Fall Hard into His Grace - One-Minute Devotional...

Fall hard into His grace…

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Galatians 5:4

Have you, like me, been impatient, tempted, or tried and failed at something today? Are you worried or anxious, though you clearly know Jesus can be trusted to walk with you through whatever you face?

These things, well, sometimes they can make us wonder if we are walking closely at all with the Lord Jesus. And yet, He calls to us to fall hard into His grace.

No matter what has taken place today, His grace is sufficient to cover our lack, our weakness, and yes, our sin. Paul is telling us we fall from grace only when we forget His grace. A fall from this free gift is not blowing it so badly that we have exhausted it. That is impossible. No, a fall from His grace only happens when we try to earn this amazing, boundless gift.

 What freedom. What joy. What power to actually live transformed lives. Yes, let’s fall hard into His amazing grace.

A Fresh Word to Begin the Week! - One-Minute Devotional...

At the start of this week...

Should your yard be overgrown, your jeans too tight, or your wallet a little too empty, look up! King Jesus is the All-Sufficient One. Set your eyes on Him alone and let Him do the heavy lifting for your cares.
Philippians 4:19

Should a loved one go sideways, a neighbor goes ballistic, or a co-worker becomes annoying, well, remember you have issues, too! Jesus has all the patience in the world to bring you into freedom. Now, grab hold of His patience in you for others, by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23

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

Oh my, Sometimes... A One Minute Devotional

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, and 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 into 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.

He is Willing and Able -- A One Minute Devotional

One of the most significant aspects of the Gospel is His healing for the brokenness we experience in the deep recesses of our lives…

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

We need never fear the Holy Spirit’s searchlight into our innermost being – our hearts and minds. He can wade through all the muck and mire; shame and pride; lust and selfishness. Jesus longs to bring us into His freedom and wholeness. He never once stops loving us, no matter what His searchlight reveals. He is with us in those dark places.

If we are tired of living with anxiety, insecurity, bondage to habits we disdain, and a myriad of other soul-sicknesses, the verse above is the launching point to release in our lives. Let’s let Jesus go deep in our souls and allow His truth to reveal the lies we believe about ourselves. Let’s take some time before this day ends to meet with the Great Counselor to start this incredible journey of freedom. He is able, and He is waiting for us to come and experience His healing, tender touch.

Remembering Good Friday...

The Greatest Story Ever Told is truly the story of God’s rescue mission.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

When Jesus clothed Himself in human flesh, He was making an invasion behind enemy lines 1 John 5:19, to rescue us. Yes, to rescue us from the domain of satan to whom the first couple handed over their God-given dominion of the earth when they were in the Garden.

Jesus also came to snatch us from the miry pits we often find ourselves in due to our own selfish and destructive choices. Adding to the fallout from our own paths of pain, are also the issues, hang-ups, and hurts that have come to us through the generations of our family, and the hard-knocks of our environment.

So, in what area of your life do you need Jesus’ rescue? Ask yourself honestly. Then, ask Him honestly – to deliver you.

Yes, the Lord Jesus is enough. He is more than enough. His rescue is your destiny, and His abundance is your portion because of His glorious grace. He is waiting for you to reach out and take hold of His hand of freedom.

At the Start of This Week... One-Minute Devotional

At the start of this week...

Should your job situation be unsettling, your cupboards are looking bare, and even the dog seems down in the dumps, remember, the God of Angel Armies is on Your side. One caveat. You will need to stop trying to control the issue or try to force your will and your way into the situation. He IS GOD. Jesus is the Great I AM, and He knows what is best to do, and how and when to do it. Trust Him immediately!

Should your heart be broken, you are feeling exhausted or distracted, and just want to say, “Enough already!” get on your knees quick! Don’t let the enemy of your soul drain your joy in the Lord and zap you of His strength. The Lord Jesus will cover and heal your heart, but you must make the choice to let Him do this for you. Don’t let your flesh or the devil waste another minute of your oh so precious life.

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

When He Calls... A One-Minute Devotional

I can only imagine what it must have felt like to have the Savior of the world call for you to come…

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”
Mark 10:49

I was so moved by this passage as I read it today. Immediately I sensed the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that Lord Jesus is always calling me to come to Him.

I am one blessed woman. I can honestly say the Lord has granted me above what I have ever expected or dreamed of. His reality is ever so much better than any fantasy or imagination my mind could have come up with. So, this latter portion of my life I simply desire to be in His presence every moment of every day. When He calls my name, I want to come without hesitation. You, too?

Let’s come away and sit alone with Jesus and His Word. Let’s pray in the Spirit and be filled with His peace, presence, and power. Then, let’s live in the Holy Spirit so that those around us hunger to come when He calls them, too.

If He is calling me. I know He is calling you. Simply answer His call.

Scandalous Grace or Healing Truth...

We need both scandalous grace and healing truth…

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14

Scandalous grace seems to take so long for each of us to lean into and receive. We have such difficulty forgiving ourselves when we fail, so it seems incomprehensible to us that the God of the Universe would extend this lavish gift to us. His grace is a broad place of standing free, complete, and whole in the Father’s presence, regardless of what we have done.

And yet, Jesus is healing Truth. Truth is sometimes hard to hear or face, yet without it, the lies of our adversary, the devil, will keep us captive. Truth is the healing, delivering, soul-scalpel held by the Great Physician’s hand of unending grace.

What do you need as you read this? Grace? Truth? Jesus is both. Invite Him to speak into your heart in this moment.

So Much from So Little...

One of my favorite photographs from all four Gospels...

"So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish."

Mark 6:42-43

Wow. Jesus took so little and made so much. This speaks to every area of our lives. Where do you feel small and insufficient? Is it your life, your resources, your future, your hopes – yourself? Place it in His hands and stand back to watch the wonder. Just like the bread, He may need to break up a few things in your life to bring growth, but do not fear His tender touch.

Everyone was filled. I spent much of my Christian life unsatisfied and frustrated. Ministry was more chore than overflow. The lack of knowing God’s will for my life was the norm, and I struggled with habitual, destructive behaviors until Jesus cornered me. In Him alone am I satisfied, significant, and complete.

Finally, He doesn’t waste a thing. Only Jesus can take the junk of our past and turn it into gold. He turns our waste into our miraculous story in Him. So, take a few moments and talk to the Lord Jesus about all of this. He’s ready to begin a miracle in you.

A Door of Hope...

In this dark valley the world is passing through, there is hope…

Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.
I will give her her vineyards from there
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope.
Hosea 2:14-15

When the prophet, Hosea, declares these words, Israel was already in the hot-mess of doing life her own way. The nation was already in the wilderness, having traveled far from the heart of God. However, the Lord calls her deeper so she will seek Him, and from there, He opens a door of Hope.

Most of us recognize that pandemics, destructive weather patterns, illness, and even death itself were never God’s original plan. But man goofed-up in a big way. That seemingly little mistake in the Garden of Eden had huge implications. We hear, “Why doesn’t God do something???” Well, He did. He came Himself in the form of a servant. By going to the cross, He tore the veil of separation between God and man in two. And by Jesus rising again, as we just celebrated, He opened wide the door of Hope.

The name Achor means trouble. And in our Valley of Trouble right now, Jesus is the door of Hope. All we need to do is open the door of our heart and invite to come in, and He will do just that. Where we have experienced loss and death, He comes with felt comfort. Where there are deep grieving and sorrow, He will bring fresh joy. Where we have lost our way, it is never too late with Him to start brand new.

And no matter what valleys we might face when this pandemic is over, He will still hold the door of Hope wide open for anyone who asks.

Need Encouragement? Cancer Healing Miracle...

Dear One,

I am only "running" this ad this weekend. I try not to have this website become a sales pitch place!

However, I finally felt led by the Lord to write the story of His healing me from Stage 4 incurable cancer. It is priced to give away to friends and loved ones.

"Held in His Hands: A Miracle Story and Encouragement for Your Healing."

This short book, for both men and women, is written with the prayer that whoever reads it will find encouragement for ANY difficult and seemingly impossible situation they may face or for those in their life who need an extra dose of hope.

Should you buy it, I would REALLY love an Amazon review, good or bad! I pray that you will consider getting it.

Priced just above my cost to print at $4.95 for paperback; $2.99 for Kindle. Here is the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sue+boldt&i=stripbooks&rh=n%3A283155&ref=nb_sb_noss

His Battle Plan is Best...

His battle plan is best...

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle..."
Psalm 144:1

Years ago, when I sought the Lord to break areas of addiction in my life, I heard Him calling me to meet with Him every morning and get that day’s battle plan. He was training me to break the enemy’s grip on my life and how to maintain His freedom when it was secured.

Many days when I came to get His special directive, I would get the same nudge to do the same thing He had spoken to me the day before. The more quickly I obeyed and responded, He would move me to the next step. Little did I know that I was learning to hear His voice daily. Little did I know my every advance was defeating the devil. Jesus never told me anything that His Spirit wouldn’t enable me to do.

Did I not come some mornings? Sure. Did I go and then not listen? Certainly! Yet through all this failure on my part, He never revoked His invitation to meet with me. He never failed to come.

What area of your life do you need His freedom? Surely there are many facets to experiencing full freedom in Christ, but getting a daily battle plan from the Lord’s heart to yours is probably the sweetest.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

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.
Matthew 11:28-30

If your birthday seems forgotten, your boss gives 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 matters.
Hebrews 13:5-6

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

We Could Learn a Thing or Two...

Children always get it right...

But when the chief priests and scribes saw
the wonderful things that He did,
and the children crying out in the temple and saying,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
. . . and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”
And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,
‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?”
Matthew 21:15-16

Children always get it right. You know. No filter, no sophistication, ultra-spontaneous, no presumption – simply speaking what they see and hear literally. What they know to be true.

As Jesus entered the temple, where the priests and Sanhedrin were lying in wait for His capture, all sorts of bedlam was taking place. In righteous anger, Jesus began overturning the temple tables, coins of currency were scattered, and fur from the sacrificial animals was flying. Everyone was in an uproar. And in the middle of it all, the children began to sing.

Yes, there is something about excellence in the church that has profound meaning. We should do our best and give our all to any endeavor for His Kingdom. Yesterday, I encouraged a young, anointed worship pastor to head back to school to perfect her ability to worship and better mentor those under her tutelage. Nevertheless, when our pursuit of perfect becomes more about the pursuit of performance, we have crossed a line somewhere.

So, let’s never forget the way children worship Him. Oh, if we could just take their cue in praise and thanksgiving. Unfiltered, unsophisticated, spontaneous, and not always perfectly pitched, because it is our hearts, He longs for most.

Yes, out of the mouths of babes – we could learn a thing or two...

A Heart Check....

As the US prepares for the Presidential Inauguration Day, January 20th…

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!
Isaiah 52:7

No matter who we voted for, fear and anxiety have no place in our lives if our hearts and minds are fixed upon King Jesus completely, we are abiding in His living Word, and we are accessing the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing topples His throne or rule. There is no higher name than the Name of the Lord Almighty.

I have Christian friends on both sides of politics, and I see the value in both opinions. Yes, really, I do. However, we must recognize our true allegiance belongs ONLY to the Kingdom that is not of this world, just as Jesus Himself told us (John 18:36).

And the greatest characteristic of His Kingdom? Well, He told us.

Love.
Love your neighbor.
Love your enemies.
Love your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Anything less than exhibiting His love to all people is not worthy of His Kingdom.

So, may the church walk in unity around the One who holds the Universe in His hands. And may we walk in peace, proclaiming the healing and saving power of the Gospel as millions, who haven’t ever experienced political freedom and liberty, have been doing for generations, even at the expense of their own lives. Because…

Our God reigns!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35

New Beginnings...

I love new beginnings...

 I love second chances, third opportunities, and fourth starting-fresh experiences. The list goes on.

 Jesus loves new things, too. That is what grace is all about. And mercy. He is all about doing new things, especially in His lambs’ lives.

 Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Let the Magnificent Creator fashion something new in you today, this week, this new year. It is time to let some old things go and extend your hands to receive His fresh gifts in, to, and through your life.

However, let Him do it. No help needed on your part; just surrender.

You won’t be disappointed.

Just Like Mary and Joseph...

Just wondering. During this crazy year, did anyone experience some closed doors in their life this past year? You know – something you really wanted to have happen – that didn’t?

And she brought forth her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2

Well, Mary and Joseph knew all about closed doors. However, they also knew God had a bigger plan – an eternal plan. An amazing story would be told because they trusted Him, even when they were out of their comfort zone, literally.

How about your closed doors this past year? Just know that God is doing something greater. My husband and I know all about these impenetrable doors. Nevertheless, Jesus’ ideas for our lives have exceeded our own wildest dreams. By His closing doors that we so desperately desired, we dodged bullets and, in return, the stories He wrote for us have been incredible. Get my drift?

Someone needs to hear this. Someone needs to trust – Him.

Nothing is Impossible...

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!
Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:37-38

 For with God nothing will be impossible.These are words we cling to when our life situations seem beyond repair, rescue, or restoration. All hope is lost, and there can be no good outcome. But with God, nothing is impossible! This is the joy of a life of faith in Him who holds the universe, the galaxies, and you and me intimately and handily in His Almighty hands (Isaiah 49:2). He makes all the difference.

 Honestly, the Christian need not ever despair. We may have seasons of lament and have sorrow, but despair or hopelessness? Really, never. Certainly, there are valid and varied factors surrounding depression. Yet, when we are tempted to go to a dark place, we must recognize that something might be amiss in the spiritual realm. Have we left our vital and intimate walk with Jesus and taken a detour somewhere? Have we opened a door for our adversary, the devil? Honest and true. Maybe this is difficult to hear, but those who abide, reside, dwell in, and soak in Holy Spirit presence and His Word cultivate the fertile soil for powerful faith to be planted and grow (Luke 8:4-15). Just like Mary.

 Mary, like us at times, doesn’t fully comprehend what is happening to her. What in the world is God thinking? She knows all the implications of her single-parent pregnancy messing with her future. Yet, she trusts the God of her forefathers, knowing that big plans call for big faith. Mary might not understand, but she knows there is a much larger picture, and the One who loves her wildly holds all the details and puzzle pieces (Rom. 8:28).

 What are you facing today that has you questioning or takes your breath away in fear? Don’t do another thing until you draw close to Him. Quiet your heart. Wait for His presence. Open His Word. Listen for His voice.  Then respond knowing that with God, nothing is impossible.

Meeting Up with an Angel...Yes, for Real...

No joke. I am 99.9% sure I encountered a real angel just a few years ago at Christmas at my workplace...

 Do not forget to entertain strangers, f
or by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Hebrews 13:2

 Last Christmas Eve, I was alone in the office when a scraggly man appeared at my door. Oh my, now what? This older, rag-tag man with the most piercing blue eyes told me how he was caring for his elderly mom and needed my help THAT DAY. Now, you have to understand, a friend had told me of an encounter with an angel the evening her mother passed and this angel had piercing blue eyes, too (not that they all do, but I took NOTICE!). The verse above immediately came to my mind. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me to shape up because someone special was in front of me. Yes, really.

I was cranky. I wanted to get home. I had a houseful of family waiting. Yet, I tried to help him. The situation kept getting worse with more hoops for me to jump through to get him the aid he was requiring. Then, it became laughable. I just knew this was the real deal. The Lord has a sense of humor – for sure. When everything finally came to a close, the man took my hand, looked me straight in the eye, and said to me – You are a real angel.

 So this Christmas, and every other day of the year, slow down and take notice. You never know. You may be entertaining an angel sent from heaven, or you may be their God-sent angel.

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should your Christmas tree fall over, your pocketbook is beyond empty, and your heart feels ambushed, take a minute alone. Breathe deeply of the Holy Spirit within you. He can unfurl new strength into your weary soul, your over-scheduled life, and the to-do lists that are out of control. Spend some time with the One and Only who alone can restore and refresh you. Ponder His words. What is He saying to you? Now listen and respond.

If it seems like the daily news is daunting, your kids at home are occasionally driving you, well, a little cray-cray, and the kitchen sink keeps plugging up, look to Him! He is in the midst of the blood, tears, sweat, and grime of life. He sees every detail and loves you beyond reason. Take every care to Him because He really does care and will walk you, and all of us, through this current health storm.

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