An encouragers heart

One More ...

2012-01-27T19:31:00.000-05:00

One more person loved ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more step taken in faith ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more Truth believed ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more Promise claimed ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more Revelation accepted ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more awe of Understanding ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more cry for deliverance ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more urge surrendered ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more seed sown unto righteousness ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more declaration of authority ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more boast of Kinship ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more controlling spirit bound and cast out ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more Spirit of Light loosed within me ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more shout of thanksgiving ... and I'm drawn closer to You.
One more song of praise ... and I'm drawn closer to You.

One stepping stone at a time ... I'm drawn closer to You, my Holy God.
Thank You, Jesus
I praise Your Holy Name.
Amen and amen.

Crossing Over

2011-12-26T14:33:00.000-05:00

In John 5:24 Jesus speaks of ‘crossing over from death to life’. How often it is that we limit the application of that particular Scripture to only our conversion experience … when we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, dying to self in order to gain new life in Christ.

But let us consider the powerful effect this passage would have on us if only we would apply it to the additional areas of our lives that are in need of a touch by the Christ. Let me give you an example that may bring this home for you …

Let us consider someone you know who struggles with an addiction … maybe it’s even you. Of course, the first ‘addictions’ that typically come to mind involve the consumption of alcohol and drugs but consider also the addictions that invade our lives as we shop, or work, or as we respond to the God given pleasures of sex. Further consider, if you will, that casual chance of gambling or even the everyday need to eat. And what about those folks who struggle with ‘secret’ addictions like those who clean only to think that more cleaning needs to be done … or those who struggle to be perfectionists in everything they do, those who allow worry and fear to rule their lives or even the person who obsesses to control every situation that arises in their lives.

How often these ordinary events of life take on lives of their own … slowly but surely becoming addictions that bring death to the very spirit that God has placed inside of us. No longer are we filled with the peace that God planned for our life for now we are being controlled by something that is not of God. As the journey turns us away from the light of Christ, true joy fades … often allowing the darkness of depression, fears and frustrations to enter us … all the while leaving us very little room for hope.

Yes, the truth is that each of us are susceptible to the cruelty of addictions but when you extend John 5:24 beyond your conversion experience you find that God, in all His infinite wisdom, realizes fully the schemes of the enemy and through His mercies provides us the hope of being able to cross over from the imposed death sentence of addictions to the freedom that is possible in a life lived out with Christ.

So ok … we can clearly see the multiple pools of darkness that all of us are susceptible to … and the need that so many of us have to escape the quicksand that we’ve fallen into … but how in the world do we cross over from this type of death to a life that is free of the captivity of obsessions?

In one word … Jesus. He is the answer to ever question ever asked and every issue that we’ve ever come up against. In John 14:6 Jesus tells us “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” … beyond all the head knowledge (which in and of itself is necessary) beyond the feelings (which often serve to toss us to and fro) beyond all the effort we put out to manage the world around us … there we will find this Jesus who will reveal to us the truth. There, if we allow Him, He will provide hope and peace and unconditional love. So willing … so able … to move mightily in our lives … if only we would give Him permission to. If only we would seek Him in our moment of need and surrender our own worldly desires over to Him.

Easy enough to say … but we’ve been trained up to feed our fleshly desires … surely we shouldn’t have to go without something that we ‘really’ want … something that brings us pleasure?

That, my friends, is a lie from the pit of hell. Those are the chains that bind us and hold us captive. How embarrassing it is to see myself stomping my feet … wanting to have my own way … having a childlike tantrum so that I can fulfill my fleshly desires without having to consider the spiritual consequences.

Is the Light beginning to shine for you … as it did for me? Has the idol that you’ve created before God been exposed as mine has been?

The path of righteousness (life) leads to a place of holiness (true peace). It’s a journey … and we have the choice to walk away from this side of death and cross over to Light and Life. Oh, don’t get me wrong … we can’t get there without Jesus … in and of ourselves we will fail every time … but with unconditional surrender of our own selfish desires, our faith will grow into stepping stones that build a road that will allow us to cross over to true peace. Freedom FOREVER when our heart unites with His.

Psalm 119:105 tells us that ‘He is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path’

Psalm 23:6 tells us that “surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

I don’t know about you but I could never ask for anything more than that!

Father God, thank You for Your Divine Revelation that brought me into the Light and Life of Jesus. Full dependency on Him is an awesome thing to behold and I thank You from the bottom of my heart for it. I pray now Father, in the name that is above all name, Jesus the Christ, that you will go forth and reveal this and more to those who need the freedom of everyday addictions as I did. Expose and exercise within us the Truth that will set us free indeed.
Amen and amen.

Beside The Still Waters

2011-12-10T14:00:00.002-05:00

As my day began, the Lord put one person after another on my heart. My dad, who passed away 31 years ago today, lead the group but he was joined in spirit by friends, co-workers and family members … all who are in need of a touch from Jesus. It was then that I heard the Lord whisper in my ear to remind me that “He leadeth me beside the still waters”.

Well, you don’t have to ask me twice … immediately I went to Him and found myself in a place where He provided refreshment for my soul… peace as I escaped from the chaos of this world … and hope for what is yet to come.

In His presence all issues faded away. I cared not about the stock market nor what the doctor’s report was for my friend nor about the destructive choices that are being made by more and more people of this world … no, my ONLY desire was to sit closely enough to Him that I could feel the warmth of His body and hear the beating of His heart.

Refreshed and comfortable I listened to His words of love. His kindness melted away every barrier that I ever built up to keep the world out. Soon, an eagerness swelled within me to let others know about the incredible possibilities that exist when you sit quietly with Him by the still waters. Indescribable joy fills you and I just can’t keep it to myself … so I asked the spirits of those He put on my heart to join us there. Lifted from sick beds they came … out of pits of loneliness they ran … a few turned from the valley of the shadow of death to be by His side … there was even one who entered His rest rather than the door of their doctor’s office.

Blessed are those who seek Him.
Blessed are those who surrender to His goodness.
Blessed are those who gather with Him and are restored in body, soul and spirit.

Father God, thank You for providing for a way of escape from the struggles that are of this world. Thank You for the perfect plan that is Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. May all who join Him by the still waters be refreshed, renewed and saturated with hope. I pray this, Father, in His Holy Name.

Amen and amen

Revelation …

2011-12-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

I recently watched a movie that depicted the life of the Apostle John as he endured his time in exile on the Island of Patmos. As the movie unfolded it wasn’t long before I realized how easy it has been to read in passing about John’s journey in the pages of history without ever truly attempting to comprehend the stark realities of the abusive conditions that he had to endure.

Like John, each of us, in one way or another, have been on a journey through a place that can easily resemble Patmos. A place where you feel overwhelmed and alone … where it seems like you’re unable to take on one more stone from the quarry … where you must cry out to God for mercy for as my mother use to say … “enough is enough”!

But praise to this everlasting God of mercy for He IS in control … and like John, our saving grace is the revelation that comes as the light of Jesus reveals truth that brings us to our knees. He is our hope. He is our only hope.

Chills overcame me when in the movie John fell to his face in utter helplessness when he first gazed upon the face of the glorified Christ. All who have ever lived will follow John’s lead … without exception, ALL people WILL realize the purity and power of the light of Christ and without exception ALL people – devout Christians who willingly serve Him or those who choose now to go their own way - WILL bend their knee as they succumb to His greatness.

In the meantime, we are able to endure whatever conditions come our way if we are willing, as John was, to go to Him and seek revelation. In John’s willingness, Jesus revealed to him the plan that unfolds the ultimate glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ … and, if willing, the revelation that awaits us … even in the here and now … promises to be nonetheless powerful and effective.

Are you ready … and willing … for the Lord to shine His light into your life? Psalm 46:10 tells us to ‘Be still and know that I am God’. Where better than on an isolated island are we able to sit quietly in His presence and relinquish all control over to Him. Endless beauty of God’s Spirit awaits us as we seek the Light of Christ, and choose freedom … and joyfully give thanks for the revelation that is possible only through the Revelation that is Christ Himself.

Father God, as each of us draws nearer to you I pray, in Jesus’ name, that you will fill us with Your Spirit and reveal all the goodness that is possible to us in and through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen and amen

Who is This Jesus That I Love?

2011-11-15T06:32:00.000-05:00

"Behold the man" ... Pilate said. He was challenging the rioting mob to open their eyes to this man who claimed kinship with God ... who claimed to be King. Our challenge today remains unchanged ... but the vision of the 'mob' has changed. They gazed upon a bloodied, tortured, mangled prisoner who was on His way to execution ... but we, the mob of today, who marvel at His testimony, see that same Man bathed in glory! Hallelujah!

The day that my eyes were opened to Jesus was like none other in my life. The teaching that I learned as a child had developed within me the understanding of who this Man was and what it was that He had done for me ... sort of ... but my life was changed forever the day that the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see and my heart to understand that this Man was not only my Savior ... but even more importantly, He was to become the LORD of my life! Hallelujah!

This Jesus ... in Whom there is no equal.
This Jesus ... in Whom there is the purity of faithfulness, compassion and inexhaustible hope.
This Jesus ... in whose presence my problems 'grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace'.

He is complete in everything that He is and everything that He does.
He completes me ... each of us ... as He shapes us and teaches us to be mirror images of Himself.
Each lesson He taught, every truth He uttered, is used to draw us to the beauty of His beautiful Spirit.

I can't think of Him without first loosing thoughts of myself ... thank You, Lord. Turning from the realities of this world I am instantly filled with unspeakable joy as I contemplate time spent with Him in the Spirit. My heart yearns to be totally preoccupied with living in the Spirit ... praying in the Spirit ... hearing, seeing and breathing in the Spirit ... a place of contentment and peace and love beyond description. A place where paradise is a reality and I am forever united with my LORD. A place in which my soul and spirit are one with Him. A place from which I do not want to leave.

We are the apple of His eye and the treasure of His heart. He takes pleasure in us as we seek to learn who He is and allow Him to guide our every thought. Father God, I pray that you will ignite the embers of our heart, Lord, to set us on fire to know You ... and be with You ... our Triune God ... Hallelujah, in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.

Seasons Turn

2011-10-01T21:19:00.000-04:00

To everything ... turn, turn, turn ... there is a season ... turn, turn, turn, and a time to every purpose under heaven. Good song ... even better Scripture! (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

When I was a little girl my family lived in a house that bordered a town park. Some of my fondest memories from that era of my life were birthed by the hours spent in what became my very own back yard playground. Even now I can return in my mind to that place and remember the bell shaped merry-go-round that my sisters and I hung upside down on ... the 10 story slide that singed many a bare leg on a hot summer day (ok, so maybe it wasn't quite that big!), and the swings - oh, the swings were my favorite, for on them you could take flight. But that was another time ... that was another season of my life...

Over the course of time people, rather than parks, became my focus and with this blessing came relationships and a broad bank of memories. Some people, like my children, will go with me into eternity. Others have somehow become etched roses on my heart. While still others were simply a part of God's plan to teach and heal and grow me. And the seasons continue to turn .....

With the help of a beloved friend I have come to realize that I am but a sojourner ... passing through this life on assignment from the Throne Room. I wish that I felt secure in knowing that I had been all that God intended for me to be, for every person He intended for me to touch ... but my humanness recognizes my shortcomings. Consolation comes, however, as I pray that God would grant mercies to cover those things which I unintentionally leave undone. And still the seasons continue to turn.....

Peace is assured if we wait on the assignments that the Lord has for each one of us. Just as seasons of this earth turn at His direction, we must wait on Him as the evolution of each season of our own life unfolds before us. Spring brings with it hope ... Summer strengthens us with promise and endurance ... Fall, with its complexity of beauty and death, bursts forth in both awe inspiring colors and a harvest that sustains and fortifies us during those long Winter nights. In the midst of any season of life we must be willing to enter into whatever it is that God has planned for us ... going through each season of life with the single vision of being used by God to bring glory to His ultimate purpose.

Remembering Jeremiah 29:11 we can endure any test ... any trial ... any season ... "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." His promises are trustworthy. Hope in Him sustains us, no matter what the season, for His love endures forever.

May each of us turn and praise His Holy Name ... turn, and praise the Name of Jesus now and forevermore.
Amen and amen.

A Pool of Love

2011-10-01T20:56:00.000-04:00

This morning as I woke from a restful night's sleep, I realized immediately that I wasn't alone ... "Good morning, Lord" I said. His welcomed presence was warm and with it I felt both safe and excited to begin another day.

As the moment unfolded He invited me to sense the presence of the spirits of many of my friends who had joined Him at my bedside. "Oh look", I thought ... there's my friend whose current journey is riddled with one struggle after another ... and there's my friend who just had surgery ... and there, at the foot of my bed, stands a woman who endures endless hours of loneliness. Many others who now gathered by the Lord's side were here simply with the hope of hearing a word of encouragement or receiving a soft touch of mercy ........ any sign at all, through me, of God's unconditional love.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus tells us to come to Him and take up His yoke for it is easy and His burden is light. I am of the belief that this hope filled teaching is both for the sufferer and for the children of God whose assignment it is to come along side of a weary traveler and offer them, through prayers and kindness, some much needed rest from their burden. Then, and only then, are those who suffer able to bear up under the strain of the burdens that have befallen them. Jesus doesn't just arbitrarily remove our pain ... sometimes He uses His children to redistribute the weight of the burden so that, through those who are willing to stand in the gap for others, the burden is bearable.

By the power of the Holy Spirit I soon found myself in the midst of an experience that now seems surreal. With the richness of His Word utmost in my mind I entered into what appeared to be a pool that offered wisdom and healing and hope. My desire to experience more and more was heightened only by the understanding that this pool was filled to the very brim with nothing less than the Living Water Himself! Hallelujah!

Oh, the joy that filled me when I understood that we could want for nothing more ... that every need would be fulfilled ... every pain eliminated ... every weight lifted.

Anxious to share the Good News, I returned, without hesitation, to the place where my friends had been. There I invited each of them to return with me to the pool for cleansing and refreshment and renewal. Joining together, we praised the Lord's Holy Name and gave thanks for His trustworthy Word ... for His strength in time of need ... and for His endless love. What an honor it is to be a child of God ... to be used by Him to love on others ... to be a bearer of Good News ... and to be counted worthy to share in the burdens of others.

Father God, the day is young ... refreshed and ready, in Jesus' name, I ask that you prepare my way ... providing strength and wisdom and endurance as Your plan for my life comes to fruition. Thank You, Father, for the love that consumes You for each of my friends that gathered here with you today. Bless them Lord, I pray, so that each of them shares in the experience of time spent with You in the everlasting pool of Living Water.
Amen and amen.

It's All In The Beatitudes

2011-08-24T16:01:00.003-04:00

The 5th chapter of the Book of Matthew presents us with truths that we commonly refer to as "The Beatitudes'. Boiling the Lord's message down into a nutshell we learn ... Blessed are those who see that it's NOT all about us ... but rather, it's all about God ... no if's ... no and's ... and expecially NO 'yes but's about it!!!

Take as an example of this truth, a time in your life when you were driven to anger. Soon the natural effects of the moment engulf you and suddenly your countenance exposes a 'new' you ... someone that is entirely different than the person that you earnestly strive to be. Then, not long after the moment of ignition, a secondary fire flares up within you as you attempt to defend your righteous position with, 'yes!...but Lord' that disguises itself as self-pity.

This happened to me not so long ago. Looking back on the event I can see clearly that I was innocently caught off guard. I fell into a trap set by the enemy but as it turns out, that mattered not, for even in times of innocence, anger is ugly. Even during these times the cries of 'yes!...but Lord' are heard by someone whose heart's desire is to love unconditionally. I, on the other hand, must confess to you that with the settling of the dust came one last expectation ... my defiant spirit wanted to hear an apology ... for surely in my innocence I was deserving of that ... but wait ... could it be that I had fallen into another trap? .............

It was then that I found that time spent with the Lord somehow gives new perspective ... divine insight ... that WOW moment in which you're left speechless by an awe of Him ...

During our time together the Lord encouraged me to read the Beatitudes through the lens of His eyes. There His light illuminated words like mercy, humility, purity of heart, peacemaker. As the scales began to drop out of my line of vision I could see plainly that in order to obtain the blessing that He so earnestly wanted me to enjoy, I first had to be all that He wanted ME to be. It was clear beyond measure that I was to 'let go' of everything that I laid claim to and 'let God' take care of those things that only He can change.

Miraculously my heart began to melt. Without hesitation I could see that my innocence wasn't the main story line here ... and it wasn't me who was deserving of the apology. I knew, deep within my heart, that I had no right to claim the glory that was His as the heart of the remorseful turned to Him.

Thank You, Jesus, for our time together.
Forgive me, Father, for my haughtiness.
Thank You, Jesus, for the joy that now fills my heart as I clearly see Your footsteps in which I am to follow.

Father God ... always thankful ... always in Jesus' name ... I give You now all my praise for the beauty of the Beatitudes. May I always remember that they first point to You!
Amen and amen.

Birthing Humility ...

2011-08-21T18:56:00.001-04:00

Although it was 33 years ago, I remember, as though it were yesterday, the morning I went into labor with my son, my first born. I had enjoyed a beautiful pregnancy, a time of amazing preparations and incredible discoveries, but the time had arrived for me to go through the birthing process. As the contractions became increasingly apparent I sat on the corner of our bed and soon realized that I wanted NOTHING to do with the labor that lay ahead of me. Fear of the unknown overwhelmed me and despite all that I tried to think of to escape the ordeal ... I had no choice in the matter ... I had to go through the tough part of the birthing process in order to get to the other side where the Lord's glory would so obviously prevail.

The same can be said of situations that come into our everyday lives. Many of us deal with lifelong afflictions ... and others of us fall upon the unexpected diagnosis of some dreaded disease. Whether it's something that is suddenly thrust upon us or it's been a part of our lives for a long time, our inclination is to sit on the corner of our beds and do all we can to find a way to avoid the 'labor' that lay ahead of us. We gather prayer warriors and go to the Lord asking Him to remove the cup from us when, in fact, the assignment that lay ahead of us is to be faced head on. In God's nature we can be assured that He does not set out to assign us with times of overwhelming labor, and there are times that the Holy Spirit will display His power through divine impartations of deliverance, but equally notable are events in which we ... like Jesus Himself ... find that we must endure the cup for the glory of the Father. This isn't something that comes naturally ... or by any means easy ... but nonetheless, our ultimate peace will come as we see that we have birthed a humility in which God's glory is displayed.

Our assignment then comes as we study the Apostle Paul's time spent on the corner of his bed looking for a way to avoid his thorn in the side ... his 'labor' assignment. There, in 2 Cor 12:9 Jesus Himself tells Paul ... "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Not the answer he was hoping for, I'm sure, but when birthing humility ... that perfect surrender of our will over to the will of the Father ... you soon realize that your assignment involves a journey in which we, in and of ourselves, are unable to endure ... to labor. But given the power of the Holy Spirit that lies within us we can be assured of a day in which we stand before the Lord and hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Mt 25:23)

Father God, seeking to encourage, I pray for peace in times of labor. I pray that Jesus is seen by all as truth and strength ... as encouragement and love ... even in our darkest hours. All praise to Your perfect plan. All praise for Your hand that rests on our lives. All praise to the King of kings and the Lord of lords ... our Savior, Jesus, in whom we now pray.
Amen and amen.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

2011-08-13T08:46:00.004-04:00

Recently I celebrated an anniversary at work that puts me on mark to hit what many would consider to be yet another 'milestone'. The great company that I work for, with its remarkable workers, has faithfully seen me through some of the most difficult challenges I've ever known ... all the while sharing with me some of the most precious moments that lay within the recesses of my heart. It can be argued whether or not these folks are actually part of my family ... I defy anyone to tell me that they aren't.

As I look back over these many years I remember things ... fun things ... that somehow left indelible marks on my memory. One such thing was an employee newsletter that asked the question ... "Who do you resemble?" With the answers to that question came photos of co-workers who resembled Liz Taylor, Meryl Streep and even Benjamin Franklin. It was fun to see how God craves variety all the while seeking out the fun in paring some of us up as look-a-likes of the rich and famous.

One other standout memory from years gone by relates to the time when employees were asked to help decorate a new Christmas tree in our Human Resources area. The incredible talents of fellow co-workers offered homemade ornaments of every kind but my favorite was a small mirror that displayed this haunting question ... "Do you see Christ in this ornament?" Political correctness being what it is these days, sadly, the ornament was not openly displayed for all to see but to this day that mirror ... with its haunting question ... rests on a shelf with the lasting reminder of whom we should aspire to resemble ... Jesus!

It is commonly said that every one of us has a double. Someone out there who is a mirror image of us, so if I were to ask you now ... "Who is it that you resemble?" ... is there a chance that your response to me would be "Jesus"? "No", you say, "that's not possible ... He is too perfect. There's no way that I can walk and talk and love others like Jesus does. I've been hurt - sometimes over and over again by the same person. How can I be expected to extend my hand in forgiveness and compassion like Jesus would? I want nothing more than to be an empty vessel that breathes a willingness to live as one with the Father ... but I know my imperfections - my limitations ... and it just isn't going to happen. The chances of my truly looking like Jesus are, at best, slim.

Well, I confess that at one time in my life I too thought that way. I took the tact that my weaknesses were greater than His strengths but I found out that when your focus is YOU there's no chance you'll see a reflection of HIM. Now, by the Grace of God, what I see when I look in a mirror is the person that the Father sees ... His creation who, being cloaked by the loving Grace of His Son, is as perfect as His precious Son. The Blood that Jesus shed washed away ALL of my imperfections and in the Father's eyes, I AM without blemish!

So then, my part in all of this is to live with the willingness to humble myself as Jesus did ... even when I don't feel like it. Hug the unlovable. Encourage those who are downtrodden. Forgive the offender. Over and over and over again ... until they see that you look like Jesus and they want what you have. Jesus was, and remains to this day, the One we should strive to resemble. I don't mean to make light of it ... it's not something that comes naturally to any one of us ... but with unwavering conviction and constant dedication you will be amazed at the joy that fills your spirit as people see a likeness of Jesus when they look at you.

Father God, I know deep down that true humility is not within my own power but by Your Holy Spirit I claim Oneness with You as I look to be a likeness of Your WONDERFUL Son! Father, in Jesus' name I pray that it may be so.
Amen and amen

Behold ... God's Treasure

2011-08-11T19:47:00.006-04:00

A dear friend of mine stopped by recently and because God created within her a pure love for flowers and plants and anything that sprouts from the earth, she quickly noticed a need for me to tend to my garden. As she gently brought this situation to my attention I found myself with a desire to cultivate within my heart the same gardening love bug that consumed her. Immediately I set out to tidy up ... snipping first a flower that had fallen to the ground as a result of a heavy rain. The tenderness of her heart, as she offered me direction, was equal only to the tenderness of the treasured gift from God. Taking the gladiola into her hand she soon found some greenery that would serve to dress this single stemmed blossom up like it was the Belle of the Ball. Her wisdom, compassion, gentleness and confidence was nothing short of a treasure to behold and I thank God for the many gifts He offered me in this brief encounter.

This morning, as I look at the flower and greenery that was so artfully placed in a vase, I see that God's incredible gift continues to offer blessings for my day. It is apparent that time has removed the rain drops that once displayed God's nurturing ... and the luster of newness has faded a bit ... but no less brilliant is the beauty of each delicate pedal as they curl up in praise to their Creator. New, subtle colors can now be detected. New blossoms have erupted. New details are standing at the ready to be discovered. Thank You, Father, that Your amazing glory is never ending!

My friend brought God's beauty into my home and for that I am truly thankful. I think now of the similarities that can be extended to so many other aspects of my life. To see the beauty of the friends that God has cultivated in my life ... those who display God's master craftsmanship. Each frail in their humanness but boundless in beauty as they encourage me, support me and build me up.

Although I go through times in which God Himself must prune the withered branches that gather in my midst, I give great thanks for His constant nurturing. My heart's desire is to be a true reflection of who He is. To be the best 'me' that I can be ... and do what I can to bring the best of God out in others.

May I seek to be an empty vessel that displays the beauty that God created within me.
May my eyes see only the good in others ... never their shortcomings.
May I always be willing to love and praise and seek God's will for my life.
An most importantly ... may I leave the pruning of others to the wisdom of God.

Father God, shine your light on those things that need my attention and renew within me, Lord, a desire to let you take care of all the rest. I pray this, most fervently Father, in the blessed name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.

What If ...

2011-07-17T07:31:00.001-04:00

Those common and seemingly insignificant words, at one time in my life, brought waves of terror with them as they slowly, but surely, took control of my life. If that sounds overly dramatic, let me recount for you the sleepless nights that often brought with them debilitating fears. Let me invite you to hear the sounds of the ambulance as I was driven off to the ER ... where they assured me that I wasn't having a heart attack. Or let me allow you to see the love of a sister who sat by my bedside, holding my hand deep into the quiet hours of the night, as she desperately tried to assure me that my children would be safe and secure from the evils of the world around us.

But THANK GOD, times have changed ... grace has been poured out ... and the terror associated with the 'What if" monster has turned into blessings of unspeakable joy. If THAT sounds overly dramatic to you, let me take you on a journey that may allow you the same blessing ...

What if ... as you woke up this morning you saw an image of the living Christ at the foot of your bed? And what if ... you heard Christ saying to you "Come, my beloved, spend the day with me. Come, and I will provide you with everything for your enjoyment" (1Tim 617)
And what if ... every sense within you was heightened to ecstasy in anticipation of what you were about to experience on this day that you set aside to be with the Lord ...
Oh, to see beauty beyond your ability to fathom
... to hear sounds of tenderness that softly demands your undivided attention
... to smell aromas that peak every ounce of your curiosity
... to taste in excess of your ultimate pleasure
... to experience a touch of perfection as waves of true love envelop you
... to laugh endlessly, praise joyfully and sing masterfully with a choir of angels as you spend the day with the love of your life ... Jesus!!!

Where would you spend your day? And once there, would you openly worship Him in the hope that your appreciation was understood? Or would you sit quietly, allowing your spirit to enjoy the pleasures that saturate you with images of heaven?

This is what 'Living in the spirit' is all about. Seeking His pureness. Resting inthe peace of His promises. Relating intimately - one heart to another - with our God who IS love.

Initially, my attempts to go there seem futile as tears of unworthiness form a pool around me ... and yet I want nothing more in this moment than to be alone with him. I am overwhelmed by His eagerness to draw me close to Himself and to lavish His love on me. Thankfully, I am not strong enough to resist the lure of His presence ... and now that I am here, I sense an all consuming desire to remain here forever.

What if ... what if ... what if ... ! Years ago, long before I knew the Lord's heart, my cry of relief was nonetheless heard and as a result of His unfathomable love, my bannor of freedom read 'SO, what if'! Now, realizing that all of this and more is waiting for those whose heart is pure, I praise God for the Words given to us in Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Father God, I pray that Your will can be done in each of us as we realize the joy of living out the 'what if's' of our lives, arm in arm with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Consume us, Father, with your tender loving mercies, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.

The Desire of Your Heart

2011-07-17T06:55:00.004-04:00

Not long after giving my heart to the Lord I learned of a verse in Psalms (37:4) that soon became one of my favorite verses in the Bible. In it we are told ... "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Believing that with God ALL things ARE possible, I bent my knees, poured my heart out to the Lord and spoke boldly about the deepest yearning that was within me ... to be a wife again some day.

My personal testimony is, of course, a tribute to God's faithfulness for He did, in His timing, fulfill the desire of my heart ... but recently the Lord has shed a new light on this treasured verse that I feel compelled now to share with you. This revelation exposes the fact that our list of desires most commonly relate to things that will bring 'instant' gratification to whatever situation we are currently in. Things that affect the here and now ... things that make our fleshly, human side more comfortable, happy and satisfied. But further consideration of this verse brings a question or two to mind ... what if God is telling us in that Psalm that we have so much more at our disposal? What if He's telling us that He will give us not only the desires of our 'fleshly' hearts but also the deepest desires of our spiritual hearts? Let me explain the journey the Lord took me on as He opened my eyes to this awesome revelation in my life ...

As humans we are basically made up of three parts (so to speak) ...
1. the body, which is constantly decaying and will, in time, return to dust
2. the soul, which is made up of our mind, our will and our emotions and
3. the spirit, which is made up of our conscience, our intuition and our communion with God
In the here and now we think first of the things that will bring pleasure and fulfillment to our bodies as well as to our mind, our will and our emotions. Everything within us is centered on 'self' ... our physical well being, our opinions, our attitudes and our emotions. Satisfaction is our utmost desire ... but once we've turned our lives over to the saving grace of Jesus, the new birth within us fosters a desire to live 'in the spirit'. To live with a conscience that leads us to the things of righteousness. To live with the intuition that leads to the truth of God's promises. And to live daily in a one on one relationship with the God of the Universe. It is from this point forward that a fight ensures within us. We, like all of our ancestors before us, have to fight the 'flesh' on a constant basis so that our spirit will rule victoriously over our very existence.

So let us now consider the desires of our spiritual hearts ... what does your spirit want more than anything else? Do you yearn for absolute integrity? Do you seek to know, with utmost clarity, who this God is that you are worshipping? Do you yearn for faith that is unmovable? Or are you moved to crave the ultimate pleasure ... the living manisfestation of Jesus in your life?

Yes, Yes, and Yes! All these things ... and more ... with all eagerness ... I seek this! I declare this to be the desire of my spiritual heart. I want more of Jesus in my life. Life in the here and now is hard ... so I want to live in the spirit. I want to put my head down on the pillow at night with hopeful anticipation that He will come to me as I sleep and whisk me away to a world that I can't even begin to fathom. I call upon Him to help me ... moment by moment ... to leave the 'fleshly' man behind, and without hesitation, I cry out in a loud voice ... "Come Lord Jesus"! In doing so He would be made completely 'real' to every sense that He created within me ... and to me that would be heaven on earth.

In James 4:7 we are told to "submit to God".
In James 4:8 we are told to "draw near to Him".
In Jeremiah 33:3 He tells us "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Living in 'the spiritual' requires an unmovable faith.
An unmovable faith requires a never ending union with the God of the Universe. A never ending union with the God of the Universe is the ultimate fulfillment of every Christian's heart's desire.

I pray, in Jesus' name, for the fulfillment of YOUR spiritual heart's desire.
Amen and amen.

A Walk With Jesus

2011-06-05T19:44:00.003-04:00

How do you love someone ... not as you have a mind to ... but as Jesus loves them?

Recently, when I prayed for the Lord to allow 'Jesus Love' to rule my life, I immediately wondered if I was capable of such love. Am I alone in thinking that this degree of purity would be impossible for anyone other than Jesus? Such unconditional devotion. Such complete selflessness.

Then, and maybe even more to the point, I began to wonder if I would even be willing to allow myself the luxury of loving someone in such a way. Doing so would mean, of course, that I would have to lay down the 'baggage' that I've carried around for so very long. And let us not be blind to the risks that must now be considered. In order to love as Christ loves, you must be willing to risk many things ... the most frightening of which is vulnerability ... and equal in gravity is the ever hanting factor of trust. YIKES!

Considering what it would take for me to love that deeply, that honestly, that unconditionally, I must confess that I momentarily allowed a spirit of doubt to darken my doorstep. but it was then that I was lead to pour my heart out to the Lord ... reminding him (as if!) of the pain inflicted through selfishness, of injustices that often come without warning and of the loneliness that has a tendency to linger without invitation. All these things and more now lay buried in Pandora's Box and shamefully, my heartfelt desire is to utterly avoid them all.

It was then that the Lord invited me to take a walk with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He and I recalled the moments just before His arrest, we spoke of the events that lead Him and His friends to enter this Garden so very long ago. He pointed out to me the injustice of His sleeping friends ... of the depths of the loneliness that He endured ... the sorrow that burdened His soul ... and of course ... the heart wrenching pain that came as a result of the betrayer's kiss .............. and yet ............

As we came to a clearing, He showed me that in order to love unconditionally, even HE had a first pour His heart out to the Father in prayer. Not once ... not twice ... but three times that night He turned to His source of strength. In His humanness He felt the pain of ALL injustice - ALL disease - ALL sin but with the burden of overwhelming rejection upon Him, He realized emphatically that He was willing to risk it all for the opportunity to be God's instrument of unconditional love.

THANK YOU, JESUS!

As I sit in awe of His insight ... His courage ... and His willingness, my heart continues to yearn for the ability to love as He loves. As I return from our walk I realize, without question, that victory IS possible but only with the power of the Holy Spirit within me. One good slap of injustice and I'm instantly angered or offended ... scrambling once again for a reminder of the example He has set for me ... searching for the nearness of Jesus.

His Word tells us that just before He was taken up to be with the Father He declared that "anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these..." (John 14:12) My fervent prayer is to live as a victor ... not a victim ... so I look to the Father and ask that He continue to guide my every attempt to love as Jesus loves. I pray that you too will seek nothing more in your lives than the unconditional love that comes only in and through the Son, for I ask this in His name.
Amen and amen.

Morning Renewal

2011-06-05T19:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, with its human challenges, is now but a memory. The morning is upon us and without the need of encouragement it brings with it the assurance of never ending hope.

A moment of stillness. A moment of simplicity. A moment of peace. Color bursts onto the scene ... the greens of spring. The yellows. The blues. The pinks. You linger in amazement at the glistening dew ... every drop placed in just the perfect order.

Suddenly you notice the shadows brought about by the warm rays of sunlight ... and the dancing of tender leaves as they ever so gently begin to move about in the breeze.

Morning renewal ... nourishing ... indescribable ... priceless!

Listen ... did you hear that? Did you hear the voice of God saying "Good morning, my child. Welcome to this new day. You are my beloved for whom I have made all of these things. Behold the beauty ... drink it in. Experience the richness of the gifts that I've created just for you. Be still and know that I am the God who loves you beyond your understanding."

Solutions to yesterday's calamities have yet to unfold but somehow, in the shadow of His wing, hope springs eternal. God, in all his splendor, appears in the beauty of an unfolding rose - in the artful sounds of a songbird - in the smile and laughter of a child. Jesus told us that each day would hold its own challenge and I'm convinced more than ever that that's why He created morning renewal.

As we reluctantly turn to begin our day, we feel the assurance that He will be near us until our day is done. We know without fail that we are free to return to him throughout our day and spend a restful moment with Him beside the still waters ... Thank You, Jesus!

Father, in thanksgiving, I ask that you richly bless each of your beloved children with morning renewal ... for I pray this in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.

A Better Plan

2011-05-30T07:40:00.005-04:00

You pray ... believing that the Lord is not only able to bring your deepest desires to fruition but also that He's willing to see the fulfillment of your heartfelt prayers. At the end of it all, songs of thanksgiving go up to the Throne Room like incense that engulf Him. It is then that you begin to realize that, indeed, your will mirrored His. And yet, if the truth be told, you must come to a new understanding ... for the journey that brought about these mirrored wills was nothing like YOU had planned. Nevertheless, within you there is a peace in knowing that His ways are not always your ways but without question HIS ways ARE always perfect.

Let me give you a recent example of this revelation in my own life ... last week, as many of you know, we endured a day long threat of tornadoes in our area. As soon as the predictions were announced my husband and I began to pray against them - directing them as the Lord allows, to go off their predicted path. Confident that we had taken the appropriate stand, we went about our normal routine throughout the evening never giving them a second thought ... that was until ... the phone rang.

It was my daughter. She was on the other side of town and every indication was that the storm was bearing down on her ... and that it was headed to our part of town with no less determination! Rain, thunder, lightning, violent winds ... and my 'child' was alone and frightened like never before!

How could this be!?!? - I had prayed that the storm wouldn't engulf us ... that ALL of my family would go unscathed by such violence! Shouts of anger went up and with ever increasing conviction I declared a safety zone around me ... around my property ... around my family ... and around my family's family!

The moments that followed brought torential rains that pelted everything in its path - the night instantly turned into day as the lightning flashed all around us - thunder roared like an attacking lion - and the winds, oh, the tremendous force of the winds ... so much so that some may say that my prayers were never heard - much less answered!

But wait ... as the winds subsided and the thunder rolled on out of our vicinity, we quickly realized that we, indeed, did endure the storm BUT we came through it without a blemish!! Power lines were in tact ... storm windows held ... a towel (without clothes pins) remained on the clothes line ... no injuries ... no damage ... no need to panic for our God WAS in control! Yes! Our prayers WERE answered!

OH, THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU JESUS! Songs of thanksgiving now pelted the air with no less ferver than the rain that had come down. Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!

WHAT! ... giving THANKS? Yes, for although MY plan was to totally avoid the entire storm ... the Lord used this time to show me just how much I needed to trust HIM ... how much I needed HIM! And in the end our wills were, indeed, mirrored! The Lord's plan was greater than mine ... for it brought about a much greater result than mine ever could have, leaving behind a richness in faith that I couldn't have foreseen!

As the evening turned into day I felt the the Lord was leading me to consider two words ... victor and victim ... and I was being asked which word I wanted to claim as my own. Which life did I want to live? As I took time to meditate on the reality of both, I soon ran headlong into the third word that the Lord laid on my heart ... and that was TRUST.

I am richer for this experience. I am no longer in the same place that I was before. I am one step closer to Him. Oh, Thank YOU, Lord!

My prayer, Father God, is that others may see the fruition of answered prayers, all the while being able to surrender to the beauty of Your plans. Being thankful seems trite as I come to an understanding of this event in my life but nonetheless I give You all praise and honor and glory as my heart swell with gratefulness. In and through Jesus, I give you my all.
Amen and amen.

Driven to Conform ... Lead to Transform

2011-04-26T05:33:00.004-04:00

Peace comes to a person for many reasons. None, it seems to me now, impact your life more than the peace that comes when God Himself revels to you what makes you ... you. My journey of peace all started one day, not so long ago, when I asked the Lord for inspiration. Blessed be, it was then that I began to see myself through His eyes. Oh, I'm not referring to my physical attributes or even what purposes have been assigned to my life ... no, I'm referring to the core of who I AM.

The details of what I discovered are pure in nature to me, and although I don't want to bore you, I do wish to bring you a taste of the revelation that I encountered so that by bearing my soul, you too may be blessed and encouraged to seek revelation of your own. Suffice as to say I'm learning the value of living within myself so that I am who He created ME to be.

As my journey began, the heart of a simplistic person emerged. Nice is sufficient ... less is better. On the sinister side, the heart of a people pleaser was revealed and sadly, I can see with clarity that rejection was my driving force. True to my tender side, my heart's desire has always been to make others feel comfortable, worthy and loved. In and of itself that's a wonderful thing but as I have learned, the full measure of accomplishment comes only if your motives are selfless! Spirits of fear drive selfish motives while a Spirit of Love leads us to selfless motives. The truth is that Satan himself DRIVES us to conform to this world ... but God, with all His compassion and gentleness, LEADS us to be transformed into His image!

I've recognized for years ... and years ... that I've conformed my thinking and actions around an 'all or nothing' mentality. It's been my 'identity badge', if you will, giving me reason to declare that "I'm not good at balancing anything in my life" (a grim warning here about guarding your words). And although I've been very aware throughout the years of my obstinate attitude, I, nevertheless, accepted the lie that drove me to live a life that was out of balance. Never before did it occur to me to question whether or not God chose this way of life for me. Never did I consider that God, the One who loved me enough to create me and die for me ... the very same One who wants to spend eternity with me, had something much different planned for my life.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that God's Word offers us guidance even where this challenge is concerned. In his loving kindness He tells us in Romans 12:2"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."

It's all there ... just waiting for us ... and I acknowledge freely that I've never been more excited than I am now to go on a journey of discovery! It's been a LONG haul but without reservation I can honestly say ... with the utmost of humility ... that 'I'm in' ... WHATEVER His plan ... I'm totally willing to do and be whatever it is that He has planned for me.

Father God, I pray that you will be flooded with seekers who look to You for inspiration ... who seek Your revelation ... and who willingly take Your hand as You lead them to a peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray most earnestly, Lord, that You will help them discover, but more importantly, that they, without reservation, become the person of Your heart's desire. I pray this all, Father, in Jesus' Name.
Amen and amen.

Thankful Today ... Fruitful Tomorrow

2011-04-14T17:53:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine recently shared with me a challenge that rocked her world. In a nutshell she was asked to consider this ... What would you have available to you today if you were given only that which you gave thanks to the Lord for yesterday?

YIKES - I don't know about you but all of a sudden I'm beginning to feel my own world rock beneath me!

Quickly I rush into a mode of thanksgiving ... Thank You, Lord, for the air that I breathe - and the fact that I'm able to take that air into my lungs. Thank You for a sound mind, for my friends, my coworkers and the waitress at my favorite restaurant. And certainly, Lord, thank You for my family, my job and the absence of fear and violence in my life! Thank You, thank You, thank You, Lord, for the countless things that I openly cherish but even more so, those things that I've taken for granted. Truly I realize that I am NOTHING without You, I have nothing apart from you, and I have every reason to spend my entire day pouring out my thanks to You.

But is it all about what He can ... and does ... do FOR us? Or what things He gives TO us? No! It's about the Holy Spirit that lives within us and the abundance that flows through our lives because of Him. For as it is written in Galatians 5:22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Each of these Fruits flow from us because of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. What more could I ever desire ... what could be greater in my life and more worthy of my eternal gratitude?

Joy is the kiss that seals each unselfish act. Kindness resonates from each of us as we go forth being patient, understanding and considerate. As you give in abundance, surely goodness, gentleness and self-control will be your blessing. An in the end, peace will about as faithfulness adorns our crown of love!

It is only by God's grace that His mercies are new every morning. He prepares us each day for the time in which we will stand before Him. And as we stand in the fullness of who our God truly is, may we see HIM as the God we worshiped throughout our lives and not a mirror that displays a reflection of ourselves as the worshipped god.

It was ... it is ... and it always will be ALL ABOUT HIM but oh, the blessings we have to be thankful for when, through His mercy and grace, He lavishes His Glory upon us.

Thank You, Father, for Your presence in my life through the Holy Spirit. May my heart overflow with thanksgiving each day as I live in wild anticipation of our days of eternity together, for I ask this now, in and through the Name that is above all names, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus my Christ.
Amen and amen.

Let Not My Heart Be Judgmental

2011-04-11T21:21:00.005-04:00

Recently I have been filled with the conviction to address the same issue in my life that has plagued all of mankind since the beginning of time ... being judgmental. As my eyes were opened to a particular event in which I stumbled ... and inflicted pain ... I quickly recalled Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge or you too will be judged." The concept of that truth is clearly understandable in my heart but in my humanness, and maybe even in yours, it seems that at any given moment it is much easier to talk the talk than it is to walk the walk.

In my world, the opportunity to judge others comes knocking without an open invitation. I don't set out to form opinions or to develop attitudes but, more often than I like to admit, that is exactly what happens.

As a child, my mother taught my sisters and I the importance of minding our own business. All she had to say was 'M' 'Y' 'O' 'B' and we knew, without question, that we were treading on ground that was to remain a mystery to us. Now, years later, I find that the lesson my mother firmly instilled in us was only the first step in being mindful of my "P's and Q's".

The truth is that we communicate with people every day and as we do, we run the 'risk' of getting involved in their lives. With human nature being what it is, it should come as no surprise that even a brief encounter can innocently set us up to wear a black robe ... with a gavel in hand! As soon as that happens you're just liable to hear a familiar voice in your spirit saying ... "Uh, excuse me, my child ... you are sitting my My seat."

YIKES!

It's then that you realize fully that it is best to love beyond yourself ... Love in a way that only He could equip you to do ... and Love with the kind of love that reflects who HE is ... not who you are.

So now I set out to touch someone's life without coming away with preconceived notions ... without dictating a 'sure fired cure' for what ails them ... and without running head long into a list of things that only serve to drive wedges and create hurtful barriers. Remarkably, thankfully, the ultimate Truth that we need is stated in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." In and of ourselves, on occasion, we are likely to slip and fall, but by His grace we are free of condemnation and hopeful of forgiveness.

Father God, may this message concerning the challenges of being judgmental, bring each of us a clear revelation of where we stand in Your eyes. Forgive us Lord, for our willingness to succumb to the temptation of judging others. Allow our very souls to be moved beyond measure as we consider the pain we inflict, first on those we judge but more importantly, on Jesus Himself. We delcare YOU, and YOU alone, Father, as the only true and everlasting Judge, and in Jesus' name we give immeasurable thanks for Your Grace that sustains us in our greatest moments of weakness.
Amen and amen.

Anticipating Easter

2011-04-06T05:43:00.002-04:00

We're only days away from celebrating what most Christians consider the holiday of all holidays ... EASTER! Christmas (minus the commercialism, of course) is wonderful in and of itself, for it brought about the possibility of a love affair between God and man, but EASTER ... Oh, EASTER, undeniably is the pinnacle of that love affair! And the proof is in the Truth given to us in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." From the excessive depths of cruelty, to the unfathomable heights of sacrifice and redemption ... the absolute love for us, spoken of in John 3:16, is fulfilled "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." HALLELUJAH!

As Easter draws near we see signs of the promises given to all people through the renewal of Spring. Every sense is excited by the rebirth that erupts from the stillness brought on by the long, cold days of winter. The anticipation of Spring sets our hearts to know ... if only minutely ... the true hope that Easter will bring us throughout all of eternity. We who lay ourselves down for the glory of Christ anticipate EASTER like it is the very air that we breathe. We look to it as the very hope that sustains us. HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

The other day, as I sat waiting for a new hair-do to emerge at the hand of the beautician who only moments before became my newest best friend, I was asked if I was 'ready' for Easter. Realizing that our definition of being 'ready' may differ greatly, I paused only slightly before telling her that I was, indeed, ready for the greatest holiday of the year. I'm ready to consider yet another re-enactment of the unfathomable brutality that my Lord was willing to endure for ME, AND, I'm ready to receive the indescribable assurance that His resurrection affords to all of us who declare Him as Lord. HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLEULJAH!

Father God, I pray that each person reading this message knows You intimately. I pray that the anticipation of this blessed Easter will bring each of us to a new understanding of our need to surrender ourselves to You. I pray, most earnestly, for those who have not yet declared Your Son as thir Lord and Savior. Please, Father God, move them during this season of renewal to a place of Spiritual rebirth and everlasting life.

As always, Father, I leave these requests at Your feet, asking that You view them through the purity of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.
bb

Truth Empowered Lives

2011-04-02T07:45:00.009-04:00

We've all chuckled at the truth that lies within the familiar adage ... Garbage in/Garbage out ... but have we allowed that truth to convict our actions? The music we listen to, the TV we watch, the books we read, the people we spend time with ... even the food that we eat. It's true - we ARE what we consume!

WOW - I'm feeling shamefully defensive - filled with reasoning and arguments and even a touch of stubborn defiance. As I squirm in my seat I'm reminded once again of the wisdom that my friend Betty has shared with me on countless occasions ... "read books sparingly - read the Word often". Thank God for the gems of life and for the angels of mercy who deliver them!

As I consider the truth of Betty's guidance, I think of one of my favorite Books of the Bible ... 'Esther'. In it we are told of Esther's challenge to go against the traditions of the time and do what was needed to save all Jews from annihilation. As Queen she had the nation of Persia at her disposal but the cornerstone to the victory that saved her people came by way of her own personal courage to stand up to what 'the world' called acceptable protocol. Drawing her people to herself through fasting, Esther was empowered by God Himself to change the course of history. What an incredible example her act of dependency on God was for us.

If you think about it, the world around us even now presents you and me with the same challenges that beset Esther. Protocol dictated who she could speak to, what she was to wear, even when she could be in the presence of the King ... HER HUSBAND! For us the 'world' wants to direct our thoughts, our viewpoints and our values. Our standards are being jeopardized daily and our convictions severely compromised. Our beloved country is seriously at risk of changing into something that we may not continue to cherish ... or at the very least, be willing to fight for.

Father God, I pray that each of us see Truth as He is. I pray, in Jesus' name, that as our eyes are opened we will be willing to stand up to the challenge of saying NO to those things that are not of You. I pray also that we will be convicted to understand with clarity the saying that teaches us "Right is right, even when no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong even when everyone is doing it."
In Jesus' name, Father, I praise You endlessly.
Amen and amen

Live United

2011-03-27T18:02:00.007-04:00

About a year and a half after I was divorced, my sister Barb and I decided that she would come and live with my kids and I. At the time our mother told us that it wouldn't last two weeks . . . that was 28 years ago and to this day we say that we're still just trying to prove her wrong! With all kidding aside, we now look back and give praise to God for the outpouring of His love on our decision. Now we understand that He used this one event to play out His plan of unity in our lives.

When we started this new little family Josh was about 4 years old and Sara was 2. Barb was there to share in the joys of potty training and the heart wrenching pain of the empty nest. Her contribution was priceless to the development of these two totally opposite children.

Well, fast forward to last fall when Josh bought a house through an auction. He and my husband worked tirelessly over the winter to renovate and otherwise change this unlivable house into something that was functional, clean and charming. Then yesterday it happened ... Sara ... you know, the one who was totally opposite from her brother in EVERYTHING ... well, she and her new husband stood united to bring about the birth of Josh as a landlord.

Memory lane here we come ... I was about to wear my mother's shoes! I must confess that the prospect of this much harmony initially shocked me, but oh the joy as it unfolds! I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that my heartfelt prayer is that their unity will long outlast the record that Barb and I have shown them is possible.

As my heart began to pour out this message I ran headlong into Scripture that spoke about unity. For example in John 17:21 it is written "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in You." Then further on in verse 22 the heart of Jesus Himself is poured out as His prayer goes forth to say "may they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me."

It's ALL because of Him. He tells us to: Pray for on another. Be kind to one another. Submit to one another. Bear with one another. Be devoted to one another. One another, one another, one another . . . do you see the resounding theme here? He commanded us to love as He loves and in the end "With God ALL things ARE possible" (emphasis added)

Thank You, Father for this joy unspeakable - love divine. I am blessed beyond measure as You weave this bond. I pray that I am able to sit here 28 years from now and still see the Your imprint on the lives of my children. As always Lord, all praise and thanksgiving pours out of my heart in the Name of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ!
Amen and amen.

Sealed with a Kiss

2011-03-25T20:07:00.014-04:00

In Jesus Christ's Name ... the Name that is above all names - past, present and future. Divinely inspired, we obediently apply it to every situation as though it were a kiss. From desperate cries for help to shouts of thanksgiving and praise. But actually, if the truth be told . . .
~We are ignorant of its vast power
~~ We are unable to fathom the depth of its pureness
~~~ We can't even begin to comprehend the length and breathe of its authority
In Jesus' Name healing can change lives
In Jesus' Name spirits must flee
In Jesus' Name eyes are opened unto faith
In Jesus' Name ALL darkness must dissipate
In Jesus' Name hope arises
In Jesus' Name joy abounds
In Jesus' Name clarity offers confirmation
In Jesus' Name purpose inspires us
In Jesus' Name love encompasses our world
In Jesus' Name doubt is washed away and faith is cultivated
In Jesus Christ's Name ALL things are possible

Nothing is more desirable ... than the Name of Jesus
Nothing is more comforting ... than the Name of Jesus ...
Nothing is more beautiful ... than the Name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

They say that sometimes you can't see the forest because of the vast number of trees that are around you but let me encourage you now to take a moment or two as you stand in the shadow of all those trees. Speak His Name ... fathom His love.

There's a gospel song that reminds us that 'there's just something about that Name'. Sappy as that may sound, Scripture confirms for us all the possibilities of life when we seal them with a kiss of that Name!

Father God, You've provided for our every need. The Bread of Life - the Living Water ... all sealed with power, authority and love. Our hearts overflow with desire to love You as You love us . . . oh, that it would be possible ... for we ask it in Jesus' Name.

Amen and amen.

Be Not Anxious

2011-03-23T20:25:00.003-04:00

The book of Philippians is commonly thought of as a book that the Lord uses to bless us with unending joy. So much so that it should come as no surprise that countless people rely on its faithfulness to lift their spirits even when one of life's challenges brings a sour taste of lemons into their life. Thank God, for Philippians!

Well, recently the joy of this book was brought front and center for me when my sister's heart was broken over a freak accident that left her cat's leg broken. By the grace of God, Barb was home when the accident happened so after rushing Polly to the Vet she called me to fill me in on what was happening. Needless to say, I felt incredibly helpless. Certainly, no words that I could share would serve to ease her anxious state. Nothing that I could do would even come close to healing her broken heart . . . or Polly's broken leg.

Well, thankfully as soon as I hung up from talking to her I was moved to lift them up in prayer. Speaking out I asked the Lord to love on both of them and to bring them His much needed peace. The amazing thing that happened then brought me to a place of awe for He showed me that even though the event involved an ordinary (be she ever so beautiful) cat, and even though the event itself was ordinary in nature . . . He, the God of the Universe, was willing to whisper in my ear and say "Be not anxious" ... Then, apparently to ensure my understanding, He whispered it again ... "Be not anxious".

We, that was enough for me. I KNEW that these words were familiar and I KNEW that I was being lead to Philippians 4:6! There the Lord tells us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." So with a thankful heart I praised the Lord for His intervention, for His peace and for His loving kindness unto my sister ... and our little Miss Polly Ollie.

Tonight, I'm glad to report that our little princess is resting comfortably but as I consider situations around me on a scale of 1 to 10, this one with Polly would admittedly fall much lower than say one in which a friend has lost her job, or people were ravaged by war. But how comforting it is that our God ... no matter what the situation ... is with us - standing close enough to whisper His peace in our ear ... "Be not anxious". Thank You, Jesus!

Father, You are far beyond my comprehension and yet I have great thanks for Your willingness to stay close enough to me to actually whisper in my ear. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.
In Jesus' name I give you all my praise.
Amen and amen.

Motivation

2011-03-22T17:21:00.003-04:00

There is a treasured art to interacting with people. It begins immediately upon arrival into this world and then, driven by motivation that often defines the outcome, countless situations arise which work to define the artist in you.

Case in point: Recently, during a waiting room experience, I was subjected to . . . oh, pardon me while I check my attitude . . . let's start again . . . recently, during a waiting room experience, I was 'provided with an opportunity' to watch the interaction of a grandmother and her 10 year old granddaughter. Within moments I was most grateful that the evening news was being aired on the nearby television set for if not, I would have bet my life that the headlines in the morning paper would have been that the entire universe was rearranged so that it was now revolving around this child. I'm not sure who was more grateful when my name was called to leave . . . me, or the technician who didn't have to provide service to the child of the hour. Motivation filled the room - each of us with our own agenda in mind.

Try as we might, our motives, more often than not, ARE self-centered. We want what we want when we want it and if, God forbid, disappointment is our lot, then we are likely to impress our discontent on many of those around us. But what do you suppose God's viewpoint of this is? Is it possible that He leads you into life's situations as a means of testing you . . . or challenging you . . . or even ultimately growing you? I suspect that it came as no surprise to Him that I would experience this short, be it nonetheless nagging, exchange of wills. No, I suspect that He had something in mind which would grow me . . . enable me to see the need for His imprint on my own life.

Life's exchanges, no matter what their purpose, give us unprecedented opportunities to work on our motivation. Jesus Himself told us the importance of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. And in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 God's Word tells us "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" An then it goes on to declare the ultimate truth . . . "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This truth, without exception, is the core for all of life's exchanges and ultimate relationships . . . that is, of course, when the strand in the center represents our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

The bottom line is that we need one another . . . God made us that way. As such, our motivation should always be directed to serve others before ourselves . . . whether or not they seem lovable at the time - whether or not they wear on our last nerve - whether or not they love us in return.

Father God, open our eyes to those around us that need a fresh anointing of Your love. Empower us, Lord, to check our motives at Your Door of Grace as You enable us to give of ourselves without first considering our own needs. As always, Lord, I lay this request at your feet in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.

Better Left Unsaid . . .

2011-03-21T19:29:00.003-04:00

If your mother was anything like mine she taught you about the old adage that declares 'Some things are better left unsaid'. In our house she mentioned this truth early . . . and often! And now, with the passing of years . . . and my mother's life . . ., I've learned that the older I get, the wiser she becomes!

An yet . . . it probably comes as no surprise to most of you that the Word of God offers direction that, quite honestly, makes our mother's wisdom seem pale in comparison. The proof comes as we read Matthew 12:36. In it we are told that "Everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word that they have spoken." YIKES! Then, as though that weren't enough, verse 37 goes on to say "For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned." As far as I can tell, from where God stands, that leave no middle ground . . . some things ARE better left unsaid.

An yet . . . the chances are that, in a micro-second, you, like me, have fallen prey to a careless thought that found its way across your lips without prior approval. Maybe through a challenge to banter back and forth with someone while you jockey for a lofty position over them . . . maybe as a way to show your quick wit . . . maybe even as you rush to harshness and share your judgmental opinion about someone. Whatever the reason, whatever your purpose in speaking out . . . you can be sure that your words have equal opportunity to offer either a blessing or a curse.

If only we would stop and realize that the first One hurt by any idle word is our Lord and from there the snowball grows bigger and bigger. Let us heed the warning to bring life, rather than hurt, to those around us. Let us build people up through encouragement rather than tearing them down through thoughtless, idle words. Let me challenge you to take to heart the wisdom of my son when he was in Middle School . . . "Just smile and nod, Ma . . . Just smile and nod."

Father God, we acknowledge the truth that You have set before us. Realizing that we have no control over the evil of our tongue, we seek the abundance of Your life within us. We look with eager anticipation to the day that we stand before You, hoping against all hope that we will hear You say the grace filled words . . . "Well done, My good and faithful servant." As always Father, we ask this all through the blessed name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.

Love Is . . .

2011-03-18T19:49:00.009-04:00

If you're old enough, you probably remember the early 1970's as a time in which the marketing phenomenon of "Love is . . . " burst on to the scene. Everything from comic strips to coffee cups were used to define for us what "Love is . . . ".

Little did the world of advertising know that long before they saturated every corner of the globe with their warm and fuzzy quips, the Apostle John wrote a collection of letters to 'his dear children' in which he nailed the Truth down for us. Among his teachings was the proclamation that "God is love". Oh, the shortcomings of this world's most prolific advertisers!

"Love is . . . God"! Shout it from the rooftops - sing it from the rafters but you're still left with the challenge of fully comprehending it - fully describing it - and fully receiving it. And yet, what human on the planet doesn't desire its richness as we do the very air we breathe? It's power over us is nothing short of a mind boggling mystery . . . all the while being a life sustaining blessing.

Driven by the amazement that settles within you after experiencing first hand God's true sacrificial love, I strongly urge you to spend a moment - maybe even two -and contemplate this thing called 'the greatest of these'. This thing that, through meditation, even William Shakespeare asked and declared . . . "Is love a fancy, or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth".

My heart's desire is to express it fully in words so that it leaps off of the page and permeates every pore of your life . . . but I cannot. Who can reduce God to nothing more than words on a page? No, all I can do is allow the release of the abundance within my heart to overflow as encouragement to you and say . . . go . . . for the time is growing short. These days are full of wars and rumors of wars . . . of famines and earthquakes, tsunamis and threats of nuclear devastation. It is now time to prepare for His return. 'The greatest of these' must be spoken of and shared and received just as Jesus taught us to do in the parable of the talents written about in Matthew 25. Take this life giving - life sustaining treasure out into the fields. Plant it, water it, cultivate it so that the harvest is rich and bountiful upon the Master's return.

Lord God, Father of us all, be with us in these days of distress and release Yourself within to overflowing, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.

The 'Perfect' Number

2011-03-16T19:08:00.007-04:00

Could it be possible that God's plan for our lives would include the very details of how much we are to weigh? Well, of course it does! As He knit our frames together He also decided what our 'perfect' weight would be. Just think about it . . . two women . . . let's say that they're sisters . . . with seemingly the same frame, from the same gene pool, having the same general habits - one hovers around 125 lbs while the other one struggles to stay at or below 140 lbs. Why? Because God created each of us with a specific weight in mind, a weight that will enable YOU to live out God's plan for YOUR life.

But do we always agree with the 'perfect' number that God chose for us? Well personally, after struggling a lifetime with the issue of weight management, I can tell you unequivocally - NO! Or more appropriately, let me confess my ignorance and say that it just never occurred to me before that a 'perfect' number even existed! I KNEW that I was in a constant fight with issues of weight management but it honestly never occurred to me that I was battling God Himself!

So I guess the question is . . . why . . . why do I, and millions of other people, seek comfort - pleasure - contentment and self-defined beauty through what we eat and ultimately how we look? Why do we rebel and act like children when what we want doesn't mirror what God has chosen for our lives?

Well after careful contemplation it seems glaringly clear to me that a scheme - all at the hand of Satan - is driving us to fall for the same trickery that Eve fell prey to! He KNOWS what our weaknesses are and without fail he does everything in his power to convince us that we don't want what God has planned for our lives. With the dawn of every new day he conveniently and masterfully convinces us to take a path that will lead us to envy, gluttony and self-sufficiency! And through it all we're blinded and lead away from the peace and contentment that can only come from being in God's will.

ENOUGH . . . I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! Yes, long ago God created me with a 'perfect' weight in mind and it's high time that I accept whatever number He has chosen for me. It's time that I surrendered my own opinions and desires over to the One who loves me so much that He willingly endured the brutality of the Cross for me. Think about it . . . if He loves us enough to do THAT do you honestly think that He would choose a weight that would bring us humiliation, disappointment and degradation? NO! The weight He chose may be different than what WE WANT but nevertheless, for His purposes, it IS the 'perfect' number.

So what's next? How do we get to . . . and stay at . . . the number the Lord chose for us? Another diet? More martyred sacrifices? More sweating, and whining and self-righteous boasting? NO! Fueled by pride, I'm convinced that diets are the vehicles that Satan uses to take us on a never ending rollercoaster ride through valleys of envy, humiliation and back through to self-sufficiency - often landing at a place of condemnation! No . . . the answer doesn't revolve around us and whatever determined effort we can put forth . . . the one and only answer is in the all powerful God of the universe who is not only willing . . . but also completely able . . . to stop the rollercoaster ride once and for all. For as it is written in Matthew 19:26 "With man this is impossible but with God, all things are possible!"

So with thoughtful medication and Divine Revelation I believe that the simple answer to this age old problem is moderation. Moderation that comes directly from the hand of God will put you in a place where you're not fighting anymore. No frustration. No guilt. No condemnation! Thank You, Jesus! Moderation will enable you to reach . . . and stay at . . . the 'perfect' number . . . whatever that 'perfect' number may be.

Pray on it. Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to move you into a place where moderation . . . of eating and exercising . . . is the fuel that powers you to a mountain top of contentment!

Also please note . . . this concept isn't confined to weight management. Through the blessing of the Holy Spirit it can be applied to any life controlling deception that Satan has used against you or a loved one!

Help each of us, Dear Jesus, to take the first step to a life of peace and contentment . . . IN YOU!
Amen and amen.

His Wisdom . . . His Glory

2011-03-06T13:26:00.010-05:00

In Proverbs it is written that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
It says . . .
~ if we accept His Words
~ if we store up His commands within us
~ if we apply our hearts to understanding
~ if we cry out for insight
~ if we turn our ear to wisdom and
~ if we think of it as if it were precious silver
~ if we search for it as if it were a hidden treasure
THEN we will understand the fear of the Lord and the birth of Wisdom within us is at hand.

This week the Lord lead me to this teaching. One in which goes on to say that "He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless".

Immediately my thought was . . . well, I know me and I'm not blameless. It's obvious to me that I more closely resemble the defiant one . . . one who is full of rebellion and self-sufficiency. So how in the world could I claim this Word for my own? How could I even dare to suppose that He's waiting to hear me cry out for His glorious Wisdom
. . . and Glory?

Then (once again) it came to me . . . it's not about me and whether or not I'm blameless - it's about the Glory of God. It's about who He is. His power to protect. His willingness to provide shelter from EVERY storm that comes into our lives. It's about His capacity to love, to be compassionate and to pour out His grace. It's about HIM!

We hear teachings all the time that lead us to think about ourselves . . . what we must do to be like Jesus. Although that's important in our walk, I believe that we are to crave more . . . we must crave Him. Crave to know Him. Crave to fear Him. We must fully desire the wisdom that is promised to us in Proverbs for then, and only then, will we be able to fully trust, honor and fear Him.

His Glory is revealed in and through us as we fervently seek to know who He is. His miracles in our lives are undeniable when we allow ourselves to enter into His presence. Let us never stop encouraging each other in our walk to be like Jesus but even more than that let us never stop encouraging each other to get to know our incredible Maker. For in doing so His Glory will prevail in us like never before and His Wisdom will be our blessing.

Father God, thank You for this teaching. In Jesus' name my fervent prayer is that our hearts will burn, like never before, with an all consuming fire to know you more intimately every day.
Amen and amen.

To Know, Know, Know Him

2010-05-28T07:23:00.002-04:00

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.
bo

The Hem (Him) Miracle

2010-04-21T21:34:00.006-04:00

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.
bo

Living Life According To Plan

2010-04-10T10:54:00.008-04:00

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.
bo

Yes, But

2010-04-10T08:33:00.004-04:00

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.
bo

Thankful Saturday

2010-04-03T09:25:00.005-04:00

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.
bo

'Good' Friday??

2010-04-02T07:57:00.004-04:00

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.

Morning Intimacy

2010-04-01T06:03:00.003-04:00

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.
bo

A Mother's Heart

2010-03-28T13:39:00.004-04:00

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.
bo

You're Invited

2010-03-14T20:06:00.004-04:00

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.
bo

Are You Ready???

2010-03-12T17:31:00.004-05:00

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.
bo

Our End All and Be All

2010-02-21T15:02:00.009-05:00

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.
bo

Dear God:

2010-02-14T08:16:00.006-05:00

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.
bo

Ten Commandments . . . or One

2010-02-08T20:23:00.003-05:00

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.
bo

In or Of

2010-02-07T20:31:00.005-05:00

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.
bo

An Elixir . . . What If?

2010-02-04T20:08:00.007-05:00

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.
bo

Name Your Horse

2010-01-31T08:02:00.007-05:00

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

2010-01-23T08:19:00.005-05:00

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

2010-01-19T19:59:00.007-05:00

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

2010-01-01T08:40:00.013-05:00

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

Anonymous No More

2009-12-27T16:02:00.012-05:00

Anonymous . . . that was my friend . . . that was until something happened that changed everything . . . but wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let me begin by telling you that I recently heard a sermon in which a man of God mentioned that everyone, at one time or another, goes through an identity crisis. All of us wonder who we really are, what purpose our life is to have in the big scheme of things and how in the world we are to fulfill that purpose. This need of identity has taken many a man on a journey that has offered endless challenges and remarkably, the search often has no boundary of time.

As a young man my friend watched as others around him were lead through trying times by God-fearing, faithful men of our community. Most grew up to mirror the beliefs that they had been taught but, as they say, my friend was cut from a different cloth. The talk around town was that he chose to break the mirror and do things his own way. Soon, wherever my friend went he was met with ridicule and rejection as he sought to carve out his own identity of choice.

Over time bitterness, resentment and anger grew within him. Without actually realizing it he allowed this darkness to define who he would become. Seeing no other way out he chose a life that would eventually lead him to his very own pit of hell. Empty and lonely were his last days on this earth for yes, sadly, judgement came as it always does and my friend's sentence was to die for his transgressions.

As he hung there, two other men hung along side of him. One, just as evil as himself, but the other man was different. For reasons unknown, the man in the middle was being punished for things that he didn't do. We wondered then why in the world he didn't shout curses to those who had mistreated him with such vile hatred in their hearts or at the very least what kept him from declaring his innocence. But as my friend watched these things unfold - as he heard this man express only tenderness for the mother that he was leaving behind - as this man sought merciful forgiveness for the barbarians who betrayed him - my friend's heart melted. No further explanation was needed - I could see that my friend knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man was, indeed, the Christ of God, the Chosen One.

It was then that my friend's identity became clear . . . it was then that he knew that he had been chosen by God to be an example for the rest of us who - even unto the last moments of your life - have the opportunity to accept Jesus as your very own Christ.

Anonymous no more. Something happened to change everything . . . and with the promise of Paradise before him, my friend died knowing that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.

May you realize fully God's touch on your life as something happens to you which changes everything.
Amen and amen.
bo

The Perfect Gift

2009-12-24T08:38:00.005-05:00

As I recall the Christmas' of my youth my remembrances drift back to special moments that are forever etched into my heart. I was born into a family of hard working parents who did everything they could, with meager means, to create special moments for my sisters and I. My father could never bring himself to say 'no' to any of his girls so when my mother's heart was moved to surprise one of us, Daddy rarely raised any serious objections.

Christmas tradition in our home included midnight mass, followed by a Christmas morning that brought with it gifts that we came to expect . . . a new flannel nightgown and a brand new baby doll. To this day I can remember the smell of those dolls and still, if by chance I come into contact with something that has that same smell, it takes me right back to those special times.

But I recall one particular Christmas that was more than just a bit out of the ordinary. Oh, don't get me wrong, we opened packages with extra soft pajamas in them and then there was the usual (instant) bonding that brought that baby doll into our hearts but on this particular Christmas with all the gifts unwrapped, I remember my father directing me to go into the cellar to bring a tool up for him. Although I don't remember whether or not I jumped at the chance to be obedient . . . my guess is that I didn't . . . I have a vivid recollection of going down the stairs and there finding a wonderful surprise waiting just for me to discover . . . it was a beautiful, red bicycle with my name on it. Isn't it simply amazing that the Lord allows us to capture and recall memories that become even sweeter with time.

Special, yes, but what about those Christmas' . . . or for that matter, what about those ordinary days in which it becomes a challenge to see any gifts at all coming our way?

As I pondered this reality I was lead to Psalm 119. There in the center of the Bible you find words that cause you to open up your heart to know that the only true and lasting gift that we have in this world is the Word of God. Scripture is our gift from God . . . at Christmas or on any given day. John tells us that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John later recounts that Jesus tells Nicodemus "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." . . . Christ, the Word, is our gift and there isn't any power on this earth that can overcome the Power of that Truth.

In Psalm 131 of God's Word we find the author talking about being a content baby. In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I pray that you will take a moment and sit quietly with God. Allow Him to stir your heart as He impresses His love upon you. Know His presence. Enjoy the joy you feel - no matter what your earthly circumstances are - enjoy Him . . . for ultimately He is the Gift that you will recall and honestly be able to say "I love my life". Not because of 'stuff' but because of the fullness of pleasure that He provides.

Father God, I give you thanks - simple as it is. I, like the little drummer boy, have nothing to give to you other than my heart but I give it to you Father . . . freely and wholly . . . and as I do this in your presence, I shout praises of glory and honor to the Gift you have so generously provided . . . for HE IS WORTHY!

bo

I Love YOU Lord

2009-12-20T07:47:00.004-05:00

Have you ever wondered how in the world it is possible for us - mere mortals - to bless God? I've wondered that very thing myself but as I understand it, the literal meaning of the Hebrew word bless is 'to kneel' . . . so therefore, in our act of blessing God we are kneeling our souls before Him in worship and gratitude.

As I posture myself before Him I have to stop in my humanness and ask "But do I love Jesus . . . do I worship HIM . . . or do I love the gifts that he so freely gives to me?" It's easy enough to melt the two together and stir them up as though they were one but take a moment with me, if you will, and separate the two . . .
He is worthy of my worship because He is my Creator. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Him.
He is not only loving but He IS love . . . and He tells us that nothing is more important in all the universe than love.
He willingly sacrificed Himself so that He and I could spend eternity - ETERNITY - together.
He is powerful, compassionate, merciful and forgiving.
How grateful I am that that He is slow to get angry with me, He doesn't punish me as I deserve and He is willing to ERASE my sins from His memory.
Oh, and yes, He is generous - providing for my every need. My heart beats because of Him. He fills my lungs with air and each tiny cell of my body, however aging, works in perfect rhythm because of Him. I have, because He provides.

Not long after I was first married I remember asking my new husband why it was that he loved me. Nearly 40 years later I can tell you that whatever his specific comments were back then they were fleeting but isn't it wonderful that even though 'life happens', the love that my God has for me - even after my 56+ years on this earth - has NEVER wavered. He loved me when He created me and loves me even today. He has never disappointed me, turned His back on me nor abandoned me. His desire is for me to stay on this path of rightousness - for His name's sake.

Glory be to the Lamb for He IS worthy of my love for HIM!
I love YOU Lord. Bless your Holy Name.
Amen and amen.
bo

Basking

2009-12-15T06:26:00.007-05:00

There are times in our lives when we are called to help carry the burden of others in order that they might be blessed . . . or even survive a situation. We feel helpless for we realize quickly that our wisdom falls short, we have no power and we aren't in control. But oh, what an ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh moment it is when we finally turn to the One - the only One - in whom we are able to find consolation and strength.

Turn and bask . . . nourish a longing in your heart for God - the God of the Universe who is all powerful - all knowing - and completely willing to step in to help you.
He has enough love to give.
He has enough power to manage whatever is going on.
He is willing and He is able.

Nourishment that fills us, sustains us and heals us.
Sometimes it's a longing to know more about Him.
Sometimes it's a longing to sit quietly with Him (on the couch, if you will) and just enjoy His presence.
Sometimes it's a longing to carry on a conversation with Him.
Sometimes it's a longing to slow dance with Him (like you've never slow danced before!).
Sometimes it's a longing to show Him off to the world that's standing on the sidelines watching.
Whether you're taking the time to bask in His strength, in His wisdom, in His loving compassion or in His reassurance, the secret is to desire Him as a bride desires her bridegroom.
Stop the busyness - stop the thoughts that draw you away from Him.
Settle your mind on Him - basking in the closeness and love that is nourishing you.
Bask in knowing His desire is to be everything you want and need.
Then give thanks for He IS the answer to every burden . . . He IS your strength to go on.

Jesus, as we bask in who You are to us, may we be comforted in knowing that You are all that we will ever need.
Father, may it be so for I ask it in the Name that is above all names, Jesus the Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo

More Than Just A Song

2009-11-27T08:35:00.009-05:00

Ahhhhhhh, blessed assurance, the calm of one who has given careful and joyful reflection of God's work on his behalf.
Ahhhhhhh, blessed assurance, a place of serenity spoken of in the old hymn.
Ahhhhhhh, blessed assurance, a place where you realize fully that Jesus IS all that you need.

But wait, if you're anything like me, you've experienced those times in life when your journey to this place of tranquility is clouded along the way with cares and distractions. We become spent and exhausted . . . or at the very least unsure of where we are at the moment. We've allowed clouds to become hurdles in our lifelong climb upward to Zion . . . our very own Promised Land. Our vision can become obstructed and how often we miss opportunities we're given to simply rest along the way. These resting moments, which are meant to be plateaus in our journey, can provide a panoramic view of the landscape around us . . . a time in which we can catch our breath and wait upon the Lord. A time in which we can marvel that He has indeed led us up out of the deep canyons below and given us clear vision of the hope of our future. AWESOME!

I beleive that I am now on such a plateau. Initially I had no idea what was going on. Quickly I became uneasy about this unusual place of calm but as my surroundings became clear to me I began to consider that I've probably been in this place before and just never realized it. How blessed am I that the Lord, through His loving Word, directed me to see my way with new revelation and insight. As I was lead to Psalm 33, how blessed I was to see clearly that my God IS alive and working in my life. Through His Word, God provided fresh revelation of His presence as the Lamp unto my feet and the Light unto my path. Hallelujah!

I've learned that life on the plateau brings with it several things:
~ It allows you an opportunity to catch your breath.
~ It gives you a chance to give thanks for the trials and tests that have been used to bring you closer to Him.
~ It gives you a chance to rest in His presence - the calm place where you can clearly hear His whispers of love to you.
~ A place where you are able to enlarge your view of His power and grace, and through that process become even more intimate with Him.
~ A place of blessed assurance that is used to fortify you for the journey ahead - for before you can be strong enough to move on from there, growth must occur. You can't live on the plateau forever . . . you must, in His perfect timing, continue on the journey that will allow His purpose in your life to be fulfilled.

Initially I was 'fearful' as I wondered what catastrophe could be coming my way in the future. What in the world does God have planned for me that may present overwhelming challenges in my life. But that's when I heard Him whisper to me . . . "remember My child, as I have written in Hebrews 13:5 Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you. I love you with an everlasting love that is exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ever ask for or imagine."

Simplicity at it's finest. After asking for His forgiveness of my narrow mindedness I realized that once AGAIN He was teaching me, as in months past, that I must TRUST Him. So, as I consider the bravery of one who, without hesitation, would say, "So what's the worst that could happen - for my God is with me", I rejoice in the blessed assurance that Jesus IS, in fact, all that I have ever needed - He is all that I need right at this very moment - AND He is all that that I will EVER need going into my future.

Thank You, Jesus, for being on this plateau with me. Draw me close to you, Lord, I pray for I am weak and helpless without you. Thank You, Jesus, for the blessed assurance that with You by my side I KNOW that all things are possible. Through my life may Your Glory be known, for I ask it now in Your powerful name, Jesus.
Father, may it be so.
Amen and amen.
bo

Nothing New Under The Sun

2009-11-02T21:26:00.008-05:00

Have you ever taken a person from Scripture and tried to wear their shoes? Take Mephibosheth for example. Surely you know who I'm referring to - oh, you know him, he's the man who lived in Jerusalem. Not a clue, huh? Well, how about this, he was the man who lived in Jerusalem and was lame in both feet. Still nothing? Well then, let me tell you about this man with whom I can relate.

Mephibosheth was a man with a dream. His life as Jonathan's son, and King Saul's grandson was all laid out ahead of him . . . that is until life happened. In what must have seemed like an instant, his family was gone and David was crowned the new reigning King.

Being dethroned I can relate to.

His life now was one in which he was shunned and rejected and cast aside by everyone who knew him. Once a patriarch, it tells us in 2 Samuel 9:8 that he now considered himself to be a 'stray dog'. He was undoubtedly struggling with the age old problem of poor self- esteem.

Been there, done that!!

But then one day - out of the blue - He was summoned to appear before the King. As strange as it may seem I can imagine the fears that must have gripped him as he shuffled and stammered his way into the King's presence . . . he entered . . . only to find out that the King's plan was to honor him. To treat him like one of the royal family and ultimately invite him to eat at the King's table. The King was willing to ignore whatever had happened in the past and take him just as he was . . . lame feet and all !

Does THAT sound familiar? . . . yep, it does to me too!

Well, mystery solved and isn't it amazing that God used our mystery man to teach us, through David's act of kindness, about His incredible grace. And although it's been thousands of years since He purposed Mephibosheth's life to inherit a life of royalty, He continues that honor even now through those who humble themselves before His Son.

Father God, I thank You for the trials that You've seen me through for surely they have brought me to Your Throne. You have honored me with a Kinship that is beyond my ability to fathom and I thank you for that. I pray that others will be willing to find someone that You've planted within Scriptures that will help them to see your unquestionable faithfulness!

Father, may it be so, for I ask it in the name of your precious Son, Jesus the Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo

Use Me, Lord

2009-11-01T06:58:00.007-05:00

I struggled this month, as I suspect many of you did, as to whether or not I should participate in the annual event that brings little people (well, mostly little) to your door in the great hope that you will give them some of your candy . . . Halloween. The age old question . . . should Christians participate?

Well for me, my rest came as I was prompted with the idea to give out something that would bring Jesus into the lives of the Trick or Treaters, and their families, who stopped by at my door. Although I wasn't beaming with inspiration as to how to make that happen, I figured that the Lord gave me this idea so I would rely on Him to make it come to fruition. A couple of days passed and then true to His promise that is written in Philippians 1:6 "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus", in the 11th hour I found myself lead to visit to our local Christian bookstore. Silly me, I thought that I was just there to look around and use the 30% off coupon that was burning a whole in my pocket but no . . . just by co-ink-e-dink (not) . . . what do you suppose was displayed right in the main aisle of the store as I entered? You got it . . . bags of 'Jesus lollipops' that came with a card that spoke of Him!!!!! Hallelujah, an answer to prayer!

So there I sat, on my front steps . . . with all 64 of my Jesus lollipops attached to cards . . . right along side of my daughter - who quite by co-ink-e-dink (not) - isn't a believer. Initially she questioned me about giving out my 'treats' but with the Lord in control of this evening even she let go of her apprehension! As she and I came together to give out our treats, the Lord gave us the opportunity to spend some quality time together and she could see me not as a 'fanatic Christian' who, as pastor mentioned this morning, might stand leaning up against the Cross while looking down on unbelievers but rather as someone who warmly brings Christ to others. What a blessing it is to know that He will use our time together to bring glory to His name!

But the crown jewel of the evening came as one particular group of kids arrived. Three or four of them came chasing up to us with their bags at the ready and immediately they ran off to scope out the next house that they could run toward. But lagging behind just a bit was a little girl who had quietly opened her bag for us. It was obvious to us that this little girl had Downs Syndrome but one thing stood out to us about this precious child . . . it was she who - with somewhat garbled speech - repeatedly said 'thank you'. As she returned to her mother's side it was my daughter who commented that this little girl, who had far less to be thankful for in life, was the only one in that group who thought to say thank you. One little girl brought the light of Christ's goodness into our lives. And with that I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that our participation in the evening festivities was at His direction.

How about you? Has the Lord used you to bring the light of Christ into someone's life? Maybe someone who doesn't want to hear the words but can't help but see His Glory for themselves? Ask Him to . . . there's a world of people with whom He'll have the opportunity to use you!

Father God, in Your goodness and mercy I pray that each of us will be willing to be used by you to bring glory to Your name.
Father, may it be so, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

Today's Giggle

2009-10-29T19:54:00.005-04:00

Years ago I had a 'Day at a Glance' calendar that was called "Live and Learn and Pass It On". That year I was presented with many insightful thoughts that proved to be priceless . . . for example . . .
"I've learned that no matter what you do in life . . . Mom always finds out about it." YIKES!
and . . .
"I've learned that it's better to try to fix a problem than to spend all of your time finding out who caused it." Lesson learned!
AND . . .
"I've learned that the dashing young knight
on his snow-white steed
who was going to ride into my life and sweep me off of my feet . . . . . .
has apparently gotten lost in the forest."
THAT one is my all-time favorite!! LOL

Well, today I would like to add my very own 'Live and Learn and Pass it On' to the mix . . . .
"I've learned that if you open a bag of Gertrude Hawk Smidgens
it's likely that you'll eat every last one of them in a single sitting . . . BUT . . .
if you open a bag of dried plums it's likely that you'll be blessed with all the self-control that you'll ever need!
Fruit of the Spirit is an awesome thing! (no pun intended)

Thank You, Lord, for your gift of grace!
Amen and amen.
bo

Baby Steps

2009-10-07T21:19:00.004-04:00

Several years ago there was a popular movie out called "What About Bob?" The storyline revolved around a man who was surprised to find that his life was manageable when he took 'baby steps'. Baby steps allowed this germ-a-phobic man to leave his apartment, ride a bus and develop meaningful relationships. I laughed my way through many of the ridiculous things he encountered all because I saw myself wearing his shoes. Slow transitions or jumping right in, the Lord made some people to be grand leapers in life . . . but me He made to be a baby stepper.

I look back on the last year of my life and I realize that I've devoted a lot of time to this blog. The Lord has worked in and through me to expose my heart in ways that I didn't even know was possible. I've been more honest and open than I ever realized that I could be and thankfully He has helped me take the baby steps needed for my growth in drawing close to Him.

Right now I'm feeling like I'm being taken on a new journey - one that I'll admit scares me a bit because I'm being stretched. Thankfully this journey outside of my box is in the loving tradition of the baby steps that typically bring me comfort but all the while my heart aches a bit because I'm drifting ever so slightly from the friendships that I've come to cherish. I dearly miss the ease with which I've written in the past. I'm missing the long emails that sought answers to many tough questions about God but while I allow myself this sentimental tug at my heart I know deep within me that I'm where God wants me to be.

My mentor told me the other day that the dash that appears between your date of birth and your date of death represents your life and one day we will stand before the Lord and have to give account for what we did with that dash. He gave us gifts and abilities and blessings that He intends for us to use to bring glory to His name. I pray that when I stand before Him this time of stretching will prove to be a gem in my crown.

Thank You, Jesus, for staying with me every step of the way - every baby step of the way.
I love You, Lord.
Father, it is in the blessed name of Your Son, Jesus, that I give You all honor and glory.
Amen and amen.
bo

Prayers

2009-09-10T21:21:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about prayers today. My prayer board here at home is filled with names of people who in some way or another need Christ to touch their lives and leave behind on them the Divine imprint of His love. Because the needs seem to be endless, some days the 'if only' thoughts begin to mount.
If only we could convince our children to surrender their lives to Jesus.
If only our schools would allow songs of praises to the Lord.
If only we could gather at work to pray for the well-being of our company and co-workers.
If only we loved the Lord as much as He loves us.

This morning I was reminded that His love endures forever - FOREVER - in good times and in bad. No matter what the situation entails, He is both willing and able to make the difference that is needed in our lives . . .
because of who He is
because of His great love for us
because of His immeasurable wisdom
because of His mighty power
because of His faithfulness to keep His promises
because of His generosity
because of His compassion and mercy
because of His Holiness
because of His majesty
He is the Alpha and the Omega
He is the Bread of Life
His is the Living Water
He IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
~ you cannot DO enough - you cannot BE enough - to earn what He has given His life to give us.

The needs around us truly are endless . . . and what you focus on ultimately consumes you . . . so we need to live like the Leper and the Centurian in Matthew 8 . . . the Leper knew that if Jesus was willing (which, of course, He was) He could make him clean and the Centurian knew that Jesus only needed to speak and long distance healing would take place. Never once did either of them say "I know Lord that you're willing and able to help me BUT! How often my prayers are laced with 'buts'. How often I give more consideration to the problem than to the power of the one who is the ultimate answer!

Jesus IS willing.
Jesus IS able.
Let us give great thanks for His enduring love.
Let us give great thanks for He is the answer to every prayer that we've ever had - or ever will have.
Father, Your willingness to listen as we cry out to you in prayer is second only to your ability to provide the best possible answer to our prayers. In the powerful name of Jesus we give You our undying praises, for only You are worthy.
Amen and amen.
bo

Seasons Change

2009-09-05T10:16:00.009-04:00

I've heard it preached that "You're either in the midst of a valley, you're just coming out of a valley or you're about to go into one." Well, I don't know about you but my tendency at this point is to cover my ears - loudly scream "la la la la la" - and do everything within my own power to protect the beauty that is seen from my rose colored glasses!

And yet, as we soon learn, the truth is we have no power to control our time in the valleys. A valley, which is never easy, comes whether or not we want it to and whether or not we're ready for it. There are times when you can see it as you approach its rim. You tote along with you your shortcomings that can be used by the enemy to ease you down into this valley. A cord of pain that has bitterness, anger and unforgiveness woven within it. You even remember the struggles of friends who have been there before you and yet you, in and of yourself, are powerless to overcome the descent.

Your time in the valley is a season - it's a 'Saturday Season'. You've experienced a Friday . . . a loss. Maybe it was the loss of a loved one, or a marriage, your health, your purpose or even your innocence. Your 'Saturday Season' in the valley is time spent reacting to that loss. Faced with a dry heart you have memories, good and bad, that haunt you. Your desire to isolate yourself from every good thing brings with it a loneliness that overwhelms you. You are powerless to overcome a despair that has a close kinship to depression.

BUT, for the children of God, mercy and grace abound for they know that SUNDAY IS ON THE HORIZON! Just as the Father, GOD ALMIGHTY, displayed His great power and love in bringing Christ back from His Saturday Season in the pit of Hell, He too willingly moves us out of our valley, our pit of Hell, into a glorious 'Sunday Season'.

Often I remember the story told in Matthew 8:1-4 in which a man who lived in the Valley of Lepers longed to venture out of his Saturday Season so kneeling before Christ he spoke from the depths of his heart saying "If You are willing, You can make me clean." And, of course, with abundant mercy, Christ eagerly reached down into the Leper's valley and pulling him up out said to him, "I am willing. Be clean." And as it is written "Immediately" the dawn of Sunday morning overtook the darkness of the Saturday Season. HALLELUJAH - Can you hear this man's voice shake with joy as he shouts his undying praise of God's goodness and grace?

We are no different than the leper. Our valleys are no less ominous but as we share in the brotherhood of his suffering, so too do we share in the beauty of Christ's cleansing power! Rescue - Recovery - Restoration - Liberation - Freedom - JOY in and because of our Lord.

Father God, we realize and accept the fact that from time to time we will encounter valleys but all the while we look toward those times - not with fear and trepidation - but rather with full confidence in Your mercy and Your power and Your grace. There isn't one of us who would ask for time spent in the valleys but knowing that You will never leave us or forsake us we are lead to face our future with pure hope. May we always approach Your Throne of Grace with an attitude of gratitude that brings pleasure to You.

Father may it be so . . .in Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

Displaying God's Glory

2009-08-29T11:04:00.025-04:00

Have you ever noticed that creativity and a positive spirit go hand in hand? Could that be because each of us have been given a spirit to create and in doing so we display God's Glory?

I've heard some people say that they don't have a creative bone in their body and to those people I say . . . pooie! To them I say that it is written in Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him." Thus the connection to the positive spirit . . . and when creativity is put in that light, endless possibilities explode . . . for who, more than God Himself, is creative!

Take a moment now to imagine that you're standing out in the middle of an open field. The sky above you has never been more perfect in color or clarity. Stars begin to emerge and the hint of moonlight is on the horizon. A soft breeze brings peace and comfort to your spirit. Off into the distance you hear the soft chatter of God's creatures as they thank Him for the provisions of their day. You realize the variety of color around you and you're overwhelmed by the possibilities that are presented. You begin to allow your mind to ponder God's creativity in the sounds you hear, the smells that excite you and the beauty that is all around you. God's Glory is His gift of love to you.

The creativity that is within us is no different. It's merely an expression of God's love that comes out in endless forms. There are those that are apparent to us - such as beautiful music that moves us to treasure a moment or graceful dancing that flows without effort but to those of us who can't carry a tune in a basket, or who don't express themselves openly, there are other ways in which God's creativity becomes obvious. It is there that we may find creative thoughts that are patented to make our lives easier . . . like a round wheel or the strange workings of indoor plumbing! What freedom and passion there is in allowing the creative juices to flow within us. Whatever the venue, we are allowed to outwardly express whatever it was that God put in us to enjoy. We are made to breathe life into and exhibit the full potential that God planned for our lives. How can any of us tell God that He didn't give us that gift.

But just as you might expect . . . even the gift of creativity runs head long into our responsibility to make good choices. Yes, God has given each of us our own degree of creativity but it is our choice as to whether or not we will use it . . . and if used, our choice comes in using it to declare His Glory or go the way of the world. I'm never more alive than when I'm permitting God to express His Glory through me. No matter the venue - God's Glory expressed through us is beauty that can be seen and heard and enjoyed.

Father, to the fullest, You are the Beauty that is within us. We seek now the help of the Holy Spirit to excite the nature within us which will allow our creative spirit to explode into a full display of Your Glory.

Father, may it be so, for it is in Jesus' name we pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

The Radiant Bridegroom

2009-08-22T08:39:00.018-04:00

What do you think the chances are that it's merely a co-ink-e-dink that we are given the opportunity to see God's Glory every time we look to the heavens. There we are, utterly amazed by the power of the sun as it faithfully breaks forth through the darkness each day or when it lingers to become a treasured memory through an awe inspiring sunset. In Psalm 19:5 it is written "God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It burst forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding." WOW - is there any more powerful imagery than that! Whether your mind is drawn back to the memories of your own wedding night long ago or maybe you have a hope for such a blessed event in your future - no matter your marital status - if your heart is one with the Lord - you can appreciate fully the gift of God's message to us in this Psalm.

Time spent reflecting on the sun . . . its location, its power, its faithfulness . . . not to mention its effect on us . . . all of this lends itself to an incredible comparison to Jesus - the Son who sits in the heavenlies, endued with all power, mighty is His radiance of peace, joy and oh, the magnificence of His glory . . . not to mention the effect His righteous has on us. He is the silent type and yet He is known throughout the world. Nothing can hide His life giving nature as He overrules the darkness . . . with Him our way becomes clear. His warmth is indescribably soothing as it engulfs our every sense. Our desire is to linger and allow His brilliance to inspire us, to fill us - just as it did for Moses when he glowed with the radiance of God's glory. More desirable than gold - sweeter than the nectar of honey. Is it any wonder that we can't live without the light of the sun/Son!

And yet in our humanness that sun/Son is sometimes blocked out. When I was a kid my mother taught my sisters and I the 'joys' of old fashioned housecleaning - the kind that required us to strip the room of it's clutter and crud. Down on our hands and knees, while applying 'elbow grease', we were able to reach the far corners to bring about a new freshness. To this day I am amazed at the power that vinegar has to bring about brilliance to a window that has been cleaned in anticipation of the sun's rays. Rarely were we thrilled to start the job but oh, the pleasure that it brought when every corner was clean and the fragrance of newness filled the air. Psalm 19 encourages us to do the same thing . . . houseclean, endure the vinegar . . . so that the light of the Son can shine through into our lives. We are encouraged to seek the Son daily . . . to use the feather duster, if you will, so that the the chore of housecleaning is simplified. Go to Him on your knees, seek His light and ask that He expose both dust bunnies and crud that has built up in the corners of your heart. In this you too will know the joy and radiance of the Bridegroom!

As the Psalmist concludes his thoughts, I come in agreement with the prayer he wrote in Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Father, may it be so . . . in Jesus name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

What's In A Name?

2009-08-18T07:42:00.010-04:00

Awhile back I went through a study of the names of God. While I don't profess to be an expert on the subject, I do acknowledge fully the depth of intimacy that this study has afforded me. I must confess that the thought of writing about such things here makes me want to run the other way . . . who am I to think that I could offer anyone insight into God's names or His very nature! But openly I confess that this blogging wasn't my idea - and rarely are my own thoughts recorded -rather, it is powered by the Holy Spirit - so this morning as I'm feeling lead to mention this subject, please know that I am humbled that He would use me in such a way. I can only pray that He will help you to see Himself in a new light . . . in spite of me.

So . . . where to even begin. Scripture tells us that God has many names . . . and, of course, one in particular is my favorite . . . but our God is a God of order so I concede to His leading.
~ It seems proper to mention Yahweh first
. . . Above all . . . the Great I AM
~ We sing of Adonai. In this He is our Master . . . our LORD
. . . What He declares to be true is true indeed
~ El Elyon . . . His Majesty, the King
~ Elohim . . . Our Creator. Powerful beyond understanding
~ El Shaddai . . . Almighty God. All that we ever need
. . . Plenty enough
~ Jehovah Jireh . . . is Our Provider
~ Jehovah Rophe . . . Our Healer
~ Jehovah Nissi . . . is our Banner
. . . Boldly we declare our utter dependency on Him
~ Jehovah Shalom . . . He is our Comfort, our Rest, our Peace
~ Jehovah Rohi . . . The Lord is our Shepherd
. . . gently guiding us along the way
~ Jehovah Mekadesh . . . He is the One who sanctifies us
. . . Growing us, stretching us, molding us
~ Jehovah Tsidkenu . . . Our Righteousness
. . . Without Him we are nothing short of evil
~ Jehovah Shammah . . . He is with us - always!
And ~ El Qanna . . . He is our Jealous God. Jealous? Isn't that odd. Never do I remember my mother telling me that being 'jealous' was a good thing and yet in Deut 4:24 it is written, "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." And in Zechariah 8:2 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: I am very jealous for Zion. I am burning with jealousy for her". And, of course, in Exodus 34:14 it specifically says "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." WOW - His very name is Jealous. Who knew that my mother could be wrong!

Well, luckily my time of study with the Truth Project has provided sufficient insight into this quandary. What I learned was that there are two types of jealousy. If you will . . . a good one and a bad one. The bad one is born out of our humanness - our greed. It says, 'you have something that I want and I hate you because you have it.' This one calls us away from God. The good one, on the other hand, is a zeal that arises within us when sin threatens a covenant relationship. This one draws you closer to God for He is jealous when our sin threatens our covenant relationship with Him.

How incredible is it that God loves us that much. He is actually jealous that we allow sin to enter our lives. How often we think so flippantly of sin. We feel badly about it, yes, but how often do we actually consider that it has separated us from God. If you listen closely you can almost hear Him as He calls out your name . . . calling you back to Himself. It seems to have such a lonely tone to it, don't you agree? Jealous - I love it that my God is a jealous God.
I LOVE EL QANNA!!!

Father, my heart, my cup, overflows with the goodness of Your names. I am overwhelmed by the sacrifice that Jesus made for ME. Thank You so much for providing us with the insight into your very nature. Your pureness and generosity simply amaze me. I pray that you will use this brief teaching to bring about Your great Glory.
Father, may it be so . . . In Jesus name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

DNI

2009-08-17T17:51:00.011-04:00

Have you ever gone into one of your local retail stores and noticed signs hanging all around that read 'DNI'? On the outside chance that you were the least bit curious about these signs I'll share with you my not-so-vast knowledge of the retail business . . . DNI means 'Do Not Inventory'. Typically, an annual event in stores, the daunting task of taking inventory, while vitally important, can overwhelm even the most seasoned veteran of the business. Today as I delved further into my study of the great adventure of prayer I was challenged to take an inventory of my prayer life. YIKES - talk about a daunting task.

So, ok . . . I'm a Christian. I pray . . . but if I'm honest and compare my hearts desire to pray with the quantity and quality of actual time in prayer, I quickly realize that I am comparing apples to oranges. I confess that I'm tempted to hang up my own DNI sign and quickly move on but then I feel a tug at my side that encourages me to be still and finish the job.

How my heart longs to endlessly sit with the Lord and ponder His majesty. My mind yearns to contemplate the One who created me . . . the same One that made the oceans stop at their shoreline and brought the sun up again this morning. My ears are eager to listen for the still small voice within me that faithfully says 'I love you, Bonnie' but all the while I must confess that the pain in my back or the weight of my world has a way of winning out. How many days my good intentions turn into time lost. How many nights I sit and wonder . . . so what was it that was so important that it took my time and attention away from the very One that provides for my every need and sustains me and protects me and refreshes me and . . . well, you get the idea.

In Matthew 25:21 it is written, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" What do you think the chances are that the Lord counts prayers as one of the things He intends for us to be faithful about doing?
(I'll say it again . . . yikes!)

Father God, I want nothing more than to hear you say to me 'Well done, my good and faithful servant'. You know my heart, so respectfully I pray that half the battle is won. Now I ask You, Abba . . . teach me to pray. Where there is clutter, help me to focus only on you. Where there are hurts, bring healing. Where there is stubborn fear, infuse your peace.

I've heard it said that the road to heaven is paved with good intentions . . . I suspect that the billboard along the way reads: DNI.

Thank You, Holy Spirit for helping me through the inventory process. As always, I love the faithful richness of our time together.
Amen and amen.
bo

In His Presence

2009-08-15T10:09:00.009-04:00

In the presence of God Almighty
. . . you experience His greatness
. . . you realize fully His Holiness
. . . you understand the grandeur of His Glory
. . . you fall to your face in unworthiness
. . . you seek to become nothing for you shouldn't even be there

But immediately Jesus touches you and says
. . . I made you in My perfect image ~ your beauty is unsurpassed
. . . I love you unconditionally ~ without end
. . . I cleansed your imperfections with My Blood ~ they are no more
. . . I declared you worthy to be in the presence of My Father
~ stay, won't you
. . . Come, sit beside me and we'll talk as One with OUR Father
~ for He longs for Us to be here with Him

Your heart rules and your mind is convinced of the peace that surrounds you.
You willingly surrender yourself - body, mind and spirit.
You try desperately to remember what concerns you but
. . . you want nothing more than to breathe in the perfection of the moment.
You become what He declares you to be.
Be still and know that this is all possible because of His great love.
No pain . . . No difficulties . . . No tears . . . No worries.

Father, your Word tells us that if we ask - in Your Son's name - then You WILL give us the desires of our heart. At this moment Father, in Your presence, I have no 'if's, and's or but's', the only true desire of my heart is to say - Come Lord Jesus.
Father may it be so, in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.
bo

A Slim Rose

2009-08-03T14:15:00.010-04:00

"So often as I write my mind wanders back to our childhoods and I find myself mentioning mother over and over again. I thank God for the woman that she was - imperfect, yes - yet set apart with love that never wavered. I pray that people can see the real Rose that she was as I mention her in my writings."

The thought expressed above is something I sent to my siblings earlier today. As you can see from today's earlier post . . . I'm a bit under the weather. Yesterday as I was 'in the thick of it' I thought about my own daughter. Sara will soon turn 29 years old and to this day when she doesn't feel good she wants her mom to be there with her. Close enough to fill the hot water bottle or merely stroke her long, thick hair . . . with 'mommy hands'.

Today, I believe that I'm feeling the same way. The very thought of my mother is overwhelming me. Although there was a time that I doubted my ability to be without her for even a day, she's gone now for nearly 14 years. In many ways to know me is to know her. Oh, I confess openly that she was a much better disciplinarian than I . . . and she had some weaknesses that only mine would trump . . . but thankfully I make good of the lessons she taught and remember only the best.

The man who loved her was as special as she. Long and lanky - Emery by birth but 'Slim' they called him. Honest as the day is long my dad was of hardworking, down home stock. My parents were the epitome of 'Green Acres'. He was the hardworking farmer who married and brought the young city gal - the love of his life - to the country where they reared three girls who were the center of their lives. I never remember a time when my sisters and I didn't come first to them. We were poor by many standards but rich we are in the memories of the love that never failed. Through the rebellion and self-centeredness of our youth they remained constant . . . and I miss them both terribly.

Yesterday as one of my sisters worked tirelessly to be about the Lord's business the other one came to my aide with ginger ale and Lorna Doones. Surely both of them were filling the shoes that our parents once wore. My prayer is that our parents rest in peace knowing that the 'Slim Rose' we were given was exactly what the Great Physician prescribed in order to bring us to Himself. May I leave such a legacy for my own children.

May the Lord know the gratitude that is within me for my 'Slim Rose'.
Thank You Jesus
Amen and amen.
bo

Perfection In Weakness

2009-08-03T12:56:00.006-04:00

Have you ever noticed that you never feel closer to God than when you don't feel good. For me a good bout with the stomach flu set me back some 36 hours or so but oh the lessons that can be learned from such a time as this.

As my sea legs began to return I was gently guided back to God's Word in 2Cor 12:7-10. In these passages the Apostle Paul is speaking of his 'thorn in the flesh'. Three times he pleads with God to remove it from him. What Paul was told was "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

The long and short of that is . . . bend your knees and allow the Great Physician to take over. He is there to hear your heart cry out to Him. He is there to warm you when you can't find warmth around you and somehow, when overheated, you're convinced that He has just laid a cool cloth on your forehead.

Asking 'why me' is silly. Asking 'why not me' is difficult and yet when all is said and done we are left with the understanding that no matter who 'me' is, we all ARE helpless without Him . . . and His grace DOES see us through . . . . we are NEVER alone for when you cry out He is there . . . He provides His strength when there is pain to endure and when lifting your eyelids is an insurmountable task.

As the Apostle Paul said after hearing God's message . . . "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Weakness thy name is Bonnie. Perfection thy name is Jesus the Christ!
To Him I bow my knees and sing thankful praises of His love and faithfulness.
Amen and amen.
bo

Front and Center

2009-08-01T09:15:00.006-04:00

When I was a kid, the statement, "Front and Center!", when spoken by my mother, meant business. You knew without fail that you'd better go to where she was and heed what it was that she was saying. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind, or the minds of my sisters, but that what she told us to do was to be obeyed.

This morning as I was reading in Matthew 28:16-20 I read where it is written "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted." From there Jesus went on to give them their marching orders . . . we know it as the Great Commission.

The disciples, just like my sisters and I, heeded the call of 'Front and Center'. But unlike my sisters and I when our mother spoke, some doubted. Some doubted! Doesn't that seem unfathomable? Jesus Himself stood among them. The very same Jesus who had just become the victor over Satan and the grave. These men knew Jesus intimately and yet they doubted. They spent time with Him, heard His teachings directly from His mouth and saw the miracles AS HE PERFORMED THEM. How in the world could they have doubted.

This week my mentor shared with me a teaching from Dr. James MacDonald/Walk in the Word. The name of the study is called "What's Down with Hell". In it Dr. MacDonald clearly shows that his heart is burdened for those people who, because of their unrepentant hearts, will not only miss out on the unimaginable hope and joy of heaven but worse yet . . . they will forever live with the hopelessness of Hell.

Immediately I put a personal slant on the teaching. Realizing fully that I AM SAVED by His grace and that NO ONE and NOTHING can take me away from Him I, nonetheless, did take this as an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me anything that I have willfully allowed to be a lord in my life. Willful unrepentance. We do that you know. We justify. We are sure that the God of the Universe will bend to our way of thinking. Surely He will be understanding and forgiving. But in Dr. MacDonald's teaching he mentions that life - however long we have on this earth - is our opportunity to repent from our own self-centeredness.

Jesus called us 'Front and Center' in Matthew 28:20 to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." May those around us, see in us, a life of open and willful repentance. May they see the Holy Spirit who lives within us. May they align their wills to that of Christ's and in doing so live in the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Father, may it be so.
Amen and amen.
bo

Only One Week Left . . .

2009-07-27T19:45:00.003-04:00

I'm working on a study right now that has posed quite a meaty question and since I don't want to be the only fish in this pond, let me share it with you now. The background is that a woman has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mustering up the nerve, a friend asks the woman . . . "What is it like to live each day knowing that you're dying?" Agreeably it's a heavy question but as the story goes on the woman's response was in the form of a question that seems heavier yet . . . "What is it like to live everyday pretending that you're not dying?"

The point being that whether or not we acknowledge it we're both in the very same boat. Why is it that we look at someone with an illness as being any different than all the rest of us. Whether healthy or ill we will all face the same end so . . . let me ask you now . . . if you knew that this was your last week on earth, how would you live your last days? What legacy would you want to ensure? With whom would you want to share Jesus?

That's the long and short of it you know. That's all that matters. Everything of this world will pass away . . . so the question is . . . where will you spend eternity and what does it take for you to ensure that end?

It is written in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Who do you love enough to make sure they know this truth? Remember . . . you only have a week . . . can you be held back from making sure that your children know Him? or your neighbor? or your co-worker? The list is endless. I want desperately to live and breathe Him so that everyone who knows me, knows Him. Am I successful in doing that every day? Do I speak of him often enough? Regrettably, the answer is no - all to often my humanness rears it's ugly head - but my desire remains true to Him. It is then, with a repentant heart, that I ask for His forgiveness . . . and thankfully it is then that I am reminded of His amazing grace. And no matter the time, I cannot hold back my desire to make Him known! Praise God!

Don't let another day go by . . . remembering that time truly is precious . . . get to know Him so that your love for Him overflows into the lives of those He gave you to love.

Lord, may each of us - and everyone you've given us to love - be guided to know you intimately.
Father, may it be so . . . in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

A T T A C K ! ! !

2009-07-27T11:30:00.004-04:00

Have you ever opened your eyes from a long nights sleep and immediately your spirit begins to grumble? No matter who or what comes to your mind - literally every thought is bathed in negativity. Well, a couple of weeks ago this encourager's heart ran smack dab into just such an attack. POW - right in the kisser . . . I was hit with a spirit of irritability! If I were still a child . . . at this point my mother would have told me to go back to bed and get up from the right side this time . . . how funny it is now to know the truth of what was going on.

Well, by the time I made it down to the kitchen I knew I was under attack. My thoughts were anything but pure and lovely and noble and trustworthy. I spent (wasted) the first few moments of the gift God had given me - a new day - in an attitude that, in plain language . . . sucked! (sorry)

I knew that half the battle was to recognize the smoke (from the pit of hell) that was surrounding me but it was then that my Sunday School training kicked in. Putting on God's Full Armor I then enlisted the Holy Spirit's provision of Wisdom, Discernment and Protection. Thankfully He allowed me to envision the Sword of the Spirit as I dipped it into a pool of Christ's blood, preparing it for battle. Knowing the power of the tongue I began to say aloud the Name that makes Satan himself flee . . . JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! Just hearing it brought comfort and assurance of deliverance.

Well, as life would have it, I carried my attitude to work with me - but luckily I was cloaked in God's love so I realized that the battle was NOT mine. Absolutely every single time I felt an arrow hit I literally tattled like a child to the Lord and called upon Him to come to my rescue. Empowered by the Holy Spirit I was able to cast the spirit of irritability into hell and in its place I loosed God's Holy Spirit to fill the void. Goodness and purity and love soon ruled.

As my day came to an end I thought about a recent visit I had made to a nearby town. My destination was a Christian cafe that regularly presents live music on Saturday nights. I arrived just as day was becoming night and quickly settled into the swing of the music that filled the cafe. During a brief intermission I stepped out to get a breath of fresh air. I had never been in this small town before so I wandered around just a bit checking out the sights of the store fronts. Before long my attention was drawn to some lights that were off into the distance. Thinking that they were from a movie house marque, I strolled toward them only to find that the establishment that had lured me away from my path was a bar. Along the way I passed a housing complex in which I could see people mulling around . . . one of whom used words that made me shudder. The darkness of the area provided an air of uncertainty and suspicion. As quickly - but inconspicuously - as possible I stepped out onto the street where it was more open and light was available. It was then that I high-tailed it back to 'safety'.

I can't help but think now that a spiritual attack is no different than my encounter in this small town. Satan flashes lights to draw us off of our paths. Many times, however, before we're pulled into his web, there are signs of darkness around us that we should recognize and heed. We should be drawn to the light where openness dispels all secrets. We should return to our place of safety where goodness and praise abound.

If you feel alone - if you're keeping a secret - if you feel like you're under attack - don't wander off by yourself - go to God and ask Him to lead you to someone who can come along side of you and shine the light of Christ into your world.

JESUS - JESUS - JESUS . . .
Blessed be the Name that is above all names. The Name to which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is LORD.
Hallelujah.
Amen and amen.
bo

Homesick for God

2009-07-26T07:20:00.010-04:00

I am what people would describe as a 'homebody'. I don't have a traveling bone in my body and often I've mentioned that if I leave Broome County I fear getting the bends! This is nothing new - not a phobia that I've developed as I grew older - no - even as a child I would 'beg' my mother to let me stay overnight with a friend . . . only to ask as the time drew near to leave . . . "Do I HAVE to go?" My desire was to be where my heart was at rest.

This morning as I met with the Lord I came to realize that as the Great Jehovah M'Kaddesh He has sanctified my walk - He has grown me into a person whose heart now longs to be where He is. As we met this morning I realized that my desire (however finite) was to be at Home with Him and it was then that I wondered if I'm, in fact, homesick for God. And why not . . . to be in a place where love is all encompassing. Where pleasure, joy, and heartfelt appreciation for His Glory knows no end.

As a child my mother would ALWAYS assure me that I could remain in a place where I knew love and safety. And the Lord has reminded me now of His promise that is far greater than even that of my mother's . . . He as assured me that there is no need to feel the pangs of homesickness for as it is written in Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Did you hear the chains as they hit the floor? If you're not a 'homebody' you probably wonder what the fuss is all about but this has defined who I am for so long that freedom comes in knowing that the evil one can no longer use this against me!

Hallelujah!!!!! Thank You Jesus!

Who knows - maybe someday I WILL be a world traveler . . . but I will go knowing that I take 'Home' along with me wherever I go!

bo

Silence is Golden

2009-07-25T07:32:00.007-04:00

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Push the rat-race aside.
Close your eyes.
Allow a harmonious symphony of music to enter into your spirit.
Take the first step to being in His presence.
Acknowledge your desperate need for Him.
Do you hear Him calling your name? Yes, He knows it well.
Go ahead - take a deep breath . . . and smile.
His desire is to show you how much He loves you.
Allow for your escape to a place of perfection.
With every breath you take, know that He is renewing you.
Hear the sounds of perfection that accompany Him.
Delight in His fragrance.
Best Friend . . . life Partner.
He is pure joy and He is yours.
He delights in hearing you say His name.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
Knowingly - Lovingly - He brings a bottle for the tears . . .
~ so let them fall freely.
Your hands are full . . .
~ give Him everything that you've brought with you.
Feel the exhilaration as the heaviness is removed from your soul.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh - do you hear that -
~ it's the beating of a heart. Only one - for your heart and His are one.
Oh, sweet Jesus . . . thank You.
Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and take Him in.
His majesty arouses your deepest sense of awe.
Your heart's desire is being met . . .
~ exceedingly, abundantly, more than you can ask or imagine.
The sounds of pure music fill the air . . .
~ inviting you to dance as you never have before.
Raise your arms in total submission . . .
~ to this One who is pouring His perfect love out on to you.
Don't forget to breathe - giving thanks for His goodness,
~ His provision.
Abide in His presence . . . for He loves it when you do.
Realize the nourishment, the renewal, the peace, the contentment.
I love You Lord.
Jesus . . . I love You.
You are my hope.
Blessed be your sweet name Jesus.

Breathe! . . . and return . . . for you must . . . but remember that it is written in Psalm 34:8 "Taste and know that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Amen and amen.
bo

Hands and Feet

2009-07-20T09:38:00.006-04:00

I recently attended a picnic at which there was a mother/son team who were - hands down - the leaders at winning every race they entered . . . no, they weren't playing baseball, they weren't proficient at tossing horseshoes and I know for a fact that they didn't enter the volleyball tournament. No, this mother/son team wasn't winning trophies for their spectacular abilities on the playing field - they were winning hearts for Jesus.

There at their picnic table some 800 or so people had the opportunity to see Jesus in action for you see, the young man was what we would consider to be disabled . . . but boy or boy what an incredible blessing he had in the form of his mother. What joy she had on her face as she encouraged him to partake in the upbeat dance music. A smile the size of Texas covered her face as she helped him walk up to collect the prize he won when his name was drawn. Love that was unconditional and uncontrollable. Not even for a moment did either of them let on that they would ask God to change the circumstances of their lives. They displayed character and tenacity that was not only admirable but enviable.

A few years back there was a song that caught everyone's special attention. It was called "Hands and Feet" by Audio Adrenaline (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m36OWibR6nk). This mother/son team lives this song out every day of their lives and in doing so give us who are able bodied a challenge to do the same.

When I stopped to chat with the young man - his name is Don - I told him that we have a prayer board in our Sunday School class and that I'd add his name to it. I assured him that there was nothing magical about the board but that by adding his name there would be a team of prayer warriors lifting him up to the Lord. Do you know what this young man's response to me was . . . in a soft, gentle voice he said to me . . . I love you. Utterly amazed I ask you . . . what more could the heart of this mother ever need to hear!

Thank You Jesus. Thank You for showing me Your love through this young man and his mother. Help me Lord to step out - just as Don's mother is doing - to be Your hands and Your feet. In the name that is above ALL names - Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, I pray that You, Father God, would bring this mother/son team to Yourself and allow Your peace to rest upon their lives. Father, may it be so . . .
Amen and amen.
bo

What Would You Do?

2009-07-20T07:53:00.006-04:00

Sharing a question that I came across recently. . .
"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

I've given this considerable thought and I believe the 'perfect' answer to that question would be to successfully convince every man, woman and child on this planet that Jesus Christ is EXACTLY who He says He is. In doing so there would be no more power struggles - no more darkness - no more tears.

Self-sins would be eliminated and people would live to praise Him. Funny - that sounds a lot like heaven . . . could we possibly want for anything else?

We need to pray as Jesus instructed us to . . . "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven".
Father, may it be so . . .
bo

Membership Assignments

2009-06-27T11:03:00.012-04:00

Over the years I've taken on many roles in which I've assumed positions of leadership. For example I was once the President of the Employee's Association at work and later on that was followed up with the 'prestigious' assignment of being the President of the 25 Year Club. Apparently these two 'not so auspicious' positions planted seeds of leadership within me because over time I went on to proclaim myself to be the head of two other 'clubs'. First, the President of The Hopeless Romantic's Club and secondly, the President of The Lonely Heart's Club. How the Dear Lord has put up with me over the years is a miracle in and of itself but just as He promises in Romans 8:28, "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose", He has used my membership assignments to bless me beyond measure. Let me explain . . .

Last night I had the incredible opportunity to be out in the middle of God's lush bounty. In the midst of this haven of life, purity burst forth from every living thing. In my eyes the trees had never before been more rich with multiple shades of green. The songs of birds had never been more harmonious. Even the fingertip sized frogs that quickly bounded from one place to another brought a sense of the hope of life.

Rain had swept through the area so the sounds and smells of freshness were everywhere. The mere sight of a droplet of rain as the sun burst back upon the scene was enough to take my breath away. But then, as if right on cue, no doubt for full effect, and only as God Himself could do, a screen of mist rose up from the wooded area and drifted along in front of my view as the direct rays of the sun shown through to the ground. Breathtaking perfection . . . orchestrated certainly by God Himself as He allowed His presence to be known.

Ever so briefly I thought how nice it would be to have someone there with me to enjoy this moment. But then, even before that thought could fully be formed, I realized that only God knew ahead of time that He had orchestrated this moment - only God could arrange my schedule and my heart so that I fully enjoyed this gift of perfection. No one but God could have known that he needed to be there at that given moment of time. Someone else may have disappointed me by his absence or unity of heart but not God . . . for it was then that I realized fully that I wasn't alone - Jesus was there with me and our hearts were one . . . thus the perfection of the moment.

Although on occasion I am asked to run for re-election as the President of the Lonely Heart's Club, a few years back, through Divine intervention, I gladly gave up that leadership role. How blessed I am now to know that I NEVER have to take that burden on again. But as you can see, I've yet to walk away from being the head of the Hopeless Romantic's Club. Given my heart I suspect that the Lord agrees that, together with Him, my reign should live on.

Blessed Jesus, You are the love of my life . . . now and forever . . . thank You for Your bountiful gifts.
Amen and amen.
bo

What Counts?

2009-06-20T18:46:00.009-04:00

When teaching the Galatians about breaking free from the bondage of legalism, the Apostle Paul wrote . . . "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love". (Gal 5:6) When teaching me recently about the abundance of His grace, the Lord brought me to that very same teaching.

Let me go back to the beginning and tell you what brought about the need for this teaching . . . it all began as the festivities of the New Year (2009) were unfolding. The Lord and I gathered to discuss the upcoming new year and as I shared my thoughts with Him . . . ok, ok, I whined - He listened . . . patiently . . . while I unleashed the tears as 'Boohoo Bonnie' tried to convince Him that I was lacking for love in my life. As you might guess, He saw things differently. If I recall correctly 'Pooie' was the word He impressed upon me that day and from there He went on to show me that if I want love in my life then I would have to step out of my comfort zone and give love. Well, my immediate reaction was . . . oh no, the Lord's throwing the door wide open and telling me to step inside a new world. Would I have to develop all new relationships while nurturing old ones? Was He challenging me to do all that I could in order that I might be all that He intended for me to be? YIKES!

Well, the reflection in the mirror told me that it was time - dry the tears - take the leap of faith - and love someone. Looking back at my 'memory stones' (aka 4x6 index cards!) I see that my intent was to set one Saturday a month aside to get to know someone new. Again, as you might guess, the Lord saw things differently than I did. It is now mid June and I cry 'UNCLE' . . . the Lord has brought me to a place of giving and receiving so much love that it can only be described as 'exceeding abundantly more than I could ask or imagine'. I have been filled with pure radiant joy as I've watched the Lord bless those He had me reach out to touch. He provided the fuel . . . the time, His compassion, tons of encouragement . . . and His immeasurable LOVE. The Fruit of the Spirit bursts forth from a season of giving. Love, peace, joy, faith, gentleness, goodness, kindness, patience and self-control . . . and the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Thank You, Jesus!

Once again He has shown Himself to be amazing. In my wildest dreams I never would have guessed that 2009 would truly be 'A Year of Relationships' as my memory stone indicated. My question to you now is . . . have you whined to Him lately? Try it . . . because if you do, you're sure to be blessed beyond measure!

bo

Heaven On Earth

2009-06-20T10:10:00.007-04:00

I love Saturday mornings. Rarely do I allow anything to creep into the sanctity of what they have become for me. This is the time that I meet most intimately with the Lord. I feel His touch, I hear His voice, I know His presence. Every sense within me is heightened as I enjoy this precious time with Him.

This morning as I met with Him I was lead to read His Word from the book of Job. As a kid I always remember my dad saying "Sam there has the patience of Job". Although over the years I've learned the truth behind my dad's reference, I didn't realize then the full extent of Job's trials or the 'helpfulness' of his friends. And it wasn't until this morning that I considered the depth of what it was that God told Job about Himself. Such is the fruit of my Saturday morning of intimacy with Him.

How easy it is for us to acknowledge with our voices 'God is wonderful' just as we say 'that rose is beautiful' but in order to have 'the patience of Job' you must share in the intimacy of knowing God just as Job did. God came to Job . . . no doubt on a Saturday morning . . . and there He let Job experience His presence. Job heard His voice. He realized God's greatness and the power of Him in his heart.

Each of us have the opportunity to choose a time of intimacy with God. A time that allows trust to grow and faith to deepen. I am convinced that the secret to life is centered around knowing this God who we worship. And I am equally convinced that my Saturday mornings were meant for just that!!

Father God, thank You for bringing to me a sense of your presence. Thank You for allowing my heart to experience your love in all it's glory. The beauty of music, the sound of birds singing, water trickling, to see the splendor of color , your majesty in the clouds and the smile on a childs face.

It seems trite to say this but it's all I have to give . . . I love You Lord.
bo

Delightful

2009-06-06T08:58:00.008-04:00

The Lord lead me this morning to a passage in His Word that has revealed something incredibly wonderful about Himself. The uncovered treasure is written in Psalm 147:11 and in it the Psalmist tells us . . . "the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love."

I remember a time when hearing the term 'fear the Lord' brought with it for me a feeling of distress. As a matter of fact, I remember telling my mentor not long after I was saved that I had no intention of worshiping Someone who I had to 'fear'. Well, as soon as Mike removed the boxing gloves that I had put on in anticipation of our discussion, the Lord allowed His peace to well up within me as He showed me that to 'fear' Him is to be in awe of Him . . . to have reverence for Him. Ohhhhh, THAT I'm ok with . . . THAT I love.

But isn't it just incredible - no, isn't it just amazing - oh dear, I'm without a word to describe how truly wonderful it is that our Creator takes delight in all who fear Him? He waits (ever so patiently) with outstretched arms, hoping that we will realize His splendor, His creativity, His worthiness. He finds delight in us when we visit with Him, when we surrender ourselves to Him and when, as we call Him Papa, we acknowledge our need for Him.

As I meditate on the enormity of this whole idea, the Holy Spirit prompts me to consider the fact that God Himself has a purpose (and why not - each of us have a purpose and we were made in His image!). His purpose is not one of a 'Sugar Daddy' - although from the very beginning of time He has provided for our every need. His purpose is not simply to put us back together after we've made a mess of things - although He is always willing to do so. No, it seems clear that God's purpose is to build a Kingdom of faithful followers who He can love and take delight in. His purpose is to create us, to provide for our needs, to teach us about Himself and to bring us into His Kingdom.

He delights in the love we show Him as we put our hope in the never ending love He has for us! It sounds like a full circle to me!

How often, Father God, have I stopped to wonder . . . HOW DO YOU DO IT? We are so incredibly needy and yet You are the fulfillment of each of those needs. Thank you, always, for Your perfect plan of love!
Amen and Amen.
bo

Not Your Typical 'Recovery' Program

2009-06-05T20:27:00.006-04:00

If I were asked to rename the Celebrate Recovery Program, the one word that I would leave out of its title would be 'Recovery'. Although the Lord does, indeed, use the program for recovery, people have a tendency to limit the scope of the 'recovery' and thus unknowingly limit the possibilities that the Lord is willing to bring about through this program. Let me explain . . .

My life's story is not one of substance abuse, it is one of being controlled by hurts in my life. Often I think of the analogy of the bride who walks through a coal bin. Merely by walking through the area she kicks up black coal dust so that by the time she gets to the far side of the bin she no longer looks the part of the beautiful bride.

As I walked through my life, I allowed many hurts to rub off on to me and without realizing it they defined who I became. People could see the coal dust on me – the self-sufficiency, the anger, the resentment and fears.

Then several years ago the Lord lead me to a Celebrate Recovery Group. There I worked through the eight biblical principles which are based on the Beatitudes of Christ. Eventually, as the principles were discussed, the Lord graciously brought me a clear understanding of two very important things . . .
1. who I was and 2. who He intended for me to be.

I knew then that I had a choice to make because I didn’t like the person that I had become. I also realized that on my own, apart from Christ, I had no power to change. But I’m living proof that with God, all things ARE possible . . . and thankfully the Lord allowed the Celebrate Recovery Program to be my pathway to healing and growth.

I’m still not perfect but I am on my way to becoming the beautiful bride who will one day stand before Christ - absent the coal dust - and it is then that I will thank Him face to face for the love He provided through this incredible program.

So . . . my vote for the name change is cast . . . Celebrate Christ! Celebrate the freedom from hurts, hang-ups AND habits as the Lord allows healing and growth no matter what challenge tries to take control of your life!

ps-please help others to be aware of the far reaching possibilities that exist when the Lord is allowed to work in and through this program. Truly, it's NOT limited to a typical Alcohol/Drug recovery program - for with God . . . ALL things are possible!

THANK YOU, JESUS!
Amen and Amen.
bo

Focus

2009-05-31T12:47:00.011-04:00

Yesterday, by divine intervention, I became a God-Mother . . . but as honored as I am by that, that's not the focus of my story. And although I want to go back about 12 years in time and tell you about my God-son . . . he's not the focus of my story either. The focus of my story is . . . no . . . before I get to far ahead of myself, let me first fill you in on some of the details that brought me to this honored day . . . then you will understand the real focus of my story.

Being a God-mother has always been a desire of my heart. Different religions have their own views on dedicating a child to God but as a result of my up-bringing, I was presented to the Lord by my very special Aunt and Uncle. As my 'God-parents' they voiced their 'fear of ' and 'dedication to' the Lord and in essence promised to influence me with that same devotion. I never knew a time when I had anything but a special love and reverence for them. In retrospect it seems that the desire of my heart to be a God-mother may have been born out of this unique bond that I had with them. Now that God has imparted 'God-motherhood' onto me, I thank Him for His glorious gift of that special love.

Now let me tell you a little bit about the joyfulness that is within the creation of my special God-son, Joshua Isaac. Joyfulness, you say . . . how can that be if he never drew a breath or cried a tear? What joy is there in the fact that he never felt his mother's touch? Have I confused you? I don't mean to be so mysterious but the fact of the matter is that Josh's life was aborted and therein lies a web of mystery and denial and regrets. The circumstances that surrounded Josh's existence quickly became extreme as the 'experts' told his parents that he was severely deformed . . . and then, as the complications mounted, they learned that his mother's life was being compromised. I wasn't there at the time but I have no doubt to suppose that the pressure was on. A decision had to be made. Confusion was at it's peak . . . and so Josh's life was cut off and our merciful God ushered him into His loving arms.

Now by worldly standards, the appropriate action was taken but who of us is greater than God Himself? As I understand it all of creation has a purpose. What possible purpose, you ask, could there have been for a life that was so incomplete and what of the life that was being compromised? Well, in and of myself I have no answers - only gratitude that I was never faced with such a challenge. The only response I know of for that question is found in Isaiah 55:8-9 for it is written "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

And therein lies the focus of my story. The answer - not the problem. The answer is in a loving God who carried the burdens that would have otherwise overwhelmed Josh's mother. The answer is in the strength that is given, moment by moment, to challenge the cover-up of this secret sin. The answer is in the compassion and forgiveness and grace needed for healing. Now, 12 years later, a memorial service is held - closure is given - hope is instilled - peace enters the heart as the life of this child is celebrated. My honor was to have been there as a living witness of God's goodness. My honor was multiplied when God laid on my heart the responsibility of being Josh's God-mother. Joy filled day - yes! I had the joy filled privilege of celebrating his life. I have the joy of learning all that I can about him. I have the joy of telling you about God's faithfulness and love.

I once heard a reporter ask Darrell Scott, father of Rachel Scott, the first student shot down during the Columbine School massacre, "How is it possible to endure such a tragedy in your life? Sure of his faith and the unwavering faith of his daughter, Mr. Scott told the reporter, "What you focus on will ultimately consume you." Thankfully the Lord has brought that quote to my remembrance on countless occasions when I was in need. I offer it to you now as I remind you that it truly is all about HIM. Focus on the Answer not the problem.

bo

She Said Yes!

2009-05-27T21:15:00.002-04:00

Well, she did it. She said yes. My daughter is getting married. The date has been set (10-10-10), the site has been reserved and the invitations ordered. Wow, it's amazing how all of this brings with it an onslaught of emotions and excitement and well . . . challenges.

Like any 'normal' mother/daughter relationship, ours has seen it's share of humanness. Looking back on the first 29 years of her life brings an array of remembrances which ultimately boil down into a melting pot of love. Ahhhhh, but as I recently discovered, this is only the beginning. From my vantage point it seems that in the coming months I may be faced with some of the most interesting opportunities to walk out my Christian life. Let me explain what I mean . . .

True to His faithfulness, the Lord lead me to a truth in Ephesians 4:1-3 which, if applied, is sure to revolutionize this wedding journey and help me on this path of becoming mother of the bride for it is written "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

WOW - Peace and wedding - now there's an oxymoron!!! The selfish actions of others should roll off our backs? No grudges. No animosity. No resentment. No demands. How can it be that the Lord in all His goodness and love is urging us to be patient with one another. Is it possible that I should choose to draw people together rather than allow division? Do I really want others to show me the same amount of patient as I plan on showing them? Do you suppose that the dress she wears will even come close to being as beautiful as the love that is sure to be on display that day?

There's a million things to be done before the big day arrives. I suspect that I will personally deliver an invitation to the Lord to attend this wedding . . . maybe long before that goes out in the mail I should first invite Him to share in the preparations of the blessed event. Maybe as mother of the bride my daughter might learn more about applying the selflessness needed for a solid marriage if I first set a good example of being Christlike before, during and after her wedding day.

Lord Jesus, Sara's dad and I stood before you and pledged our undying devotion to one another - and to You - 38 years ago. Despite our inability to honor our committment Lord, You remained faithful and out of that union you blessed us with two treasures that are more valuable to us than life itself. I pray now Lord that you will enter into this event and bring Your peace and unity to all who join together to bring Your richness to the life of 'our' beloved daughter.
Amen and Amen.
bo

So What's The Big Mystery?

2009-05-24T21:55:00.008-04:00

Why do you suppose it is that so many of us think that there is an aura of mystery around the 'art' of praying? So much so that there are countless books written on the subject. Well, the truth of the matter is that while it's hard to wrap your mind around some prayers, the most effective prayers are those that come from your heart's desire to communicate directly with the God of the universe (as scary as they may seem)!

As a kid growing up the only prayers I knew were from a book and many times they were directed to intercessors rather than to God Himself. Although some people may beg to differ with me, my experience is that that kind of prayer doesn't bring with it the encouragement needed to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus. For me the bottom line seemed to be that because the prayers were from someone else's heart, they didn't penetrate mine.

Now, a lifetime later, I read for myself that Jesus not only told us how important it is to pray but He lead by example. He prayed to give thanks before feeding thousands of people with just a couple loaves of bread and few fish. He prayed when people were coming to Him with their needs. And He prayed when His heart was in agony over His upcoming separation, for the very first time ever, from His Father.

Because of Christ's sacrifice and example, I have a grand appreciation for this privileged lifeline to God . . . a truth learned through a lesson called 'The Truth Project'. In it Dr. Tackett pointed out that if in our praying we realized that we were entering into the Throne Room of the Living God and there the Father stretched out His arms to us and said "Come closer my child. Let's talk" . . . we wouldn't have a hard time praying - we'd have a hard time getting up and leaving!!!!!!!

How wonderful it is that the Lord, through the Apostle Paul, directed us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "Pray continually." In that He is simply stretching out His arms to us and saying "Come closer my child. Let's talk". Mystery solved.

Father God, when I've lost the words I need to express to You my thoughts, my concerns and my love, please search my heart and know that I want nothing more than to be a child wrapped in Your loving arms. Help each of us Father to seek Your presence as we pray to draw ever closer to You.
Amen and Amen.
bo

Equal Time

2009-05-18T08:52:00.009-04:00

When I was a kid in school I loved English class. Even then I loved to write and as strange as it sounds . . . I LOVED to diagram sentences (now there's a blast from the past!). How weird is that! Well, this morning as I spent time with the Lord I thought about how our sins separate us from God but thanks to Christ's sacrifice, our direct line of communication with God was opened. BUT then I stopped and questioned how much time I really devote to that privilege which Christ bought for me with His blood? How much time do I really spend with God in a day? Do I even spend a fraction of the time that I know He devotes to me?

Well, that lead me to diagram my life so that I could see what it is that I view as so important as to allow it to distract me from being still and knowing that He is God. Although I suspect that you will see a deep richness . . . I pray that you will also see the pitfalls that beset each of us in our day . . .
At the Center . . . GOD (yes, but . . .)
Off Shoots . . .
~ Family
~~ children, sisters, brother, cousins
~ Church
~~ Personal ministries
~~ Prayers
~~ Devotionals
~~ Studies
~~ Celebrate Recovery
~~ Disciplining
~~ Evangelizing
~~ Sermons
~ Friends
~~ to numerous to name but they are used by the Lord
~~~ to feed, encourage, teach, support, guide and direct
~ Personal
~~ Staples of life (house / car / food)
~~ Blogging
~~ Health
~~ Work

My life is rich with blessings - yes, I'm convinced that it's full - and to prove it to myself I took my diagraming to an obsessive level and compared what my life is now (saved) to what it was not so long ago (unsaved). What I found was that GOD has spent an enormous amount of time and effort on this one 'little' life. But more often than not I allow people and situations and distractions and busyness and challenges and the 'stuff' of life to creep in and all of a sudden I'm at the end of my day and God has been overshadowed by it all.

Where is there peace with that? Where is there joy except from the hand of God?

How about you? What does the diagram of your life look like?

Father God . . . You are greater than I can fathom. You are more worthy of my devotion than I can express. It is beyond my comprehension that your heart's desire is for me to love You. The God of the universe - my Creator - wants nothing more from me than me. I give you great thanks for Your tender loving care and unwavering patience with me. May I endeavor - every day of my life - to fulfill Your heart's desire.

Amen and Amen
bo

It's My Stuff . . . or is it?

2009-05-11T11:10:00.009-04:00

Humbly I acknowledge that the Lord has given me the gift of generosity. I LOVE to share things. I LOVE to give things away. This was a nice quality in me before I was saved but since Christ came to live within me I have a new vision that enables me to realize that my former efforts weren't even close to being all that they could be . . . all that they should be! Now I realize that 'stuff' is just 'stuff' and if 'my stuff' would bless someone else then - to the extent possible - give whatever I can of 'my stuff' to bless someone else. BUT recently, I encountered a scratch of selfishness in what I arrogantly thought of as my armor of generosity. Let me explain . . .

Out of generosity I 'loaned' my umbrella to a friend during a rain storm. There was a need - I remembered my mother's assurance from years past noting that I wouldn't melt - so I confidently offered 'my stuff' in an effort to bless my friend. Two weeks later it rains again (that's what spring is all about, ya know) and after searching for it and wondering where in the world I had left it, I realized that my friend never returned my umbrella. I was no different then than I had been two weeks earlier - I could still prove my mother's statement to be correct - but now I began to think less than positive thoughts about my 'unthoughtful - ungrateful - unappreciative' friend because she never returned 'my stuff'. Now I'm in an uncomfortable position where I have to ask for it back . . . how RUDE! (said completely with tongue in cheek!)

But do you see what's really going on here? My focus changed . . . now it was on me rather than the needs of my friend. I began to justify my thoughts to get 'my stuff' back. It's 'my stuff' - surely I'm entitled to get it back. It's mine and I want it.

Then all of a sudden it hits me . . . my shining armor of generosity has a major crack in it. It was then that the Lord lead me to realize fully that greed had seeped in and that my otherwise noble act wasn't so noble after all. Ashamed, I turn to the Lord and asked Him (I confess, somewhat begrudgingly) to bless this person as she used 'my stuff'. A couple of weeks later I saw her with it and again that ugliness reared up within me but this time I asked the Lord to help ME to be ok with her having 'MY stuff'. And it is then that the Lord's light gave me insight to see that I didn't loan out 'MY stuff' . . . I loaned out 'HIS stuff'! Perspective . . . How crazy is that . . . I was being greedy about something that wasn't even mine!

So where do I go from here? Well, as far as I can tell the Lord hasn't felt the need to prompt my friend to return the umbrella so her blessings continue . . . and what about me, you ask. Well, I have every confidence that the Lord will see fit to give me a brand new umbrella . . . but I suspect that he'll have me wait at least until the two that are in the trunk of my car have seen some action!!!!!

How wonderful it is to have a God who is gentle in His teachings!
Praise Your Holy Name, Jesus!
Amen and Amen.
bo

Expectations vs Surrender

2009-05-07T18:52:00.006-04:00

For awhile now I've been part of the team that presents a program at my church called "Celebrate Recovery". Although many people have the misconception that it's a program only for those struggling with drug or alcohol addictions, I'm living proof that it's so much more than that. The fact is that it's geared to help - anyone - with any hurt that has become a burden in their life, any hang up that is being dragged around like tattered baggage or any habit that has taken control of their life. These are things that keep us from being all that God intended for us to be. Through this program you go beyond the worldly approach to resolving issues and it brings Christ right into the center of your life . . . which, of course, is your only hope!

Every human on the planet has an issue or two that has clung to them over the years so if you ever have a chance to participate in a class, my advise to you would be to run, don't walk, to the next meeting . . . it's that powerful! But, of course, there is a secret to the success that is possible . . . but rather than jumping ahead of myself, let me share with you some insight that I gleaned this morning from my quiet time with the Lord . . .

One major factor that contributes to life controlling issues is in the area of unobtainable expectations. Here's what I mean . . . many expectations lead you to say to yourself . . . 'I want' and 'I deserve'. Your focus, while being set on yourself, is destructive and over time can lead to self-centeredness, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness and well, I think you can see where this is going. These then become the things that control every relationship you have in your life. These challenges flow over into your job, your friendships and even how you react to the clerk behind the counter. Over time you come to believe the lies that they represent.

So, what's the answer? If having unobtainable expectations lead you away from God what is it that draws you toward Him? Well, in Psalm 51:17 it is written "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A humble and contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise." SURRENDER is the answer - the sacrifice - the hope!!
More of Him and less of me.

He does not want us to suffer but rather He wants us to be submissive to His plan for our lives. And who, more than the One who created you, could fill you to the fullest. Who but your Creator is worthy to be the desire of your heart. Who but your Creator/Savior deserves everything you have to give through surrender?

As it is written in 1 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him." Our ONLY hope is in the Truth of Jesus. May He ultimately be the only true expectation that we have in our lives.
Amen and Amen.
bo

For more info on the 'Celebrate Recovery' program go to www.celebraterecovery.com/au .

Compelled to Know Him More

2009-05-02T07:39:00.004-04:00

Have you ever experienced the blessing of having a particular portion of God's Word just jump off of the page at you? One that you are compelled to figure out the REAL meaning of? For example, this one . . . It is written in Psalm 29:2 . . . "Worship the Lord in the splendor of His Holiness."

I admit that it would be easy enough to quickly bounce on to the next verse . . . all of the words are familiar to you . . . but wait, I challenge you to stop the world for a moment and soak in a few of those words. See if you don't melt away in their bounty . . .
~ Worship - Reverence, honor, devotion, extravagant respect
Wow - Is that what we do when we set ourselves aside and put Him first? The exposure of your heart seems raw and pure. How is it that we withhold it?
~ Splendor - Magnificence, most excellent
The word itself nearly takes your breath away (if you let it)
~ Holiness - To be perfect in goodness and righteousness
Who of us can deny His worthiness?
~ Perfect - Without flaws
We live in a world of such extreme imperfection so unless we force ourselves, it is nearly impossible to even consider what perfection might be like. Let's consider just an ordinary day . . . the birds are singing, but not to loudly. The sun is shining, but not so brightly that we must squint. The sounds you hear, the things you touch, the smells that bring ecstasy to your mind are all in harmony. Perfect!
~ Righteousness - Free from guilt and sin
Freedom personified.

If you were to (humbly) rewrite this verse in your own words you might say "The Lord, in the magnificence of His perfection, is worthy of my unbridled devotion."

As you apply the verse to your life today you might soon realize the importance of taking the time - everyday - to consider who this God is that you worship. In doing so you will realize fully that He IS worthy of your praise. He is perfect. He is magnificent . . . and He wants nothing more than for you to give yourself to Him.

Isn't it funny that as we are blessed by knowing Him more and yet at the very same time He is blessed by our worship. Talk about goodness.
Thank You, Jesus.
Amen and Amen
bo

What's the Difference?

2009-05-01T22:19:00.008-04:00

Let me take you on a journey . . . one that will help you to uncover the 'secret' of eternal life. A secret you say? Well, not really, for Christ Himself in John 17:3 tells us "Now, this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." And with that the secret is out. The 'secret' to eternal life is to KNOW Him . . . but not just more 'clinical' knowledge about Him . . . to KNOW Him, as Adam KNEW Eve and the result was an intimate union that yielded a child. When you KNOW God there is an intimate union that yields an outpouring of His Glory in your life. You might argue that 'everyone', whether in an intimate union with Him or not, can see His glory. What then is the difference?

Well, let me see if I can help you understand by painting you a picture . . .
Without an intimate union with God you see a sunset and say "Cool - nice sunset."
With an intimate union with God you hear an invitation from Him that says "Come into my World", see the incredible sunset that I've prepared for you. Check out the radiant glow of colors and feel the cool breeze that is sure to refresh you. Remember the promise that I've hidden in this spectacle of power and linger awhile, won't you, to see the twinkle of the stars that are soon to dance across the night sky. I've planned this evening just for you and I to enjoy. Listen and let the night sounds capture your imagination as I take pleasure in our time together.

Without an intimate union, the days pass and you barely remember that you ever saw such beauty. With an intimate union you are blessed as you recall your time together. The renewing of your heart is icing on the cake. Grateful for this special remembrance, you are lured, once again, to seek more intimate time with Him.

It's the difference between day and night . . . chocolate and vanilla . . . good and evil. KNOWING Him makes ALL the difference in this life . . . and in eternity!

Thank You, Jesus, for the incredible evening that prompted this posting. Please save me a place by the waters edge for my return visit!
Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen.
bo

In All His Glory

2009-05-01T19:54:00.013-04:00

One of my favorite passages in God's Word is from Isaiah 6. In it Isaiah is given a peek at the immeasurable worthiness of God and as he leans forward in awe, he hears the angels point out that "the whole world is full of His glory."

Glory? What could that mean? Well, according to Mr. Webster, glory is a praiseworthy quality of magnificence. But surely the whole world can't boast of this magnificence . . . or can it?

Let's see, there are . . .
~ the mighty cedars of Lebanon.
~ And the beauty of Niagara Falls.
~ Let us not forget to consider the richness of the hills that seem to touch the heavens . . .
~ While I recall from my childhood the softness of moss under a tree.
~ And is it His glory that takes our breath away as we ponder the sights of the Alps?
~ But are we to consider His glory when faced with the complexity of the human body as well as the simplicity of a child's smile?
~ Is His glory the reason that we hear and see and feel the touch of the ocean waves as we walk along the shoreline?
~ Is it possible that we are to give thought to the pleasures that we taste and the flowers that we smell?
~ So how is it that we are drawn to the charm of a bubble bath as we relax stress away in His warmed H2O?
~ Stars that stay put. Cats that purr. Medicine that heals.

Oh, my . . . His glory IS everywhere. It IS endless. He IS magnificent! His love. His generosity. His desire for us to know Him.
How great IS our GOD!!

Thank You, Father, for Glorifying Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for bringing your Glory to each of us who love you.
Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy to be praised.
Amen and Amen.
bo

Good Morning Class

2009-04-14T20:40:00.007-04:00

When I was in school the words "Good Morning Class" were never looked upon as being a sign of good things to come for more often than not they were followed by the phrase "today we are going to have a test"! YIKES - and I didn't study! Oh, if I had only "applied myself" as my mother had so often suggested. How was it that she was always right?!?!?!

Well, even today, a few decades later, I still don't love tests. These days that word is often used in the same sentence as the words needle and blood but even so, we just naturally have a propensity to panic at the thought of a test. And yet, as I read God's Word I find that He has directed us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to "Test everything." Now that's a bit extreme wouldn't you say? A pop quiz once in awhile - ok, maybe - but 'test everything'? Well, just for grins and giggles, let's try to see this from God's perspective . . .
Let's start by testing our conversations:
~ Is what I'm saying the truth as found in God's Word?
~ If no, our recourse seems obvious.
~ If yes, then speak the truth BUT REMEMBER even the truth must be tempered with just the right amount of God's mercy and love AND timing is critical - in order for it to be right and effective, it must be said in God's timing!
So, ok, I agree that testing the things I say is a good thing.

So now let's go further and test our thoughts:
~ Are our thoughts moving us toward God or away from Him and His truths?
~ When considering this I am lead to confess to you that I had a day recently when testing my thoughts would have been a gem in my crown. As the day unfolded I came face to face with the reality that had circumstances been just a little bit different, my life may have come to an end. Well, by the end of the day I was full of fears of what 'could have been'.
~Looking back I now realize that I would have avoided the exercise of slip and slide if only I had taken the time to test my thoughts .
Once again, the idea of testing seems to point to good things - who knew?!

Well, the truth is that God did. That's why His Word tells us to do it. That's why it's so important to seek His guidance and discernment and wisdom and knowledge. This is the gem in our crown . . . if only we will ask for it.

So, how about you, are you ready to wake up tomorrow morning and hear the Lord say to you, Good Morning ____, today we're going to have a test? Considering the blessing that this exercise brings to our general well being, the goal at the end of my day will be to hear Him say to me "Well done, my good and faithful servant". All of a sudden I'm anxious to test my attitudes, my emotions, and my 'knee jerk' reactions. Once again . . . who knew!!!

Lord God, Your care of my well being is a treasure to me. Knowing that You remain by my side and offer guidance and protection gives me the strength I need to face the challenges of my day. Thank You, Jesus, for showing me the importance of testing - everything. It is in Your Name, Jesus, that I offer endless praise for Your loving care of all of Your creation!
Amen and Amen
bo

Forgiveness is our Choice

2009-04-04T09:15:00.004-04:00

It is written in John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

In knowing the truth of that statement I'm quite sure that it's safe to assume that the man who brought carnage to the City of Binghamton yesterday won't be among those who will gather with the angels and eternally sing heavenly praises to the Lord.

But wait a minute, what about the truth that says we serve a forgiving God? Oh, you say, this man was full of darkness and death, his sins are so grave that surely God will judge him guilty and forgiveness will not come. Because of the choices this man made in his life 'God's wrath remains on him'.

From everything I've read thus far I believe that I would have to agree with that assessment . . . but as I consider the fact that in God's sight . . . sin is sin . . . instantly I feel true conviction come over me to now look at my own life and consider whether or not I hold on to choices that would obligate God to pour his wrath out upon me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a good person. I go to church, I humbly serve God and His people. I love those around me (well, most of them), I'm honest (well, most of the time). I follow the teachings that Jesus gave us (well, nearly all of them). But listen, I know that God is a forgiving God - surely the Lord's judgement of me will be much different than this man's. His sins are much worse than mine.

Again I consider the fact that in God's sight . . . sin is sin, is sin, is sin.

Consider what Christ Himself said to the woman who was judged by those around her to be sinful and worthy of stoning (wrath) - "go and sin no more". Through His mercy Christ forgave her of the sin she committed and saved her from being stoned - but if you recall, that wasn't the end of the story, for after forgiving her, He added the command that instructed her to "go and sin no more."

It's true, we all have the FINAL say in His forgiveness . . . our choices - just like those of that man yesterday in Binghamton - will bring us life forever with Christ or it will bring us eternal separation from Him.

Father God, we know that Your Word tells us that you are a just God. In Your powerful name, Jesus, we ask that you help us, Lord, to have a full understanding of that truth so that we are willing to 'go and sin no more'.

Amen and Amen
bo

The Truth Behind The Name

2009-03-26T19:43:00.012-04:00

The truth behind the name of my blog is that the Lord has, indeed, given me the heart of an encourager. Rarely do I recognize it as other people do - it's just who I am - but all of us are commanded to step up and encourage one another . . . let me offer this as an example of the command given to us: It is written in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."

There you have it. Our command to encourage one another. And what better way is there to encourage someone than to tell them about the rapture! Just think about it - we who are 'born again' - we who have accepted Christ as our Savior AND have chosen to follow Him as our Lord - will be caught up with Him in the air and we will then be with Him FOREVER! First those who have already died and then His beloved who are still alive. All of us will join Him.

How about you? If you were to die today - this moment - what do you believe would happen to you? Or if the Lord decides to return tonight to rapture His beloved as they sleep . . . will you be one of those who is caught up in the air with Him - or will you be left behind to endure the trials of darkness that are promised?

Well, you will join Him IF you're 'born again'. Oh, I know, the phrase 'born again' is a bit misused so it's hard sometimes to think of it without associating it with a redneck cowboy . . . but according to John 3:3, Jesus Himself declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again."

Let's see if I can explain . . . no, when you're 'born again' you don't reenter your mother's womb and make a second exit . . . being 'born again' speaks of your spiritual birth. Spiritually speaking you accept Christ as God's son who came into this world to save you from your sins. In this way Christ becomes your Savior. Then, you follow Christ's teachings. In this way Christ becomes the Lord of your life.
When you are 'born again':
~ You worship Jesus. You put Him first before anything or any one,
~ Your daily desire is to develop a relationship with Him,
~ You allow Him to rule and control your attitude, your thoughts, your actions . . . your heart.
~ You realize that life is all about HIM - and not about you!
And remember . . . Jesus Himself declared that you will NOT go to heaven unless you choose to accept and follow Him.

So, as it so often happens, the choice is yours. If you choose Light over darkness . . . Eternal Life over eternal death . . . then let me suggest that you join Joshua in saying "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let me also say . . . welcome into the family of the beloved!

Father God, thank you so much for directing Jesus to be the way, and the truth, and the life that will enable us to be with you forever into eternity. Thank You, Jesus, for your willingness to be obedient to the Father's will and thank You, Holy Spirit, for leading me in the paths that will lead to everlasting life with You, forever, in heaven.
It is in the mighty name of Jesus that I give you glory and honor and praise and heartfelt thanks. Amen and Amen.
bo

What an Incredible Blessing . . .

2009-03-10T20:28:00.005-04:00

Have you ever spent the evening with a group of people whose sole purpose for gathering together was to bring about a reenactment, through a church production, of the final days of Christ's life on this earth? On many occasions I've been on the receiving end as I sat in the audience but tonight, as preparations were being made for opening night, I was privileged to have my first 'behind the scenes' experience.

I was the proverbial fish out of water as I stood back and watched the masters at work. I marveled at their vision and creativity. With the props gathered and flowers perfectly arranged, the vision began to unfold. In their mind's eye they literally saw a marketplace come to life as they looked at 3 empty tables, some dried garlic and a collection of pottery.

As I stood back and took a moment to enjoy the experience, it occurred to me that from time to time you'll hear someone say that they don't need to be part of a church family. They can watch TV and learn everything that they need to know about God without going to church. Well, after the evening that I just had I would have to challenge that way of thinking. At home you don't see the smiles of the costumers who seem to delight at the opportunity of outfitting the 'crowd' with traditional props and garb one more time. You don't encounter the laughter of the kids who stand back and watch to see how 'funny' dad will look when he is decked out in a shepherd's 'dress'. And when you're home without the relationships that come when you're part of a church family, you miss the incredible experience of being in the midst of cooperation and camaraderie and pure discipleship.

Tonight as people gathered together to close out the evening we were privy to the efforts of the 'crowd' as they rehearsed the scene that brought chills to our bones. You know the one . . . Pilate is holding court and after being unable to find any fault in Jesus he asks the crowd "What crime has this man committed?" to which they reply "Crucify him! Crucify him! Crucify him!"

It is then that you realize fully the importance of the cooperation and camaraderie. It is then that you understand why the men, women and children of this area need to see the fruit of our evening together. And it is then that you are eternally grateful that you have this church family to call your own.

In great thanksgiving, for all of Your blessings, Lord, may our efforts bring glory to Your Name Jesus.
Amen and Amen.
bo

A New Appreciation

2009-03-07T21:03:00.023-05:00

When is the last time that you gave thanks for a hurt that came into your life? In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it is written "Give thanks in everything". Even in Job we find that it didn't seem to matter what calamity entered into his life, Job refused to do anything but give praise where praise was due.

Although I've never had to (nor do I ask to) endure the events of Job's life, recently I did run into a situation in which my feelings were hurt. Pain being pain and God being God it quickly became obvious that I needed to call upon the Lord to make this a Romans 8:28 event. Although I held myself together well enough to get through the class I was in, as soon as the final prayer was prayed I bee lined it out of there so that I could do what comes naturally to me . . . cry.

Over the years I remember hearing it said that God loves us to much to leave us where we're at and to that I say . . . THANK YOU LORD!!! Almost immediately I could sense that He provided Himself as the answer to my pain so without any hesitation I turned to Him for wisdom and insight.

As He worked me through the pain He helped me to realize that the old Bonnie would have harbored resentment, developed animosity and proudly worn a chip on my shoulder like a peacock pluming out his feathers . . . but not this time. This time was different because He helped me to see that in order for me to be all that He made me to be I really needed to endure this pain.
~ The pain enabled me to realize that there was dross that needed to be burned off. This 'gem' needed to be refined and that process meant that I had to go through the 'fire' of this pain.
~ The pain enabled me to realize that over the course of many years I had believed lies . . . like, you are the way you are and you can't change,/ you won't change, / you don't need to change. I developed a hardness in my heart which housed a judgmental spirit and although I should have known better, it took this pain to see the truth.

Thanks to Christ in me (my hope of glory!) the new Bonnie is eager to grow. How thankful I am that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I have the courage to address the issue with the person who hurt my feelings. (Now that's what I call real growth!) No baggage - HALLELUJAH - THANK YOU LORD!!

A training note . . . I'm sure that as I step out in faith and allow the Lord to stretch and grow me, I will mess up again from time to time. In that regard, I give thanks for I now know the love and encouragement that I can count on from those who the Lord has put around me.

Lord Jesus, may glory come to You through the feeble efforts of this humble and precious 'gem'.
I love you Lord.
bo

What Pleases Him?

2009-02-28T18:15:00.017-05:00

In Psalm 135:6 it is written "The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on earth."
In Philippians 2:13 (NLT) it is written "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."

After reading these two verses I suspect that for someone who doesn't know His very nature, there may be a chance that our God could be thought of as being arrogant. Don't you suppose that there is a possibility that someone might mistakenly view Him as being selfish or self-centered?

Ah, but the secret is to know Him. To know what pleases Him.

Well let's see if we can uncover this mystery . . .
~ in 1 John 4:8 it is written "God is Love" so let's assume that it pleases Him when we love.
~ Certainly, by the beauty that is all around us it is obvious that He is a generous God so let's add to our list the presumption that He is pleased when we use the gifts and talents that He gives us.
~ In His very nature He is love, joy and peace. He is faithfulness, kindness, gentleness and goodness. And when dealing with me every day, He is the personification of patience and self control. It would be absurd to think that He did not enjoy pleasure when the Holy Spirit gives us these same gifts that display His glory. Displaying them in own lives is like icing on His cake!
~ The process of sanctification is His way of growing us into the likeness of His Son so it's a 100% money back guarantee that He experiences enormous pleasure to see us mirror the obedience of His Son.

Well, so far no arrogance. No selfishness and not even a hint of self-centeredness, so let's go on. We know what it is that brings Him pleasure, what then do you think He may be giving us the desire and power to do?
~ To reach out in love to those who are unlovable, hurting or sick?
~ To be kind to someone who hurts us?
~ To bring the beauty of His world to a home bound person?
~ To step out beyond what you are comfortable doing?
~ To yearn for righteousness?
~ To set down idols that stand between you and the Father?
You have because He loves.
The desire you have to know Him is because He gives you that desire.
The more you are willing to accept the things He wants to give you, and do in your life, the greater His pleasure in you will be.
BUT WAIT . . .
IF it seems that you have been dealt a short hand - maybe you feel that your life is lacking some or all of these things that please Him, does that mean that God withheld His goodness from you? Was He less generous with you? Does He love you less? - - - NO! He is no respecter of persons so He is generous without favoritism. You and the next person are equally equipped to bring Him pleasure but the ultimate choice rests with your willingness to allow all of His goodness into your life.
IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICES . . . THAT CENTER ON HIM
Lord, I choose You. I choose your Son. My hands are empty. Fill them, I pray, with your power - Help me Lord - for my hearts desire is to please you.
Amen and Amen.
bo

Who Drove The Nails?

2009-02-22T07:38:00.013-05:00

Have you ever REALLY thought about it?
Were you mistaken . . . like me?
Who flogged and ravaged His body?
Who gave their voice to crucify Him?
The Jews?
The Roman soldiers?
No - I was wrong . . . "they" didn't do it.
It was me.
I turned from Him.
I gave Him over to unfathomable cruelty.
I raised my hand to torture His body.
I sent gripping agony through Him.
I cracked the whip that gouged His flesh.
I positioned the nail in the most strategic spot.
I held the hammer that drove those nails.
Because of me He hung on that Cross.
Because of me He suffered and died.
God help me . . . IT WAS ME.

But PRAISE GOD . . . the love that is God Himself was greater than any evil that I could inflict.
He overcame my evil with His love.
No scars. Only forgiveness and total victory.
He has, once again, displayed His glory.

So . . . the question isn't how could they have done it.
The question isn't how could I have done it.
The REAL question is . . . HOW COULD HE HAVE DONE IT!

He has, once again, proven that it's not about me . . .
IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!

Thank You Jesus. My love for You grows beyond measure daily as I uncover the depths of Your love for me. Truly, YOU are worthy of my praise and worship.

Hallelujah.
Amen and Amen.
bo

A Challenge From The Cross

2009-02-21T12:30:00.011-05:00

It is written in John 19:26-27 "When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Jesus knew that day as he was agonizing on the Cross that YOU would be born and that YOU would be one of His followers. He loved YOU then as He loved John. He hung on that cross for YOU and for the rest of His beloved. So the challenge is this:
Who is it that Christ has put 'nearby' to you that He wants you to care for at the foot of His Cross?

Maybe it's someone who is in pain. Maybe a friend, a family member, a co-worker. A lonely or difficult person who you realize, when you look beyond their outward facade, truly needs His love.

Listen as Jesus says YOUR name from the Cross . . .
Dear _____, here is _____, your friend.

Just give them Jesus. All it takes is a moment of your time. A smile, free of charge. An interested ear. Yourself. Then, as they see Jesus in you, they will be drawn to His Cross. In your kindness and love they will hear you say 'Come see who it is that lives within me' for He wants to love you too.

As you gather at His Cross today, please accept this challenge as your own.

Father, may it be so . . . for we come to you with the heartfelt desire to help others to know your love, in the name that is above all names, Jesus, our Savior.
Amen and Amen.
bo

Tears of Glory

2009-02-08T14:39:00.007-05:00

The other day I met with a friend of mine and during our time of fellowship together we talked about the movie 'Fireproof'. He mentioned that the Holy Spirit prompted him to think of me when remembering the one character in the movie who was looked upon as the 'real deal'. WOW - what an honor! How incredible it is that the Holy Spirit thinks of me as the 'real deal'. Now that's what I call a spiritual shot in the arm . . . the vitamin B12 shot of all Holy Spirit shots! But wait . . . I hadn't seen the film so what was I strutting around about?

Well, my curiosity then got the best of me so I went and bought the movie . . . which is a good thing because there isn't a man, woman or child on the face of this earth that would have felt comfortable sitting next to me in public as I watched it. I was anxious when there was a show of tempers and when temptations came knocking at their doors. I sobbed just as much as they did when their hearts were becoming open sores and when forgiveness was being sought. And I was the cheerleader - pumping my arms and letting out a hearty 'YES!" when the 'real deal' guy saw for himself that our God is incredibly good to those who earnestly seek Him.

Now, as my feet begin to settle back on the earth's surface, I realize that there is yet another blessing I experienced from this movie. The miracle that the Holy Spirit laid in my lap this morning is that never once during the viewing of this movie did it occur to me to say
'if only'. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! Not one tear was shed for what could have been in my own life - EVERY SINGLE tear that the Holy Spirit captured in my bottle of my tears as I watched this movie was shed for the glory that was coming about for the Lord! How glorious it is that not only did I have that reaction but how glorious too was the fact that He allowed me to look back and realize that those tears were being logged in on the Lord's side of the ledger rather than mine!

I am speechless . . . and we all know that that's a God thing!
bo

http://www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com

First or Last

2009-02-07T11:07:00.008-05:00

Often Jesus noted that "those who were last will be first and those who were first will be last." (i.e. Mt 20:16) Just as often as He said it, I have been confused by that statement. What in the world could He mean?

Well, this morning when reading from the book "Making Love Last Forever" by Gary Smalley, the Holy Spirit brought me an application of this truth statement. Let me explain . . . We are commanded to 'Love others as you love yourself' but when you stop and think about that statement you really need to (as Jesus said) deal first with the last then the last will be first. Sorry . . . here's the principle . . .
The last = love yourself
The first = love others
Soooooooooo - you must first love yourself in order to be in a position to then love others. The first will become last and the last will become first.

NOW Jesus' statement makes sense!

I have to admit that the chances are REAL good that this was not what Jesus was pointing to when He so often made that statement but hey, if it has helped me to understand how I can live in His peace and ultimately bring all glory to Him, then I'm quite sure that He's ok with my application of His truth!!!

Glory to God - - -
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart@blogspot.com

The Only Way

2009-01-26T19:45:00.011-05:00

Jesus . . . I've got to say that I'm lovin' you - more every day.

That's a line from a popular Christian song and I love it when the Lord prompts it to flow from my heart. EVERY day I love Him more. EVERY day I want others to love Him more.

Today I learned about a woman who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). As I understand it, few, if any, afflictions could be more daunting to face. The long and short of it is that your mind becomes a prisoner within a body that you literally lose all control of.

So what is there for us to do to help this woman? What would Jesus do? Well, Jesus regularly sought quiet time alone with the Father. He sought the Father's will for His life. His first reaction was always to pray. I, on the other hand, cry first and ask questions later. After 'BooHoo Bonnie' leaves the building the next thought I have is to be like Jesus and pray. Yes, pray for healing . . . for in Matthew 19:26 Jesus says 'With God all things are possible' but even more importantly - pray fervently that this woman knows Jesus. Pray that she has declared Him to be her Lord and Savior . . . for without Him, she is without hope - both in this life and in the next.

So . . . how about you? What would you do if you were the woman who received such news? Are you ready if your daunting news arrives tomorrow? Do you know this man who died for you? This man who is your only hope. Is He the Lord of your life? No? Well, you're not alone because ALL have sinned against God and in doing so we have fallen short of His glory. But the truth is that He loves us to much to leave us outside of His glory. He wants us to share in His incredible blessings of a life filled with hope and joy and love . . . so today the incredible truth is that your life can be filled to the fullest if you ask Him to come into your heart. Seek to develop an intimate relationship with Him. He is an incredible friend. In Scripture it says . . . 'Ask - Seek - Knock' - it really is that simple!!!
Ask . . . the Holy Spirit to come into your life - ask that your sins be forgiven - and ask for life (and life everlasting!).
Seek . . . to know who this God is that you now trust and praise and love. Allow the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out.
Knock . . . at HIS door - He's waiting to start this new life with you.
For all who ask, receive.
All who seek, find.
And to those who knock, the door WILL be opened unto you.

If you truly want to live in His forgiveness - with all of His incredible promises - talk to Him - it doesn't need to be rehearsed - it just needs to come from your heart when you say to Him . . . LORD God, I know that I'm a sinner. I know the penalty of my sin is death but I thank Jesus for sacrificing His life so that I can once again be reconciled to You. I pray LORD that the Holy Spirit will now live within me, working in and through me to bring Glory to your Name.
Please come and be the Lord and the Treasure of my life. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and Amen.

Listen as the angels welcome you into the family of God!!! It is sure now that you will spend eternity with all of them in heaven!
bo
www.anencouragersheart@blogspot.com

What's the Big Deal

2009-01-01T11:49:00.006-05:00

I read a devotional this morning that centered around . . .
"I'd be happy - if".

You can imagine that it went on to say . . . "If you begin a sentence with those words, then beware. Those little words of discontentment are the very words that Satan uses to draw us into his deceitful traps."

As I woke up this morning and thought about the fact that it's a brand new year I wondered what the hoop-la was all about. What's the big deal? Yes, we now have to remember to write a new year on our checks (although who writes checks out any more). Yes, we now have a new benchmark on time but if you think about it, today is merely a new day - just like yesterday was a new day when it arrived.

CS Lewis once wrote, "Relying on God has to begin all over again every day. As if nothing had yet been done." It was as important to know this truth yesterday when it was 2008 as it is today in 2009.

Pastor pointed out last night in service that God gave us His word in the much quoted (heehee) book of Haggai (2:8-9) that all that 'is' belongs to God (silver and gold were mentioned specifically) AND that the 'glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house' AND 'in this place I will grant peace." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Given this promise from our Father we are to rejoice that yesterday is gone and that He - faithfully - brought us a new day, a new year AND what hope we have in His promise of eternal peace!!!

So - what is your response to 'I'd be happy - if'? What on earth could there be left 'to do' or 'to have' that your answer would be anything but . . . 'Come Lord, Jesus'?

May His blessings fall upon your 'New Year'!
bo
http://www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com

The Purpose of Scripture

2008-12-30T21:16:00.008-05:00

A thought that started my day . . .
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I picked out a few keys words (Scripture/God-breathed/righteousness) and at the prompting of the Holy Spirit I attempted to look at their definitions and their application to my life. Here's what the He allowed me to understand:
Scripture -
God's instructions to us
God's revelation of who He is
God's revelation of who we are to be
God's promises to us
God-Breathed -
God brought the Word to life. He Himself gave men the thoughts and knowledge and wisdom they needed to document what it was that He wanted us to know.
Righteousness -
The result of living a life that mirrors that of Christ's.
Webster's Dictionary . . .
Acting in accordance with divine or moral law
Free from guilt or sin
Genuine/right behavior/ethical

The meaning of this verse:
God Himself brought to life every possible truth that would enable us to know and accept Him.
When followed, we can then walk the walk and fully serve the purpose for which we were created.

Applying the Lesson . . .
Be in the Word - spend time devouring the message that God wants you to know
Know the Word - not just for more head knowledge but seek to know it passionately within my heart
Humble yourself in order to 'talk it' and 'walk it' throughout the day.

As I was getting ready for work I kept thinking about this lesson and how we need to fore go the fact that this (and many other verses) are familiar, faithful passages to us. We need to approach these kinds of verses with a eagerness to learn something new - rather than arrogantly flip them aside.
It's like drinking coffee . . . you don't stop drinking coffee just because you've already had a thousand other cups. A 'funny' side thought is that as you drink the coffee it leaves stains on your teeth. Likewise, you need to take in so much of the Word that it leaves a stain (although I prefer to say an impression) behind on your mind and your heart.
Seasoned Christian's should renew the truths of God's Word - not treat them like old callous' on our hands that have become such a part of us that we don't even remember how awesome it was when the dead skin wasn't there. We should realize that if we were to scrape the callous' off and get down to the fresh new skin we would see that it's thirsty for lotion and massage.

Well, my own callous' need to be cut away and lotion applied so I'll end by praying that the Holy Spirit renew in each of us a hunger, a thirst, a desire to take in His Word to overflowing!!!

Father, may it be so, in Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com