Get in here!

Welcome! Nothing says, “Come on in” like a beautiful entrance. Many of you probably have a plethora of decorations for each season and holiday. Several of my friends are supremely talented. The front entrance to their homes is always dressed for the occasion. On my weekly adventures, I get to admire numerous embellishments outside of homes. There are some extravagant adornments even in the tiny town of Nazareth, Texas.

Today we received our first snow. The scenery is breathtaking. As I traveled throughout the southwest area of the Panhandle, I enjoyed seeing the land covered in snow. My favorite view happened when I drove down our street and saw our home trimmed with glorious snow! I could almost hear the words, “Welcome home my child. Come on in”. God’s pure white decorations covered the yard.

Our sweet Lord welcomes us 24/7 with arms opened wide. It does not matter how we feel, what we have done, or where we have fallen short. He desires a relationship with us. More than anything, He wants us to share our lives with Him and walk alongside Him. Isaiah 40:31 says that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Our relationship with Him gives us the ability to endure beyond our human means.

When I ponder the words found in scripture commanding us to Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, I question my own ability. (Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37) Do I really welcome my Lord into all the areas of my life? Am I fully surrendering my eyes, mouth, heart, soul, ears, feet, hands, mind, soul and strength each moment to the authority of the Lord?

I know I often find myself stopping and asking for the authority of the Lord to take over my thoughts, actions, and words. My prayer is for the evidence of God to be fully visible in all I do so others see the miraculous power of the trinity alive in me. What about you?

As I continue to welcome the winter scene, my thoughts are on the words “WITH ALL”. God loves us WITH ALL that he has. May we strive to love and serve Him WITH ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in order to serve and love others. Whatever your scene might be today, welcome the Lord fully into your world. Father, come on in and make every part of me your home. You are welcome here!

October 24, 2019 0

Heir Too!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Have you ever had your DNA tested? There are numerous reasons our genetic code is beneficial. Establishing paternity, researching health risks, and exploring ancestry are a handful of reasons DNA inquiries occur. For me, DNA testing produced exposure and clarity about my true family history plus an abnormality which awarded me a high-risk badge. It may sound barmy but finding my relatives through my mother’s paternal tree has given me a sense of belonging. The family has made me feel included as a member.

In Galatians 4, Paul reminds us that we can be a part of the family of God through the saving grace of Christ Jesus. Verse 3 shows us we are subject to the authority of worldly and fleshy desires without the redemption of Jesus. “A child under bondage” cannot escape the power of sin and is only promised death and destruction. Christ, the Son of God, who is our source and spiritual rock, is our direct line to obtaining adoption into the family of God.

Redemption, deliverance, salvation, … (you can continue the list) it is simply spiritual adoption. Romans 8:15 states that once we accept Christ’s grace through our full faith in Him, the Spirit is received and we are now sons and daughter to “Abba, Father”. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ and our Savior is the key to God’s adoption.

I love Galatians 4:6 because it speaks about the gift of the Holy Spirit. One of the main topics within the Refining study focuses on the “Spirit of his Son” as a living source with abilities no human can ever equal. The Spirit teaches, prompts, assures, and reveals only what the Father directs. It is a reminder that we are now heir to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. We are no longer left out or excluded from the kingdom.

Our beautiful gift in God’s family comes with dedication to bring Him glory as we draw closer to our “Daddy” through the outpouring of our love and worship. He has given us an inheritance unlike any other and blessed us with the equipment to honor Him in all we do. May our adoption be reflective through the inward and outward changes we embrace as God refines us.

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16

Are you grateful to be an heir too? Here is my prayer based on Galatians 4:1-7:

Thank you, Father, for the sacrifice of Christ. You made a way for us to escape our sinfulness and opened the door for us to escape the slavery of sin. You, oh Lord, are worthy of the highest of praise and honor for the abundant grace and love you have extended. There are no words to fully express the gratitude for paying our debt on the cross. Christ, we are overwhelmingly appreciative for the invitation of adoption and thankful for the opportunity to be called sons and daughters to the King of Kings. Father, it is comforting to know your Spirit lives within our heart to leads us. Help us each second of our time on the earth to glorify you, oh Lord. Forgive us when we fall short of fully living out the purpose you gave us. We love you Abba, Father.

October 19, 2019 0

Trust: Supernatural Power

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:23

Have you ever felt powerless? I have. There have been situations or events way out of my control. I felt trapped in a downward spiral because of the inability to determine the outcome. This is true of numerous matters life will dispense: illness, death, job loss, tragedy, . . . In some of my life experiences, I longed for superpowers! (Yes, I am a Marvel fan.) I’ll admit, there were times that an “incredible Genna” would have come in handy although bright green is not in my color pallet.

God’s refinement has supplied the realization that I don’t have to be Wonder Woman to exhibit supernatural capabilities. I only need to TRUST in Him. The world may see it as denial of a psychological need, but strength comes when I impart control to God. Faith, trust, and belief in the Lord releases a heavenly force capable of doing much more than humanly possible. For me, it is a life process of walking alongside the trinity in full surrender and allowing the outcome to fulfill God’s plan. It is never effortless for me and I often find myself in the driver’s seat again.

Trust turns powerless into supernatural strength where miracles happen and outcomes glorify the Father. Surprisingly, it turns my fear into confidence, hate into love, failure into success, misery into joy, and the list continues. One example is when someone suggested I ask the Lord to give me His love for someone who I had little compassion for at the time. It was a choice to deny my human thoughts and unforgiveness. After I finally took the advice, I cannot express the overwhelming love I had for this person. There was total grace and supernatural love flowing from a source I could not explain. Power to love when the world said hate. My vision of the person was transformed. My Wonderful Super God was at work in me and through me. The Holy Spirit was leading me to fully extend God’s grace and goodness to His child who He loved dearly.

Tap into the almighty power of God. Trust in Him. Find a sufficient amount of power by having faith in Jesus Christ. In all of our ways, may we glorify the Father.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 2 Corinthians 9:8

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Ephesians 3:20

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11

October 17, 2019 2

Proper Casting

Casting is defined as a process where a substance is placed in a mold until it solidifies. Once the method is complete, the “casting” is removed. When the final product is too complex to perform by hand, casting is ideal.

Although we often tease about the mold being broken once we were born, it was almighty God who created our complex body by hand. Psalm 139:13 reminds us that God created our inner parts and formed us. This is only the beginning! Jeremiah 29:11 declares the Lord has plans for our welfare and future. He even assures us a supply of hope. His word is full of promises!

We must not forget the enemy has plans for our lives too. He does everything he can to liquefy what God has formed. Depression, anxiety, fear, heartache, sorrow, addiction. . . It is all a crafty attempt to pour all you are into the enemies mold and solidify your life around his sinful lies.

I Peter 5: 7 Advises us to cast all our anxiety on God because He cares about us. However, the advice continues in verses 8 and 9.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

You are NOT ALONE! We all wrestle with something.

I developed situational anxiety during my deep, dark pit. When anxiety would attack, I felt like someone was stealing the air God placed in my lungs. Immediately, I was frozen yet my body wanted to frantically run. I tried self-centered talk…”you are okay…this will pass…take a deep breath”. Over time, I changed my help method and began quoting I Peter 5:7 when it occurred. “This is yours Lord. I cast every ounce of it over to you. Remove the lie of anxiety. I know You ARE in control and I am your child. In You, I have hope and a amazing future.”

Somehow I had forgotten how to use the sword to fight whatever came my way. I was out of practice. Today, the situation has changed by the grace of God and I am very humbled by the experience. To God be the glory for His beautiful healing.

ANXIETY RESCINDING

All the fear within me

Surrounding gray skies, casting away

My direction. God’s purpose fading

The promise of hope and joy that are

Gone. How can I focus on anything but

My days of anxiety

(NOW, read it from the bottom to the top!)

October 12, 2019 0

Needy Child of God

Needy is a term usually associated with a negative connotation. Dictionaries may define it as being deprived, disadvantaged, or even destitute. Most people would agree they do not want to be a burden nor be dependent on others. Neediness is usually an undesirable trait in our society. Being self-reliant and self-sufficient is highly regarded and preferred by most.

In an article by Steven J. Cole entitled Needy People, Mighty God, he maintains all people fall into the category of “desperately needy”. In his writing, he supports his stance through the simple fact that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of the Lord. (Romans 3:23) Cole goes even further to describe the human race as “fragile” individuals who could expire at a moment’s notice. We are desolate without His almighty grace.

Our dependence on God goes much deeper than salvation. In John 15:5 the Father reminds us “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Discipleship requires total reliance on the Lord for “the whole ball of wax”. I don’t know about you but I fail greatly at being Christ-sufficient. It is a continual struggle to humbly submit all control to the Lord although I truly know I am incapable of anything without Him.

My heart’s aspiration is to abide in the Lord 24/7. Actually, I prefer the thought of being immensely inundated by God so there is no room for human desires and selfishness. I long for my life to be overflowing with the Lord.

John 15 places great emphasis on the word abide. If we look further into John 15, verses 4 through 10 use the term nine times. We have all heard John 15:7 quoted and possibly misused. Yet verses 8 and 9 gently remind us when we stand firm in the Father’s love, our only wish will be to glorify Him in all we do. Over and over the Lord reminds us to “abide in” Him and His perfect love allowing His words to live in us and through us.

Lord, I need you. What about you?

Father, help me trust in you with all my heart, and let me fully rely on your perspective as your word states in Proverbs 3:5. May I abide in you and your ways to prevent me from becoming less of who you made me to be. (1 John 2:28). I do believe I cannot accomplish anything fruitful apart from you (John 15:5) and I declare Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. (1 Corinthians 12:3) Let me treasure your Holy Word and live it daily. (2 Timothy 3:15-17) Father, I humbly submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as your obedient child. Lead me in sanctification and let me be ever-mindful of the gift of eternal life. (Romans 6:22) Lord, I need you and only you.

October 9, 2019 1

Truth told. . .

Truth told…Have you ever prefaced what you say with this statement? Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything”. It was Emily Dickinson who made the statement, “Truth is such a rare thing, it is delighted to tell it”. We often find ourselves defending what we say as absolute honesty to assure people believe us. Why are we skeptical? – The world’s vast deception-white lies, news, advertisements, publications, etc. Need I say more?

An elementary educator once told me truth would always be revealed. Of course it was after she inquired about my “bandaged” lie. I couldn’t really conceal the extremely swollen hand wrapped in an ace bandage. Truth told…the day before was a school holiday and my mother had dictated to stay home. Surely that did not include a visit to my grandparent’s house three blocks away!

As I took off early in the morning, the walk was pleasant, and the spring weather placed a pep in my stride. I eagerly anticipated picking a few peaches and enjoying breakfast with my Granny. The morning menu was consistent-one farm fresh scrambled egg and a single piece of bread toasted in a cast iron skillet topped with butter and homemade wild plum jam. This was going to be an amazing day. Besides, what a wonderful surprise it would be for my grandmother.

Once I arrived, I immediately reached for a large, luscious peach. Pain shot up my arm and out came a deafening scream. Needless to say, the yellow jacket was the culprit who blew my cover. I quickly noted that my grandmother was excellent at scrambling more than just eggs. She scurried around to find medicine, tweezers, gauze, bandage, ice pack, and my mother’s work phone number. Why? I had an allergic reaction. BUSTED! Oh yeah, and no breakfast after all.

In Galatians 3, Paul insists on revealing the truth. He was on a mission to blow the cover of the Judaizer’s checklist of regulations for the new Gentile converts. They were led astray from the true gospel and began believing on fleshy means to solidify their salvation because of false teachings. Paul was determined to convey the real meaning of grace-a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. He probably said, “Truth told…the gospel is not earned based on our merit”.

God’s promise is honest and true. Paul is clear in his message that the promise of God is trustworthy and eternal because it is directly from God. Our Father extends the invitation to be part of His family through genuine faith in Jesus Christ. We are unable to earn grace through mere obedience. Our efforts are fruitless! (So was my morning in my grandparent’s yard!)

You, my friend, are a child of God. Don’t be tempted to succumb to the lies of the enemy. Trust in the truth and cling to Galatians 3:25-29-Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

October 4, 2019 1

Seeking Your Purpose?

Allen Parr is dynamic in his delivery of various topics regarding God. I love his enthusiasm.

Although there are numerous resources to assist you in discovering your purpose, remember it will always bring glory to God. We are created by and for the Lord. Look to your creator to discover your purpose.

Remember…“The way you SEE your life SHAPES your life. How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships.”
― Rick Warren

October 2, 2019 0

Capitalize

Have you ever owned your own business and wrestled with calculating profit? The major factor is the expense endured. When costs outweigh revenue…well we all know the rest of the story. It is not exactly a vibrant illustration of success nor a flourishing picture of a booming lemonade stand. (Sorry, Charlie Brown!)

Profit is acknowledged as a gain. In society today, most will jump at a chance to obtain an advantage in life and/or over someone else. We see this in businesses and sports daily. Having leverage over the competition is all the rage in order to be ranked #1. Just look at what the NFL is willing to pay.

We experience this type of opposition in life every second. The enemy makes every attempt to capitalize on your pain, failures, disappointments, -wait for it- as well as your successes, happiness, and prized moments. Of course, the list goes on and on. The adversary will do whatever it takes to achieve favor for selfish profit. I Peter 5:8 warns us of the schemes and advises us to be on guard.

In Galatians 2, Paul calls Peter out on his toxic actions which were rooted in Peter’s own selfish concern of personal profit. Peter refused to dine with the Gentiles because he feared it could jeopardize his religious standing in Jerusalem once the influential Jewish believers arrived. What a perfect example of the enemy weaseling his way into a situation to cause division. However, what the adversary planned actually failed and unity was achieved.

God has a mysterious way of working. It requires us to follow Him blindly, aka faith. Our trust is a firm investment in Him without selfish fear or personal gain concerns. We must surrender and release control over our life regardless of the advantage point we think we might have. Let us not forget-God has already won. Our Lord is ruler over all! (Proverbs 22:2)

I once heard it said, “If we really did profit from our mistakes, I’d be extremely rich by now”. Unfortunately, I think whoever wrote this pun must have been spying on me through the years. My past could be viewed as a Personal Alertness, Spiritual Trial from God. Wake up child and get your act together! I have wasted time by not glorifying the Father in numerous ways and I have grieved the Holy Spirit on many occasions. Father, I am so sorry. As God continues to refine me, I pray that my obedience increases and that my actions reflect a pure heart sold out at all costs for the Lord.

Below are some of my take-a-ways where God capitalized. The opposition tried to hinder my life from being under God’s authority but the enemy lost everything when I tallied the profit.

Thank you, Father for using these things to glorify your name.

Enemy	God’s touch	Refining
Shocking results	Unexplainable healing	I truly believe in miracles.
Sudden departure	Time awareness	I am mindful of each moment.
Breathless life	Lasting love	I appreciate the heavenly spirits and realm.
Worldly passion	Purpose awakened	I was created for so much more.
Lying tongues	Embracing truth	I seek God’s word above all else.
Innocence destroyed	Knowing evil	I know there is spiritual warfare.
Caught off-guard	Be ready	I desire to be steadfast only in the Lord.

September 23, 2019 0

Crank up the AMPS

I am not a scientist by any shape or form but I long to have a constant current surging with the Lord. God’s Word permits me to remain connected and energized. The Bible is a living and active source if I am willing to be conducive with the authority of my heavenly Father. Through studying, meditating, praying, and infusing scripture into situations of life, I have strengthened my faith and knowledge. God’s Word has intensified my understanding of a steadfast existence and taught me not to be reliant on those wavering emotions and reactions.

There are numerous approaches to studying scripture. Like some of you, I enjoy orderliness when digesting God’s Word. However, I appreciate and embrace change at times because it often eliminates my tendency to become stagnate. Sometimes a new perception or concept stimulates deeper thinking or a different viewpoint.

Be encouraged to sample various techniques and methods while growing in and through scripture. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 reminds us that the Bible is the actual word of God and it is at work within each of us who believe in Him by faith. 2 Timothy 2:15 also encourages us to do our best in handling the word of truth. When reading and applying scripture, I think about Philippians 4:6. For me, I am convicted to surrender my perception and pray to receive God’s stance. I know His heavenly mindset will far outweigh my meager worldly thoughts.

Recently, while revamping a scripture presentation, I began thinking about the most impactful parts of studying scripture for me. I am aware that I need to be careful not to use scripture out of context and not to rely on my own viewpoint. My main concern is how the word of truth applies to me currently and how I need to live it out under God’s ruling.

Below is a Bible study process I call AMPS. I know an amp is short for ampere which is a unit of constant electrical current. (Please don’t expect me to explain any further because this alone is pushing the limits.) So, I knew this acronym would stick in my brain because of my desire to stay connect with God. Let me know what you think and if it works for you. Blessings to all.

AMPS:

Attention
Meaning
Perspective of God
Saturation

Attention: There are passages of scripture or certain verses which capture our attention when reading God’s Word. The Spirit of truth prompts us to dig deeper to fully digest the message. Write down the scripture. As you write, take a closer look at each word and think about why God had the writer craft these words in such a manner.

Meaning: God’s Word is truth and our sword. However, as mature followers, the real meaning of His Word comes from focusing on the entire context. Read the entire book/chapter over and over. Consult various versions and commentaries. Study with like believers. Be firm in your knowledge to prevent deception or twisted thinking.

Perspective of God: Through prayer God gives us a heavenly perspective unlike our own. His ideas and thoughts are often foreign and take time to comprehend. He longs for a relationship with us and will reveal His thoughts as we talk with Him in prayer. Ask God to give you clarity of His Word. Then listen in faith to God’s angle and direction.

Saturation: God desires us to put into practice what His Word declares. Infuse the passage into life circumstances and immerse life with His truth. Instill the meaning of God’s promises in ALL areas of life: despair, peace, turmoil, joy, etc. Permeate your thinking and let His truth refine your heart by surrendering it all to His authority.

Embrace your spiritual growth journey under the refinement of a God who loves you immensely!

September 12, 2019 2

Who are you?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Her daughter, his wife, their mother, her aunt, his granddaughter, their employee, a participant of a church, and the list continues. The world gives us many titles as we assume roles in our lifetime. But who are you really? If everything was stripped away including all worldly labels, who would you declare you are? I wonder what Job would have renounced after all was lost and his wife told him to curse God and die.

In Galatians chapter 1, Paul demonstrates complete confidence in stating who he was. It is evident within the first few verses that Paul distinguishes himself as a follower called by Christ. He even denotes his face-to-face conversion on the Damascus road. (Acts 7:54-8:3 and 9:1-31) Paul never wavers in his beliefs and continually exhibits a bold, whole-hearted following.

Growing up I had several identities: her daughter, their granddaughter, his stepchild, their cousin, her niece, faithful church attender, student, but never HIS daughter. The question always occurred, “Why is your last name different than everyone else in your family?” To my child mind, it echoed “misfit”. I not only struggled with self-identity but even wrestled with who God said I was. The enemy’s lie incessantly resonated and he tried to convince me that I was “unwanted”.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are all part of God’s divine design. He has revealed His love for us through Christ Jesus and extended grace to all. The Lord validates each of us as His creation numerous times in scripture. However, the Father allows His children to decide if they will follow Him. If Paul were alive today, I truly believe he would urge everyone to accept the life changing power of God’s grace and testify to the eternal blessing it brings.

Today, I know I am HIS DAUGHTER! I look forward to the day to receive my first warm embrace face-to-face with a Daddy who has never left me. It brings tears to my eyes every time I reflect on who I am in Him. The overwhelming love is moving.

So, who do you say you are? Make note of the scriptures listed below and use them to refute the enemy’s deceptions. Pull out the Sword and fight back the fabrication. You are God’s child!

Deuteronomy 28:13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

2 Timothy 1:7-9 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our LORD or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Colossians 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

You might enjoy this devotional about how God delights in you. https://tinyurl.com/yxgahzhn

September 10, 2019 1