Advent Week Four: LOVE

Pure amazing love…Song lyrics flood my mind when I think of God’s Love.

You Loved me First	When I was wandering, when I was hiding, Jesus, You found me and You loved me first. God of full mercy, take all the glory. Jesus, you found me and You loved me first. You loved me first!
Love came down at Christmas	Love will be our token, Love be yours, and love be mine. Love from God to all of us, Love for plea and gift a sign.
Give Love on Christmas Day	Why don’t you give love on Christmas Day, even the man who has everything would be so happy if you would bring him love on Christmas day. No greater gift is there than love.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us	How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
O Holy Night	Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Your Love never fails	The wind is strong and the water’s deep, but I’m not alone here in these open seas. Cause Your love never fails. The chasm is far too wide. I never thought I’d reach the other side but Your love never fails.
Some Kind of Love	What kind of love goes into the darkness and pulls you back when you’re on the edge. What kind of love finds you when you’re hopeless, and gives you another second chance.
The Proof of Your Love	If I sing but don’t have love, I waste my breath with every song I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise. If I speak with a silver tongue, convince a crowd but don’t have love, I leave a bitter taste with every word I say.
Love Came Down and Rescued Me	Love came down and rescued me. Love came down and set me free. I am yours Lord I’m forever yours. Mountains high or valley low, I sing out and remind my soul. I am yours, I am forever yours

And the list continues in my head…

Where would we be without the love of God? Christ gave the gift of His own life because of His unmeasurable love. I cannot seem to wrap my head around a life sacrifice of someone completely free of sin in order to pay the price for a guilty sinner like me. He gave us the flawless depiction of a modest servant yielding it all.

What defines love? Love is a gift given away. To me, there seems to be a sacrifice when it comes to selfless love. Relinquishing talents, gifts, time, selfish needs, etc. The love of Christ in us and through us brings change to circumstances, gives hope to the despair, and heals hearts. I believe genuine love is evident when a total submission to God’s will is present. When we yield to His calling and share His love, we acquire a marvelous love and discover a satisfaction like nothing else in the world.

Have you ever volunteered to feed the homeless, worked several hours for a women’s shelter, delivered food to the poor, visited a nursing home, offered your time to help others? Did you walk away with an unexplainable love in your heart from the Lord? This has been true for me personally. Even when I felt I had nothing to offer and was at an all-time low, a simple act of showing God’s love saturated my soul with goodness words cannot explain. The more of God’s love I give away, the more He seems to bestow.

When I ponder God’s love Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, comes to mind. She says, “Love is the most powerful force for healing and change in the world.” She began an amazing global program for hurting woman due to various matters such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, addiction, and human trafficking. Thistle Farms gives women a chance to heal and become economically independent. Stevens has surrendered to God’s will and extended the gift of His love to a hurting world. There are countless women around the globe testifying to the transformation God’s love has made. Stevens’ dedication is contagious and inspiring on so many levels. I encourage you to read more about the program.

https://thistlefarms.org/pages/our-mission

Locally, I can think of several individuals illustrating the love of God. Milton Jones, president of Christian Relief Fund (CRF), who oversees a mission to provide food, clean water, education, healthcare, spiritual training, and disaster relief internationally. Jena Taylor, executive director of Faith City Missions, an organization reaching out to locals who are homeless, addicted to alcohol/drugs, or just in need of shelter, food, clothing, and God’s love. Eveline Rivers, founder of a thirty-year project dedicated to providing coats, the joy of Christmas and literacy promotion. Elia Moreno, founder of Living Intentionally Ministries and co-executive director of Texas Christian Community Development Network. Their mission statement is based on God’s incarnational love through Jesus Christ in order to extend hope and healing. The list continues of a mass of local individuals empowered by God’s amazing love.

The greatest gift I have ever received is the Love of God. He rescued me and opened doors to extend healing, protection, and a true Father’s love. I am astonished by His love shown and I cherish a growing relationship with Him. I am forever grateful for His sacrifice. When He directs me to carry out His will and calling, I pray my answer will always be YES LORD! I find myself fighting against my human, selfish desires and continually disciplining myself to stay under His authority. It is far from easy and I fail often. Yet, our Heavenly Father accepts me and loves me despite my shortfalls.

As Advent begins to come to an end, how will you continue to fill your mind and heart with God’s love? What will keep you modest and under His authority? How will you remind yourself of the significance of God’s gift of love? Where will you serve in 2020 to spread God’s mercy and grace to others?

May we never forget the best four-letter word…LOVE, a gift from above.

December 22, 2019 0

Advent Week Three: JOY

For many years I misunderstood the source of joy. I found hope in being a Christian and peace by knowing Jesus Christ as my savior, yet I seemed to rely on my performance to experience joy. The sense of great accomplishments, hard work, and overwhelming devotion to whatever J-O-B used to be my J-O-Y! It took a major career upset and five years of a dark valley to get my attention and realize how guilty I was of idolatry and fake joy. The Lord revealed how genuine joy is only rooted in Christ. It has nothing to do with my performance.

Joy comes from God’s goodness and grace. It flows from a Father who loves us despite every fiber of our being. We can experience the joy of Christ through faith and a daily relationship with Him. This joy is not a roller coaster emotion but a gift that never disappoints, a promise that always fulfills, and a reassurance we are God’s children.

Our performance and circumstances do not determine its presence. It is a daily choice to tap into the fruit of the Holy Spirit and allow God to grow in and through us. We must intentionally fight against the enemy and cling to the Lord in all we do. Make no mistake…the enemy prowls 24/7 to kill your joy and turn you away from the amazing light of the Lord.

During this third week of advent, I encourage you to surround yourself with truth about joy through reading God’s Word. Pray out scripture and ask to receive God’s joy with thanksgiving and praise. May you find a renewal of JOY and be filled with His marvelous gift.

Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

2 Corinthians 7:4 “I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.”

Psalm 4:7 “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.”

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Philippians 1:25 “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”

December 13, 2019 1

Advent Week Two: PEACE

The glorious sound of the ocean’s ebb and flow brings an inner peace to my soul. It takes me to a world without the hustle and bustle, everyday trials, and earthly demands. Renewal and restoration seem to wash over me with each wave swooshing upon the sand. This is my happy place.

Earthly peace is offered to us in various forms without a lasting promise. The best it has to offer is a temporary state. Scripture reminds us of true peace. In John 14:27 we find a different type of tranquility; “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Our Heavenly Father sent the Prince of Peace. The Son of God came into the world to bring reconciliation for us all. Freedom through Christ’s intercession offers us peace beyond comprehension.

Charles F. Stanley maintains we can abundantly encounter “a peace which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7) when we are entirely committed to the will of God. Christ tenders a supernatural calmness as we walk in harmony with Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. God transports His peace within us regardless of what life is throwing our way: depression, anxiety, death, health issues, troubled relationships, stress, hopelessness, … Psalm 29:11 declares “The Lord gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

Oh Lord thank you for the freedom from earthly strife and circumstances through your amazing peace. Your love affirms a tranquility and stillness far from our understanding. Father, teach us to surrender all that we are and have to you. Give us your supernatural strength to carry out your divine plan and let your peace wash over us. May we rest in your presence and hold tight to the calmness you bring.

During this second week of Advent, help us be more aware of the serenity we find in you. We are so grateful for the Prince of Peace. As 1 John 5:11 states we are eternally thankful for abundant life given to the world through Jesus Christ. Let us embrace Immanuel (God with us) and share this precious gift to those who are unaware of salvation. Draw us closer each moment. We love you precious Lord.

PEACE ON EARTH

December 8, 2019 0

Advent Week One: HOPE

Most dictionaries will define hope as an expectation or desire for something to transpire. The Word of God provides followers hope which exceeds anything the world can promise. Our Father offers steadfast truth shown to be reliable and trustworthy. We are reminded of this in scripture.

In Hebrews 6:15-20 God’s Word states: And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

God has proven over and over that His Word is dependable and unswerving to establish hope beyond a mere wish. Hope by God’s design surpasses any earthly classification or meaning. Our God has clarified the hope He gives through His track record of fulfilled assurances. He promised and furnished salvation to all through the gift of Jesus Christ. Our Father goes above and beyond any human guarantee. The Lord does not waver. In Numbers 23:19 it states: God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

What are you counting on in life? A career, spouse, family, friends, stock market, co-workers, paycheck, self, material items, . . . Where is your hope?

Psalm 62:5-8

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

Dear Father, Thank you for your offering of hope through your son, Jesus Christ. You, O Lord, are our hope and we are dependent upon you for all our needs. May your precious gift of eternal life ring out from our hearts for the world to hear of your sweet love. Let us walk out our salvation by strengthening our relationship with you. Father give us pure hearts, humble spirits, and strong faith. We are forever grateful for your astounding hope. Amen.

December 1, 2019 0

Spiritual Gentleness

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON, DC

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

A single sin can cause a destructive chain reaction in a multitude of ways. Sin quenches the Spirit, separates us from God, limits our fullness in the Lord, steals our inward peace, and can lead us to sin again. In Galatians 6, Paul addresses how we should embrace accountability for ourselves as well as gently walk beside our brothers and sisters with a concern for their spiritual maturity.

Concern and care for ourselves and others guides our knowledge of God’s loving-kindness. It reminds me of Brandon Heath’s song, Give Me Your Eyes. The chorus is filled with a desire to extend God’s compassion by praying for the Lord’s sight, love, heart, and empathy. God’s perspective directs our actions to extend a supernatural love we are unable to do on our own.

Our reaction to sin, especially that of others, can be just as injurious as the sin itself. Paul warns us of being critical and harsh when we see the iniquity of others. Their wrongdoing is no different from our own transgressions. When we humble ourselves in the Spirit and recognize our own weakness and susceptibility to sin then we can welcome spiritual gentleness for our brother in Christ.

Galatians 6:2-5 states:

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.

Let us pray for eyesight which overcomes our blindness to see our neighbor as ourselves. May we desire listening ears without a judging heart. Let us permit the Spirit to give us empathy for others and the ability to comfort with God’s love. May every fiber within us be quick to extend compassion and understanding. And most of all, let us accept correction when we fall short in our spiritual maturity.

Mark 12:30-31

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.

November 26, 2019 2

Stay in the right lane

Do you have a new car? I am blessed to experience driving newer vehicles due to my job. The rental car agency has outstanding service and quite the variety of vehicles. I am always intrigued by what I might drive from week to week. Most of the vehicles have bells and whistles that my trusty, paid for ride lacks. Yes, occasionally a manual would come in handy. (Seriously, who puts the gas tank release on the door panel?)

Recently, I have found myself in Nissans. Each one has proven to be a smooth ride with a roomy interior. The heated seats have definitely been an added plus on those chilly mornings when I leave before the rooster crows. Most have had the ability to control the speed and distance on the highway with respect to the vehicle ahead of me. But let’s talk about the lane departure assistance.

The lane departure warning does provide an alert if the vehicle leaves the traveling lane. The steering wheel vibrates, an audio alert occurs, and a visual appears at the slightest detection of crossing over your traveling lane. What a super feature when you aren’t driving in construction zones. After several hours of the feature, I truly wanted to disengage it.

This experience brought to mind Galatians 5. Paul highly encourages us to stay in the right lane when walking out our freedom. It is a battle to keep from crossing over into the sinful nature lane of life. The struggle is real for each of us. Galatians 5:24 says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Denying the acts of our sinful nature requires devoted, intentional living.

Galatians 5:25 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in us guiding our lives but we have to stay in the same traveling lane as the Spirit. This is how we find life in the Spirit, a gift from God just like freedom in Christ Jesus. We have to rely on the Spirit to define our traveling lane and speed. It requires discipline and attentiveness to his alerts.

For me personally, I cannot fulfill God’s will without living by the Spirit. I rely on the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me to exhibit pleasing fruit. It is through the mighty power of the Spirit that I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When I try to live life my way and revert to my sinful nature, I find myself off track and definitely in danger of destruction.

I cannot disengage the lane departure warning the Holy Spirit gives me. I must stay in tune to the sound of his voice, “Stay in the right lane!” What about you?

November 26, 2019 0

Poetry: Broken Pieces

Poetry was my first emotional release in written form when I was in junior high. I had an English teacher who really pushed me to create poetry. She validated worth in my life and established a healthy outlet to cope with circumstances in life. Through her prompting and encouragement, I found direction, hope, and courage. I walked away from her class with a love for poetry, a list of higher goals , and a mindset to take bold chances.

My teacher was an example of perseverance. The world would probably label her as broken. Her body was weak from multiple sclerosis, She could barely walk with leg braces and her hands were severely affected. Her classroom was on the second floor. I would watch her go up and down the two flights of stairs daily. The struggle was real yet she exhibited endurance with each step. There was no doubt that she had inner strength from a higher source. She displayed it every single day.

Music, art, and poetry are still part of my therapy today. These modes of expression seem to touch the depths of my soul and fill me with delight. I am able to connect with the emotional aspect of each song, painting, and poem. I am especially moved when God’s promises are immersed within the message.

We all have struggles and dark clouds that sometimes hang overhead. These trials can leave us feeling less than we are and far from what we were meant to be. It requires us to seek healthy coping mechanisms in order to go forward. Although the modes of therapy vary for each of us, the true source of complete healing comes from our Lord and Savior. I encourage you to find your outlet.

Want to know my personal struggles and mistakes? How did I cope? What helped me from throwing in the towel? This poem is a good summary…Enjoy!

Broken Pieces

If you are broken by life trials
and weary from life’s defeats.
If you have been badly battered
and have no joy or peace.
Give God your broken pieces
so He will mold them back in place.
He can make them better than before
with a touch of His sweet grace.
If your dreams have been shattered
after much struggle and pain.
Even if your life seems hopeless
God can restore you again.
God can take broken pieces
and He can make them whole.
It matters not how badly broken
God has the power to restore.
So we are never without hope
no matter the shape we are in.
God can take our fragmented lives
and put them together again.
So if you’re broken beyond measure
and you don’t know what to do.
God specializes in broken things
so His glory can shine through.

–Lenora McWhorter

November 10, 2019 2

Elasticity in Life: Scripture

Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our actions and words are a reflection of our heart. Boy, do I know when my heart is out-of-line! It calls for an immediate alignment and restoring my heart under the authority of the Lord. What about you?

God used some of my “unguarded” years to capture my attention and grant me wisdom in handling life His way. During my five years of darkness, I felt like I was going to snap like a weak rubber band. Have you been there? What has stretched you-finances, job, family, self, school, health, death, etc.? Once that rubber band begins to show signs of wear and tear, I guarantee we all start crying out for relief. I began really listening to God and desperately pleading for His knowledge because nothing I was doing in my own power seemed to accomplish anything.

Life can be deceiving and distracting which is just a few of the enemy’s tactics to keep you from relying on God. The only effective way to gauge everything we encounter in life is through a truth meter—God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”. Scripture imparts truth and endows strength to fight against anything opposing God’s will.

Scripture is “core-strengthening” for our heart. When we turn from our worldly coping methods (the cheap “rubber-band” fix) and rely on God’s Word (an unbelievable resistance band) we receive the true fuel we need to keep going. The elasticity of our life becomes supernatural and we are capable of performing under God’s power to resist the lies, deception, and destruction of the enemy. Scripture is our sword but it requires our weapon of defense to be sharpened through studying God’s Word.

Read it, write it down, display it, quote it, pray it—get an amazing and rewarding workout. Just Do It!

November 7, 2019 1

Diagram Scripture

How many of you loved diagramming sentences in school? I wasn’t an enormous fan but I did not mind doing it when necessary. It did give me a better insight to sentence structure.

Recently, I came across a picture of a very small verse diagrammed. It was broken into parts and each area was addressed by writing meaning, thoughts, and reflections on each section.

I have been putting this method into practice and shared it with the ladies attending Refining. I encourage you to give it a whirl. Reflect, ponder, study, pray, and diagram a sentence for a week. Come away with a deeper meaning and understanding while drawing closer to knowing God.

If you haven’t tried AMPS (posted previously) as a scripture study method, give it a try as well. Share your experience and thoughts. Lets encourage one another to grow in Christ and remain in His Word.

October 31, 2019 0

Despair Repair

Feel It

The world serves heaping portions of suffering, anguish, and misery. We have all experienced the ups and downs of life. Heartbreaking news, loss, addictions, health issues, overwhelming life circumstances, and many others chip away at our ability to be a warrior of God.

During my darkness, I desperately craved effective ways to keep my eyes on God. I wasn’t prepared for the despair. There were days when I questioned if I would fully recover from it all. Yet somehow God found methods to give me strength and endurance when I really wanted to end it all.

Overflow

I love worship and praise music. It speaks deeply to my soul and has a way of expressing my thoughts and feelings when I fall short on words. Toby Mac is one artist who brought light into my pit for those five years. Songs like: Lights Shine Bright, Til the Day I Die, Love Broke Thru, Backseat Driver, and Feel It. Over and over the lyrics would ring through my mind along with scripture to help me fight against the enemy.

This week has brought tragedy to the McKeehan family. Toby Mac lost his oldest son Truett. My heart goes out to family as they walk through this time. Please pray for their healing. May they feel the love of God surrounding them during their grief.

I Just Need You

God has us all on a journey and we must not forget that no one is exempt from difficulty in life. Our Father can repair our despair. He is still in the miracle business creating goodness from our deepest pain. Embrace your journey and allow God to refine you. Know what keeps you connected to Him: scripture, prayer, music, etc…

Lord, I Need You!

UPDATE: Toby Mac voices his grief in song.

October 25, 2019 0