Discovering the Mystery of Who I Am in Christ
After taking a poll on my ministry's social media group, I have come to realize that many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to reading the Bible. I decided to do a series of quick and simple Bible study tips. Encouragement- God meant for you to understand his Word by his Spirit. By simply praying …
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Enlightened hearts. Here in Ephesians, it is Paul's prayer that the eyes of their hearts be enlightened. But what does it mean to be enlightened?
When Jonah was sent into Ninevah, he was sent with the message: "God will destroy his city in 40 days." Ninevah was a pagan city, yet the Lord sent a reluctant prophet to warn the people. God didn't want to destroy Ninevah. He didn't delight in its demise, so he sent a man of God …
So, why in the world would I show you all my dirty laundry? Well, not laundry. I would never show you that! But, why would I show you my mess? Because the Lord impressed something so precious on my heart, as I walked through the mess, stepping over wires from my husband's studio, and trying to find a square foot to set my bags down on after work. You see, I just finished speaking at a lovely weekend retreat called Revealed Retreat: Discover Who I Am in Christ. I challenged the ladies to give the Lord the deepest parts of their hearts - even the rooms of their hearts that they have shut the doors on for years. In the fight to stay positive and to keep from drowning in pain, sorrow and despair, people tend to avoid difficult conflict that arises when dealing with broken relationships and pain from the past. It's easier to ignore things and to just keep stuffing. These are things that may give us PTSD, if we decide to unpack them.
Instead of "What is happening to my life?" and thinking on the things that I have suffered, I began to feel the Lord open my heart to the things that I actually have not lost. Here before me are beautiful children. We lost a close family friend, some have lost a child, others a parent. But still, in the words of a beautiful woman who lost a nephew, "We need to celebrate the living. That is where we focus."
During the holidays, some of our fondest memories are meals with friends and family around tables laden with tender savory meats, hot creamy mashed potatoes and steaming side dishes. Beautiful, bright vegetables add color to the warmly decorated table. Special dishes come out, along with the candles, lace, nice silver and linen napkins, freshly pressed …
Continue reading "There’s More Than Enough At God’s Table For You"
The pilgrims' lives truly were lived in sacrifice without complaining, as was their trademark. They were living in the New World before it was famous for "first world problems". As I poured through their journals and writings, I was gripped with an extreme conviction. Their hard work ethic, their fellowship and unity, their faithfulness, their lack of complaining paints a stark contrast to the world that I live in. The men, women and children who left everything to come to The New World were following what they believed was the strong and direct will of The Lord for their lives. They were refugees in every sense of the word, yet they lived in confident knowledge that the King of Kings was their father and protector.
In a time of distress we seek The Lord for healing. Whether you need emotional, physical, mental, spiritual or relational healing, Jesus Christ is faithful. He will always work his Father's will in your life, as you seek him. I didn't say he will fulfill your will, but he will fulfill his Father's perfect will …
Some seasons of our lives are times of change, personal stretching and maybe, even a time of loss. I have been struck this year by the brevity of life. When I count up my years, all that I have lived for and loved seems so small. Even my busiest years seem like a drop in …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~Psalm 19 The Heavens Declare the Glory of God! "
This summer, I asked God to give me a "word" for this school year we are starting. I needed a word that would embody God's plan or focus for me and a word to give me personal direction for my life. Some people pick a word for themselves. An example of this may be a …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~ Psalm 18 Train My Hands for Battle!"
