Faith Exercise is Time Well Spent

Exercising Your Faith 

I recently heard about a young woman in our community who is expecting triplets. She was photographed working out at a local gym on a stair stepper. Not just an ordinary stair stepper but some type of monster machine. My first thought was “look at that machine”. After reading some of the posts and realizing she was expecting triplets I thought again. I was worried. Should she be exercising so strongly? Shouldn’t she be more careful – maybe not exercise at all? 

I shared my thoughts with a friend and she told me that doctors told the pregnant woman to continue her routine. Since she has been exercising like this for years she will be fine. If she hadn’t done this type of exercise and just started up they would not want her to do it. In the photo you could tell she was thoroughly enjoying her strength and the benefits it brought to her for endurance as she prepares to mother three babies. 

We face exercises of the faith all the time. And often we are pregnant with hope and vision for the life of that faith. We know that we want to fulfill everything God has for us. We may even have been given a view of what God has in store for us. We exercise our faith by living every day in the Word and prayer. Then a threat of some type comes along and we’re unsure what to do. Keep going? Keep working out our faith? Our friends see our situation and they want to comfort us. They might even look at us and pronounce doom over us – can she make it through this? Can he keep going on? Will they survive? 

Truth is, we need to be exercising our faith to prepare for the road ahead that we can’t even see. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring but the more we prepare our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, the stronger we will be to face the challenges and make it to the finish line. He has opened up a spiritual gym full of equipment that will give us muscles of strength beyond our natural abilities. We cannot rely on our own flesh to get us through or to keep us going. But we can rely on God’s Word to strengthen us, fit us and prepare us for whatever comes our way. We can’t afford to wait until the big situation hits our lives to prepare. We must make spiritual exercise a part of our daily routine. 

Oh beloved, God wants you to know that He understands the trial of faith you are facing. He understands too that you just want to sit down and quit. The demands of it all are almost too much to bear. You thought you were prepared for anything, but you are in a high endurance situation with almost all your strength used up. He speaks to your heart that now is not the time to give up. This is the time, right in the hardest moment, to find your second wind from Heaven itself. God has given you everything you need to exercise your spiritual muscles not just for endurance, but for winning! You can endure the pain of this present task you are faced with and walk on to the victory circle. In heaven the photograph of your faith walk is being rejoiced over as the Lord Himself roots you on to the end of this hard spot. You are victorious, valiant, achieving, enduring, and winning!

You are victorious in God! You are full of His power and wisdom and courage. He has given you everything you need to keep the faith, stay on course and follow through to victory. God loves you and He’s for you and because of this great and precious promise you can know that the things you are facing are momentary but the finish line you are heading for is given to you by Christ Himself!

James 1:2-4 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. AMP

Psalm 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Romans 8:37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. AMP

2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

God Rules Your World with Truth and Grace!

There are many kingdoms in this world we live in. There is much internal and external strife among them all. Most of the strife is caused from a desire to put their particular truth on the entire world. It’s either their political truth or their spiritual truth and often a mixture of both. Napoleon was a great leader and eventually became Emperor of France and yet eventually he fell from grace because in the end he could not deliver the victory he promised. Hitler hated an entire religion of people and he talked an entire nation into following him based on nothing more than their own fears. But he too could not deliver on his promises because they were all based on evil.  We can also talk of religious rulers who became despots. But once the entire following listened to them alone things went south.

Rulers rise and rulers fall. Our admiration for their greatness must always be tempered with the truth. For no matter how charismatic the leadership, no matter how palatable the message is, no matter what they say or who follows, truth will prevail. Eventually their heart will show so clearly that their abilities will be dwarfed by their inability to lead in truth.   

We sing many beloved songs this time of year, but this morning I hear those beautiful words whispered into my heart as they ring out in such triumph. “He Rules the World with Truth and Grace…” God speaks to my heart as He reminds me that this is His most wonderful and enduring promise.

If God rules the world indeed, then He alone is sovereign.  He is Lord over everything. That includes us and all our situations we cannot figure out.  We are not victims of our condition. We are not merely at the mercy of the whims of others. We aren’t under our circumstances at all. While we may be heartbroken over people who have quit us, mocked us, rejected us or scorned us, we are not under the rule of their decisions. God rules the world and He cares for us.

Neither your circumstances nor your adversaries speak truth. God always speaks the truth. And God says that you are blessed, you are redeemed, you are chosen, you are highly favored, you are more than a conqueror, victorious, under His banner of love and walking in freedom and faith. Your light is still shining, your heart is still beating and your life is in His hands. No longer do you have to feel the pressure and weight of your temporary circumstances for God is your King and He has a marvelous plan for your life. You don’t have to look at the things your eye sees and believe they are your truth, for God’s truth prevails. His grace is your transport into the Joy of the Lord, which is your strength.  He will either change everything or give you the strength to go through whatever comes your way because you have the belt of truth, the Word of God, at your disposal and the Holy Spirit guiding you. Nothing can ever separate you from God’s love for He rules the world, your world, with His Truth and His grace and you are going to prove the glory of His righteousness as you walk in peace, speak in love and gain ground the enemy has taken from you.

Oh beloved, run to the truth whenever you feel abandoned, misled or deceived. Run when you feel the hot pain of rejection, manipulation, worry or fear. God is with you and His truth is your banner to protect you from the lies the enemy speaks over you no matter where they come from. This holiday you will shine brighter than ever as you speak God’s truth over yourself, over your situation, over your family. No need to worry for God is watching over you and will lead you into all truth. His love endures forever and His care is eternal. No other half truth will do, for you are His most precious possession and He’s given you everything you will ever need. No more living under the lies of anyone who doesn’t speak God’s Word. You are free to sing and rejoice and be all God says you are.

He rules the World with truth and grace and you can walk in His pageantry as you live in the light of His wonderful words of Truth, Grace, Love and Care.

Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Psalm 22:28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s And He rules over the nations.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm 46:11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

God Says You're on the Winning Team!

Remember the days of picking kids to be on teams? We wanted the best to hold the line, throw the ball, jump the rope and more. There were the ones that were always picked last. It was hard because kids wanted to be nice, but they wanted to win. So the struggle between having a good team and having a good heart was there on the playground for the whole world to see.

Sometimes the underdog just got made fun of and left to suffer in his or her own problems. Other times we’d find out that the underdog was actually a shining star with talents none of us knew! It was amazing to see the look on the face of the kid who didn’t fit in as everyone cheered on the victorious home run or breaking through for Red Rover.

Our country is in a bit of a mess. I might say we may be in the last inning. There’s trouble at all the bases and the opposing team appears to be bigger, stronger and “badder”.  We’re the underdogs that’s for sure.  Unless we do something drastic we can’t hope to win. Can we?

You’re probably feeling the heat yourself. Life can be a big a mess as the playing field of life gets littered with all kinds of problems. You know you’re the weaker link, the last to be picked and you may even have been left out of the game altogether.  Unless you do something drastic you won’t win. Will you?

Is there hope for us on the underdog team? Is there hope for you as an underdog yourself? Maybe you’re thinking about throwing in the towel and making yourself fit in with the other team. You’re tired of having a good heart, full of good intentions and being lonely and outcast and unappreciated, undervalued and discarded like a bad penny.

Oh beloved, I encourage you today to get out the Play Book of Life and read:  The underdogs win! It may look rough, the sky may be growing dark, the winds of change are blowing in and the devil himself is howling at your door. But God says you are on the A Team! God says you’re a Winner! God says you are victorious not a victim! He says you are beautiful, perfect and redeemed. He says you are able and content and valiant! He says greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world!

It may be the last inning and you may be struggling, but God says I love you and I AM for you and that’s all that matters in the playing field of life!

Psalm 112:6-8 Such people will not be overcome by evil.  Those who are righteous will be long remembered.  They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.  They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.

1 John 5:5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

I John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

I Corinthians 1:8-9 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.  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.

Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Your Strength is From God Himself!

Two of our grandsons spent the night with us last night. We rented Jack the Giant Slayer.  It was pretty good but the best party of the movie was at the very end. The special affects were outstanding, the actors were good and the plot was wondrous. But that ending…

There were gruesome fights, a captured princess and fights for freedom. As the giants in the land were about to take over the entire kingdom, killing all the people who lived there, including the people’s king – they suddenly stopped in their tracks. Beginning with the leader, one by one they all knelt and bowed. Elmont, the king’s elite guard leader, looked incredulously at the sight of those giants in such a position.

He spoke out loud and everyone heard him, including the King, “There’s something behind me isn’t there?” As the soldiers and the King turned around, Jack came up with the princess. He was holding the crown of an ancient king Erik, who had reportedly defeated the giants one time before. He put the crown on his head and the fight was over. Not one of the giants was able to come against the crown.

Let’s face it. We all have battles in our lives. Some of them are quite gruesome. There are battles we don’t want, but find ourselves in anyway. There are battles of the heart, the mind and the spirit. We may love with abandon, only to find ourselves struggling to keep love fresh and real. We give ourselves fully to friends and family but there are times when even the closest of kin will turn and walk. We battle heartaches, loneliness, sorrow, despair. We come up against fearsome foes – fear, anger, rejection, doubt, indifference and more.  We may start out strong, but find ourselves holding on for our life as we see that we are no longer winning but actually up against things we can never overcome…on our own.

But just like the final battle in the movie, we have something behind us! We have Someone Who will come in like a flood and wipe our enemies from the land before us! Our King of Kings promises so many vast and wonderful things for us so that we can be more than conquerors and absolutely victorious in any battle we face! If He weren’t behind us, we’d lose for sure – but He is! And so because He is behind us, we can face everything that comes our way knowing through Our God we win!

God’s battle cry is full of love so that when we feel unloved and unlovely we can rejoice in the victory of His never ending love! God’s battle cry is full of hope – the hope that never disappoints, never loses and always overcomes! God’s battle cry is full of victory, for it is in our weakest moments that He is the Strongest in us and through us!

Oh beloved, are you barely holding on this morning! Don’t despair, but rather declare!  Declare the works of the Lord, speak out the Word of the Lord and gather up the Truth of God’s Word as your sword and shield! You may have thought you were all alone facing your giants, but behind you is God and He promises to rises up on your behalf and overcome everything because He loves you and He’s for you and that’s where the true Victory is!

Learn His Word completely, embrace His Word as your banner in the battlefields of life and watch as through God you will be valiant and find yourself in a win win situation always!

Jeremiah 15:20 They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!

Psalm 59:17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

Psalm 34:7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.

Psalm 139:5 You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.

Exodus 14:4 The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.

Put Your Foot Down and Count on the Word of God

The other day when I had a houseful of grandchildren, one of them wasn’t listening. It gets hilarious when they’re all running around having fun, but one needed to stop doing what he was doing! I finally decided to count! I began with “one”…to which little Stella, barely 2 years old, chimed in…”two, tree, por, pie,six,seben…” I was shocked to hear her pick up the count so well. 

Of course, even though I was quite serious and trying to put my foot down to restore order, we all know that that cute little sweetie melted my heart and the sternness was left behind. We all fell into laughter and the race was on again!

There is one who is always trying to put his foot down. Usually it’s on our necks. He wants us to believe what he says.  If he gets his bluff in we will be reduced to captives. He counts out loud to tell us that we are less than, worse than, weaker than, and more. His tactic is to put his foot down and demand that we believe him.  His name is satan and he is no friend and no leader we should follow. He is a liar and the father of all lies. His desire is to crush us and make us crippled spiritually, emotionally and physically.

For believers, there is wonderful news! We have a Savior who is always encouraging us to live in the light of His Word. His actions lift us when we’re down, cheer us when we’re sad and encourage us when everything seems to be going wrong.  He is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother and He always leads us into all Truth – and His Word is Truth.   Unlike the demanding enemy, God doesn’t demand from us, rather He woos us to live in a way that will be a blessing. He tells us too that we are more than, better than, stronger than and more! His desire is to teach us Truth so that we will be lifted up and walk free of the crutches that the world says we need. Even when things seem hopeless, He has given us heaven where we know we will live in perfect freedom forever with Him.

Who we truly believe is who we obey.  What we really believe as truth is lived out in our lives. We must become people of the Word so that even if all else is taken from us we can live as more than conquerors surrounded by the love of God forever!  It’s more important now than ever in our history, for much is given out these days as truth. 

Oh beloved, are you struggling beneath the load of care? Have you succumbed to the lies of the enemy of your soul? Have you knuckled under his jabs and fell victim to his lies? God is greater in you than the enemy who taunts you! He speaks to you and He says I AM your way, your truth and your life! I love you with an everlasting love and therefore I AM calling you out of darkness into My marvelous light! If you will trust Me and stand on My Word, you will be stronger than any bully, wiser than any adversary and able to make it as a victorious believer, no matter what comes your way.

It’s time to put your foot down and say no to the tactics of the enemy of your soul! God loves you and He’s for you and that sends the enemy running every time.

Psalm 18:3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.

Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Ephesians 6:10,11 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Celebrate True Freedom, God's Way!

For most of us, the main thing about this week-end is three days off. That’s pretty wonderful. The rarity of three days off in a row and especially slowly getting up and moving around at our leisure on Monday mornings makes three days off a real treat.  Often we forget about the real reason for the holiday; we take them for granted really.

There are other things we take for granted. Freedom to enjoy life. Freedom to meet together in groups. Freedom to protect our country. Freedom to own homes, buy groceries and make friends. Freedom to marry whom we choose. Freedom to have children. Freedom to change jobs. Freedom to drive a car, a motorcycle or a truck.  Freedom to protest. Freedom to worship. Freedom to own a Bible. Freedom to share the Gospel.

Every freedom you and I enjoy as American citizens is given to us without reservation and is confirmed in our bill of rights. But the protection of those rights has been kept because our military have fought to keep us free. My own father served in World War I and World War II. Uncles fought in Korea and Viet Nam. While you and I have enjoyed this wonderful freedom, many have died for that freedom.

There is One Who gave His life to set every human being on the face of the earth free. His name is Jesus. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and His destiny was to live, to promote and to die for freedom. If it was simply to die, though, we’d be memorializing Him right along with every other conqueror, leader, hero and demigod across the span of time. We’d be decorating His grave with the myriad of soldiers who have flags and patriotic flowers dotting the cemeteries.

But this One rose again! And because He came out of the grave, fully alive, He dismembered death and made a public show of it! Because He lives we can, as the song says, face tomorrow, all fear is gone, and we know Who holds the future. He is more than a hero, He’s our Savior. He’s more than a Soldier, He’s our King! He’s more than a conqueror, He’s our redeemer! He’s our everything, for His Name is the great I AM!

Oh beloved, before you go out for the day’s festivities, won’t you take a moment to honor the One True God, who lives making intercession for you? He celebrates you every day as He rejoices over you as His beloved, He protects you as His child and He prays for you always. He has granted you True Freedom – to live for Him, to worship Him, to honor Him and to look to Him for everything for life and godliness. His resurrection is your reassurance that – no matter what you are going through, no matter what you have been through and no matter what life brings you – He will be with you! Even in facing hardships, annoyances, sorrows, fears and death itself – you are watched over by the Eternal Light of the World!

Rejoice this memorial day in all it means, but most especially that you are a child of The Most High God! That you are loved beyond measure by the Lord of Heaven and Earth! That you are a soldier of the cross and protected by His watchful care all the way to your reward!

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Hebrews 7:24-25 but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

2 Corinthians 5:21 He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

I Corinthians 2:12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

Good Morning Overcomer!

Every special occasion, including Mother’s Day, is always met with some type of feast. This year for Mother’s Day my husband and son in law planned the cooking. This will always include grilling something and that’s great! We’re always concerned that there won’t be enough food, so we naturally over plan. We plan for huge servings for everyone. Whether it’s sausage links or salad or baked beans, there’s going to be a large quantity.




There are favorite dishes that have been handed down in the generations. Mother’s recipe for potato salad. My mother in law Betty’s recipe for chicken and dressing. We make certain recipes over and over because our ancestors did it that way. Although I love my Dad, I prefer the way I make spaghetti and meat sauce over his recipe. I would venture to say that most of us have things that have been handed down through the generations that may need tweaking or revamping altogether.



There are other types of things handed down through the generations. Anger, fear, unforgiveness, addictions and more. There are good things as well. Faith, joy, love to name a few. Family talks can center around Uncle Bob’s drinking problems being just like his father’s. Or we can remember fondly the grandmother who always knew her Bible verses and prayed without ceasing. One type of situation gives families grief into the 4th and 5th generations. Other more pleasant memories.



If you are a believer, you no longer have to accept everything that can be inherited from your family line. And you don't have to give your children what your ancestors gave you. With Christ, you have been given a more excellent way. You’ve been redeemed from the curse. You’ve been set free from bondage. You are free to be all that Christ has planned for you to be. Just like family recipes, God’s recipe for your life has been tweaked by the Lord Himself. When God says you’ve been set free and you are a new creation, He means it. Old things are indeed passed away and behold, all things have become new. God says you’ve died and your life is hidden in Christ.



Oh beloved, run to the Word this morning and read all of God’s promises. Take them in as yours, for He gave each one to you. Even if you have struggled and even if you have failed, time and again His mercy is new! You may have been wearing hand me downs in your heart and mind for years. The sorrows, the troubles and the anguish of your family lineage weigh heavy on your heart. You’ve tried to overcome them, rebuke them and do things differently, but they resurface over and over again to give you grief. Hold on! It’s time to step to limbs of your family troubles and say no more! He says to you this morning, live in My blessings instead of your past. Rejoice in My freedom instead of sorrowing over the things of other generations. I AM your road to freedom, your path to right living and your guidepost for all you need to overcome every obstacle set before you.



God loves you and He’s for you so you can be an overcomer and a victor in all things!



Galatians 3:13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."



John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.



Colossians 3:3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.



Ephesians 4:24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.



Psalm 118:14-16 The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!

Today is Your Declaration of Dependence!

We enjoy visiting many battlefields when traveling across the country.  Shiloh is one of the larger parks we’ve visited as well as Pea Ridge right here in Arkansas.  Considering the smaller places, there are remnants of battlefields everywhere. Our country has survived much and has much rich history to read and see. 

Life itself is a battlefield and there are many sieges within our days. While many lives have been lost in the battles within our country, there is no need to lose a battle as a Christian, when we have such an arsenal of truth and grace to count on.

There’s the battlefield of the mind.  We have one and only one enemy and he wants to win.  He wants to win at putting you in such a position that you cannot hear from God and cannot believe He will rescue you. The enemy wants to make you think that you are cut off from God’s supplies. You cannot believe him.  He tells you that you are un-loveable, unusable, unable and undone.  He speaks lies into your mind and if you don’t have your orders straight from the Word of God, you will believe him.  Take out your sword beloved!

Then there’s battlefield of the heart. Once again the opposing force assaults and wounds.  He reminds you that you’ve been left alone, your heart is broken and you feel dejected and full of sorrow. This is a sniper’s work. It only takes one word of rejection spoken quietly to get you vulnerable. He will tell you it’s over - you might as well give up.  You become afraid, hesitant and desperate. Desperate soldiers make mistakes and may desert their God given position.

The battlefield of the spirit.  This battle is raging constantly. The enemy assaults you by attempting to make you believe you can fight in your own strength. As you try desperately to fight and win, you find yourself exhausted, winded and ready to surrender. But just as he has you right where he wants you, the Cavalry of God’s Heavenly Host arrives and reminds you what God’s Word says for you are an overcomer! You will be Victorious! You cannot fight in your own strength, but through God you can wage war and win!

Oh beloved, God knows your battles this morning. He knows that you went to bed last night trying to figure out how you are going to make it. He knows the skirmishes have brought tears and sorrow so many times. But this day God wants you to get up and stand up and declare His Word over every problem, over every situation, over every battle, over every lie and corrupt word that’s been spoken over you.

Today is your Declaration of Dependence! You are counting on God! You can shout it with David, who picked up a small stone and put it in a sling. You can declare it with Joseph, who sat at the bottom of a well. You can proclaim it with Abraham as you climb the mountain of adversity.  Oh beloved, you are a soldier in God’s Army and you have a huge cloud of overcomers to assist you by their testimonies. You have the Word of God that is strong and invincible and your only weapon, but oh what a weapon it is!

You are never alone in this battlefield of life. God loves you and He’s for you so you will always be a winner through Jesus Christ Who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  Rejoice, that even though you may be in a battle today, ultimate victory is yours! Amen!

Deuteronomy 20:4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!

2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

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

I Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the one who is over all things.

Troubles Raging? You Will Be Victorious Through God

There’s been a stomach bug raging through the family.  It’s been a real kicker.  It started before Christmas with one daughter. As it went to the next daughter’s family, her kids all got it, one after another.  One day right in the middle of the worst of it, 2 year old Caleb exclaimed, “I don’t like this!” This virus picked people off at random, even hitting in-laws who had happened by to visit.  No ordinary 24 hour bug, this one has been quite lengthy for some.  Between the cold weather, gray skies and this – we’re all ready for spring. We’d just as soon skip the rest of winter!

If we could see viruses with our eyes, we’d avoid them for sure.  We would not purposely enter into the virus’s territory. In the midst of the illness, we find ourselves asking if it will ever end. Being in the throes of these viral events keeps us focused on the sickness and any thought of it being over and a healthier day is hard to believe.

In life’s throes, we often have extreme times of worry, fatigue, fear, sorrow, exclusion or more. In the middle of our troubles, trials and situations often all we can see is what we’re feeling.  We may not have intentionally walked into any of it. It just happens. We look to place the blame so we can avoid it in the future, but life happens. Not everything we go through is sweetness and light. The only way to live a life that might bring us little sorrow is to become a hermit who doesn’t work, doesn’t play, doesn’t travel, doesn’t go outside of our own homes. And, that’s not living.  Besides, trouble doesn’t see the fencepost, the door locks or the boundaries.

You may be in the midst of an extreme battle this day. You’ve tried everything. You may be worn out, done in, played out. Once you knew you would get through this, but now you’re not sure.  You’ve prayed, you’ve sought, you’ve medicated yourself and you’re still in the onslaught. What may have started out as a little problem has turned into a big situation and you’re in the middle of it.  Without a cure, without some respite, you are not sure you’ll make it. 

Oh beloved, don’t give in! You may be on your last leg, but there is one who is able to pick you up right where you are! The Lord is with you! You have not been fighting this battle alone. You may have no strength, but the Lord is the Host of Heaven’s Armies. You may not have seen God with you, but His Word is True and He tells you that He is with you! He tells you that He has His angels encamping around you! He also tells you you have a great cloud of witnesses! This battle is not yours, beloved, this battle belongs to the Lord! Lay your burdens, your hurts, your trials, your battle on the altar of His loving care and let Him finish off the trouble on your behalf. He is able to walk you through the valley, He is able to get you through the sea, and He will not let this flood overtake you! You may feel worn out, but you are an overcomer! You may feel the answer won’t come, but you are not living by sight but by faith. And when this trial is over, you will see yourself as the Lord sees you! You are loved! You are taken care of! You are invincible! You are victorious! Your King is in residence in your heart today and He says the battle belongs to Him!

1 Chronicles 5:20  They cried out to God during the battle, and He answered their prayer because they trusted in Him…

Psalm 18:39  You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued my enemies under my feet.

Psalm 55:18  He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.

2 Chronicles 20:15 He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Ephesians 6:13  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Psalm 46:7  The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Isaiah 8:13  Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

Psalm 24:8  Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.

Joshua 1:9  This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Don't Feel LIke Singing? Then Rejoice in Him!

Some of our past Christmas photos aren’t so hot. LOL! Old cameras or film left in a drawer for too long make for foggy results. Sometimes the kiddos wouldn’t stay still so we’ve got phantoms running through the picture! We were celebrating and having the best time, but you wouldn’t know it by the photos.  Then there are the shots with heads cut off, the missing person picture shots and the not so flattering results! The photos may look chaotic even when the actual event was serene and wonderful!  The view from our eyes may be beautiful, colorful and rich, but cameras don’t always return what we see with our hearts. Yet photos will continue to be taken so that we can somehow capture the few great moments of love and laughter! These photos serve as memories of the celebration we had!

Our hearts take snapshots as well. Most of the time our memory shots are wonderful! Parents laughing with each other, husbands sneaking bites of specialty cooked delicacies, children sneaking candy canes off the tree. Looking through our hearts’ picture album may bring more precious memories of cousins and Santa and presents and more.

For some though, the images aren’t so great. This year may be a time of mourning for recent loss or a time of sorrow because of current discord. Things don’t always go well in families. People don’t always behave and not everyone is sweetness and light. Troubles abound, even at Christmas, even during celebrations. Spouses walk away, loved ones go to heaven and children don’t act like “their raising”!

Our photos may indeed reveal that our lives can be a lot like a shabby chic Christmas! Lots of things going on, lots of different textures and styles all jumbled together.  If you only look through the lens of the camera you may find more shabby than chic.

All things in my life aren’t like I want them and I bet it’s the same with you.  I’m going to celebrate anyway! I’ll celebrate the joys because they are gifts from God. I’ll celebrate in spite of the hurts because they are stepping stones to stronger faith! I’ll celebrate regardless of the disappointments because they are the path to His appointments! I’ll celebrate even in my loss because I count it all loss to gain Christ! 

Oh beloved, do you hear the sounds of rejoicing in the background of your life? It’s Father God and His Heavenly Host rejoicing and celebrating! They are rejoicing in you! They are celebrating your life! For you are an overcomer, you are victorious, you are the joy of Almighty God’s heart! Celebrate with the Lord Himself for He says to you this morning “Look up! It’s time to rejoice in Me. I AM your celebration, I AM your cause for singing, I AM your reason for living.  I have loved you forever and My plans for you are to celebrate all that you are In Me.  Look at My Photo Album, the Word of God, and see how I feel about you, see how I plan good things for you and see how I can take all the smiles, the tears, the laughter and the mourning and put it altogether for your good and My Glory! I AM your answer to today’s problems, I AM your reason for bright hopes for tomorrow. Only Trust Me – for I AM your God and there is none like Me. I Love you and I AM on your side always, from Christmas to the end of the age.

Psalm 135:3  Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate His lovely name with music.

1 Chronicles 16:10  Exult in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD.

Psalm 33:21  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.

Psalm 68:3  But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.

Isaiah 29:19  The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the LORD. The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Habakkuk 3:18  yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Romans 12:12  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Philippians 4:4  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Got Challenges? The Word of God is Your Stepping Stone

Our family loves the Indiana Jones movies. No matter how many times we watch them, we still get involved in the plots. In The Last Crusade’s opening, we find our hero contending with not only the bandits chasing him, but also the train's inhospitable occupants. Indy is continually fighting for and against things and people, but somehow wins in spite of the disastrous situations in his life.  My favorite scene is of a passageway of stepping stones marked with individual letters. For this challenge Indy deduces that he must spell the name of God in order to proceed. As he makes the first step, the rock collapses beneath him and he nearly falls into an enormous chasm below.  He regroups and thinks of the correct spelling for the Name of God and proceeds, carefully at first and then with confidence gets through the test. It is only by stepping correctly that he survives to advance.

In many ways we believers are like Indiana Jones. Our lives are fraught with dangers, trials and snares. The enemy gives us trouble and we have to find our way through to victory. Challenges are presented and we must figure out the route God wishes for us to take. Just as Indy had to spell out the name of God correctly to move ahead, we too must know God’s Word and His Character to make it.

Oh beloved, your route may be hard today. You may be wondering why yet another obstacle is looming before you. You’ve worked and planned and prayed, but troubles seem unavoidable.  His Word is your victory! His Name is your passage through! Run to Him this morning and talk with Him, for together you and He can formulate a plan, lead by the Lord Jehovah Himself, that will cause you to be more than victorious! It will give you a joyful plan for this day and bright hope for tomorrow, no matter what life brings. He loves you so much that He not only gave you the route to Heaven, He’s able to get you through this life as an overcomer! 

Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.

Psalm 119:133 Guide my steps by Your Word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

John 16:33   I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

I John 5:4-5 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.  And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.