Balanced Me

A balanced life is a good life.

There is something in the life of many of us believers that I think can be learned through this practice of mind, body, and soul discipline. Balance.

There are many seasons of life.
Seasons of seasons....
For each of these we learn, change, and grow. My Most Gracious Heavenly Father is teaching me in this season to be balanced.

Balanced? A word that does not tickle my ears through conversation and study, but this word resonates in my soul, in the places of my mind that desire wholeness.

As I stand strong like a warrior I turn my palms up and I ask the Father to fill me with the weapons of self-control and forbearing that are needed to fight off the evil seeking to devour my whole family.
As I bend down with my forehead to the ground. I lay myself at the feet of Jesus to who I am a helpless child who needs guidance, direction, and love.
At last I lay face down, nose to the mat. I am spent and relieved, and I realize I am in the best place of all. Prostrate before the King on the throne. I get down lowest and life Him up highest.

Jesus walked our planet the most prefect person. The most balanced in the flesh. A time to laugh a time to morn. A time to dance and a time to be still. A time for miracles and a time to walk away. A time to embrace, and a time to turn tables. A time to give in and a time to give up. A time to live and a time to die. A time to give up to flesh, and a time to conquer over it.

Thank you Jesus for your gifts of  love to me. Thank you for your perfect model of what to do and who to be. I pray you would continue to make-over my heart, mind, soul, and body so that more and more I will act, sound, and be like you. Thank you for Your gift of salvation to me.

Strong Story

I am not living to tell my story
I am living to tell Jesus's story.

Being on this healing journey of life with Christ certainly has it's up and downs for us all, doesn't it? Just when I think I know myself and my weaknesses, my Great Shepard reigns me in and reveals truth. He is so kind and gentle, and yet my resistance makes it pretty messy.

I have come to realize that my defenses are the enemy's toeholds.

The emotions that well up and the responses that boil at the surface, they wait to betray myself and the ones I love. Often it is these past puss pockets left unchecked in our hearts, that leave the biggest stink on our testimony to the ones we love. How many times when I sense rejection or criticism, I pull up my weaponry of anger, justice, and unforgiveness? I ready myself for a battle when there is not one to be had.

Where simple honesty and understanding in a five minute conversation would go a long way, my mind reals out of control too long, because I do not choose to trust the One who is in control.

So today I end these responses, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I serve the Ultimate Stronghold. He is My Provider and My Shield about me. He is using the fabric of my life to weave His story for all to see. He is The Sovereign One who has created me and has far more invested than what I am worth. To put myself in His trust for whatever may come and whatever I may face, is a good thing. It is the logical thing.

Not only can I trust Him with myself, I can trust Him with my husband, and with my children.
I will trust Him too.

I will trust and let the grace of Christ's blood shed for me wash over my sin and stain. I will let it wash me clean from the filth and stench of what this world has offered me thus far. I will walk on from here, clothing myself with quiet strength, grace, and truth. I will have no fear for God is with me. My great Shepard, My heavenly Father, He is leading, protecting, and Guiding me home.

He who the Son sets free is free indeed!

Fear Removed

Did you know you are One breath away from victory? I am going to share with you a secret about me that I have found rather embarrassing, considering I am married to a strong man who spends his days up in the air as far as 120 feet!

I am was deathly afraid of heights.

I almost left out the word was, but I cannot tell a lie. So...I will tell you the truth!

A few days ago my strong leader and our 4 older charges had the excitement of attending the county fair without the stroller to attend. (Thanks Grandma!!)  Our amazing Man In Charge, is aka Ride Guy. So off we went with me looking forward to the stand and wave post outside the fenced in areas.

Happy Heart who is 5 came running back to me with her chin tucked, feeling rejected that she missed the mark. Man in Charge smiled at me feeling bad for her and encouraged me to take her on something else.

I got down at face level to her and asked if there was another ride that she would like to ride. Her eyebrows raised and she grabbed my hand. Then....she pointed to the Ferris wheel!

To give you a little heads up, my fear was so great, that at high heights I felt the urge to jump off or out. At the age of seven, My father hog tied me with his arms while I was carried off of the water slide in the Adirondacks because him and I both new I was ready to jump rather than continue to be so high.

As we got our seats Happy Heart and I chatting about how Jesus is with us wherever we are. Up high or down low. Then as it started to ride, I started to panic and shake. My little dear chattered away about things while I was working through every possible means of getting that guys attention so I could get off! Then I looked ahead.

Where does my help come from? From the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth. I cried out in my heart, "Jesus my lover, My friend, please come near to me and remove this fear. You are with me in the sky as much as you are with me on the ground." His presence filled me immediately and the shaking stopped! The best part...it was so beautiful to be up so high. We could see parts of the valley. We would come near to the people and then draw away to the heavens, again and again.

Oh how I laughed with my sweet trusting girl at my side!  I am so thankful that Jesus comes skipping and leaping over life's jagged edges. Never letting a foot slip or stumble. My Great Shepard guiding and seeking, loving and caring.

All for His Glory!

Vent Not

I have come to a conclusion that has changed my daily life and I cannot wait to share. I learned this some tome ago, but was giving the truth some time to prove itself before I shouted it from the mountain tops. I am completely impressed the with peace that it has brought to my life and the calmness that is maintained in my heart because of it.

Venting is for fools.

It may surprise you. This boldness and this thought that is contrary to all schools of psychology being taught in every level of our American institutions. We should not be spilling our everyday, issue packed cans of frustration beans.

There is a time for sharing. When feelings get out of control, perspective is good. When things in life aren't moving forward, that is what the church body is for. I am more focusing toward the negative everyday things that pop up, and we face them with either a cup half empty or a cup half full attitude. And let us see that the half full mentality is much more Christ like. Do not the scriptures ring loudly that with God all things are possible? There is no excuse with heaven so near to get discouraged. The reality is though, we do.

That is where our savior meets us once again, in that quiet place, down low. We let our vent flare out in the Savior's presence alone. Why is that the best way?

Jesus is not partial, He is not judgmental
Jesus doesn't take sides, He is the fairest of fair.
Jesus has perfect love, and He shares.

Jesus is the only perfect physician who can remove the lump in my throat, the pain in my chest, and the pit in my stomach. He relaxes my muscles and removes the heavy load and replaces it with His yoke that is easy and light.

So there it is. My time tested reality. Taste and see that He is good. And faithful!

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."  Proverbs 29:11

Working Grace

There is a time in our walk when the rubber meets the road.

All the prayer, all the teaching, all the studying, all the seeking....then that one call comes. The hardest thing that God could call me to do...and I do it.

Sometimes it is fun serving the Lord, sometimes the reward is greater than anything we could predict, but sometimes...

Sometimes we just do it. Through weariness, through sadness, through kindness, and most of all because of love.

We do it.

Then in a moment the Miracle happens. The burden is lifted. The freedom comes to live life that is not my way.

A life not led by my selfishness, by my needs, by my wants. Oh sweet freedom. Freedom to love. Freedom to serve.

Oh kneel me down again
Here at your feet
Show me how much you love humility
Oh spirit be the star
That leads me to
A humble heart of Love that I see in you.

Pending Debt

Jesus return is coming. What will I be found doing? I have not led any sheep to the Shepard this summer.

I have rejoiced in Christ victory over sin in my life, but I have not shared the message of hope with a lost soul.

I have enjoyed beautiful summer days and the creation of the one who sees my innermost ugliness and makes me new, but I have not seen the transformation of a heart turned to Christ for the first time.

We are in debt to those who have not heard. Who am I that He would call me out of this pit? Who am I that I keep it to myself not wanting to offend that pretty lady in the parking lot and that mom who already thinks I am too religious because I don't swear or let my kids play soccer during the hours of fellowship on Sundays?

Jesus paid it all and I won't even deposit my pride! 

Today is a new day.

A new time. Jesus is coming on the horizon. Time goes by so fast. Our kids grow up in the blink of an eye. I am like dust coming from it and returning to it.

Today is a new day.

Father make bold your children to bring life to the dry bones we encounter. Help us understand that hurting people hurt people. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear the needs and brokenness around us. Fill us with your Spirit that we will speak your truth and life in love to those around us who desperately need the message of your salvation today. All for the glory to The One who sits on the throne.

Bring a lost sheep into the fold through me today Lord.

Who is Like God?
No One

No Haste, No Waste

Rise.
Pray.
Wash.
Drink.
Feed.
Weed.
Feed.
Read.
Wash.
Feed.
Order.
Rest.

Over and over the days unfold. Work to be done. The period following the word only represents the change in the task at hand.

The life is in the spaces. The space after the letters. The long spaces after the words.

These are the spaces filled by relationships and experience. Don't be so ready to read the next word that you miss seeing what can be accomplished not by this task, but through the task. And the people around you? They are more important than even the reading.

Jesus understood these things. Haste makes waste. Never rushing and accomplishing much. 

Worship Free

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive and to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Freedom comes when the vessel is washed and clean. When the Holy Spirit can be poured in and poured out simultaneously. Not having to be held up by blemishes as selfish desires and prideful intentions.

One thought let rampant in the mind of the most devout believer can lead them to be shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean of life. Suffering from hypothermia with nothing to cling to save the life jacket of salvation that will never be taken from them.

I believe that the life of the believer is not lived within the confines of the day. It is lived in the confines of the moment. The thoughts, the words, and the actions all conforming together to make up a life.

This is not  hopeless thing friend. I write these words out of victory! This victory I am celebrating today. Nothing of my own doing, but Christ's working out his good, pleasing, and perfect will in me. That He is also working out in you this very moment!

In reading the book of Ezra, I see the hard labor these men poured out to restore the house of worship to their God. How much was given by all to rebuild. The cost was great. People around them continually tried to deter God's work from being done. therefor the people continued to succeed. We serve the same God today.

If you have given yourself completely over to God then he is working out His pleasing will in you. I am realizing that most of the pitfalls that I find myself miserably in, are part of the work that God is doing to to restore the temple of my life so that I will worship him in obedience, lacking in nothing that we need to please Him.

Just has he made a way in the time of Ezra for the people to have opportunity to worship and adore him, in spite of their waywardness and disobedience, through repentance and humility, He promises to restore that same foundation to us.

Praise the Name of the Lord!

Thanks For All

God is our Portion.

I think of the hungry children sitting around the table in the "The Christmas Carol". These children were hungry and waited expectantly to share in the most plentiful feast their young eyes had yet to see. Each one waiting their turn to say thank you for their portion.

I wonder is this is the concept that God is guarding us against when he gave the 10th commandments to not want what other people have. If it is true, and I believe that it is, that He purposefully put us in the lives we are in, surrounded by the people that we are, and given the tasks that we daily do, then of course God, in His Godliness, would be disappointed with our dissatisfaction.

The scriptures says the word thanks over 130 times. I think before sin there was a lot of if going on. Perhaps we are meant to be thank-full be-ings?

There are so many things in life that I should give thanks for. Things that I take for granted, and things I think I deserve. I deserve nothing.

Recently I found myself in a situation that had me down right broken. Now that the storm has passed, I see the devastation in it's wake. I am full of hope though. Rebuilding with the God given provisions is very exciting! I also see though, that I was not thankful for what I had before.

Sometimes it takes losing something before we realize how good it is.

And this is why God is the perfect One to portion.
He is the God who knows.
He is the God who sees.
And oh how He loves us!

Family Matters II

And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her,says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” Malachi 2:13-16

When did we become to lax on the things that God cares so deeply about? Us women, as a whole, especially in the Western hemipshere, have become out of control in our thinking. We must go back to the creation story and find the place we belong.

I see so many women. We are tired, coffeed up, and we are even taking medications to survive. We take stimulants in the morning, anti-depressents during the day, birthcontrol to control the fun and sleeping pills at night.

Could it be the result of our etreme thinking, of how important we are,is polluting our minds and corrupting our flesh. It is what goes in a man that corrupts him. It is not what comes out.

He makes all things new. He wants to restore your family. Give him yourself and turn to Him. He says if we turn He will forgive us our sins and heal our land.

I am so thankful for his mercies that are new everyday.

Join me, friend, as we bring up our children in a way that glorifies the father, becuase He loves the children.

Wordly Wise

Oh that in my honesty I will spare you pain and frustration! That you will not see words or read mindlessly, but the same Spirit that has convicted me will touch your heart and bring a response to your mind that will change us more and more into the perfect image of Christ.

Venting perpetuates negativity.
Negativity perpetuates pitiful thinking
Pitiful thinking perpetuates lies
Lies perpetuate sinful living
Sinful living perpetuates sickness
Sickness perpetuates isolation
Isolation perpetuates rejection
Rejection perpetuates unbelief
Unbelief perpetuates eternity apart from God.

And every which way. Life and death are in the tongue. We women like to run around all day like chickens. scratching in the dirt, bawking our complaints, and occasionally pecking one another. So sad. Not to say that  there is not wrong around us. Of course the people around us are making a mess of things, ruining things, and hurting us.

Jesus was probably laughing when he spoke of taking the plank our of your own eye before bringing attention to the splinter in your neighbors. It probably seemed foolish to the King of Kings, and to us we hardly get it.

So today let our mouths be for the building us.

No sarcasm.
No backtalk.
No manipulation.
No venting.

Do you know my sister?...When we are talking along?...We approach that one statment and the flutter in back of your mind reveals to you that you should dispose of these words before you speak them?

Put them in the disposal.
Enjoy the watermelon. Dispose of the rind.

Let us not only guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Let us make a cry of repentance to the most gracious Father in Heaven who will remove our sins as the east is from the west, and guard our words in Him too.

There is always forgiveness of sins. Repentance comes before healing.

Taming Tongue

The power of life and death are in the tongue.

The power to grow and feed and the power to kill and mutilate.

Like a ship's rudder, who's direction is decided for the whole ship, so it the direction that the words of the tongue take us.

"Watch your thoughts because they become words.
Watch your words because they become actions.
Watch your actions because they become habits.
Watch your actions because they become character.
Watch your character because it becomes your destiny."

This unknown poet was a wise person. We must guard our thinking. If ever a thought comes into our minds that is not for the building up, restoration, encouragement, or correction spoken in love for another soul, let us throw it away before it becomes who we are.

Let me repent friend, I have walked a road that has led to almost complete distruction because of my tongue.  I have bought lies from the evil one. Lies that say it is good to vent, you should just say what you feel, and that as long as you are honest, even if you are hurting others, it is ok. It is NOT ok. We can not think for a moment that we can say whatever we want and that it is the listeners responsibility to sort it out. Ladies, if we need to process information out loud, let us commit to our Heavenly Father to be our sorter. He is the only one with perfect love for both you and your offender to sort out the hurts, frustration, memories, and the words spoken.

Let us do good today in controlling our tongues. Let us commit to the Father and to each other, to hold fast to the commands given to us in God's Word. James is wonderfully clear in how we should conduct ourselves in response to what we say.

Trust me, you will be surprised at the Father's love that will be lavished upon you through your obedience to Him. He hold's back like a Father. His desire is lavish us with Good things. He who faithful in little will be faithful with much.

Let us be faithful, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in taming our tongues. Let us adorn our conversations. Not with flattery and meaningless words, and certainly not negativity and harshness. Let's together choose positive words, loving words, and when there is nothing to say? Smile!

Ready Rejoinder

Response is everything!

To be honest I have a hard time chewing that one too. I mean really? Every time?
Yes! Sir! eee!

I have been a mom for a good chunk of years now. I have yet to have plenty of wisdom under my belt. And it never ceases to amaze me. I think I am ready. I feel like I can handle it. I got a good night sleep, and my diet has been pretty good. I even had a walk today...everything is in order, and still...

Bam! Horrible response. Fellow servant down with broken heart.

God knows my heart. How desperate I am to be renewed and to shed those old companions that rise up and visit when I least expect them. It just doesn't seem right, and the reality is it is not. It is my responsibility. I am hurting people. It is my blame and my tongue that let my Jesus Christ to death.

I am always surprised at myself when it isn't the kids that bring those cobweb covered nasties out of me. It is adults.

I see why God said do not hinder the little ones and let them come unto me. My little cherubs, so full of grace and so much fun. When I love them they become all cookies and cream, and when the world starts taking me away from them for all the "good" things that need to be done, a lot like how the disciples were holding back the little ones because they thought the adults were better. I am sad to say when I separate from my little ones, they do quickly become like sour grapes. It is true. Even church can undo the fellowship and discipleship within the family by using time and separating us out.

Guard your heart, guard your mind, and guard your family.

The father is so loving in giving us these lessons. He does not leave us behind, but like a perfect loving parent he nudges us on to following Him. All things are possible with Christ. We won't be done until He calls us home, and for the better of the ones following in my footsteps, I will...

Trust and obey
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus
Than to trust and obey

Reticent Companion

When times are so hard and we we run to others, we are running away from God.

"Be still and know that I am God" The scripture states clearly. There is a time for everything, and I think in this day in history, more than ever, silence has to be so very intentional.  When I get quiet, even the things that were quiet before become loud.

Ever notice that? The background radio that you could hardly hear becomes annoyingly loud when lying on the couch in the afternoon.  The Dishwasher during prayer becomes an annoying drumming. The cars going by seem obtrusive during a snuggled reading with the children. Quiet doesn't come easy.

Even Elisha, chosen priest, stole away from all of civilization. God sent many magnificent sights for him to behold from the mouth of the cave, but remember when God showed himself?
In the stillness.

Then when He speaks I sit in awe. When the time comes I rise and I go out bearing more of His name than I did the time before. Amen for the simplicity of how God chooses to meet us.

God is more concerned in doing a work in you than He is about doing a work through you.

Family Consanguinity

Some weeks are just like this. 
They can be referred to as doormat weeks. Not in the sense doormat mans that people aren't appreciating you, I am using the term in more of a welcoming mat. Maybe this is a bad analogy, but until I can come up with a better one it will have to do. All people under the roof needing to shake off the daily grim from living in this decomposing world.


I have been pondering the role of the family. What it was established for, what it's purpose is, and what the relationships inside of it should look like. Of course with every family it is different. It is a shame when we see only the good and others and put unneeded stress and expectation on our own loved ones. When I see that in m I am disgusted.


Also, the one thing that keeps creeping into my thinking, is how much is my perception of all that God has showed me and all that I read in His word is tainted by my knowledge, education, and experience. My family, culture, and friendships have all blended together to create what it is I think I know now. 


That my friend is why I believe that we must be still and know that He is God. In those moments where all is quiet and I am with our Father, I sense a clearing of my mind. In those moments His holiness is revealed and I can see the true reality of His establishment. 


Let us face it. Everyone wants to give their account of what the Bible has to say. Books on parenting, e-books on fasting, Literature on prayer, and the list goes on.


I have repented to a friend recently that my mentors are books. That must be sad to the Father. Can you imagine Jesus with the disciples? "Study the first chapter and I will meet you on Thursday to discuss." Weird! He could not have the full impact on them meeting once a week and him talking with no room for the disciples to respond. He kept them so close. They learned in moments when they didn't know they were being taught.


And this is where my thoughts on the family come together. Daily-ness. Walking out life everyday after day. Talking and seeing. Challenging and responding. Taking in and processing. Mother and Father, the two godly perspectives coming together to provide a whole picture. Children tendered and nurtured following behind in the grassy, narrow trail, being warned of dangers, encouraged to look up, and not miss the beautiful.


The family is where the relationship begins.
Consanguinity

Mustering Complaints

I have pondered the preaching today.
Habakkak
As a witty elder of our church would say, "in the crispy pages."

Habakkak, who name meaning seems insignificant, gets to the end of his rope. In a very adult like temper tantrum sort of way he pours his complaint at God and urges The Father to DO SOMETHING!!! In response the Lord says something to to effect of hang on there buddy. Check out what is going around you. Do you think for a moment that I don't have it all under control?

Habakkak is in his preistly position. Apointed by God to lead people, he seems to dicide that perhaps it is his turn to lead God. His respone includes (vs 13),  "Why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?" He continues on, and ends with the statement that says God can say what he wants, but Habakkak? His answer will again be referenced to Habbakak's complaint. Feel free to read the short book for the rest of the story.

Hmmm....

I see that how Habkkak, who i will not call H, is like....me. How often am I formulating answers to my own situations instead of listening intently for the voice of God?

I think some would believe it to be wrong to think that H's honesty and persistance to God is a bad thing. I don't agree.

 Jesus himself said that knock and the door shall be opened. He reminded us of the man who needed the bread in the night. The man persisted until the neighbor came to the door and shared the provisions that were needed. God does not mind redundantcy at all. Our dependence on Him alone to meet our deepest needs, results in His glory and that is what is best for everyone. After all He is our Daily Bread. Many of lifes hardest situtaions are lived out over many, many days. And it is everyday we must eat the bread of our dependence on Him and drink the cup that washes away the stress and strain of what we face in this world.

I actually went and got my hair cut a few days ago. A classy place with a down to earth lady that did a great job on my untamed locks. While we talked she shared the struggles of her Father's health. The next chair over the two women shared stories of one's favorite aunt and the other's young sisiter-in-law with three children struggling with aggressive cancers. Two chairs over a friend was there for a wekly appointment mainly to encourage the stylist, as she is going through a very messy divorce. All this pain.

I sat there with scriptures twirling in my head and with nothing to say that would make any sense. I was praying for wisdom, when the woman next to me said something to the effect of, "I just don't get it. With all the drug dealers and mean people out there why don't they get these life threatening problems."

I just kept thinking about the ruler of this world. Glad to to have the power in the life of the wounded and the life of the bitter. Then the Holy Spirit gave me words and boldness.

"I think that is why when Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to us He called him the Great Comforter. He knew that this life would try to knock us down to death and we would need a comforter to give us hope. We are never alone in any situaution."

And He persisted just as we do. He was filled with comfort and Hope just like the Lord Jesus Christ promises for us.

Friend, don't give up. The joy comes in the morning. Sometimes the nights last so long, but we don't stand on the sinking sand of what we can muster. We stand on the Solid Rock of who He is and the promises that He so generously recorded for us in His word. He's with you right now.

Hosting Hurting

As believers we are bestowed many gifts.


These are not the gifts as we in the western world may think. Our minds have been warped with making lists for Santa and our working Grandma's never ending question of what we would like for our birthday.


No these gifts come from the Throne of grace to our inmost parts and it is our job to find them within and act them out.


I have been thinking a bit about the gifts. We as believers like to put a lot of emphasis on the certain things of the Spirit. We like topical approaches to gifts. I wonder if we make the the focus too much. The Bible says that we are filled with the Holy spirit to accomplish every good work that he has prepared for us to walk in. It also says that unto some there are certain gifts and unto others there are others and it is our job to act in those gifts. Also, because of the Holy Spirit in us, we can be whatever the person in front of us needs us to be. This is the truest gifts of the Spirit I believe. The ability that the faith filled believer has to rise to any occasion that is presented! What joy and freedom to love and serve in any capacity or challenge!


It also says of some gifts that we should all be acting in them. 


Hospitality.
This one is different. I believe we as a church say we are doing this one well. Let me encourage us friend. Who are we hosting? To be like Christ the scripture reveals that we host those who can't return the favor.


A single mom burned out, no family to rely on, and children to tend to.
This is who Christ would invite.
An old man walking around town to earn extra cash for the cable bill and another pack of smokes.
This is who Christ would invite.
An untrusting, disconnected child on the t-ball field who squirms out of a loving embrace
This is who Christ would serve.


Help me Lord to not take the easy way. Many are needing Your loving care. Help me not to continue to look to the comfortable who will entertain me in return for my own fun. Give me eyes to see those around me who need the invitation, connection, and fellowship that my home can provide.

True Worship

Worship.

We worship in Spirit.
The Great Comforter filling of hearts and minds with the ability to give glory to the One who preceded all things, created all things, and will finish the work that He began.

We worship in Truth.
Truth of who He is. The truth of Who we are. The truth of our circumstance, the truth of our obedience, the Truth in the one's  in relationship with us, and the truth of our honesty toward them. That is a lot of truth.

These are the things that worship is made of.

We give a cup of water to a child.
Worship.
We give an old man a raking job for too much money.
Worship.
We have a couple of tired moms with a bunch of kids over knowing the house will be destroyed.
Worship.
We let go of the things we value most for the sake of others.
Worship.
We lay down our biggest dreams.
Worship.

I notice something here. There has to be one thing that I lay down to bring the truest worship. ME. My pride, my expectations, and my desires. I lay it all down.

There is One who laid it down before us. For the sake of our eternity and salvation, He laid every single bit of himself down. Knowing full well is would cost him. I am seeing what it is going to cost. Everything.

Have no fear child, He will never leave you or forsake you. He who is in you is much much much greater than he who is in the world. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in you.

Covering Shame

He who has been forgiven much loves much.

Luke 7:46-48
You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

I can't wait to meet this woman. I love her already. Sometimes I see sense people get a little uncomfortable with this idea. I mean can you imagine? Having dinner at the neighbors, and sharing conversation with people that people know and all of a sudden...that woman...you know that one? She is on the floor. This beautiful aroma goes up all about you and you look into every eye around you searching for what is going on here! 

True worship. That is what went on there. Forgiveness covering shame. That is what went on there.

So we go back to the one who has been forgiven much loves much.

The one who has not been heard and hurts hears better?

The one who has been looked over and over sees more?

The one who has been abandoned has the potential to become the greatest companion?

I wonder.

The way of the Christ love in the world is not what comes natural to us. 

The LORD works in mysterious ways His wonders to preform.

No one can predict the ways of God in the life of his child. 

We let go and let God.

We trust and we hold fast.

We praise him now.

We will praise him tomorrow.

His will be done.

Throwing Towels

Throw in the towel.

Although this saying originated in boxing, it rings loud and clear for many a circumstance. After watching their star player being beaten by the opponent, the teams mates could throw in the white towel of surrender as a last effort to keep their opponent from knock out or possible death. Back in 1913, when this saying became popular, there wasn't the hype of rules and fairness in the sport that we have now. There was respect in spite of that, at least enough to give way to the white towel being tossed into the ring.

I hear of many people these days wanting to throw in the towel. I believe that all of us come to a place sometime, somewhere where the surrender alarm goes off.  In our hearts realize we cannot keep these heavy gloves, the facets of life, in the air any longer. Some of us have more of these days than others.

Why?

Partly because of the choices we have made, partly because of the choices others have made, and I believe partly because that is where God needs us to be to get our attention. And truly, it is most likely all of those things combined. Then why is it, that out of all the issues we face, knowing that Jesus made a way for us to access heaven, and we have everything we need, do we  struggle with this plight?

The temptation to throw in the towel.

I like to think of Jesus as my hero on a white horse. The rainbow mane flowing as his hooves clomp steadily as he approaches my in my mess. He is here. To my rescue!

But that is not how the war is, down in this world. That is the scene of heaven. His example for us here is truth, suffering, boldness of obedience, and rejection. A poor dressed man on a donkey. These are the things we follow after him in. In giving up our rights to greatness. We too, lay it down.

We don't throw in the towel for the sake of given up. We place our surrender towel in the hands of the referee, knowing that he knows best the match and skill of the fighters. He sees how much we can handle. The whole duration that we are living in the ring of days here, he never leaves us alone. He is there to call a time out, telling when to let the play continue, or to call the match to an end.

The winner has been declared.

And it is not me. I must understand this to my soul. My part of any plunder is decided by the winner alone. Jesus Christ. The only One who holds the title belt to Heaven and Hades.

I may seem defeated, but when I come to the end of myself? That is where the release comes. The invasion of the kingdom of heaven into my life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.