Mary Says "YES"

"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to Your Word," Luke 1:38.

Yes, I am willing to carry the Son of the Most High God. Why choose me for such a privilege?
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," Is 9:6

Yes, I will travel to Bethlehem. Will my son be born there?
"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about'," Luke 2:15

Yes, I will havemy baby in a cave. God are You sure? Is this the place for a King to be born?
"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn," Luke 2:7

Yes, I will escape to Egypt with my husband Joseph and our son Jesus. Will we be safe?
"An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up', he said, 'take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him," Matthew 2:13

Yes, I will go back to the land of Israel to protect my young child. Will we always wander Lord?
"After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and the mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who are trying to take her child's life are dead," Matthew 2:19

Yes, I will go to Nazareth. Is a King to be raised in an ordinary town?
"Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene'," Matthew 2:22b-23

Yes, I will consecrate my firstborn son to You God, for He is Yours and is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Messiah.
"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, you now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel," Luke 2:28-32

Yes, I will trust You God as I parent Your son. Can I do it God?
"And Jesus grew in wisdom & stature, and in favor with God and men," Luke 2:52

Yes, I will believe what You have promised God, even when I don't understand. How can I understand?
"'Why were you searching for me? He asked. Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?' But they did not understand what he was saying to them," Luke 2:49-50

Yes, I surrender my heart to You, even though my mother's heart is hurt and not understanding what accusations are being spoken about my son. Why can't I rescue Jesus and bring him home?
"Someone told Jesus,'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' He replied, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?'...For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother," Matthew 12:47-49

Yes, I will trust You as my son is heading toward the cross rather than a crown. Did I mess this up? Could this be Your plan?
"Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too'," Luke 2:34-35
"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God!" Philippians 2:8-11

Yes, I will wait for the promises to be fulfilled. How long Lord?
"He gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father has promised, which you heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit...they all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with all his brothers," Acts 1:4,5,14

May it be to me as You have said

"Greetings you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). From these words, Mary's life was changed forever.

The angel unfolds the plan of eternity to this young woman, Mary and her response is: "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said". Mary responds in belief to all that is spoken to her. She had settled all heart issues with God~ she believed Him and trusted God completely.

As a faithful servant, her life would never be the same. The word "servant" is the Greek word for "bondservant" which is one who served because of the love the Master showed and because of the love that he/she had for his/her Master. The bondservant gladly lived in the resources, schedule and property of the Master, since he/she had none of his/her own.

How did Mary get to this place in her heart with the Lord at such a tender age? There must've been an environment in the home that showed her how to love God. She was living a life a communion with God. Oh, that I would be one who is called a bondservant of the Lord~ one who gladly lives in the resources, schedule and property of my Master Jesus!

There are several characteristics we see of Mary in this passage of Luke 1:

1. Faith~ Mary had simple faith to believe that anything is possible with the Lord. Her love for God was bigger than her fears or her questions. Mary counted the cost & willingly gave herself to God. Her response to the angel Gabriel is one of total faith, "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). Mary was given the blessing of carrrying the Savior of the world in her womb. What is it that the Lord is asking me to carry? What is HE desiring to conceive in my by His Holy Spirit? Is my love for God bigger than all my fears and questions?


2. Believe God~ Mary believed what God said. In verse 45 Elizabeth confirms Mary's belief, "Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished". Elizabeth has been living with her husband's silence for 6 months because he didn't believe. (Zechariah, whom the angel Gabriel had visited to tell him that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son, named John the Baptist~ see Luke 1:18-20). Zechariah is living with the consequence of an unbelieving heart. He needed more information~ he wanted details & "proof" from God. Mary had 1 question, "how", since she had never been with a man. To "believe" is the Greek word, "pisteuo" meaning to believe; put one's faith in; trust; with an implication that actions based on this trust will follow. This kind of belief gives God permission to work unhindered in our lives. What kind of faith is working in my heart? When I really believe God, it will be evidenced by the "acts" I do.


3. Responds in Praise~ "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior," Luke 1:46-47. Mary doesn't understand why God has chosen her, a humble young woman, but her heart sings praise to Him. He is her focus. How do I respond when the Lord asks me to do something for His kingdom? Do I boast? Do I focus on me and try to figure out how I will possibly do it? OR, do I surrender in praise to God~ lifting His Name and praising Him? Oh that the Lord would be my focus!


4. Treasured & Pondered~ With all the Glory surrounding the birth of the CHRIST, all the activity and excitement, Mary took it all in. Mary was amazed at the miraculous things that God had done~ they were treasures to her. She didn't talk about what was happening or how God used "her" to bring the Savior upon the earth. She didn't brag about being "chosen" or the "highly favored one". She held this between her and her God. Treasured means to keep or preserve. Mary didn't want to miss anything, paying great attention to every detail of this miracle. "But his mother treasured all these things in her heart," Luke 2:51. Do I ponder and treasure things of the Lord? Are His miracles treasures in my heart? Are there moments & miraculous events in my life that are just between me and Jesus?


5. Trusts God with her whole heart, even when she doesn't understand~ Mary says "yes" to God over and over in her life on earth, concerning her son. She doesn't always understand what is happening, but she believes God is working. Do I trust God even when I don't understand what He is doing? When it looks like He is absent? When my expectations don't line up with my experience?

Mary's response to the Gabriel, at that first encounter was a YES to all that God had for her to accomplish. She didn't know the whole of what that would look like while she walked the earth. She wasn't perfect in fulfilling her plan in the purposes of God, but she said YES. Mary was one who said, "All of me for all of Him"!

Walking by Faith or Walking by Sight?

Numbers 12 gives us the account of the Lord telling Moses to send some men to explore the land of Canaan. Moses sent 12 leaders from the tribes of Israel to scout out the land. They were to report on the conditions of the land: Are the people weak or strong? Many people or few people? What kind of land do they live in? What kinds of towns? Walled or fortified cities? How is the soil? Fertile or poor? Trees or not? Any fruit in the land?

Moses didn't want a report that would discourage the taking of the land, he was just looking for the facts~ a report.

Off the men went...for forty days they scouted out the land. They even brought home some of the fruit. "They cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs" (Num 12:23). The fruit was ripe and it was massive! The land was good, just as the Lord had said. He had promised the nation of Israel that this would be their land.

Upon their return, the report of 10 men went something like this: "The land does flow with milk & honey", BUT...the people are powerful; the cities are fortified; the land devours those who live in it; descendents of Anak live there (huge size, tall, strong); we are like grasshoppers in their eyes~ no way can we attack these people and take the land.

2 men, Joshua & Caleb had a different report. They didn't argue that some of the 'facts' weren't true, but they believed what the Lord had told them~ that this land of Canaan was promised by the Lord to them. The report of Joshua & Caleb went like this: "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk & honey and will give it to us. Don't be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

Caleb & Joshua knew that the Lord was bigger, stronger, more powerful than any man....and God was on their side. It didn't matter what it looked like in the natural, they walked by faith to believe that God would do what He said He would do.

Unfortunately, the WHOLE assembly talked about stoning them (Joshua & Caleb). The "herd" mentality won out and stood against the faith walkers. The Lord met Moses at the tent of meeting and He spoke saying, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" (Num 12:11).

A couple of points to ponder:

• Which "camp" are you in? In the midst of difficult circumstances or uncertainty, do you side with the 10 sight-walkers (noticing in the natural all the obstacles before you) or do you side with the 2 faith-walkers (taking note of the obstacles, but knowing God is bigger than any obstacle)?


• When people are around you, is the atmosphere filled with faith? Joshua & Caleb spoke boldly about God's certainty and power to defeat any enemy. They were filled with faith. However, the majority of the explorers were defeated, filled with fear and confusion and with a bad report stirred up the whole assembly against faith.

The Lord punished the generation for their lack of faith (except for Joshua & Caleb). "Not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers" (Num 12:23). And because of their disobedience, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years~ one year for every day the explorers were scouting out the land. "These men responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord," (Num 12:37).

The question the Lord keeps bringing to my mind & spirit is this: Which well are you drinking from? The natural well (which isn't very deep) looks at the circumstances; the natural; facts; 1 + 1 =2 kind of stuff. This is living in the way of the natural senses and natural consequences. This is walking by sight. The well of the Supernatural is a deep well. No matter what the natural circumstances are, their is ONE who is BIGGER and STRONGER and more POWERFUL than the circumstances. This is faith-walking. Faith is not being moved by what I see, but is moved by what I believe (when that faith is put into the Creator-God).

Lord, raise up Joshua's & Caleb's in this generation....who stir up faith in the Beloved of God.

Love God, Love Others

In Matthew 22, the Pharisees were trying to test Jesus, asking Him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus responds: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength~ this is the first and greatest commandment. Love others~ this is the second commandment (Love your neighbor as yourself). These are to be the theme of a believer’s life; marked by loving God with all that we are and loving others as we love ourselves.

What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? I am going to take some time to explain each of these four areas, so we have more understanding to their significance in our lives.

Our heart speaks to our emotions and feelings. Some examples of our emotions or feelings are: love, joy, peace, fear, worry, anxiety, bitterness, anger, selfishness, happiness, sadness, depression, unforgiveness, rage, pride, greed, revenge, patience, etc. How do you express love to God? How do you respond to circumstances, interruptions, or people? We need to purposely set our hearts to be filled with love for God. It doesn’t just happen. Cry out, like Moses, in Exodus 33:13, “If you are pleased with me, teach me Your ways, so I may know (love) You and continue to find favor with You.”

God sees the “yes” in your heart to obey Him, to really know Him and come away with Him. Spend time with God to have Him reveal the nature of your heart. You may think everything is fine with your heart and then one small insignificant run-in or interruption of your day sets off something within you. Notice these bumps along the way. Take care of your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” We need to tend our heart. It is like a garden. Pull any weeds and till for any bitter roots that have taken ground in the soil of your heart. If there is any repentance or forgiveness needed, do not let time linger…the longer you wait, the deeper the roots or bigger the weeds grow and the harder it is to pull them out.

Q: Ask God to reveal any areas of your heart that are hurting or wounded. Give those areas to God to heal. Are your heart affections set on Jesus? How do you seek to love God with all your heart? Ask God to show you the ways you are setting your gaze upon Him.

The soul speaks to our personality. Personality is expressed in what you say and how you act; words and action. People know us by our personality, which is the reflection of our soul. “She is so happy all the time”, “He is so grumpy”, “Did you hear the way he spoke to his child?”, etc. To make our love for God grow more deeply, we must determine to express our personality by speaking and acting in a way that makes our love for God grow. Again, this is intentional. Proverbs is full of godly advice to put a guard on our mouth. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips,” (Psalm 141:3). Let our words and action line up with loving God.

Q: How do people describe your personality? Do those descriptions line up with one who loves God with all your soul? How can you purposefully set your soul to grow in love with God?

The mind speaks to our thought-life and what we allow our mind to dwell on. To love God with all our mind means to resist putting anything in our minds that diminishes our love for Jesus. We want to fill our minds with things that are “true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy”, Philippians 4:8. We need to spend time in God’s presence to maintain victory over our mind. What is it that you allow your mind to dwell on? We have many obstacles that keep us from meditating on those things that are true, pure, noble, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. The battleground is in our minds. Build a fortified wall around your mind to keep the enemy from taking any foothold. It is time we start thinking about what we are thinking about!

Q: What are some obstacles that keep you from meditating on the beauty of Jesus? What is it that your mind dwells on? Worry, selfish ambition, greed, friends, internet games, social media, pornography, television or movies.

Use the 4:8 test with your mind meditations: Is what I am thinking about:
· True~ God’s Word
· Pure~ Innocent
· Noble~ Worthy of respect
· Lovely~ Anything that calls forth love
· Admirable~ Of good reputation
· Excellent or praiseworthy~ Commendable

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks, so he is.” Every thought has an emotion connected to it. So the heart and mind are linked together, and then the expression of that comes through our personality (soul).

Loving God with our strength means that I use my resources for God’s Glory and His purpose. Our resources (strength) are: time, money, talents, influence, and reputation. The culture and our flesh want to use our strength for its own purpose. We show love to God when we use our strengths for His Kingdom. Each one of us has these strengths in differing measures. For whose kingdom am I using my resources?

Q: Honestly look at each of the following resources. Ask God how you can love Him with your strength.

· Time: What is my schedule centered around?
· Money: Who determines how I spend my money? Do I see each financial decision as a spiritual one?
· Talents: What talents has God given me? Do I recognize that He is the one who gave these to me? How am I using these talents?
· Influence: How am I influencing those in my “circle”? Am I leading these people in my influence closer to Jesus or away from Him?
· Reputation: Am I pursing popularity, prestige, position, or power? How does God view my reputation?

If we love God in these four areas, we will more easily love others. When our vertical connection with God is in order, the horizontal connections with people will be in order. Each one of us has influences in our neighborhoods, work, community, family. People are watching. When I say I am a believer or follower of Jesus or Christian, I want my life (actions) to line up with my words. Jesus is the only hope to the world and we are His expression on planet earth.

In the Garden~ a Life of Prayer

I have recently read a book about Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), a woman who was called Teresa of Jesus because of her passionate love for her Savior. She speaks about her life of God in an analogy & I am going to share straight from her analogy.

She speaks about her life of God in an analolgy of a garden already planted, but one in which the plants will die unless they are tended and watered carefully. Nurturing can be done in 4 ways:
1) there is the laborious work of carefully drawing water from the well, 2) slightly easier method of using a waterwheel and buckets, 3) a stream runs through the garden, saturating the ground from beneath, & 4) rain~ the natural source of water; it comes from heaven above.

The beginner in prayer toils, fetching water from the well. The effort is entirely his, as he attempts to fill the bucket with water and replenish the flowers of the garden. The privelege of seeing the arid land blossom will produce humility and endurance that will cause his soul to richly prosper.

In the second stage, the gardener uses a waterwheel & buckets. He can draw more water for the garden than before with much less effort if the long hours required do not become wearisome. This second stage can be a time of trial, when weeding & pruning is being done to the soul. Effort is still necessary, but the place of striving eases and receptivity is better understood.

The third stage of prayer is when the Lord is more active, providing water by a spring or stream running through the garden. There is now no question of turning back, the delight is too sweet; it is a glorious folly, a heavenly madness in which true wisdom is acquired. This is when "mary & martha" are in perfect harmony, though not yet entirely absorbed into God. The soul is free from worries and becomes content. God is now the gardener and the supply of water is abundant.

The last stage of the call to prayer is where the garden is watered by rain and the gardener has nothing to do but to watch the flowers grow. The rain brings a union about from Heaven itself. Here you know God. The sensation is of an exceeding great and sweet delight. The story of an intimate friendship with God; this is the inner courts of the Lord. This authentic inward journey should lead to empowered outward works (where "mary & martha" are wedded together).

The Currents are Rising and Going Faster

The currents are rising and going faster....
There are 2 rivers moving in opposite directions; 1 is the river of the culture (world) and the other river is the River of the Kingdom of God. It used to be that you could have 1 foot in 1 river and 1 foot in the other.....however that is not true any longer. Both rivers are running high and fast. As the waters rise, you will be swept away.

In these days in which we are living, the question we need to seriously consider is this:

• Which river am I in? Which river has most of me?


• And if we are parents, we need to consider this question: Which river am I immersing my children into? Where will you lead your family? Who's going to raise your kids?

We must decide which river/stream we will live in. The river of the culture (world) is sin and destruction. What may seem innocent to you now, will soon own you. As the darkness gets darker and as evil is called good and good evil, God has called us to stand as signposts to the world. We cannot be a signpost if we are flowing along with the river of the culture. Be alert. Awaken your spiritual eyes and ears. We are called to discern the times in which we are living...it is a time to give up the lesser pleasures this world has to offer and go after the deep pleasures of the River of God.

The River of the Kingdom of God is running fast and strong. As we immerse ourselves (and our children) in this river, we will have hearts and minds set on the Kingdom of heaven. Strength, power and authority are released in this river. Courage to stand. Boldness to speak. Jump into this river....get out of the river of this culture. The world promises what it can't deliver. But God delivers on ALL His promises. He is the Faithful One. He is calling us to swim with the current of the God of heaven.

From the Mountain of Fire to the Golden Calf

As evenings get cooler, with fall approaching, our family has once again brought out the fire pit. Weekend nights are filled with fire, smoke and the smell of a campfire. And again, I am reminded of the Israelites in the book of Exodus. (I just can't leave them alone in the wilderness!)

In Exodus 19, Moses has brought the nation of Israel to the mountain of God, Mount Sinai. Moses ascends the mountain to meet with God (verse 3) and God speaks profound words of blessing and covenant to these wandering people. "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation," (verses 4-5). After more than 400 years of slavery, this nation has been chosen to be holy; to be a treasure; to be a kingdom; to be a people of influence; to be loved by the Creater of the entire world; to have relationship with THE I AM. Moses shares the Words of the Lord with the people and they respond: "We will do everything the Lord has said," (verse 8).

Moses instructs the people to consecrate themselves because the Lord "will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people" (vs 11). When the ram's horn sounds a long blast, the people are to go to the mountain. (Who's blowing the ram's horn? An angel?) On the 3rd day, as Moses had told them, thunder and lightning and a thick cloud came over the mountain and there was a very loud trumpet blast (vs. 16). Smoke descended on the mountain and the whole mountain trembled and Moses spoke to God and God answered him from the mountain.

All of the people had an encounter with God. They all heard His voice and saw the smoke and fire of God's presence. God even spoke the words of His commands to the Israelite community. They had direct access to His presence.

Have you encountered God? Have you felt the fire of His presence? Been wrapped in the cloud of His Glory? Has His voice spoke words of covenant and blessing to you? Beloved one, He longs to meet with you and have you encounter His presence in power like the Israelites.

Unfortunately, the Israelites do not have a very long memory of their commitment to "do everything the Lord has said". For when God calls Moses to the top of the mountain to meet with Him, Moses is gone 40 days....and it seems the "treasured possession" has forgotten whose they are. Chapter 32 of Exodus we hear the Israelites grumbling to Aaron (who has been left in charge), "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him," (vs. 1). The culture of Egypt was so embedded in the Israelites that they very quickly turned back to what was familiar to them. Aaron fashioned a golden calf with gold jewelry and the Israelites "indulged in revelry". {The calf was one of the gods that the Egyptians worshipped.} Here is the most amazing aspect to this act....God was still revealing Himself by giving them manna daily to eat. God continued to miraculously provide for their physical needs and the people discounted His provision as now something natural and expected.

I want to say that I have never done that, but unfortunately, I have been like the Israelites too often. I have experienced the Glory of the Lord, have watched God do miraculous wonders among my family and friends, I have heard the beautiful voice of God telling me how to live....and then.....when something doesn't go my way or when it seems that He's been gone so long....when the answers don't come quickly enough, I can return to the "gods of Egypt" because it is familiar.

God has called us to be a "kingdom of Priests" and "Holy Nation", His "treasured possession". However, He is God. I will not be able to understand His ways. He is perfect. He is pure. He knows the end from the beginning and I don't. So, when it seems that He is far off or that He is not attentive to my prayer....with spiritual eyes, I take a look around~ He is still providing in miraculous ways, just as the manna fell from the sky each morning for the Israelites, while they grumbled and complained, looking for God (and Moses their leader).

The Biggest Bully, Satan

This past week, I heard a couple radio programs on bullying and then saw a news show on the subject of bullying. The Lord uses these everyday experiences to get my attention, so I asked, "Lord, what are You trying to say to me about bullying?" God pointed me to the enemy, Satan....the biggest bully and the creator of that evil idea of bullying.

The information given on the radio programs and the news show, gave insight to the problem of bullying. The bully uses verbal and physical means to put down another, to the point of discouragement, abuse, isolation, and even suicide. No longer is it just "playground bullying" that happens; the internet now plays a role that can be a 24/7 means of bullying with social media sites, such as facebook and video sites like youtube.

Satan, our bully, hates us and will do whatever he can to cause us to be defeated; emotionally, physically and spiritually. Discouragement is one of the enemy's key tools that opens the mind for him to use all his other tools: pride, hate, greed, oppression, depression, anger, etc. I Peter 5:9 tells us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Our enemy is a bully. "Diabolos" is the Greek word for devil and it literally means to hit and beat and beat and beat to penetrate the mind, which will build a stronghold or prison. So many believers are letting the enemy (our bully) beat them into discouragement....what holds the enemy off?

The best way I have found to hold back the enemy, is to stay in God's presence....to sit in the Lord's presence. I know it sounds foolish and trite~ there must be a 10 step program to hold back the enemy's bullying tactics! BUT, what I have found is that it is quite simple, except for the fact that it takes a determination of the will sometimes to not give in to the feelings of discouragement, etc. I need to determine in my heart that I will meet with God. I know it is building a stronghold in my mind to keep the enemy out! When I am feeling discouraged or not at peace or worried, depressed, angry, etc, I ask myself, "How much time have I been spending in God's presence?" There are so many things in life that come against our time with Jesus, but if we are purposeful and make time to listen to His voice, to share our needs, confess our sins & receive His forgiveness....Jesus will make a way when there seems like there is no way. The enemy must flee when we resist him.

Watch for these traps of the enemy that will cause us to lose our solid footing and give the bully a way in:

1) Busyness (being under Satan's yoke)
2) Temptation with money (feeling greed get ahold in my heart)
3) Working long days and very hard (wearyness sets in)
4) Overstimulation by TV, computer, movies
5) Books or magazines (worldly culture that permeates the mind)
6) Chasing material possessions
7) Focused on outward appearance (takes time, energy and money)
8) Too exhausted for intimacy (marriages suffer greatly)
9) Self-sufficiency
10) Distracted by "good causes" that keep you from the focus of "eternal causes"

School of the Wilderness

Back to school is such an exciting time each fall...shopping for new clothes, new school supplies, new backpacks...so much new! The first day is filled with anticipation~ new teacher, new friends, new routine, etc. As a former public school teacher, I always loved the first day of school and the days preceding it. Getting my room ready~ bulletin boards that would entice the kids, setting desks in formation that learning could happen, praying for the students that would be entering my classroom each year...oh, it brings me joy even as I write it out!

BUT, there is one school that none of us would sign up for~ the school of the wilderness. And yet, we eventually find ourselves in that school (and unfortunately, it is usually more than one time). The wilderness marks an important experience for us all. When you find yourself in it, take heart, you are not the first one, nor will you be the last....Abraham, Isaas, and Jacob lived in tents in the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years being trained in the desert to lead the Israelites. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness. David escaped death from King Saul by fleeing to the desert and hiding in various caves. Elijah spent time in the wilderness. Jon the Baptist had his ministry in the wilderness and introduced Jesus in the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy. Paul spent 3 years in the wilderness. The school of the wilderness is training ground! Don't miss out on a chance to learn in the desert. Here are several lessons we learn in the wilderness:

1. God will always take care of His people in the wilderness. God provided manna for the Israelites for the entire time they walked in the desert. Their shoes never wore out, nor did their clothes. The Israelites were supernaturally sustained in the desert (Deut. 8:4, 29:5)


2. The wilderness has the goal of sifting us; stripping us so we are left with Jesus alone. It is meant to empty us of religious baggage; getting the core of being totally dependent on God alone.


3. The wilderness is not a place where you remain. If you do not get out of the wilderness, you will eventually die (Deut. 6:23).


4. The wilderness is a symbol of new beginnings. After 40 years in the desert, Moses moved out to deliver the Israelites from bondage. After 40 years, the Israelites moved into the Promised Land. David moved from wilderness to a Kingly palace. Elijah left the desert and was taken by heavenly chariots into His forever Heavenly home. Jon the Baptist was set apart and prepared the way for the Messiah, marking a new beginning for Israel with Jesus on the scene. At the end of Jesus' 40 days in the desert, His ministry began in miraculous power from the Holy Spirit. Paul, being trained in the desert by the Holy Spirit, became a bold proclaimer of Jesus and goes on to write much of the New Testament. His ministry began after the wilderness experience.

If you are in the school of the wilderness now, trust God in it. And remember it will not last forever; he will supernaturally provide for all you need in it; allow the wilderness to sift you~ keep your heart open to what God is wanting to do in you. Lastly, be ready for the new thing that's coming.....the wilderness marks the beginning of something new.

The Waiting Room

The season of waiting is extremely difficult. We are such a culture of "hurry-up" that when it is a time of w-a-i-t-i-n-g, we feel that we've missed something. But in all harvest, there is a season of waiting.

Farmers sow a seed and wait. They don't stand along the row of newly planted seed and proclaim "come forth new plant"....no, there is a season of growth that is happening under the soil (the growth that is unseen) with the rains and the sun; and at just the right time, the plant bursts through the ground. This is the season of The Waiting Room.

The Waiting Room~ how many of us have spent hours in the physical waiting room; at any doctors office. To worry, get frustrated or angry during the waiting time does not bring about a quicker result....

In The Waiting Room we learn patience and perseverance and contentment.

How did Abraham wait 25 years for the promised son, Isaac to be conceived & birthed?
How did Noah wait, while constructing an ark, for 120 years, with the promise of rain and destruction of mankind (if they do not repent)?
How did Moses wait at the top of the Mountain of God, in silence/fire/thunder, for 7 days~ waiting to hear a Word from God?
How did Joseph wait, years in prison, knowing what God had destined for his future?
How did KING David wait, on the run and in hiding for many years being chased by a mad-man king, for the promise of a Kingdom to be fulfilled?
How did Joshua wait, wandering 40 years in the desert waistland, for the promised land of Canann to be delivered?
How did Moses wait for the Promised Land to be within reach....and then see the promise from afar?
How did Esther wait, watching the time draw nearer of the extermination of her people; patiently preparing a banquet, then another; waiting for the right time to expose Haman in this brutal, murderous plot?
How did Mary wait, pregnant with the promised Messiah?
How does all of heaven wait, for the Glorious, Majestic, King Jesus to be revealed on the earth?

The list goes on and on of our heros of faith, from Old Testament to New Testament to early church fathers to present day. We find ourselves....
waiting to be rescued
waiting for healing
waiting to be delivered
waiting for the promise to be fulfilled
waiting for the harvest
waiting for the birth of the dream God has given
waiting for prodigals to come home
waiting for God to show Himself Mighty in power

While we wait, are we being strengthened in the Waiting? The Waiting Room produces patient endurance in us, even if it doesn't "feel" like it. Trust the working of the Holy Spirit in your inner man~ to cause a deeper hope and faith and belief in your heart. Romans 4:20-21 says of Abraham {during his season in The Waiting Room of 25 years}, "YET he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, BUT was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."

Let us proclaim an "Abraham response" while we are in The Waiting Room: "Lord, I will wait for Your promise, growing strong in my faith and bolder in my assurance that You will do exactly what You have promised at exactly the moment You have ordained. It will not delay!!!"

We All Need a Barnabus

I spent the weekend with my "Barnabus". In the previous blog, I shared about a man named Barnabus, who is introduced in the book of Acts. With every mention of his name, the Bible speaks something of his encouragement of others. He is Mr. Encouragement, in fact his name means "son of encouragement".

Susie is my Barnabus. She is Mrs. Encouragement, "daughter of encouragement". We have been dear friends from the moment I met her 13+ years ago. I treasure our times together and count them like gold to my spirit and soul. There is no mask I have to wear~ to pretend things are ok when they are not. I am able to be open and honest about hurts or wounds or trials I am going through. This weekend, it was good to be with my encourager....to share what's on my heart and know that I am in a "no judgment zone" and to listen to her words that bring life, not death to my situation and my heart.

How do you know if you have been "touched" by an encourager?

• Encouragers lift you up, not bring you down. When you leave their presence, you feel like you can do anything!






• Encouragers, even in silence, lift you up.






• Encouragers believe in you, even if no one else does.






• Encouragers support you, not criticizes.






• Encouragers see the potential in you when others may see the problems.






• Encouragers believe in you.






• Encouragers put words into actions; they are not just lip service.






• Encouragers' words fan the flames of your spirit.






• Encouragers challenge you~ to be better, stronger, more holy; living a great life of faith.






• Encouragers care for you~ with words, affirmation, prayer & action.






• Encouragers live in the "no judgment zone".






• Encouragers always see the glass half full, not half empty!






• Encouragers smile MUCH! They bring joy to your life.

When you have been with an encourager, you will probably think: I want to be more like that! We all need a Barnabus. I am so very thankful for my "Barnabus".

Encouragement

Sunday morning, bright and early, in the hot sun, Greg and Katelyn
were in a speed triathalon in Papillion, NE. They swam, biked, then
finished with a run. I am not one for competition, so I chose to be the "cheerleading" section for my husband and daughter. And as usual, I found myself encouraging every biker that rode past me and every runner as they began the run. And the most fun was standing at the finish to cheer each one on as they crossed that finish line! I am a natural-born cheerleader; to cheer someone on and encourage them to be faster, go harder, get stronger, live holy, etc. This is my call; this is who I am.

I have found myself in many instances of cheering or encouraging others: at soccer games (Kate is a goalie); at golf tournies (both Greg & Jon play); at swim meets (Jon is a swimmer); at Bible Studies (to encourage women and men in their pursuit of God); with my husband in his work; with my sister in her parenting of teenagers; with my younger friends parenting newborns and toddlers; with my daughter, Lindsay, at her teaching job; with Jon (my 13 year old) as he desires puberty to begin! I could go on and on.

There is a man in the Scriptures whose name means "son of encouragement", Barnabus, who is introduced in the book of Acts. We could call him Mr. Encouragement because at every mention of his name (in Acts), the Bible also mentions something of his encouragement of others. I look very forward to meet him and talk with him in heaven, because I too, feel that encouragement could be my middle name!

Over the last several years, I have begun to call myself "KLOVE", positive and encouraging! God has been revealing to my heart that in these days in which we are living the need for encouragement is great. So, my question to you is:

In your sphere of influence, who could use a word of encouragement this week?

Love Check-Up

How are you doing in the love category? Let's take an inventory from I Corinthians 13. Let God give you a check-up:

*Love is patient (vs.4): Love never gets impatient and does not have a quick temper. It accepts others and does not work to change them.

*Love is kind (vs.4): Love is always considerate, recognizes the needs of others, and seeks to meet them. Love is actively creative in contributing to the lives of others.

*Love does not envy (vs.4): Love is never jealous or possessive. Love allows others to be free to be themselves, and to make their own choices. Love encourages others to reach their full potential.

*Love does not boast (vs.4): Love is never conceited or anxious to impress. Love does not seek to create an image. Love seeks to glorify God over self; love doesn't care if it does not get credit or reward.

*Love is not proud (vs4): Love is never arrogant. Loves does not make sarcastic remarks that put others down.

*Love is not rude (vs.5): Love always has good manners. Love respects others. Love does the right thing.

*Love is not self-seeking (vs.5): Love does not desire to control. Love does not gratify self nor act selfishly. Love never insists on its own way. Love never pouts. Love does not use others to promote themselves. Love does not expect life to revolve around oneself. Love allows others to be exalted over self and is content to be hidden.

*Love is not easily angered (vs.5): Love is never touchy, angry, irritated or resentful. Love is not easily hurt. Love does not get upset on its own behalf. Love does not take things personally.

*Love keeps no record of wrongs (vs.5): Love overlooks the faults of others and does not bring up the past nor keep a score card of suffering.

*Love does not delight in evil (vs.6): Love does not dwell on the failures of others. Love is never happy with sin or injustice. Love does not gossip.

*Love rejoices with the Truth (vs.6): Love is always happy with the success of others. Love actively seeks fellowship with others.

*Love always protects (vs.7): Love never comes to the end of its endurance. Love always supports and understands. Love covers the weaknesses of others.

*Love always trusts (vs.7): Love is ready to believe the best. Love does not stumble over the inconsistencies of others.

*Love always hopes (vs.7): Love believes in the worth of others as persons. Love does not easily give up when relationships are hard. Love has perfect peace in God who is in control. Love never feels hopeless.

*Love always perseveres (vs.7): Love never runs out. Love loves the unlovable. Love can survive anything and endures even when it is not returned.

*Love never fails (vs.8): Love never quits nor comes to an end even when times are hard. Love is committed to obedience to God. Love conquers all.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another (Romans 13:8).

Where There is Smoke There is Fire

"Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain," Exodus 19:18-20

Moses met God in a bush of fire {his first encounter with God's fiery presence} and here, 3 months later, the whole nation of Israel has gathered at the foot of the same mountain to hear the Words of the Lord. What is the scene? Smoke, darkness, fire, smoke ascending, a trumpet sounding, a quaking mountain, God's voice thundering..... all of heaven's attention is on this scene. This is the beginning of a chosen people, a nation separated unto God. They will be called God's treasured possessions; His chosen ones....and it all begins with an experience in fire.

The fiery encounters with God are life-changing; transforming. The first encounter Moses had with God Almighty was when God spoke to him in fire releasing destiny and purpose into Moses' life. Moses was never the same after that experience. He left the shepherding occupation to become God's Deliverer of the Israelite nation; to release them from the oppression of the Egyptians.

Have you ever been to a bonfire? The eye-catching fire, heat that radiates from the fire, smoke that ascends....what happens to your clothing when you are near a bonfire? The smell of fire (smoke) seeps into the clothes and your hair. After a bonfire, I strip off my clothes in the laundry room and head for the shower~ the smell is everywhere....and others can smell it! When my son comes home from a bonfire, I know it the moment he walks in the door. The smell of the fire permeates the atmosphere! That is similar to the fiery encounters we have with God. We leave His presence with the smell of fire on us and others notice....it permeates the atmosphere! Have you experienced that kind of fire? Have you had an encounter with the God of consuming fire? God desires that everyone would come close to the fire, but not everyone chooses to draw near to His fire.

The Israelites had seen God move in mighty miraculous power: the 10 plagues, the Red Sea parted, God's leading by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day; God's provision of water and manna. The Israelites knew God's ways {the things He did}, but they did not know God intimately. At this mountain, the Israelites had an opportunity for their own "fiery encounter" with God, but they refused. "When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leading men of your tribes and your elders came to me. And you said, 'This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer...Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says..." (Deut. 5:23-25)

Are you willing to draw near to the fire? Ask the Lord to encounter you? Moses spoke first in this encounter with God....He longs to hear your voice; He longs that you would know Him face-t0-face as a friend; He longs for you to move closer so He can impart destiny, truth, love, peace, joy, purpose...that you would be covered in the smell of God's fire.

10 Commandments of Fatherhood

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

10 Commandments of Fatherhood:

1) Character Counts~ "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity," Proverbs 11:13

2) Love God~ "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength," Mark 12:30

3) Love Your Children

4) Love Your Wife

5) Love Others

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, does not boast; it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." I Corinthians 13:4-8a

6) Discipline Your Kids~ "For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons...no discipline seems pleasant at teh time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it," Hebrews 12:7-8,11.

7) Pray for Your Family~ Pray these scriptures back to the Lord concerning your family (Ephesians 3:14-19, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Colossians 1:9-12)

8) Heart of Purity ~ "He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend," Proverbs 22:11

9) Play with your Family~ Vacations, weekend-get aways, investing time in the relationships is a key to a lifetime of memories

10) Courage to Lead ~"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds," Proverbs 27:23

Faith Affirmations for Husbands and Wives

Affirm your love and commitment to one another this wedding season with these faith affirmations. All marriages go through seasons (summer, fall, winter and spring)....be faithful in all seasons. Boldly declare to one another your covenant:

Faith Affirmations for a Wife:

I will stand beside my husband.

I will be trustworthy.

I will enrich his life.

I will appreciate him and all he does.

I will take care of his needs.

I will yearn deeply for him.

I will share my body with him.

I will cooperate and work with him.

I will love and respect him.

I will hate divorce.

Faith Affirmations for a Husband:

I will hold my wife close to my heart.

I will protect her.

I will praise her publicly.

I will compliment her.

I will trust her and treasure her.

I will listen to her.

I will always be faithful.

I will never abuse or abandon her.

I will love her day and night.

I will grow old with her.

I will hate divorce.

Summer Reading List

Summer is the perfect time for catching up on reading....of course, I believe that summer is the perfect time for anything! This is my favorite season. I want to share with you some great reading picks for these wonderful sunny days. Most of these selections I have referenced in our study time together throughout the year:

1) Crazy Love by Francis Chan

2) The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Sterns

3) The Renegade to God by David Foster

4) The Nazirite DNA by Lou Engle

5) In His Face by Bob Sorge

6) Radical by David Platt

7) The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel

8) 7 Commitments of a Forerunner by Mike Bickle

9) Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo (This is the true account of Todd's 4 year old experiencing heaven FOR REAL! A great book for the entire family)

10) The Chronicles of Brothers (part 1): The Fall of Lucifer
by Wendy Alec (part 2): The First Judgment
(part 3): Son of Perdition
This trilogy takes you behind the scenes into the heavenlies and the depths of hell (perdition) itself; using a supernatural imagination, Wendy Alec shares glimpses into the way it might be in the invisible world. For more info on this series: www.chroniclesofbrothers.com

These are some great resources to challenge you in your walk with the Lord. Happy Reading!

Summer is coming and the kids will be out of school. This is my favorite season of all! Having my kids home was a highlight for me...no schedules...no homework...lazy days of summer. But it can be a difficult time adjusting from early mornings and much activity to quiet, long days. I want to share a few tips for making summer the most enjoyable time with your children, instead of counting down the days when school starts again!

1) Plan several field trips throughout the summer. What "hot spots" could you visit this summer in your area? Any places that you've wanted to go to, but during the school year there isn't the time? What's within an hour radius of your home~a capital city, zoo, museum, camp, historical site, waterpark, lake, etc. Plan 3 or 4 throughout the summer with a couple friends, because friends make everything more fun!

2) Movie days. Many theaters have inexpensive kids movie specials during the week. The movie times are in the morning, so little ones won't miss nap schedules. Marcus Theaters has a movie weekly & popcorn comes with the price of admission. Meet a couple families at the theater for a cheap movie date. And since the movies are geared to children, noise in the theater is expected! :)

3) Crafts. I know that word ieea is not for everyone! I am not a fan of crafts...but I will say that my kids loved to make things with me. We would gather all sorts of odds & ends, place them in a tub (kept in the basement) and on rainy days or days when friends couldn't play, we'd get out the craft tub and make something. Store everything that you would need in the tub, so it's an easy activity to plan. Here are some items to get you started: glue, cotton balls, paper, tape, craft paint, straws, paper plates, paintbrushes, stickers, rubberbands, scrapbook paper, scissors, clay, etc).

4) Reading time. Be wise about the time you have them home. Get a book (age-appropriate) and read through it together or read to them. My 13 year old still likes to listen to me read to him. It creates a shared experience. We have conversations about what we are reading throughtout the day. This could be a devotional book too, so "Jesus" time can be built into the day.

5) Bored box. Unbelievably to us adults, our kids will have days when they use the words, "I'm bored." I had a box ready for my kids when I heard those words....and amazingly, I didn't hear the words too often. I had practice worksheets to review reading, english, math concepts in the bored box. I also had index cards with "chores" written on them, so they could pick out a card to do when they were bored. Extra books were kept in the bored box too. There is always something to do!

6) Conversation time. Use these summer months to converse with your children. These days of parenting are precious. Spend time getting to know your kids. What do they dream about? Who are their friends? What do they want to be when they grow up? What's their favorite hobby? Favorite subject? Favorite sport? Favorite book? Who is their hero? Be intentional about this time you have them home.

7) Travel journal. Every place you travel....even if it's going to grandma's house is an experience. Purchase a journal or notebook and have your child design the cover of the journal with stickers, drawing, writing. Take it with you when you are overnight: camping, vacation, grandma's, cousin's, wherever you go this summer. Each night you are away, have your child write something about the day so he/she will remember the vacation. Paste a postcard or a picture or brochure of your trip in the journal too for memories. Your child may use this journal for years. It is fun to look back & revisit the places you have traveled and all the memories attached to it~ and all in his/her own handwriting.

8) Make a chain. For all the days of summer or for the last 30 days of summer, make a paper chain. On each link, write something to do. As a countdown,have your child(ren) tear off a link per day and then the family or individual does that activity. Ideas: ride bike around neighborhood together as a family, read a Psalm together and have each person in the family share what it means to him/her, rent a movie & watch it tonight, play a boardgame, go for ice-cream cones today, invite a friend over, etc. The activities can be family oriented, friend oriented, individually oriented. Be creative. Mix it up!

9) Pool party. If you have a pool invite friends over for a pool party. Otherwise, you can have a water balloon party or a slip & slide party or a sprinkler party. Have snacks and drinks all with summer or water names. Have fun with it!

These are just some ideas of how to make summer the best time EVER with your kids.

Being Movie-Wise

With the summer season upon us, there are movie opportunities galore. I am an avid movie theater participant....enjoying all the theater has to offer...which includes popcorn, large diet coke & sometimes candy. I pay a high price for my movie experience! I want to share with you some "movie-wise" tips before heading into the theater this summer.

1. Pray~ I have a prayer from Windows of the Soul (written by Ken Gire) that I pray before I go to the theater. "Help me, O God. Whenever I go to a movie, not to go just for entertainment but also for enlightenment. Meet me there, I pray, and speak to me. Tell me something I need to know so I may live my life more graciously, more compassionately. Give me moments of transcendence so I can leave the theater in some way changed, even if it is a very small way. Speak to me through a character, a scene, a line of dialogue, a musical score. Thank you for those moments at the movies that have touched my heart. And for the fact that there is no place on earth that some echo of Your voice cannot be heard for the one who is listening..."


2. Main Character(s)~ What is he/she like? What are the qualities of the main character? Does he/she change throughout the movie? What helps to make the changes happen through the movie (a circumstance, another character, etc.)? Can you relate to any of the characters? Who would you say you are like? Have you struggled with any of the same issues that the main character struggled with in the movie?


3. Theme~ Is there a theme to the movie? Courage, honesty, boldness, love, growth, perseverance, integrity, friendship, gentleness~ anything you can relate to your relationship with the Lord (fruit of the Spirit, spiritual battle, God's redeeming love, etc) or with others (faithfulness & loyalty to another, commitment)?


4. Signs~ Are there repeating signs throughout the movie that give you clues to the theme? Ex. In "Prince Caspian" there are lions everywhere! Can you see a recurring object or line spoken?


5. Quotes~ Do any of the characters say something that jumps out at you? Does the Lord use any of the dialogue to speak to your heart?

These are 5 keys that unlock the doors of understanding when I attend a movie. God knows the language of your heart and He is always speaking. Let the imagination of the big screen, with all the images and storylines connect you to God the Father, the Son Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I always carry index cards with me, so if a theme or a quote or character really tugs at my heart, I can write it down quickly (with the light of my cell phone).

This Friday, Pirates of the Caribbean 4 opens and I will be at the first showing in the afternoon, armed with index cards and a heart open to receive all that God wants to show me. The next time you head out to the theater, be "movie-wise".

Happy Mother's Day

Momisms

My mom taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

My mom taught me FAITH.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mom taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week."

My mom taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so, that's why."

My mom taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of the swing and break your neck, you're not going with me to the store."

My mom taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear in case your in an accident."

My mom taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying and Ill give you something to cry about."

My mom taught me about OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

My mom taught me about STAMINA.

"You sit there until all that spinach is gone."

My mom taught me about the WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it."

My mom taught me about the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!"

My mom taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just want until we get home."

My mom taught me about MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze like that."

My mom taught me about GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."

My mom taught me about my HERITAGE.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

But most of all, my mom taught me LOVE.

"You know whatever you do or whatever happens, I'll stand behind you because I love you!"

~Unknown Author

Happy Mother's Day! The best job and the hardest job in all the world!!!!!!!

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said!

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." Those are the most beautiful words for us to hear. What was it like that first Easter Sunday for the women who went to the tomb with spices in their hands, to anoint the lifeless body of Jesus? They had witnessed the grotesque way of torture & death that Jesus had experienced...and had the disappointment of hoping He was the One who was prophesied...what a sad day for these women. A hopeless day. All that was promised, all the miracles, all the beauty of that man~ gone. Dead. In the tomb; sealed with a large rock. Who would be able to roll the stone away so they could annoint His body? Would the Romans allow such a thing?

Upon coming to the tomb, "there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. BUT the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord was lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." (Matthew 28:2-7)

The angel from heaven rolled the stone away and the response of the guards? They are still as though dead. How did the angel deliver the message? Sitting on the ROCK! It is finished. Now I have told you. Go. Deliver the message of the good news! ..."Just as He said..." What good news it was & still is. This is the defining moment in history. There is no body. Jesus has risen from the dead. He defeated death and the power of the grave. This day was transformed from sadness to joy; from death to life; from hopelessness to hopefulness. He is faithful to all His promises. He has overcome. What great life-changing news for us too!

The response of the women? "So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word." (vs.8) These women left afraid and filled with joy. Have you walked in that reality? I have. The reality of the resurrection; the hope Jesus gives; the life change He brings; the desire to please Him and give Him glory. I will run quickly to bring word that Jesus is ALIVE! With fear (reverance for the One I serve) and great joy I will deliver the message of Salvation to others. The grave is empty. He is faithful. He will do all that He says He will do. "He is not here; for He is risen, just as He said." Hallelujah! He is ALIVE!!!!!!

The Secret Place

Galations 6 speaks of the sowing & reaping principle: You will reap what you sow.
When you sow in the Spirit by giving dedicated time to the secret place, you will eventually reap a life in the Spirit. EVENTUALLY.

Our culture wants everything NOW. But, our devotional life with God is more like planting a garden than driving through a fast-food joint. We need to know that what we sow today will require an entire season of growth before the results are manifested in our lives.

SOWING: means time given to the Secret Place; establishing patterns and habits that will enable you to spend time with God daily; Proverbs 12:11 "He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread." To have a harvest, you must till the soil of your heart & then plant God's Word into your heart.
REAPING: this time will change you! this time will affect everything around you!!!

Sowing will indeed produce results:
the seed will.......
germinate,
sprout,
send roots downward,
branches upward,
produce fruit!!!