Light on Your Path

 

In January our pastor talks about vision. “Even if a person has 20/20 vision, it does them no good without light. When we are born again, we have 20/20 spiritual vision, yet we still need the light of God’s Word to see what God is saying.” – Pastor Mark Cowart, CFAN The Power of Vision

He speaks of catching God’s vision for our lives and writing it down and being purposeful about fulfilling His plans in our lives. He speaks of the need for God’s light to understand God’s will and great plans for us. That light is called rhema. It’s the light of God that gives us understanding of His Word.

We know God’s will about many things - that we love one another and that we be quick to forgive. We know He wants us to share His truth and His love (with words, if necessary). We know He wants us to always rejoice and give thanks. We know He wants us to turn from sin and turn TO Him.

Because of that light, God’s rhema light, I know He wants us to run with Him and discover all the love and joy and secrets and power and authority He’s placed before us.

When it comes to learning to do things His way, we need to accept that it’s not simply because “He’s the boss” but because His way is truly best (and probably most adventure-filled) for us.

We love our children with a crazy, passionate love. When they’re small, we want to teach them how to do the everyday things they’ll need to master early in life like feeding themselves and walking, using manners, sharing and so much more. We teach them OUR way of doing them, we know how to do them efficiently and effectively. Along the way, we may see clever little ways they adapt their own personality to what they’re doing while still putting one foot in front of the other and still managing to get their food into their mouth. They still manage to write out letters and words, but in their own handwriting.

I’m right-handed. If my child is left-handed he’s going to hold his pencil differently than I do – but he’ll still master writing.

Here I go stating the obvious, but we aren’t God.

Though we endeavor to teach our children our ways of doing things, our way isn’t the only way.

God knows more ways to do things than we can imagine. He designed us to be like Him – creative! He wants us to discover new ways of showing off our creativity. He doesn’t care if we color outside the lines. He wants us to show off His glory through the talents He’s given us.

Clearly, we don’t want our children hurting themselves, we try to steer them in certain directions, teaching them to obey laws and to love and respect others. When they’re young, it’s usually easier to get compliance from them. As they grow confident in who they are and how they make their own decisions, they’re harder to protect. Eventually, we may discover that they didn’t need all the protection we pushed on them. They may leap into the air and fly, filling their hands with success. They need to have the freedom to discover even things we don’t know about them.

God’s Word teaches us all we need to know. Yet convincing us that His way is best must look futile at times. Once we’ve established ourselves as individuals we want to make our own decisions. Regarding our relationship with Him, He’s given us that freedom; the freedom to choose Him and His ways or reject Him. He knows what each choice holds. He’s already seen the outcome.

Now, if I was holding tomorrow night’s winning lottery numbers in my hand, wouldn’t you want me to show them to you? Wouldn’t  you want me to “shed a little light” on that for you?

Pray for God’s rhema light. Ask Him for it, and He’ll give it to you.

“In him was life; and that life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” – John 1:4-5

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

 

Christmas Magic

 

Last night I laid down on the floor to look up through the branches of the Christmas tree. As a young child it was quite the magical thing to do.

Tonight? Nah. It was pretty, but not magical. We have a beautiful, pre-lit tree with tiny colorful lights, but not the large bright bulbs of yesteryear.

Eons ago, in my pretty little head, perhaps I longed to believe for magical suspension of existence in my fear shrouded little life, a longing for peace. Maybe in a home of six rambunctious children I sought a magical quiet. Maybe I pondered the awe of growing up splashed all over the reality of childhood.

I probably made up my own magical stories – as I’ve continued to do for decades since.

Whatever thoughts danced through my mind were thoughts that left me inspired and smiling.

The tantalizing starlight bursts from a million colorful Christmas bulbs and the grin from the jolly stuffed Santa perched up in the branches of a pine tree whose scent I’ll never forget made an indelible memory, kept safe in the recesses of my mind. It awakens every Christmas season.

The memory is there, but the magic is gone. Replaced by adulthood with its many responsibilities, magic seems a distant possibility.

Yet, I read of my King – Who calls the things that are not as thought they are! (Romans 4:17 – “…in the presence of the God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” ESV – or as the good ol’ King James phrases it: “…God, who quickens the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”)

I also read that the unseen is greater than what I can see with my eyes. (2 Corinthians 4:18 – “…the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”)

This speaks to me of wonder more magnificent than magic.

1 Corinthians 13:12 tells us, “For now we see through a glass, darkly’ but then face to face: now I know in part; but I then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Just as a child (and most adults) don’t understand magic and how magic tricks are performed, we who are made righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus don’t yet understand the things of God like we will when we stand before Him face to face.

As a child, I gazed up into a magical looking Christmas tree.

Now, as a Child of God – I gaze into His Word and behold the wonder of the Christ behind our Christmas celebrations. As I read His Word, I grow to know Him better, but the best is yet to come!

“But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Who Gets You Dressed in the Morning?

(pinterest)

 We recently talked about clothes and the garments God has for us, but today I’d like to explore for a minute the topic of who dresses you? We’re not earthly royalty with paid staff to select our clothes and keep them looking their best, who present them to us and then dresses us as if we’re children.

So – who dresses you? Of course, you do, unless you’ve been physically compromised in some way.

As I mentioned before, there are many garments God provides for us. But we don’t stand at our closet choosing between the garments of praise vs attire of gloom and heaviness. Or do we?

Let me ask again, who gets you dressed? You? Or… your worst critic?

If I think of myself as a failure, the cynic in my head may get to be the one who picks out the clothes I’ll wear tomorrow. If I think of myself as not worthy of wearing the nicest clothes in my closet, I may well wind up walking around in public tomorrow looking “less than” as perhaps I don my most faded jeans and the blouse that’s seen a few too many days, or torn sweatpants and that saggy t-shirt that’s faded and stained.

Won’t everyone I meet be impressed?!

Now that’s not to say that these selections might be all that’s in your physical wardrobe, at the moment. But remember, God looks at the heart, only man looks at the appearance.

(pinterest - no my closet doesn't look like this either.)

If we see ourselves as the royalty we truly are, we’ll reach for that newer blouse and our best fitting slacks! (Unless we’re painting the bathroom today.) We’ve all heard phrases like “Dress for Success” or “Dress for the job you WANT to have”.

But what if we just dress as who we are in Christ? I’m His Princess. You may hear me call most every woman and girl I meet “Princess”. That’s because in Christ, that’s exactly who she is! She’s the daughter of the King of kings!

If you find yourself standing on the outside looking in, longing to belong to the kingdom of God – please ask me to introduce you to Him so you can take your rightful place seated with Jesus in heavenly places, at the right hand of God the Father, Himself! (See Ephesians 2:5-7 here.)

But even as Princesses, we all have days where we “just don’t feel like Princesses”. We trip occasionally and listen to a lie or two of the enemy and fall for them.

(pinterest - no, my closet doesn't look like this one, either.)

We ARE the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus! We don’t have to work at being righteous. We probably need to work the holiness gig a bit, but when we submit our lives to Jesus, He puts His Robe of Righteousness on us Himself. We are righteous – in Him. Righteousness and holiness are not the same thing. Jesus came to earth to trade His Righteousness for our sin. We got the best end of that deal!

Holiness is walking out that righteousness, turning away from sin every time we’re tempted by the enemy of our soul, the one who’s plans include stealing us away from God. But God isn’t about to let that happen.

So today, spiritually speaking, let’s reach for the royal gown, not the filthy rags Jesus already tossed into the fire. Let’s walk with our head held high and our hand in the hand of the Man that stilled the waters and calmed the seas. Take a good look at yourself using the Word of God as your mirror. You are God’s royalty! (See 1 Peter 2:9 here.)

 

(slator .com)

 

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesian 2:5-7

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9

Will It Fit?

 

(pic from pinterest)

New clothes that don’t fit? In Christ - there’s no such thing.

Our pastor touched on various garments mentioned in the Bible, Sunday morning. We can read about priestly garments, wedding garments, garments of salvation, garments of praise and more. And of course there’s the Robe of Righteousness that Jesus gives us when we ask Him to forgive us of our sin and invite Him to live in our heart.

I read somewhere that the enemy never stops accusing us before our heavenly Father. Jesus had (has) accusers, the Apostle Paul had accusers, we all have accusers. The things we may be accused of probably don’t carry a hefty penalty in this world. If our enemy accuses us of gluttony, no judge will throw us in jail. If we’re accused and even found guilty of lying or cheating, or probably even stealing – we’re not going to do jail time. It’s not how our legal systems work. I just read about a teenage boy this morning who raped two girls and got off with a slap on the wrist.

Satan tries to make us look bad to our fellow man or to “ruin our testimony” by highlighting things we’ve done wrong throughout our lives. But in this world, his accusations, whether true or not, don’t generally carry much weight. However, in the kingdom of God, he knows that sin carries a far greater penalty. That’s why he takes his accusations to God – not mere man.

(pic from pinterest)

But once we’ve become a part of the glorious body of Christ, his accusations hold no weight at all. Jesus paid the price for every sin we’ve ever committed – or will ever commit. He’s even paid for the sins we thought about committing! His blood paid the price for all of it.

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”

Revelation 12:10 (NKJV)

(pic from instagram)

No matter how ugly our past was littered with sin, it’s time we walk in the new garments God has given us!

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12 (NKJV)

We are quick to criticize ourselves. “If God knew what I’ve done…” Guess what – He DOES know. And He’ll forgive it. All of it! Cast off those works of darkness. Put on His armor of Light!

When He hands you His Robe of Righteousness, put it on! It’s the Righteousness of Christ we put on – not our own. Our own righteousness can never be good enough.

God has the perfect size for you, because He’s perfected you in Christ. Now you can move freely!

(pic from pinterest)

In Christ, every garment He gives us fits just right. Put them on!

By the way, your robe of Righteousness goes UNDER the armor of God. We can’t wield the Sword of God’s Word without right-standing with Him. 

(pic from etsy)

Readiness......

 

If God just showed up in bodily form at your door, how might you react? We might laugh at the idea, thinking it’ll never happen, or panic because “the house is a mess”.

But because He doesn’t necessarily choose to wear flesh when He shows up, we tend to ignore the reality that He’s here.

What if God announced that He would be showing up at your door tomorrow morning? So, it’s not a surprise visit. What might you do to prepare for His coming?

Would you feel unprepared and ask Him not to come until one day next week (or next month)?

Would you sit up all night waiting on Him? Do you think you’d be afraid or excited? Do you think you’d be nervous or like a child knowing his dad was coming home from a trip that felt a little too long this time?

Would you take the time to make sure everything was clean and in order, or just be so glad to see Him that nothing else mattered?

Would you think you’d have things to hide before He gets there? Or maybe that He’d be disappointed with what He saw when He walked through the door? Would shame rise up within you? Or would your heart be flooded with joy?

Truth is, He shows up at the door of your heart every single day.

Do you notice Him there and let Him in?

Do you not recognize Him and blow past Him?

Are you too busy to even notice that someone is knocking?

When your neighbor comes to the door with a need, do you turn them away?

When a man at Walmart drops his items, do you stare and laugh, or do you kneel and help him pick them up?

When your child is struggling with their homework, do you [try to] help them understand what they’re doing?

When you see a lost child crying at the supermarket, do you console them and help them find their mom? Or look the other way?

When you know a friend is sick, do you pray for them, perhaps send a card, call (or text) to check on her or even take her flowers?

When someone you know is down on their luck, do you visit them or try to cheer them up? Pray with them? Or avoid them because it’s an awkward situation?

When you see someone wronged, do you speak up?

When someone wrongs you – do you forgive quickly or hold a grudge?

When dealing with someone who doesn’t seem to realize how easily you could cheat them, do you?

When your child or friend creates something they’re proud of, do you encourage them?

When your friend writes a new blog post, do you read it? (wink;wink)

“And the King will answer and say to YOU, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

Matthew 25:40

There are so many little ways we prepare our hearts for the King.

But only He can wash your heart and make you righteous. To be truly ready for His visits, you need to let Him come in and do the cleaning. Open that door right now and ask Him in…….

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Revelation 3:20

 

What a Powerful Weapon

 

(picture from tinybuddha .com)

One of my most powerful weapons is evident in God’s Word. We find it tucked into the book of Philippians, among other places. These are some of my very favorite verses in the Word because of the dark place they lifted me from. I consider them key to opening every treasure in God’s Word. As a matter of fact, I use them as my signature sometimes. They’re even on my address labels.

Philippians 4:4-8.

Rejoicing, no matter our circumstances can change everything about the way we view our lives. I consider this the bazooka in my arsenal. Satan can’t stand against it. There’s nothing he can do about it at all. When he throws his worst at us and sees us rejoicing anyway, he has to know he's a defeated foe. By the way, joy and happiness are not the same thing. Though joy will bring happiness…

It may seem harsh to expect people to rejoice even in their darkest hour, but it’s one thing that allows God’s outreached hand to clasp ours and pull us out. My friend’s daughter was murdered a few weeks ago, and I know the thing that will most effectively help her move forward with God is to rejoice and give Him glory for her life. Of course, I don’t mean to tell anyone they should rejoice BECAUSE OF something that’s happened (or didn’t happen). Or that they should rejoice and be thankful because something or someone was taken from them. But in the midst of those circumstances, we can rejoice in the One Who saw it all from the beginning and knows what to do in the moment and in the next moment. And the next.

picture from wallpaper cave)

I realize you know this. I’m just writing to remind you. No matter how dark a storm gets, Jesus is the brilliant dawn that will arise and take us through tomorrow.

When rejoicing is the last thing we feel like expressing, it’s the best thing to do. It reveals to us (and shows our all-knowing God) that we trust Him, and that we truly do believe He’s good, no matter what’s going on around us. Sometimes in the midst of that rejoicing is where we figure out that we really DO trust Him and that He really DOES love us.

When we’re rejoicing in Christ, I don’t know if it’s even possible for us to worry. For me, once I let the joy bubble up within me, it chases whatever has been trying to rob me of my peace. I think the enemy wants to steal our joy as much as he wants to take our faith from us.

When I read that we’re to let our gentleness be evident to all, I see our gentleness as the opposite of us being defensive; we’re allowing God to defend us, so we can afford to be gentle. Gentle doesn’t mean passive or looking the other way, but actively rejoicing (perhaps quietly, maybe boldly and loud) while we’re trusting that in God, even when our world is falling apart around us. He doesn’t want us to be anxious about anything, but to allow our trust in Him to accompany that joy as it flows out of us to everyone around us. Gentleness includes actively praying and making our needs known to God and doing so with thanksgiving.

(picture from goodnet)

That’s when God’s peace can take us over. By worrying and allowing ourselves to become stressed out and fearful in a situation, we’re actively rejecting and blocking His peace out of our circumstances, leaving our hearts vulnerable for attack from the enemy. God’s peace is above everything and beyond our human explanations. God’s peace actually guards our hearts AND our minds. Those are the very areas the enemy is trying to attack and cause disarray and discouragement and anger and impulsiveness. We need His guard to prevail and overcome.

Whether we’re singing or humming; dancing or laying still under our covers, whether we’re dancing around the room or driving our car – God recognizes our joy. He sees our joy and His peace is ushered into us. Finding ourselves overcome with His peace may even surprise us!  He is always as close as we need Him to be. He never wanders away. He never takes His eyes off of us. He’s never too busy to meet our needs. He never makes us wait for His peace. If we’re not experiencing His peace, we’re the ones denying ourselves that peace by worrying and not trusting Him. He’s right there patiently waiting for our change of attitude. He’s not angry with us because we faltered and doubted. He’s not shaking His head because we’re still trying to do things on our own. His peace is just as patient as His love for us.

(picture from rgb stock)

When rejoicing isn’t spontaneous, we have to ask ourselves what we’re thinking about. What are we dwelling on and mulling over in our minds? Are we thinking on the good things in Life? The good that God is to us? The good gifts He’s given us? His saving grace and immeasurable mercy? Are we thinking about all the provision He’s already lavished on us? Or are we thinking on what’s gone wrong in our circumstances – or what COULD go wrong? Are we mulling over how things could have gone differently, or how we wish we could fix our situation ourselves? Are we imagining the different choices that could have or should have been made? Do we think we’re mentally punishing someone else for something they’ve done? We’re not. If we’re not rejoicing, we’re punishing and hurting ourselves and perhaps making the people who love us feel sad or upset or frustrated with us. This is the ever so powerful verse eight: think on the good things. Simple – but oh so powerful! God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. How can such a simple tool be such a strong tool? It’s so easy to think on good things, unless our heart is intent on thinking on the wrong things. Journal a list of good things to keep on hand to think on when the enemy tries to insist you think on how you’ve been hurt or betrayed. The list will grow longer with time. Thinking on good things and rejoicing go hand in hand; they feed each other.

To me, rejoicing is like the underwear we wear under the full armor of God. Who goes out with their underwear? Who wants armor rubbing on their bare skin? The more outrageous our joy, the thicker the undercovering beneath the armor – making it easier to put the armor on and wear it all day long.

Okay, you already know I’m not a pithy woman. But, I’ll wrap things up.

Joy is contagious. Once we’re rejoicing, even if it’s not blatantly obvious to those around me, they’ll start feeling it, too. They get to choose whether to take it up or run from it, but they’ll know it’s there for the taking. Spread it around liberally. Especially around children. They love it!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:4-8 (NKJV)

 

Solid As A Rock

 

To me, forty-eight years of marriage to the same man is worth celebrating. So is the man himself! We celebrated our first wedding anniversary at a laundromat in Jacksonville, North Carolina somewhere near Camp Geiger. Humble beginnings and happy hearts can take you a long way, but God has promised to take us all the way. (It’s easier when you’re cooperating with Him.)

Other anniversaries have been more costly, but love can’t be measured by the price tag on the celebration. We were just as happy at that laundromat as we were in the Caribbean.

There have been plenty of bumpy spots along the way, most of them were me tripping uphill. But we’ve come through the thick and the thin, his long military career, his almost as long police career, many moves and ups and downs with children and grandchildren, all glory to God and the patience He’s continuously pouring into my husband, Dave.

There are small things and great things to celebrate about my man. The main things are that he loves Jesus  first and he loves me second. His selfless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness should win him the husband of the year award every single year. Above is a picture of two stones that mean nothing to anyone else, but I’ll cherish them. This is the type of thing that makes my heart giggle, it feels like Dave is tickling my heart from the inside out when he does things like this. And he does them all the time!

While driving this past summer on journeys far and wide, Dave is the main driver; I’m the navigator. He’s always my dependable driver. With GPS on my phone, it’s pretty easy to be the navigator now. Back in the day, when paper maps were all the rage and impossible to refold, I got us lost plenty of times. We’re not fast while walking, hiking or driving, but we get there. We call ourselves the Ground Coverings, because – well, we’re covering ground.

Cruising down the road, I admire most everything along the way. Oooo – look at that tree! Oh, look at those flowers! And plenty of questions that neither Dave nor I know the answers to. Fortunately, our phones are smarter than we are, so we direct our questions to some magical voice in our phones that seems to know most everything.

While driving somewhere between northeast Tennessee and northeast Ohio, I was admiring the cliffs towering to either side of us, rising up into the brilliant sunshine. In my ramblings, I mentioned that it would be cool to feel the rock they’re made of (I’m a tactile kinda gal) and within seconds, Dave slowed down and pulled over – just so I could jump out of the car and feel the cliffside. That’s where I snatched up these stones. These are what those cliffs are made of. I imagine it’s some type of slate. But they sit here on my desk to remind me that on occasion, Dave may get on my nerves (as all spouses do), but he loves me like no one else can. Yep – God put that love for me in his heart. I have no doubt that we’ll be together till death do us part. 

(The flowering tree pods came from an impromptu roadside stop, as well.)

Happy Anniversary, Babe! I love you forever and always.

Simply Put....

 

Simply put.

How can we simplify the chaos in our minds these days? We actually have a lot of options, and we should use as many of them as we can.

I run to the Word of God. Nothing can comfort me like God’s words to me. Nothing can calm me like His Spirit being present with me.

But sometimes I feel like I need to go looking for Him, as if He’s hidden in plain view but for me to accept the peace He has for me, I have to go in search of it. Silly, right? But, if I need to head out on a trail, or hike through a meadow or just go for a drive through the mountains or walk along a beach – that’s what my head needs to quiet down so I can listen. Those of you who know me personally know I can be loquacious. I admit it, I can be chatty. But if you think I’m talkative on the outside, you should hear what’s sometimes going on the INSIDE of my head! So, if I need to “get away” for a while, then that’s what I need to do. Dave (my wonderful husband) knows that taking me out into nature will always fill my “happy tank” – and he’ll take me there when he can tell I need it. Whether that’s a walk on the trail across the street from where we live, or someplace a little further away.

And that, my friends, is where I find the simple things that my brain needs to quiet itself and hear the still small voice of God. Might that be what you need today?

Go for a walk, alone or with a friend. It’s been my experience that when I take a friend (generally my best friend) I have to work more at being quiet. Chat with your friend – for a while. But leave time to chat with the One that loves you most and wants more than anything to soothe your soul, quiet your mind and love your worries away.

I thought I would share with you a few of my “simply” moments today.

“Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” - Psalm 16:9

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: don’t worry yourself because of the one who prospers in his way, or because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass…” – Psalm 37:7

“The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

“Therefor did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope:” – Acts 2:26

“Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you: not as the world gives peace. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

“…Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: and he shall have it, and his seed after him…” – Numbers 25:12-13

“…let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” – Isaiah 27:5