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Can I Get Any Closer?

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My current studies in God’s Word is taking me on a journey of great blessings and wonder. I never tire of being Amazed by God’s Word. Sometimes I feel so childlike when I “get it”. It’s an emotion that has no equal. Just about the time I think my desire to draw nearer to God, to know Him better, to understand His will for me more clearly, but mostly to KNOW WHO HE IS and who I am to Him, is at it’s highest peak, a euphoric emanation envelops me and increases my hunger and thirst for the soul food that only our Lord can provide. His source is pure, whole, and undiluted. There are no imitations in His Word.

Sometimes the events of God’s book jump off the page and entice me until I have read chapters, when shamefully, I didn’t think I had time for a few verses. God’s Word is exciting and exhilarating to me. Then, I get to share it!  

David gives me a small glimpse of how God’s Word influences him as he describes Gods Words as “sweeter than honey”. Psalm 19:10.  I totally identify with that sensation.  God’s Word takes the bitterness or sourness and covers all of it with the sweetness of His love, nurturing, and understanding.

The writer of Psalm 73:28 stated this perfectly “but as for me, drawing near to God is good for me; I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may delcare all Your works.” 

As the world around me is changing, transitioning, and erupting ever so quickly into what I’ve only read in novels, historic documentaries, and tales from secular perspectives, I need, desire, and long to draw closer, know better, and delight in the Words of my Lord and Savior.  His light is safe, His light is comfort, and His light is peaceful to me.  It allows me to KNOW ALL things, good, bad, or indifferent, are for my good and His glory.  This is good news!!  Drawing near to God is an action we exercise intentionally.  It doesn’t just happen.  It is not the granting of a wish.  It is decision we make every day.

Isaiah 45:22 “Turn to Me and be saved, All the ends of the earth, For I am God and there is no one else.”

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God Hears My Baby Cries

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Psalm 4

Some of my favorite sounds are my grandchildren calling my name, birds singing,  wind rustling through the trees, and  kittens playing. The melody that fills me with hope is that of a baby laughing,  talking,  giggling, and screeching with joy.

The opposite is the unsettled resonating of a baby crying, wailing, screaming in pain, and I can’t do anything about it. A sense of helplessness overcomes my thoughts, because the child cannot talk to me and explain what is hurting them, what will bring comfort, and what will calm their souls.

I believe our gracious and loving heavenly Father feels the same way about His children.  He delights in our joy filled hearts.  He smiles when we accomplish our ‘impossible” tasks. He laughs when we laugh and He celebrates in our victories. I also believe our loving Father aches when we cry, wail, and scream. Just like a baby’s mother,  He looks to comfort us, hold us, fill us with His presence so we know we are not alone.

Our compassionate Father in heaven knows exactly what we need and want, because unlike the babe, we are able to talk to our Lord and ask for the attention we need to soothe our broken hearts, our pains, calm our spirits,  renew  our strength,  and refresh our minds. Even if our mouths never uttered one word in prayer, our hearts speak, sob, moan, and sometimes lament louder than our audible voices.  God is a God of hearts.

With our babies, it may seem like guess work, but with our Father,  He already knows.  I’ve experienced times when I realize I need to ask to receive the comfort I seek and other times I am encased, sheltered, and drenched in His assurance.  He gently reminds me I am loved.  Isn’t that what every child yearns to know and hear from their parents?  Will you comfort me, will you have compassion on me, will you value me, will you show me you love me, will you set boundaries for me, will you guard me against the evil, will you protect my heart, will you nurture me in love, will you see my pain,  will you feel my heart break, will you discipline me with love, will you…

In Psalm 4, David describes such a God who is waiting for our voice,  our petitions,  and our praise. God the Father KNOWS what we need.  Ask Him to fill all of your voids. Ask Him to take His character and patch up the cracks in your soul. Ask Him to lavish an abundance of confidence in your heart, mind, and soul of Whose we are. Ask Him to heal, forgive, and let go of the obstacles that prevent you from moving forward.  Ask Him to join you in your joy, your victories, and your accomplishments. Ask Him to guide you every day as you intentionally glorify Him with your life. Ask Him.

I still need my heavenly Father to answer all of those questions.  Sometimes, on a daily basis. 

I am His child.
Teacups, Saucers, and Teapots
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Teacups, Saucers, and Teapots

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I have a collection of teacups, saucers, and a few teapots.  They have come from all over. Each one has a different look, style, color, design, and value. I have considered the creator of each cup and sometimes marvel at the completeness, simplicity, and elegant lines that fashion the delicate vessel.  Sometimes, I think God can look at us as teacups. 

Our cups were purposefully planned long before we acquired them. God used perfect porcelain, perfect colors, perfect designs, perfect firing times, and the perfect cooling times to create the uniqueness each of us represent.  We each have limitations of what we can handle, what we can pour out, and how much pressure we can withstand.  God knows every nuance of our physical and spiritual capabilities. He put them there.

Sometimes we try to alter our design and take on tasks we were not created for or built to withstand.  Sometimes we allow brackish to reside in our cups to stagnate and corrupt our vessels.  Sometimes we put our cups on the shelf where dust collects and stifles our breathing.  Sometimes we hide our cups and rob God of the talent He gave us to serve. We allow carefully constructed imperfections to keep us from receiving what the Lord awaits to fill in us.  God uses the imperfections He blessed us with to accomplish His perfect plan.

Our cups sustain chips from trials, cracks from pressure, and stains from experience.  No matter what condition we find ourselves,  our merciful Jehovah repairs chips, fills cracks, and cleanses our stains. God instilled limitations, boundaries, and capacities in our cups to remind us of our humanity, but He also enmeshed us with a measure of strength, knowledge, and fortitude to follow Him into battle, follow Him in His Word, and follow Him with perseverance. 

He knows our cups must be empty, in order to be filled. God knows what our cups should and should not hold.   He knows the indispensable virtues needed to keep our cups pure and holy.  He knows the elements of our cups must have immeasurable compassion, endless mercy, unceasing forgiveness, and unconditional love for others. 

We should keep our cups clean, but not white washed, barren of self, but not void of righteous worthiness , ready for repairs, but not idle in service , and held out to be filled by God.

God orchestrated the perfect tea to brew in our cups.  All of His ingredients are written in His book so that we welcome the attributes of His Son into our cups. God also provided warnings of the false leaves that come in enticing bags, the cup stirrers who allow strange blends into their cups, and overbearing condiments that cover up the truth.

Sometimes, we need a well fitted saucer to help hold us up, to reveal when our cups are overflowing with anxieties, and to catch the spills when we tilt away from our Creator.  Sometimes we need teapots to refill the needs and desires of our earthly hearts.   

We were all created to serve.  Our many stains, cracks, and chips are what gives us our integrity, wisdom, and strength.  Whatever cup God has called us to be, we must desire to fill our cups with the things from above, which is first true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous,  and praiseworthy. God instilled limitations, boundaries, capacities in our cups, but also enmeshed us with a measure of strength while designing us. 

 Philippians 2:1-5 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like minded,  having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests,  but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. “

Teacups for God.

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I Know, I Know

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There is a song sung by Nicole C. Mullen called My Redeemer Lives.  The lyrics bring to life the words of Genesis, Isaiah, Psalms, and so many other passages that describe Who God is.  I connect so intensely with the words, it swells within me causing me to exhale slowly so I can focus on the One Who is being exalted, magnified, and praised.  This song is a reminder of the God, the One and Only God, I live for and serve.

No matter what the day brings, how dark the night becomes, how deep the pit is, or how high the mountain we face, knowing that our Redeemer lives should change how we face the moment. In the end, victory is ours. It is finished, assured, and guaranteed by God Himself.  Jesus defeated death, crushed sin, and broke the stranglehold of satan.  The empty tomb proclaims again and again that He has the power, the love, and the faithfulness to hold me safely by His side.

The songs all state “I Know”, but do we? We NEED to be “This I Know” women.  More than having the knowledge, I want us to learn how to live as an ‘I Know” person.  The world will do its best to poke holes in this one single truth.  The question constantly being asked of you, by the world is, “Do you really know and what is it that you believe you know?”  Our lives lived before them answers the question without words.  Yet knowing, really knowing, that Jesus truly loves you, is the one thing that will help us stand up against anything life throws our way.  I want Christ’s love to be so real, so defining, and so foundational in our lives that it radiates out for everyone to see.  I want people to look at me and know, that I KNOW Jesus.  I John 5:13 John starts in the first 4 verses explaining the power of our faith.  John then explains why what others see in us is SO VERY IMPORTANT.  I didn’t say what they think about us, but what they SEE in us, is the direct testimony of who God is. Then John wraps it up in a perfect bow in verse 13.  Please read this slowly.  “I have written these things to you that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, to you who believe INTO the name of the Son of God.”  This is not a call on the name of Jesus passage.  To believe INTO is an action.  How do we do this?  Through immersion, where we come INTO the blood of Jesus the Christ.  This word KNOW, in the original Greek language, is a “settled conviction”.  We were not created to walk around like a bunch of question marks.  We were designed to be exclamation points!! 

Let us never forget His greatness, His majesty, His sovereignty, His mighty power, His all knowing, His infinite wisdom, in THE perfect God we worship and live for.  Let us never forget His greatest gift, Forgiveness.  If we do not have an “I Know” spirit, an “I Know” mind set, or an “I Know” settled conviction of His promises, then how can we expect to have or comprehend or even accept the peace that passes ALL understanding or the comfort and assurance of His healing arms and access to His blessings?  We must be “I Know” women of faith.

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What Will My Name Sound Like?

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Why is it, when your name is called, you cautiously wait to hear the context in which it is being delivered, before you accept ownership of your own name?

These questions make me laugh but, when I was young, I had a list of people who I would rather NEVER call my name. Within THIS list were those who rarely called out my name for positive reasons. I can still feel my shoulders shrinking up, my eyes squinting shut, and my mind becoming anxious with a small dose of fear. On the other hand, I also had a list of those who I wished would call my name.

When my grandmother called my name, it sounded so important, which infused me with warmth and comfort. She spoke my name with such love I could feel her emotions before I could physically see her. I did not hesitate to stop what I was doing and go to her wherever she was. When the captain of the kickball team called my name, I thought I won a trophy and eagerly joined my new teammates. I jumped up when the nurse called my name when waiting for my doctor’s appointment to hear my child’s heartbeat for the first time. When the teacher called my name at school and I had the right answer, my squeaks and shrills were too much for my little body to contain. Forever etched in my memory, heart, and soul is the first time my children called me Momma.

God’s Word records in the book of John, chapter 20, a scene that overwhelms my emotions every time I inhale it. Mary is in deep sorrow, weary with weeping, and panicked at not finding Jesus’ body. She went to the tomb to perform the last and only service she could to the One Who gave her life, joy, and purpose. Peter and John have already looked into the tomb and returned to their own, but Mary stays behind and looks into the tomb, where two (2) angels in white were sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had lain. They asked her why she crying and she told them she can’t find Jesus. Then she turned back and Jesus was standing there, but Mary did not recognize Him and thought He was the gardener and again pleaded for the body of the One Who freed her from the demons that possessed her. My favorite verse, 16, “Jesus said to her, Mary!…””

Jesus called her by name!!! Her name has been spoken. What did that sound like? Did her name sound different this time? Did she experience additional comfort, peace, or love upon hearing Jesus say her name. This Messiah was lost and now is alive!! Her hopes were dashed and now awakened! Her doubts were strong and now have faded: All because He called her name. Maybe she was afraid she would never hear her name spoken again by Jesus? But now she has!!! Mary heard Jesus’ voice call her name.  The transformation in her thoughts went from sorrow on top of sorrow, despair, and weeping to running to the disciples to deliver the good news.  Mary was the first person to proclaim the gospel.  Jesus has risen!! 

How many times in a person’s life span will their name be spoken to them?  If my name is never spoken with the same fervor of those, whose voices I can still hear in my heart, I will be fine. The voice I long to hear, the voice I am excited to anticipate, the voice I am tuning my heart to, the voice that will be familiar to me, and the voice Who will be like no other , will be Jesus’. I want to hear Jesus call my name. I want to know what my name sounds like falling from His lips. 

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In God We Trust Again

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This great land we call the “United States”, was founded on the principle of God’s stone slates. We fled religious prosecutors and tax happy kings, In search of freedom and the safety it brings. God minded men placed the stones at their base, Establishing honor, respect, and hope for this race. The Lord has used rocks to focus our minds, Memorials, foundations, and altars of all kinds. These monuments of FAITH have purpose and reason, Viewing them as less would be equal to treason. This Nation we hold as precious and free, Was bought with a price from sea to sea. Man’s blood has been shed since Abel was slain, Sadly enough, from his own brother Cain. From that time to now, many wars have been fought, Still we forget… with whose blood we were bought.

“America the Beautiful” is properly named, American pride will not be tamed. Children parading their banners unfurled, Praising our God to the entire world. God did not bring us out of bondage for fun, His plan for our lives is “His will be done.” America, as people, is united in all states, We as Christians, need to get back to God’s slates. Back in our schools, back in our homes, Back in our work, or wherever we roam. Back in our hearts and back in our souls, Where moths don’t destroy and satan has no control.

Our shame should eat us, as acid does rust, Until united we stand, and in God only trust. Tear down the grudges, tear down the walls, Tear down the issues that separate us all. Start with a handshake, a hug, or a smile, To someone you’ve not said “hello” in a while. America need us whole and in part, To preach the good news, to reach every heart. To remind the children and all who remain, No matter what, Our God Reigns!

I wrote this shortly after September 9, 2001 on a Greyhound bus headed for Texas. Before 9/11, I never imagined or could I fathom the thoughts that ran through my heart, soul, and mind that day. Now, these words and emotions, written 19 years ago, are as vivid and pressing on my heart at they were then.

Spiritual Blessing

Making Excellent Choices

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Luke 10:38-42

This is one of the more widely known lessons during the life of Jesus here on earth. The lessons in this passage of scripture are vast and numerous, so I’ve chosen what spoke to me today.

I’ve been asked the following question a few times before today and I am guessing my answers were different than it is now. “Are you more like Martha or Mary?”

Today, with a huge lump in my throat, I ashamedly admit I get caught up in Martha’s world too often and too easy. I want and desire to be Mary. I profess my Mary attitude more than I imitate her.

Both women were doing exactly what they were supposed to at the time. Where Martha fell short was not in her inability to serve the guests without Mary’s assistance, but she took her focus off of serving and replaced it with judging. Our serving should be from a place of humility and reverence for God. Martha’s new focus was what her sister was NOT doing.

I believe all too often our focus loses sight when our “wronged” emotions spring into action. When we see others NOT doing what WE deem is necessary or of priority, of importance, etc., we allow resentful thoughts to determine our own actions and behaviors. It is easy to react negatively in our congregations, employment, families, and our relationships when we focus on OUR perspective and do not consider others. Unfortunately, these unnecessary resentments can create unwarranted bitter feelings that could have been easily resolved. Maybe the better course of action would be to ask others about their focus and even why? IF, like Martha, you need assistance, then ask for the assistance. We can get so caught up in our assumptions of why WE think others are NOT doing what WE feel is OBVIOUS. There are no modern day mind readers!!!

Martha lost focus of the Word that visited her home that day. Martha wanted her guests to feel satisfied with her service to them, but she lost sight of her service to our Lord when she took her eyes off of Jesus. Mary focused on the only bread she needed for life eternal. Jesus confirms this when He says, “But there is NEED of ONE thing, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Nobody can take away the bread of life from you, unless you choose to place your focus elsewhere.

Jesus IS in our homes every day. The message for me today, from Jesus, is to 1) Sit at My feet, 2) Listen to Me, and 3) Spend time with Me. Focusing on the DO NOT’S of others, robs us of a perfect vision.

Perfect your vision.

Be Thou My Vision

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Behind or Forward ?

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Philippians 3:13

After speaking with a group of ladies this past week, this verse stole my attention and sent me on a journey of better understanding and application. 

As usual Paul starts off the third chapter encouraging them to rejoice in the Lord. Paul states that we can boast in Christ Jesus, but not in ourselves.  We can do nothing, be nothing, and accomplish nothing without being found and firmly planted in Jesus Christ.  We have no righteousness, no power, no fellowship, and no way to be conformed to His death without anchoring our faith in Jesus, with an unmoving resolve. 

Paul also shares his past, where he dares himself to have confidence in himself, the flesh.  In the original language, “confidence” means to “convince by argument” He lists the nobility of his lineage, which would be impressive to the listeners at the time. Paul states all that he came from and all that he attained, cannot compare, nor have reliance on, to what he exchanged it for.  Paul counts his past, the good, the bad, and the ugly, as loss or detriment, refuse or dung, as some versions read.  Paul could have allowed his past to intrude on his present and keep him from being the powerfully influential evangelist, mentor, minister, friend, writer, and so much more that God called him to be. Paul could allow the injustices pummeled on his life to divert his attention to his woes, beatings, and imprisonments.  Instead, he writes in verse 13 the choice he makes every day.  Paul chooses to “Forget the things which are behind”.  What things are we to forget?  All and any negative tapes that satan attempts to permanently fix in our minds, telling us how unworthy we are of our Father’s love and promises, because of our past.  This weapon is a powerful tool to keep Christians from fulfilling their purpose and an even more powerful tool in keeping the seekers of salvation through Christ Jesus from accepting the grace, mercy, and faithfulness offered to all who submit their lives to Him. How do we forget? The original language says “to lose out of mind or to neglect”.  We must stop giving so much attention to our past!! I see Paul embracing his past and using it to glorify God.  He knows what lies ahead and is not about to be left behind by tragedy, trauma, or circumstance.  Next, Paul states to “stretch forward to the things which are before. This is a stretching forward and upon the promises of God. His promises are not behind you.  Verse 14 “I PURSUE toward (forward motion) the goal, (“mark” in the original language, as if you are looking through the scope mounted on a rifle), for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If we put half as much effort into going forward, as we do chasing our pasts, focusing on the prize would be more intentional and not accidental.

Jeremiah 7:21-27 gives an account of Israel going backwards and not forward by not listening to God.

2 Peter 3:10-18 Peter is teaching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and we need to be found in peace by Him, without spot, and blameless.  Verse 14 states we are to look forward to this.

Luke 19:1-10 What if Zacchaeus had not run ahead (forward), would he have been on the right path to find Jesus?

 Proverbs 4:20-27 Solomon instructs his sons to “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.”

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When you fix your eyes on God, God will fix your eyes.” Author Unknown

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A Star In The Night

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A lone Star breaking the darkness in half illuminates the sky like no other before it. Its Brilliance attracts, no, draws your focus, your thoughts, your emotions, every live nerve in your body, with an authority compared to none. The Glow is unique somehow. It surrounds all it comes into contact with, casting no shadows. Its Radiance could be physically felt as if being cradled in a lustrous down comforter. Its Glory emits a broadcast of an inaudible message. The Resplendent shine delivers an incomprehensible peace that infiltrates your very soul. The Epistle conveyed an accompaniment of unabridged flawless, unblemished, and laundered renewing. No matter where you stood, the Light touched you. That night, the world shifted.

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“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

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Tree Vision is Illuminating

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Luke 19:1-6

I remember as a child one of my favorite adventures was tree climbing.  My grandmother had a huge apple tree in her back yard. I spent hours exploring the tree. I dared myself to climb a little higher each time I headed up the tree. On just the right branch, I could see the roof of the house, all the way down the alley, and I could see anybody approaching the tree. If I was hidden in the fullness of the leaves and remained quiet, the passerby could not see me. 
In Luke 19, Zaccheus did not want to be hidden in his search for Jesus.  There are a vast number of lessons to be derived from this passage. What I came away with today is, don't climb a tree without carefully counting the cost. Sometimes, we truly bite off more than we can chew. We pick impossible trees to climb. Sometimes, ALL we can see is the assent and forget how high we've climbed, what our purpose was in climbing, and realize we’ve made no preparations for following through on our good intentions. Then our only recourse is to find our way back down the tree without gaining anything from the climb.  
Zaccheus had a mission. Scripture states he was small in stature. He had to rise above the crowd to see Jesus. He had an intense desire to be where Jesus is. Zaccheus ran ahead of the path he knew Jesus was on so he could pick the right tree. It had to be tall enough to see above the crowd, accessible enough to attempt the climb, and strong enough to hold him for as long as it took to see the One Who could bring salvation to his soul. 
Can you picture this?  Scripture doesn’t say, but I can imagine Zaccheus was not the only person who climbed a tree that day.  There may have been others, but Jesus was drawn to a heart that was eagerly awaiting His coming, therefore, Jesus spotted him immediately, called him by name, and asked him to come down and join Him.  My eyes are welling up with joyful tears for Zaccheus.  
What is your mission? We must overcome and remove all obstacles that would block our vision of the One Who brings answers, brings healing, brings provision, brings unconditional love, and brings life eternal.  This rich, chief tax collector, who admitted to cheating many Jewish people for personal gain, has caught the eyes of the Savior.  This Zaccheus, had a heart that was searching. Who are you looking for?
We too must carefully select trees with purpose.  Make sure it is tall enough, so your focus never leaves Jesus sight.  Make sure it is attainable, so you will not grow weary and never make the climb. Make sure it accomplishes the goal of laying your eyes on Jesus. Make sure it is strong enough to hold you for as long as it is called today.

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Tree Vision is Illuminating.