God Will Do This

Posted on May 13, 2014by rebekahbeene

This morning I am waking up to a chilly rainy morning. One of those days where you just want to stay inside, hold onto a warm cup of coffee and read a good book. I’m going to have to get out into it eventually and head to work. I am amazed that it’s so nice and cool. For me the weekly rain and cooler temps is just fine. As my dad used to say, “this is good sleeping weather”. We nurse that cup of coffee for all we can get out of it.

We all experience chilly days. Those days when we’d rather stay in the bed. There are times when we’d rather not greet the dreariness. We want coffee, but we want it to do more than it does. While it’s warm and comforting, it really won’t make us feel better in the long run. We may drown ourselves in a good book but it’s just a story and eventually we’ll find the end and have to come out of the mystery, adventure and fiction.

There are times we’d rather not face life at all. It can get dreary. We try to find something to lift our spirits but things have gone oh so wrong and we just can’t believe the downpour of emotions we feel as we struggle to face the truth and make sense out of it all. We try to “pick ourselves up by our own bootstraps” and remind ourselves that “God helps those who help themselves.”  Still we feel stuck in the doldrums and depression may start creeping in, seeping like rain beneath the windowsills or under the door stop. If we keep nursing that hurt, that despair, that trouble we will find ourselves fully wedged under our circumstances. 

Thankfully for the child of God we don’t have to escape life to step into His presence.  We don’t have to pick ourselves up or help ourselves. For precious one, God wants you to know this day that He helps those who simply can’t help themselves. He picks His own up when they are crushed by the circumstances of life and holds them tightly. He is your never failing umbrella in the rain, the shade in the heat of life’s harshest days and the Protector of all who feel so unprotected. He is your Helper! He is your Source of strength! He is your Sun in the rain and your Shield forever! You are His precious beloved possession. And He takes care of His own. He blesses you when you feel unworthy. He drenches you with His ointment of faith and joy when you feel so dry. He covers you with His love and His care. Totally cared for by God Himself you don’t have to regret getting up for this may be the very day you have been waiting for.

Oh beloved, don’t rue the weather. Rejoice instead in God! Remind yourself of what Jesus has done for you! Drink deeply of the water of Life and immerse yourself in God’s Good Book. Every blessing, every promise, every hope, every security is yours. God wrote it all out so that just when you needed it you would find it.  No blanket or quilt can feel so good as the Comforter’s magnificent care. Don’t nurse your problems but rehearse God’s truth. Read it aloud and watch the damp feelings recede back where they come from.

You are an overcomer, you are a blessed believer and God has a future for you, even in this dreary, rainy day – even in what looks to the natural eye to be a dreary life. This day is wonderful because you are in Christ!  God loves you – eternally, perfectly, faithfully. And He is for you – with mercy, goodness and redemption.  What a wonderful Savior and what a wonderful life when you walk in the Light of His Word!

I Corinthians 1:9 God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah 33:2 But LORD, be merciful to us, for we have waited for You. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble.

Isaiah 25:4 For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat…  NAS

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.

Thank you to Rachel at http://cuppacards.blogspot.com/ for today's artwork. Perfect!

God's Love is Your Hedge of Protection

God’s Love is Your Hedge of Protection 

by rebekahbeene

I saw a news report on a new threat that may soon be growing in our yards. It is called the giant hogweed. It is listed as an invasive species of concern in Arkansas and many other states. The agriculture specialist speaking about the plant said that a slight touch combined with sweat or any other form of water will give huge blisters. Contact with the eyes can cause temporary and sometimes permanent blindness. An ordinary looking plant with pretty white flowers and huge green leaves can prove a terrible nuisance and danger. 

Most research indicates that five years of intensive management is required to attempt to eradicate it. Five years! Much work must be done to remove the threat of the plant by digging, mowing, cutting, and herbicide application. The person eradicating the plant must wear protective clothing and gloves as well as facial protection. This is a seriously dangerous plant that is highly invasive.

Life can be like an invasive plant at times. Things that normally wouldn’t bother us cause whelps of pain if it comes via the hand of one you thought was a friend. There are also areas of our life that we feel should have no problems –our families, our ministries, our jobs and our homes. Yet all our territory is subject to the invasion of the enemy of our souls. Without proper eradication methods, we are hopelessly embroiled in his dangerous tactics which leave us wounded, blinded and without hope.

Life in Christ however, will make things wonderful. Even when we’ve had contact with noxious things of the world we can be healed. We don’t have to live injured by the things that come our way. We are protected by divine right by God Himself. The King of Kings is our antidote for all of life’s poisons. 

God wants you to know that He is your protector from the noxious weeds of life. The closer you get to Him, through His Word, prayer and fellowship, the less affected you will be by the things around you. He protects your life, your heart, your mind and your faith. Poisons from enemy territory can’t touch you as long as you know what God says about things. His peace passes all understanding – what you know about the world, what you feel about the problems and what you perceive as truth. As you begin to dig into the Word, it will uproot the enemy’s thoughts, poisonous weeds of doubt and fear will have to flee! Application of the Word over all the lies and half-truths will cause them to shrivel away.

Oh beloved, how loved you are! Someone may have sowed seeds of untruth into your life – that you are unworthy, unlovely or unneeded. God says the opposite – Christ has said you are valuable to Him, you are beautiful in His sight and you are useful and have great potential for the Kingdom of God. It’s time to eradicate the untruths and replant God’s truth! Everything you are in Christ is perfection. Every Word you speak with the Father is heard. Every hope you have is being turned toward God so that He will give you the very desires of your heart! You walk in blessings, you stand in faith, you kneel in prayer and you step forward in victory – because the noxious things of life cannot overtake you.

God loves you and He’s for you – that is a hedge of protection against which no enemy can encroach! Rejoice as you live loved and walk in His blessings all the days of your life. 

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 10:17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear

Ephesians 4:24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

2 Peter 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Psalm 3:3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. KJV

Jude 12 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

He Will Lead You to Still Waters

He Leads me beside still waters…

We were driving through “old stomping grounds” as they call them the other evening. Crossing a bridge over the Little Missouri River we remembered one of our more daring adventures. We decided to take a flat bottomed boat and go for a little ride with our then 2 year old daughter. Everything started out great, but soon we were in swift water and then the motor stalled and then the boat got hung up on a tree limb. We were about to go under when the miraculous happened – the boat got loose and the motor started back up! The first thing Danny did was head back to where we launched the boat.

As young people we all do things that are adventurous but dangerous. With a small daughter aboard the fun was totally drained from the whole experience. The lesson was learned but it didn’t stop us from continuing with adventures. We just didn’t always take our little one with us.

Life is really a wonderful adventure, especially when you’re married to your best friend. Without Danny I would not have done much of the daring things we’ve done if any of them. But with Danny even the rough spots in the river of life have been worth it.

I’m thankful that with the Lord the adventure of the faith has a promised outcome of good. Although there are rapids of despair and stalled moments of discouragement and limbs of adversity in the way, we keep going for new territory. We keep sitting in the boat with our Lord and letting Him calm the storm we might find ourselves in. But we aren’t giving up and we aren’t going back to shore. We’re staying with Jesus and we’re going to keep adventuring for Him.

God wants you to know that He has promises you can count on when you are adventuring in life. One of the greatest promises is that He will lead you beside still waters. This is restoration time beloved. You’ve made it through the rapids, you’ve managed to get free of the sandbars, and although your engine has stalled time and again God has gotten you going. Not all adventures are fun, not all travels have great rides, but God Himself promises you will be safe in the boat with Him. Safe in His arms, led to still waters – waters that calm and refresh and restore.

Oh beloved, don’t quit living. Don’t retreat from God’s call to follow Him with your whole heart. Don’t settle for the shoreline. Keep your eyes on God’s horizon for even when things are rough there is rest around the bend. Keep your eyes on the Lord for He is the captain of your ship and the Captain of your life. Even the hardest things that come your way will be used for your good and His glory. Absolutely no one can tip your boat and ruin your adventure or keep you from your destination – not people, not situations, not even the enemy himself. God has called you to a purpose far beyond mere human and natural circumstances. The adventure of a lifetime is letting God make your life supernatural in Him.

Launch out! God loves you and He’s for you so you can keep sailing for more adventures with Him!

Psalm 23: 2b- 3 …He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Mark 39:40 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Colossians 2:6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.

Psalm 25:1 O Lord, I give my life to You.

Psalm 103:5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Let Your Light Shine!

We were prepared this past weekend for storms as much as you can be. Our candles, oil lamps and flashlights were handy. We had bought bread and had enough standby food that didn’t have to be refrigerated or cooked. We even stayed half-awake Sunday night for that last cell of storms coming out of northeast Texas. Thankfully as we were up and going Monday morning we surveyed that neither the lights went out nor did the storms come our way. We grieve for those who have lost homes and loved ones. Unless you have been through a devastating storm you just don’t really know what it feels like. This storm cell is still continuing to cause terrible problems even now. We are praying that the storm will subside. 

God wants you to know precious one that He has given you all the light you will ever need for any darkness you encounter. Whether it’s the storms of nature or the storms of life, He has you covered. And He wants you to know that when you are in the darkest moment is when His light shines the brightest. It is meant to shine the way for you, but there’s more. 

This Light of the Lord shines through you as well. It is an internal light that is given by the Holy Spirit to all believers. Did you know? Do you realize that when things are at their worst, in your darkest hour, His light will show others that in your life He is proving Himself – trustworthy, faithful, true and Ever-present!

Oh beloved, whatever it is, God is lighting the way for you. You don’t have to quit, you don’t have to run, you don’t have to try to create your own light. You don’t have to be strong enough in your own might or find a way to give false or fleshly light. You just have to stand in His presence, walk in His ways and know that you are filled with supernatural light for everywhere you go. It does not matter what others say or do, you are complete in Him. His glory is your finest jewelry and your greatest asset. It’s time to quit confessing the wrongs that have been done to you or recalling the wrongs you have done. You are in the Light of the Lord –forgiven and forgiving. The Lord’s light will shine brighter and brighter in your life as you seek to portray His light of everlasting love and faithfulness. Your good works build the light and that’s more than just working for God – it includes praying, believing God, trusting Him and walking in His light. 

Your destiny is to be a beacon of the Light of the Lord for His glory alone. Wherever you are, you are able to live in His truth. He loves you and He is for you and that is why He has made every preparation for anything you encounter all the days of your life. Let your Light so Shine!

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.

Psalm 44:3 For by their own sword they did not possess the land, and their own arm did not save them; but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, for You favored them.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Our Times Are in God's Hand

Three years ago today I was in a very different place. I was sitting in a hospital prayerfully waiting for the arrival of a preemie granddaughter. Very premature, we were all praying and holding our breath. It was a very emotional time for all of us. Time stood still as we juggled grandchildren, ministry, friendships and more.

As I was in the waiting room while my daughter was giving birth, I got a call on my cell phone. It was that daughter telling me we had a baby girl, Stella. She was alive but so incredibly tiny. In the natural it didn’t look good. No one would believe a 24 week baby would ever make it. But she did. More than make it, she is now a rootin’ tootin’ handful of love. Three years old, the only remains of her life in the NICU are pictures that astound us more now than they did then. Three years ago we couldn’t even imagine a three year old. Today we are living in the light of what God can do.

Stella has taught me a lot about life and about God.

There are things that happen we can do nothing about. There are things going on that will only be a dim memory one day. There is God who is right in the middle of it all helping us to grow in faith and in Christlikeness. We may not like our present situation, but even in the pain we can grow in grace and knowledge of God. There are times when we are in situations that seem impossible – these are the times we hold onto God the most. He is able.

God speaks to our hearts – to mine and to yours as well. What you are presently in is not where you are going. I AM the God who goes before you. I AM the one who has a plan for your life. I AM the overseer of your destiny. Neither your troubles nor your heartaches – though they be many – I AM greater than this present moment, as fragile as it all may appear. I will take you beyond this day and one day you will look back and see how Great I AM and how special you are to Me. Don’t look back to the former days, but look forward to the future days. Former days are gone – present days may seem shaky – but your future has My Name written all over it. I AM fully aware of every dire circumstance and every fragile moment – but I AM the Lord who watches over you all the days of your life.

Oh beloved, whatever it is God is calling you to it will happen. Whatever you are going through is not forever. God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond all you ever ask or think. Don’t worry if it takes 3 minutes, 3 days, 3 months or 3 years. Your time is in God’s hands. He loves you and He’s for you and that’s what will make your life shine with His glory and cause others to want to live in that same light.

“Lord, I give my life fresh and new to You. I humbly submit every single day and every single situation into Your loving, all knowing hands. It is so good to know that You will take me from the natural and into the supernatural as I trust You. Thank You for being Greater than all my problems and Lord over all my life. Teach me more about You Lord. In Jesus’ Name”

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. NLT

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.

Psalm 31:50 My times are in Your hand… NAS

Psalm 139:16-17 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

He is Not Here – He is Risen!

He is Not Here – He is Risen!

On Friday just a week ago we were in a rough place. My brother was having brain surgery, which caught us all by surprise. Lots of factors entered into my extreme concern for him. None of us have ever had brain surgery so we knew nothing about the recovery either. We figured it would be days and maybe weeks to get well. Imagine our surprise when just a few hours later he was sitting up in bed with a mere bandage on the spot where the surgery had been performed. What we didn’t know, the surgeon did.  We were very thankful that things weren’t as rough as we thought they would be. Just three days after surgery he was heading home.

There was nothing good about Good Friday. It was a dark day for Jesus. And it was an even darker day for the disciples and His followers, along with His mother.  Jesus knew what was ahead, but the beloved believers had no clue. They were imagining all sorts of things. Fear, worry, anxiety – they were suddenly without their Leader – all they knew was He had been put to death and laid in a grave. They had seen all that with their eyes. All the while they were expressing their concerns to one another, God was working things out in a big way behind the scenes. Jesus did die on the Cross, He did get put in a grave, but there was so much more going on.

In three short days everything would change for them. They would find out that they didn’t worship a martyred man but a Risen Savior! They, who had hung their heads and cried over His death would get a sneak peak of glory as He appeared alive. His promises proved true – every single one of them. He was busy those three days – descending into the very belly of the enemy and taking final authority and control by taking the very keys to Hell away. He was working, they were trembling. He was taking authority, they were figuring out how to hide. But within those three days everything was set right and Christ was and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. All is well, even in the midst of the confusion of life, for God is on the throne.

Oh beloved, you may be in a dark time. All your hopes, dreams and ambitions may have been laid in the tomb. You are struggling to make sense of all the hurts and misdirection.  You wonder where God is and why He has left you alone to make it by yourself. In your heart of hearts you know you can’t make things better, you don’t have enough stamina to go the distance and you don’t have enough hope to look to the future. Nothing seems to matter as you just go through the motions for your family or your friends or your  church.

God wants you to know that even though you may not know what’s going on, He does. He’s risen to redeem you, He’s rising to defend you and He will come again to take you home with Him. You don’t know what’s ahead, but God says it is all good. Everything that sends your heart beating wildly will have to scatter because they are enemies of your faith. You don’t have to walk in fear or dread, for the Word says you walk in the Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, there is joy, there is peace and there is hope beyond your present situation. God knows it all, He’s seen every tear and He’s wiping them away to give you joy unspeakable and full of glory! You are coming into your full life in Christ. Those things that got swept away? They weren’t needed for your walk with God. The things you desire in your heart? God will give them all to you in His time as He makes all things new.

Rejoice in the Resurrection for you are loved and you are cared for. Not just on Easter morning, but every single day of your life.

Matthew 28:6 … He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.

Revelation 21:5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Revelation 1:18 … and [I AM] the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

God is Greater and His Weapons are Powerful!

Although I don’t play many games there is one that I have gotten pretty addicted to. It’s a hunting game and there again, I don’t hunt and wouldn’t shoot an animal  “in real life”. Part of the enjoyment of the game is that the two youngest grandsons love it as well. They will come over and as soon as they can they’ll say, “Can we shoot some animals?”  The game begins with easy shots and fair guns. You get to buy better ammunition, sharper scopes and steadier barrels. You point and shoot and an animal takes a hit and you rack up cash and gold.  Shooting the bears and larger predators is a little scary because they will come out of nowhere while you are aiming at something else and get you. You have to watch and be aware of them or you will lose the game.

Life is no game and there is a real predator out there. His name is satan and his desire is to steal, kill and destroy.  He lunges at you in any way he can. He literally comes out of nowhere to knock you off your feet and get you down. Unless you are prepared to shoot, he will win the skirmishes every time. He will come into your life and take everything he can. He will take friendships, fellowships and relationships. He wants your finances, your welfare and your family. He is the ultimate predator who will stop and nothing and it’s not a mere game.

God wants you to know that although the enemy is ferocious, He is greater! And He has ammunition for you that is out of this world! The ammunition in God’s arsenal is all for you. It’s not locked away or blocked from you to use and it costs you no silver or gold to use it. As believers we all have access to the same wonderful abilities. God speaks to our hearts and reminds us that we are overcomers and our shartshooting abilities are honed as we learn to live in the light of His Word and take up our weapons of warfare in the Spirit. When we are attacked by the enemy, our weapons are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. The Word is our only weapon of choice. But when we speak the Word over our situation and in the midst of enemy assault, he has to flee.  Each and every time we praise the Lord, whether through song or with our voices speaking the Words, “Praise the Lord” the assaulter has to flee –for he hates the praises of God’s people. God speaks again and He wants us to learn the Word, speak the Word, live in the light of the Word and know that no weapon formed against us will prosper.

Oh beloved, it’s been a real assault on your life hasn’t it? The enemy has been coming out of the bushes and coming at you with all his might. You’ve been down and out, worried, afraid, concerned. You’ve begged for relief. You’ve been cast out, rejected, removed, blasted, and left bleeding and dying with wounds of the spirit that are nearly fatal. But God says arise and take your rightful place as a believer. All the strength of the Army of the Lord is with you. All the Lord’s arsenal of praise, worship and the Word are with you. What was intended to harm you, God is going to turn for good. You are not done in, you are only beginning to fight with the Spirit of the Lord. Everything that has come against you will fall at your side as you quit looking at the situations and begin to look at God’s Word. The focus of your scope is where you will find the overcoming ability to move on, move up and move into God’s plans to prosper you in the Spirit and in life.

Rejoice this day as you learn to live powerful in the Spirit of God and overcoming every fiery dart of the enemy. Whatever you are facing God is with you, the power of the Word is strong and invincible and you are able to aim with accuracy and send the enemy running. God’s purpose for you will not be overthrown as you live in the Truth and walk in the Spirit. You are more than a conqueror and you will stand still and see the salvation of the Lord in spite of the circumstances. God loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that matters as you take aim in praise and march on with the Word of God as your shield.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,  for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Ephesians 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 6:11 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

Romans 8:37  But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

The Chill of Life is Warmed By the Comfort of God

The Chill of Life is Warmed By the Comfort of God

Posted on April 6, 2014by rebekahbeene

Yesterday was supposed to have been sunny and warm. Instead it was overcast and cold with a bone chilling wind most of the day. Because it was cold and because the wind blew and because we were outside in it I got chilled to the bone. When we packed up and headed home I was still cold. After drinking a pot of coffee and having a hot bowl of chili I was still feeling the effects of the cold. Finally I just had to go to bed. Once inside the warmth of our heavy comforter I felt the chill leave and I could finally relax. 

There are times when we experience cold, sunless days. The winds of adversity howl around us.  We don’t set out to plan for the bone chilling trials and situations that come our way, but they happen nonetheless. We may be caught without protection and think we are going to succumb to the weather.  We’re numb with grief and we’re shaking with worry and fear. Worried that the wind won’t ever subside and fear that our present weather is the truth for us the rest of our lives.  

We also, if truth be known, wonder if God is aware of our circumstances and if He can or will do anything to help us.  We need something more than a blanket and a cup of coffee to abate the deep chill that has settled in our hearts and minds.

God wants you to know that the weather you are experiencing didn’t catch Him by surprise.  He cares about everything that concerns you. He hasn’t left you to fight the fear and worry alone and He isn’t going to leave you in your present circumstances forever.  He speaks to you this morning and His words are full of love. There is a shelter from life’s storms and it is the Lord Himself. He will hide you in the comfort of His Word and keep you sheltered until the winds subside and the chill is gone. Even while you are experiencing the onslaught of a surprise winter in your life, He is working all things out for your good and His glory. Nothing in all creation, not the wind or the weather or any other thing can keep you from finding what you need in Him. Once you have stepped into His presence and given the entire situation over to Him you will begin to see warmth return and peace preside.

Oh beloved, He’s got this. He has taken your chilling situation and is turning it around. He will take you into His loving arms and give you the light of His love which will warm you in the midst of the cold. He will protect you with His Word and He has given you The Comforter to cover you entirely for the duration. He will not let you go through the winds of adversity without seeing His divine nature teach you more about His warmth than you know about the cold. He’s for you and He’s working those things out so that you will feel the warmth of His presence and see the answers to your heartfelt cries.  You may not have much to rely on right now, but He is enough. You can always rely on Him. You go through nothing alone and your present situation is not permanent.

God loves you and He’s for you and that, beloved, will get you through, make you strong, keep you warm and calm the winds of adversity so that you can live in the light of His Truth all the days of your life.

John 14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. Amplified

Psalm 27:5 For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

1 John 5:15 And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.

Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.

Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.

No Fear of Twists and Turns When God is With You

When you travel on the back of a motorcycle, you get a much clearer view of your surroundings. We’ve been over mountains, through tunnels, around bends and beyond borders. We’ve seen wild animals, up close, and we’ve had some near misses. Danny’s favorite trips involve hairpin curves, unknown roads and wide open scenery. My favorite trips involve moderate speed and tree lined valleys. 

I was talking with another couple who have traveled as well on their motorcycle. She rides her own. As we were sharing stories of our trips she began to talk about the worst road she’d ever encountered. She said that as they planned their trip, one of her other friends cautioned her. “Whatever you do don’t take that highway.” Imagine my friend’s horror when she did in fact find herself driving on that very road. Although they were in a group, she had to ride through it herself. High mountain vistas with no barricades on the turns, above the tree line, made for sheer horror. She said it was all she could do to get through it.

Just like riding a motorcycle through the Rockies or the Appalachians, you and I are bound to encounter treacherous turns that seem to have no end. We want to avoid the hard places. We don’t want to go through anything that takes us beyond our own abilities. We may start out in a group, but they can’t go the distance with us. Well-meaning though they may be, companions will caution you not to travel that way. “Keep it safe” they’ll say. They don’t want you to go through hard times and they’ll say you don’t have to. They may want to have fun and stay in the valleys or even rock on the porch with you. But as soon as you begin the heights of affliction or rejection or turmoil they will leave you to go it alone.

Truth is we all have a road to travel. And if you travel this world long enough, you will encounter things beyond your natural abilities. You will be unsure if you can make it. You will not know if you can overcome the feelings of danger on the cliffs of life. But you don’t really have to go it alone, because God is with you. We’re never really alone. And we have an anchor for our souls and a pilot for our travels into the hardships of life. He’s with us in our turmoil, our afflictions and the summits of despair.

Oh beloved, it’s time to let God take over your travels. He has a plan and every step you make every mile you ride is going to end with His destination in mind. He wants ultimately for you to be so enveloped in Him that you no longer think independently. Awards await you as well. You will find out that you have become an overcomer as you continue to travel wherever He sends you. You will see that you are courageous as you hide yourself in His strength for the journey. You will know that you have become victorious as you travel in the light of His Word. You don’t have to have stamina or fortitude or your own set of masterful abilities to make it. You just have to rest in His truth and travel in His Spirit. You may appear weak in the flesh, but that’s when His true strength comes forth. You may be fearful in the flesh but that’s when His courage appears. Don’t let anyone talk you out of the heights of growth in Christ for it is just beyond the high places that the valley of comfort will appear. Keep on keeping on and keep on praising God as you wind
your way through this life headed for your ultimate journey's end in heaven.

Rejoice that you are traveling in the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though the road ahead, the days ahead, may find you traveling through treacherous territory, you are destined to make it all the way. God loves you and He’s for you and that’s why you can keep going, knowing that you are traveling in the light of His purpose for you!

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Hebrews 11:32-34 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

I Corinthians 1:31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Will Provide You the Best Place

When I was a girl the piano was my place of solace. If I was having a heartache moment I would play the Moonlight Sonata. (or Hey Jude, or Rainy Days and Mondays) Gentle melodies with lots of play across the keys were my preference as they comforted my heart and got my mind off the troubles. Playing through those songs were comforting to my heart.  If I was having a lot of fun with friends or family we always ended up at the piano playing joyful songs while laughing and singing together.  Although I played in church, via the organ, the piano and assisting with praise and worship, it was those times alone at the piano that brought solace to my heart.

To say that the piano has been a huge part of my life is so true. I don’t get to sit and play for my own enjoyment very often anymore. We are busy with work and play and family and friends and ministry. There’s hardly a time to just sit at the bench and let my hands have their way with the keys.  But every once in a while, I still try to steal away to have a moment of alone time with the keyboard. When I let God set the tone and play by ear beautiful music happens. It may not be beautiful to anyone else, but that time with the keyboard in the hands of God makes for sweet melodies in my heart.

We are all looking for a place of solace. We try to find it through various things including hobbies, jobs, marriages, children, church.  Each of these things is wonderful in and of themselves and they provide much satisfaction. But the best of them are no substitute for finding time to be alone with God.  Even a marriage cannot give you the satisfaction that God alone can. A hobby is just busy work unless the Lord’s hands are in it. We cannot find the peace we’re looking for in anything else. Everything on earth is fallible. Everything we find we love can be taken from us or broken.

Yesterday God spoke to my heart. He said “The thing you enjoy so much, that one thing that you alone find reward in – that is how I want your life in Me to be like. My desire is that you will feel so one with Me that other things will not distract you. That single minded fellowship with Me comes from the confidence you have as you seek My face.  It won’t happen in the busy times. This special intimacy comes only from spending time alone with Me. I am your Teacher and I have much to show you of My love, My mercy, My grace and My provision. You may be frazzled, worn out, stressed and overdoing everything yet finding no peace or joy in the doing. Come away with Me and find exactly what you are looking for. I will help you to make sweet music in your heart and your life that will spill over into others’ lives.

Oh beloved, steal away! Find time to be alone with your King.  You are meant to be rested, at peace and able to do all that your life has for you to do. God gives strength to the weary, purpose to the lonely, joy to the suffering and hope to the hopeless. Only time with the King will give you what you are looking for. That love you so desire and that confidence you are looking for are found only in the Lord. Jesus is the way to the Father and the Holy Spirit can make the little time expand into great treasure for you when you spend time with Him.

God loves you and He’s for you and that’s there will always be sweet blessings in your alone time with Him.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.

Psalm 63:6-8 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 27:8 You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word]. Amplified

Acts 2:28 ‘You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.

You Can Walk in Freedom No Matter What

This morning I decided I needed to go out and enjoy the snow with “the young’uns”. Donning the heaviest clothes I could move around in I stepped out onto the snow and gingerly made my way across the cement at our front door. It was great! After walking around and throwing snowballs I noticed that my left foot was hurting. Looking down to see what was wrong I saw that I had gathered a huge ball of snow and leaves on the sole of my shoe. I knocked it loose and walked some more. But both feet were gathering these piles of snow and leaves. It impeded my ability to walk freely about. It was a lot of trouble to stop every few moments and knock snow from the instep of my shoes.

Finally, cold and weary of the constant removal of shoe from beneath my shoes, I went back inside to wait to help warm the first grandchild who got too cold. It just wasn’t worth the trouble and I realized that although the shoes were comfortable for regular walking, they weren’t meant for the snow. I should have picked a different pair, one with a different tread and sturdier ankles. I also realized that had I needed to walk a long way in the snow I would have been in trouble with the shoes I had on. Preparation is important. Without it I didn’t have as much freedom to enjoy the trek outdoors.

When we are born again we come into a kingdom where God has provided everything we’ll ever need for life and godliness. Yet we often find ourselves ill prepared for the situations that come our way.  We tend to want to wear house shoes everywhere. We prefer comfort. We like it. We’re God’s kids and we want it easy. Sometimes we prefer ballet slippers. We want to pirouette through life as though we’re all little princesses and princes. We are in fact God’s kids and since He is the King we are in a sense royalty. But we’re meant to traverse through hard times, rough times and rugged weather. We have to be prepared. Neither house shoes nor ballet slippers will get us through when we need our feet shod with rugged boots.

Thankfully we are blessed. We have an entire wardrobe standing ready for us. We don’t have to go unprepared. We have every need for every situation we find ourselves in. Others only have what they find for themselves, but we have the entire council of God’s Word to choose from. He speaks from Genesis to Revelation for our journey through life. All we have to do is get prepared. And we become prepared by taking in the Word and keeping it handy. We don’t know what we will encounter in the days ahead, but God does. So He has provided us with just the right Word for just the right weather. If all we insist on wearing is flip flops we’ll have a hard time in the winter of life. We may know that we have been saved, but we need to know more. We need to know that God will get us through. We can’t wait until times get hard to try to find the right Words to help us through. We must prepare ahead.

Oh beloved, are you struggling with the situation you are in? Did you find yourself in the midst of adversity and see that you are ill prepared to walk it out in faith? Are you wondering why it has happened? Did you fail to hear the weather report that all will have to walk through tough times and blustery weather? It’s not too late! You can still make it. Just stop in to God’s Wonderful Shop of Truth and let Him fit you with the proper Word for this time in your life. If you will come aside and spend some time with the Lord, reading His Word, searching for the right fit, He will lead you into all truth.  And the truth you put on for your present circumstances will get you there and you will walk through in freedom and grace.  You are not meant to stumble or be hobbled in life, but you are called to walk freely in His Word fully prepared for whatever you may encounter.

God loves you and He’s for you. That’s why you can trust Him to lead you into all truth so that, even when the going gets tough, you will walk in the freedom of His truth. There will be better days of flip flops, house shoes and slippers. But it’s wonderful for you to know that you don’t have to walk hampered as you live in the light of His Word.

Psalm 119:45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. NLT

Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! Amplified Bible

Psalm 86:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. NLT

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. NLT

Your Provider Will Handle Your Situation

As I went to pick up Danny yesterday afternoon there was a wreck right before my eyes. The left lane had a line of cars stopped as someone was turning across traffic. Just as I drove by a small car rear ended one of those stopped cars. The mess was huge as I saw car parts fly off as though it was a toy. The front end of that car was demolished as it impacted the back of a pickup. I cringed at what I saw. I can’t be sure what happened but with the afternoon traffic always in a hurry to get home and the line of cars that was stopped it looked as though the small car’s drive had looked down or away for a moment. Just enough time to have a terrible impact on their day to say the least.

We all get in a hurry. Life is busy and we’re busy. We have things to do and places to go. We ask God’s blessing on our plans and then push things into high gear. Although we begin by watching carefully for God’s signal and stay alert for His guidance, we get busy. Then things get congested. We find we have lots of road hazards. One look away from the Savior and we have an impact we never wanted. Our faith gets derailed. Our hope gets demolished.  We were cruising along having a great time and yet we didn’t see the danger ahead that wants to impact our life in Christ. We get to thinking we’re king of the road when actually Christ is King of our entire life. Where we go, how we travel, who we see, even how we make a living and what we do with that living should be under His guidance. But we love to be in the driver’s seat.  

Then we find ourselves on the side of the road unable to move forward. We’re sidelined. It’s then that we have to know what to do so that we can get moving again.  We often pick up the phone and call our buddies, but they don’t have a wrecker big enough to pick up our mess. We survey the damage and discuss within our hearts what we’re going to have to do to get moving again. We plan and talk and discuss and fuss. But we’re still sidelined. The wreck’s impact has done its damage and we’re unable to move on.   

Until we talk to our Provider. When Jesus comes on the scene of the impact, our hearts are at peace again. His plan provides that we don’t ever have to take our eyes off Him, not for a moment. But He knows we’re going to have those lapses of the spirit where our mind plays a trick on us and we think we can handle it all ourselves. So miracles of miracles, He comes the moment we call on His Name. Even if we caused the accident ourselves, He will come to our aide. When others cause the collision He’s there to defend and protect us. When life throws things at us and we’re off the side of the road, He comes to our rescue.

Oh beloved, whatever situation you are in God is with you! You don’t have to figure this trouble out all by yourself. What looks like a demolition derby in your mind is actually another magnificent opportunity for God’s great love to come to your rescue. He gives second chances over and over again. These are teachable moments, sent into your life to remind you that He is the One who should do all the driving. And to remind you that you should never take your eyes off of Him. Wherever you need to be, He will get you there. He promises to guide you into all truth, into His will and into blessings and honor, glory and power when you let Him show you the way. The evidence may be clear that you messed up, you looked away, you got in an accident and someone’s to blame. But Jesus gathers you up when you call on His name.  You can learn not to take your eyes off Him and things will still happen but you will have peace because you have learned to look to Him for everything.

God loves you and He’s for you and that’s why you can call on Him whenever you find yourself in a wreck, whenever you can’t see the road ahead, whenever you’ve been impacted by sorrow, fear, regret, rejection, humiliation, sorrow, worry and more. No road hazard can keep you from receiving all you need from the Lord as you live in the light of His Word all the days of your life.

Psalm 103:11-14 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.  For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

Psalm 91:15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Psalm 107:19-22 Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.  He sent out His word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.  Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them.  Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving     and sing joyfully about His glorious acts.

Hebrews 12:2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith….

God Will Birth His Plan in You

Danny’s cousin in California is expecting a grandchild any day now. The due date has passed so it won’t be much longer. The expectations of this child, a girl, are great. Everything is just right, as with all first babies, and all they are doing now is standing by in anticipation. This is their first grandchild by their only daughter. So they are holding their breath every time the phone rings.

Although their daughter has to go through the birth process, they are full of anticipation of the wonder of holding a newborn baby in their arms. The nine months of preparation followed by the few hours of concentration will bring forth a wonderful gift. As great as the 9 months may have been, the birth process cannot be avoided. It’s just part of it.

We know God has a plan for our life. We live in anticipation of the realization of plans too wonderful for us to imagine. We give our life to Jesus and then we expect things to go well. Too often though, expectation and anticipation give way to worry and fear. We knew we wanted God to birth a plan in our hearts, but we didn’t know it might hurt. We think “hey I’ve given my heart to Jesus, He will give me something good to do and life will be just right”.

We want a neat and tidy life. We don’t want birth pangs. We don’t want the reality of our walk with Christ to go past our expected due date. We definitely don’t want hard situations and yet God even uses these circumstances to grow our faith.

Oh beloved, whatever you are going through today, God has already been there. He’s doing behind the scenes prep work and He’s clearing the way for your life to be a beautiful birth of His wonderful love. It may be really rough right now, as you weren’t expecting what’s happening. But God is with you. Your life is meant to be a shining example of His glory and grace.  When you go through the growing pains of faith, your ultimate outcome is beautiful. It’s worth it. Don’t give up in the middle of it all, for there is a wonderful reward awaiting you. And what a blessing it is that you don’t have to go through it alone. Always present, always leading, always teaching, always holding you safe in His arms – God is there with you. He will see you through. He has promised to be with you all the days of your life and on that you can rely. Hard times won’t last forever, so hold on and talk to the Father often. He will soothe your weary brow, He will speak His love Words over your situation and together you will make it.

Whatever it is, God is here.And he will birth the plan of God in you to its complete fulfillment.   He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters as you trust Him to make your life beautiful and your faith grow as you live in the light of His Word.

Romans 5: 1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Philemon 1:6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.

1 Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Psalm 16:8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.