Every Day With Jesus

BREACHES

2011-11-14T07:27:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, even in the best of relationships, conflict happens.

The wrong tone of voice is used.

Sarcasm goes too far.

Personal boundaries are tramped on.

And graces are taken advantage of.

It’s happened to all of us.

And depending on the depth and dynamics of the breach we either move on, or carry the breach within us like sediment at the bottom of a murky lake.

Say for example the breach was with the person who stole the parking space you were waiting for. You might get angry for a few minutes, and even exchange a heated gesture or two. But in the whole grand scheme of your life’s relationships, a parking lot fray is just that – a fray. No real big deal.

But if the breach is with a co-worker... then the ante goes up. You need to interact with them in order to do your job. You may not have an emotional attachment to the person you are at odds with, but in order to function at work there needs to be a healthy amount of interchange; and contention can make that difficult.

And if the breach is with one of your primary relationships like a spouse, child or parent then it generally is all consuming. The ‘how could they’s’ or ‘how dare they’s’ invade your emotional core like a disaster siren blaring in your neighborhood warning of the impending tornado.

Your instincts tell you to take cover. Yet you stand still hoping you and your loved one will reconcile. That your relationship will improve. That mutual respect and understanding will prevail.

But that isn’t always the case, and sometimes we are left with trying to navigate heart wrenching breaches while maintaining a semblance of joy and functionality.

So what do we do in the meantime?

PRAY

When I am upset about something someone has done to me the first thing I do is to talk to God about it. He is my first line of defense against over reacting and saying or doing more than I should about the situation. It is amazingly effective and brings things into perspective quickly.

For example, not long ago I was upset about something my boss did. I felt a decision she made about a situation was unfair. But instead of grumbling about it, I bowed my head and ‘told on her to God’. Honestly, like a little kid running to their daddy about a playmate who wouldn’t share the sandbox, I tattled on my boss to Jesus.

And as I was whining to God about the perceived injustice Romans 13 was quickened to my mind:

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ...Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Ouch.

Let EVERY SOUL be SUBJECT unto the higher powers? For there is NO POWER BUT OF GOD?

That means that God placed my boss in authority over me and therefore I needed to accept that, quit complaining and honor God’s sovereignty in the matter by humbly complying.

READ THE BIBLE

By making Bible reading a daily habit in my life, my mind ‘bank’ is filled with God’s truth. And since I have deposited so many scriptures into my memory, it is easier for God to ‘withdraw’ or bring to the forefront appropriate scripture when I need it to remind me of God’s opinion on the matter.

PRACTICE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Training myself to practice – to implement the fruits of the spirit into my day-to-day life helps me to respond more appropriately when my feelings are hurt. Because the habit of goodness has been formed in me, there is a reservoir of goodness memories for me to draw from and hopefully tap into when unpleasantness invades my relationships.

I like the way The Message explains the fruits of the spirit:

^“But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” (Galatians 5:22-23, from The Message)

So what about you?

How do you handle relationship problems in your life?

Have you experience breaches in your work or personal life?

Leave a comment and share your insights so that we all may learn and grow.

Maintaining Joy

2011-10-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

How do you feel today?

Are you JOYful?

Sad?

Tired?

Full of expectation?

Does the promise of a new week excite you?

Make you anxious?

Depressed?

The Holy Bible says that God wants

to give us JOY unspeakable,

even in the midst of our

day-to-day problems. (1 Peter 7:8)

I like the way The Message translation of the Holy Bible explains it:

^“I know how great this makes you feel,

even though you have to put up with every kind

of aggravation in the meantime.

Pure gold put in the fire comes out

of it proved pure; genuine faith

put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.

When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold,

that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

You never saw him, yet you love him.

You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing.

Because you kept on believing,

you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.”

But with all of life’s pressures,

how do we maintain our

JOY, our laughter, our singing?

The Apostle Paul told the Ephesians that

one way was to keep themselves from excess,

stay full of the spirit, and speak to yourself

in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs.

(Ephesians 5:18-20)

And another way is to let the word of God

dwell in your hearts – meaning think about

God’s word, let it soak in your spirit etc.

And also, the Apostle Pauls says

“do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

(Colossians 3:15-17)

And Jesus himself gave a clear path to joy in John 16:23-24:

“...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall

ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:

ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

But how does all this translate to our lives in a practical sense?

Starting every day with prayer and Bible reading

will lay a good JOY foundation. I usually read

my Bible while having my morning coffee and

then spend at least 30 minutes talking and praying

to God. Worshipping Him, inviting Him

into my day, and telling Him about my concerns.

But sometimes, despite our best efforts, circumstances

crash into our lives that threaten to steal our JOY.

Whenever, I am going through a particularly stressful

time at work I write out a JOY Scripture, or

some other verse from the Bible that speaks to my struggle,

and put it in a prominent place on my desk.

This simple act of meditating on God’s word, nourishes

my spirit and feeds my JOY because every time I look

at it I am reminded of God and His promises.

I also have a JOY Playlist on my Ipod

that I use frequently at work.

Listening to upbeat worship songs helps me

to focus on the greatness of God and this in turns

feeds my JOY as I realize that there is nothing

in my life too big for God to handle. (Jeremiah 32:7)

The words I use also determine my level of JOY.

The Holy Bible says that death and life are

in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)

But The Message translation of this verse sums it best:

“Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.”

So as you can see, there are many ways to maintain our JOY.

I’ve offered a few JOY MAINTAINERS

that work for me, but would like to

hear how you maintain your JOY

on a day-to-day basis.

Leave a comment and join the conversation

so that all our JOY may be full.

Many gods or ONE?

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine just returned from her spiritual pilgrimage to New Delhi, India.

She told me of her journey of pain up to four different

high places to appease four different gods.

At one point she hiked 18 miles.

She said that some carry others up the steep

inclines piggy-back style;

some are carried in chairs,

but most climb on their own.

“The point is to suffer,” she said.

“I was one of the few that made it to the top of all four.”

She was proud of her accomplishment,

and I was touched that she felt

comfortable enough to share her experience with me.

We have been friends for a few years, and we learned long ago to

respect each others religious beliefs. I learn from her and she learns from me.

We rejoice in our commonalities, and discuss our differences.

I am a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and

believe He alone is the door to salvation.

She believes all gods are doors

that take you to the same destination.

We respect each other’s right to follow their

own belief and so our friendship remains.

But her suffering and climbing mountains to

appease various gods made me so sad.

If only she knew Jesus. How much He loves her.

How He is the one who created her.

And that He would never, ever ask

her to suffer just to appease his anger.

I almost told her so today when we spoke,

but I don’t think she’s ready to hear

me say those words to her yet.

So until then, I will keep praying to Jesus for her.

And I will ask Him to prepare her heart

and mind to receive the truths

of His unconditional love and mercy.

Jesus says:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour

and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

In fact, Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice when

He allowed himself to be crucified on the cross so

that the rest of us could have freedom and forgiveness

for all the wrong things we have done. (Read Hebrews 9:21-23)

And if we as Christ followers do suffer or have

hard times in our lives we are promised

by Jesus that He will never allow

us to go through more than we can handle

(I Corinthians 10:13)

and that everything –

even the bad things will work towards

a good outcome for us. (Romans 8:28)

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond

the course of what others have had to face.

All you need to remember is that God will never

let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your

limit; he'll always be there to help you

come through it.”(I Corinthians 10:13, The Message)

^“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting,

God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along.

If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter.

He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out

of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.

He knows us far better than we know ourselves,

knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us

present before God. That's why we can be

so sure that every detail in our lives of love for

God is worked into something good.”

(Romans 8:28 The Message)

The Holy Bible tells us that the prophet Elijah

lived in a time when many people served other gods.

Elijah wanted to prove to them that Jehovah was the

only true and most powerful God so he challenged the prophets

of Baal to a showdown. You can read the full Biblical account in

1 Kings 18:24-39. Here is how The Message

translation explains what happened:

“Then Elijah said,

"I'm the only prophet of God left in Israel;

and there are 450 prophets of Baal.

Let the Baal prophets bring up two oxen;

let them pick one, butcher it, and lay it out

on an altar on firewood—but don't ignite it.

I'll take the other ox, cut it up, and lay it on t

he wood. But neither will I light the fire.

Then you pray to your gods and I'll pray to God.

The god who answers with fire will prove to be, in fact, God."

All the people agreed: "A good plan—do it!"

Elijah told the Baal prophets,

"Choose your ox and prepare it.

You go first, you're the majority.

Then pray to your god, but don't light the fire."

So they took the ox he had given them,

prepared it for the altar, then prayed to Baal.

They prayed all morning long, "O Baal, answer us!"

But nothing happened—

not so much as a whisper of breeze.

Desperate, they jumped and stomped on the altar they had made.

By noon, Elijah had started making fun of them, taunting,

"Call a little louder—he is a god, after all.

Maybe he's off meditating somewhere or other,

or maybe he's gotten involved in a project,

or maybe he's on vacation. You don't suppose

he's overslept, do you, and needs to be waked up?"

They prayed louder and louder,

cutting themselves with swords and knives

—a ritual common to them—

until they were covered with blood.

This went on until well past noon.

They used every religious trick and strategy they knew to

make something happen on the altar, but nothing happened

—not so much as a whisper, not a flicker of response.

Then Elijah told the people, "Enough of that

—it's my turn. Gather around." And they gathered.

He then put the altar back together for by

now it was in ruins. Elijah took twelve stones,

one for each of the tribes of Jacob, the same

Jacob to whom God had said,

"From now on yourname is Israel."

He built the stones into the altar in honor of God.

Then Elijah dug a fairly wide trench around the altar.

He laid firewood on the altar, cut up the ox,

put it on the wood,and said,

"Fill four buckets with water and drench

both the ox and the firewood."

Then he said, "Do it again,"

and they did it. Then he said,

"Do it a third time,"

and they did it a third time.

The altar was drenched and the trench was filled with water.

When it was time for the sacrifice to be offered,

Elijah the prophet came up and prayed,

"O God, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,

make it known right now that you are God in Israel,

that I am your servant, and that I'm doing what

I'm doing under your orders.

Answer me, God;

O answer me and reveal to this

people that you are God,

the true God, and that you are giving

these people another chance at repentance."

Immediately the fire of God fell and burned

up the offering, the wood, the stones,

the dirt, and even the water in the trench.

All the people saw it happen and fell on their faces

in awed worship, exclaiming,

"God is the true God! God is the true God!"

What about you?

Do you believe in Jehovah God whose name is Jesus?

Do you serve another god, or perhaps no god at all?

What role do your religious beliefs play in your life?

Do you have friends of other faiths? How do you interact with them?

Let's talk.

Leave a POST and keep the conversation going.

Saying Less - Praying More

2011-10-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

Saying less and praying more can be a powerful tool in navigating workplace relationships.

Sometimes in my professional career an internal angst rises up in me.

The source of agigitation could be an organizational decision;

the distributing of responsibility, or just plain personality conflicts.

Whatever the trigger point was; in the past,
I expended alot of energy talking about it.

I talked about it with my friends.

I talked about it with my husband.

Once, I even talked about it with my pastor.

And with each retelling the problem grew bigger,
and bigger
and BIGGER.

Until the problem was so enormous
that even the smallest disagreement
seemed like a world war.

Has anything like that ever happened to you?

You see your manager speaking in hushed tones,
and your imagination whirs wondering if you might be in trouble.

Paranoia?

Perhaps.

But in today's volatile economy,
with job loss so rampant,
fear sets in.

Your heart flutters.

Your palms sweat.

And before you know it you've
convinced yourself that castastrophe awaits.

Ridiculous right?

Especially so when the whole thing turns out to be nothing.

This type of scenario has happened
to me more times thatI care to share.

I have learned that if we are not careful,
our imagination and overactive mouth, can turn

a small and usually incorrect presumption
into an emotional minefield.

And when that happens, the enemy of our soul
does the happy dance because that was what he was
trying to accomplish in us which was why he planted the
seed of worry or fear or doubt in us to begin with.

I wonder if that's the kind of presumptous sins that the
Psalmist was talking about in Psalm 19:13 that says:

"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright,
and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."

Maybe we would be able to say less and pray more if
we should started praying that prayer more often.

"God, help me not to presume anything.
Teach me to look to YOU the author
and finisher of my faith. To rest in the
comfort that your promises are yea and Amen
and that you will always watch over me
and go before me in any and all of my life situations."

I have learned from my own hard experiences,
that praying more and saying less brings much
more peace, joy and contentment in my life.

What about you?

How do you handle things when life's presumptions come
crashing down on your imagination?

Again, the Holy Bible equips us with
an appropiateresponse to the wild ruminating
we are sometimes prone to:

"Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;"
(2 Corinthians 10:5)

I particularly like the way The Message translation
explains the meaning of the above verse:

"The world is unprincipled.
It's dog-eat-dog out there!
The world doesn't fight fair.
But we don't live or fight our battles that way
—never have and never will.
The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation,
but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.
We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies,
tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God,
fitting every loose thought and emotion and
impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground
of every obstruction and building
lives of obedience into maturity."

What are your 'go to' scriptures when
life's imaginations
threaten to dominate your mind?

The Writer In Me

2011-09-03T21:57:00.002-05:00

There's a writer in me that's trying to grow up.

Sometimes my inner writer produces quality manuscripts, and sometimes, she's undisciplined and just wants to play.

My Grandaughter Playing Dress Up

Kind of like when my grandkids play dress up. They love to model for me and show off, but they are no where near mature enough to be a real adult and handle grown up responsibilities.

Attending the Laity Lodge's Writer's Retreat would mature me as a writer. Not just in the mechanics of my writing, but in the chance to catch the vision of Christ centered writing through the deepening of relationships with such wonderful writers as Laura Boggess, Marcus Goodyear, Sam Van Emam, and Howard E. Butt.

In my opinion, the High Calling editors and staff are the real deal. They love Christ and are totally committed to sharing His message in articulate ways that will reach the masses.

I have learned so much from them just through the few articles I've been fortunate enough to write for them, and by interacting on their site: http://www.thehighcalling.org/. To have a chance to be in their shadow at the writer's retreat would give me a once in a lifetime chance to have them imprint their passion and wisdom in my spirit.

I have no book project to promote, or any other agenda in wanting to come but to sit in the shadow of greatness and to absorb as much into my spirit and mind as is humanly possible.

(To my readers, this is part of an entry form for me to win a chance to attend the Laity Lodge Writer's Retreat)

Easter Reflections

2011-04-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

Me and My Grandgirls

On my way to church on Easter Sunday I saw people working in their yard, riding their bike, walking their dog, and doing a myriad of other weekend things.

And it saddened me.

Not because there is anything wrong with planting flowers or going for a walk, but because I realized that many people didn’t even think of Jesus on Easter.

My Grandgirls

Funny isn’t it?

A national holiday set aside to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ and many don’t even pause to acknowledge His existence.

Maybe it’s because they don’t know that Jesus came to the earth so that they could have an abundant life. (John 10:10)

Or maybe they don’t know that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that everything they’ve ever done can be completely erased. (Psalm 103:12)

And perhaps it is because they don’t know that there is a grand and glorious life after the one here on earth for everyone who becomes a true Jesus follower. (John 14:2)

And if they do know of Jesus, but did not honor His resurrection then perhaps I could raise their awareness by asking:

My Grandkids

“How did you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ?”

Not, “How was your Easter?”...

But, “How was Christ’s resurrection day?”

My commemoration of Christ’s resurrection began on Good Friday with a very special communion service.

Then on Easter Sunday, I went to church with my family, out to eat and then everyone came over to my house for some rest and relaxation.

It was a great time of drawing close to Jesus, thanking Him, and renewing bonds with my kids and grandkids. (Scattered throughout this post is some pictures from this past Easter)

At Church

And what about you my friend?

How was your celebration of Christ’s resurrection?

How did you choose to honor Him?

Every Idle Word

2011-04-19T06:07:00.001-05:00

Did you say anything yesterday that you wish you hadn't?

Have your words gotten you in trouble?

Do you sometimes speak before you think?

Me too.

Oh boy, oh boy... me too.

Jesus often deals with me in themes and lately He's been telling me to shut my mouth.

To be still.

To hold my peace.

To not push my way or my opinion into a conversation.

To pay attention to every idle word I speak.

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." (Matthew 12:35-37)

Wow.

That's a pretty strong passage of scripture.

But one of the things I appreciate the most about living every day with Jesus is how He goes out of His way to speak to me.

To help me grow.

To teach me a better way.

To warn me before I get myself in a big mess.

Isn't that just like a loving parent?

They nudge.

They admonish.

They warn.

And then they wait patiently while we stumble and struggle to embrace the truths that they've known all along.

And that is exactly what Jesus does.

He gently nudges us to grow in His graces.

Since I've been really paying attention to every idle word I speak it is amazing how much less I have to say.

In every day conversations, I am listening much more and praying silently for Jesus to "set a guard over my mouth" and prompt me to contribute to what's being said only when He wants me to.

There was a priest named Brother Lawrence who wrote a book called The Practice of the Presence of God" who wrote about this.

Lawrence said: "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in a great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

And others said of Lawrence: "Wherever he was, the Light was there; wherever he walked was hallowed ground. He showed us how, at any moment and in any circumstance, the sould that seeks God may find Him, and practice the presence of God."

Later in the book Lawrence talks about every idle word and speaking only when led of God to do so.

I am no where near the place in my spiritual growth where I'm only speaking when God says to, but I am much more aware of what I say and am learning to pray much before reacting when I'm frustrated.

And what about you my friend?

What idle words hang you up the most?

What seems easy or hard about this endeavor?

Join the conversation and leave a comment. :)

The Experiment

2011-04-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

For awhile, I was blogging about my weight struggles and how I lived my faith at work.

And, intermixed with those posts were more devotional style postings about my grandkids or something interesting or exciting that happened in my relationship with Jesus.

There are all sorts of blogs and columns out there and lots and lots of advice on what to do and what not to do with a blog. Advice is offered about ways to approach a blog, and how to write in such a way as to get more readers.

But what it all came down to for me was too much pressure to get readers and not enough of just flowing from my heart.

So, today, I'm starting a new experiment.

And if you like you can join me.

Instead of trying to write on a certain topic, or with certain key words that will get the search engines attention. I'm just going to write what Jesus is showing me, dealing with me on, or teaching me.

The experiment will be that if this 'just being myself' approach pleases God then the readership will increase and so will the comments without any special effort on my own.

My act of faith will be the writing from my heart.

I will do this until the end of the year and together we will see what the Lord does.

But you know what?

Even this experiment is an exciting aspect of living every day with Jesus.

Why?

Because Jesus is alive and I have a relationship with Him so I can ask His help just like I would a friend.

He is a living, breathing, thinking, knowing, seeing, God who has many, many incredible attributes. For example:

Jesus is all powerful.

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

And Jesus can change our life in an instant.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And He loves us.

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." (Jeremiah 31:3)

And His intentions towards us are always good.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

And Jesus longs for us to love Him so much that we joyfully obey Him.

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: ...And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:5-6)

Oh to be His peculiar treasure.

To love Jesus and be loved by Him is the most incredible experience in all the world.

Knowing Jesus and having his holy spirit living inside of me doesn't mean I don't have struggles, but it does mean that I don't have to figure out my problems on my own.

So often I meet people who are dealing with incredibly difficult circumstances all by themselves.

To them God is abstract.

An uncaring, distant diety that is not involved in their day-to-day lives.

Well, I'm here to tell you that Jesus is very real and very involved in every aspect of my life.

If I lose my car keys, I ask Jesus to help me.

If I'm sick, I ask Him to heal me.

If my work day is difficult, I ask Him to fill me with His peace.

If I lose my temper, or struggle with attitudes, I ask Him to forgive me and help me do better the next time.

The whole point is that living every day with Jesus means I live every day with hope.

And you can too.

The Holy Bible says in Psalm 33: 17-18 "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine"

Do you need a car?

Look to Jesus!

Do you need grocery money?

Look to Jesus!

Do you need a job?

Look to Jesus!

Do you need your marriage restored?

Look to Jesus!

Whatever your need, the God of hope will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

What do you hope for today?

Leave a comment so we can pray together about it.

-Debbie

Fuzzy Fur Coats and Putting On Christ

2011-03-21T07:00:00.008-05:00

Mikayla

My grandaughter Mikayla loves to wear her pink fuzzy coat.

She loves the pink.

She loves the fur.

And she especially loves the way the white faux fur sheds.

When she waves her arms, the fur sheddings float around her like a dandelion puff.

And everytime she hugs someone with her coat on,

she leaves her love marks - the white fluffy shedding - all over them.

Whenever she spots someone new to bestow her fur hug on,

Mikayla's eyes sparkle and she dances with delight.

Her fuzzy fur coat hugs are a token of her affection.

An expression of her love.

Mikayla doesn't realize that people may not want to be

covered in fuzzy white polyester hair.

So she keeps on hugging unsuspecting churchgoers and family members.

And she keeps on squealing with delight each

time she sees some white fur clinging to them.

A quiet reminder that they had been hugged by Mikayla.

The Holy Bible actually talks about Mikayla's kind of love expression in Romans 13:14

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

The apostle Paul told Christian believers to put on Christ.

To choose to wear Christ, in much the same way

that Mikayla chose to wear her fuzzy pink coat.

Mikayla wears her fuzzy pink coat because she likes it,

and because she can sprinkle people with white fur.

Likewise, as Christians we are to wear Christ because we love Him, and

because we can affect those around us for the kingdom of God.

Consider what 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 says:

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing...To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. (King James Version)

The Message translation explains it this way:

"In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No— but at least we don't take God's Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.

So in a sense, as Chrisitans, we are to put on Christ with the intent of being so full of Christ's love that His spirit sticks to those around us just like the fur from Mikayla's fuzzy fur coat.

Because spreading the love of Christ is an important part of living every day with Jesus.

How do you spread God's love through the week?

What do you do to put on Christ each day?

Knowing God

2011-03-17T07:04:00.002-05:00

"The whole meaning of prayer is that we may know God." -O. Chambers

Do you know God, the sovereign Lord, the creator of the universe?

He knows you.

He knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

He was there when you took your first steps.

He grieved when you grieved.

He hurt when you hurt.

He lovingly stood by at each triumph and failure in your life.

And more than anything else in this world, He longs for you to know Him.

To have a relationship with Him.

To be His friend. And to let Him be yours.

If you've never met Him, let me introduce you:

His name is Jesus. ( Isaiah 9:5-7, Matthew 1:20-22, Romans 14:10-12 )

I remember the first time I was aware of Jesus' presence.

I was 10 years old and playing outside with my friends. Halter tops were popular back then and I had one on under a button down shirt. I took off my outer shirt, to be like my friends, and immediately felt a deep sense that I needed to be covered.

It was a protective feeling. Like being outside in the cold without a coat and your mother and father bringing you a warm blanket.

I didn't understand at that moment that it was God reaching to me, but I knew it was something greater than I'd ever felt. And I knew instinctively that I needed to put my shirt back on. I learned much later through the study of the Holy Bible that there is a special safety and protection from God when one chooses to dress modestly and holy. (I Peter 1:15-17)

Not long after that, I started going to the Pentecostal church with my grandfather. The teaching I recieved there in the Sunday School classes taught me about God's reaching love and His desire for everyone on the earth to serve Him and be filled with His spirit.

I was 11 years old when I recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost as evidenced with speaking in tongues just like the apostles did in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:1-4)

What about you my dear friend?

When did Jesus first become real to you?

Have you yet experienced the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost?

If you haven't and are curious about what this incredible experience is all about, I highly recommend a CD called "Have You Recieved the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?" by Reverend Jason Sciscoe. It is only $10.00 and well worth the investment. You can order it by clicking here.

Jesus Christ seeks us out like an impassioned lover. His ways of wooing us to Him are always unique and personal. Have you felt him drawing you?
Share your experience with Jesus Christ in the comment section so that others who are seeking may read it and believe.

Because you see, telling others about what Christ has done for you is a very real part of living every day with Jesus. (Revelation 12:11)

Love Notes

2011-03-14T08:20:00.001-05:00

Do you remember your first crush?

Those all too common grade school notes that said "I love you, do you love me...yes or no?"

Although, I'd had a few gradeschool crushes, the one that is imbedded in my memory is when I was in high school.

His name was David.

In my 14-year-old mind, he looked like Elvis Presley.

I swooned every time he walked by.

I wrote 'Mrs. David __________" over and over again all over my spiral notebooks.

I begged someone who knew him well to get me one of his school pictures.

All during my highschool years, David was the object of my affection - although I don't think he ever understood how infatuated I really was with him.

Oh, I dated other guys, even went steady with some of them. But none of them ignited my heart like David.

My heart was set on him...just as Jesus Christ's heart is set on us.

Jesus Christ has a crush on you that is way more than the strongest childhood crush you've ever experienced.

And He sends you love notes.

Consider what it says in the Holy Bible in Jeremiah 31:3:

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Or in Hebrews 13:5, also in the Holy Bible:

"...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

According to the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ knows how many hairs you have on your head, He's written your name in the palm of His hand, and He's watched over you since you were a speck in your mother's womb.

If that's not love, I don't what is.

But just as the object of my childhood affection ignored my advances, you also can choose to ignore Jesus.

The choice is yours.

Jesus Christ, in all His might and power could force us to love Him. But then that wouldn't really be love would it?

So instead, He watches you and sends you love messages through the Holy Bible, through others around you, and perhaps even through this blog.

And then He waits longingly for you to respond. To notice His advances. To seek out a relationship with Him.

Why?

Because Jesus Christ loves you. Completely. Totally. Unconditionally.

His love is the most incredible benefit of living every day with Jesus.

Once you enter into a love relationship with Jesus Christ, your whole life will change.

Joy and peace will be in your heart.

And even when hard times come you will have a deep sense of never being alone because Jesus is watching over you.

How will you respond?

(Please leave a comment and share with others ways that Jesus Christ has sent you love messages)

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Support System

2011-01-19T06:30:00.002-06:00

Last year, I launched Wednesday Weigh-In on this blog.

Every Wednesday, (or most Wednesdays anyway) I wrote about my struggle to lose well over 100 pounds.

Well here it is a year later, and to be honest, I thought about not blogging on Wednesdays anymore because I only lost 20 pounds last year.

But then I remembered all of you.

Your willingness to encourage me.

To leave a comment.

To say a prayer.

To share your stories of struggle.

And I remembered the other wonderful support systems Jesus gave me.

Like my dad.

He shows me off to his friends just the same as if I was a size 5. (I love him for that.)

But he does worry about the effects the extra weight has on my health.

"I'm just worried about your ticker." my dad will say.

Or my precious husband Buddy.

When we got married, I was a size 14, now I'm almost double that. Yet he's loved me through all my sizes and always treats me like a princess.

Having a support system in place when trying to lose weight is crucial. Any weight loss expert will confirm this.

That's why most national weight loss programs offer some sort of group meetings or one-on-one counseling.

Jesus knew this.

He designed us as communal beings.

We function better when we have others around us who love us and believe in us. The Holy Bible confirms this in Psalm 68:6:

"God setteth the solitary in families: ..."
And Jesus even made provision for us if our families were not capable of being there for us:

"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up." (Psalm 27:9)

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you..." (John 14:18)

Having an infallible support system is just one of the many benefits of living every day with Jesus. Because even if friends and family fail you, Jesus is always there. He said so in Hebrews 13:5:

"“I will never leave you nor forsake you..."

So tell me, who is your support system?

What is it about them that makes them someone you can lean on?

Let's talk about the wonderful benefits of community this week and learn from one another.

Because, as I said, drawing strength from community is just another wonderful benefit of living every day with Jesus!

Work Hard ~ Pray Hard

2011-01-17T06:30:00.004-06:00

If the demands of your job seem exceptionally intense this week, consider praying more to prepare for it.

That's what Martin Luther, the German reformist did. He said:

"Tomorrow I plan to work, work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."

Luther understood that the greater the demands of his job, the harder he must pray to prepare for it.

What a concept!

Think what would happen if we applied that same principal to our lives today.

The lawyer who had a difficult case would first spend hours consulting the Lord's wisdom through prayer and meditation.

The electrician who had a deadline to meet, would pray first about every minute detail of the project and would finish ahead of schedule.

The child-care worker would spend enough time in prayer to be able to call out each child's name individually and the kids would be so filled with a holy calm that her days would be filled with peace.

And on my job in volunteer management the stress from the myraid of meetings, training sessions, and tabletop drills in preparation of the hospital where I work moving across town would dissipate.

The more we pray about and for our jobs the freer Jesus is to move on our behalf.

Prayer softens the disposition of even the toughest manager.

Prayer, by it's very nature promotes teamwork.

Prayer creates an atmosphere of love.

But most of all prayer transforms us into Christlike beings who serve with joy and esteem our fellow man better than ourselves.

Perhaps that is why Luther found it so necessary to pray so much. So that he could work hard with Christ like attitude.

What about you?

What work do you have to do this week?

And what prayers do you need to pray in order to get the job done?

"...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

Imagine

2011-01-03T06:18:00.000-06:00

Imagine if Jesus had complete control of your workplace today.

You would anticipate what new and exciting miracles Jesus was going to perform this week.

You would walk with a spring in your step and a gleam in your eye because your great big God was handling every potential problem.

If Jesus was in absolute control of where you work, employees would be so busy helping each other to excel that your companies productivity would skyrocket.

And if Jesus was in control you would be more concerned about your co-worker getting the accolades and promotions than you would about yourself.

There would be joy in servitude.

There would be peace and harmony.

Stress would be a thing of the past.

Integrity and fairness would reign.

Sick days would all but disappear.

Managers would recognize a job well done.

And transperancy and trust would so permeate the hearts and minds of men and women that the local newspapers would want to investigate the source of such harmony and wellbeing.

If Jesus could have His way today.

History provides great examples of what happens when great men and women of God prayed until their communities were shaken.

Men like Johnathan Edwards who preached "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and sparked a huge revival. Or George Whitfield who prayed until he shook under the power of God. Or the great Welsh Revival where 180,000 men came to God over a two year period.

And all of this is still possible today!

If we will but pray and allow Jesus to flow through us to those around us then our jobs can be transformed.

Peace, joy and love can be the order of the day - every day.

If we will but pray.

We must pray earnestly, fervantly and consistently.

But if we will, then God will answer in ways that we can only imagine.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

How can I pray for your workplace today?

What are the most pressing needs?

What is the corporate climate?

What human ways of thinking needs to be saturated with the love of God?

Post a comment and let's pray about this together.

Or, if you prefer, email me directly at dsimlergoff@sbcglobal.net.

Let's make 2011 the year we imagined together for revival and transformation in our workplace!

-Debbie

What's Working - What's Not

2010-12-30T19:38:00.004-06:00

I've blogged well over 100 posts and still don't think I'm getting it right. Why? Because the interaction from you the reader isn't happening, and quite frankly neither are the hits.

Soooo, I'm spending the weekend seeking the Lord Jesus for direction but your input would be very helpful too.

If you've ever read my blog - please tell me what's working and what's not.

And if this is your first time to read my blog, please take a few minutes to look it over and tell me what's working and what's not.

And why do I blog? That's a fair question. And one I'm still trying to define. But here's my reasons for the moment:

To have a place to refer people to so they can learn about how dynamic a relationship with Jesus Christ can be.
To share the things that happen on a daily basis when you live life surrendered to Jesus Christ.
Because I enjoy communicating through my writing.

Now, am I accomplishing what I just listed above?

Please tell me your thoughts.

A future soul might depend on it. :)

Debbie

GUEST POST: C.S. Lewis

2010-12-27T05:36:00.003-06:00

(I'm spending the last few days of 2010 seeking the Lord's will on what this blog should be about in 2011 so I am taking a break from writing this blog and am featuring a few of my favorite devotional writer's instead this week for your enjoyment. If you have any insights or comments about what you like or dislike about this blog I welcome your input.)

CHOOSE NOW, CHOOSE WELL by C.S. Lewis
Why is God landing in this enemy-occupied world in disguise and starting a sort of secret society to undermine the devil?

Why is He not landing in force, invading it? Is it that He is not strong enough?

Well, Christians think He is going to land in force; we do not know when.

But we can guess why He is delaying. He wants to give us the chance of joining His side freely.

I do not suppose you and I would have thought much of a Frenchman who waited till the Allies were marching into Germany and then announced he was on our side.

God will invade.

But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when He does.

When that happens, it is the end of the world.

When the author walks on the stage the play is over.

God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else - something it never entered your head to concieve - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left?

For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature.

It will be too late then to choose your side.

There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up.

That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not.

Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side.

God is holding back to give us that chance.

It will not last forever.

We must take it or leave it.

-from Mere Christianity

Christmas PRESSure and CHRIST in All

2010-12-11T16:32:00.002-06:00

This time of year most of us run out of time before we run out of things to do.

Christmas looms.

There are presents to buy, cards to write, cookies to bake, parties to attend, and a myraid of other holiday responsibilities that - if we are not careful- press and press and PRESS on us until so much life has been sucked out of us we feel vacum sealed.

So what's the answer?

JESUS.

Yes, Jesus.

No, Jesus isn't going to iron your little one's ruffles on her Christmas pageant dress.

And no, Jesus isn't going to stand in an endless line at Walmart, or stay up until 3am Christmas Eve wrapping presents.

But I'll tell you what Jesus will do.

Jesus will fill you with a deep abiding spirit of peace as you contemplate what gifts to purchase.

Jesus will transform your vision so you can truly see the souls of the men and women around you as He sees them.

And Jesus will soothe the deepest of hurts that sometimes arise during the Christmas season from past family experiences that perhaps weren't always ideal.

How do I know this?

Because I know Jesus.

He's a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

Jesus loves you. And Jesus loves me. And His greatest desire for both of us this Christmas season is to start each day by sincerly inviting Him into every nook and cranny of our lives.

If we will do this, Jesus will flood our homes with joy, peace and harmony, because that is one of the many benefits of living every day with Jesus.

MONDAY MUSING: Engaging Christ

2010-11-29T06:43:00.003-06:00

Monday always comes doesn't it?

Even after four days off over the Thanksgiving weekend, Monday came surprisingly fast.

But what I like the best about the Mondays and the whole work week for that matter, is that Jesus goes with me.

He's already softened the hearts of those who might be difficult today.

He's already loosed His presence and His peace to the organization I work for.

And He's already sent angelic buffers to thwart any potential stressors that might arise.

How do I know all this?

Because I was up early this morning and asked Him to do all those things.

Too often we as followers of Jesus Christ we settle for less that He intends for us simply because we do not actively invite Him into our day.

Oh Jesus is with us because His word says 'He's with us always, even to the end of the age'.

But there is a difference between being with us and being engaged in the minute details of our world.

If we want Jesus to truly affect our work life, we must invite Him into it and be willing to allow Him the freedom to operate as He pleases.

Sometimes this means keeping our mouth shut so He can work out a difficult situation or going the extra mile in service to our fellow employee.

In short, being willing to example Christ's teachings in all things.

So what work situation would you like Christ to get involved with today?

Tell Him all about it and then stand back and watch Him work.

It is one of the most exciting aspects of living every day with Jesus!

"That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come." (Isaiah 41:20-22)

MONDAY MUSING: The Power of a Shut Mouth

2010-11-22T08:06:00.001-06:00

Your momma was right if she ever told you if you didn't have something good to say about someone not to say it.

One of these days I might actually learn this.

Just last week, I opened my mouth about someone thinking I was shedding light on a situation that would be helpful .

Wrong.

Instead of them recieving it as I'd intended, they landblasted me on the importance of being unbiased and non-judgemental.

And they were right.

What's more, after I really examined my motives , I realized that my desire was much more about wanting to impress this person with my 'inside track knowledge' than sincerley being concerned.

My mouth again had gotten me in trouble.

Oh if I'd only heeded Biblical advice on the power of spoken words:

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:37)

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21)

And what's more, as Christians who want to live everyday for Jesus we are not just supposed to abstain from saying bad things we are supposed to build others up:

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3)

So if I would have adhered to Christ's teachings I would have never opened my mouth in the first place and would have saved myself a lot of heartache.

What about you?

Do you ever struggle to keep your mouth shut?

When are you most tempted to open your mouth and let it fly?

Let's talk about the power of a shut mouth for the next few days.

I'd love to hear how you deal with this very human issue.

-Debbie

Wednesday Weigh-In: Surrender and Support

2010-11-17T06:48:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Precious Reader!

I only have a minute and promise to post more later but wanted to share with you that I lost 6.5 pounds since my last post!

It was God's grace and strengthening that helped me to stay on track with the Weight Watcher's food plan.

I've tried many different diets and non-diet approaches to weight loss but kept feeling drawn back to the tracking and group support that Weight Watcher's provides.

If you think about it, surrender and support and two very Biblical concepts.

The Apostle Paul had alot to say on the topic of surrender:

"I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." (I Corinthians 15:30)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

And there is alot in the Bible about the importance of the body of Christ, how we need each other:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

I need to say good-bye for now because the clock is ticking and I must leave for work so I ask you to help me finish this post by adding your own scriptures or thoughts on surrender and support. It doesn't have to be about weight loss. Let's share and grow together!

I can't wait to read your insights on my lunch break today!!

Gotta go!

Debbie

Wednesday Weigh-In: Rejoicing In the Effort

2010-11-10T08:36:00.000-06:00

I actually cried when the upsetting event happened. Tears rolled down my face as I sent a text explaining why our friendship needed to cool off a little.

Unemotional eaters may not identify with this, but for those of us who use food to comfort, soothe and bury our real feelings, crying in the midst of a problem instead of wallowing in ice cream is worth celebrating.

All too often people like me use food as a diversion to what's really going on inside ourselves.

My old mantra went something like this:

Angry at your spouse?

Let off some steam by sucking down at least a quart of ice cream and watch those uncomfortable feelings melt away.

Had a bad day at work?

Give yourself the break you deserve by scarfing down a Big Mac and super-size fries before heading home.

And the lies go on.

But somewhere in the last year or two I realized how this type of behavior must offend the Lord.

How could it not?

Afterall Christ wants to be our all-in-all. He is the one who wants to comfort and soothe us and help us to cope with life's challenges.

So I tried it.

In January of this year, I made a determination not to turn to food when I was upset.

It hasn’t been a perfect endeavor but I’ve definitely progressed.

Reacting as I did this past weekend is proof of that.

My weekend snafu was due to letting months of frustration build up and ended up losing my temper and causing quite a breach in a relationship that I valued.

Anger consumed me.

I called my dad and spouted off and then called my husband and did the same. And then I realized as much as they both love me and wanted to help me they didn’t have the power to fix anything.

The thought crossed my mind to head to the nearest Oberwiess but instead I knelt down in prayer.

I wish I could tell you that God’s sweet presence enveloped me as I prayed, but it didn’t.

But it's important to note that I was still in the pouting stage with God. My prayer was very whiney and when He didn’t indulge me I gave up.

And that's when I sent that fateful text.

So did I fail?

I don’t’ think so.

It was more like a toddler learning to walk.

In all honesty, it was my first genuine attempt at pouring out my frustration to God and asking him to soothe those raging emotions BEFORE turning to food. Normally, I would have called my dad and husband, ate a big bowl of ice cream, and then and only then tried to pray.

So my progress was in my improved priorities and effort.

And I am convinced that effort is what the Lord is most interested in.

Think about it. What parent in their right mind would expect a one year old to go from just barely learning to walk to riding a bicycle?

Is not our heavenly Father even more compassionate than the kindest parent?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11)

So I ask you, what are you struggling with today? What efforts have you made ? Don't despair in your shortcomings, rejoice in your effort.

Together we can move forward.

One step at a time.

NOTE: John Maxwell has a great book on this topic called Failing Forward.

Blowing It

2010-11-06T06:31:00.000-05:00

I blew it.

I let months of frustration spill out in 50 texted words.

And in so doing I lost my best friend and maligned Christ's reputation.

I've cried, I've prayed and apologized but the breach hangs heavy like a wool blanket on a hot summer day.

So what now?

I go to Jesus.

I give Him my mangled mess and ask Him to help me, to smooth the rough places, to ease the tensions, to repair the breach.

"And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." (Isaiah 58:12)

Interestingly enough, I came across an article on http://www.kyria.com/ called Mouse-to-Mouse that shared a similar experience.

The camaraderie of failure was a balm to my bleeding spirit.

So today dear reader, I am asking you for advice. Just because I blog and offer insight doesn't mean I have it all figured out. You see the person I blew it with was my boss - my boss! How inane is that? But we also had a friendship outside of work and it's the loss of friendship I'm grieving the most.

All weekend my mind has been reeling and trying to figure out what my next steps should be in this situation.

Should I pull back and not be so transparent at work with people? Or is the cost of transparency letting others see that you have 'uglies' inside of you too?

I definately need more humility and servanthood. It is the 'it's not fair' mentality that got me in trouble in the first place.

Only pride thinks it has rights. And we know that the book of Proverbs says that pride goes before destruction.

I covet your prayers and welcome your advice.

This living everyday with Jesus is not easy, but even in the the hardest of times there is joy in the journey.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Pressing On

2010-10-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

(I stopped blogging on Wednesdays about my weight partly because of time demands with my schooling but so many of you let me know how much you missed it that I've decided to start up again.)

So here it is 10 months after I started at the beginning of the year saying I wanted to lose 100 pounds and well let’s just say it’s been an up and down battle.

To date, my total overall loss for the year is 7 pounds.

Seven.

That’s it.

At one point I’d lost close to 20.

But despite the lack of overall weight reduction, a lot of my personal habits have improved:

• I’m walking more consistently.

• I’m no longer bingeing

• At least half the time I’m not eating anything after dinner.

• I’m asking God more consistently for help.

• I’m journaling more about the inner issues that may be triggering my over-indulgence.

So there is progress.

Not perfection, but progress.

I’ve been quoting Philippians 3:14 over and over again lately as I contemplate the idea of progress, not perfection:

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

I press toward, I’m working at it, I’m making a continual effort.

I like the way The Message puts it:

“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.”

So for today, that is enough. I don’t have it all together and I’ve stumbled much but I am well on my way.

And what about you? What are you pressing towards today? What achievements have you fallen short of that you’d like to keep trying to reach?

We can’t do it alone, but together, hand-in-hand with Jesus Christ we can make it.

Praying Outside the Paper Bag

2010-10-19T06:34:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt like you can't pray your way out of a paper bag?

Would you like to know how to pop the bag and have deep, meaningful prayer every time?

Then keep reading.

It's true that sometimes prayer can be difficult. Even E.M. Bounds, that great man of prayer had this to say on the subject of prayer:

"Prayer is the easiest and hardest of all things; the simplest and the sublimest;
the weakest and the most powerful; its results lie outside the range of human possibilities - they are limited only by the omnipotence of God."
And while it's true that prayer indeed can be all of these things:

Easy and hard.

Simple and sublime.

Weak and powerful.

There is a secret in breaking through to sweet communion with God each and every time we bow our knee.
The secret is in surrender.

The more we surrender, the more of Christ and His truths fill our mind.

Our hearts become fixed on Biblical truths.

Our will becomes Christ's will.

Joy flows.

Peace fills our being.

Anxiety dissipates.

And because at those moments our spirit is in sync with the Holy Spirit of God prayer is easy.

So the challenge, the struggle, the hardness that E.M. Bounds speaks of is not in getting to God - He is always with us. It is in the breaking of our self-will, our agenda's, our pride.
If we are angry and really don't want to forgive, or if we are more worried about all the things we have to do as soon as our prayer time is over, then prayer is a chore.

An obligation.

A drudgery.

A duty to be fulfilled.

The more our minds are focused on our needs, our wants, and our discomfort the less awareness of God's spirit we feel.

Perhaps that is why we are instructed in scripture to "... lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 1:21)
Because we must first let go of everything that is not like Christ before we can truly come into close, intimate fellowship with Him.
So if you, like me, feel like you're trying to pray yourself out of a paper bag look inward. Search your heart and see if there are any attitudes or grudges that you're holding onto. And if you discover that there is, let them all go, ask Jesus to purify you, to help you to overcome.

Then look around you and discover that while you were asking for Christ's help, He removed the paper bag.

Lord Jesus, we want to live every day in a way that glorifies You. Forgive us of our selfish ways. Help us to let go of hurts and resentments. We want a deep fellowship and closeness with You and we know that is only possible if first we lay aside the sins that beset us. In Jesus Name. Amen

A Fool For Christ's Sake

2010-10-11T06:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this video.

These people are making fools of themselves for a chance to win $10,000. What would you be willing to do for $10,000?

But more importantly, what would you be willing to do for the cause of Christ?

Would you be willing to dance like a chicken in public if Jesus asked you to?

It's doubtful that the Lord Jesus would ask you to dance like a chicken, but He might want you to do something equally humiliating. The book of Jeremiah is rife with the uncommon things God asked the prophet Jeremiah to do: walk naked through the streets, eat a scroll of paper, wear an oxen's yoke on his neck.

The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church that he was made a fool for Christ's sake:

"We are [looked upon as] fools on account of Christ and for His sake, but you are [supposedly] so amazingly wise and prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are [so very] strong! You are highly esteemed, but we are in disrepute and contempt!" (1 Corinthians 4:10 from the Amplified Bible)

And King David, danced in a public place, similar to what the people in the video did, but it wasn't for money, it was for the worship and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ:

"David, ceremonially dressed in priest's linen, danced with great abandon before God. The whole country was with him as he accompanied the Chest of God with shouts and trumpet blasts. But as the Chest of God came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, happened to be looking out a window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before God, her heart filled with scorn." (2 Samuel 6:13-15 from The Message)

And as you just read, Michal, who was Saul's daughter and David's wife was not happy about it at all. The Bible says that 'David returned home to bless his family' but Michal says;

"How wonderfully the king has distinguished himself today—exposing himself to the eyes of the servants' maids like some burlesque street dancer!"

Oooh, how I love David's reply to her:

"In God's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory—more recklessly even than this. And as far as I'm concerned...I'll gladly look like a fool...but among these maids you're so worried about, I'll be honored no end."

And then check out the consequences of scorning those who are willing to be a fool for Christ's sake: "Michal, Saul's daughter, was barren the rest of her life." (2 Samuel 6:23)

So today, on this October Monday I ask you, what are you willing to do for the cause the Christ?

GUEST POST: Gianna Jensen

2010-10-04T06:30:00.006-05:00

This is such a powerful video, I had to share it with all of you. It's not just that Gianna survived being aborted at 7 months, it's her bold declaration of Jesus being the Christ and the way she tells her enemies, "I am God's girl. I refuse to bear the anger and hatred that you hurl at me because Jesus Christ died on the cross to bear it all."

May we all learn to live everyday with Jesus the way Gianna has.

Oh God, grant us the courage to stand strong for what is right and give us a voice to influence our world.

If you had an audience today, my dear reader, what would you tell them?

Until next time,

Debbie

MONDAY MUSINGS: Putting God First

2010-09-20T06:33:00.001-05:00

Do you feel fully alive in Christ this Monday morning? Are you filled with antcipation, wondering how God will use you today? Joy and excitement can be yours when you live every day with Jesus. He promised in His holy word that He came to give us life and that more abundantly. (John 10:10)

The abundant life is available to all who seek it. There are no tricks or gimmicks. It is yours for the asking. Jesus had only one requirement:

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (Matthew 6:32-34 from The Message)

The King James version of this same passage puts it succintly:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

So that's all there is to it. Put God first and the joy will come. Put God first and you'll be able to manage your work load better. Put God first and the people around you will notice.

People are often drawn to me. Most of the time they don't why,but I hope it is because they feel God's love flowing through me.

One person says she comes to my office to get her "daily dose of Debbie." She says she feels better after she spends time with me.

One day, I hope to share the gospel with her. But until that time comes, I will keep praying for her and being a friend to her.
Loving others for the cause of Christ infuses us with joy.

Let's put God first today!

It's a very real part of living every day with Jesus and it will fill you with encouragment and unspeakable joy!

Affecting Others

2010-09-17T06:50:00.000-05:00

"Walking with God down the avenues of prayer we acquire something of His likeness, and unconsciously we become witnesses to others of His beauty and His grace." -E.M. BOUNDS

Stop right now and write down the first ten people that come to mind.

Now, look at that list and write down which circles of your life they come from. Family? Friends? Co-workers? Neighbors?

These ten people, and if you had time to write down the next ten people and so on, are the souls that God has entrusted you to influence for His kingdom. Think about it. In Christ's infinite wisdom, He planted you in the job you have, the home you live in, the community you raised your kids in etc. And this planting wasn't by happenstance. God had a specific purpose in it all.

God knew for example that your best friend would need your unique giftings and personality traits to cope with life a little better. And God also knew that if He had a pesky neighbor live nearby, you would grow in patience and learn to lovingly serve despite their small annoyances.

Do you see where I'm going with this? A very important part of living every day with Jesus is to recognize that He is involved in every part of our life and has ordered every detail.

So look around you today at the people God has chosen to be in your world. Thank God for them. Pray for them. And let your light shine brightly for the cause of Christ. It is your duty, if you want to live every day with Jesus.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Strength From Others

2010-09-15T06:44:00.003-05:00

It amazes me how quickly Wednesdays roll around.

I started this year proclaiming that I would post each Wednesday my determination to lose 100 pounds. Well to date, I've only lost about 20 pounds, which is not much for being 8 months into it. But one of the best things that has come out my commitment to blog about it is how others have reached out to me and offered encouragement, affirmation and support.

Readers like you, and my family and friends have really gone out of their way to encourage me - not only in losing the weight, but in telling me what I mean to them or how my writing has helped them. In short, they let me know one way or another that if I never lose another pound, that's okay with them because I'm a beautiful person just the way I am.

Take for example an email I got from my mom just this morning. Now I know she's my mom and you're probably thinking that mom's are supposed to be all mushy-gushy etc. And to a point that is true, but what you may not know is that my mom is ver attractive and always has been. She is not quite 5' tall and weighs probably 110 pounds soaking wet. While I am 5'4" and weigh more than twice that. So as you can see, for her to acknowledge my inner beauty means alot to me because I've always admired her outer beauty. Here's just a part of what she wrote:

"... Maybe, just maybe your genetic makeup isn’t to be a thin person. As long as you are healthy etc. that is what is important. ... We open magazines, turn on the telly and fashion is about thin. I look at the latest fashion and all the clothes are designed for people who are size 0, that is slowly changing ...real women have curves...."

A mother's wisdom is always good isn't it? And she's right about the fashion magazines etc portraying very thin women. Even the majority of the plus size stores use thin models.

And then there is my precious friend Vlatka who gave me a delightful little book this weekend called "How to Eat Like a Tree" by Dara Boland. In the flyleaf Vlatka wrote: " I can't wait to see the fruits that this book, Jesus and our friendship is going to bring forth." What words of strength and refreshing! Vlatka is also very thin and beautiful. She sincerly prays for me and my weight issues and often offers encouraging words to me.

So today, on this particular Wednesday Weigh In, I give honor to you my reader for caring enough to stop by my blog and see how I'm doing. And I give honor to my mother, my friend Vlatka and all my other friends and family who see something in me that I'm not completely convinced of yet. And interestingly enough, this drawing strength from one another is part of living everyday with Jesus. You see God created us for community. We need one another. At least I know for sure that I need you.

Blessings and strength to you today my friend.

Until next time...

Debbie

MONDAY MUSINGS: Great Expectations

2010-09-13T06:30:00.007-05:00

"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man." (Psalm 112:4)

Monday mornings sometimes feel like darkness don't they? It's funny that I spring out of bed on the weekends, but sluggishly shuffle about on a work day morning. The only difference is my expectations of what the day will hold.

On the weekend, there is time for play,relaxation and adventure. During the work week, there is pressure, agendas and quotas to meet. Yet, I have a feeling the weekends wouldn't be so relished if it were not for the confinements of the work week. It's quite possible that we feel free on the weekends, because we first fulfilled the mundane obligations of the work week.

So today, as we face another week of phone calls to make or appliances to repair, let us remember that our work duty is a necessary ballast to our weekend reverly. And therefore, we ought to be thankful for the forty-hour commitment we make each week - not just for the paycheck we recieve, but for the clarity and joy it brings to our time off. For how else could we celebrate the weekend, if at first we had not done hard labor by the sweat of our brow?

So be encouraged today in whatever this particular Monday holds for you.

Jesus is with you and He loves you.

And in His wisdom, He felt your job was the best thing to meet your needs.

And know that Jesus can soften the disposition of even your most difficult of people.

And Jesus can enlighten your mind to enable you to solve every problem that may await you.

You see, Jesus' greatest desire is not that you just endure this work week, but that you invite Him into it and allow Him to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ask or think.

Because when you (and I ) learn to do this, we will spring out bed on the workday mornings because we can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for us.

Honoring Your Enemies

2010-09-10T06:57:00.001-05:00

Who has mistreated you in your life? Who angers you? What injustices have you suffered?

I ask you these questions not to upset you, or bring back painful memories, but to help you realize that we all have suffered at the hands of another in some form or fashion.

How do I know this?

Because we are human.

We are fallen, sinful creatures who ooze with selfishness.

And often it is our base selfishness that causes us to wound one another.

I've done it. You've done it. And those we categorize as our enemies have done it. It's the ME, MYSELF and I syndrome that drives us to step on others in our quest for success, or the last word, or fairness.

But of course, God's way is just the opposite. He commands us to put others first, to serve them, to love them and do good to them - even the ones who have sliced and diced our heart:

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matthew 5:44)

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." (Luke 6:35)

So how do we accomplish this when our enemies are so toxic?

I'm grappling with the answer to this question myself.

There is a person in my life that consistently attacks me verbally.

Whenever I see one of their emails in my inbox, I usually let it sit a day or two before opening it because I never know if it's going to contain a fresh barrage of accusations, or a kind word.

For me looking at the subject line and contemplating if I want to read it's contents is like looking at a bottle of poison and trying to decide if I want to drink it. Rarely are their comments edifiying. And even if they start off being edifying, it's usually a ploy to draw me in so I'll let my guard down.

Yet, Jesus says to love them.

Do good to them.

Show them compassion.

Go out of my way to be kind to them.

And even to speak well of them to others.

Well, I've tried all these things over the last 10 years with this particular person
But it didn't improve the relationship.

So I dug even deeper into the scripture to see what else God wanted from me and came across this scripture:

"When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

OUCH!

Now, I don't think this means that we have enemies because we aren't right before God. But I do think the scripture is saying that if we are surrendered enough and crucified in the flesh enough that our humbleness will force our enemies to shut their mouths.

And of course, in my situation, humbleness only comes through complete forgiveness with no strings attached.

My answer to the forgiveness/humility issue with the person I told you about was to delete 4 years of their hateful, hurtful emails. I guess I was saving them 'in case' I never needed proof of the pain I'd suffered at their hands.

But true forgiveness keeps no record of wrongs. It's gone. It's under the blood. And so I released this individual completely to Jesus when I let it all go.

I highly recommend your reading a book by Lewis Smedes called Shame and Grace, if you have any issues with reconciling being mistreated by others. It helped me tremendously.

Loving and overcoming our inner pain, is such a vital part of learning to live everyday with Jesus.

Until next time...

Debbie

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Exercise

2010-09-09T06:52:00.000-05:00

(Sorry for the delay in getting this post up... things with my dad got a little hairy for awhile, but thank God he's much better now)

Did you excercise today?

I didn't, but it's because I've been in a hospital waiting room since 5am this morning. ( My dad is having surgery) But, there have been many mornings in my life when I didn't have such a good excuse for not exercising. And it's those everyday mornings that I'd like to talk about today.

Let's face it. If daily exercise had been as important to me as my daily shower, I probably wouldn't have a weight problem. My metabolism would be in high gear, my BMI would probably be normal, and I'd have energy to burn. So with all these incredible benefits, why do I avoid doing it?

My answers to this question vary depending on my mood, but here are a few of them:

Because I don't have time
Because it takes alot of work
Because I get bored

Yet, the health guru's shout... "YES, BUT THE BENEFITS ARE SO WORTH IT."

And although I know they are right, most of the time I still avoid the commitment of exercise.

But all this thinking and self-examination into why I don't enjoy exercise made me realize the many similarities between my avoidance of exercise, and some people's avoidance of the gospel of Christ. Funnily enough, people often give the same reasons for not making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ:

Because they don't have time
Because the Christian walk can require me to 'work' at my inner shortcomings
Because I get bored in a church service

I like the Apostle Paul's response to this topic. He said in 1 Timothy 4:7-9:

"...Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers."

So my dear friend, what will you do today regarding exercise? My hope and prayer for you, (and myself) is that you will not only learn to exercise your body, but also workout daily in the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading.

May you be be empowered today as you strive to live every day with Jesus. And may you not only develop a beautiful physical body, but an incredibly attractive, healthy spirit.

Until next time...

Debbie

Nutrition tip link.... http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/25-best-nutrition-secrets

MONDAY MUSING: Rest From Labor

2010-09-06T20:31:00.001-05:00

Ah, Labor Day. A day of rest and relaxation set aside for those who labor. A time to commemorate the end of summer and the onset of fall. The one day of the year where you can happily ignore your commitment to your employer and languish in bed all day , or cook burgers on the grill, or fish, or spend time with your family.

That's the beauty of Labor Day. It doesn't have the pressure and expectations of other holidays. It is simply a day to tell the average hard working American: "Take a day off. You deserve a rest."

Yes, Labor Day was a great idea. The Central Labor Union engineered it and it was intended to provide for a holiday that celebrated the working man –the laborer- as well as his contributions to society. A working man’s holiday just wouldn’t be complete if it did not include a day off work, and so Labor Day began. (resource from http://www.wisegeek.com/)

But did you know that rest from labor was actually God's idea? It's true. Jesus Christ told the multitude in Matthew 11:28:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

And in Genesis 2:2, the Holy Bible tells us that God rested on the seventh day after He created the world:

"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made."

And not only did God example rest, and offer us rest, but He actually commanded a day of rest:

"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:10-12)

Obviously, God places a great deal of importance on us having a time set aside to rest and renew ourselves. So how are you doing with getting the rest you need? Assuming you are getting adequate sleep each night, what else do you do to renew and recharge yourself?

Here a few suggestions that work for me:

A long soak in the bathtub
A long, compteplative walk
Curling up with a good book
Calling and talking to a friend who is positive and uplifiting
Getting a massage
Sipping a nice cup of Chamomile tea
Listening to classical music
Watching a funny movie

Can you add some suggestions to this list? Remember, that part of living every day with Jesus is to take care of ourselves, physically, emotionally and spiritually. So as this Labor Day comes to a close, may you find great peace and a deep sense of calm as you pay attention to your bodies need for rest.

"So the people rested on the seventh day." (Exodus 16:30)

GUEST POST: Nona Freeman

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

(Good Morning and Happy Friday ! My week has been a little busier than normal and school starts Tuesday so I decided to drop my postings to 3 times a week. Mondays will continue to be about work related issues, Wednesdays about weight loss and self-esteem and Fridays will be anything goes.)

Iwas in a fantastic service last night with Reverend Travis Worthington. He taught that humility and servanthood is what brings the spiritual authority in our lives. For those of you who may not know, God promises He will give us power to tread on scorpions, to stamp out the powers of darkness, to pray for the sick and they will recover. And Reverend Worthington says that we can only access this kind of power when we are humble servants of God with no traces of pride in our hearts.

And Reverend Worthington is right! I have experienced this first hand. When my life is fully surrendered to Christ, I can operate in a dimension of Godly power that blows my mind. But when I am full of self and personal irritations, my ability to speak to the mountains in my life vanish.

Nona Freeman, in her book In The Bag confirms this. She tells of an angelic visitation she had that convinced once and for all the importance of keeping ourselves broken before God. Here is an excerpt:

I opened my eyes to see a being clothed in exquisite light standing by my bed. I trembled, immobilized by fear. "Do no be afraid," a soft, yet vibrant voice answered, "I am a messenger sent from God to give you the secret to revival.... I am here in response to your outcry for a Pentecostal outpouring..."

[The angel] unrolled a large parchment scroll before me containing the words of Jesus in John 7:38: "He that believeth on me, as the scriptures hat said, out his belly shall flow rivers of living water." ... The angel said, "You preach about drawing water out of the wells of salvation with joy. You know you do not comprehend the limitless scope of the gift of God. Jesus wants to deluge you and the thirsty world with rivers of His Holy Ghost power. The will of God is not mercy drops or showers or even buckets full of blessings. It is torrential rivers of blessings flowing through you." ... [I asked the angel] What prevents the flow of the Spirit in me? The answer came gently. "A guise of spirituality and a mere profession of salvation are empty vanities without the flow of the spirit. I will name in everyday language the most common hindrances for you:

UNBELIEF. DISOBEDIENCE. FEAR. REBELLION. JEALOUSY. BITTERNESS. HATRED. STUBBORNESS. LUST. MALICE. GREED. ANXIETY-WORRY. JUDGING-CRITICISM. GRUMBLING-COMPLAINING. PRIDE-AMBITION. TEMPER. SELFISHNESS-COVETEOUSNESS. IMPATIENCE.

[The angel continued] "These are the evils that block the moving of the Spirit through you. When the flow stops, you usually fall back on your own resources... ask forgiveness often. Only the cleansing blood of Jesus can remove the barriers of your soul.... get the flow, get the flow... get the flow...."

I don't know about you my friend, but as for me, I want the flow of Jesus in my life! Operating in the free flowing power of Christ is a very important part of living every day with Jesus. Won't you pray right now for God to remove the barriers in your own life? It really is the secret to having bubbling over joy. Know I will be praying for you and I hope you'll do the same for me.

What are the obstacles that hinder the flow in you? For me, at least one area is ambition. I am a firstborn and over-achiever by nature. So I'm always wanting to be the best. God has been working on me with this alot lately and so I've been putting alot of energy into helping my peers succeed. This pleases Jesus and it keeps my own self-drive in check.

Let's live today for Jesus... and tomorrow and the next day. And let's share with one another our struggles to get and stay in the flow because bearing one another's burdens is also a part of living every day with Jesus.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Lying to Ourselves

2010-09-01T06:48:00.000-05:00

I lost two pounds last week and did really good until the weekend. Ugh, the weekends are always a challenge for me. During the week, my days and evenings are pretty structured. But on the weekends, it's anything goes. And it is the 'anything goes' part that makes me feel like rewarding myself with junk food.

Why do we feel that junk food is a reward? The truth is in almost every case it weakens our body, clouds our thinking, and enlarges our waistline. Yet for many of us it represents comfort and solace. Think about it. How often do we tell ourselves after a hard day we are gonna sit down with big bowl of broccoli? Instead, we reach for the ice cream, or potato chips or... whatever is going to make us feel better.

Intellectually we know that sugar, soda and other foods like them, weaken our immune systems and make us feel sluggish. We know they harm our bodies, yet we continually indulge. WHY? Because we are decieved. Somewhere in our self-talk we think we deserve it, or that it won't really harm us, or __________(you fill in the blank). And it is the deception, the false belief that keeps us in the clutches of a food bondage. (I guess I shouldn't assume you are in a food bondage, but for me, it is or I wouldn't be as large as I am)

But thankfully, if you are living everyday with Jesus, even food bondages can be broken! Beth Moore, in her powerful book Praying God's Word devotes a whole chapter to food related strongholds. I have used my copy so much the binding broke and I had to buy another one. But somehow the worn out one with it's pages falling out means more to me. It's like a sword that's been used and reused in battle. Beth Moore uses so many scripture prayers in each of the chapters in this book it feels like my second Bible. Here are just a few of the prayers from the Food Related Strongholds chapter:

" Lord, when you bring the captive completely back to You, I will be like those who dream! My mouth will be filled with laughter and my tongue with songs of joy! The Lord has done great things for me, and I am filled with joy! "(Psalm 126:1-3)

"God, I am so thankful there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If you do not condemn me, I have no right or place to condemn myself. Help me not to get caught up in a defeating cycle of self-condemnation."

These are just a few of the powerful scripture prayers that Moore uses. You might think about checking it out if you have food issues, or other areas that you want to overcome. Moore's Praying God's Word book covers many, many different areas and has such chapters as Overcoming Sexual Strongholds, Overcoming Pride, Overcoming Idolatry etc.

I hope my post today helped you my friend. This weight loss journey has not been an easy one for me. I began the year thinking I was going to lick this thing once and for all and it has proven to be full of ups and downs. But thankfully, in Jesus there is always hope and always a chance for change. And that is one of the most wonderful things about living every day withe Jesus!

MONDAY MUSING: REJOICE

2010-08-30T06:41:00.001-05:00

In a few minutes, the work-a-day world will be in full swing.

Some of you will put on your tool belt and report to a construction site.

Some of you will put on your uniform, and prepare for a day of cleaning, or waitressing, or cleaning car engines.

Some of you will be heading off to the corporate world where the color of your tie or the type of shoes you wear impacts the success of your career.

And some of you will stay in your pajamas or donn a pair of sweat pants as you spend the day chasing after toddlers and running a household.

There is no doubt about it, whatever your profession, the next 8-10 hours promises to be full of pressures and expectations. It's part of the having a job.

It comes with the territory so to speak.

We accept it.

We endure it.

We slug through the day, longing for the 5 o'clock whistle to announce our release.

But is that they way Jesus intended our work life to be?

I don't think so.

Consider the following scripture:

"...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Jesus didn't say our life would be abundant excluding work.

No, this scripture seems to indicate that all parts of our life can be abundant, joyful, fulfilling.

So my prayer for you today is to embrace all that Jesus has for you in your job today. When the pressures come, thank Jesus for them.

When a co-worker lets you down, ask Jesus to bless them and encourage them.

Rejoice my friend, in the job God has given you because it is in thankfulness and joy that we learn the true secret of living every day with Jesus.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Virtual Models

2010-08-26T06:43:00.000-05:00

(Well, even though today is Thursday, I did weigh in yesterday and lost 2 pounds. I've got my groove back and am walking again on my lunch hour, tracking my food, and not eating after dinner. I give God all the glory for His empowering help.)

I discovered a neat little website called My Virtual Model. After you put in your height, weight and body shape, it creates a virtual replica of yourself. Then you can shop for real clothes, and try it on your model to see what you might look like in it. Sometimes, I enter 30 pounds less than I weigh to see what I'll look like when I lose 30 pounds. For me, it's a motivator.

But all of this got me thinking about what my heavenly model might look like to Jesus. Imagine if instead of entering pounds, body shape or height, there was a website where we could enter in our secret struggles and hidden sins. This imaginary site would be for our eyes and Jesus' only, but it would create for us a spiritual image of our true selves. Yikes! I fear it might too frightening to behold because the Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But it's an interesting thought isn't it?

So for today, my question to you is... what does your Virtual Model look like, and more importantly, what does your Spiritual Model look like?

Self-examination is a very real part of living every day with Jesus. But the really cool thing is that once we realize that are just helpless balls of dirt, God in His mercy doesn't just leave us in that state feeling hopeless. No, He sends His spirit to us to give us a spiritual makeover.

But until then, remember Jesus loves you and there is always hope in Him.

God Hugs

2010-08-25T06:38:00.000-05:00

How would you like to have special favor with your boss? Or have unexpected resources fall into your lap? Or maybe you'd just like someone to advocate for you when the going gets tough.

All of these things are possible when you live every day with Jesus.

Take for example what happened to me today: I applied for approval to attend UMass to pursue a Journalism Certificate. (In order to recieve tuition reimbursement - a company perk - one has to first have their course of study approved.) Admittedly a pretty far reaching expectation since they normally only pay tuition for those individuals pursuing a healthcare degree.

But writing is my passion, so I prayed about it and submitted the necessary paperwork to my boss. Although she was compassionate, she reinterated that company policy states tuition reimbursement is only for those individuals pursuing a healthcare related field. So basically she was telling me not to get my hopes up.

Well, today my boss came to me with tears in her eyes, and told me she couldn't believe it, but my request was approved!

Amazing things like this don't always happen to me, but when they do, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is my Heavenly Father's way of reaching into my world and giving me a great big hug, just like any earthly father would do. Perhaps that is why, the gospels twice records the following passage:

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:3 and Matthew 7:11)

These kind of wonderful things happen when we live every day for Jesus because we are His child. Now that doesn't mean we won't have hard times in our lives, because the Bible also says it rains on the just and unjust alike. But the difference between living every day with Jesus, or living without Him is the difference between having someone on our side, or being all alone.

Do you live every day for Jesus? If so, what God hugs have you recieved? Leave a post so that we all can have our faith increased and believe that more God Hugs are coming our way!

Favorite Foods

2010-08-24T06:43:00.000-05:00

I woke up with this scripture on my mind this morning:

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16)

I'm not sure if the prophet Jeremiah actually ate paper, but it's a powerful image isn't it? Imagine loving the word of God so much that you actually gnawed on it.

My favorite food is ice cream. All kinds of ice cream. With nuts or without, covered in chocolate or plain, nuts and candy bars mixed in or not. It doesn't matter, it's the cool, creaminess that draws me in every time!

What is your favorite food? What is it about it that hooks you, and makes you crave it? Now imagine if we craved the word of God like that.

Visions of Dairy Queen may dance in my head, but seldom does Acts 2:38 or Psalm 71. Growing in God and learning to live every day with Jesus means falling in love with God's words which are recorded in the Holy Bible.

So please do tell me what your favorite food is, but also what is your favorite scripture. And let's spend time chewing on both!

MONDAY MUSING: God's Bufferers

2010-08-23T08:02:00.001-05:00

How are you feeling this Monday morning?

Does a job await you?

Are you preparing for your kids to go back to school?

Or will you spend this Monday looking for a job, maintaining your house, or struggling with a chronic illness?

Whatever your Monday holds, I want you to know that Jesus is with you in it.

He feels the dread you feel when the morning alarms goes off in the dark of the early morning.

And He understands the stress of getting school age children dressed and ready for school. Rest assured , Jesus cares deeply about your day-to-day challenges.

And for me Jesus' love and care is enough.

That is one of the perks of living everyday with Jesus.

Everday may not be perfect, but everyday is buffered by His sweet presence and by the people He sends into my life to help me.

I was thinking this morning about all the men and women God has placed in my life over the years who helped to buffer my hard times.

Brother Kenny, my teen Sunday School teacher, who made it a point to encourage me and build me up in the faith every week.
Sister Bevens, a sweet eldlerly lady who came to my house to pray and sit with me as dealt with depression.
Sister Hensel, a mighty prayer warrior who continues to carry me in prayer and speak the truth of God's love to me, even when it's hard to hear sometimes.
My precious grandfather, who first taught me about Jesus, prayed for me, opened his home to me when I was a teenager, and continues to imprint Jesus on my heart by his words and example.

These are just a few of the many that were willing to sacrifice and gave of themselves to me. I thank God for every one of them, and I regularly ask God to bless them for the difference they made in my life.

That's the great thing about living every day with Jesus.

We may have hard times, because the Bible says it rains on the just and unjust alike, but we can take comfort in knowing that God buffers all of our circumstances.

Sometimes He acts in supernatural and invisible ways, and sometimes He sends 'people with skin on' to undergird us and strengthen us.

And what about you?

Who has God sent in your life that has been a bufferer to you?

Won't you honor them and God by leaving a post as a testimony to God?

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

Getting To Know Us

2010-08-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

Buddy (My husband) and Me

Good Morning My Friend! It's a glorious Friday to be living every day with Jesus, and I must admit a little more glorious for me personally because I am off work today! (woo hoo!)

Mikensay in my Great Room

I believe that times of rest and relaxation are just as important to our success in living every day with Jesus as times of advancing the kingdom. So since I'm home today, and feeling rather playful, I thought it'd be fun to share with you a little of my world. Because I believe it is only we share ourselves with others that true friendships are forged.

If we are guarded, or too reserved, we make the other person feel shut out. That is why I try to be transparent in my writing. Granted, it's not always easy to 'tell the world' that I have well over 100 pounds to lose, or that I once struggled greatly with depression. But when we are willing to be vunerable (exposed if you will) we dismantle the enemy of our souls, and forge bonds with others that are not easily broken.

But first some edification to nourish our souls because I'm sure you didn't come by just to read about me:

"No cloud obscured the face of the Father from His trusting child, who could look up into the Divine countenance and pour out the longings of his heart." -E.M. Bounds

Oh, how true this is! One of the most fabulous benefits of living every day with Jesus is knowing that no matter how dark my world gets, or how many struggles I must endure, I always have a safe haven from my loving and protective Heavenly Father!

Safety is a very real reward don't you think? Especially in today's world. To have such assurance and confidence in our Creator that no matter what happens externally in world at large, or internally in our lives or psyche, is one of the most profound aspects of living everday with Jesus.

Yes, Jesus often gives me loving human hands to provide for me but over and above all that they could ever imagine to do, God is there. Keep repeating those last three words to yourself... God is there. When I can't make my mortgage payment...God is there... When my family disappoints me... God is there... Those three little words honor the make of our souls! Be assured my friend, God IS THERE!

Okay, now for some pics to show you what life is like on my side of the computer....

My Dad and Step-Mom

JOY IS A CHOICE

2010-08-19T06:48:00.000-05:00

Joy is a choice. The end result of joy may be a feeling of euphoria, but when you live every day with Jesus, joy is a choice.

Circumstances come to all of us that threaten our joy: job disappointments, physical challenges, contentions with co-workers, misunderstanding with loved ones.

Yet, Jesus said there is a source of joy in Jesus that is not affected by any outside disturbance.

So how do we access this river of unending joy?

By declaring the promises of joy in the Holy Bible. The more we speak the truths of joy, the more empowered we become! Here's a few of God's joy nuggets to get you started today:

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

"We're depending on God; he's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you've got— that's what we're depending on." (Psalm 33:21)

"I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul!He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. " (Isaiah 61:10)

Singing songs of praise is another way to immerse yourself in the river of joy. Here's one of my favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wl0VFgpjY&feature=fvst

Be inspired and uplifted today my friend! Jesus loves you. He is in control of all that concerns you. Drink in the cup of joy today. It's one of the most glorious benefits of living every day with Jesus!

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: The Race

2010-08-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday, many of you responded either publicly through posting or privately in an email to my request for help and encouragement with my struggle to lose over 100 pounds.

Well, I wanted to say a big thank-you and let you know it really, REALLY helped! Praise the Lord, I am back on track with my food plan and exercise routine. Being a part of a body of believers is one of the most wonderful things about living every day with Jesus. Every one of you who reached out to me put into action a key Biblical principal:

"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." (Galatians 6:1-3, from The Message)

So thanks again from the bottom of my heart! Your encouragement really worked - I lost 3.5 pounds since my last Wednesday post because I implemented some of your suggestions and went back to a few things my doctor told me to do like:

Stopping eating after dinner
Walking on my lunch hour
Tracking my food
Stayed accountable to you my readers and others

It is my conviction, that all of the above is necessary for permanent weight loss. Following it is not always easy, but the pay-off will be worth it one day!

By the way, I wanted to tell you about this really cool FREE online food tracking tool I'm using. It's called My Daily Plate, by Livestrong , one of Lance Armstrong's initiatives and it is really, really cool! Try it, see what you think and let me know.

Actually, Lance Armstrong isn't a bad role model for the whole weight loss journey thing. He's all about running the race and overcoming great odds. And isn't that also what the Apostle Paul told us to do as Christians?

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. ...And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (I Corinthians 9:24-25)

So tell me, what is THE RACE you are running today? Is it weight related? Your Christian walk? Your raising of small children or your dealing with a reoccurant illness? Tell me. Tell others. Because connecting and drawing strength from the body of believers is a very real part of living every day with Jesus.

Remember, in Jesus there is always hope.

"For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." (Psalm 38:15)

Run to Jesus!

2010-08-17T06:53:00.000-05:00

Unspeakable joy can be ours when we run to our Heavenly Father with every bump and bruise. It's only when we try to lick our own wounds, that sadness, resentment, and bitterness set in.

Do you want overflowing joy in your day-to-day life? Run to Jesus!

It doesn't mean there won't be problems. And people will still disappoint you. But the difference is that when you run to Jesus, and hide in Him you no longer have to fight or struggle. It's Jesus' job to that for you.

What a glorious benefit of living every day with Jesus! Remember, in Jesus there is always hope, always peace, and always safety. So run with confidence to the outstretched arms of your loving and gracious heavenly Father.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you." (John 16:33)

THAT'S NOT IN MY BIBLE!

2010-08-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

(It's funny, but no matter how much time I have in the morning before work, I always seem to be pressing against my 'getting ready time.' I think it's because I like to sit and read my Bible and pray in the quiet of the early morning which is a good thing. But, I lose track of time, which is a bad thing. So I said all that to let you know my post will short today but hopefully still lift you up on this bright and sunny Monday morning.)

My grandaughter, Mikayla (the one in the red shirt) is 7 years old and has quite a strong-willed personality. She challenges her mother often, and even her dad occasionally which is no small thing since her dad is a former marine and a real tough cookie.

Her defiance can be over the smallest of things: where she sits in the car, who puts the straw in her juice pouch,or whether she should put on her socks first or comb her hair. And when she's mad it's at the whole world, not just the one who is standing the way of her wishes. It's quite comical really. Her face turns red and puffs up like some cartoon character and she puts her hands on her hips as if to increase the size of her small stature.

Mikayla's mother (my daughter, Stephanie) for the most part has let Mikayla work through her anger ignore the red puffy face thing. But now, Mikayla is starting to get mouthy and disrespectful. And of course this must be addressed. So after many attempts at disciplining Mikayla, reasoning with her, spanking her, making her sit in the quiet chair with no improvement, Stephanie decided to employ the help of her former Sunday School teacher, Sister Debbie.

Stephanie's old teacher and her have remained friends all these years, and as a matter of fact 'Sister Debbie' was very good friends with Stephanie's real mom, Michelle. Well anyway, Stephanie and Mikayla were visiting Sister Debbie and Mikayla popped off at her mom. So Sister Debbie, did what all good Sunday School teachers would do and pulled out her Bible to show Mikayla that Jesus says we must respect our parents.

Well, true to form, Mikayla turned red faced, puffed out her cheeks, put her hands on her hips and arrogantly declared "THAT'S NOT IN MY BIBLE!"
Evidently, Stephanie and Sister Debbie tried to explain to Mikayla that these truths were in all Bibles, but Mikayla wouldn't concede. As far as I know, she is still convinced that her Bible has a different set of admonitions.

Funny? Yes. But I wonder how many times as adults we act just like Mikayla? When there is a Biblical truth that makes us uncomfortable, do we internally scream... That's not in my Bible?

When we are reminded to "love our enemies, do good to those who despitefully use us" do we intellectually dismiss it as not applying to our unique situation? If so, that is the same as saying... That's not in my Bible...
And of course the list goes on.

So my challenge to you today is to pay attention to the times when God's instructions grate against your will or desires, and honestly ask yourself if you are unknowingly trying to have your own version of the Holy Writ. Because obeying ALL of scripture is also a very real way of living every day with Jesus and it is the only way to the true hope that Jesus offers.

AN ASIDE: If you have any "that's not in my Bible experiences" I'd really like to hear about them! Won't you post for others to read? Or at least email me? Living every day with Jesus affords us the wonderful joy of gaining strength from the body of believers and this is one way we do this!!

God bless you my friend. Thanks for being part of my day!

What's Your Home Feel Like?

2010-08-13T07:29:00.001-05:00

If you had to put one word to the overall feeling in your home what would it be? Relaxing? A refuge? A battlefield?

What if I could tell you that every day from now on you could have an overiding sense of peace and calm in your home? Would you be interested? How much would you pay to have such a guarantee?

It is possible. And it won't cost you any money. But it WILL cost you some time and commitment. The solution?

PRAYER!

O. Hallesby explains it this way:

"Prayer brings a good spirit in our homes. For God hears prayer. Heaven itself would come down to our homes. And even though we who constitute the home all have our imperfections and our failings, our home would, through God's answer to prayer, become a little paradise." - O. Hallesby

It has been my habit to pray every morning and read my Bible. When my kids were small, I prayed with them, and read them a devotion. When they were in school, we prayed before school for God to be with them. We had a lifestyle of prayer in our home and still do. And God's presence is felt because of it.

Others have attested to the peace that is in my home. Many times we have had people over and they have commented on the lightness in their spirit that they feel . Or, if they don't understand what it is they are feeling, they may say "I like what I feel in your home... it feels good here." What a compliment! And it's all because Jesus is welcomed into our home through prayer.

That doesn't mean we don't have disagreements and the like. But when Jesus is the center of all that you do, His spirit dominates, and that goes a very long way in helping everything stay calm and reasonable.

So I ask you again , what does your home feel like? Is there peace? Or did the stench of last night's arguement greet you at the breakfast table?

Jesus Christ desires our home to be a place of refuge and refreshing. But He leaves the choice up to us. So I ask you today... What will you choose?

"... choose you this day whom ye will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

What's In Your Mouth?

2010-08-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

My challenge for you this morning (and for myself quite frankly) is to pay attention to what we say today. Think of your mouth as a bank teller - the giver and reciever of monies. And your heart is the bank vault. Every positive word is money deposited and every negative word is a withdraw.

With this in mind, are you making money or losing it? Mmmm, I must admit, some days my heart is very much overdrawn.

Almost daily I ask God to set a guard over my mouth and pray some of the following scriptures:

"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day." (Psalm 71:8)

"My mouth shall tell of Your righteous acts and of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is more than I know." (Psalm 71:15)

"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. ...Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
(Psalm 19:13-14)

A dear friend of mine told me that sometimes she actually puts her hand over her mouth to remind herself NOT to say something inappropiate when she is listening to someone tell a lengthy or negative tale. Pretty good idea huh?

We serve a positive God so it only makes sense that part of living every day with Jesus is to focus on the uplifting, positive things in life.

It makes sense doesn't it? Jesus loves us so much and in His infinite wisdom He knows that happy, upbeat conversations will keep our spirits buoyant. That is why, when we live every day with Jesus there is always hope and always comfort.

So valued reader, what do you do to stay in a postive talk mode? Tell us that we can all learn from each other.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Facing the Scale

2010-08-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

Good Morning My Faithful Readers! Thank-you for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by today. It makes a huge difference to me. :-)

Well, it's Wednesday and the day I promised to post about my struggle to lose over 100 pounds.

Admittedly, it's been a harder commitment than I bargained for, but it is a neccessity if I truly want to live every day submitted to Jesus. Because you see, in Jesus there is always hope, no matter what our present circumstances. And in Jesus there is always comfort, joy and a light at the end of every tunnel.

Think about that last statement for a minute. Let's say it outloud very slowly together so as to engrave it on our hearts and mind. Ready?

In Jesus there is ALWAYS comfort, joy and a light at the end of every tunnel

What is your present struggle today dear reader? What obstacles are you trying to overcome? Is there an area of self-improvement that you have been grappling with? Tell me. Let's bear this together. If you don't want to post openly, then email me at dsimlergoff@sbcglobal.net . There is power and strength in the community of believers.

Now, as to my own weight loss issues:

It's been really hard to face the number on the scale because I have not been excercising or following my food plan. But last Wednesday, I finally weighed myself after 2 weeks of avoiding the scale and discovered I'd gained a 1/2 pound. In and of itself that is not bad, but I've been gaining a little each week for the last few months which means I'm headed in the wrong direction.

Galatians 6:1-3 says:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."

My fault today is my overeating and lack of excercise. You who are strong in this area, please tell me what you do to get back on track.

Helping one another to overcome, is yet another facet of living every day with Jesus. We need each other!

Yes, there is always hope in Jesus, but often we need the expression of another human being reaching out in compassion to help us embrace that hope. I want to be there for you in the areas I've grown in. Would you like to be there for me with my weight struggles?

It really is part of living every day with Jesus.

ELITE WARRIORS

2010-08-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

I feel that God is calling together a band of elite warriors who are willing to be trained in the deepest of His anointing. But it will be tough training and filled with many trials... much like the Navy Seals but only in a spiritual sense.

ARE THERE ANY TAKERS?

The Apostle Paul was well versed in this kind of training:

"I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.

If I have to "brag" about myself, I'll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus. The eternal and blessed God and Father of our Master Jesus knows I'm not lying. Remember the time I was in Damascus and the governor of King Aretas posted guards at the city gates to arrest me? I crawled through a window in the wall, was let down in a basket, and had to run for my life." (2 Corinthians 11:20-33 from The Message)

But oh the anointing and souls that were impacted because of all the Apostle Paul endured. Make no mistake, Suffering is part of living every day with Jesus. But not suffering for suffering's sake. No, this kind of suffering is for the cause of Christ, for souls to be wrought from the enemy's hand and brought into the kingdom of God!

Are you up for the task?

Lord, help us to be brave and ready to do all that is asked of us. Make us the ELITE WARRIORS you want desire us to be that many might be saved!

Remember my precious reader. In Jesus there is always hope. And Jesus is always with us in all that we endure. Doesn't it make it worth living every day with Him?

Reluctant Warrior

2010-08-09T06:39:00.000-05:00

Today I feel like a reluctant warrior.
I know the truths of God. His promises. His power. But still I wait in the foxholes of life. Praying. Hoping. And trying to avoid being hit by one of the enemy's bullets.

Yet I know this is not what God intended for His children at all. He came that we might have life and that more abundantly. And He intended that we would charge the enemy's camp with our swords drawn, full of confidence. Not in ourselves and our ability, but in the one who made us.

I wish I could tell you that living every day with Jesus means you are always on the mountaintop. But that simply is not true. There are times in our lives when Jesus beckons us to the valleys because He know that even there, in the darkest and deepest of shadows there are increbile treasures that await us.

Lord Jesus, help us to embrace the valleys as freely as we embrace the mountaintops. We truly want to live everyday with you.

This poem was in reading for today from Streams in the Desert. It encouraged me and seemed to be straight from God to my heart. May it bless and encourage you today.

I have been through the valley of weeping,
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the God of all comfort was with me,
At hand to uphold and sustain.

As the earth needs the clouds and sunshine,
Our souls need both sorrow and joy;
So He places us oft in the furnance,
The dross from the gold to destroy.

When He leads thro' some valley of trouble,
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us,
Are part of His lessons in grace.

Oft we shrink from the purging and pruning,
Forgetting the Husbandman knows
That the deeper the cutting and paring,
The richer the cluster that grows.

Well He knows the affliction is needed;
He has a wise purpose in view,
And in the dark valley He whispers,
'Hereafter thou'lt know what I do'

As we travel thro life's shadow'd valley,
Fresh springs of His love ever rise;
And we learn that our sorrows and losses,
Are blessings just sent in disguise.

So we'll follow wherever He leadeth,
Let the path be dreary or bright;
For we've proved that our God can give comfort;
Our God can give songs in the night.

OUR BEST INTEREST

2010-08-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

She said she saw me with my arms wide open, and all kinds of weapons pouring down in front of me from heaven like rain.

“Swords, knives and other stuff…God is equipping you for battle – for your future.”

It was a sobering thought, but a welcomed one. And I was thankful to have a friend who was sensitive enough in the ways of the spirit to impart her heavenly vision to me.

Has anything like that ever happened to you? Have there been times in your life when God used a friend or family member to speak encouraging words? Or to admonish you? How did you know their words were from God?

Speaking the truth in love, and edifying one another, is a vital part of living every day with Jesus. We were created for community, for camaraderie. We draw strength from one another – it is God’s way.

And so when my friend spoke those words to me, I received them as they were intended – in love because I felt the deep resonating confirmation of the spirit of God.

I’m not sure what God has planned for my future – or for yours. But we can take comfort in knowing that He is ever watchful of us. If His eye is on the sparrow, we know most assuredly that His eye is even more attentive to us. And He always, ALWAYS has our best interest in mind!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen." (Jeremiah 29:11)

DEFENDING GOD

2010-08-05T06:56:00.002-05:00

As a believer, and one who tries very hard to live every day with Jesus, I sometimes find myself in the odd position of defending God.

Life is filled with injustices. And when these injustices occur, people tend to look heavenward with a defiant fist raised, and hurl a series of accusatory questions:

How could you let my child die?

Why didn't you keep me from losing my job?

Where were you when I was abused?

The list seems endless, and there are no easy answers.

For example, a young man reached out to our prayer group because his little boy had an inoperable brain tumor. We prayed several times for this gentlemen and his family. And I personally, felt led to take it a step further, and email him the specifics of my prayers as a way to encourage him, and hopefully build his new found faith.

And then his little boy died.

He was only 7 years old, and their only child.

What now? I thought. How do I go from offering this man hope in the infallible God, to telling him this all powerful God did not let him down?

This is one part of living every day with Jesus that I still struggle with.

But I know is that God is still good, and His love is still everlasting.

Whenever I face hard times and want to ask God 'how could you?" I always reread the last few chapters of of the book of Job because it reminds me that I am not God. And that He knows exactly what He is doing.

"And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:

Why do you confuse the issue?

Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?

Pull yourself together, Job!

Up on your feet! Stand tall!

I have some questions for you,

and I want some straight answers.

Where were you when I created the earth?

Tell me, since you know so much!

Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!

Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?

How was its foundation poured,

and who set the cornerstone,..." (Job 38)

What about you my very special reader?

Have you ever found yourself in the unique position of trying to defend God?

How did you handle it?

And more importantly, how did living every day with Jesus help you to handle it?

GUEST POST: Lysa Terkeurst

2010-08-04T06:30:00.001-05:00

(I stumbled across Lisa Terkeurst's BLOG about a month ago, and visit it periodically. Lisa is the founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries which is an organization dedicated to helping women become all they can be in Christ Jesus. Their site is user friendly and has alot of resources. It's definately worth checking out!)

Lysa is a prolific and very successful writer, and in a league way beyond where I am right now. I do not know her personally, but I wanted to share one of her recent posts (see below) because I think it will bless you. But also, because rejoicing in another's gifts is an important part of living every day with Jesus.

Think about that last statement just a minute - rejoicing in another's gifts. How comfortable is it for you to that? It's certainly not always been easy for me. Our human tendancy can be to think about our own gifts, and how we want to be used; be in the limelight; make lots of money, or win hundreds of souls to the kingdom.

But how often do we help someone else be in the limelight? Especially someone who is operating in the same gift we are? If you are a singer, do you wholeheartedly support the other singers in your church? Or if a teacher; do you enthusiastically applaud another teacher's presentation? It's the same for writers, or any other profession.

Sharing Lysa Terkeurst's post is easy for me. Afterall, she's already famous, and if anything, my posting about her can only help me.

So the real test for me, will be for me to give 'blog space' to another struggling writer just like myself. Someone who is my peer. And help them because I want to see them shine. Even if it means they will shine more than me. Why? Because that is what Jesus would do, and that is what he would expect of me.

So I have included the link for Lysa's post from yesterday. May you be blessed and may God continue to anoint all her efforts for His kingdom.

Your Wedding Day

2010-08-02T06:30:00.001-05:00

One day you will be a beautiful bride. There will be more fanfare, and better food at your wedding than there was at Chelsea Clinton’s last Saturday. Your dress will be prettier than the one Chelsea wore. Her dress was designed by Vera Wang. Your dress will be made by a famous designer too – one of almost heavenly rankings. Your hair will be done perfectly. Your eyes will shine bright, and your complexion will be smooth and clear.

But whereas Chelsea’s wedding date was set for July 31st, your wedding as an undetermined date. But rest assured the timing will be just right and the weather will cooperate perfectly.

And who will be at your wedding? Some family, some friends, and some people you’ve never met before. But all will be dressed in their finest, just like Mary Steenburgen and Madeline Albright were at Chelsea’s wedding.

And just who are you marrying you ask? Why Jesus Christ of course! He is preparing His bride – the church to attend the marriage supper of the lamb. To be joined with Him for all eternity:

“Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder:

Hallelujah!

The Master reigns,

our God, the Sovereign-Strong!

Let us celebrate, let us rejoice,

let us give him the glory!

The Marriage of the Lamb has come;

his Wife has made herself ready.

She was given a bridal gown

of bright and shining linen.

The linen is the righteousness of the saints.

“The Angel said to me, "Write this: 'Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.'" He added, "These are the true words of God!" (Revelation 19:8-10)

You see becoming part of the bride of Christ is an obvious part of living every day with Jesus. That is why baptism is so important. Because it is in baptism that we take on the name of Christ – just as a bride takes on her husband’s last name. And it is in baptism that we are ceremonially buried with Jesus Christ, and our sins are completely washed away. Then and only then do we begin to walk in the newness of life that Jesus Christ spoke about when He walked the earth.

GUEST POST: This Terrible Duty

2010-07-30T07:38:00.001-05:00

Sometimes living every day with Jesus means doing the hard things. Christ did them, and He expects us to do them. But He doesn't ask us to do them in our own strength. Instead He empowers us with his Holy Spirit.

One of the things I do to live every day with Jesus is to pray each morning, and read my Bible and a devotional book like Streams in the Desert or A Year With C.S. Lewis. These things edify my spirit and help me to have a more Godly attitude as I interact with others. Without this morning anchoring of my soul to the eternal God, my ability to show kindness and the love of Christ is greatly diminished.

Praying in the spirit with groanings which cannot be uttered, infuses my being with fresh, holy energy. Reading the quick and powerful words of God, lobs off the excess weights of bitterness or agitation that try to choke my psyche. And once my spirit is engergized and free of cloudy, carnal thinking I can drink wise words of wisdom from such spiritual giants as C.S. Lewis.

I wanted to share C.S. Lewis' thoughts on forgiveness with you today because it is an area that I often have to revisit and refocus on. So below is his post humorous post as it were. I hope you enjoy it, and take something away from it that will help you live everyday with Jesus with joy.

THIS TERRIBLE DUTY by C.S. Lewis
[One of the most unpopular of the Christian virtues] is laid down in the Christian rule, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Because in Christian morals 'thy neighbor' includes 'thy enemy', and so we come up against this terrible duty of forgiving our enemies.

Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive, as we had during the war. And then, to mention the subject at all is to be greeted with howls of anger. It is not that people think this too high and difficult a virtue: it is that they think it hateful and contemptible. "That sort of talk makes them sick', they say. And half of you already want to ask me, "I wonder how you'd feel about forgiving the Gestapo if you were a Pole or a Jew?'

So do I. I wonder very much. Just as when Christianity tells me that I must not deny my relgion even to save myself from death by torture, I wonder very much what I should do when it came to the point. I am not trying to tell you in this book what I could do - I can do precious little - I am telling you what Christianity is. I did not invent it. And there, right in the middle of it, I find 'Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us.' there is no slightest suggestion that we are offered forgiveness on any other terms.

-From Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Modesty

2010-07-28T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have always believed in the power of modest dress. God honors it and designed it as such because He understands our flesh nature. Plus it is sign of submission and humility before God. My heart grieves every time I see a pre-teen girl wearing sexually alluring clothes. I don't think they realize that they are losing their purity little by little by dressing this way.

I was appalled last year when I noticed one of my grandaughter's video games had little virtual models who wearing extremely risque clothes and singing and girrating in a definately sexual manner. My grandauther was 12 at the time - TWELVE! But video games aren't the only avenue that young women today are quietly being seduced. It's in the toys, the comic books, the Saturday morning t.v. shows. And even once wholesome Miley Cyrus has 'grown up' supposedly and is now modeling what I consider to be a very unwholesome image.

One of my Facebook friends posted this video recently that sums up very well my opinion on this topic. I know this post is very different from what I normally write about but I feel so passionate about it that I just had to share it.

Besides, taking a stand on important issues is also a very important part of living every day with Jesus.

P.S. I came across this very cool BLOG that I may put as one of my favorites after I can check it out more. But for now, see what you think. It's written by a Dannah Gresh, a mom who cares alot about the dressing down of our young women.

MONDAY MUSING: Soul Awareness

2010-07-26T06:40:00.003-05:00

It's another Monday Morning dear reader, and if you are like me, another work week awaits.

But before we jump full force into all the demands and expectations that our respective professions require, let us pause for a moment and think about the many souls that we interact with today.

Yes, these souls are wrapped in all kinds of uncomely packages.

From the cubicle mate who constantly sucks on her teeth with a loud, grating sound, to the too cheery, and way too chatty woman who seems to always plant herself in your office seeking your undivided attention, and saying nothing of any real consequence or importance.

And yet, the Lord Jesus has seen fit to place them in your path, in your company or on your customer list. Why? Perhaps He trusted you enough to see past their outer wrappings.

Or perhaps He felt that whatever irritations these individuals might cause you today will force you to become aware of your own judgemental attitudes or shortcomings.

Whatever Christ's reasons are for having you in your present situation, one thing is for sure He's specifically chosen it and He's watching to see how you will handle it.

May we all learn to see past the facade of those around us and seek to love their souls as Jesus Christ would expect us to do.

" Man looketh on the outside, but God looks on the heart"

Who Is Saved?

2010-07-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

My friend Susan* and I were chatting the other day about a boy we know named Seth* who has been on several mission trips to Haiti, Guatemala and South Africa. Seth is only 22 years old, and has not only served as a worker on these trips, but also recently headed up a project to take a group of high schoolers from his CCD class, back to Haiti to experience for themselves what it’s like to serve in a 3rd world country.

“I’ll be glad when Seth is saved.” My friend said.

Her statement startled me. Let me explain why:

My friend and I both believe the Apostolic doctrine clearly spelled out in the book of Acts which says to repent, be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. (Acts 2) However, Susan clearly saw Seth as a poor misguided, doomed to hell soul that needed redemption. I on the other hand saw Seth as a passionate disciple of Christ who simply had not come to an understanding of the fullness of the truth yet.

Susan’s attitude really bothered me. Who’s right? This is an answer I’ve been contemplating a lot lately. What do you think? Based on the scripture below, the people that Paul spoke to were already disciples, ie believers.

So my question to you today is based on the scripture and the dilemma I presented, whose approach is more Christlike? (I’m not looking to prove anything. I just would honestly like some feedback.)

“ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:1-6)

*Not real names

In Daddy's Arms

2010-07-22T06:54:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my son-in-law holding my granddaughter as they go down the slide into our pool. As you can see, Mikensey my granddaughter is quite scared, but willing to face what to her must have been sheer terror because her daddy was holding her safely in his arms.

Mikensey’s daddy is her hero. She follows him all around the house. And if she’s been away on a sleepover at one of her grandparent’s house, it is her daddy’s arms she runs excitedly to, not her mommy’s – much to my daughter’s dismay.

Mikensey’s actions are understandable because she obviously feels totally at peace when her daddy’s around. Her little heart relaxes just because she knows he’s nearby and, if anything happened, he’d be there to take care of it.

I think the Lord Jesus wants us to feel about Him the way Mikensey feels about her daddy. What dreadful unknown awaits you today? Are you anxious and fretting over circumstances that feel like your flying off the pool slide about to plunge into the deep?

Then relax and lean against your Heavenly Father’s chest – just like Mikensey did and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christ has His arms wrapped around you tightly and will never let you go – no matter how deep the water is!

“Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them,…” (Mark 9:36)

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Loving Jesus

2010-07-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Wow, it’s been 5 weeks since I posted about my Wednesday Weigh-In. That’s because quite honestly, I quit weighing myself for awhile because I was off track. I was off track and couldn’t bring myself to face the scale. But I kept praying and trying and reaching for tools that have helped me in the past like Beth Moore’s book called Praying God’s Word.

Each Praying God’s Word chapter is filled with scripture prayers that address specific areas of human weakness such as pride, unforgiveness, sexual sins, and food related strongholds. Whenever I feel weak, or like I can’t pray, I pull out my well worn copy of Praying God’s Word and immerse myself in the Biblical truths. And when I am done, I always feel better (cleaner). And more ready to face my struggles.

The Bible verifies the liberating power of meditating on the word of God: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119: 9)

And Jesus himself testified of the cleansing power of spoken word: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”(John 15:3)

The word is meant to cleanse. It’s intended to scrub our minds and spirits of the filth of the flesh. So why do I still fall short so many times? Because I am flesh, because I am as the word says, ‘but dust’(Psalm 103:14).

And yet, Jesus Christ still reaches for me – and you. Even in our failings, mine with my weight and yours with whatever trips you up. Jesus keeps reaching because He loves us, and wants what is best for us. And because He loves us so much, we ought to keep trying. At least that is what I’ve determined to do – not because I necessarily believe I can really lose all 200 pounds that I need to lose, but because I love Jesus, and it pleases Him that I make the effort.

So for today, my way of living every day with Jesus is to share these thoughts with you, and post a few current pictures so you can see what I’m dealing with. But mostly it's so I can stay accountable to you my faithful reader, to myself and to my Lord.

FLAT BALLOONS

2010-07-20T06:43:00.003-05:00

I’ve had family in all week from Tennessee which means my normal devotional routines are off.

I normally get up at 5am, but so does my sister-in-law. This means I’m spending the first hour of my morning with her, instead of with Jesus.

Although, I’ve enjoyed the time with my sister-in-law; I can’t help but feel that Jesus is sitting in the next room waiting for me. There is a song by Larnell Harris that says, “I miss my time with you, those moments together…” which sums it up exactly what I mean.

I wonder how often we miss our quiet time with the Lord because the demands of life creep up on us. Maybe we hit the snooze too many times, or perhaps we jumped on our Facebook first thing in the morning instead of opening our Bible. I know I am struggling with all of this today, and can feel the lack of buoyancy in my spirit.

Prayer fills up my soul like helium fills a balloon. And when I’m not praying my ‘balloon' as it were goes flat.’

Oh God, help all of us to always seek you first no matter our circumstances!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

SIN'S CONFUSION

2010-07-19T06:35:00.003-05:00

My heart is heavy this morning with the confusion and deception that sin causes.

I spent most of my weekend with people who want to live so contrary to the word of God, and yet say that God approves.

It’s kinda scary really. They have somehow mixed up their own version of right and wrong with God’s version and come up with a new and convoluted mantra for their life.

I’ll share just one example:

An aquaintance recently separated from their spouse of 20 years, stepped down from church leadership, and started bar hopping to find a new partner. She found someone, who is still married and cheating on their spouse ,and now the two of them are playing house.

This person said to me, “Well, now that I have this new person in my life, I will of course introduce them to church because that is what God would want me to do.”

Of course, God wants all people to come to Him. But my heart was filled with sadness as I realized this individual saw nothing scripturally wrong with what they were doing.

Now, I am far from perfect, and very well aware of the scripture that says, “let he that is without sin cast the first stone” but it really saddens me that in today’s world black is not always black, and white is not always white.

How sad when we try to make the scriptures conform to our lifestyles rather than the other way around.

So today, as we get ready to face another week let's remember that a vital part of living every day with Jesus is to hold fast the ancient landmarks of the scriptures and let them be the roadmap for our life.

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” –Proverbs 6:23

CONTENTMENT

2010-07-16T06:46:00.000-05:00

Woke up with the word CONTENTMENT on my mind… I know it was from God because I spent a good chunk of time yesterday being discontent about my job. Not because the job itself is bad – I actually like it – but because I want to be in a job where I’m writing, or not have a structured job at all so I can be home writing and/or traveling etc.

But this morning, I realized (again – sometimes God has to reteach me life lessons until I get them solidly in my mind) that my job is really ideal for me. The variety, the different people I meet, the great relationship I have with my boss, the fact that when I come home at the end of the day I can forget about it. It is my nature to strive, and lately I have been working very hard on this – which is actually an oxymoron if you think about it, because working very hard is also a form of striving…

Oh, how God must shake his head at us humans. Today, I want to spend more time thanking God for His many provisions and spend a lot less time grumbling about the circumstances of my life that unsettle me.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

(I Thessalonians 5:17)

Christ's Ears Alone

2010-07-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

"My praying friend, continue to make known your desires to God in all things. It is when we can speak with one another about anything and everything that conversation really affords us freedom and relief. Let Him decide whether you are to recieve what you ask for or not." -O. Hallesby

This quote really speaks to me this morning. It's been a challenging week for me as God has allowed me to be in situations that I can see He's chosen to use to chisel away at some of the hard places in my heart.

God has been dealing with me heavily about pouring out my grievances to HIM ALONE to allow HIM TO DECIDE what's best in my situations. I challenge you to try it - even for a week. It's much harder than you can imagine. Everytime you get bumped, or jostled in your spirit, instead of calling your mother,or your best friend, or your spouse... TAKE IT ALL TO JESUS AND NO ONE ELSE.... and then wait for HIS ANSWER or admonition.

I'm not there yet, but I have been trying to do this more and it's amazing the depth of emotion I'm able to release in prayer. And it is equally amazing how much the Holy Spirit speaks to me about the attitudes in my own heart that need to be adjusted.

How do you handle the injustices in life that come your way? Is your first response to you fall on your knees in prayer, or to call some frail human to talk to about it? This struggle within ourselves, is part of our humanity and part of living every day with Jesus.

"Let your requests be made known unto God..." Philippians 4:6

The Great Inventor

2010-07-14T06:32:00.002-05:00

“ He is the inventor, we are only the machine. He is the painter, we are only the picture” – C.S. Lewis

Oh how true this quote is and yet how often we get to thinking we are self-made. Often, I get in my mind what I want to make of myself.

In my 20’s, I wanted to be a successful college graduate, but those plans fell by the way side when I met and married my husband. Then in my 30’s, I was going to be a successful executive recruiter. I realized that dream for awhile, but ultimately decided it wasn’t for me. Now, in my forties, I want to write to make a difference in others. Will this desire also pass off the scene? I do not know. But one thing I do know, my joy is fuller and my sense of self is greater when I make every effort to key into what Jesus created me to be.

And what is that?

It will take a lifetime for me to fully discover it, but one thing I do know, Jesus is all about souls. So I try to very hard to make everything I do about souls too. Loving them, extending friendship, sharing Biblical truths.

All of my goals now, are first put through the filter of Christ’s great commission to ‘go ye therefore and teach all nations'. I believe if what I set out to do in life compliments God’s great agenda, then I am at least fulfilling part of what the Great Inventor planned for me.

"...Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." (Matthew 6:33)

THE FALLEN

2010-07-13T06:41:00.001-05:00

News Commentators are saying that Mel Gibson’s career is over because he was caught on tape making a lot of derogatory comments to his girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. The media is really bashing Gibson and seemingly having a field day with Gibson’s fall from public favor.

You may remember that in addition to being a gifted actor, Gibson also directed, and partially funded the film The Passion of the Christ which rocked both the secular and Christian worlds for the cause of Christ.

Non-Christians who went to see The Passion of the Christ were said to have made life changing decisions after seeing it. Many Christians felt validated that an actor with Gibson’s influence would ‘lay it all on the line’ for Christ and produce such a Hollywood caliber film to the glory of God.

Gibson made us proud – proud to be Christians; Proud to have Christ’s message proclaimed for all to see.

And now he’s fallen in disgrace.

Those who stood by him may feel ashamed – yet another high profile Christian bites the dust. But many believers and non-believers alike seem to be jumping at the chance to say ‘see I told you so! He’s not the real deal. He never was and never will be…’

My heart aches for Mel Gibson this morning and for all the other men and women who have done magnificent works for the kingdom of God only to have lost out in the end. Two scriptures come to mind which I don’t have the time to expound on at the moment:

“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (I Corinthians 9:26-27)

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Obeying the scripture, even when our opinion may be otherwise, is also part of living every day with Jesus.

Agree or disagree with this post? Tell me why...

You

2010-07-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

Good Morning My Sweet Readers! I have been thinking of you alot and praying for you. :-)

Sometimes, I go to my Statcounter link to see what geographical areas those who visit my blog are coming from. I get excited and praise God when I discover that some of you are from Switzerland and Ghana and other far off places. Oh how wonderful our Lord Jesus is to knit us together across the oceans!

I also spend time each morning praying for you! Sometimes it's a generic, 'God bless those who read my blog and impart your truth to them today.' But sometimes it's much more specific - especially if you've left a comment or been a return visitor. Then I thank God profusely for your choosing to visit my blog and I ask God for many wonderful things for you, or I intercede for a need of yours that He might lay on my heart.

That is the most wonderful part about living every day with Jesus. When we are truly keyed into the body of Christ, albiet in our local church or across the internet waves, He moves on us in prayer - and often with 'groanings which cannot be uttered' which then skip across the continents to meet the specific needs of each individual prayed for.

So today, as I'm drinking the last drop of my morning coffee and getting ready to rush out the door for work (I rush often don't I? LOL) I am thanking God immensely that part of living every day with Jesus is enjoying the support and fellowship of wonderful people just like yourself!

I honestly and truly would like to get to know you better. Won't you leave a comment and extend a virtual hand of friendship to me????

Have a blessed and strengthened day. And may you too feel the joy of living every day with Jesus!

Deceptions

2010-07-12T05:54:00.000-05:00

My back yard faces a beautifully groomed, park like cemetery. Because the headstones lay flat, and there are lots of trees, and little benches strategically placed, most people who come to sit by our pool, or to swim never realize that morbidity lies just beyond the fence.

Instead, they comment on the serene view and the fantastic get-away we have right in our own backyard.

But this morning, as I was cutting back the vines that grow on the fence between our yard and the cemetery, it occurred to me how incredibly deceptive it all is. The sun was cascading gently over the green, lush leaves of the cemetery trees. The birds were chirping. And there’s even a tulip patch with bright red and yellow blooms that was planted no doubt to comfort those who come to visit their loved one’s graves.

Everything about the cemeteries surface speaks of life and energy. But it’s just a facade. The truth is there are hundreds of putrid, decaying, worm eaten bodies just below the surface.

The stark reality of it all is quite sobering, isn’t it?

Yet a similar deception goes on in a hundred different ways in our lives.

Consider the drug dealer who uses a beautiful woman to lure a young man to take his first hit. Or the casinos who offer glitz, glamour and a chance to escape life’s pressures to working men and woman to spend their paychecks. And pornography, which is poised like a cobra waiting to strike with one click of the mouse. These are just a few examples of seemingly beauty on the outside when all the while there is deterioration on the inside.

God help us to see the truth clearly and never be deceived. Sin comes in so many pretty packages, and seeks to trip us up. Help us Lord Jesus to recognize the lures for what they are. Empower us to refuse its temptation. Give us spiritual eyes to see below the surface. In Jesus name, Amen.

Choose

2010-07-09T07:42:00.002-05:00

I used to think that joy was a feeling that came and went at its choosing. After all, which of us can control our feelings? The psychologist tells us there are no right or wrong feelings. Whatever we feel, is okay, they say. It’s what we choose to do with those feelings that make the difference.

For example, I can be angry because the guy next to me cut me off in traffic. The feeling of anger I cannot control (according the experts) but how I react I can control. In other words, I can choose to smile at my fellow driver even though he almost ran me off the road, or I can launch into flailing my arms and shouting obscenities. The choice is mine, they say.

For most of my Christian walk I believed this theory, and struggled often to rid myself of the tumultuous, unholy feelings that would arise within me: anger, rebellion, jealously etc. I’d pray often and hard, only to get bumped along life’s road and feel a twinge of the above mentioned feelings. Then I’d sink into despair assuming I was not the Christian woman I professed to be because these ungodly, unholy feelings obviously still abided within me. I’d pray until the negative feelings abated and go about my merry way until the next time.

But recently, I’ve realized that joy or acceptance or forgiveness seems to be much more about choosing and decisions than feelings. Let me explain:

I have a problem for quite sometime with “X”, a young woman who has damaged my whole family structure. Each time her name is mentioned, my insides twist and wrench in pain because of the confusion and division she’s caused. I’ve been praying about my negative feelings towards her and my struggle to forgive her without much relief from the hurt. I guess I kept waiting for God to miraculously lift my anger and resentment. But I’ve finally figured out it doesn’t work that way. At least for me it doesn’t.

So I decided to let go of my frustration with “X”. To forget about it, to treat her as I would any other person I’m trying to minister to. It was an intellectual decision. I know what is right. I know what the word of God says, so I simply chose to obey the word and trust that perhaps one day my feelings will follow.

There is a quote from the movie “First Night” with a very handsome older actor who’s name escapes me at the moment, Richard Gere(sp?) and an attractive younger woman. The younger woman is married to the king (the older actor) but has become increasingly more attracted to Richard Gere. When the king finds out about it, his wife acknowledges her feelings for Richard Gere, but says “It is my will that sets my course, not my feelings. And my will chooses you.”

That quote resonates with me, although it may not be the best analogy since I think she eventually does go with Gere – (if anyone knows please help me straighten out my facts).

But my point is our choosing does indeed set the course for our feelings. Perhaps that is why the scripture says “Choose you this day whom you will serve…” note, it does not say See how if you feel and see if you want to serve the Lord.

So on this Friday morning, as I’m trying to hurriedly finish because I have to go to work, I think it’s important to acknowledge that part of living every day with Jesus is living in the valley of decision where our feelings and responses are concerned. May you choose well today my friend.

Skittles

2010-07-08T06:38:00.003-05:00

I teach a weekly women's Bible study. Last night, when we met I gave them a bag of Skittles and asked them to count out 24 of them.

Then I told them that each Skittle represented one hour of their day. Next, I instructed them to group their Skittle according to how they spend their day.

It was interesting, fun and quite revealing.

Most of the women had extra hours they could not account for. Yet out of a group of eight, not one of them alloted even one Skittle to time spent in prayer, Bible reading, or devotion to God. Naturally, I pointed this out and then told them the following story:

When my husband, Buddy was about 12 years old, he had a job delivering newspapers. He had to get up at 4am to do his newspaper route before school. When payday came, he gave most of his earnings to his parents who were struggling to make ends meet. But Buddy kept back a small amount for himself and one week he chose to buy his little brother David some M&M's. David was thrilled and ripped the package open right away and started munching. Buddy asked David for one of the M &M's and little David's response was "No! These are mine!"

My students got the point of the story immediately.

Just as Buddy had given David the whole package and only asked for a small portion back, if we're not careful, we do the same thing with God. He gives us the gift of 24 hours of life each day, and often we refuse to give God even an hour of the 24.

Part of living every day with Jesus is recognizing our responsibility in maintaining the relationship.

Let's do our best to share our time with God, afterall, it all belongs to Him anyway!

In Christ Alone

2010-07-07T06:36:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, living every day with Jesus means to maintain your focus on Him alone.

Life's circumstances and pressures often come at us like so many waves in a storm.

We may feel like the Tidy Bowl Man trying to navigate the immenseness of it all.

But, rest assured my fellow believer, even when were drenching wet and utterly depleted from bailing water, Christ is with us.

"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full...And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ...And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:37-39)

Doing The Hard Things

2010-07-02T09:41:00.003-05:00

"See that you do not use the trick of prayer to cover up what you know you ought to do." -Oswald Chambers

Oh, how well Mr. Chambers understood how we can sometimes use prayer to ease our conscious, when really we need to just get over the grudge we are holding, or get up off the couch and serve our neighbor in love.

I struggle with this myself sometimes.

It seems it's easier to boo-hoo to God about feeling overwhelmed because the house needs cleaning and the grocery shopping hasn't been attended to yet, than it is to just press on and do what needs to be done.

My prayer today is:

Compassionate and understanding Lord Jesus, make me willing to do the hard things that arise in my life. And empower me to them with joy and thankfulness. In Your holy and powerful name. Amen

Rough Mornings

2010-06-30T07:00:00.004-05:00

Good Morning My Faithful Readers!

I hope your morning has been better than mine so far. As you know, I'm normally up very early, have my coffee, read my Bible, pray and then post whatever God has laid on my heart. Well, yesterday was a very trying day at work and as a result I was still stewing about this morning.

Normally, after some reflection and good night's sleep I am able to let whatever is bothering me go.

But not so this time.

I TRIED to follow my normal routine. I settled in with my coffee and Bible but instead of absorbing what I was reading I kept ruminating about yesterday's issues. So, I ended up talking about my troubles with my sweet, wonderful husband, Buddy.

He listened patiently as he always does and offered me sound advice.

I was thankful for his attention and compassionate understanding but regretted that I had talked away my prayer and devotion time.

I'm sure God understood my need to lean on human shoulders but He'd probably preferred that I'd been able to vent all of my frustrations to Him alone.

I do try to do this, but it is a challenge sometimes.

So that's all I have to offer to you today, my precious readers.

This is a day where the 'encourager' could use some encouragement of her own. I could have just left the previous post up and 'hidden' the fact that I'm not feeling that upbeat.

But it's important that you know that living every day with Jesus doesn't mean there won't be down days. But it does mean you always have hope, even on the worst of mornings.

Blessings to all of you!

Debbie

Rats in the Cellar

2010-06-29T06:55:00.000-05:00

C.S. Lewis (one of my all time favorite authors) talks about having rats in the cellar of our inner self. This concept of digging deep into ones heart and mind has been weighing heavily on me lately. Who am I really? What kind of Christian woman would I be if my cognitive skills were diminished and I was no longer able to filter my reactions through common sense and the Holy word?

My impassioned goal is to be so full of Jesus Christ and His holy word that even if I didn't know my own name, I would be a sincere and loving Godly woman. I have dreams of being so saturated with scripture that if you were to just touch me, like one would touch a sponge, all that would come out with be Bible verses. Oh God, make it so in me one day!

Time is running out for me this morning, so I will leave you with this excerpt from C. S. Lewis' book, Mere Christianity:

" We begin to notic, besides our particular sinful acts, our sinfulness; begin to be alarmed not only about what we do, but about what we are. This may sound rather difficult, so I will try to make it clear from my own case. When I come to my evening prayers and try to reckon up the sins of the day, nine times out of ten the most obvious one is some sin against charity; I have sulked or snapped or sneered or snubbed or stormed. And the excuse that immediately springs to my mind is that I was caught off guard, I had not time to collect myself...
On the other hand, surely what a man does when he is taken off guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is. Surely, what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats; it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light."

MONDAY MUSINGS: Servanthood

2010-06-28T06:44:00.003-05:00

Again and again my spirit is pressed upon to become a better servant.

I have to tell you it is not an easy undertaking because in order to be a true servant, all self-will must be squashed.

Obliterated.

Completly gone.

A servant has no rights but to meet the needs of their master.

To be honest the whole concept of servanthood grates against the very fiber of my being.

My intellect and strong-willed nature respond with a desperate cry of MUTINY.

Yet, I know it is God's way.

Because somewhere hidden in the torterous dying to self, is an immense blessing.

One that can only be viewed after all residue of self has disappeared.

Am I there yet?

NO.

But I know that I must keep trying.

And God, in his loving way keeps presenting me with opportunities to surrender and serve.

Most of the time, I do not like the situations that God orchastrates that challenge me to humble myself and serve. But then again, if it was easy, it wouldn't be a real death of self would it?

Like today, I have to meet with someone who rubs me the wrong way.

But in God's eyes, this is a great opportunity for me to be CHRIST-LIKE.

I don't necessarily feel like being Christ like today.

But because I love Jesus, I will do my best.

The Holy Bible says:

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." (Matthew 18:3-5)

"For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:19-21)

Have you had servant challenges recently?

Who's Side Are You On?

2010-06-24T11:30:00.002-05:00

"And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must of necessity suffer many things and be tested and disapproved and rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and after three days rise again [[a]from death]...

And He said this freely (frankly, plainly, and explicitly, making it unmistakable). And Peter took Him [b]by the hand and led Him aside and then [facing Him] began to rebuke Him...

But turning around [His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have a mind [c]intent on promoting what God wills, but what pleases men [you are not on God's side, but that of men]...

And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and [d]lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [[e]joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow [f]with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]...

For whoever wants to save his [[g]higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the [h]lower, natural, temporal life [i]which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel's will save it [his [j]higher, spiritual life [k]in the eternal kingdom of God]. (Mark 8:30-35 in the Amplified Bible)

This passage of scripture hit me hard this morning as I read it. Especially the part about not having a mind to promote God's will, but mans.

Can you imagine how Peter must have felt that day being called 'Satan' by Jesus? This is the man who later would recieve the keys to the kingdom and who would be the first one to bring the message of salvation after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in Acts chapter 2. Yet, at that particular moment, Peter did not have his mind completely sold out to the kingdom.

He thought he did, as no doubt many of us think we do. But when the unthinkable happens, or the cross we've been asked to bear gets heavy, or when there seems to be outright injustice occuring in our lives, do we, like Peter try to thwart the very thing that will bring about God's purpose?

I've done it. Have you?

Time doesn't permit me to share examples of how I have, in the name of God stopped the speeding train so to speak, but if you will share with me your experiences, I promise to do the same in another post.

This too, is part of living every day with Jesus.

Jesus and the Job Search

2010-06-23T17:27:00.001-05:00

I'm off work today (yea!) so I didn't have to get up at my usual 4:45am (double yea!) which is why I'm posting later than normal. (My apologies to my readers who are used to reading my posts before work.)

Today, I wanted to tell you about my friend Mallory*.  She is a single mom in her mid 50's who has been out of work for a year.

Mallory is smart, attractive, well dressed, personable, a quick study, and has a degree perfectly suited to her career.

Yet, despite her best job search efforts, she's only been invited to interview a handful of times in the last 12 months.

But last week, Mallory told me she had an interview for this coming Monday morning. She was happy, but also wary. Afterall, she'd gotten excited before only to be told she didn't get the job.

Dealing with rejection is a tough aspect of trying to find a job in today's market.

I was thinking about Mallory the next day as I prepared for my morning prayer. I told the Lord Jesus all about Mallory's need. I didn't ask Him to do anything specific, except to help her, and be with her as she went on the interview.

Then I paused for several moments waiting  to see if Jesus wanted to give me any additional guidance concerning my friendship with Mallory.

And He did. I felt impressed me to anoint a handkerchief for Mallory like they did in Acts 19 and pray for her to have renewed confidence and favor with whomever she meets.

The next day, I gave Mallory the anointed handkerchief, and explained to her that in Acts 19 pieces of cloth were given to the sick as an act of faith for healing. I told her that the handkerchief itself didn't have any special powers but that we were  demonstrating our faith  to God and asking Him to respond.

Although, Mallory is not a believer , but she embraced this concept readily, and allowed me to pray for her. I prayed a simple prayer with her and then we hugged and each went our seperate ways.

The following Monday, the day of the interview, I called Mallory to wish her well. She excitably told me she now had two interviews and that the handkerchief hadn't left her side. God had honored our simple act of faith, and what's more Mallory's faith was growing!

You see, Mallory is not a believer. But when my friend Jesus told me to offer her the handkerchief, and to pray for her I did. And Jesus did the rest.

I'm not sure what the outcomes of Mallory's interviews will be, but I do it's sparked in her a faith in Jesus Christ. Something she'd departed from a long, long time ago.

And that my friends, it just a glimpse of what life is like when you live every day with Jesus.

*NOT HER REAL NAME

MORE LOVE - Less Condemnation

2010-06-22T06:38:00.004-05:00

Last week, I saw a man walking around the mall in a skirt. It turned out he worked at a place at the mall called Massage Envy. I figured this out because he was wearing a t-shirt with the Massage Envy logo. His features were very masculine looking: he had short dark hair, bushy eyebrows, a 5 o-clock shadow and was very muscular looking. But he also had breasts - and of course the seemingly out of place skirt.

Then today, I saw another man standing at a bus stop wearing black short-shorts and a lace camisole.

My first thought was that maybe they were going to some kind of party or something. But after observing them for a minutes it became obvious they were dressed in what was comfortable for them, just as you or I would.

'They are just so confused and they need God' was the thought that kept going over in my mind. Oh God, I prayed, keep reaching for them, keep showing them your way and your love. Give them the power to overcome what has bound them.

Now some who read what I just wrote will be outraged at my suggestion of homosexuality being a bondage. And I don't want to argue with anyone. But the Bible does take a very clear stance on homosexuality . (Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, I Corinthians 6:9, I Timothy 1:10)

And yet, I have friends who have life partners of the same sex. They know how I feel about it, but then my friends who drink know how I feel about that too.

Surprised? You shouldn't be.

My job is to love whoever the Lord Jesus puts in my path. To be a friend, and to share Christ as it seems appropiate to do so. Is that not what Jesus meant when he said "And they will know you are my disciples by the love you have one for another."

Loving someone undconditionally does not mean that you agree with all their choices. If we only love when we agree all of someone's lifestyle choices we are loving with conditions - and this is not the kind of love that Christ spoke of at all.

So I challenge you. Look at the people around you and listen to your heart for prejudices and condemnations that need to be surrendered to God. Then put on Christ (Galatians 3:27) and go out into the world and show the true agape love that Jesus intended us to offer.

MONDAY MUSINGS: No Striving

2010-06-21T06:43:00.004-05:00

"Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works win you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart - so will you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." - Andrew Murray.

The above quote was part of my morning devotional reading. So again my heart and mind is focused on NOT STRIVING, not seeking my own, not trying to get ahead of others, and not even trying to make my mark on the world.

It's our human nature to push to the head of the line though isn't it? I've been guilty of this myself . Why is it that to be first, to be the best, to win top honors holds such appeal?

I think because it feeds our hungry sin nature.

Yet, Christ tells us of a very different way. He speaks of being lowly, being humble, preferring others, crucifying this fleshly nature and that he who is the least - the lowest - the most disregarded will be the greatest in heaven. (Mark 10:31)

Philippians 2:3 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves."

I plan to take this scripture to work with me today and meditate on it. If you've been reading my posts you know that I need this timely reminder. God is definately working something out in me and in my character.

May the Lord Jesus make us all better servants and teach us to strive less and surrender more.

I pray that your work week is easy and your burdens like. And I further pray that you listen with your heart to all God is trying to speak to you.

Kindest Regards,

Debbie

Unlikely Prayer Closets

2010-06-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

I slept in later than normal last Saturday, and the first thing on my mind when I woke up was the mountain of clean clothes that was waiting for me to fold them.

You see, my husband and I each work full time, so we share the housework. In terms of the laundry, we both gather and sort, he puts them in the washer and dryer, and then I fold and put away.

Let's just say that on this particular Saturday morning, my part of the laundry duty was in arrears. So I decided to have a brief devotional time: one cup of coffee and one chapter of Bible reading. Then I went downstairs to tackle the mound of clean towels, sheets and t-shirts that awaited me.

After changing the clothes from the washer to the dryer, and depositing a fresh load into the washing machine, I began folding. It was quiet in the house, and I found the rythmic tumble of the dryer soothing. After a little while, my thoughts drifted to the prayer time I'd cut short this morning.

Well, why not pray now? I thought.

It's quiet and there are no distractions...

But you're folding laundry! You're doing a chore! How can you do something so earthy and try to be spiritual at the same time?

This kind of internal discussion went on my mind for several minutes, but ultimately I decided to give it a try.

I folded the hand towels and prayed for my children, their spouses and my grandchildren remembering all the times they'd come for a visit and dried their hands on those very towels.
And when I got to the washcloths I prayed for the missionaries and wondered how many of them do without such small conveniences as a clean washcloth.
The freshly dried bedsheets made me think of covers, so I prayed a covering of protection for all those I come in contact with.
And as I folded my husband's blue jeans, it made me think of his work, because he mostly wears jeans to work. So I prayed for his job, his employees, and his clients.
Then as I matched socks, I prayed for the beautiful feet of the ministry because Romans 10:15 says the feet of preachers are beautiful.

And you know what? The sweet presence of the Holy Spirit met with me in a very special way that day. I wept under God's power, and then rejoiced in gladness at the fresh anointing He poured upon me.

It's so nice to know that God will meet with us anywhere. We just have to have a heart turned towards Him. And what about you? Where do you pray? What unusual Prayer Closets have you had? Share with me! Share with all of us!

I'll leave you one to get you started. It's by Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century French monk who knew how to Practice the Presence of God:

"The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

Random Thoughts

2010-06-17T06:42:00.003-05:00

I love this quote:

"There would be no hope for you if you were to pray in your own name. But listen! You are to pray in the name of JESUS. It is for Jesus' sake that you are to recieve what you ask for." - O. Hallesby

It makes me think of the scripture in John 14:13 that says:

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

It is so true! The name of Jesus is so powerful. At his name demons tremble and healings happen. But it's important to note that one must have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ and have applied his blood to your life by being "buried with him in baptism". That is where we take on the name of Jesus and have it applied to our lives. Otherwise, we do not have the authority to invoke the name of Jesus. That is why when the sorcerers in the Bible tried to invoke the name of Jesus to earn profits because they saw the powerful works the disciples were doing nothing happened.

So, if you're struggling today to feel like you are on top of things and triumphant then spend some time reading the book of John and/or the book of Acts in the Holy Bible. The book of John will tell you all about the love of Jesus Christ and the book of Acts will explain to you how to recieve the Holy Spirit, the importance of Jesus name baptism and the all about the empowerment that comes and the promise of eternal salvation once you've been baptized in Jesus name and recieved the Holy Spirit.

Those are my random thoughts for today....

Sending you lots of hugs,

Debbie

Monday Musings: FORGIVENESS

2010-06-14T06:30:00.002-05:00

It's a Monday Morning and duty calls, but I am thinking of all of you - my faithful readers. I only have a minute but wanted to jump on here and let you know that once again this week I have been drawn to meditating on 1 Corinthians 13. My spirit must need to be convinced of the truths embedded there. Actually, I KNOW my spirit needs to be convinced of this because there are a couple of people in my life who have wounded me deeply that I am still having a hard time feeling all warm and fuzzy about.

Don't get me wrong, I am kind to them. I don't speak ill of them. And I do my best to speak well of them or not at all. So on the surface 'all is well', but deep down, in the core of my being I know that if I ever lost my mental faculties like through Alzheimers or something, there is still that hard place in me towards them.

The hurt was deep that they inflicted and it's ongoing. Therefore the scab keeps getting ripped off, and I bleed afresh.

Yet I know there is a place in God that can heal all hurts no matter how deep. . I know because I've experienced that kind of healing with someone else who crushed my inner being. So if I know this then why isn't it any easier this time around?

I think the answer is because the process remains the same each time with each hurt. It has been my experience that emotional healing and forgiveness come only by applying large doses of the Holy Writ and determining to obey its truths no matter how one feels. Then eventually your emotions fall into line and suddenly you realize the pain is gone.

I think Mother Theresa put it best. Rumor has it she had the following on her bedroom wall:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY

If you are kind, people may accuse you of Selfish, ulterior motives;
SUCCEED ANYWAY

If you are honest and frank, the truth may be dangerous for you;
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
BE HAPPY ANYWAY

The good you do today, People may criticize you for an will often forget tomorrow;
DO GOOD ANYWAY.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
IT NEVER WAS BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.

Sleepless in Chicago

2010-06-12T00:08:00.010-05:00

I can't sleep. It's like 11:30pm and I'm wide awake. This may not be late to some of you, but for me it's painfully late. My normal bedtime is 9pm because my alarm starts making noise at 4:30am. Granted, I had the day off today so I slept until 7:30am this morning which is probably why I'm not tired.

But believe it or not, the point of this post isn't to ramble about my nocturnal habits. Although a measure of self-pity sounds awfully inviting at the moment. And the point of this post is not to discuss various ways to induce oneself to sleep - although that too entices me. And the point of this post isn't even to just keep writing until I get tired.

So what IS the point you may not so patiently be asking?

The point is to reflect on what we do when we desperately want something (in my case sleep) and no amount of self-effort can bring it about.

How do we react? How do we cope? What is our first reaction? What is our last ditch attempt? How long does it take us to come to terms with the fact that we have absolutely no control over certain things? And what does our coping techniques, or lack thereof, really say about us? About our relationship with Christ? With ourselves?

I believe we discover the strength of our faith and trust and in God only when we are in a situation in which we have no control whatsoever of the outcome.

Granted, not being able to sleep is a harmless inconvenience. But what if it was losing a job, or my health, or a loved one? It's how I respond to those type of hurricane-like-events that let me know whether I will recieve a medal of honor on judgement day or not.

And how does one prepare for such calamaties? Scripture provides the answer:

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:...Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (I Peter 5:7-9)

Obedient Faith

2010-06-11T07:00:00.003-05:00

I took a couple of days off of work this week because initially I was going to attend a writer's conference. But, as the time for the conference grew closer, my spirit was unsettled. I felt no direction or confirmation from God. Now normally, I feel a deep peace or a clear impression of how to prepare for such an event. But I felt nothing. No peace. No inkling of what editors to seek out, what classes to take, or which articles I've written to bring with me.

The silence was deafening. And frustrating.

My first inclination was to talk to all my friends about it, ie, 'what do you think I should do?' But, I've learned from past experience that the more opinions I seek, the more confused I get. So instead, I discussed it with my husband, and we ultimately decided that I'd attend one day of the four day conference.

We made this decision in part because money is a little tight, but also because neither one of us had a sense that this was something God had for me at this time.

But even after we agreed I'd attend the one day I still felt uneasy, unsure, and not excited at all. This type of response was so out of character for me. Normally the idea of attending such a conference would have had me pinging off the walls with anticpation.

But I wasn't. Instead, I felt anxious and frustrated.

Anxious because I wasn't sensing God's blessing in my decision . And frustrated because God wasn't telling me how to prepare for the one day I planned to attend.

So in the end I chose not to go. Why? For three reasons:

Because I've learned from past experience that when I push my way for something it never turns out the way I expected it to.

Because I don't want to attempt anything without feeling God's pleasure, anointing, and favor.

Because my grandfather always said "If there's a reason to doubt it, there's a reason not to do it."

Pretty good guidelines for making alot of decisions I think. Don't you?

Now, I'm sure when I meet with my writer's critique group this month, and they all tell me about the great things that happened for them at the writer's conference I might feel a twinge of jealousy. But ultimately, I'll be able to rejoice with them for God's goodness to them. And I'll smile to myself knowing that :

"What He does now, I don't know, but someday I will!" (John 13:37)

Sound Advice

2010-06-10T06:05:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I come across someone else's post or newsletter that so inspires me I want to share it with all of you. Such is the case today.

I met Cec Murphey a few years ago at writer's conference and found him to be a very genuine, kind, humble individual. And since I already liked his writing, I decided to sign up for his email newsletters.

Each month, Cec Murphey's newsletters grace my inbox. And each month, I look forward to reading them because they always resonate with me, and often speak directly to some issue in my own life I'm dealing with.

For example, I was telling my husband how overloaded I was starting to feel by being the listening ear to so many different friends. It's not that I don't care, I told him, but so often I feel depleted afterwards like there's not another worthy thought in my brain to offer up.

But after I read Cec Murphey's Newsletter today, the answer to my dilema became clear. Cec says:

"My role is not to solve others' problems;my role is to love them while they solve their problems."

That was it! That was the advice I was looking for! Just because I am a leader, a writer, and a speaker does not mean I need to be able to offer detailed solutions to my friend's problems. Instead, my job - my role - as Cec puts it, is to continually point them back to the One who has all the answers:
JESUS CHRIST.

The Apostle Paul gave similar advice in James 1: 4-8. He said:

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. "

And so, from now on, when I talk with friends in need, I will offer very little advice. Instead, I will pray with them and keep pointing them back to Jesus Christ, the one who knows all, sees all and understands all - Thanks Cec for reminding me of this important insight!

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Truth

2010-06-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

If you've been following my blog you know that on Wednesdays I post about my weight issues. I started in January of 2010 by posting my wedding picture and proclaiming this was going to be the year that I lost over 100 pounds. Well, here it is 6 months later and I've shed only 20 (pounds). But, I have to admit I have grown more in the last 6 months with regards to my self-image and self-awareness than I ever did during my countless other attempts to lose weight - even when I lost 165 pounds 10 years ago.

So what is the difference?

TRUTH.

Yep, that's it, simple unadulterated TRUTH. For the first time in my recollection I am approaching this baggage called excess weight with the rose colored glasses off. I am facing the TRUTH in the following ways:

By acknowledging the reality of my girth.

Making conscious note of my dress size.
Coming to terms with the difficulty of fitting into an airline seat or a booth at a restaurant.

By examing what is driving my overeating.

Is it anxiety?
Fear?
Childhood Trauma?
Or am I just undiscliplined and enjoy indulging?

By weighing myself and coming to terms with the number on the scale. (Geneen Roth and others do not recommend this, but for me it is keeping me from deception)

by sharing my struggle with others.

With YOU my reader.
With a few close friends.
With my family.

I believe that by consistently facing the above truths the stranglehold of obesity will one day lose it's hold on me.

Geneen Roth, in her book Women, Food and God says:

"Truth, not force, does the work of ending compulsive eating."

And of course she's right because the Bible, our ultimate book of validity says:

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

So for today and in the days to come, I continue to press on towards truth knowing that ultimately it will make me free!

Encouraging Yourself

2010-06-07T20:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here staring at the blank screen trying to muster up something refreshing and brilliant to say that will encourage and uplift. But the truth is I'm sleepy and feel like I have about as much to offer today as a dry well in a sandstorm. But then I realize that this too is part of living every day with Jesus.

So what does one do when you feel this way?

I remind myself of all the things God has done for me. And I quote scripture or sing worship songs. It's amazing how much this helps. The Bible confirms this in Colossians 3:15-17 because it says:

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Keeping a Gratitude Journal is another way to give yourself a spiritual uplift. I haven't done this consistently, but the times I have done it have always made a big difference. The idea is to write down what your thankful for that happened each day. Then, when you are having a down day you review what you wrote and thank God for it. This too has a Biblical foundation because I Thessalonians 5:17 says

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

So, my dear readers who I value so much. Tell me what you do to encourage yourself. I'd really like to know....