To Know, Know, Know Him

Yesterday at work I met with a group of people from varying departments within our Company to discuss a project that will bring a major change to the way we do business. As the topic was being discussed the facilitator commented that after the meeting he would speak to 'Bette' and seek her input about a specific issue that had surfaced. As the meeting continued on I found my mind drifting away from the discussion because it occurred to me that without even saying her last name everyone there knew exactly who it was that he was referring to. Wow . . . I was impressed . . . everyone there knew who this 'Bette' was without even mentioning her last name.

Well, I will confess now that pride could have played a part in my new found wonderment because this person that everyone was relying on is my very own beloved sister. Immediately I sat at attention ready to declare that I knew her better than anyone else. I stood ready to tell them that she is tried and true and faithful and trustworthy and generous not only as a worker but also as a wife and a sister and a woman of God . . . but setting all of that aside I found further wonderment in the fact that to our Lord we too are that well known. He not only knows us by our first names but what peace there is in knowing that He is aware of even the very hairs on our head. It blows me away that He knows more about me than even I do. How thankful I am that He knows me well enough to know what sculpting needs to be done or when love needs to be poured out into my life.

We are made in His image. If we're 'born again' His Holy Spirit resides within us but even beyond the awesomeness of that, we must know that He created each of us to be a reflection of who He is. As I live out who He created 'Bonnie' to be . . . as you live out who He created you to be . . . His diversity is being displayed. When you further consider the billions of people who came before us or will come after us suddenly you can't even fathom how vast that He is. Think about it . . . He considers us to be His Beloved and it's all because we are one with Him. That's why we have every reason to be in all consuming awe of Him.

Whatever it is that we're going through in our lives . . . be it a mountaintop experience or time spent within a valley . . . we may feel unworthy, unimportant, or overwhelmed but remember always that He knows us by our first names because each of us are one with Him.

Father, please forgive my inability to express to others who my heart knows you to be. May you show Yourself fully to those who know you on this day. May they be blessed in knowing that you and they are one and may those who turn from You have fresh hearing as you call them by their first names. I ask this in the Name that is above all names . . . Jesus, my Christ.
Amen and amen.
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The Hem (Him) Miracle

Quite often there comes a day in your life in which shocking news arrives and with it the crushing of dreams. I'll admit that, no matter what the details are, it's our propensity to take off running on a straight line into one of life's valleys . . . and many of us make that valley our home for years to come. I'm no different than the next person so I have tales to tell of the valley but as I now draw one step closer to emerging from my valley, I look back over my life and see that time spent there - however difficult -has brought me clarity and richness as to who this Almighty God is that watches over me. His tenderness. His patience. His grace. Every step anticipated by Him. He was never surprised by my willing to stay in the valley. All the while drawing me out to the beauty that He had planned for me long ago.

In Mark 5:25-34 we are told about the woman who had an issue with bleeding for nearly 12 years. No one wanted to be around her for she was an embarrassment to herself and to others. She wanted a life that was much different than she was able to lead but try as she might, no one was able to reach down into her valley and bring her up out. But then she heard people talking about a man who was turning water into wine, He was bringing sight to the blind and curing all kinds of diseases. His name was Jesus. Truly, He was a man of miracles. It was then that she knew that if only she could touch the hem of this mans garment then surely she would be freed from her bondage.

So after mustering up all the courage that she could possibly find deep within herself, she went to where He was and as He passed by she bravely reached out with immeasurable hope and touched the hem of His garment. Immediately she was freed from her suffering.

Then, realizing the release of power within Himself, Jesus spoke to her. It was then that she fell at His feet . . . trembling with fear . . . she opened her heart to Him, trusting by faith that her honesty would bring healing and freedom that would last a lifetime. With that leap of faith her miracle was complete . . . that is when, once and for all, she came up out of the valley in which she had lived.
She wanted something
She heard something
She said something
She did something
She received her miracle.
This was her hem miracle.
This was my him miracle and with it a whole new world emerges. Life outside of the valley of one provides such hope - such loving hope.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus, for in and through Him we are healed and set free. And he whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
Thank You, Jesus.
Amen and amen.
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Living Life According To Plan

How is it possible to have gone through so much of ones life without ever REALLY being loved. Oh, I'm not talking about the depths of love that parents have for their children. Nor am I talking about 'love' that is spurred on by lust. No, I'm referring to that one on one - unconditional - sacrificial love that enters a persons life . . . maybe only once in a lifetime.

As you may have guessed, I am a hopeless romantic. You may question how that's possible since long ago I joined forces with the Apostle Paul in declaring the blessing of singleness. But if the truth be told, since the Lord created me to be who I am . . . and at the very same time allowed opposing circumstances to dictate what life I would lead . . . this is often a topic of conversation that He and I discuss. Is it any wonder that I sometimes walk around looking a bit dazed and confused!!

I remember a comment I heard years ago at a singles meeting that stated that being single is a choice. Well, you have to know me . . . I couldn't let that one pass without a comment . . . but as I rose up to challenge the truth of his statement - before I could release even one word - I realized that he was right. It is a choice. Whether man or woman, it's a choice. Young or old. Rich or poor, it's a choice and often the choice we make is based on extenuating circumstances that have entered into our lives. Whether married or single we allow the circumstances around us to dictate the openness of our heart . . . and the fullness of the lives we live. Past hurts . . . present influences . . . future fears. How truly foolish we are to allow this deception.

I am under the conviction of the Holy Spirit to say that we would be smart to realize that the Lord's return is imminent. With that comes an understanding that it would be to our benefit to live this life NOW to the fullest measure of His plans for it.

Father, with the courage so generously given to us by Your Holy Spirit, I pray that Your joy would be known within each of us as we live out Your perfect plan for our lives . . . for I pray it now, in the name of the One who gives us reason to love . . . Jesus, the Christ.
Amen and amen.
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Yes, But

Yes, but. Two small words but when placed side by side their power to divide us from God's will is no less daunting than the Great Wall of China.

Moses spoke these words when God suggested that he teach Pharaoh a thing or two about freeing His people from slavery. The Apostle Peter shouted them after stepping out of the boat onto the water. I, myself, have allowed them to slip out of my mouth on countless occasions, and yet, how foolish! Why is it so hard for us to see that these two small words, when combined, reek with the stench of FEAR. Fear that comes against God's perfect will for our lives.

Jesus spoke to us about the 'Yes, but's' in our lives when He said . . . 'Oh, ye of little faith.' He understands our tendencies to allow the flesh to rise up within us and shout 'Yes, but'. He understands our tendencies to overshadow His authority and power . . . but lovingly He shows us that there IS a better way. He willingly shows us the unbridled possibilities that exist when He is given the opportunity to lay out His plan for our lives.

Lord, how could I have been deceived by the 'yes, but's' for so long and yet feel so loved by You now? . . . . . . "Look back" He says "and see the dross that I have cleansed you of . . . bitterness, resentment, stubbornness, self-sufficiency. I have filled the holes of your emptiness with my agape love. I opened up your heart to the teaching of who I am and who you can be if only you would remove the 'yes, but's' from your life. I have loved you with an everlasting love that sets the captives free . . . and He whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"

Hallelujah!

Father God, I know that my journey of sanctification will never end on this side of heaven but I pray that I'm further along today than I was yesterday. As long as there are lives around me to touch . . . and to be touched by . . . I pray from the depths of my heart that you will remove whatever 'yes, but's' there are within me that might keep me from Your perfect plan for my life.

Father, may Your will be done, for I ask it in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.
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Thankful Saturday

I'm not sure that today . . . the day after Good Friday . . . has ever been given a name or not but in my heart I'm feeling the need to declare it to be "Thankful Saturday". I know that long ago a day in November had been set aside for all of us to gather and give thanks but in my minds eye today is better spent in that regard.

Today we are sandwiched between two days . . . one in which the ultimate sacrifice was lived out for us and one in which the ultimate hope of victory is awaiting us. What better day could there be to release fully the thanksgiving that is within the depths of our hearts?We have because He gave. He gave humbly so that we might know the fullness of Himself. How glorious!!!

In Matthew 5:14-16 it is written "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Let each of us go out and shine that light of thanksgiving as it radiates from us. Let each of us get up on that rooftop and shout His praises. Let everyone around us hear and see the Good News of this "Thankful Saturday".

Father, words don't even come close to expressing the awe we have as we ponder Your perfect plan. Nor, Father, can we fully express the degree to which we are thankful for all that Jesus, our Savior AND our Lord, has done for us so we pray that you will search our hearts and know all that we are unable to express. May you be pleased with the deposit of Your love that You find there and may we be willing, Father, to unselfishly release the overflow of that love on to others until the day of Your return.
Father, may it be so, for I pray it in the Name that is above all names, Jesus, our One and only Christ.
Amen and amen.
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'Good' Friday??

Good Friday . . . a day of remembrance. A day of reenacting within my mind, the brutality of the sin that was thrust upon the only perfect man who walked on this earth. Certainly, this isn't my idea of a 'good' day. Mourning once again for my part in it all. Realizing the lashes of the whip, the insults hurled, the willful acts of rejection, the driven nails . . . all because of the choices I've made. Remembering the events of this day and the pain that ensued brings me, yet again, to a place of ultimate remorse.

So then, how in the world can this day be called 'Good'? In my humanness, I see me as the reason for this day. My humanness is drawn to the 'bad' of it. But Blessed be our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has reminded me - ONCE AGAIN - that it's NOT about me. This day is ALL about Him. As my heart breaks for the physical, emotional and ultimately, the spiritual pain that He endured, the Holy Spirit - the Holy Healer - reminds me that more noteworthy than all of the brutality and pain was Christ's ability to rise above all of it. WITHOUT retaliation, He endured it all - for it was the Father's will. It was the Father's perfect plan.

The day IS Good because of His willingness and obedience. It IS Good because of the love that oozed from every pore of His body. It is Good because of the peace, and yes, the joy, that He experienced in knowing that He was being used to fulfill the Father's perfect plan. Picture perfect, we see the life of surrender and forgiveness that we are to resemble.

For all that HE did on this day . . . may our remembrance be of the GOOD that was our Blessed Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Father, may it be so . . . In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen and amen.

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Morning Intimacy

I am WOWed again this morning by the renewal that a new day brings. Concerns of yesterday are now laced with hopeful possibilities as the day dawns. In the silence of the morning God is so obviously in our midst. Issues from yesterday still need to be resolved - prayers still need to be mentioned - healing still needs to come - but if you are willing . . . the freshness of a new day lays out hope and determination and the renewed desire to walk in the shadow of His wing.

At this time of day the world around me is quiet. The busyness of the day is on hold for this is the moment more precious than any other in my day. This is the time that I am able to hear the whispers of God and only the sounds of the song birds break the silence to bring forth His glory.

Without this time of intimacy and oneness with Him my day would be overwhelming from the start. It's like gassing up at the pumps before a long trip. In order to get to your destination you must first fill your tank with the highest quality fuel that you can find so that you are powered up to reach your destination.

Jesus . . . my fuel of choice. Jesus . . . my road map. Jesus . . . my pilot. My day has renewal and possibilities and hope.

Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
May I carry this moment with me throughout my day . . . remembering Your love and faithfulness and true desire to be my reason for hope.
Truly, it IS all about You, Lord Jesus.
Amen and amen.
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A Mother's Heart

I've been a mother now for nearly 32 years and it never fails to overwhelm me when I see something cross my path in life that exposes to me a need to pray unceasingly for my children. As a matter of fact, such reality - even when it comes at the expense of someone else's child - causes me to stop and consider, yet again, the pain and helplessness that Christ's mother Mary must have endured.

Yes, the degree to which her soul was to be pierced was foretold even when Jesus was no more than eight days old but living out that pain . . . seeing that pain in your child's face, seeing his spirit beaten and broken . . . nothing can prepare a mother's heart for that.

As her Son's experience unfolded, could Mary have had even a glimmer of hope? Could she have seen His pain as a journey to freedom and Oneness with God? Do you? As your child stands before you - broken in spirit, in need of Oneness with God - are you able to experience the glimmer of hope that IS Jesus?

God gives each mother a special love for their children. A love that can't even be described. Our hearts break when our children are broken and in pain - when we realize their despair and their need for Oneness with God. Our helplessness is beyond words . . . and yet, there is great reason to give all praise to God, for even on the darkest of days, Hope truly does spring eternal. Even in the broken heart of a mother . . . Christ is able to put hope back into our hearts for our children. He did that for His own mother and His tender mercies declare that He will do the very same for all of us.

Thank You, Jesus. I praise the day that You released me from the desire to be in control of the lives of my children. Thank You for carrying the heart of this mother, and all mothers, right along with You as You carry our children in their times of need. Thank You for the hope that emerges in this journey to Oneness with You.
In Jesus' name and by His grace I pray.
Amen and amen.
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You're Invited

Please consider this posting an invitation to a blowout celebration. Who are we gathering to celebrate, you ask? What could be so glorious that we have reason to celebrate? Well, I'll tell you . . . this celebration is for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! And although the Guests of Honor are among us now, let me stop for a moment before the party begins and help you get caught up with where I'm coming from . . .

Recently I've been listening to a teaching that speaks of 'Hupomone'. It's a little Greek word that basically means to bear up under pressure. Like a donkey that carries a load on its back and yet presses on just the same, we too are drawn into times of our lives in which there is a load for us to carry. Be it momentary or lengthy in nature, this time of pressure is used by God to stretch us, to teach us, to strengthen us, and to show us, without a doubt, that God's Grace truly is sufficient to meet our every need.

How easy it is to sit back and listen to teachings or read books or even consume God's Word and think . . . "yep, I'm ready Lord, use me. I'm here and my hearts desire is for You to use me so I'm ready whenever you are - just put me into motion." Well, it must be then that the Lord smiles - and although He is, no doubt, thankful for your naive willingness - He must chuckle just a bit as He takes you up on your offer and sets out to unveil His perfect plan in your little corner of the world. It is then that you'd better hope to come face to face with two things . . . hupomone and the reality of God's immeasurable power and everlasting love. The sweet fragrance of His strength in your moment of need. Strength given to you to speak up and say what must me heard . . . patience to allow Him to work out events that are otherwise overwhelming . . . endurance to hang on for dear life.

Hupomone. In faith you remain persistent against a pressing trouble. In faith you believe in God's faithfulness. Surely He is faithful to be with us as routine situations unfold in our day . . . surely He can be trusted to be faithful in any overwhelming event that comes our way.

And what is the outcome of this hupomone? This endurance under pressure? Well, for me it was pure, unspeakable joy - the same kind of joy that is described in Ephesians 3:20 . . . "exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine" and God is to get ALL the glory for it. HE was my hope when the pressure was on - when I was facing overwhelming odds. Without Him, hupomone is nothing more than a silly word but with Him there is unspeakable Glory and Honor and Praises to lay at His feet.

Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit . . . welcome to the celebration that honors Your love for me. You are worthy of all my praise. Oh, that I could fully fathom the reality of You in my life. I give You now, Lord God Almighty, all the honor that You are worthy to receive.

Blessed be Your name.
Love from Your devoted child . . .
Amen and amen.
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Are You Ready???

As I write this I'm being stretched by the Lord. A self-professed home body I have declared on countless occasions that I am not a traveler. But this week the Lord used a friend of mine who was in need to help me take a major leap of faith as I traveled with her from New York State down to Virginia.

The purpose of the trip was to attend the memorial service of a College roommate. What I saw was typical of a grieving family and the difficulties that ensue as their lives continue. But most notably I was 'introduced' to a woman who was ready to be in the arms of her Savior. The morning of her death she sang songs of praise to Him, she savored the time of worship with Him and then, before the sun went down, she found herself in His arms.

Of all the countless promises that you'll find embedded in the Bible you won't find one that guarantees that you will be around tomorrow. Right now is all that you have so the urgency is on . . . tell people that you love them - leave a legacy that they will ensure God's glory will be seen in the life you've lived.

Live and learn and be ready for the greatest Love ever to be yours.
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Our End All and Be All

God's Word . . . richness, perfection, completeness. No errors. No contradictions. It's all we need for where we are at any given time of our lives.

In Isaiah 55:11 God tells us that when He sends His Word out, it NEVER comes back void. We gain assurance in realizing that it has a purpose and that it WILL accomplish all that He intends for it to.

With that possible you can see how the victims of the Holocaust may have used Isaiah 61:3 as a lifeline in order to endure yet one more hour of horror . . . "To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His glory."

And how, when dryness has overwhelmed us, our hope springs eternal when we read Isaiah 58:11 . . . "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."

Instruction and teaching for building faith. Reassurance for strength. Promises for hope. How glorious . . . His Word is perfect for every occasion. We can praise - even in times of pain and suffering - because of the power of His Word.

The unbridled hope that is found in Isaiah 65:24 allows us to endure whatever circumstance we face . . . "I will answer them before they even call to me, while they are still talking about their needs I will go ahead and answer their prayers."

Hallelujah! His Word is never ending and ever lasting!

Only fools say in their hearts that there is no God. Psalm 14:1
I praise you, Jesus, our 'end all and be all' Fountain of Hope.
Amen and amen.
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Dear God:

This morning I was lead to a passage in God's Word in which Jeremiah the Prophet was giving God a piece of his mind (Jer 20:7-10). It seems that a dilemma ensued for Jeremiah after he began sharing with his friends and acquaintances the insightful truths that God had revealed to him. As a matter of fact, Jeremiah's desire to share God's Divine Wisdom with them was so overwhelming that it wasn't long before the people around him got pretty tied of seeing him coming. Even old friends poked fun at him, ridiculed his ideas and watched for ways to get rid of him permanently. What was Jeremiah to do then but turn and cry out to the Lord.

Being honest with God. Openly giving Him a piece of your mind. Making sure that, in no uncertain terms, He is fully aware of all that's happening in your life. (AS IF . . .!) Defending yourself . . . for surely the Lord needs to know that you're not deserving of any harsh treatment. Jeremiah shows us that out of our humanness, all of us are inclined to complain and feel sorry for ourselves . . . but have you ever really stopped and thought about what God's reaction must be when we dump our inner most heart out on to Him?

I believe that we must gaze upon the face of God in order to envision His reaction to our outpouring. We must first know this God to whom we turn. We must know that He would never expect any more from us than He Himself would give. We must realize that He would never lie to us . . . so we must, therefore, be honest with Him. We must concede that His Wisdom encompasses the entire universe . . . not just our little corner of it. We must be willing to follow rather than take the lead.

With a humble and contrite heart we may now be ready to speak honestly with the Father. Respect is key when honesty is the goal. A teachable heart is key when understanding is sought. When love is the driving force I believe that we are sure to run head-long into arms that are comforting, merciful and compassionate. I am, therefore, utterly convinced that He delights to spend this intimate time with us. His heart is warmed in knowing that we eagerly run to Him as we desire to bear our souls in our moment of need.

Dear God:
Your Word tells me that You've already gone out ahead of me and fought the battles that are yet to come into my life. What comfort that affords my soul. Help me, Holy Spirit, to be honest and authentic with You. Help me to consider Your needs before my own. And as I show signs of my humanness, please Dear Lord, mold me into the person who seeks Your will above all else . . . in Jesus' Holy Name . . .
Amen and amen.
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Ten Commandments . . . or One

I've often heard people make comments about how the laws of the Old Testament don't apply to those of us who are New Testament Christians. I don't profess to be an expert where this is concerned but through the blessed teachers that I've encountered I have had an opportunity to learn that not only do the Ten Commandment Laws apply to us but Christ Himself has given us direction that clearly sets the bar higher for us than did the Old Testament Laws.

For example . . . in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that above and beyond the law that was established in the Ten Commandments regarding adultery, He set the bar higher and simply defined adultery as any lustfulness of the heart. YIKES - I have little need to wonder whether or not an overwhelming desire to please 'ME, MYSELF and I' might be along the lines of what Jesus had in mind.

Again, the Ten Commandments tell us not to murder and although the majority of us are quite confident that we wouldn't fall prey to breaking this law, Jesus sets the bar higher for us as He mentions that we are subject to the same judgement whether murder or everyday anger is our 'crime'.

Well, recently as I studied these truths I was lead by the Holy Spirit to God's Word written in Romans 13:8-10. There I found that Jesus took all the laws, seemingly packaged them up nicely and summed up all of our responsibility in one command . . . "love your neighbor as yourself". 1 John 4:16 tells us that "God is love" . . . so when we love we are an extension of God.
17) As we live in God our love becomes more perfect.
19) We love each other because He first loved us.
It's not a choice . . . in order to be Christ-like we must love our neighbor.
It's a command and therefore we must obey . . . love your neighbor as yourself. Does it come as any surprise to you that the breakdown of self-esteem is so important to the evil one? If we're unable to truly love ourselves then we're unable to follow the one command that brings all of us together.

From before the beginning of time God knew that we would be sinners . . . and yet He allowed each of us to exist. Isn't that the most amazing thought? He KNEW that we would allow 'things' to become idols to us. He KNEW that we'd take His name in vain. He KNEW that our covetousness would be never ending AND YET HE CREATED US NONETHELESS! It's all about love. It's all about Him. And when we finally get it right we'll know that our part was to obey His command and thus be blessed beyond what we could ever fathom!

Lord Jesus, thank You for the perfect plan. Like the song says . . . Your love still amazes me. Oh how I pray Lord that the love I have for my neighbor would mirror that which you posses for each of them. In Your loving name, Jesus, and with the help of Your Holy Spirit, I commit to obey the perfect commands that You and the Father established long before time began.
Amen and amen.
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In or Of

Maybe it's time for me to concede to the aging process . . . but wait a minute . . . I'm still the baby in my family so I think that I'll leave the 'getting older' to my siblings who have nicely mastered the art of aging but even if what's ailing me isn't old age, then at the very least, I have to admit that yesterday, after spending the day 'in the world', my rose colored glasses took a hit . . . let me explain:

With the onset of preparations at hand for my daughter's wedding, Sara and I embarked on our first outing to buy a 'Mother-of-the-Bride' dress. It came as no surprise to either of us that my wardrobe would prove to be her biggest challenge. Our first mistake was to step foot into a Bridal Salon on a Saturday afternoon. Overflowing with brides and bridesmaids and sales people and dresses everywhere . . . (hundreds of dresses - long ones, frilly ones, skimpy ones, frumpy ones . . . ) it wasn't long before this naive tenderling showed signs of being overwhelmed amidst the world.

Earlier in the day I had learned of a family man who had succumb to lust. Although at one time an avid follower of Christ, his life was now on a much different track. Amidst his shattered family, acceptance of the situation is being urged . . . for the sake of peace this will now be the new family norm. What a sad but all to familiar commentary.

Spend an hour at the local mall on a Saturday afternoon and see if you don't agree that the world is overdosed on lies. Check out the sights, the sounds, the smells that entice the unsuspecting senses of those who travel the corridors. Then remember that God's Word tells us that we are to "be in the world but not of the world". We are to live among 'un-Godly' people but not let their attitudes and weaknesses and influences tempt us.

But how, pray tell, is this possible. Each of us are at risk for the lies of the world, our flesh and the devil so what hope could any of us possibly have? If the truth be told shouldn't we all fold in fear of what appears to be the inevitable? No! No! and again I say NO for on the heals of my day 'in the world' the Lord brought me to His Word in Romans 8:31-39. There I found that Christ, having been raised from the dead "is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us." "So then if God is for us, who can ever be against us?" Reading in between the lines I see it saying - it doesn't matter what lies the world believes - our God is mightier than all the lies cast down since the beginning of time! Jesus Christ is interceding for us - how glorious! He's asking the Father to show us His mercy, provide His wisdom and to allow us His forgiveness. Truly, if God is for us we have all the hope we need to continue on. No lie can ever truly separate us from the love of God. Praise God HE is our hope!!!!!!!

Father God, we seek, Dear Lord, eyes that see only Your truths and ears that hear only Your voice. Draw us close to You Father so that we are not taken captive by the lies that are all around us. Renew in us, Lord we pray, an unquenchable desire to live and breathe Your righteousness. In Jesus' precious name we acknowledge that Your mercies, although undeserved, are more precious than we can fathom. Forever and always - we agape You.
Amen and amen.
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An Elixir . . . What If?

The word 'elixir' came to me the other day and as you might guess I immediately envisioned tropical islands, sunny beaches and natives who were preparing exotic potions. Initially the true meaning of the word alluded me so it wasn't long before I found myself compelled to seek the help of our dear friend Mr. Webster. As I endeavored to understand the reality of the word, I found 'elixir' described as . . .
~ A substance held capable of changing base medals into gold and
~ A sweetened liquid used as a vehicle for medicinal agents.

As I pondered these meanings, I stopped and wondered . . .
~ what if God used people as that life changing base - that elixir - that substance that turns things into 'gold'? What would it look like if He rendered us capable of impacting the lives of the people around us in a way that would change them into His priceless treasures?
~ what if God somehow creates a sweetness within us in preparation of being a vehicle for healing someone's broken heart, their shattered dreams, or even their deflated self-esteem?
~ what if God's purpose for your life is to be an Elixir . . . indeed, what an honor.

There was a time in my life - a dark time - when the 'what if's' consumed me in a way that lead to isolation and panic attacks. I allowed no one to be an elixir in my life hence the darkness, but now - saved and full of the Holy Spirit - the very thought of being used by God as an elixir, and thus bringing Glory to His name, is nothing short of thrilling to me.

How about you? Is your walk preparing you to be used by God as an elixir? Are you willing for the Potter to mold you into a vehicle that may be used to bring healing to those around you? Do you realize fully the blessings that would flow through to you from such a willing spirit. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!!

Father, the thought of being used by you as an elixir is humbling beyond belief. I pray that each of us would be willing to step out in 'mountain moving faith' as we seek to become elixirs by Your Divine providence. In the name of Jesus I pray that you might know the true desires of our heart as we give thanks for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit to this end.
Amen and amen.
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Name Your Horse

Today's "Solo" devotional brings to mind the horse. Odd you say . . . theses days few of us have these powerful creatures roaming around in our backyards but after reading Isaiah 31:1-3 I question whether or not that thinking is correct. Let me explain . . .

Throughout the ages horses, and whatever chariots they pull along behind them, have been used by people as a way of providing strength in time of need, escape from threatening situations or beauty to the soul. Commonly we rely on the horse - the physical aspects of this world - to bring us relief, escape and pleasure rather than looking to the One who is the Author and Creator of the powerful horse we seek. Who among us hasn't sought out the created rather than the Creator. Who among us hasn't been tripped up into thinking that these powerful creatures provide the complete security and comfort that we need in our lives.

Consider the circumstances of your life and name your horse(s). What, or in whom, do you put your trust? Money? Sex? Your children? Your education? Yourself? Your employer? Your unwavering opinions? Your unflinching stubbornness? Your supposed power? Are these the things in which you depend on rather than turning your gaze to the love and mercy of the God Himself. I suspect that you and I are no different. We not only have that horse in our backyard - we may have a herd of them grazing at will - and we do all we can to insure their longevity.

Spend a moment now, if you will, and ponder the grazing that's going on under your nose. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the absurdity of your reliance on anything but Him. As these things are revealed, ask Him to forgive you for the lies that have come to control your life. Give Him thanks and praise for this time of revelation. Then, as it says in Isaiah 31:6 . . . "Return to Him whom you have so deeply revolted against . . .". Return to Him for His arms are stretched out - waiting for you to experience the same loving assurance that He did as His arms were nailed to the Cross.

Father God, may we know you Lord - intimately - in good times and in bad. May we spontaneously seek Your presence above and before anything of this world. May we come to rely on You and You alone for ALL needs that come into our lives and may be sing songs of praise as we bring to mind Your worthiness. I ask this all, Father, in the POWERFUL name of Jesus, the mightiest of horses.
Amen and amen.
bo

A New Holiday Declared

A new Holiday - I declare - "Be Kind To Jesus Day".

Although the very thought seems to be mind boggling, I recently came to realize, through an Oswald Chambers devotional, that it is wonderful to remember that Jesus Christ has needs which we ourselves can meet. Actually, Jesus Himself eludes to that in John 4:7 as He instructs us to "Give Me a drink". How, you ask, is it possible that Jesus would have needs? He's God. And how in the world could we come to a place where we would be used to meet those needs?

Well, before reading on any further, I prayed, asking the Holy Spirit to give me insight into this mystery. I sought understanding that would allow me to draw closer with a heart that was wide open and desirous of Him. Soon I began to see that as His chosen ones we, on any given day, do indeed reach out to help those around us who are hurting. Joyously we share in their victories and we stand in awe of the obvious love that blankets their lives. With all of this in the forefront of my mind it wasn't long before I conceded to the notion that with the necessary training in place we certainly may have been made for such an event as this - for such a time as this.

As my heart opened up I saw before me the perfect example of the One who came to show us how to meet one anther's needs. He taught us to be kind, to encourage one another, to show thanks. As I attempted to fathom the possibility of meeting HIS needs I realized that it would be silly to think that I could prepare 'my husband' a typical meal or to have slippers waiting for Him at the end of a day but at His command . . . feast I can . . . so feast I did!

With my heart prepared, I laid out before Him a feast that I hoped would be worthy of a King. One that I prayed would leave Him dripping in love and desire for me.

Our time together began as I brought to Him a bowl laden in gold that contained the treasure of my thanks to Him. I filled it to the brim so that His senses were emerged in its presentation. Once I knew that I had His undivided attention, I placed before Him a side salad of kindness displayed beautifully on a bed of encouragement. I offered Him a tray that was filled with utter understanding of my need for Him. Then, before lavishing Him with the main course of everlasting love and devotion, I sprinkled His forehead with fragrant oils in an attempt to bring Him to a remembrance of the beauty of His creation. Opening up His pores I prayed that His essence would drink in all that I had poured out onto Him. As He savored the fruit of my devotion I presented Him with a chalice of praise which overflowed into seemingly endless adoration. I couldn't help but linger there. Mesmerized, I strolled with Him, hand in hand, down a path which lead to the time when He first asked me to be His beloved . . . and I said Yes, Lord. Adding to my amazement He brought to my mind His Words in Jeremiah 2:2 that say to me "I remember . . . the love of your betrothal . . .". Overwhelmed, I surrendered all to Him.

For such an event as this, for such a time as this, Lord, I am eternally grateful.
Let us proclaim our willingness to declare a new holiday in which each of us feast together with Him as we reach out to meet His needs, for I pray it all, Jesus, in your loving name.
Amen and amen.
bo

A Light-bulb Moment

Have you ever experienced a light-bulb moment? That instant when you are overcome with new understanding of something that you've struggled with for years and years and . . . well, you get the idea. During this epiphany moment the room just seems to get brighter and you're left wondering what took you so long to see the situation with clarity (or more simply said, you're overcome with a sense of . . . DUH) Yep, me too and I've come to learn that it's all because the Holy Spirit has - in His ever so gentle way - come to shine His incredible Light and thus enabled you to see things from His vantage point.

Let me share with you my most recent room brightening experience:
During the early service at my church I joined a friend of mine who was offering up a variety of prayers in the solitude of a special prayer room . As we concluded our (incredibly, awesome) time together with the Lord, my friend complimented me on how good she thought I was looking lately. Apparently my recent loss of a few pounds had become obvious to her so I thanked her but then quickly made every effort to divert her attention to something less . . . less . . . well, less me! Successful in my efforts we then ventured into the later worship service. As we settled into our surroundings I found myself holding on to what my friend had said. To be perfectly honest, I began feeling quite good about myself. The more I thought about it the more sure I was that others must also be seeing the new sleekness of my appearance. Can you believe it!! Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration but I will confess openly that my attitude - throughout my entire lifetime - has been a challenge where my outward appearance is concerned. Oh, the tears that I have shed and the stories that I could tell . . . but I'll save that for another time . . . suffice as to say that more often than not I assigned value to myself only after assessing my outward appearance.

Presuming that I'm not alone in my distorted way of thinking I want to share with you that it was then that the Holy Spirit helped me to understand how wrong my thinking has always been. He made it crystal clear to me - in my heart - that when I stand before Christ, I will be there WITHOUT this body - whatever it's outward appearance is . . . big or little - young or old! When I stand before Him this thing I've given such time, attention and value to on this earth will be gone! My spirit - my inner self - is the only thing that will be there then and THAT is why it must NOW be given the highest value that I could assess.

Father God, thanks to Your Holy Spirit I can now clearly see the importance of the stewardship that I've been given over my body for my time on this earth. But greater than that Father is the value that you've provided in my spirit for all of eternity. To say thank You seems trite but in the Name of Jesus I pray with thanksgiving for the Light that You've provided so that this age-old stuggle of mine is a thing of the past. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! May others who struggle as I did be blessed by this teaching by Your Holy Spirit.
Blessed be Your Name.
Amen and amen.
bo

The Burning Bush

God's Word in Exodus tells us about Moses ascending Mount Sinai and there amidst the grandeur of His creation God speaks to Moses out of a burning bush. What must Moses have thought as he stood there in awe of the blaze before his eyes. Fire which provided light and warmth and clarity . . . and yet the bush was not consumed. I'm not sure about you but I have no doubt that I would have been freaked out . . . and yet, isn't it possible that God - even today - draws each of us to ascend our very own Mount Sinai only to find Him a blazed with Glory that offers our lives that same light and warmth and clarity!

The first day of a brand new year seems to be a perfect time to stop and ponder this thought. If we look into our burning bush we're likely to see the season of learning that the Lord has guided us through. Maybe the past year has brought with it for you a time of renewed intimacy with the Lord, a time of opening up your heart to Him and allowing His love to consume you. Or maybe your journey was to be one that veered off into a path that lead to a fiery furnace. No matter the climb, your journey's end brings with it the very same light and warmth and clarity that Moses experienced for as it is written in Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." His desire to provide for us is no different than it was for Moses and His beloved people, Israel. His love is an everlasting love that brings each of us to Himself - then refines us with the fire that creates in us a glow that emits rays of His Light. A Light that we must, in turn, spread throughout our world.

Personally, my year has been consumed with the teaching of trust. I've walked through valleys in which old wounds have been reopened . . . only to then be cleansed and healed by the Living Water of life. Did I stumble and scrape the healing scab off of my heart from time to time? Admittedly, yes, but never was I in the dark for the bush blazed on before me - never consumed but offering me the radiant Light that I needed for my path. As pain surrounded me, there I found people who were used by God to shower me with the warmth of His love and before I knew it, clarity for my continued journey. And just as we learned in a recent teaching, that Light moves us from one connect-the-dot to another - one orderly dot at a time.

The healing well underway, I am thankful as my Burning Bush provided me with insight and the much needed hope of healing that is sure to come to the skin around my heart. A renewal of life - again and again - and with it I've seen His steadfast faithfulness . . . His tenderness and compassion. I've knelt in thanksgiving for His mercy and His grace . . . and I look with great assurance for the next connect-a-dot on to which I must step in my journey.

Father, I pray now for those who read this posting. I ask that You draw each of them to a clearing in which they are able to experience their very own Burning Bush. I pray that they will know the warmth of Your presence and see, with clarity, the greatness of Your love. I pray that Your Light will flow from within them and that they will seek nothing more in the coming new year than to be in Your perfect will . . . for I ask this now, Father, by the Power of Your incredible Son, Jesus, our Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo