is the beauty we see.

Precious woman I sit here, here in the Most Holy Place, made way by Christ Himself, flooding the throne room on your behalf. I cry out for healing for you. I cry out for strength for you first, and for your family second. I pray for your eyes to be focused on the Healer Himself. I pray for wisdom to fill the minds of every doctor who will care for you. I pray that the Lord Himself will be the Surgeons hands.  My prayer turns into weeping as I cry out for complete healing to take place; healing for your body, healing for your family, healing for your girls. And I know you are crying out the very same prayer.

Precious Dana Christ knows your very need and He knows your every fear. He knows the days ahead starting with today. He knows the pain, oh how well He knows the pain. He knows every detail and every square inch of you. He knows Dana. Rest in Him, run to Him, find comfort, peace, and healing in Him.

You are loved sweet Dana, so very loved, by us but most of all by Him-Jesus.

Today brethren my precious friend Dana will begin her fight against Breast Cancer. So today I ask, not just any of you, but those of you who are faithful to pray, those who say they will pray and will actually pray, and not just today but everyday. Pray for Dana as she begins this battle, pray for her husband Mark and their two precious daughters. Pray for her parents and his parents as they all join in to do what needs to be done. Please just pray!

Father thank You for Dana and her precious family.  Today I ask that You fill every square inch of their home with Your presence. I ask for Your healing hand to be upon Dana as she begins her first round of chemo. Give her more strength than she new existed. Give her body the power to fight every bit of the cancer with such force that everyone knows it is You fighting it for her. Give her family the endurance, rest, strength and support they need to help her. But Jesus more than any of that we ask that You completely heal her. Wrap Your arms so tightly around her she can physically feel You. Place her eyes on You and bring her  and her family to complete dependence upon You. Give every doctor the wisdom and discernment needed to know exactly how to treat and care for her. Jesus draw near to Dana, she needs You, we all need You. Amen

Why are you here?

“…For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.” John 6:38

“I know there is a reason for me being here, Lord please show me! I have let Satan convince me that I am not good at anything; I am too sinful to even be used by you. What reason did you have for creating me? Lord please just show me what you want me to do, where you want me.”

“My sweet child, as I began knitting you together with my own two hands I knew how special you were to Me, and I knew exactly what I wanted to use you for! You are created in the image of Me, there is no two people created the same. You are unique and beautiful and I have placed you on earth not to fulfill your purpose but to fulfill My purpose. I knew before the world began that I would be able to do the work I want done through you. You will never be good at anything on your own. It is Me that is within you that will be great at the very thing I have created you for.”

How could I be so selfish to think that I was sent here to earth to fulfill my purpose? I have no purpose without Christ.

Number 16 on our list of things to crave-Fulfilling His Purpose

Jesus could not have said it any better than when He said, “… For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”

You and I have also been sent down from heaven to do the will of God who sent us, not to do what we want. It is so easy and goodness do I know how easy it is to get caught up in wanting and trying to fulfill our own purpose.

How can we fulfill His purpose? We start by putting our complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ. We seek out His will by meditating on the His Word and spending time in prayer. We wait patiently for Him to act and then we obediently react. We take each thought and decision to Him first and ask that He reveal to us if we are making it about us or Him.

We serve Him by serving others, we love like He loves us, we keep our eyes focused on Him and Heaven and we remember that every decision we make, every word we speak, every place we are in is for Him and His glory.

Sound like a lot to fulfill? When we try to do it on our own it is SO much and that is where I went wrong and why I prayed that prayer so many times, but when I let Christ in me do it, I found it to be so much easier and enjoyable.

We have no greater job than the one we are called to and that is fulfilling His purpose!

Prayer: Jesus forgive us when we get caught up in trying to make it about us and our purpose. May we take our eyes off of the world and place it on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

How is your marriage?

“He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.” Ephesians 5:25-27     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

He promised to love me, comfort me, honor me and keep me in sickness and in health, rich or poor, better or worse, sadness and in joy, and to cherish and continually give me His heart’s deepest devotion. He promised to keep me only for Himself as long as I live.

It is the very act of faith and a personal commitment. It is the most important relationship that can exist between two people. It is the building of love and trust. It is a commitment that requires daily attention and is life-long.

Number 17 on our list of things to crave-A promising marriage

A marriage that took place way before our earthly marriages took place. The marriage between us and Christ!

From the time He put the earth in motion and placed me in the womb of my mother He had claimed me for His own. Jesus is my groom and long before I ever knew I was and am His bride.

The day I accepted His proposal (placed Him in my heart) He didn’t place a ring on my finger He covered me in His blood. It was His promise and pledge of His love to me. It was a symbol of His promise to be united to me forever.

Our wedding day was the day of my baptism! It was a day that I publically swore before my family and friends that I would be joined to Jesus as one. I would make my heart and mind become one with His.

Together we would create our home (my heart) a place of love, kindness, warmth, and a place for Him to dwell.

On that day what God had joined together will no man or Satan destroy!

And by the power vested in me by the Word of God, His Son, and His blood, I am now married to the bridegroom of Heaven and earth. As I cling to His promises my days will be good, long, and forever.

I am married to a Savior who will never fail me, cheat on me, hurt me, leave me, or ever stop loving me. No matter how many times I mess up, hurt Him, or how little of time I spend with Him.

When I gladly accepted the amazing privilege and honor of becoming His wife, of which I don’t even deserve, I committed to honor Him, spend quality time with Him, build Him up, serve Him, love Him with all of my heart, and worship Him as my King.

I wonder just how many earthly marriages would be saved if our Heavenly marriages were how they were supposed to be.

Prayer: Jesus may our marriage with You be all that You desire it to be. May we put as much time into our relationship as we do our earthly ones. Thank You for choosing us to be Your brides! In Jesus name, Amen          

What does your time sheet show?

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character.” Psalm 89:8

For the last 31 years of my life I have had a mom and dad that have been 100% committed to their kids and grandkids! They travel from one end of the state to the other in order to be there whenever we need them. There has never been a day that if one of me or my sisters called that they would not stop what they were doing to be there.

Growing up they went to over 100 + basketball games, football games (why we cheered) church camps, etc. No matter what was going on they were there! I can honestly tell you that I don’t remember one thing I ever did that my mom and dad were not present. They have always made us feel like we were the most important thing on the face of the earth. Over their job, their own wants-everything! No matter how tired they are they somehow find the strength to keep on going.

They have been to ALL seven of their grandkids births, birthdays, hospital stays, and even just because! But not only were they committed to us, they were and are committed to their friends, the sick, their jobs, and most important their church, and the Lord!

Number 18 on our list of things to crave-Faithfulness

We all know of people who we would define as faithful. Whether faithful parents, faithful workers, faithful sports fans, faithful friends, etc. How many people do we know that are faithful followers of Christ?

My husband and I just recently attended an NFL football game and as we were sitting there watching and looking around we both noticed how faithful some of the fans were, but not only that but how many there were. And we couldn’t help to think what if all these people were faithful to the Lord and their church! Goodness could you imagine!

But what about those who put their heart and soul into their jobs, what if they put their heart and souls into the Lord and their church? As all these thoughts were going through my head, I wondered where my faithfulness stood. I wondered if my life showed my faithfulness to the Lord and His church.

I am very blessed to have parents who taught and showed me daily what faithfulness is and looks like, but more than that I have a God whose faithfulness is His very character.

Let me define faithfulness for you- The Son of God who was sent to earth in human flesh. And knew from the time He arrived the price He would pay. Yet for thirty three years knowing the agony and pain He would endure still devoted Himself to His father and to you and me. He is the parent that has never left our sides, has been there for every birth, birthday, and hospital stay, and even just because! He is the faithful employee, employer, and friend!

If you had to keep a time sheet what would your hours show?  How would it define your faithfulness? How would you define your own faithfulness? Are you a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, His word, and His church?

Prayer: Jesus thank you for Your faithfulness to us. May we adjust our priorities to be more faithful followers of You. In Jesus name, Amen

On whose behalf?

“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” Proverbs 10:10 

Have you ever been placed in a very uncomfortable situation? One, which puts your faith to the test? How did you react, what did you do, did you say anything or did you just stay quite?

 Just recently my faith was put to the test and it came at a time when I least expected it. Let’s just say I was caught completely off guard and placed in a situation extremely uncomfortable. So uncomfortable I felt as though I was placed right in the middle of Satan! And it felt like forever!

The bad part about the whole situation was I could not get out and felt trapped. So blind-sided by the whole thing I found myself quite, in awe, and extremely saddened. And instead of speaking up I sat and did not say a word, which was far worse and just as sinful.

Being a follower of Christ is more than just sitting, anyone can do that, and what I have learned and know is that Jesus expects and wants us who are called by His name to speak up, and not just sit! Satan loves that! He loves when we allow sin to continue! Do you notice that those when offended are quick to speak, quick to let you know their opinion, but what about when Jesus is offended? Who speaks up for Him?

Number 19 on our list of things to crave-Boldness

Boldness, boldness, boldness! Yes there is a time and place, there are the right words to be said, and all should be led by the power of the Holy Spirit! Being bold for the Lord is being self-assured that He is in control that He will speak on your behalf and regardless the outcome, He will take care of the situation.

Do you think being a light for the Lord is by just sitting still? “No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, it is put on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room.” Luke 11:33

When I placed Jesus in my heart, He became a part of me. Because of that, He now goes everywhere I go and is a part of everything I do.  He is a part of all my conversations and actions.

In knowing all of that I choose and want to take Him places that bring glory to His name, that please Him, and make Him happy. So when placed in a situation of testing, knowing He is in me I should not be afraid to speak boldly for His names sake! It is our jobs and our amazing honor to get to speak on behalf of the Lord!

What if Jesus never spoke boldly for us, what if on judgment day He did not speak up for you, what if He just sat silent?

Prayer: Jesus thank you that You did speak boldly and on our behalf when You died on the cross, Forgive us for just sitting, may we sit no longer but rise to our feet and speak on Your behalf! Give us the strength and courage to stand boldly for You! In Jesus name, Amen

Content...in?

“Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

I know very few people that are content with what they have! We are a society that always wants more; more wealth, more success, better and new entertainment, etc. Just recently I came across a couple of passages written by Paul that opened my eyes to a realization I have been missing. Better yet the Lord lifted the veil and opened my heart! He showed me something about Paul that I admire and crave to obtain! He showed me that there is a difference between what to be content with and what not to be content with.

Number 20 on our list of things to crave-Contentment

In our first passage Paul shows us contentment from a material perspective. By saying if you have food and clothes then be content, because you came into the world with nothing and you are going to leave the world with nothing! He also says at the beginning, in order to have great wealth then seek true religion and contentment. If you are searching for wealth from the world then misery and disappointment are sure to follow.

In passage two Paul shows us contentment in times of suffering.

“Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

I want you to notice how he starts his statement; “Since I know it is all for Christ’s good…” Wow, Paul said if it makes Christ shine and brings Him good than I will and have found contentment in being insulted, persecuted, beat, locked up, and hungry.  We can’t even be content with the clothes we wear or the jobs we have. But for Paul, it was not about the worldly stuff, and it should not be about that for us. Paul knew that when he was weak Christ was strong, and because of that he had to seek him every day.

The point I want to make is this. So many of us are never content with anything, but we are content with our spiritual walk. We are content with attending church when it benefits us. We are content with reading our bibles when we see fit. We are content with only praying when we are faced with trouble or sickness. We are content with only reaching those in the church, while those outside the church are dying. We are content with being members but not ever getting involved. We are content with dropping our children off at church while we go home. We are content with merely existing, then fulfilling our purpose for existing. We are content with letting others do the spreading of the Good News. We are even content with saying the reason we don’t go to church or mess with the whole religion thing is because there are too many hypocrites! If we are doing it for any other reason than for Jesus, we are doing it wrong!

I believe that if we are content with where we are at spiritually, than we are not maturing spiritually. We should be searching and longing for more of Christ and we should seek that contentment everyday until He returns!

Prayer; Jesus may we never become content in our walk with you!  In Jesus name, Amen

There is a HUGE difference

“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.” Psalm 4:7

 “We will do what we can, but I am afraid having children might not be possible.” The doctor said. Devastated by the news she went home to tell her husband. “Honey, we will do whatever we need to, we will go see the best infertility doctor there is.” He said. And that is exactly what they did! They went through three doctors, hearing all the same things.  But it just was not enough; their desire to have children was so much greater for them to just give up.

After hours of discussion and fussing they decided to try one more doctor. There, they sat in the office waiting for the doctor to come in and give them the news. He entered the room sat down and said “I want to have you both run some tests and then I want to start you on some medicine that I think will help.” Really? You really think we can get pregnant they replied. “I can’t guarantee it, but it is worth trying, when I get both tests back I will be able to tell you more.” And so it began, she was faithful in taking the medicine doing everything she was told, and when she was told. But month after month nothing happened. Test after test she took, all for the disappointment of it being negative. She felt her joy and happiness draining from within her. Her husband noticed her mood; her desire to do things was diminishing. She was becoming a woman he didn’t know!

After months and months went by, they went from pills to shots, to just give us 15,000 dollars and we can assure you a baby.  She started to become angry not understanding why this was happening, how could it be that everyone else could get pregnant, even those who didn’t deserve a baby, went through her head.  It wasn’t fair! The whole time her husband would keep saying, “Just give it to the Lord.” So she cried out even more than before, she prayed for the Lord to look upon her and see her agony and desire to bear one of His children. And still nothing! Finally-she gave up! No more doctors, no more shots, nothing, “I am done” she cried.  Her joy was gone! Upon going home to see their family for Christmas she became very ill-and was taken to the E.R. her husband determined to find out what was wrong with her requested tests to be ran, and so they began! Around 2:30 a.m. the nurse came in the room and said” I am sorry but we are not going to be able to run anymore tests.” Her husband confused said “why, I don’t understand what is wrong with her?” The nurse replied, “She is two weeks pregnant!” “Are you sure?” Yes we are sure, we ran it twice!” With tears running down his face-he looked over at his wife there in the bed and said “You did it! Baby you did it; you finally gave it to the Lord!”

Number 21 on our list of things to crave-Joy

On August 15, 2006 our beautiful baby boy entered the world! And the moment they placed him in my arms was one of the most joyful days of my life. You see, I didn’t know the difference between joy and happiness back then. And it wasn’t until recently that I learned the difference. I always thought they were one in the same. But they are not, happiness is temporary and unpredictable, it is based on circumstances and feelings. Joy is lasting, and comes from the presence of God within us. The more Jesus we have the more joy we have! The closer our relationship is with Him, the more joy we will receive. So stop seeking happiness, and start seeking lasting joy!

Prayer: Jesus You are true joy, may we desire to have joy and not happiness that is only temporary. In the name that gives everlasting joy, Jesus, Amen.

Already given!

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.” Psalm 51:1

Men and Women’s definition of compassion are night and day. Women define compassion as gentle, sympathetic, understanding, loving, supportive. And men well to be honest I am not sure, all I know is that it is one word I remind my husband of often.

Number 22-Compassion

It never fails the more I pray for God to fill my husband with compassion, the more God teaches me of compassion.

So what have I been learning? Compassion is what is given to us each and every day. It comes in the form of mercy and grace. It is all those things I desire from my husband plus more! And I receive it with every breath that I take. And Christ is the only one that can give it!

“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

God knows that one of my deepest needs is compassion and instead of looking to my husband I need to look to the Lord and rejoice in the most undeserved gift I have been given. For His compassion is more than enough, and far more satisfying!

Today we can be sure of one thing! That compassion given from Christ is offered to all who are willing to receive it. And it is far more beneficial than what any human could ever offer.

Prayer: Jesus thank You for opening my eyes to understand the true meaning of compassion. Lord I ask for an extra dose of compassion on all those who need it today! In Jesus name, Amen

There is only one way to love

“We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

Think of a sentence that describes love? What did you come up with? How about, Christ on the Cross! Now think of a word that describes love? You got it-Christ!

Number 23 on our list of things to crave-Love

Love is one of the hardest actions to display. It goes against the flesh, which is full of self.  Instead of walking with confidence we battle insecurity. Instead of walking in the mercy of Christ we walk in self-condemnation. Instead of yielding to others we demand to be yielded to. However, we can overcome the flesh and love because of Christ in us. 

We must understand however, that we are INCAPABLE of loving or displaying love without Christ in us. 

Love can only be displayed through us, when, we let the Holy Spirit have control of our lives.

When the Holy Spirit takes control He fills our thoughts with things that are true, honorable and right-thoughts that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.

THEN

From those thoughts He will produce fruit that is of; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When you receive the love of Christ you will also cling to His every Word.

You were made in the very image of God! He knit you together with His own two hands and made you wonderfully complex! His workmanship is marvelous, therefore making you marvelous! You are not worthless because God does not make worthless things! You are of more value than the birds in the sky, or the lilies in the fields. You are so loved and wonderful to the Lord that out of 7 BILLION people He desires an intimate one on one relationship with you!

When we allow those thoughts to take root, our whole mind set changes, and true beauty begins to pour out from within us.

Love is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward his people. Love is the picture of Christ when placed upon the cross bearing the sin of the world. Love is the picture of His nail scarred hands. Jesus is love! And when we have Jesus we have love!

Today let love overtake you by putting your thoughts on Jesus!  Let love be the sweetest thing you crave today. Because once you have a taste, you will become addicted.

Prayer: Jesus thank you for being the ultimate expression of love. Thank you that Your love is unconditional, perfect, and extremely intoxicating! Amen

A forever companion!

“Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions, calling them apostles.” Mark 3:13-14

They have been regular companions of my parents for over 35 years. They have been through everything you could ever imagine, illness, hurt, death etc. They are each other’s backbone! I don’t remember a time growing up that this core group of friends, which was 4 families, was not either at our house or we were not at one of theirs.

And it never failed come rain or shine, every Wednesday night they would all meet up (kids and all) at one of the homes for dinner, praise and worship, and devotion. All of us kids would go and play while they met. Little did my parents know there would be times that I would sneak in to listen. I remember Garland would always bring his guitar and lead the worship while everyone else sang along. I would watch as some of them would stand to their feet and sing to the Lord, while others would be bowed in prayer. I also remember it feeling like they sang a gazillion songs. But now grown I realize that they sang as the Spirit led them and for as long as He desired. Following the music they would discuss prayer requests, and pray, followed by one of the men leading the devotional. And no matter what, there was always lots of loud laughter, and quite tears!

For my mom and dad these people who still get together no matter the distance are their soul mates. They are their regular companions who have a selfless love for Jesus and one another.

Number 24 on our list of things to crave-Spiritual Fellowship

It is the example my parents set for me that leaves me craving Spiritual Fellowship! I desire that type of fellowship that is based around the Word of God. Fellowship that is uplifting, encouraging, and accountable. Fellowship that does not waiver no matter the disagreement, no matter the sickness, no matter the hurt! Fellowship that is selfless, pure, and full of Jesus’ unfailing love. Fellowship like that is only found in Jesus Christ and a passion for Him.

It reminds me of 12 chosen disciples, Jesus’ “regular companions” what an unbelievable honor for them! Could you imagine how great their fellowship was?  I can, to an extent and while I live here on earth, I desire to be surrounded with companions that desire to walk in the ways of the Lord. How about you, what type of fellowship/companionship do you desire?

Prayer: Jesus help us crave more Spiritual fellowship. Thank you for placing companions in our lives that love unconditionally, are selfless, forgiving and accountable. Jesus may we place You always in the center of fellowship. When we meet may we honor You in all we say and do. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen

Bite your tongue!

”We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2

It never fails no matter how heated our conversations can become, my husband has never raised his voice at me. Now, as for me, I have to admit I do raise mine. No matter how angry he gets he never lets spite come from his mouth. No matter how bad I think a situation is he is always finding the positive. No matter how bad the storm, he is always their providing protection and peace.

Number 25-Self Control!

I have been blessed with not only an earthly husband whom exemplifies self-control, but, I have a heavenly Father that defines it!

I can tell you that this is one thing I crave more than anything! Especially when I see the peace my husband has, it makes me long for it even more. I can say the more devoted I become to the Lord, the more I fill my thoughts with His word, the better I do. But it is work!

In 2 Peter 1:5-6 Peter shows us how to obtain better self-control. “A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance.”

It is a daily commitment that requires lots of practice, humility and patience! It is taking a step back and trusting in Jesus to calm the storm within you. James puts it best when he says if you can control your tongue, you can also control yourself in every other way.

So today we begin with our tongue, when you find yourself in a heated situation, bite it, literally! The pull from the Word of God stored within you and start saying it over and over until your thoughts conform to His Word.

Jesus take control of what I say O’ Lord, keep my lips sealed. Let no unwholesome thought come out in my speech. Help me to remember the example of self-control you set for me when you stood before Your accusers. Amen

Transformed and Representing

“Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness,-righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:22-24

A while back I had a conversation with a relative about drinking. And during the discussion the comment was made as always, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with drinking, if you don’t abuse it.” As I sat and listened trying to understand their point of view I realized just how many people agree with them. I immediately began praying that the Holy Spirit would  take over the conversation and speak the exact words that would need to be spoken.

And as they looked at me and asked; “Why do you think it is bad, what is the big deal?” I sat there for a moment and thought; I can either tell them my opinion or let the Holy Spirit speak for me. And for once in my life I made a good judgment call and allowed the Holy Spirit to work.

This is what came out “When I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ, I made the commitment to die to myself and put on Christ. In doing that, I now represent Jesus in all I do and say. So upon that decision my every move, word, and action needs to be bringing Christ glory. They interrupted, “I made that decision also.” My response; “That is wonderful and I am not questioning that. But when we choose to go out and drink, and other people see us with that drink in our hand what do they see? Do they see us partaking in a worldly thing, or do they see Jesus?” It is the same with the words that come out of our mouth, what music we listen to, what TV shows we watch, our actions towards others, etc. Does it represent Jesus?

This brings me to number 26 on our list of things to crave-Transformation.

It is not about who is right and who is wrong! It is about doing exactly what Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24, and that is transforming ourselves by throwing off our old evil nature and former way of life, and putting on Christ who is righteous, holy and true.

When we truly cloth ourselves in the Word of God, our thoughts and attitudes become aligned with God’s thoughts and attitude. It is that, which we should crave, to be one with Christ-enthroned in His will! We should desire transformation everyday as we fill our hearts with His Word, love, mercy, and grace.

Prayer: Jesus, come in and transform us by changing the way we think. Come sit in the driver seat of our hearts, and steer us in the direction of Your will! In Jesus name, Amen.

How do you prepare?

“Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!” Matthew6:22-23

What do they do on third and short, third and medium, and third and long. Do they run or throw? What do they line up in, what play do they run the most. Do they do a lot of trick plays? Are they quick? This is just a fraction of the things my husband looks at when preparing for a football game. And I am sure; actually I know it gets even more detailed and specific than that. He could probably tell you what finger moved when the center touched the ball. I mean it is that detailed. And the hours put into breaking down film is endless. The longer the season the more film they watch. It becomes very strenuous and demanding.  But it is all the preparation the coaches do that help prepare their team for battle.

This brings me to number 27 on our list-Insight

Just as a football team needs insight on their opponent, we as Christians need insight to defeat our opponent- Satan.

Could you imagine if we all put in endless hours breaking down the Word of God, looking at the detail and specifics of His word? Wouldn’t our insight be more clear on what plays we needed to run to be victorious.

Instead some of us put in hours of self-gratification, such as watching T.V. which as we all know fills our mind with worldly things, thus putting the wrong kind of insight in our mind. And that is what makes our passage so powerful. What you allow your eye to see is what goes into your body. If you put the Word of God in, you are letting sunshine into your soul. If you put things of the world in, which is all darkness, than blindness will set in, and how deep that darkness will be. So when temptation shows itself, you will not be prepared because you will be blind to it. Just like that football team that didn’t prepare down to the specifics or that let pride seep in. 

Our eyes need to be fixed on the Lord, the one who gives us insight into eternity. 

Jesus, help us receive more insight from Your Word. May we become more devoted coaches and prepare our team for battle. In Jesus name Amen.

What’s the call?

“A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”Luke 22:56

He was one of the three core disciples. He was impulsive, bold in his preaching and when he was questioned for being a follower of Jesus, he denied him three times!

They had just arrested Jesus and led Him away to the high priest’s residence, He followed far behind. The guards lit a fire in the courtyard and everyone set around it, including Peter. It was there that the servant girl noticed him and called him out in front of the crowd. Upon her accusation which was the truth Peter was quick to say “Woman, I don’t even know the man!”

Number 28 on our list of things to crave-Good Judgment

It was a heated, intense moment for Peter during the time of Jesus’ arrest, and when faced with the decision to stand for the Lord, to make a good judgment call, he chose to deny him all for the sake of his own life.  

It comes down to making a morally right decision despite the circumstance. And just like Peter we too have faltered at times.

Solomon puts it best when he says “Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment.” Proverbs 4:5 and not only did he say it in verse 5 he goes on to say again in 7 “And whatever else you do, get good judgment.”

Always take a step back no matter how heated or intense a situation becomes and let the Holy Spirit give you discernment which will result in a good judgment call, because your heart will be Jesus focused and not self-focused!

Jesus, help us to develop good judgment, no matter the situation or outcome. Lord we can only discern good judgment when we allow Your Word to penetrate within us. Help us learn from Peter and not act out of impulse, anger, or fear. Amen

Knowing the difference?

“Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment.”

He turned one and the desire to explore and discover new things was of such intrigue. It easily amused him for hours. The more and more he discovered, the more and more he heard the word “No, no” And it never failed, every time he heard no, his curiosity grew, until one day, no, was not enough to keep him from pursuing his curiosity. Thus, disobedience began and discipline was needed. When the discipline came through a spanking, he finally began to realize the difference between what was okay to play with and what was not?

That one year old is now five, and as each year comes, so does his desire to learn more. Instead of exploring with his hands, he now explores with many questions. He craves to understand and learn new things. He is seeking deeper understanding, which has given my husband and me the opportunity to teach him right and wrong. Although, at times he walks away completely puzzled of what we just spoke about, we both know that the Lord is at work within him, and over time he will grasp the true meaning of discernment.

Number 29 on our list of things to crave is-Discernment!

Discernment is the ability to discover and recognize things. It is the one thing we should seek every day as we read the Word of God. Paul gives us a great example of the importance of discernment when he says in Philippians 1:10 “For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.”

Not only do we need to be able to discern right from wrong, we need to be able to discern false teaching. In our world today there are many people who teach their own beliefs, and who try to twist and manipulate the Word of God for their own personal gain. Paul again shows us how necessary it is to discern between the two. “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.”Romans 16:18

Now more than ever we should crave deeper discernment so we can be aware of false teachings.

Jesus as we read Your word give us discernment to know the difference between those who are truly working for You and those who are working for the enemy. In Jesus name Amen

He Knows!

“They tell the prophets, ‘Shut up! We don’t want any more of your reports.’ They say, “Don’t tell us the truth. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget all this gloom. We have heard more than enough about your ‘Holy One of Israel.’ We are tired of listening to what he has to say.” Isaiah 30:10-11

Growing up my husband and his best friend came up with the saying “He Knows” (meaning Jesus knows) it was reassurance they were telling the truth. Some 15 years later we too have picked up on that saying. It is actually used quite often around our house. For example; “Honey does this outfit look okay?” My husband’s reply “Yes it looks fine!” Really, are you sure? Say He Knows!”  “He knows Kristi it looks fine” He would not have to say anything else. 

When we ask or seek answers we search for the truth, and a lot of times when we are given the answer we take it with skepticism and doubt. It is because we only want to hear what we want to hear and what makes us feel good. We even, when giving an answer, will sugar-coat the truth to avoid dissension or hurt. At times we would rather lie to dodge trouble or disappointing someone.

That leads us to Number 30-Truth

Truth-is accurate and trustworthy for all people, time, and situations. Solomon puts it best when he says.”A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.” Proverbs 16:14 isn’t that exactly what the people from Judah did in our passage? They were fools who wanted to be fed trash instead of the truth.

God’s truth reveals our sins and our true intentions; God’s truth is given in a loving manner with real sincerity, and though it hurts, it also brings a deeper healing and stronger bond with the Lord. When you seek the truth from the Word of God you won’t need the reassurance of “He knows!”

Have we been refraining from getting in God’s Word because we too want to be fed trash? Do we keep going around to different people seeking to hear only what we want to hear? We need to let God fill us with guaranteed truth, it will make us wiser, and who does not want to become more wise?

Jesus fill us with an intense craving for truth. May we not be satisfied until we get into Your Word. Amen.

Crave-o-lution!

“By God’s special favor and mighty power, I have been given the wonderful privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.” Ephesians 3:7

We all have them and at times they can become so strong we would be willing to do just about anything to satisfy them.

Cravings! They are an intense, consuming desire for a particular thing. They leave us longing for more and can even become a requirement. There are many different types of cravings, food, attention, affection, alcohol, T.V., hobbies, money, drugs, etc. The list goes on and on.

Just the other day my husband was craving something sweet and he was very persistent about one particular thing-a homemade chocolate meringue pie. Of course knowing the time it would take me to prepare it, I was not that excited about doing it. But after an hour of his begging I finally gave in and made him a pie.

Later that night as I sat down to spend time with the Lord it hit me. When was the last time we craved Jesus? I mean really craved Him with an intense consuming desire. It devastated me to think that we would do just about anything for a temporary fix.

So today is the first day of our Crave-o-lution! We are going to look at 31 of the most important things we should crave. Starting with number 31!

Opportunity-Just as I had the opportunity to satisfy my husband’s sweet craving-we too have the opportunity to satisfy Jesus’ sweet craving.

And today the opportunity just so presents itself. We have the opportunity to receive Christ by asking Him to come live in our hearts. We have the opportunity to confess and repent from our sins. And we have the opportunity to serve Christ by sharing the Good News.

When is the last time you craved for the opportunity to share Jesus with someone?

“Jesus today we await the opportunity to share Your word with someone-give us an intense craving to bring salvation to the lost. Amen.”

Planning on Him, in Him, about Him, and for Him

 “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21

I am sure you can tell God is teaching me something, and hopefully you as well, about His leading and guidance in our lives.

I love how the verse yesterday and today both start with how we can make plans, ours or many, but then ends with how God determines the steps and purpose of those plans.

Today the Holy Spirit spoke something very powerful within me. If I am making plans for my family and myself today and next week, they need to be aligned with the Word of God. And He must be included in every plan.

Spending time with the Lord as individuals and as a family MUST be the very first thing planned and done. G and I need not to determine worldly plans for our family, but spiritual and everlasting plans. We must plan on teaching our boys about Jesus and His Word today. We must plan on when we will do that as a family and when G and I will do that as a couple and as individuals.

We must plan on applying what we study in God’s Word today, through our actions, speech, thoughts, and attitudes. Today God will carry out His purpose in spite of whether or not G and I do. Today He will determine our steps and it will be up to G and me whether we walk in those steps.

We can make a lot of worldly plans, but I would rather make spiritual everlasting plans, wouldn’t you?

Jesus help us to not get caught up in planning around things of this world. Instead may our plans be made for You; to know You, to invest in You as a family and as individuals. May we plan to teach our boys about You and the importance of putting You first. Straighten out our priorities Lord. Amen

Planning in the future of this day.

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I am not sure I would consider myself or my family planners. Actually my husband and I are really last minute planners. We get a thought or an idea, and, if we are able, we go and do it. It just seems to work best for us, especially since G’s job is time consuming.

Honestly, I have never been one who has found future planning so necessary. However; I do have many thoughts of the future for my boys, but never make concrete plans of what we will do. I do have hopes of what I would like, but that is as far as it goes for me and I believe God has a very specific reason for that.

Only He is able to see my family’s future. Only He knows exactly how far in the future we will go. He does determine our steps and He tells us that in our passage above.

Maybe that is the reason my future is the two days or two weeks that are ahead. I think I would become so consumed with planning for the future that I would forget to live in the day I have been given.

I cannot see what my future in this ministry is, but I can see that today He is determining my steps and I need to just keep stepping today. I need to plan on sharing His name and His message in the future of today.

What if we planned the future of today out? Before we lay down tonight, what if we planned on being obedient and sharing the Word of God, His love, and His grace before we went to sleep? I mean isn’t five o’clock today considered the future? It is what lies ahead of us, isn’t it?

He determines our steps, and today, He could determine our step to be in Heaven with Him.

Jesus thank You for allowing my mind to only go so far into the future! Thank You that I am only able to see the future of today, this week, and next week. May my plans in this day align with the steps You have determined for me today. Amen

We will be robbed! They will be robbed!

“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

What can I apply today from this powerful verse that cuts to the core of my heart? I can apply faithful action, action that moves with the commands of the Spirit. Actions that look down to ensure every step I take are placed in the steps of His.  

I can apply the reality that perfect only exists in the Holiness of Christ, not in human form. Therefore I must not allow this perfect to keep me from stepping forward-forward in His direction. It will rob me if I let it, this perfect condition. It will rob me from growth, from wisdom, and it will rob the lost from hearing the message, seeing the compassion, and experiencing His grace. 

It will rob that woman He laid on my heart to pray with, to hug, to encourage. It will rob my marriage from being the best it can be. It will rob my boys from desiring more of Him. It will rob those who are lost, broken, or lonely from experiencing the love and presence of Christ. It will rob the one trapped in sin from experiencing the freedom of grace. It will rob the hopeless from finding hope. It will rob me from being the blessings of Christ. And it will rob me from being a light.

Why do I wait? Why do you wait?

This perfect, it only comes in the form of heaven. This earth cannot hold perfect nor can it grasp it.

So we need to act today and wait no longer for the perfect time to speak of His name, to share His grace, or to study His word. It is time brethren!

Jesus help us to act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Keep us from waiting to do what You have called us to do today. Amen