Messiness

Do you feel like you're in the middle of a mess?

Tell God about it.

Experience his compassion and the surprises He has waiting for you.

Faith Stages - Building Blocks of your Relationship

Spiritual Exercise: Faith- much more than something you “have” but involves being in a relationship with God. As you read, pray, and identify with God, your faith grows.  As is the case with any relationship, when you get to know someone, you can trust them and you grow to rely on them.  Exercising your faith means you are deepening your relationship with God. 

Write about your relationship with God and how you’ve grown – identify your stages of faith. 

Checking Out

Sometimes I just check out...in a good way.

What happens is that I'll be working along and for no apparent reason I stop and remember that God is right there, waiting for me to talk to Him.

I love that.

So I check out of life.

I turn to God and take in His love.

...checking out.

Huge Blessings

Talking to God is one of the biggest blessings of my life!

Now, God has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I've always talked to God.  My dad said it was okay to do that, and it was good to listen.  My dad also taught me to read scripture and to listen to God so he can show me what he wants me to see.  It's like there are secrets embedded in between the words.

THAT is a HUGE Blessing!

Laugh WITH Me

People who know me are well aware that I can do the craziest things!  What's really cool is that I don't plan them...they just happen.

Sometimes, I stop and ask God, "how DID I do that?"

I can almost hear God laughing WITH me.

That's why I don't mind doing crazy stuff.  I love hearing God laugh!

A Little Help

From time to time we all need a little help.  While God is available all of the time and is always accessible, sometimes it helps a lot to be touched, hugged, and reminded "it's gonna be okay".

You know, it's true.

It's gonna be okay.

Relax.

Let God take over for a change.

Grace

So here's the thing.

Today was not the best of days.  Too much work.  Allergy season.  Miserable sneezing.

Yet, in the midst of it all, God sends the gift of His Spirit and shows me something I've wondered about for years in scripture.

What a blessing!  We carry within us God's grace.

Wonderful grace.

Get Real!

One thing God loves is when we are REAL with Him.

God loves it when we sit with Him and talk...about anything.

That means if you're hurt you can talk about it.

If you're angry, talk about it!

If you're really happy...talk about it.

What's most important is that you get real and TALK.

Welcome to Today

People love invitations because it means they've been chosen.

You are invited to talk to God today.  God is inviting you to spend time, quality time if possible, or even seconds if that's all the time you have.

You are invited because God chooses YOU!

Always Good

People frequently ask me why bad things happen.

Dunno.

What I have witnessed that while bad things do happen, God always brings good from the bad.

If you've experienced something bad, take time to talk to God about the good that came from the bad.

You may have to watch and listen, but you will get an answer...

Love

Can you think of a time that you felt someone loved you?  Maybe you were a child, or maybe it was today…

I had a moment yesterday that touched my heart deeply.  My oldest granddaughter (Jr. High now) sent me a text message and told me she wasn’t feeling well and she had a fever. 

I genuinely felt bad for her, but at the same time her text warmed my heart. Suddenly I was gramma and I knew she cared enough to reach out to me.

When is the last time you reached out to someone, for support or to support?  Loving the person right in front of you is what we are called to do.  Love is the most important thing we can give someone, and it’s also the most lasting gift we can give. 

Who did you love today?

Overthink

My "theme" for this summer seems to be "overthinking".  I didn't count, but I would think (no pun intended) that I've been told 25 times lately that I am "overthinking" things.

Hummm...

That's probably true but I'm not sure I know how to stop that.

I do know that I think about God a lot.  I'm pretty sure He likes it that I think about Him.  Feeling has to be involved as well, but thinking about God's blessing, miracles, grace are all very good.

Come to think of it, I think I'll talk to God...

Monday

Some days don't turn out quite like expected.

Take today.  It seemed to start out okay, but about an hour into my work day it seemed like someone pushed the fast motion button and kicked things into high gear.

The rest of the day stayed in high gear.

While it wasn't quite what I expected, I realized (as I walked out of work after 12 hours) that throughout the day there were blessings...little miracles along the way.  One of those was talking to God and listening for His response.

When Jesus told the disciples he was sending a helper who would be our constant guide and companion, the disciples didn't have any idea what a blessing that would be!  What a great plan God had for communicating with us!!!  

ASK

Have you ever had questions for God?

I have them all the time. 

People used to tell me they have questions they are going to ask God when they get to see Him face to face.  That’s okay, but there are a lot of questions we can ask now and we don’t have to wait on.

I had a miscarriage when I was 28 years old.  It was as hard for me as any woman and I didn’t understand.  God gave me Isaiah 55:8-11 says:

I don't think the way you think.
   The way you work isn't the way I work."
         God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
   so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
   and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
   and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
   producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
   not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
   they'll complete the assignment I gave them.

It took time but eventually I understood that God had a better plan.  My youngest son was born 3 years later, and he has been a great treasure to me…he IS a warm-hearted man.  He was the child I was supposed to raise.  Losing the baby before him did something to my heart and made me want HIM more. 

We CAN ask questions.  Sometimes we get quick answers and at other times, it takes a while before we can see the answer. 

The point is: ASK and you will receive.

Rain or Shine

The weather was beautiful where I live today, and I thought about creation and how God “thought up” everything.  I am always fascinated by how creation came into existence (through God’s RUACH or breathe). 

God breathed and creation came into existence.

I do not believe that God created and we are left to fend for ourselves.  I believe God is active IN creation and is ever present WITH us.  That means, rain or shine, God is present. 

That also means we can breathe IN God.  As you take time to talk to God, be aware you are breathing in the presence of God. 

End of our Rope

We all feel like we are at the end of our rope sometimes…

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

The truth is that being at the end of your rope isn’t a bad place to be because at that point we realize we aren’t capable of doing things on our own. 

Telling God, “I can’t do this without YOU is wonderful affirmation that we seek Him.  God loves it when we turn to Him, for ANY reason and at any time.”

Turn to God today.

Tell Him – I NEED YOU.

Christian

What does it mean to be a "Christian" who talks to God?

Various cultures assign meaning to what it means to be a Christian who talks to God.

There are people who think it means you don't make mistakes and you expect to be around people who don't make mistakes.  Actually that couldn't be more inaccurate.

It means you have decided to follow Christ and you talk to the one who IS perfect.

Christians aren't perfect...just forgiven.

It's all about grace.  Talking to Jesus is talking to the one who gives grace.  Again and Again.  

Faithful

God is faithful.

Consider the people of Israel.  They continually turned away from God but God was always there when they  turned back.  He forgave them and continued to love them.

God sent the prophets and they persecuted and ignored them.

God sent His Son.

They beat him and killed him.

Jesus defeated death and came back to life.

God was faithful.

Nothing has changed on that front.

God is still faithful.

To me.

To you.

The End of Your Rope

Matthew 5:3 in The Message says:

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of God and his rule.


I didn't used to think being at my wits end when my kids were little was such a blessing, but looking back I agree that it was a blessing.  Not only was I surrounded by my children (something I love), I knew my need for God was very real and very close.  I looked for God.

Knowing I needed God and receiving what God had for me was the blessing.


Are you at the end of your rope?  Look for God.  Receive God's rule (done by turning to God).

You WILL be blessed!

Confusion

some daze are very confusing...

take today for example.

Really, God?

Is this the life you want for me?

I was yelled at more than 10 times.

Treated like crap.

...only as good as how much I can give someone what they want.



Psalm 139 says God is with us wherever we go.

Getting yelled at

as good as giving someone what they want

God understands all of those things.

helps us sort through confusion.

gives peace.

love.

grace.

to everyone.

even those who yell.

Carry ur Friend

One way we "carry each other's burdens" is through prayer.  If you have a friend who is struggling, praying for him/her is a great gift you can give.

Second, you need to get up and "go" to your friend.  Physically, you need to help him/her carry their burden. Sometimes that means physically working alongside them.  At other times that means helping financially as you are able.  If your friend is starving, praying for him/her before you eat a large meal is ridiculous.

The point is, as you pray, GO and stand with your friend.


That's exactly what Jesus did.  

To be Heard

Do you remember a time when you were "heard"?  Or a time when you were NOT "heard"?

We all like to know we've been heard and that someone is listening.

That's why it's vitally important for us to spend time with God (sometimes just sitting) so that we develop a greater understanding of His character and love.  Only then will we know God cares and hears us.

It's also important that we take time to listen to God because as we listen we develop an understanding of how God relates to us and moves in our lives.

Today, spend time listening and getting to know God.  Give God time.

God IS the Point

Fasting is an ancient practice that is clearly discussed in the Old and New Testament and is a practice that is blessed by God and reaps rewards too numerous to convey in a few paragraphs.  I will say that as I have fasted through the years I have always been surprised by the “gift” of God.  As I practice fasting I have learned that the “best” practice is to seek God and only God.  Seeking the reward is like missing the point.  The point IS God. 

Having said that, however, I might add that there ARE rewards…surprises along the way.

One reward I’ve experienced is experiencing extreme clarity. 

Have you fasted lately?  Let me know if you have questions and I’ll be glad to address those in the next post.

God talk

Authentic God-talk is very different than religious sounding talk. The reason is that God-talk is focused on an ongoing relationship, a love relationship. Religious talk focuses on what you Do, and not who you Are.

God cares about who you are...

Read Phil. 3:9

Spend time talking with God and receiving the Fruit of HIS Spirit. It's a very different experience from religious talk. A whole different world...

Never, Not Ever

Nothing can ever separate us from God's love...nothing, not ever.

Read Romans 8:38-39 (The Message) the Apostle Paul says, "I'm absolutely convinced that nothing...nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable...absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."

If you're feeling forgotten, take time to connect to God and receive His love.  It's closer than you think!

LOVE IT!

I love it when God surprises me with prayer surprises!

Today someone at work asked me if I would pray for them!  Wow, that was so cool.  Then, someone else started talking to me about God out of the blue.

Finally, I got a really cool prayer praise reminder about how good God is!

LOVE IT!

How has God surprised you lately?

SOL

I recently learned (from the book Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith) that God’s Wrath basically means when people take matters into their own hands God leaves them to their own devices. 

Without God, they are SOL.

So, it seems to me we don’t really have to ask God to strike someone with lightening.  They are on their own, and believe me that’s more than enough torture.

Prayer for Infection

Please pray for a woman who has an infection.

Pray for a woman undergoing Chemo treatments.

Pray for the firemen and all the people involved in the fire in Colorado.

Pray for protection for everyone who works in this awful heat!

Pray for SNOW.  : )

Pray for...

Today is a day to pray for others who are scared, hurting, unsure about where to turn.

Colorado Springs.

Phoenix.

Your country, town, neighborhood?

Changes

Honestly, this has been a bit of a tough week because I have several friends who have experienced things in their lives that will change them forever. 


When life gets like this, I've learned nothing I can say or pray seems to have significant meaning.

I can only sit with God in silence.  Waiting.  Receiving.  Craving.

Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.  

Prayer

I talked to God today about my friend that Jesus is holding now.

I'm glad Jesus is holding her, but at the same time I am sad because I know we will miss her.

She was an incredible woman.

I loved her prayers.

I know they changed me.  

God HAS Your Back

Dating is certainly interesting....to say the least. The thing is I'm starting to realize God is teaching me things about myself.

He's talking to me about standing my ground.  

Knowing who I am.

Sticking to my guns.  

Being who I am.  

I love it when God has my back.

: )

Have you talked to God lately about having your back?

Hope

Have you thought about what life would be like without hope?  What would it be like to wake up every morning, get dressed, and plan your day if you had absolutely nothing to look forward to?

That's what life without Christ would be like...

Talk to God today about hope.  If you have hope, be grateful for it.  If you know someone who doesn't have hope, ask God to change their lives with His hope.

Your prayers can change someone's world.

Generosity

I would imagine that when most people hear the word "generosity" they begin to think of what they are supposed to do for others.

What if it means what you need to receive from God?

Talk to God about generosity and ask what he has for you...

Joy and Happy

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, a gift that we can ask for, and it is always there.  Sometimes we don't realize it's there is but because it's part of the Spirit, it is always available.

Happy on the other hand can come and go because it's an emotion.  Happy was created by God and is an emotion we experience when we see or experience something we like.

God is joy.  God feels happy.  Talk to God about how to experience His joy as a gift, and what makes you feel happy.

Let yourself experience both IN God.  

Surprises

I had a really cool surprise today - the kind of surprise that makes you realize you're on the right track.

Afterward, I told God thanks, and the confirmation really meant a lot to me.

God smiled.

He loves surprises.

Everyday Occurances

Sometimes the mundane, everyday things that happen can be the best gifts we can get, or give.  For me, those gifts usually come in the form of some kind of humor.  (I'm convinced that God knows I really do need regular reminders not to take myself seriously).

What special gift did God send you today?

If you can't remember, ask Him to give you a gift tomorrow; take time to notice.

Thank God for the gift.

The Spirit of Waiting

When you "wait" on God do you do it with a joyous heart, believing He is a God who gives generously?

Or do you pout, doubt, and wonder why God is taking so long? 

Take time to consider today how very generous our God is!

Overwhelmed?

Psalm 131 is such a source of encouragement.

The psalmist admits he is not too proud to admit there are things that are too great for him to resolve and fix.  He admits he knows what he needs to do is to be calm and quiet his mind like a child who no longer cries for his mother's milk.  The psalmist puts his hope in God.

So it is for us.  When we are overwhelmed, instead of planning strategies, we need to relax and let God take control.

In other words, do nothing. 

Conforming

Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to this world, so does that mean we are supposed to separate ourselves from the world, or to live like Christ in the world?

So, how do we do that?

Clouds

Have you ever spent time praying while you looked at the clouds?

I used to do it all the time, but now I only get to do it once in a while.

While we know God is in us, right here with us, we still tend to think He's outside.

If you get a chance this week step outside and spend some time praying.

It'll bless you Big Time!

Gentle Wisdom

I spent last week (and most of the week before that) studying and contemplating the third chapter of James.

A good bit of my time was spent on one phrase:  gentleness of wisdom

James 3:13 says, "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom."

What do you think the author is saying to the readers?

God's Word ON Your Heart

I remember the 23rd Psalm as a child because every time I went to a funeral the preacher would read it.

I thought it was only good for funerals.

Today I have a completely different view of the 23rd Psalm because I committed it to memory.  When I did that, it placed God's Word in my heart and it changed me.

Committing God's Word to your heart will change you.

Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
Repeat that phrase over and over again until the words are written on your heart.

Then write down what it means to you. 

Your Best Interests

Prayer is the easiest practice I’ve done, and also the most difficult practice I’ve done.  So, how can something so easy be difficult?

As I’ve prayed over the course of 5 decades (nearly 6) I’ve come to realize that Jesus literally meant what he said about the children.  “Of such is the kingdom of God.”

The key is to talk to God like a young child would talk to a loving parent that they truly trust.

One that has your best interests at heart.

Already Here

Did you know Jesus is already here - right with you - all around?

What God wants more than anything is for you to receive what he has FOR you.

You do not need to DO anything.

Psalm 23:1 NLT says, "The Lord is my shepherd...I have everything I need."

Everything you need is IN the good shepherd.

Open your hands and you heart and receive...

Light

Sometimes, talking to God is just a matter of stepping into the light.

When you don't know what to ask or you don't have words that can express what you are feeling...just step into God's light. 

Dance Like No-One is Watching

I did something tonight that I haven't done in more than 40 years...I went dancing.

Swing dancing.

It was fun, and I wasn't half bad!

There are times when God wants us to "dance like no-one is watching".

Thanks, God for creating life for us to enjoy!

Honesty

Being honest, especially with yourself can be very difficult yet can reap great rewards. I discovered about a year ago I wasn't being honest with myself or with God.

Since God IS truth and IS also patience, the Spirit worked with me so I could face my inability to be honest about my imperfections. The result was that I could begin to forgive myself for not being perfect. It's ridiculous that I even entertained the thought that I am perfect, and deep down I knew I wasn't but I kept trying so hard to do the right things and punishing myself when I fell short.

Now I guess you could say I am a recovering perfectionist.

When I talk to God regularly He reminds me that He loves me just the way I am! And that's the truth.

Fun Talking to God

Ever thought about having fun when you talk to God?

Most people think God is serious and that in order to talk to Him they need to get serious and "sound right". 

Oh contrare.

God has a great sense of humor. 

Try talking with Him like he does. 

From the Heart

Have you ever noticed that sometimes talking to God is like breathing and under your breath you are saying, "papa, papa, papa", and you know God hears you?

Those are great prayers, and sometimes the best because they come from the heart and God sees our heart inside and out. 

Any way you pray, as long as it's from the heart...it's all good!

Truth

I John 3:19 says that truth, "will assure our heart" before God.

Consider what it means to have truth that will present you to God...

Dry Bones

Have you ever had a dry bones kind of day?

Today I thought of Ezekiel 38 - the valley of dry bones that God revived with his breath.

It reminded me when I am "dry" I need to seek the Spirit (breath) of God. 

It's already here...I just need to receive it.

Simple Things

 Sometimes it's the simple things that count. 

For instance, I know two young children. The young girl (3 years old) only wears princess clothes.  She loves to dress up as a princess, so those are the clothes she picks out every day. My young gentleman friend likes variety, so sometimes he is a super hero and sometimes he is a detective.  It depends on how he feels that day. 

I love seeing pictures of children who find great joy in such simple pleasure.  Their costumes make them feel alive, happy, and sometimes even super.

What simple pleasure are you wishing you could do?

To Care

The greatest gift "the people of the way" (the 1st Century Palestine Christian Church) gave to society was to love time through simple acts of caring. 

John 13:35 says, "they will know you are my disciples by the way you love each other."

Spend some time asking God what that looks like in your life.

Giving

We often think that God wants us to do things, or give to Him.

Really, it's the other way around. 

Jesus wants to give to YOU.

Spend time with God and let Him GIVE to you.

Receive God's gift of love.

Give yourself permission...

You know, when Jesus wept in John 11 it wasn't because he was missing Lazarus.  Jesus knew Lazarus would emerge from the tomb.

Jesus wept because his friends we very sad.  Jesus wept because that's what we do when we are sad.

Give yourself permission to weep.

When we weep, Jesus is right there with us.  Let Jesus hold you while you weep. 

What Does Love Look Like?

I've been reminded lately, blessed, and touched with the love of a group of incredible women who really understand love.  What's remarkable is that I know I am stronger today than I was before I met these women.


Jesus told us in John 13:34 to "Love one another". 

Now love means different things to different people, so I am wondering what does love look like to you?

Joy in the Morning

Last year I learned something from one of my sons that really stuck with me.  He said, "Mom, you know, opportunity (blessings) are right around the corner.

That reminded me of 

Psalm 30:5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

For YOU

James 1:17 says, " Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

God gives us good gifts, and that includes His presence, His love, and His grace.

God's love is for you.

Grace is yours.

God's presence is all around us...covering us and calling us.

Blessed!

In James 1:12 the author says, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial". 

Have you experienced a trial that was really difficult?

Did you consider yourself "blessed"?

Spend some time with this verse, and let God bless you!

Trials are a Joy

In James 1:2 the author says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you face various kinds of trials."

The idea of being joyful because we are in a trial is so foreign to our culture, that we have difficulty associating with this scripture.  It's like, "you want me to what?"

Pray into this verse and see what happens.  What thoughts come to you?  

Joy from Despair

Philippians 4:4 reminds us that sometimes the greatest joy emerges from the depths of despair.

Bear in mind that when the Apostle Paul wrote "Rejoice in the Lord always!" he was in prison, separated from everyone he loved and cared about.  In the midst of his great sorrow, God gave him joy!

Forgiving

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Luke 11:4


It's not that our forgiveness is conditional, it's just that forgiveness is a natural outpouring of being forgiven. 

Spend some time with this verse and write down your thoughts.

Listening…Forgiveness

Have you thought about how forgiveness really happens?  

 Do you view it as something you ask for and seek? 

Or is it something God comes to me giving, and I yield to (thus what we call repentance). 

Take some time to explore how you experience forgiveness. Listen to God's heart.

Open your heart and make space for God’s forgiveness and spend time in the wonderful yielded place of surrender to God.

Listening

Ask God to teach you to Listen with your Heart…

The Gift of Laughter

Psalm 100:2 says,

Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourself into His presence!


The Psalmist knows the character of God...he knows that God is creator of joy and laughter. In this passage he is telling his readers to offer laughter as a gift to the Lord.


As you talk to God, explore what it is like to "laugh" with God and offer the gift of laughter TO God.

Part of the Journey

Daily, we walk with Jesus.

He carries us sometimes, but every day we carry our cross.

Luke 9:23 says, "take up his (our) cross daily" to follow Him.

It's not pretty. 

Or easy.

It's all part of the journey.

God's Rest

Hebrews 4:3 says,

"...enter into that (God's) rest" 

What does that look like?

Spend time this moment in God's rest.

Done

In Hebrews 7 the preacher talks about high priests of old, and THE high priest (Christ) who offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  It’s important to note that in Hebrews 7:27 he writes,

“…this He (Jesus) did once for all when He offered up Himself.”

What was done on the cross cannot be undone.

Holy

Hebrews 9:12

“He (Christ) entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”

As you spend time with this scripture, consider what “holy” means to you.

Know that heaven is now and not yet.

Now, consider what eternal redemption looks like.  Do you consider (today) that you have been eternally redeemed?  Why or why not?

Pause

You heard Christ speak His last words:

"Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit."

Spend time today - pause - commit yourself into God's hands.

Christ's Love

Christ's love has moved me…His love has the first and last word in everything we do.

 2 Cor 5:14 The Message


Let Christ's love flow through you and spill out on others!

Do Nothing

Do you ever ask, "what do you want me to do God?" or "where are you, God?"

Those are questions people ask me as a spiritual director.  They are questions I myself have asked.  There are times we feel alone and don't know how to proceed. 

This may sound a little strange, but most of the time God is waiting on us.  What? 
Yea, He is waiting on us to come to Him and wait - sit and wait.

Psalm 46:1 says "be still and know I am God."

Often the best way to "hear" God is to be silent and wait. 

In other words, do nothing. 

Can you do nothing? 

Try it.

nothing.

Be still.

Humility

I Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God"...

Humility means we let God be "the driver" and we give up control.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus did just that when He said, "not my will but..yours".

Can we do less?

Thanks for Listening

In John 11 just prior to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, he prayed and in the Message version, one of the things Jesus said was:  “Father, I'm grateful that you have listened to me.”

It reminded me of one of my children saying, “thanks for listening, Mom”.  Even though I love to talk with them and listen, it always meant a lot when they made a point of saying, “thanks for listening”.

Today, spend some time with God being grateful that He is listening. 

Our sorrows

When I was younger I used to wonder if God could see when I am sad.  


Now, I am certain that God not only sees us, He stands with us in our sorrow.  


Isaiah 53:4 says:

our sorrows....weighed him down.




As we prepare to celebrate Easter, remember why Jesus came.  He carries our sorrows.

Seriously?

The last part of Micah 6:8 in the Message version of the Bible says:

And don't take yourself too seriously—
   take God seriously.

My Senior Pastor at my church reminds us of that from time to time.  

In Micah 6:8 the prophet Micah reminds us of that as well.

Take some time relaxing in God – rest in Him.  When thoughts come to your mind, write them down and continue with resting. 

Ask God what it would look like for you to stop taking yourself so seriously.

Falling Short

On sin – Romans 3:23 “all have sinned”

“we fall short of God’s glory”

So, turn to God.  When you fall short, turn back to God and take in His glory.

Spend some time letting God’s light shine on you.

Blessings!

Psalm 23:5 says, “My cup overflows with blessings.”

Spend time with God today, and receive His abundant blessings!

Jesus' Experience and Our Experience...

Mark 15:34 “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”  The suffering of Christ…

The promise of the resurrection – John 11:25 “I am the resurrection, and the life.”

Christ has promised those who believe will be raised with him. 

What do these verses mean to you? 

God's Unfailing Love

Psalm 31:21 talks about the “wonders of (God’s) unfailing love”

God guards and guides, ever so gently back to Him.  

How is God calling you? 

What wonder does He bring?

Oh, what to DO...

What do you do with difficult people who are in your ‘community’?

You know who I'm talking about...the people whose voices sound like fingernails screeching on a chalkboard? 

Matthew 5:44 is really clear about how we are to approach them.

Jesus said, “love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you”.

Really?  I mean - REALLY?  Do you know what they DID to me? 


Yea, Jesus does know.  .


Look what they did to him, and He prayed for them.



Today, choose one difficult person and pray for them.

The Greatest Act of Obedience...

What if our greatest act of obedience and love is simply to “come”.

Matthew 11:28 begins with “come to me”. 

As you sit with that phrase, receive what God has in store for you.

Turn Back...

“As you turn back to the Beloved,

Listening for Love’s voice within your own heart.”

(Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, p.155)

What would this world be like if a community “turned back to the beloved” and listened?