Grace in the Dark - Post #3

If Lord Jesus truly isn’t afraid of our darkness, and in fact is already there waiting for us in our pits of struggle, addiction, compulsion, dissatisfaction – you name it — we must glimpse not only a thimbleful of what grace means, we must meet her ever present twin sister – mercy.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

When do we need grace and mercy most? The author of Hebrews tells us in our time of need. Our time of need no matter what that need might be or how dark our soul or circumstances may seem.

Think of your current concerns that trouble your thoughts and your heart, whether personal struggles – which we are looking at in this section of our reading – or relational or situational.

1.       _______________

2.       _______________

3.       _______________

4.       _______________

5.       _______________

Rate them on a scale from one to ten with one being I think I can handle this to ten being I think I am not going to make it through this. Lord Jesus is there in the midst of your concern regardless of its rating. From knowing the hairs of your head Luke 12:7 to facing down death Philippians 1:20-21. His amazing grace and marvelous mercy are ours for the asking even when we are acting out in our struggles of sin that would seem to nullify anything having to do with God.

In simplest definition, grace is getting what we don’t deserve and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. It can’t get much plainer than that, however, these hand-in-hand sisters are ever: So. Much. More.

The definition for the Old Testament Hebrew word chen, translated as grace in our Bible, is favor, graciousness, grace, kindness, beauty, pleasantness, charm, attractiveness, loveliness, preciousness, elegance, and affectionate regard. The root word chanan means to act graciously or mercifully toward someone; to be compassionate, to be favorably inclined.

As we look to the New Testament Greek word charis used for grace, we find that its root comes for the Greek word chara meaning joy and chairo to rejoice. Charis produces rejoicing because of the joy and delight it brings to its recipients.  New Testament grace is a kindness received or desired, a benefit, favor or a gift, acceptance, approval, generosity, open-heartedness, and magnanimity.

Which if any of these definitions, expands our hearts, warms our souls, or soothes our thoughts? They all do. Which of these definitions do you need in your life at this moment of time? It is yours. It is found in Jesus.

Grace in the Dark... Post #2 {Be encouraged to invite friends...}

Post #2 Grace in the Dark - For Our Struggles

 There is no one like Lord Jesus. Really. Truly. There isn’t.

Our God who holds our breath in His hands and owns all our ways (Dan. 5:23) is not afraid to get down and dirty with us. He is there in the dark caverns of our struggles, addictions, compulsions, smallness, selfishness – wherever we find torment in our thoughts or regions of our lives that we can’t seem to get past no matter how hard we try.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.”

Psalm 139:7-8

The places we are ashamed of, the habits we think we should be over with by now, the temptations that tug at our weaknesses – these are the closets we want to hide in. Every time we overeat, over-indulge, fall prey to a seduction of substance, sex, or self-absorption, we want to find an old blanket and cover ourselves in that small place until we get it right, get whatever it is healed, and then we will come to Jesus and show Him the finished freedom project.

It is the enemy of our souls that whispers we have to get it right before He will pour His light in and through us. What a lie. We need Jesus more in the dark than when we think we have a handle on things. If we can drum this starting truth into our souls – He is already there in our struggle and He is the only One who can walk us out of it – the sooner His deliverance can begin.

We need Holy Spirit revelation. Let’s pray for it now. Let’s read the passage above over and over the next few days and let Him reveal this truth that Jesus is with us in the dark. The truth that this is a message of love, hope, and power and not a message of condemnation. He conquered hell so we wouldn’t have to live there, both now and in eternity. Jesus doesn’t turn away when our failings ensnare us for the millionth time – He came with the keys to procure our release from them. This is grace in the dark.

{Thank you for reading this excerpt as I feel God’s leading to write on this subject of Grace in the Dark - Hope for our struggles, stuff, and circumstances. I am just trying to get my thoughts down from the outline the Lord gave me, then go back and rewrite, add quotes and of course, reference more Bible passages. What do you think is important to share about His Grace in the Dark of our struggles? This is the current section I am working on}

Faithful...

A few years ago I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit say: I will do it!

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

About a month into this ongoing impression on my heart, our son took a drastic turn away from his faith and family. Oh. My. Gosh. Has anybody had their world drop out from under them?

The Lord Jesus is fantastic, amazing, awesome, and wild! He already knew what my husband and I would face and He was telling us He would do it! He would bring full restoration. During that time, others would speak the scripture above to us not knowing they were giving us a divine echo of reassurance.

You know what? God did do it! Within months, our son had his own Damascus Road experience. Acts 9:1-22

What are you facing today? Whatever it is, let God do it! Don’t try to figure it out. Be absolutely obedient to what He tells you. Don’t try to help Him out. If you are in control, He isn’t. Let this verse sink into your soul. Look at verse v.23 and you will find it pertains to everything in your life. God will do it!

Oh to be a Doorkeeper...

Oh to be a humble doorkeeper...

"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." - Psalm 84:10

There is nothing that can compare with the felt presence of the Living God. As a noted Bible teacher, Beth Moore, states, “There is no high like the Most High.”

How do we feel His presence? This is the work of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead – coequal, co-divine, co-existent, and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. He dwells inside of us and Lord Jesus told us in John 16:14 that Holy Spirit will manifest Him – Lord Jesus – to us. Paul also reminds us in Romans 8:16 that Holy Spirit will confirm to us that we are God’s children. How does He do that? Yes, most certainly the veracity of God’s Word tells us this, but also, the confirmation of feeling experienced deep within in our spirit that we belong irrevocably to the Father.

So, to be a doorkeeper in the court of the King. To live in His felt nearness throughout the day, every day, no matter where we are or how hectic life can get is the high calling and privilege of every believer. Easily offering praise and adoration from our overflowing sense of His presence.

This. Is. Life. Itself.

Nothing compares. Nothing fulfills. Nothing satisfies, like the very presence of God.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should your team have lost the big game, your bank account go down, your blood pressure go up, or a loved-one goes sideways on you, place your heart in His amazing Word. He has the final report. Enough said!

Psalm 119:114

Should you become over-scheduled, overwhelmed, or over-the-top nuts with stuff to do and no time to do it, take a breath, breathe a prayer, and be grateful for the One who came to give His all that we might live. For He alone is worthy.

Matthew 6:25-26

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

Holy Hush...

Are you...ummmm...living with some confusion in your life right now?

"When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end." Psalm 73:16-17

The Psalmist who authored these verses found himself in the same predicament, too.

Why this, Lord? Why that, Jesus? Why do the wicked seem to succeed and I struggle? Have you ever had these thoughts? Join the rest of mankind.

I am not totally adept at this by a long shot, but the key to finding peace, answers, and direction is found in these words: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God.” That means His presence which can be found in your backyard, your bedroom, or any quiet place where you can find a holy hush.

How many of us are content to live with questions and confusion because we just won’t take the time to sit in His Presence; to sit at the feet of God all comfort, power, and knowledge? No, we might not get all the answers, but I can guarantee you that you will begin to find peace and guidance. Really. I can promise you that. Because God’s Word promises you that He will meet with you.

So, don’t go down the path of complaining, whining, and every other indulgence that keeps you from genuine, lavish, shalom – the peace that only He can give. Simply get on your knees before Him – and stay awhile.

Set Sail...

Has the Lord given you a glimpse of your future, but not many details of how to get there?

"Now it happened, on a certain day,

that He got into a boat with His disciples.

And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake."

And they launched out."

Luke 8:22

I have come to realize that this is usually Lord Jesus’ MO – His modus operandi. We often question His will for our lives because we only receive a glimpse, but the how-to’s and success rate aren’t often something He clues us in on. You too?

Nevertheless, how often do we let those very things keep us from all that He has for us? Often, I am afraid.

For King Jesus, it is all about the journey and not so much the destination. He wants us to cling closely to Him for the where’s and what’s of His adventure – so He keeps the details we long for close to His heart. He simply wants us to launch out and trust Him for the rest. Yes, really.

Inevitably, when the disciples drew closer to the other side of the lake, everything started coming into focus. One row of their oars at a time, their vision became clearer. But first, they had to step foot in the boat with the Lord and trust Him completely. They DID make it to the other side and oh what an amazing time they had!

What keeps you from launching out? Don’t let it any longer. Jesus is waiting for you to set sail with Him and you won’t be disappointed.

God's Positioning...

Be obedient to God in the small things, and you will be in the right place, at the right time, for the big things...

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night."

Luke 2:8

To listen intently for God’s voice in the everyday, seemingly mundane, small, and ordinary things of life seemed foolish to me for many years. I mean really. Did He even care about the little things that make up a person’s life? Oh yes. He does.

So, this Christmas – and every day of your life, take a cue from the shepherds. Their tending sheep may have been well below what we might consider our paygrade, yet they were in on the most miraculous, history altering event ever. They were at the right place and the right time, because they loved and revered God Almighty and were faithful to what He had called them to. No matter seeming insignificant it might seem.

I wanna live like this too, for Jesus – do you as well?

A Fresh Start...

Would you like a fresh start?

“Through the tender mercy of our God, 
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;”
Luke 1:78

You know, this is what Christmas is all about. Fresh starts, new beginnings, and changes in direction.

I am referring to our lives here. Even Jesus’ name given in this verse as Dayspring, means light rising, first light, morning star...all these definitions speaking to our hearts that in Him, we can have a fresh beginning. My husband and I loved this word so much, Dayspring, that we gave our oldest daughter this name.

Just one caveat. We can’t keep doing life the same old way and expect fresh results from our Lord.

Nope, I don’t mean work harder, try more, be someone you aren’t. However, we can’t keep making our own plans and asking God to bless them. We can’t keep putting activities, relationships, and goals as our first priority and not spend time daily with the Master and breathing in His presence and His Word.

If we make this one change of laying down our will and making time to be with Him, we will be changed. Make His pleasure the driving force in Your life and the addictions and behaviors been you have been working so hard to distance yourself from will literally lose their hold. But you have to make this one change to experience dayspring in your own life...

So come. Now. Daily. Forever.

God Works the Night Shift...

God works the night shift...

"And in that vicinity there were shepherds living out under the open sky in the field, watching in shifts over their flock by night."
Luke 2:8 AMPC

I am reminded of a book written by Pastor Ron Mehl several years ago and his premise that when life is at its darkest, God is most at work – on our behalf.

Yes, of course, He is always at work on our behalf, but sometimes we just need to be reminded of this when the storms of life come and our way seems dim. Yet the lights are never out for Jesus. Psalm 139 tells us that both the light and the dark are the same to Him.

I have found great peace in this truth. In the past few years, when facing what seemed like insurmountable events, it was in the evenings before bedtime that the enemy of my soul often knocked on the door of my emotions to sell me a fresh bouquet of anxiety. However, God's Word was my anchor, His presence my comfort, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit were my strength.

Yet, He also works the morning and the swing shifts, as well. He never ceases. And as the shepherds long ago discovered, He is always at work on birthing a new miracle for us – no matter what time of day it is in our lives or how dark our way might appear.

Dayspring...

Would you like a fresh start?

“Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;” Luke 1:78

You know, this is what Christmas is all about. Fresh starts, new beginnings, and changes in direction.

I am referring to our lives here. Even Jesus’ name given in this verse as Dayspring, means light rising, first light, morning star...all these definitions speaking to our hearts that in Him, we can have a fresh beginning. My husband and I loved this word so much, Dayspring, that we gave our oldest daughter this name.

Just one caveat. We can’t keep doing life the same old way and expect fresh results from our Lord.

Nope, I don’t mean work harder, try more, be someone you aren’t. However, we can’t keep making our own plans and asking God to bless them. We can’t keep putting activities, relationships, and goals as our first priority and not spend time daily with the Master and breathing in His presence and His Word.

If we make this one change of laying down our will and making time to be with Him, we will be changed. Make His pleasure the driving force in Your life and the addictions and behaviors been you have been working so hard to distance yourself from will literally lose their hold. But you have to make this one change to experience dayspring in your own life...

So come. Now. Daily. Forever.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this busy, crazy, wonder-filled Christmas-time week…

Should you grow weary, tired, impatient, or just plain done – remember Mary. She was having a rough go about this time too. Nevertheless, her trust was in the One who loved her beyond reason.

Luke 2:5

Should you feel like you aren’t enough, have enough, or do enough –  consider the shepherds. Their job was pretty much out-of-site, out-of-the-limelight, and out-of-reach from the nearest paparazzi. Yet, God chose them to be the bearers and witnesses of the Savior’s birth. He sees you, too!

Luke 2:8-15

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

God. Is. For. Me.

Do you ever feel like – God is against you?

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14

I lived for years as if the Lord Jesus wasn’t for me. I did. I had this undercurrent of thought that God was against me. This untruth was seated at the core of my being and though it was a lie of the enemy, it was how I genuinely felt. And believed. It was just like a little black cloud that followed me, even though my husband was a pastor. Even when everything in God’s Word told me otherwise.

Have you ever felt that way?

There may be a myriad of reasons why we succumb to believing that God isn’t really for us. Maybe we simply don’t know God’s Word for ourselves or know it and don’t believe it is true. I mean, really. Maybe we simply don’t feel good or worthy enough. Maybe we don’t have a deep interaction with the Holy Spirit Who assures us of Jesus’ love. Whatever the root, it is a lie from the pit of hell.

So, read again the angel’s proclamation quoted above and be reminded that Jesus’ coming is good news. He is FOR you. Nope, you and I are not good or worthy enough and never will be. Yet, Jesus came to rescue our broken and battered lives. He came to take the bad and make it His wondrously good. He is always for you even when you aren’t for Him and nothing will ever change that.

So, be encouraged this Christmas season. Tell the enemy’s thoughts in your mind to take a hike in the Name of Jesus. Dig into God’s Word and let it saturate your soul till any black clouds have no room to germinate. And then live in His extravagant peace and goodwill in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Because that His heart toward you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving !

Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord!

Go ahead and do it—everyone, everywhere!

2 As you serve Him, be glad and worship Him.

Sing your way into His presence with joy!

3 And realize what this really means—

we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.

For He is our Creator and we belong to Him.

We are the people of His pleasure.

4 You can pass through His open gates with the password of praise.

Come right into His presence with thanksgiving.

Come bring your thank offering to Him

and affectionately bless His beautiful name!

5 For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.

He’s so loving that it will amaze you—

so kind that it will astound you!

And He is famous for His faithfulness toward all.

Everyone knows our God can be trusted,

for He keeps his promises to every generation!

Psalm 100 tpt

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__________

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At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should you lose your car keys, lose the cat, or maybe even think that you are losing your mind, rest assured. God is still on His throne. Just be sure, however, that He is on the throne of your life! As long as you are in control in matters both great and small, He isn’t. Surrender all to Jesus, then back off. You get the idea.

Should the sink back up, your friends fail to show up, or you just want to throw up your hands in the air over your life circumstances, this is the time – ahem, it ALWAYS the time – to draw close to Jesus. Quiet your heart in a quiet place and let His Holy Spirit make His presence real. Open His Word and let Him speak exactly what you need to hear. He is waiting for you to come.

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

Prayer Battles...

Bummer. You know, some prayer battles are long and arduous...

“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." 2 Samuel 3:1

Sometimes, we are praying to our Father when He has told us that He has given us authority in His name to smite the enemy’s advances. But we keep praying for Him to do something, but He is waiting for us!

Many times, the battle rages long because there are many components to the coming answer. There are other lives and circumstances God is lining up before the puzzle pieces can come together. Yet, we grow impatient and try to take matters in our own hands. Don’t do that!

When the prayer battle lingers, ask the Lord for direction regarding how to pray and what demonic strongholds you need to break in His name. Fast when you are called to fast and ask for specific scriptures to hold onto and stand on. You may be in for a long haul, so pace yourself: pray fervently when prompted to, but rest in between times. Hang tough, keeping your eyes ever on your Faithful Commander. He will answer your prayer.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Should your house be under water, your check book nearly overdrawn, your job situation is iffy, or if it seems like everything in your life is coming undone, it is time to look up. These are difficult days, but Jesus said it would be so. Remember, He is One Who is greater still. Run to the arms of His comfort and He holds you in His mighty hand and won’t let go of you. This isn’t time to doubt. He will walk your through this wilderness.

Should your soul be under water, your reserves of patience nearly overdrawn, your relationships seem iffy, or if it seems like everything in your life is coming undone, it time to drop to your knees. Seek Jesus who has the power to work miracles in your midst, but may be waiting for you to take your hands off as you try to control your life. Because if you are in control, even just a little bit, that means He isn’t.

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

Lily...

I have a Type A personality, yet, because I am clothed in goofiness, I fool a lot of people. But not the Lord…

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;”
Matthew 6:28

Last summer, my driven nature nearly sidetracked all Jesus was trying to do in my life. In July a friend had a word for me: the Lord desired for me to stop my hot pursuit of various ministries and rest in Him. Ouch! Two days later, at a small prayer gathering, the leader felt the Spirit’s nudging to look up the original meanings of all our names. Ironically, my first name, Susan, literally means Lily. I wanted to be Warrior, Princess, or Harvester, which were some of the others’ names meanings that evening.

The next morning, I turned to the verse above. I saw my name clearly in Jesus’ words. Toiling and spinning are perfect definitions of a driven personality. I had to laugh. God so has my number.

Are you driven by, or about, something? Take it from Lily, here. Rest and let Him do the heavy lifting in your life. He is able to carry your load and mine, too.

Ducks in a Row...

Are you a ducks-in-a-row kind of person?

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
Acts 16:9

I kind of think Paul was that type of person. You know, someone who likes to know what the next step in their life is. The kind of person who likes almost every detail in place before moving forward. Someone who wants to know an outcome before making a decision. Is that you?

In the context of this verse, Paul and his crew were trying to move forward in their missionary venture. Yet, the doors kept closing. Their plans were coming undone. Their "ducks" were going every which way instead of lining up nicely. The Holy Spirit had other ducks for them.

I believe God is a God of order. However, HIS order isn't necessarily our order. HIS ducks are not our ducks. Get my point? It will always, always, always be about faith in Jesus' leading and our not trying to figure things out. His ways, His thoughts, and His adventures are not ours.

Someone needs to hear this: Wait on Him. Let Him position your ducks. And trust Him fully. You won't be disappointed.