Blog Feed

FEAR

March Madness may have a different meaning in history for the year 2020. COVID-19 has caused a panic internationally. The wide-reaching virus has caused universal speculation and alarm. It has recently been referred to as a global pandemic. I believe the last count I read was 100,000 people infected worldwide with over 4,000 deaths.

Many are surprised to see the extreme self-preservation measures taken over the past two weeks since the virus has tripled in number. Travel restrictions are rolling out and cleaning procedures are being heightened. Although some say these are reactionary measures based on fear, it is reassuring to see authorities expressing concern for those under their influence.

However, these types of situations are often frustrating due to the conjecture and panic the media portrays. It truly concerns me when the upcoming generation witnesses a frightened society exhibiting extreme irrational behavior. I am not suggesting we take COVID-19 lightly, but I am proposing for the knowledge about the virus to be based on true facts. What is its main cause? What are some rational prevention steps to take? How can we respond?

Fear and panic were definitely emotions throughout my childhood. I can effortlessly recall all the physical outcomes I endured due to these triggers. And it was always because of concern for someone’s life being severely hurt. An alarm would ring throughout my mind, body, and soul and worry would bring on fright, distress, and absolute terror. I learned how to panic, shutdown, and be irrational because I didn’t know any different.

Through years of healing and assistance, I have mellowed tremendously and slowly learned to be cautious in my reactions. Honestly, years ago this recent virus news would have sent me into a tailspin. 

Times like these truly give me an opportunity to display where I place my faith and who I really fear. I believe fear is a two-sided coin. Fear of God or Fear without God. Heads you win, tails you lose.

FEAR OF GODFEAR WITHOUT GOD
There is reverence for the Almighty Father who loves beyond compare.  Hebrews 12: 28-29There is no hope. Ephesians 2:12
God’s love overcomes earthly fears.
1 John 4:18		Fear without faith in God’s power is unprofitable. Matthew 25:25
God’s peace allows us to remain steadfast. 2 Timothy 1:7Worry only subtracts from life. Luke 12:25

While going through 2020’s March madness, I will place my faith in God. I will cling to Isaiah 41:10 and remind myself that God is beside me, strengthening and assisting in times of fear. I will stand on His word and claim God as my refuge during this troubled time. (Psalm 46). May we all remember Philippians 4:7 and rely on God’s peace to calm our hearts and minds.

God is on His throne and He knows our earthly struggles. Find comfort in God’s Word and adhere to His goodness. May we be His unfaltering light as we walk through the days ahead. Let us pray for the victims of COVID-19 as of today and in the weeks to come.

2

Spiritual Muscle

You’re killing me Smalls! How did I get roped into your “God Word”?
Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Ephesians 5:15-16

Anyone have spring fever? March is the month when spring break is the buzz word on the street and students are geared up for some fun away from school. Plans are being made and parents are requesting time off. During this time of the year, people begin to be out and about doing yardwork, washing cars, walking the track, spending time outdoors, etc. Seems like everyone is getting a little more exercise outside of the house.

Exercising and discipline use to be my middle name. I would follow through with my goals, plans, schedules, workouts, house cleaning, healthy cooking, you name it. Oftentimes, to a fault! The “pit” truly pulled me off track and Tamoxifen left me tired, unmotivated, and battling a thyroid issue. My pickup and go had packed up and left. Unfortunately, there was little discipline and I barely recognized nor felt like myself. What an experience to say the least!

Hang in there. I do have a point to make…

So, why did I reference spring? Last spring marked one full year of God allowing me to live out His directed pathway. He lifted me out of the valley and showed me the refining of my life amidst the storm. I cannot express the inner peace and joy I found after I humbly surrendered it all to Him. At this year mark, the Lord gave me the words for the Refining study, set my feet on His pathway, and then said “I gave you a year to recover now GO!” Here I am a year later in disbelief. God is truly a miracle worker. By His almighty hand, he has me writing. (an area that was never my strength nor my favorite) Never in my wildest dreams!!!

Last summer, when taking the pilot group through the Refining study, I received a new God Word. When we walked through the steps of “One Word”, the Lord gave me DISCIPLINE! I didn’t want the word nor did I want to be held accountable. Seriously! I did ask over and over, “God, why this word?” He answered when I read “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” in Luke 11:28.

Well, here I am nine months later eating better, walking when I can, reading through the entire bible, and applying “discipline” to my life. Let me tell you, I have a long way to go and I might have this God Word for several years. Why? Because I have allowed my muscles to be lazy in so many ways for waaaaaaay tooooo long. I allowed the spiritual battle to overwhelm physically and mentally. Somehow the enemy found a way to take away my value, self-control, and proper priorities.

The gig is up Satan!

Through God’s authority and power, I am retraining and strengthening muscles. Each day, I intentionally plan to make healthier choices because I am not my own. I was meant to fulfill God’s will and my entire body belongs to Him. The Lord wants me stronger and has fabulous plans for the days ahead. My Heavenly Father is giving me a workout and building my spiritual muscle beyond my imagination.

How’s your spiritual muscle?

I truly care about you my friend and your growth plan. I never want you to feel devalued and lifeless like I did several years ago. My prayer for you is to live a life empowered by His goodness and grace where you experience a secure connection with the one and only Lord. He delivers freedom and protection, but you must choose to engage in the workout.

Give God praise as Psalm 30:4-5 declares. Place your trust in Him alone because He is faithful as we read in Psalm 37:2-3. Stay in His word (Psalm 119:1) and talk to Him (Psalm 116:1-2). Be intentional with your time (Ephesians 5:15-16) and know that your creator will help strengthen every part of your body, mind, and soul because you are part of His magnificent design (Psalm 139:14). Set your goals according to His authority and commit to Him.

I am praying for you and your days ahead. You can do it! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone! Tap into your assets (Romans 8:37) and know you are created to bring glory to the King (Ephesians 2:10). You are a royal family member who God loves dearly.  

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.  

P.S. Poor Jace. I made him walk five miles one evening this week. He hasn’t done that in several years.

1

Unified

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Most of us live by certain principles based upon personal values and beliefs. Our identity often rests on these ethics and ideologies. Once we become an independent individual and are on our own, we have the freedom to separate or unite with the standards our parents established (or did not). Just like our salvation, we are given the freedom to choose our individual morals and tenets.

So, how do you identify yourself? “I am a good person.” “I am a renowned doctor.” “I consider myself a productive citizen.” “I am just a soul trying to make ends meet.” “I am independent.” “I do the best I can with what I have.” I am a legendary athlete.” “I deem myself as a conservative.” “I am a male Native American.” “I am a prominent business owner.” “I am an educator.” And the list goes on and on of a multitude of answers people might give. Maslow theory states that our identity is a formation process beginning as an infant which is based on a hierarchy of needs. The psychologist notes there are levels to accomplish before obtaining self-actualization.  

Paul might argue that self-actualization occurs differently. We all know how he distinguished himself in his early years. However, I bet if we asked Paul how he identified himself after his Damascus road experience, he would probably say, “I am a child of God through His unity!” Have you ever thought of yourself as unified? I am not sure I have given it much thought until now.

In Ephesians, Paul sheds great light on being identified as unified. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 1 that Christ Jesus came down from His heavenly home for the primary purpose to join Himself with man. It establishes the mere fact that God loves us beyond measure and desires for us to become one in our beliefs and faith in Christ. This first chapter affirms that our Lord and Savior extends the gift of grace with the opportunity to find identify ourselves in Him. Once we accept this distinct portrait of who we are in Jesus, the worldly identification seems to fade away. It no longer holds the significance it once did. Our notorious titles, positions, crafts, race, etc. is not our primary standard nor is our self-individuality.

We now want to be known as: UNIFIED!

I am unified with Christ. I am not my own. I am a child of GOD! In Him I find my security and empowerment. Through my faith, He has freed me from all unrighteousness. Christ Jesus has connected me with the Father and fully equipped me with all I need including His Spirit, which is alive and well within me. I treasure my unity and I never want to be found without Him by my side. I am who I am because of the the GREAT I AM!

Who do you say you are?

Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13

0

Clothed in Love

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:14

Happy weekend friends! What fun are you having? I spent the majority of the morning cleaning closets and washing clothes. This crazy weather has had us wearing everything from shorts and t-shirts to thick sweaters and thermals within a week’s period of time. Instead of having a closet with clothes for the current season, it holds everything I own.

How do you decide what to wear during your week? Wake up and grab whatever is clean? Plan the night before and lay it all out? Start on Sunday and build your weekly outfits down to accessories? Do you iron everything or tumble the wrinkles? No matter the approach, none of us gets dressed accidentally. We all purposely choose to cover our body with clothing.

What if every morning we purposely clothed ourselves in love as well? Can you think of someone who exhibits a fine “love outfit” daily?

My thoughts immediately proceed to a neighbor I had for over a decade. Her name was Sally Richardson. This sweet lady displayed the finest evening gown of love day-to-day. She was far from being self-centered and always focused on other’s needs. Her prayers filled the room with love and wrapped around your heart like a high-end cashmere scarf on a snowy day. When life was difficult or she was sick, I would visit her with the intent of lifting her spirits. However, I was always the one walking away so elevated in God and filled with amazing hope and faith. How did she do it?

She believed…

Love is patient. She knew God was always patient so she strived to be patient with others. (I Corinthians 13:4)

Love keeps no record of wrong. She gave love without keeping score of what she received from others. (I Corinthians 13:5)

Love always protects and preserves. She was confident that when she prayed God’s love over the situation, the Lord would protect His children. (I Corinthians 13:7)

Love is controlled by actions not feelings. She would love people even when they didn’t deserve it. (Matthew 5:44)

Love is powerful, unconditional, and life changing. She extended love because she knew the power of the Lord and His miraculous, life changing abilities. (Romans 12:20)

What are you wearing tomorrow?

Tribute to Sally Christine Richardson

6

When it reaches out and grabs you

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12:6-7 (NLT)

It is up to us to stay in His Word and pay close attention to His call. When we are plugged into God, we will know His voice. John 10: 27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” It is a mutual recognition. The Spirit of truth prompts us to dig deeper into the verse/s which personally stand out in order to fully digest scripture. He bids us to apply it to our circumstances and claim it over our lives and those around us.

Let me share one of my attention moments with you.

During my difficult season of life, I began questioning if my faith was real. Why would I feel so helpless if I was truly a child of God? Honestly, this was a dark period of my soul. I was struggling for answers and asking God why over and over and over. Nevertheless, I continued to attend church, show up for small group, and worship the Lord through song.

One particular Sunday morning, the pastor was preaching from 1 Corinthians to shed light on the faults we continue to exhibit like those addressed by Paul with the church in Corinth. As the pastor read and explored chapter 4, he began examining and analyzing reasons we can become self-absorbed and arrogant. I was curious how he would deliver his closing comments. While summarizing the various points of the sermon, he read 1 Corinthians 4:20-21. I leaned in and fixed my mind on what I anticipated to be his main point. Like in many churches, the words appeared on the screen: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.  What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? It was like fireworks on the fourth of July. I saw those words and knew God was talking directly to me. I went straight to my iPad, opened the notes app, and typed out the verses.

What? You aren’t seeing fireworks too? Perhaps you can’t even imagine a bad sparkler. Why? Because God personally luminated this particular scripture at that very moment just for me. He desired my attention. The Lord removed all distractions in my mind and spoke loud and clear while I was fully present in an environment focused on Him. Upon hearing those scriptures, my question of faith was answered.

It became clear that this dark valley was a discipline gorge. God revealed my lack of engagement in His Word and the Holy Spirit had definitely exposed my deficiency. When seeing those words, I realized I had not placed myself in the Lord’s text. I was lacking the ability to fully submit to His great power because my life wasn’t drenched in scripture. For all those years, I had viewed the bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. This was God’s invitation to infuse my life with scripture. He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority.

This was my attention moment which exposed me to a personal definition of submission. 

How has God used scripture to grab your attention?

1

But Who Is the Real God?

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.  Abraham Lincoln

Hi friends! How’s your week been? I am adjusting to my new weekly travels and students for the spring semester. Getting to know each student takes time. Most students are a little reluctant at first and seem to be more receptive once I share a bit about my personal life. I am always ready to talk about my #1 love but, as you know, this isn’t always allowed in an educational setting. So, very rarely is God the topic of our discussion.

At each location, I meet with students in various locations: janitor’s closet, library, conference room, teacher’s lounge, someone’s office, guided reading closet. . . This week, at one of the locations, we utilized the assistant principal’s office. When entering the room, colorful posters filled the walls and 3D models were carefully displayed on every table like an art exhibit. As the student and I sat down to begin the intervention session, the student asked who the people were on the crafted posters. I replied, “It looks like a class has been studying Greek Mythology.” “Oh yeah, all those gods and goddesses. I’ve read about them,” the student stated. I decided to use this as a teachable genre moment and defined Ancient Greek folklore. After I shared the basic explanation of a myth, the student asked, “So, who is the Real God? Is it Zeus? You know, the true one, the main God?”

Silence. . .Wheels turning. . .Appropriate “educational setting” response or the TRUTH? “No, it is not Zeus. The one true, real god’s name is God and He is not a myth,” I replied. Then out of nowhere, a god poster fell off the wall.

On my way to the next location, I kept hearing the student’s question over and over in my head. “So, who is the Real God?”. How can someone know that they know the true God? Vaguely I could hear Jack Graham, Power Point Ministries, in the background. I turned up the volume. Graham was referencing John 16 as the words in verse 25 caught my attention, “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father.” The plain truth. Just speak the plain truth of who the Real God is.

God is . . .

Yahweh, Almighty GodI appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. (NLT)Exodus 6:3
CreatorThrough him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (NIV)John 1:3
Holy OneFor thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (KJV)Psalm 16:10
All Knowingfor whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (ESV)1 John 3:20
Ever PresentO LORD, You have searched me and known me., For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.Psalm 139: 1, 13
JehovahThat they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth. (NASB)Psalm 83:18

God is my everything. He is my Jehovah Jireh. He has never failed me nor left me as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6. May I forever declare Psalm 91:2 so the world will know He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, I will trust in Him always. God’s love and truth is the highest-ranking genre that could ever be taught, studied, or experienced. God is the Real REAL! He stands alone. Nothing else can compare. He is Holy, Holy, Holy! The Almighty Lord is beyond supernatural. God is the ONE and ONLY! And that’s the plain truth.

0

Suffering + Praise

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Hello! As we say in Texas, how’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Last night was windy, wet, dreary, and frigid but this morning was glorious with a bright glow of the sun and beautiful blue skies. Such a contrast within less than a 24-hour period. I am always amazed how fast conditions can change. My grandpa often referred to this by saying, “Things can change at the drop of a hat.” Of course, as a kid, I never knew exactly what that meant and besides, I never saw a hat adorn his head.

Psalm 22 was part of the reading plan today. Many of the words were familiar and the writing brought a variety of thoughts. I even read a few commentaries and translations while pondering. This passage is composed of two parts: a cry for help and a song of praise. I found it surprising how quickly the demeanor changed from the beginning to the end in this passage. It brought to mind a couple of words: suffering and praise.

Even though Psalm 22 is a clear depiction of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, my wandering thoughts landed upon a question. What would it be like to praise the Lord with my entire being while undergoing intense persecution and pain? Am I even capable of doing this? Is my faith strong enough to claim God’s love and promises for me when He may seem so far away or silent? Then silence filled my mind for a brief pause. Why this take on Psalm 22? Oh yeah, it is you Holy Spirit!! You are prompting me to examine my life and assist me in my spiritual walk. (My light bulb still works at times! YIPPEE)

I don’t know about you but adding praise plus suffering seems foreign. However, lets reflect on Paul and Silas. In Acts 16, we find them in jail and bound by chains. Surprisingly, they are singing hymns to the Father and in the middle of the night none the less. This is an excellent example of followers praising God for who He is despite their circumstances. They were not thanking the Lord for their situation of course, but were reflecting on the Father’s promises and His steadfast nature. Can you imagine how quickly their perspective and disposition changed because of their devoted worship? I bet a counselor would agree that this act of thanksgiving was their essential source of physical and mental health. They stood steadfast and displayed the endurance of Job. WOW!

How vibrant is my spirit to praise continually when the storms of life come? Why do I wait until the glowing sun and blue skies appear again to give Him praise?

Almighty God is constant in all situations and walks of life. God never alters his character. Psalm 25:10 reminds us “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and His testimonies”. It is me that varies “at the drop of a hat” or situation. May I be refined to display 1 Corinthians 15:58.

0

BOOK REVIEW: Talking With God

Webb, A. (2017). Talking with God. New York: Waterbrook.

Summary:

The author is the founder and pastor of Embrace church. The book focuses on prayer and its purpose. Weber emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with God and defines prayer as simply carrying on a basic conversation. Many life experiences are used to support his stance. The author delivers the information as a practical guide to assist the reader in becoming comfortable and familiar with talking with God. Readers are given precise examples of conversations that are brief and honest throughout each chapter. His approach to delivering the content is organized into primarily three main sections: defining God, the reasons for prayer, how to pray when we experience seven different areas. Weber uses several personal stories to convey his point in the majority of the chapters. Each chapter begins with a quote from various people such as C.S. Lewis and Charles Spurgeon. The field notes have bible references although scripture is not prevailing throughout the book. The dominant message is “Just talk with God”.   

My $.02:

I grabbed this book to supplement my current writings when I saw that Craig Groeschel recommended it. There are three and a half pages of recommendations found at the beginning of the book. Weber is a humble writer and very transparent. He has several personal stories that touched my heart. My main take-away was a statement he made about most followers. The point was we do a lot of talking ABOUT God but not enough talking TO God. All of the dialogue examples italicized in the text were appropriate to give readers a good sense of how to carry on a conversation with God. They exemplified asking questions, praising, requesting, surrendering, etc. when chatting with the Lord.  I really enjoyed his honesty displayed in the illustrations of prayer. For instance, when Weber discusses the topic of extending grace, he addresses the lingering hurt. “God, I give this person over to you again today. I’m still hurting. Help me to extend grace. Jesus, I thought I was past the anger. Past the bitterness. Past these feelings. I need your grace because I have none to give.” Wow! Have you ever needed to say those words to God? I sure have! I appreciate the closing of the book. “Jesus, I want to know you. Jesus, I want to be with you. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I want to talk with you for the rest of my life.”

Don’t just take my word for it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30896358-talking-with-god

5

Heavenly Astuteness

Happy sunny January afternoon. I don’t know about some of you but I could really use a snowy scene for a couple of days. Winter should be cold and filled with glorious snowflakes. (Okay, please do not stop reading because you love summer!) There really isn’t a season I prefer. They each come with uniqueness and purpose. My body just doesn’t know what to do when fall/spring days come right in the middle of winter. Even the daffodils are puzzled. I guess we could say, “Only the Good Lord knows the reason.”

The Almighty Father has the insight and perception which far exceeds our personal understanding. His wisdom outweighs any authority or power as we read in Ephesians 1:21. Our faith and focus are to be on God and exalt Him above all else because of the great gift of eternal life He has extended to each of us and rescued us from hell. (Psalm 30:1) It is through discipline and spiritual growth in Him that we discover how to maintain our ever-wavering attention on the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 states, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” God is worthy to be praised 24/7 because of His great love.

I read an article today written by Bobby Conner from Bullard, TX entitled How to Activate Divine Wisdom. He made several remarkable points. In the article, Conner declared “The gateway leading to the pathway of divine wisdom is humility and reverence. There are absolutely no shortcuts to acquiring this godly wisdom. The fountainhead is true, holy, reverential fear of God.” Conner continues the writing by describing an authentic humble and pure heart. I enjoyed reading his insight of all the benefits which come from having God’s wisdom. The author really caught my attention when he wrote, “We are instructed to obtain godly wisdom at all costs. Whatever action we must take to acquire this offered wisdom is a must.”

As I walk through these first couple of weeks of January, I am evaluating my reverence to the Father. Am I willing to do “whatever action” necessary to deepen my walk? Do I fear the Lord enough to display worship, respect, admiration, and awe of Him over my fleshy desires every moment of every day? What steps am I taking to seek after His wisdom? Do I exhibit full discipline for God?

My desire is for God to take control of my life and increase His presence. I want His wisdom. Trust me, I have relied on my own expertise and we all know the rest of that story!

What about you?

Link to the full article written by Bobby Conner: https://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=23077

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started