The Ultimate Fixer-Upper...

When Jesus does a remodel, a redo, a restoration, or whatever you may call it, He does it well...

“That’s where He restores and revives my life. He opens before me the pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in His footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to His name.”
Psalm 23:3 TPT

I took me far too many years to take these words literally from Psalm 23. He is the only One who truly can restore and revive. Others may help encourage, and counsel us about...our stuff. But yes, only Lord Jesus can heal and restore.

Now I am all for counseling. Don’t get me wrong. I have been a pastoral counselor for years and I facilitate an inner healing ministry called Steps to Breakthrough – Healing Life’s Hurts. Nevertheless, I know there is only One who really knows what He is doing. And He not only knows the intimacies of our lives – the deepest, darkest stuff – He is right there with us in the midst of them Psalm 39 tells us.

I know this is true. His grace in my dark has brought me into His light. I was once a broken mess, but now I live as a daughter of the King in the healing purchased for me. Because I brought Him no glory hiding in the shadows of my flesh and the enemy. Nope. No more. I be wanting to live in more and more of His light. His power. His Healing. His joy overwhelming. His beyond reason love.

So, what about you? Do you need a remodel, redo, or a restoration? Are you a fixer-upper waiting to be discovered? Jesus can do it. Simply surrender and let Him begin.

Run...

Not long ago, we received a thank you note from our nephew...

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14

We had sent Ryan some financial support for his up-coming, two-year mission trip to the South Pacific. In his note to us, Ryan wrote:

“Thank you for...helping a young man run after God.”

These words knocked the wind out of me. These are powerful words. These are life-changing words. To run after God is to pursue Life itself. To put Jesus’ Kingdom first and then let Him so effortlessly take care of the rest of what so often trips us up, consumes our thoughts, resources, energy, and affections.

I am late to running after God. I was a Christian for years before truly pursuing Him first and only. And may I tell you these past years have been a joy-ride, a thrill-ride, an adventure, and yep, He has even used my life to bring salvation, healing, and hope to others. Jesus has provided for EVERY need and then some. These past years have been extravagant, rich, abundant, and superfluous. No joke.

So, I ask you. Are you running after God? If not, it is time to make the decision to do so. Don’t waste another minute of your precious life, make it an ardent, precious pursuit instead.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

If your birthday is forgotten, your boss passes you over to give a promotion to someone else, or you feel generally unseen, run to the One whose arms are always open wide to embrace you. Let Him. Stay. Linger. And wait in the Lord's presence until you sense His comfort, His nearness, and His still small voice reminding you that He sees you. He is the only One who really matters.

Should your car break down, a relationship breaks down, or you feel on the verge of -- a breakdown. Turn to the Only One Who can genuinely heal your soul. He even cares about such details as cars and relationships, too. He is the source of Your strength, so don't give place to the temptation to have a pity party because the God of the Universe is on your side. Open His Word, drink it in, and be refreshed.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!  1 John 4:4

Surrender...

I have been oh so slow to learn this...

But when I surrender my strong, often obstinate will for His grand and glorious ways -- life happens. yes oh yes. Miraculous and wonder-filled life happens. Even in the midst of the most dark and treacherous of circumstances.

Yes. My heart is slowly learning this -- and being transformed.

"If you keep my commands, you will live in My love, just as I have kept my Father's commands, for I continually live nourished and empowered by His love."
John 15:10 The Passion Translation

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Promises...

Have you read Psalm 34 recently?

“I sought the LORD, and He heard me, 
And delivered me from all my fears. 
They looked to Him and were radiant, 
And their faces were not ashamed.”
Psalm 34:4-5

God gives a ton of promises to His believers through King David’s words here. The caveat is – we believers often need to believe to receive them.

No, it’s not works or trying harder. It IS getting to know the ONE who promised these great gifts to His children and trusting Him for His promises. And live like we are trusting Him – not just lip service.

The Lord promised the Promise Land to the Israelites, but they did have to battle and contend for this great gift. It wasn’t handed to them easily, they had to trust, listen for direction, and yes, obey.

So, what has God promised you? Are you living like you believe He will come through? Read Psalm 34 and be super encouraged. And if you have never received a promise from the Lord Jesus, give this Psalm a look-over and hear what He might speak to your heart from it. It could rock your world.

The Rock...

Some words from Moses, speak loudly to me...today...

“For their rock is not like our Rock, 
Even our enemies themselves being judges.”
Deuteronomy 32:30-31

Really. We all believe something. Even the most ardent atheist believes.

Personally, I think it takes WAY more faith to NOT believe in God than to have faith in Him. Just go outside and take a look at one spring flower that is blooming. Well, I digress.

These last words of Moses, who tasted all the sensual lusts, money, status, and power the world had to offer in the first forty years of his life as prince of Egypt, knows that the world at large is banking on the flimsy rock of these things just mentioned. Don’t I sometimes too? My education, my position, my bank account, my house – the list goes on. These are all rocks I can put my hopes in, but as Moses states in the prior verse – take a look – these foundations eventually well sell me out. The devil, who distracts us with these less than foundations, will always sell me out.

Nope. I place my trust on a different Rock. The ROCK. The Rock of Ages. King Jesus who never falters, crumbles beneath me, cannot be shaken, and Who cannot fail.

What Rock are you hoping to save you in your current circumstances? Make sure it is the One and Only, True Rock. Anything less is just that: so much less.

ASAP...

Is anyone experiencing tough sledding in life? You know – feeling like life is an uphill battle?

"But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment."
Isaiah 50:11

Okay, I admit it. This might not sound like the most inspirational devotional, but it might just save your life. I saved mine.

The prophet Isaiah is warning us from the passage above that when we try to make our own way – try to live life apart from God’s beautiful plans and purposes, life will be a source of almost constant struggle. Take it from my hubby and me who considered ourselves devout Christians; who were pastoring significant churches, yet took a detour to do what made sense, what we thought best, and not what the Lord was speaking directly to us. Honestly? We had two years of torment – think finances, health, kids, relatives, and ministry – that were an absolute struggle.

God uses these things mercifully in our lives to get our attention. This is not punishment, this is a willful choice to walk out from under His protective covering from the enemy.

No, this clearly doesn’t mean that when we blow it, there will always be a price to pay, but if life is a constant struggle, it is wisdom to stop and ask yourself why and where you might have made a detour from Jesus’ abundance.

In other words, it is time to refrain from walking in your own light and beat it back asap to His.

Come Aside...

I am not sure there are any sweeter words...

"And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat."  Mark 6:31

Jesus and His crew were on a 24/7/365 schedule. Every minute was pursued on assignment from the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus. Well Jesus always knows what is best.

“Come aside, my beloved.”

He calls us to His side to find refreshment, rest, restoration, and redemption. And the call to His early disciples is extended to us today. There is nothing that can replace time with Him alone. Why waste time, worry, sleeplessness, ill-health when we have the opportunity to find all we need for spirit, soul, and body in the quiet of His presence?

Yes, I understand life can be hectic. I am only home two days this month and six days the next, and my calendar is filled. I understand quiet can be more of a pipe dream – I am currently helping our kids with their newborn twins and toddler. I realize there are so many other distractions: Netflix, sports, work, finances, stuff...

But He extends the invitation to come aside and His call is irresistible.

Broadway...

Sometimes we need to learn to live in the small, confined place before the Lord can release us into His broad place...

“I called on the LORD in distress; 
The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.”
Psalm 118:5

Have you ever been in a situation that felt confining, hard, and difficult? Have you – like me – complained to the Lord about it, yet your prayers seem to go unanswered? This could be a relationship, a marriage, a workplace, home, school -- you name it situation.

If you are in currently in one of these ‘small’ places, can I encourage you to quit your complaining, griping, and placing blame elsewhere and instead ask the Lord what it is He is trying to work out of your character so that you may take on more of His? Escaping, quitting, and running away only delays the inevitable go-round of the same issue again, somewhere and sometime in your life.

Take it from me who had to learn this lesson in the small place.

When I began to believe and live what comes later in this same Psalm, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it,” no matter what my circumstances were, I found abundance in the small place – because I found HIM in the small place. And I usually wasn’t long after that my circumstances would change completely.

Yes, I can tell you story after story. Find joy in the narrow road and shortly you will be walking on the street named: His Broadway.

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you lock your keys in the car, leave your phone at the last store you visited, or your just plain old want to go back to bed and bury your head under the covers, remember! The Word of God is the absolute truth: This is the day the Lord has made – for you! Make the first thing you do next be to take some time in His presence, opening The Bible and let Him restore your soul.

Should you receive a not so good diagnosis, a troubling email, or a phone call that sends you reeling, draw near to the One who holds all the answers. Who IS the answer. Make King Jesus your one and only priority and place every issue into His capable hands. He is able, He is willing, He is LORD.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!  1 John 4:4

Whole Heart...

I have wondered what it would be like to be rich and famous, have you?

"And you will seek Me and find Me, 
when you search for Me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13

I mean really. Yes. Being a wealthy celebrity has some great perks, but then again, who could you really trust to love you – for you? I have wondered if this is what it is like for God at times too.

Honestly now. Didn’t we all come to Him out of our great need? Nevertheless, there comes a time when He calls us just to love Him, live for Him and seek His face purely out of sheer devotion. And, not for what we can receive from Him.

The original Hebrew for the words search, along with the phrase all your heart, is revealing. “It implies a quest for God that includes a level of intensity beyond ordinary prayer, suggesting an earnestness bordering on desperation.” A note in my Bible tells me this.

I want this to be my heart always. Because truly, I am desperate for Him and His presence every minute of every day. Anything less is a less-than- life. He is waiting for my whole heart.

Abide...

As Jesus followers we all want to live fruitful and purposeful lives, so we work hard, try hard, practice being purposeful, but often end up being very tired, pooped-out, burnt out, frustrated, and disillusioned. At least I did.

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." John 15:7‭-‬8‬

However, Jesus ever so clearly points us to the way of fruitfulness and yes, success.

Abide.

Abide, dwell, remain, linger, and rest in His presence. Be saturated in the power and love of the Holy Spirit; His fruit and His gifts. Let His Word sink deeply into our souls, transforming our thoughts and lives.

This isn't rocket science-- it is the key to life. The only caveat? It takes precious time from our daily grind, but allows heaven to rule in our current situations. It is hard for us not to "do," but instead, rest and be filled. It is oh so simple, but oh so difficult crazy busy, over-scheduled lives. Yet, He calls us to come. He calls us to abide.

Then, see His wonder bear fruit in us and around us.

Presence...

Do you desire to live in more of His presence?

“Serve the LORD with gladness; 
Come before His presence with singing.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, 
And into His courts with praise. 
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
Psalm 100:2,4

These words reveal the gateway to experiencing the continual presence of God in our lives. No, not just in theory, but the actual, felt, presence of the Creator Who loves us and gave His life for us.

“The avenue of sustained inflow of divine power to man was to be kept open by the sustained outflow of joyous and humble praise to his Maker,” Pastor Jack Hayford writes. The simple act of continual gratefulness positions our hearts to receive from Jesus and serves to annihilate the workings of our adversary, the devil.

Thankfulness binds self-pity and self-absorption that would cause us to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on our circumstances instead of the Almighty who can alter the dilemmas in which we find ourselves. Genuine, authentic praise from our lips opens heavens realms to pour down the reign of the Holy Spirit. Truly, God inhabits the praises of His people.

Yet, we don’t praise to get. We worship because He is worthy. He alone must be the focus of all our adoration. Let’s begin His acclaim right now and come into His courts with joyful hearts.

Come As You Are...

Jesus throws the best come-as-you-are party ever.

“Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into his family Through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in panning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.”  Ephesians 1:6

This is the truth and anything else you are listening to in your thoughts is quite simply a lie.

My oh my. How our adversary the devil, can trip us up. First, he tells us we are not truly and fully accepted by the Father. We think we must earn God’s love and favor. And when we most certainly fail at getting our act together, the enemy tells us the Father works in everyone else’s life but not ours.

The third lie we bite into is that although Jesus wants us whole, free, refreshed, and restored from all the deep pain of life – it’s not really possible. Christianity is great in theory however it is not reality. We would never say that out loud, however, we reveal that we believe this lie by living defeated, anxious, worried, joyless, and heartbroken. Do any of these words resemble your life?

No condemnation here. I lived this way for years. Decades. But not anymore. I decided to join the come-as-you-are party and let Him heal me up. Fill me up. And free me up.

This party keeps getting better and better. I am living proof. Your invitation is still waiting for your RSVP. Accept the open door and come as you are.

Love Song...

A love song for King Jesus...

“God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

5-8 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!
If I’m sleepless at midnight,
I spend the hours in grateful reflection.

Because you’ve always stood up for me,
I’m free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
and you hold me steady as a post.”

Psalm 63:1-8 The Message

Everything...

I was just looking at Macy’s online.

Yes. I am a big Macy’s fan. Truly. Ask my family.

For a long season – shall we say many, many years – I mean decades, I looked for outside stuff to satisfy my soul. More likely, I was looking for stuff to fill the deep insecurities about myself. We shop to feel good. At least some of us do. You know who you are and if this isn’t your issue, may I ask, where do you look to find fulfillment?

"…But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing."  Psalm 34:10b

Short and simple. To the point. Only Jesus can fill those places in our souls that stay so hungry. Only the Holy Spirit can thrill those ravenous places in our hearts and minds with His Presence.

Take it from one who knows. Take it from one whose Macy’s card was demoted by the company (glory to God!) as He became more real to her.

When you have Jesus, you have everything.

I Think He is a Foodie...

I think King Jesus might be a foodie...

I mean, really. We find Him in the scriptures always eating with someone. In all four Gospels we find Him feeding thousands. We see Him break bread with a tax collector. He takes great care in the preparations for His final meal before the cross and after rising from the dead. He even cooks up breakfast for the guys!

I just looked up the definition of foodie. Webster’s states that it is someone who enjoys and cares about food very much. 
"
Hmmmm…

Well, on second thought. Maybe it is not so much the meal where He finds enjoyment and care, it is the company He invites.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, 
and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20

This verse wrecks me every time.

He is after me. And you. It is the pleasure of our company He is after. It is our care He comes to provide. He is knocking in this moment. I think it is time to open the door.

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Plain and Simple

Plain and simple, this is a cry from the depths of a hungry heart...

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
Psalm 73:25

This psalmist has tasted all of what life on this planet has to offer, but he knows – I mean really knows – there is only One worth pursuing. Oh yes. I can agree with these words.

However, God would say to us...

“Whom have I in heaven but you, dear child?
And there is none upon earth that I desire more than you.”

No matter what we have done.
No matter what we haven’t done.
No matter how we have lived or allowed death into our lives.
No matter our mistakes and stumbles or our flaws and failures.

He desires us. He holds nothing back to bring us to Himself. Let’s stop the struggle to do life in our own strength and run into His embrace. Now.

Purpose...

I am often asked how does one know God’s purpose for their life?

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose."  Psalm 20:4

I wondered that for years. Decades if I am honest. I know what I wanted to do for God, but was that truly His plan for me?

Honestly. First things first.

I had layers of life’s hurts and insecurities covering up the real me. It wasn’t until I truly let the Holy Spirit have at me – and He is ever so gentle with us – that my layers started to peel off. The “me” that Jesus had created started to shine through.

I also had to see some hard things about myself. Areas where I had aligned my way of thinking with the world’s way of viewing life. I had allowed the adversary to take up shop in some areas of my soul that led not only to a mild depression, but oppression in the form of behaviors I couldn’t break free from. Ouch. The Holy Spirit was gentle with me – but oh so ruthless with the demonic forces I had given place to.

Healing. Joy. Freedom. These once scarce gifts have become the norm of my life. And yes. Purpose. Jesus is fulfilling my purpose like I had never dreamed would be possible.

If He did it for me – a once hot mess, insecure ridden, and selfish individual -- I know how much more He wants to do this for anyone still looking for the answer to their life's question.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

If your kids are whining, your workmates are irritating, and the neighbors won't mow their lawn, it is probably a sign your soul is running on empty! It is time to get filled up, saturated, and doused in the Holy Spirit. Get alone with the Lord and His Word, rest in His presence, and get fueled up to greet the week ahead.
Psalm 63:1-2

If you feel burnt out, stressed out, or wiped out – again, it is time to return to the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Are you unsure about His work in you? It is time to spend some time getting to know Who He is. Take a look at the Gospel of John, Chapters 14, 15, and 16. Don’t remain a desert when you can become an oasis.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4