Blog Posts

Look At Yourself

11/30/2019

Ps 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Never noticed before that the Psalmist is praising God as HE LOOKS AT HIMSELF!

Most often when we look at ourselves we see our flaws, failures and struggles, yet when we stop and see what He sees and stop judging ourselves we get a glimpse at the wonder of 'us', fearfully and wonderfully made. A person created perfectly, skillfully knit together by the God of the Universe.

The gospel - the good news - reveals the truth of who we really are and causes us to dance and sing and praise our Creator who made us perfectly and -in Christ- perfected us.

Wow! I get to look at me and see the perfection of HIS work. That draws me even closer to Him, encourages me to be 'real' with Him and blesses me with seeing what He made and sees - a new creation - holy, righteous, pure, a masterpiece, a one of a kind never before seen being... This truth transforms my life. This draws me to live according to the truth - to be who I be. I don't have to try to put on Christ as an outer garment that covers my flaws to be acceptable and work to keep that garment in place covering my flesh that tries to escape its confines. Rather, I get to take off the layers realizing that at my core, my innermost being is His life in mine and it is gorgeous and captivating.

November 25th, 2019

11/25/2019

Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
I think the usual way these verses are shared carries the implication that the Kingdom of God is over there, and we are to set our focus, attention and effort on traveling from here to over there, on the other side of the fence where we find His grass greener and able to provide for our every need. But we need to get there.
There is a different view that I find more theologically sound. Consider…
What is the kingdom of God? “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1) What is the kingdom? It is good news. If we have received good news today, it just flows into our tomorrows.
“The kingdom of God is righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17). If we have these things, our “today” is perfect. We have no need for worry or concern for tomorrow, for we are fully in the present with Him, in Spirit.
When will the kingdom of God come? “One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs…” (Luke 17:20-1) Looking around for evidence of the Kingdom will never reveal it for it is invisible, a mystery. The Kingdom manifests to those open to receive it.”
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?...” (1 Cor 6:9) The kingdom of God is for today, not sometime in the by-and-by after we’ve died. Only those that are alive are inheritors. They - the alive - inherit because someone else died and left them an inheritance. Jesus died to leave us His inheritance. Today two thousand years after His death we continue to receive our inheritance. He left us righteousness, peace and joy - good news, for today.
Where is the kingdom of God? “You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” (Luke 17:22) According to Strong’s NT 1787 ἐντός, the kingdom is within you, inside, in the midst of you. And that was written 2,000 years ago.
“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God (and He did), then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28) (comment, mine). The kingdom of God has been ours to experience for more than 2000 years.
Who made it possible for us to be in the Kingdom of God? “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
What does the kingdom of God look like? “For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk, it is living by God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20).
When did you become righteous? “The Spirit convicts you of righteousness.” John 16:10 This means that the Spirit reminds you, confirms to you, that you ARE righteous. You realize your righteousness when you hear the Spirit remind you.
Do you see the connection?
We are instructed to seek the kingdom of God – given to us as an inheritance by Jesus, the substance of which is good news, righteousness, peace and joy; the power of God within each of us. When we seek and find that the kingdom is within us…when we realize it is ours to behold, to live in and participate in – with Him, we realize that within us is everything we need for life and godliness and we need not worry about tomorrow. For every day of our lives is a today in which we realize our joint righteousness, live in peace and joy and need have no concern for our tomorrows.

Would You Join Me In Enjoying Him?

11/22/2019

Intimacy with God isn't a quick fix to get our day in order. We don't go get a little from Him and then rush to give to others what we received or share what we heard so that they too can benefit because, 'after all they need this too'. It isn't about getting to give, or getting to bear fruit, or getting to mature.
Rather it is giving ourselves fully and unashamedly to the Lover of our soul, allowing Him to love us well and love us long. It's each party savoring the time together and each other’s presence. Not to be crude but intimacy with Him is slow, beautiful lovemaking. It's not rushed or about running to get to the next activity or demand in life, but rather enjoying and being enjoyed. It's being fully loved and fully known. It changes us. Moses was in the presence of God, Paul was in the 3rd Heaven, John saw Him high and lifted up, David took time for conversations with God, each life was affected. They KNEW God.
This remains the hunger of my soul. This is what my spirit continues to call me toward. This is again the reminder that Mary chose the better thing (sitting at Jesus feet) than Martha who had a clean house and was the 'perfect' hostess. There are better things in life. There are higher things in life. There are finer things in life. There is God.
Enjoying Him and enjoying Him enjoying me. Would you join Him too?

What If....

10/2/2019

What IF we lived our day FOR others.

What IF our every thought and comment was to encourage and lift them up?

What IF we aimed to clothe them with the garment of praise (for His righteousness within them) and convict them of their righteousness?

What IF we spoke much less about us and listened and responded to them?

What IF there was no room or need for idle chatter or self-promotion.

What IF we walked according to Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition of conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

OR as the Amplified reads beautifully Phil 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you 'care'-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Yes, it costs - self, I, flesh, better than, etc. Remind yourself when self-promotion is coming from you that it is likely a mask covering a lie you are believing-that you are in some way 'less than'.

May Father expose these lies, this need for self-aggrandizement and speak words of peace to our soul that we may serve and love others first, trusting Him with our every need and exposed wound. Yes to heal the wound must be uncovered - the mask must be removed - ONLY you can remove the mask - others can't rip it off and God will not take it, He will only RECEIVE it from you at your willingness then minister His balm upon you.

How Will You Remember Today?

6/7/2019

The Israelites set up piles of stones as memorials of what God had done/what they had seen. Join me in intentionally looking for the stone (of what God has done or shown you) to be added to your cairn today.
As I looked for the photo I was reminded of the Jewish tradition of leaving a pebble or stone on top of a tombstone signifying that someone has honored the deceased person's memory with a visit to the grave.
As God reminds us of His faithfulness and we build our cairn (our permanent memorial of His goodness) may we honor God with the memory of our deceased Old Man/Old Nature/Adam Nature and praise and glorify Him for the new creation and new live He has given us at great cost.
My first little stone is based on seeing two racoons at the backyard bird feeders before dawn this morning. God's nature is amazing. It reminds me of His creativity, His love for life and the fact that He daily provides for the needs of each 'critter'. How much more does He cares for us today. May we be encouraged today to play on the high places with His hind's feet.....(pebble added to the cairn....looking at it's loveliness....remembering Him who made this possible....wow!)

Hear Your Song

6/5/2019

You are not being a hypocrite when you believe every good thing that God says about you even when you behavior does not match it. You have God's DNA within you - goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience joy, peace, self-control and LOVE. They ARE within you. They ARE the substance of your being.

The best way to grow into the fullness of your identity is not to beat yourself (or someone else) up over behavior which defies identity. Remember, behavior is a fruit, not a root. Your root is good. You have Daddy DNA in you as you are In Christ and He is in you.

Sometimes behavior change happens instantaneously, but for most of us it takes time to manifest (think baby and walking or baby bird and flying). Beating yourself up, faking it till you make it, or other "doings" does not speed the process. Rather whether from God Himself, or your tribe of people, listen to hear your song sung. Listen to your God and those people who will always believe the best about you; people that remind you Who's you are and that will walk the rocky part of your path with you. You will walk, you will fly (metaphorically speaking) and you will become all that He has created you to become. Abide. Rest. Dive into intimacy with Him and find those safe people who will remind you of your song. Those people are a gift to be cherished and the opportunity to express gratitude towards the Gift Giver.

Perhaps said much more eloquently and more concisely than me...

"When a woman of the Ubuntu African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes to the jungle with other women, and together they pray and meditate until you get to "The song of the child. "When a child is born, the community gets together and they sing the child's song. When the child begins his education, people get together and he sings his song. When they become an adult, they get together again and sing it. When it comes to your wedding, the person hears his song. Finally, when their soul is going from this world, family and friends are approaching and, like his birth, sing their song to accompany it in the "journey".

"In the Ubuntu tribe, there is another occasion when men sing the song. If at some point the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, they take him to the center of town and the people of the community form a circle around her. Then they sing "your song." The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment, but is the love and memory of his true identity. When we recognize our own song, we have no desire or need to hurt anyone.

"Your friends know "your song". And sing when you forget it. Those who love you can not be fooled by mistakes you have committed, or dark images you show to others. They remember your beauty as you feel ugly, your total when you're broke, your innocence when you feel guilty and your purpose when you're confused."
Tolba Phanem
African poet

Trust Me...

5/11/2019

He says, “Trust Me. You need to hear this now, before… If you do, the “…” will never even be noted, never named. For you won’t trip or falter or pause. You will walk forward right past that spot.”

Wow! In trust, the pothole is never noted. Our step is ordered by Him and we walk right over it, not breaking stride and giving it no regard. Without trust, we scrutinize everything looking for problems and find them.

No good, no bad, just God.

Selah.

Desire the Plant, Not the Fruit

4/12/2019

The very hardest thing in the Christian life is to be OK with not being “OK”; to trust that you are exactly in the perfect place. To more and more, GET YOUR EYES OFF OF YOURSELF (your behavior, actions, attitudes) and just remind yourself who He is, what He has done and who you are IN HIM.

Practice...it makes perfect: NOT in behavior, but in continual connection with Him. When that happens, when you sit with Him, there is no good or bad, there is just you and Him, abiding and enjoying each other. There, when you aren't even aware and haven't been focusing on it - poof! change happens, growth occurs, and fruit is seen.

Ps 1:3, And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Both the fruit and leaf are mentioned.

It isn't ALL about bearing Christian 'fruit', but additionally about abiding by the river of His living water which keeps us in a state of readiness to bear fruit - in season and out.

Note that the fruit is seasonal, but the leaves are always present. We are always ready to bear fruit, for there is no season of lifelessness in the Christian who abides.

In your abiding you are perfect, whether or not you are "in fruit". Relax. Rest. Trust His seasons.

It's Not "Which Way," is it?

4/7/2019

Perhaps you are in a place, where you are questioning God concerning a decision you need to make.

The truth is you do have a sense of His leading. That is the problem. It differs from what you think the decision should be. After all, your response seems safer, responsible, wise, prudent and logical.

Walking your road may appear smart, but it carries risk for catastrophe. Now consider His leading. If you step in it, you demonstrate trust and faith in Him, although catastrophe remains possible. Remember, His way are not our ways.

There is a very real truth that until catastrophe happens, you are less willing to trust, and demonstrate faith in Him. When you have nowhere else to turn, you turn to Him. We all do. The challenge is trusting Him when you do have a choice and that choice carries the potential for negative outcomes. We can never know the future - health, finances, relationship, employment - nothing is assured.

Know this...He is there, whichever choice you choose.

God often uses negative circumstances in our lives for good. You can't judge whether or not the decision is correct by the outcome. The outcome can look 'good' and be of God, yet it can equally look 'bad' and be of God.

So, the question becomes - in what choice do you want to experience possible negative circumstances? Additionally, in what state will positive outcomes be most rewarding? When you follow His leading or yours?

I think your decision has just become obvious.

Messages From God

4/1/2019

Us: Lord, hear my prayer. I have “things” going on in my life, “stuff” weighing on my shoulders, “concerns” that preoccupy my mind.

God: I can’t help you in the future, I live in your “now”.

Us: I thought I was supposed to bring my prayers and requests, my troubles and challenges to you.

God: You bring them to me, not to abdicate responsibility and control but to come to the place of trusting me with your “things”, “stuff” and “concerns” and to be unburdened in the now, with Me.

Us: That is what I want to do, but I can’t. The ball is rolling towards me, I have to keep track of it so I can get out of the way if it turns bad. Help, Lord!

God: As long as you are thinking about other things for tomorrow, the next hour, minute or moment you are not present with me. Remember, I live in you and you live in Me.

Us: How do I get there?

God: I’m so glad you asked. You’ll probably remember many of these reminders:
- In returning and rest you shall be saved
- Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord
- The battle is the Lord’s
- God is our refuge and strength
- Be strong and courageous, don’t be afraid, for I am the one who goes with you
- I will not fail or forsake you
- Tribulation will come but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world
- I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
- Before you call I will hear and while you are still asking I will answer
- Come to me when you are weary and tired and I will give you rest
- You will find perfect peace when your mind is on Me, when we are connected
- Be still and know that I am God
- Come and shelter beneath my wings
- I am your strong tower, your fortress and refuge

Us: Yes, Lord. Thanks for reminding me. My eyes are turning. I’m seeing Your eyes. I see your heart for me…such love! Once again you show me how much You love me and have my best in mind. Yes! Yes! I get it. At this moment, my concerns about tomorrow seem small. Oh, I love my time with you.

God: Yes, I love you. So much! We’ve got this. Why don’t we just rest and talk for a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself, with a little help from Me, and from Our embrace you will remember that with Me you can do anything.

Author

My heart's desire is to walk with people until they believe every good thing that God says about them. This happens as they are introduced to intimate relationship with the lover of their soul.

I love living in Utah with my husband and know a Broadway song appropriate for every occasion in life. I typically get jokes two minutes after they are told.

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