a lily among thorns

chisel

2019-01-25T09:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday | Chisel: a wedgelike tool with a cutting edge at the end of the blade, often made of steel, used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, etc. Often times God uses a “chisel” of a circumstance to cut, shape, or fashion us into the people He created us to be. Though our natural reaction is to fight the process, and try to escape it, it is for our benefit that we remain still and allow the master creator to chisel.

If this is a word for you, be encouraged! “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”2 Corinthians 3:18

Wisdom from Above

2019-01-20T13:06:00.001-05:00

As I journal through James this month, I meditate on these verses. They are were both conflicting and inspiring.

James 3:16-18

Pure.

Peaceable.

Gentle.

Willing to yield.

Mercy-full.

Bearing goodness.

Zero partiality.

Zero hypocrisy.

I don’t know about you, but as for me this doesn’t come easy. In and of myself I can be destructive, manipulative, self-seeking, angry, bitter, and just plain human.

But God, through the power of His Holy Spirit can infuse wisdom to every area of my life.

How? By simply asking Him for it. Thank you Lord! May your wisdom be a mark of your likeness in my life.

Are you in need of wisdom? Ask Him for it and act on what He speaks to you.

Would you join me is prayer, asking Him to infuse us with His wisdom for every trial ahead of us this week?

Purpose

2019-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Too good not to share. This was last Sunday’s message at Christ Fellowship (Click the link to listen). I’ve been meditating on it all week.

As I read the notes this morning, I now know that 1 Corinthians 10:31 is my verse for 2019. My resolve for the next twelve months is that people wouldn’t see me, but the character of God in all that I do.

That’s a bold statement to make and with it comes a lot of pressure if I attempt to do it by my own efforts and strength. However, an every moment dependence and reliance on the Holy Spirit can and will help me to glorify God. The same power is available to you.

“In every stage of life, our purpose remains the same: glorify Christ!”

From Anger to Righteousness

2019-01-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Anger is one of those areas that the Lord instantly healed when I surrendered my life to Him. He truly replaced anger for unspeakable joy.

I recognize that the joy of the Lord is my strength. That’s not to say that there are times where I allow His joy to be rocked by anger and frustration. I’m a long ways away from saying I don’t struggle with anger. But it doesn’t overtake me like it used to.

If you struggle with anger, I’d love to pray for you. I’ve been there (many times) where I can’t kick off the anger, and I replay specific conversations or scenarios over and over, and the anger just festers and eats away at me. If that anger isn’t dealt with, you’re in danger of it becoming bitterneness, and bitterness is a death to the soul.

So, let’s deal with it today so that the righteousness God desires can be produced in our lives. .

January 2019 Journaling: James

2019-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy January 1st! We’re starting 2019 with the book of James. In the midst of Paul’s many letters, we come across this gem. Written by the very brother of Jesus. He was the leader of Jerusalem church and writes to the Jewish Christians who have been scattered by persecution. He encourages them to indure their trials with Christian fortitude and to exhibit consistent Christian character.

Before we begin, let’s first settle this truth: Mary and Joseph had children. You can reference Matthew 13:55 and Acts 15:13-21. During Jesus his public ministry, neither James nor the other siblings or followers of Jesus. They had even tried to end his ministry and bring him home to his responsibilities as eldest son (Mark 3:31-35; John 7:3-5). The resurrection appearances convinced James that Jesus was the Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7), and he was with the others in the upper room when the Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost (Acts 1:14, 2:1-3). James became the leader of the Jerusalem church after Peter’s arrest and departure from Jerusalem (Acts 12,15, and 21).

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive in to the letter of James. It will help us understand how Christians should live when they are a minority group in the midst of an oppressive, non-Christian society. It is alive with godly counsel for us today.

Get your pen and journal ready, open the word and dive in.

Closing 2018

2018-12-30T02:00:00.000-05:00

If I could only choose one name to describe God this year, it would have to be Redeemer. He has redeemed my life in so many ways. He has been liberator, deliverer, rescuer, and preserver. This year He opened my eyes to see that despite spiritual ups and downs, He has preserved my calling and my dream. What once seemed hopeless and forgotten, was redeemed in a new and unexpected way.

It will be five years in May 2019, that I endured an almost crippling spiritual divorce (there is no other way to describe it than by calling it as such). Depression and bitterness settled in my heart, BUT God plowed through every so gently and with great patience. I suffered spiritually in seasons of dessert living while my Bible remained closed, BUT God continued to satisfy my hunger and thirst through the faithful teaching of the Word and worship at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. It was and will always be my oasis, my place of refuge and relief.

My image of the church had been shattered, BUT God painted a beautiful picture of what the church truly is through the Bible study group He has called Josie and I to lead. We were broken women who needed to study the Word together with other broken women, and God has used each life as a paintbrush to paint community, love, and truth in our hearts.

And just when I was satisfied with how He had redeemed what was broken, He redeemed what was forgotten. In November of 2017, I filled a card to serve at Christ Fellowship. Though I was extremely apprehensive about doing so, I did it out of obedience. Five months later I received a call. And in that conversation, what had been tucked and sealed away in the hidden chambers of my heart was brought to surface. And the verse the Lord gave me in January 2018 made complete sense to me in that moment: “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you...” 1 John 2:27. The anointing still abides in me! I set no expectations other than to wait on Him and walk in full obedience.

Oh, sweet Jesus, you truly redeem what is broken, hopeless, and forgotten.

My encouragement to You:

He can do the same for you.

Hope, believe, and persevere in hardships.

Don’t give in and don’t give up!

Walk in obedience and He will make all things new.

Merry Christmas

2018-12-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

No greater love story ever told.

I’ve always loved Mary’s story, I even personified her in a monologue.

But Joseph’s story, I’ve never stopped to really consider the emotions, fears, doubts, and uncertainties that he faced. I can’t say that I’ve ever reflected on His obedience. We know so little of Joseph, but one thing we do know, he knew his Savior. He held Him. He beheld Him. He cared for Him. He nurtured Him. He feed Him. He clothed Him. He raised Him. He taught Him. He loved Him. Wow, what a privilege. We celebrate today the birth of Jesus, the day that totally rocked Joseph’s life. As he embraced the Savior of the world, his life forever changed.

You too can behold and embrace your Savior as well, and believe me that you’re life will be changed forever.

Letting go of the past and holding unto Jesus.

Merry Christmas.

Thank You Jesus for appearing.

My soul has truly found its worth in You.

April 2018 Scripture Journaling Plan

2018-04-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

Alright Ladies, grab a pen, journal, and Bible. Let’s inscribe God’s Word together. For the month of April we will be journaling through the book of Galatians. So much gold in this book.

A few facts about Galatians:

1. Author: Paul

2. The audience: groups of churches within the Roman providence of Galatia. (In Acts 13, 14, & 16 You can read more about Paul’s missionary trips in Galatia)

3. The meaning and message: “Is a person saved by faith alone, or by a combination of faith plus works? Paul’s letter to the Galatians proclaims that salvation is through faith alone. It also emphasizes freedom in Christ to live by the power of the spirit, knowing that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. So we are truly free, not to serve our sinful nature, but to love and serve our Lord and others.”

Who’s joining me?

Save the photo or take a screen shot

2 Timothy 2

2016-10-29T12:41:00.000-04:00

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143:8‬

We recently began a study of 2 Timothy with Beth Moore's latest study Entrusted. In it she encourages handwriting each verse in the book. But before I get to that, I re-read chapter 2. I had forgotten how rich this single chapter is. Choosing one verse or concept to share is unfair to whole of it. So here it is:

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ 2

I highly encourage you to handwrite scripture too. Choose a book, stick to a chapter, or if all you've got is time for a verse—just do it. It's proven to be both therapeutic and fortifying in my life.

The Calvary Road

2016-10-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

"The simple truth is that the only beautiful thing about a Christian is Jesus Christ. God wants us to recognize that fact as true in our experience, so that in true brokenness and self-despair we shall allow Jesus Christ to be our righteousness and holiness and all in all—and that is victory." -Roy Hessin, The Calvary Road.

This little book has had a huge impact in my life and the lives of my Sisters loved by God. Together and as individuals we have been challenged, we have wrestled with our hurts and self will, and worked through some tough issues. As for me, the conclusion to this life altering book is that brokenness is a beautiful place. It is in brokenness that I have found, and continue finding, the wholeness of Christ. None of us is perfect, and for everything that we are not He says, "I AM." And I am fully content with that. Sinful. Broken. Humbled. Free.

"Rather, the reverse is true, for out of such confession God gets glory, for we declare Him to be right. This brings a new experience of victory in Christ, for it declares afresh that 'in me (that is, my flesh) dwelleth no good thing,' and brings us to a place where we give up trying to make our incorrigible selves holy and where we take Jesus to be our holiness and His life to be our life." Page 105

Elisabeth Elliot on worry

2015-01-17T15:26:00.001-05:00

Worry is the antithesis of trust.
You simply cannot do both.
They are mutually exclusive.
-Elisabeth Elliot

Guidance

2015-01-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

photo from google

All of us are too inexperienced to try to make it through life without a guide. God’s Word is that guide. Psalm 119 unfolds the manifold features of God’s Word, showing how dynamically and practically it will assist us in all of life’s circumstances. But no single verse focuses this more clearly than verse 105, which shows how God’s Word lights the way, giving direction for each step (“to my feet”) and giving wisdom for long-range plans (“to my path”).

Joshua links the regular application of God’s Word to life as the most certain way to both success and prosperity in living (Josh. 1:8). Further, Psalm 119:130 notes the wisdom God’s Word gives to the “simple,” reminding us not to make decisions based on human delusion or outright senselessness. Also, Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the reproofs of God are essential and for life.

Let God’s Word guide, correct, instruct, lead, teach, and confirm. Do not hasten ahead without it—ever.

—Jack Hayford

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalm 119:130

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life. Proverbs 6:23

The Ugly Twins: Fear & Failure

2014-12-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

Christmas is almost here and I am so excited. Gift giving/recieving is my numero uno love language. I love shopping and selecting gifts for those I love. You are not the exception! I have a Christmas gift for you too. Today's post was written by my lovely friend Stephanie for you. She's no stranger to Living As A Lily, here is the link to her Thanksgiving post from 2012 that'll give you a little history: click HERE. Go make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, with lots of marshmallows, and unwrap what Stephanie and Jesus have prepared for you!

The Ugly Twins: Fear & Failure, by Stephanie Landa

I am so honored Raquel invited me to write on her blog! When she first asked, I quickly responded, “YES!” Not having any idea what to write about, I took a leap of faith and trusted God would reveal exactly what He wanted me to share on this blog. After a couple of days, I knew exactly what to write about, and so here it goes…

“You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.” –Proverbs 19:21

Summer of 2013 was when I first found out I was going to start my career as a 1st grade teacher. I was filled with excitement but so much more with FEAR. Fear of the unknown! And so, I began my career where I almost immediately fell in love with those 1st graders. Not only were they amazing, but so was the administration and my coworkers. After a very short time (1 month and a half), I quit! Yup, I quit! (If you know me, you know I’m not a quitter)

I could only imagine what you are thinking. “This girl is crazy! What in the world happened?”

Well, within that short amount of time of teaching, I struggled so much with fear and anxiety. Endless nights of not sleeping because my mind would not shut up. I felt like I needed everything to be perfect and so rather than allowing myself to plan, do the best that I can, and “let it go” (yes, I totally quoted Frozen), I drove myself insane. (I seemed to have forecasted the rest of my life based off of one moment) I lost a great amount of weight, I disconnected myself from almost everyone, my faith in God was lost, etc. which led me all to a deep depression. My family, fiancé, and friends were all extremely concerned about me.

I remember the day that I quit. I felt like a complete failure. I felt like I lost my identity. Even now as I write this, my eyes fill up with tears because the way I felt that day and even months after, was THE hardest time of my life. Now please don’t judge me. I understand God has blessed me with SO MUCH, but at that time, I did NOT have the right perspective and was completely lost. I felt like my identity was in my career (I now know my identity is found in Christ and Christ alone; He defines me) and once I lost that, I felt a great amount of anguish.

Almost my entire life, I thought I was created to be a teacher. I had all these plans set for my life. You would think that I had already learned my lesson about FULLY trusting God and letting Him do as He pleases (you can read more about thise HERE).

Almost 6 months later, I figured it all out. I had all these plans, but God had His ultimate plan and I could not be happier. His purpose did prevail (as it always does) and I found my niche in life and that is to be a Middle School teacher. (I know, I’m crazy, but there is something so special about the middle school students) I won’t bore you with the details as to how I got to this point in my life, but its crazy how all along God had been molding me.

God is able to do “exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all that we could ask or think.” I believe this and because I do I will trust Him, take Him at His word, keep on moving forward. I will fight fear by declaring the promises found in God's word over my life. I have learned a lot and I've shared all of this to strengthen you. I encourage you to make plans in your heart, and get moving, but give God room to direct your steps. Make plans, but keep them fluid. Don’t make them concrete! Allow God to flexibility with those plans, to move them around if needed, to line up those desires to His Word and will. A lot of us sit around waiting for direction from God, but He is waiting for you to draw near to Him. Do step out in faith! Filled with the Holy Spirit you can take gutsy risks on the desires of your heart. Get those feet moving as He leads you.

God is the keeper of your heart and will protect it. He will inspire, encourage, nurture, and breathe new life when needed. Dream big! Make plans! Get moving! He's got you!

* Stephanie has also contributed: Let's Talk About Sex, Baby!

happy 5th birthday blogie

2014-11-11T18:40:00.000-05:00


photo credit

I know I'm a little late in posting... actually, I've been lost lately.
Much (an not much) has happened in this past year. But I can sum it all with this one verse:

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

God led me to do the unexpected. Out of my very mouth unimaginable words poured forth, "I'm stepping down." Say What?!?! Who... Me... Yes! And there I sat, in tears, knowing that these very words were not spoken by my will but by God's very Spirit.

You see, I'm not an educated person like most of my peers. I didn't go to college. I have no degree, or even an AA. And though I had no title to define me, I was defined by service and ministries.

In a very inconspicuous way, these works were idols in my life. I was going to church to serve, and without notice my attendance for God alone was less and less. Don't get me wrong, I didn't drift from God. On the contrary, my service was for Him. But I was all works and neglectful of my own heart. The words of Jesus echo loudly to me concerning Mary, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

The next day I sat in my car crying. I doubted that God had spoken through me. I was afraid that this decision was the wrong one. I feared that this decision would affect my youth girls and the various ministries I was involved in. Worst of all, was I trusting God or cowardly running? I wept bitterly. At that moment I knew I needed to hear from God. I read from Jack Hayford's YouVersion Plan, Praise In The Presence of God:

God Is Our Reward
God never demands a sacrifice for the divine pleasure of smelling its aroma or because He needs us to tickle His pride. The objective is our release—our growth.

God asked Abraham to offer Isaac. Not to exploit Abraham’s emotions or to destroy Isaac, but to take away forever Abraham’s fear that God might not have his best interest at heart. Only in worship do we draw close enough to discern God’s true nature and loving heart.

God gave Abraham no immediate monetary reward for worshiping Him, but the reward was immensely grander—God Himself! (Jack Hayford)

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1

God was asking me that very moment to willingly offer my works. Not to exploit my emotions or to destroy these ministries but to take away forever my fear that God might not have His best interest at heart. It was in fact through this act of worship that I have been able to draw close enough to discern God's nature and loving heart. He has been my shield these past few months, my exceedingly great reward.

The sacrifice was more than just stepping down from serving at church. It meant seeking a place of refuge where He would restore, revive, and renew me. Even I can recognize that old habits don't die so easily. I prayed for God's guidance and He provided such a place. Remember, God's objective through our sacrifice is our growth. And I have been growing. That is something beautiful that can not be taken from me.

I can't put to words all that He has been revealing to me, or even what He is stirring in my heart. But I can tell you this, He is making me new.

I have been lost with reason. I've been enjoying my reward, God himself.

Anywho, now that I have brought you up to date...CHEERS to the fifth year!

Lyrical Friday - You Revive Me

2014-09-05T08:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!

One word to describe the season I find myself in: Revive
A few definitions that capture the meaning are:

to bring or be brought back to life, vigor, consciousness, or strength;
resuscitate or be resuscitated
to give or assume new vitality
to return a flourishing condition, flourish again
to make or become operative or active again

If Revive is my word, than You Revive Me by Christy Knockles is my theme. Outwardly I have always been vivacious and ready for anything, but in last two years or so no one saw what inwardly was happening to me: bouts of depression, apathy, stunted growth, and a lack of desire all upon me. I felt like a potted plant neglected by it's keeper. And yet God was so gracious and kind, and contrary to my lack there of, He filled me with joy. Continually! And moments when that ugly cloud came over me, He'd bring to remembrance scriptures that comforted me. Not once did God leave me alone, or forsake me. The Holy Spirit kept His promise to be my helper.

May of this year God spoke loudly and clear to me words that were precisely what I had been desiring to hear from Him: I will revive you. In the past few months I have sensed the hand of God doing just that.

I've been reading A Path of Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot, and she references plants a lot. A growing plant cannot remain in a pot for various reasons: it will create a growth stunt,a complacency of some sort, it will cripple, it will wither, and it will die. A plant needs room for it's roots to spread and it needs pruning. He has taken me, a potted plant, and planted me in His field where I can return to a flourishing condition.

New vitality.
God is doing really exciting things in my life right now. And there is no where else I'd rather be.

You Revive Me, Christy Knockles

If you find yourself in a loss of vitality, vigor, or strength these following verses will help recharge you. Or it could be that you can relate more to that of a stunted growth in your walk with God, these verses are a great prayer guide to get you flourishing again. And if you have that dreadful cloud of depression over you and feel inoperative, these verses will be a great source of encouragement, comfort, and of hope for you. What ever your season may be, God is with you and He will revive you! May your deserts be rivers of joy.

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.Psalm 71:20

Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 86:6-9

My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. Psalm 119:37

Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Psalm 119:88

I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.Psalm 119:107

Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:50

I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.
In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations. Psalm 119:147-149

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15

shadow of his wings

2014-09-02T17:51:00.001-04:00

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7

As meditated this morning on one of my favorite Psalms, this one verse stopped me in my tracks. How beautiful is this imagery of singing in the shadow of God's wings? Not from a mountain top, a valley, or a waterfront, but safely in the shadow of His very wings. You can't be far and be in His shadow. It can only happen in His presence. You must be near to share this intimacy. I long for the closeness David experienced with God.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:10

What's more beautiful than David singing in the shadow of God's wings? You and I drawing closer to God and experiencing the same. Let's purpose to draw near to Him. And as we sing in this most glorious place, though in the wilderness for some, we will find fullness of joy.

Lyrical Friday - A Little Longer

2014-08-15T19:46:00.000-04:00

My lover said to me,

“Rise up, my darling!

Come away with me, my fair one!

Song of Solomon 2:10

The day I gave my life to God, I read three books in the Bible: Ruth, Esther, and Song of Solomon. I ended the night with the captivating relationship between the Shulamite woman and her love. I have to admit that I am a ~~hopeless~~ hopeful romantic… being that I am a romantic, this love story is what I knew I wanted to have with my God. And so, this verse in chapter 2 always takes me back to that night, and reminds me that God also longs to have this set apart relationship with me. He proposes daily, “Rise up, my darling! Come away with me!”

This reality humbles me. The God, creator of the universe, calls me to Himself. Me! He calls this mess-making, troublemaker, bad tempered me. He calls me, a sinner.

He calls you too.

He covets your hearts.

He desires your thoughts to be fixed on Him.

He is jealous for your time.

He longs and yearns for all you.

What baffles me is how tiny our offering can be at times. As we worship, or as we spend time with Him, do we really offer our all? I know that as for me, most of the time I don’t give God my full attention. I don’t focus as I should. I am easily distracted. I get busy. I worry too much and for too long. And what I end up giving Him is a half-hearted sacrifice. I don’t intend on offering so little, but it's what I have given. Then guilt kicks in. Other times I give more than He requires to make up for my short coming.

A Little Longer by Bethel Music is a reminder that God doesn't want more, nor does He think less of my scraps. He simply wishes for one thing: Me. Broken, Broke, Tired, Sinner me. That’s it. Not words. Not gifts. Not even a sacrifice.

I pray that these lyrics would penetrate your heart. I pray that it would remove you from a place of business, distraction, anxiety, and failure, and take you to a place of stillness and wholeness with God.

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3

What can I do for You

What can I bring to You

What kind of song would You like me to sing

'Cause I'll dance a dance for You

Pour out my love to You

What can I do for You, beautiful King

'Cause I can't thank You enough

All of the words that I find

and I can't thank you enough

No matter how I try

and I can't thank you enough

I hear you saying to me

Listen you, don't have to do a thing

Just simply be with me

and let those things go

'Cause they can wait another minute

Wait, this moment is too sweet

Please stay here here with me

And love on me a little longer

'Cause I'm in love with you

I'm in love with you

Ask what you desire

2014-07-31T08:22:00.001-04:00

But if you abide in me and my words abide in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7

[That verse is an uncanny declaration.

Absolutely unbelievable.
Except, Christ said it—“ask what you desire.”

And after all, He didn’t sacrifice one iota of His own integrity by making that promise, because it is predicated on a significant premise: abiding in Him. That isn’t some mystical position or some hard-to-arrive-at pattern of conduct. It isn’t a religious accomplishment or a pious performance. It’s just honest-to-God saying, “I want Your will.”

His answer: “Pray, and I’ll work it.”]

—Jack Hayford

Ruth Bell Graham Collected Poems, page 154

2014-07-24T11:25:00.001-04:00

Manicured, styled,
expensively suited,
they stood
and they smiled
as if programmed, computed
by specialist fed;
yet I knew within each
beat a heart living-dead.
The smiles were a mask;
the lifestyles they led
at beast a brave showing,
pretending, not being,
while You Who created
are God, the Allknowing,
are God, the Allseeing.

Lord, we cannot see
as You see above,
behind and within.
We can only love.
—Ruth Bell Graham

Ruth Bell Graham Collected Poems - Footprints of a Pilgrim

Incorruptible Beauty

2014-07-23T12:02:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday Lovelies!

I'm writing to you from my couch, with my cup of coffee of course! If you could see me, you might gasp. I have a homemade mask on... which my brother likes to call it caca-face, I call it chocolate. But that's not what today's post is about. The mask has a little to do; but not the chocolate, though now I have chocolate on the brain!

I recently watched a news clip about the ever changing standard of beauty. It immediately caught my attention. As a Latin/Hispanic woman I cringed watching this clip. Take a look:

“I say that inner beauty does not exist. That’s something that unpretty women invented to justify themselves.” –Osmel Sosa

I think of all the young girls, who like myself at their age, believe the lie that our worth is found in a “standard” of beauty. To say that inner beauty does not exist, is to say that your personality, character, talents, and achievements are of no value. These are all God created and given, and God is beauty.

If 14 year old Me would have pursued the standard of beauty that I longed for, I would most likely be dead because of the Anorexia. But most importantly, I would have missed out on discovering the many wonderful truths, lessons, and people that have added worth and value to my life:

Intimately knowing the love of God

Growing in knowledge of God’s purpose(s) for my life

Learning what my God given gifts and talents are

Developing those gifts and talents for the good of others

Using my not-so-standard-of-beauty body to serve others

Using my story to help girls and women

Traveling the world for pleasure and for missions

Loving and being loved by family and friends

My less than perfect life is also a complete life. And by complete I must include those moments of fear, loss, and trials. These have each taught me a lesson that add worth and value to my life.

I can’t help but think of Peter’s words:

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT

The New King James Version uses the words: Incorruptible Beauty

In other words, this standard of beauty is unfading, incorruptible, honorable, admirable, worthy, good, praiseworthy, estimable, wonderful, and exemplary.

I would do you a disservice if I didn’t quote Allie MarieSmith on the definition of a woman who possesses an incorruptible beauty:

“Such a woman is at peace with her God. She trusts him completely a her number one relationship in her life. She understands where true value and worth lies- that it’s not in the clothes she wears, the guy she dates, or her socioeconomic background. She’s fully aware of her identity as a beloved daughter of God. Her spirit is at rest- gentle and quiet because she knows that no matter what trouble comes her way; her future in Christ is secure. No amount of striving, accomplishments, or external beauty can maker her more valuable or loved in the eyes of her Lord. That, my girl is a beautiful woman.” -HEAL, page 113

So here I am, with a facial mask on in an attempt to rid my face of acne. I’m also contemplating what nail polish to wear and what lipstick to buy. I’ve learned that being girly is ok, as long as my heart is in check. And though I love all things fashion, makeup, and dressing up, I love The Lord more. His standard of beauty is the one I seek and long for.

And so I leave you Lauren Scruggs. She has a story that completely shatters Osmel Sosa and our society’s twisted ideals.

pray more

2014-07-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

photo credit

"I'm going to pray more."
It's been said before, and often. How did that go?

I can understand the prayer-less life of a person who has never experienced the power of prayer. But to those of us who have experienced the miraculous, the spectacular, the awe-inspiring power of prayer, we have no excuse. What possible excuse could we give to the God who gives all to us?

It has been in my personal time of prayer that I have grown in faith. For it takes faith to believe that God is who He says He is. It takes faith to believe that God hears my prayers. It takes faith to believe that God cares for the words I say. It takes faith to believe that He will answer, guide, and provide. It takes faith to believe that He has a plan, a purpose, and a will for all my petitions, concerns, and thoughts. And so with every prayer lifted to Heaven faith is increased, and my fears, doubts, and unbelief are shattered.

Yet, if I only pray my benefit, than I have lost the greatest reward of all... I've lost Christ. It has been those moments that in prayer God speaks to me that have transformed my faith. Prayer is more than simply speaking, it's also about listening. I think this is why so many (myself included) claim to have prayer lives but are found spiritually malnourished. After all, Jesus did say that He is the bread of life. He longs to feed us as we pray.

Hunger for a transforming prayer life.

Purpose with me to expect the miraculous.

Purpose with me to seek spectacular conversations with God.

Purpose with me to be inspired by His silence as much as His words.

Purpose with me to pray more.

Crisis

2014-07-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

Doug Sauder:

Crisis is a gift that nobody registers for, for obvious reasons. But here's something that can't be denied: Crisis reveals true character. You never know the true nature of something until it is under duress or put to some sort of test. You'll never know if your roof is solid without a thunderstorm. And you'll never know the true character of someone apart from the context of crisis, and I would encourage all church leaders to embrace that reality. Here's why:

Crisis will reveal the true character in those around you, and you really need to know where people are in regard to you. Who is for you and who is against you? Nothing clarifies that like a crisis.

Also, crisis reveals the true character in you. Let's be honest, none of us are perfect and we all need to surrender and submit areas of our heart to the Lord's transformational touch. But we need to recognize what those areas are before we can yield to Him changing them in us. Nothing reveals those blind-spots like a crisis, because it's then and there that the "true you" is seen.

Lastly, crisis reveals the true character of the Lord. God's character is constant and never changes. But there are times when we're more dialed-in than others to His voice and His actions on our behalf. Crisis is the time when our hearts tend to be most attuned to His, and He has a perfect track record of faithfulness towards those who trust in Him."

Excerpt from an interview with Phil Cooke: HERE

hello from Montana

2014-06-17T14:29:00.000-04:00

Hey Lovelies.
This past Friday morning I jumped into a car and headed on a cross country trip to the beautiful state of Montana. I joined great friends to surprise their daughter, who is like a younger sister to me. I was her youth leader and throughout the years developed a beautiful relationship. We arrived last night around 8pm and the surprise was hilarious and sweet.

I am not a road trip kind of gal. On the contrary, 45 minutes is sufficient to make me go wild and grow anxious in a car. But I have to say, it wasn't as bad as I thought. It wasn't bad at all. We drove through Florida (obviously!), Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and finally made it to Montana. It was beautiful, though Missouri should be renamed Misery, because that's what it was, a miserable boring state to drive through. And inspire of a 4 day drive, it was pretty spectacular to see God's workmanship... anything better that the Florida flat lands!

Arriving to Montana was surreal and powerful. It truly is God's country. To see how perfectly detailed each scenery is, solidified my faith in God as Creator. He has vividly stamped His fingerprints and signature over nature. Each pine tree perfectly placed. Mountains proudly standing higher than the clouds. Rocks upon rocks being sustained by the very breath of God. Crisp air. Calm and serene towns. Quietness that overwhelms you, and causes you to stop and listen for God. I wish I could bring you here.

This morning I have been meditating and thinking.
I don't need to ride cross country to be in quietness. I can purpose to have quiet moments throughout my day. It would have to take a sacrifice, a death of other pleasures, in order for me to be attentive to God. But cultivating a life in Christ is cultivating quietness, stillness, and purposeful discipline. I've just arrived at "God's Country" and it is proving to be God's teacher.

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way 
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 

though its waters roar and foam    
and the mountains quake with their surging. 

There is a river whose streams 
make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells. 

God is within her, she will not fall; 
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; 
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;  
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done, 
the desolations he has brought on the earth. 
He makes wars cease 
to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 
he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 
I will be exalted among the nations, 
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us

 the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Enjoy the pictures from my phone (mostly taken at 80mph)

Rest for the weary and burdened

2014-05-19T10:30:00.001-04:00

Then Jesus said,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Jesus understands weariness. As a small ship crosses Galilee, and a storm’s fury terrifies His companions, Jesus sleeps.

His physical frame is worn and His stamina spent from ministering to multitudes. So worn and weary is He that even the crashing of the waves, the whipping of the boat, and the shrieking of the winds do not awaken Him.

If you've ever felt so tired you couldn't take another step, and if you've wondered whether God knew that feeling, here’s your answer: There is One who not only knows your weariness but who says, “I’ll walk the next step with you because I've been where you are ... and further."

—Jack Hayford

Praise In The Presence Of God

Our Royal Nature

2014-05-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

Our Royal Nature

You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable. 1 Peter 1:23

Peter earnestly exhorted the scattered saints to love each other "earnestly from a pure heart" (verse 22), and he did so not on the basis of the law or human nature or philosophy, but from that high and divine nature that God has implanted in His people. In the same way that a sensible tutor of princes might seek to foster in them a kingly spirit and dignified behavior, finding arguments in their position and pedigree, so, looking upon God's people as heirs of glory, princes of royal blood, descendants of the King of kings, earth's truest and oldest aristocracy, Peter said to them in essence, "See that you love one another because of your noble birth, being born of imperishable seed, because of your pedigree, being descended from God, the Creator of all things, and because of your immortal destiny, for you shall never pass away, though the glory of the flesh shall fade and even its existence shall cease."

We would do well if, in the spirit of humility, we recognized the true dignity of our regenerated nature and lived up to it. What is a Christian? If you compare him with a king, he adds priestly sanctity to royal dignity. The king's royalty often lies only in his crown, but with a Christian it is infused into his inmost nature. He is as much above his fellows through his new birth as a man is above the beast that perishes. Surely he shall conduct himself in all his dealings as one who is different from the crowd, chosen out of the world, distinguished by sovereign grace, part of God's "peculiar people."

Such trophies of God's grace cannot grovel in the dust like some, nor live in the fashion of the world's citizens. Let the dignity of your nature and the brightness of your prospects, O believers in Christ, constrain you to hold fast to holiness and to avoid the very appearance of evil.

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.