knowing His name...

Sweet Ride

2016-03-23T08:56:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, five days before His sacrificial death-by-crucifixion, Jesus rode into town on a sweet, humble donkey. Don't get me started on the whole donkey thing.

He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Along a branch-covered path. In front of crowds that cheered His arrival, "Hosannah [lit: 'save us']...blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Matthew 21)

The crowd that welcomed Him was confused. Some cheered, thinking He was the king who would save them from Roman oppression, and others simply called Him a prophet. They weren't sure who He really was.

But He knew who He was. Who He is.

He is King Jesus, Messiah.

He rode into town for everyone, regardless of who they thought He was.

So He spent the next three days preparing the city and it's people for His death. And for what His death would mean for them. Most of them didn't know. We are them. I am them.

On Monday, four days before His sacrificial death-by-crucifixion, He cleared away the distractions outside the temple. He wanted the temple to be pure, for it to serve its true purpose. For those of us who accept Him as Savior, our hearts are His new temple.

He is Worthy of Worship.

On Tuesday, three days before His sacrificial death-by-crucifixion, He taught. About faith, obedience, belief, invitation, loyalty, leadership, pride, humility, servanthood. He wanted His followers to understand how to do life.

He is Teacher.

On Wednesday, two days before His sacrificial death-by-crucifixion, He taught more. This time, about resisting false teachers that would claim to be Him. About knowing the difference between real and not real. About enduring tough times, being ready for what's ahead - His return. He wasn't even gone and He was already talking about His return. He wanted them to understand life, true faith in Him, and what He will do for them. We are them. I am them. You are them.

And He did all of that while the "spiritual leaders" were strategizing how to kill him.

He rode into town for everyone, regardless of who they thought He was.

He is Gracious.

On Thursday, one day before His sacrificial death-by-crucifixion, He served His closest followers the Passover meal, washed their feet, refocused their hearts on love, and promised to give them the Holy Spirit as a helper after He was gone.

He is the Spotless, Sacrificial Lamb.

He rode into town, on that sweet, humble donkey, knowing.

Knowing who would eagerly toss down her coat or a branch to pave the road. Knowing who would acknowledge Him as King. Knowing who wouldn't. Knowing who and where the distractions would be. Knowing what to teach. Knowing He would serve, and not be served. Knowing that He would die a sacrificial death-by-crucifixion.

Everything He did for them that week, He did for us. For me. For you.

He knows. You're whole story. Better than even you know it.

And He rode into town, on that sweet, humble donkey for you.

Miraculous Hope

2016-03-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

Those moments caught me up in a place I hadn’t been before. I have no idea how long I stood there, how long I openly wept in public. Consumed, unashamed.

The way the painting captured His life. A small Bible passage I’d read before - read right past, to be honest. But to see someone’s attempt to bring life to the passage - to bring life to His Word - it worked. To see Him there, boat on the shore. Imagining His wet, sandy feet. The hem of His robe heavy with water.

He is Real.

And the people. Ragged, tired, poor, broken. Waiting for Him. For His healing hands, breath, eyes. The line of people waiting.

I understood them.

He is Healer.

The painting prompted me to write years ago; here I am again. But for a different reason.

For 10 years, I looked for it. Longed for it. For how it made me feel. Connected, rooted, submitted, in awe of Him. Search after search ended empty. Until today.

A writing prompt asked: What is your favorite work of art? What do you love about it?

My heart hesitated to search again. Isn’t that my way of life? A hope-hesitant heart.

A few clicks, and there it was. It wasn’t there last year. Or seven years ago. It wasn’t.

He is Gracious.

I’m not sure why today. I’m kind of puzzled, to be honest. Grateful. And slowed down by His kindness to let me see it again. But not sure why today.

He knows I’ve been recently stepping out into hope in Him. That scary-place for me.

He is Working.

Seriously, LORD, how do you DO this?

And here it is: They feared hope, too. The waiting, broken people. They brought their most broken, most vulnerable, to Him. They had obviously heard of His love, character and power to heal. But they didn’t know if He would. And yet they dragged all their desperate needs out to the boundary line where He commands water to stop on sand, and waited.

And He healed them.

The painting doesn’t show them healed. But I know His love, character and healing power.

He healed them. He did.


"Christ Performing Miracles" by Lucien Simon

Believing

2016-02-17T14:01:00.001-06:00

She knew who he was, and there was a likelihood that she anticipated something great happening that day. Something that would show the world who he was. Who he is.

He is Savior Jesus.

It must have been strange. Knowing who your son was, but not being able to tell anyone for thirty years. Wondering if or when his power, sovereignty and miracles would be made public. And what that would do to the people who witnessed it.

And then the moment. A wedding where the wine ran out. Imagine the embarrassment for the hosting family. People wondering if they ran out of money, didn’t plan well enough, or just wanted everyone to go home early.

So she asked him to help. Her son. Her God-in-flesh son. She knew where to go for help. She knew the source.

He is the Source for Help.

And he responded in an out-of-the-box way, with, essentially, “That’s not my problem. And anyway, it’s not yet time to show people who I really am.”

Without hesitation, she walked over to the wedding servers and told them “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Love that moxy!

She knew his human nature (which was perfect). And she had perfect faith and confidence that he would do something, even though his initial response wasn’t overly encouraging. Her confidence, her moxy, was based on his character and nature.

He is Trustworthy.

So he told the servants to fill empty jugs with water, and turned that water into wine. Just like that.

He is Awesome.

And so is faith that’s solely based on his character and nature. Regardless of what happens around us, we have this story to encourage our faith in Christ. Our confidence in him. Even when it looks like things aren’t going to turn out, or even when his response can be interpreted as a “um, yeah…no.” Confident faith, even when…

I’m not sure what’s run out for you. Maybe it’s energy, health, peace, control, money, relationships, hope, endurance, or yes, even faith. I’m right there with you.

I choose to be encouraged by this passage. By the moxy-confident-faith that he rewarded at that wedding feast. And I want a life that experiences that kind of result – miracles beyond imagination, but fully expected because of who he is.

Let’s be people who bring our needs to Jesus. And who trust him to take action, no matter what.

Unexpected

2016-02-15T05:54:00.000-06:00

So, it came out by my own hand a few days ago.

“I’ve had a Jesus-burn in my soul for 11 years. And it’s still there. I don’t know what it is, how to voice it, or what I’m supposed to do with it. And that’s embarrassing.”

This energy, vibe, truth-passion-for-something-really-big in me that I can’t figure out. Don’t know what to do with it.

And then, more surprising, after asking for His help in understanding what it is - because Psalm 139 reminds me that He discerns my thoughts from afar, He knows what I’m going to say before I say it - this comes up…

“It’s hope.”

Whuh-huh-what? That can’t be. Where did that come from? I don’t do hope. Like I don’t write in Mandarin. Don’t have the foggiest idea how that works.

I’m not sure I’ve ever hoped. Yeah, that’s not true. I hoped a lot. And was let down. As a kid, I didn’t realize the habit I was establishing. The challenge I was creating for my later-self. And by the time I realized hope just “wasn’t my thing”, it was my way of life. Something I’d chosen to settle into. Resented, but settled into.

Which is precisely how I know the hope is from Him. In me. Christ-hope in me. What other kind is there?

He is Hope.

So there’s this…the thought comes and I don’t want to type it out.

There’s this very difficult-but-mature decision I have to make: will I stay where I have always been or will I be intentional to breathe into the Jesus-burn. Will I ask Him to teach me how to hope for real. In Him.

He is Fire.

Long sigh. The kind of long sigh that comes when I know I have to apologize for being a jerk. Reluctancy to do what I know is right, that it’s going to be painful, and that it’s also the very thing that leads to freedom and healing.

But, for real, it’s like writing in Mandarin. I don’t know how to do it. Hope.

And that’s my problem. Old thinking patterns. Old settling ways that lead to resentment and doubt.

So, here I sit. In this hope-decision place. And, to be honest, because so many other things fill my head, I forgot about it. Classic move, woman.

Because the concept of hope is so foreign to me. But the burn still burns. Thank God for that.

He is Faithful.

And so, I will muster my breath-prayer with full expectation…”LORD-Spirit, speak!”

Wonder

2016-01-10T11:22:00.001-06:00

When anything actually sticks in my brain, it's a miracle. Seriously. I'm total ADD.

So this year I've decided to simplify my study of the Bible. Whichever passage Pastor teaches on Saturday, I'm going to study that passage all week. Let it sink in. To the sieve otherwise known as my brain.

And, to my amazement, week one of my effort to focus stopped me in my tracks.

The book of John. Chapter One. Verses 9-11. (Italics are my doing)

⁹The true light, which gives light to everyone,

was coming into the world.

¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made through him,

yet the world did not know him.

¹¹He came to his own,and his own people did not receive him.

Read that several times. Let that settle in your mind, in your heart. Then read it again.

He is Creator and True Light.

The Bible is God's word, revealed to us humans. I believe God. I believe that God is honest and the purest source of truth in the universe. So I believe that His word is reliable and trustworthy. And right there, in black and white, it says the world was made through Him.

He created everything. As in...everything. Genesis confirms it - He made light, sky, water, land, plants, trees, seasons, sun, moon, stars, fish, birds, animals, man and woman. Everything. Done.

He created it all.

Then He came into the world. The one He made. And the world didn't know who He was.

Let that sink in.

The very world He created. The light He created through which He allowed that world to see itself. That world, using and benefiting from every single thing He provided, that world didn't know who He was.

And just for kicks, the people He created, who lived in the world He created for them, they rejected Him.

Sit on that for a week, and like me, you just might be sick to your stomach. You just might be stopped in your tracks. Your brain just might get stuck on that. Your heart just might hurt. Your conscience just might be pricked.

And you just might internalize that. You might try to, in some ridiculously small way, conceive of how painful that rejection must have been. Creator-man, blown off. Unrecognized. Refused. Denied. Rejected. Slapped in the face, really.

So, there's that TV show, Undercover Boss. Where the CEO of a big company puts on a disguise and visits the workplaces of his employees. He poses as a new hire, trying to get an understanding of what they face working for his company everyday.

That's what came to mind when I read these verses about Jesus being rejected. Only, it's not even comparable. That CEO wears a disguise; he's trying to fake out his employees.

But Jesus came to reveal Himself. His true nature. His true being. And mostly, His true death-on-a-cross love for us. Jesus was totally up front and honest about who He was.

He is Truth and Love.

And they, the very people He created, enjoying the very things He created for them...they rejected Him. It makes my heart hurt. It slows me down. It sticks in my sieve-brain. It breaks me.

It makes me ask myself questions that matter. And I share them with you, whether or not you're a Christian.

I wonder...Do you acknowledge Him as creator? Do you receive the truth that He made you? And the sunlight by which you see the world? And the ground your feet stand on? And the snow covered trees you look out at?

And then...Do you recognize Him? Do you acknowledge Him in this world He created? Do you receive or accept Him? Do you care that He came to this earth to die for you? Does any part of you care that even though He was blown off, unrecognized, refused, denied, rejected (maybe even by you still today)...He still died on the cross to cover your sin before God?

Read these verses for a week straight. Twice a day. Notice what happens.

And all the while, praise His name!

Perspective

2015-09-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Writing here hasn't come easy this year. Neither has life.

I spend my days (and nights) creating, composing, combining, editing, rewriting and analyzing words. So, my mind is constantly assessing, listening, interpreting, critiquing, digesting, speaking and processing words. And yet I have few of my own.

Because I can't understand this year. Hmm..that's not true. I can't make sense of what's happened this year. Sheesh, that's not true, either. I can't find my words.

Ah. Here it is: I don't see what He's doing with my year. Yes...that's it.

But He knows.

He sees it all. He allows all of it. Every bit that was and still is hard, good, challenging, confusing, hurtful, and on and on.

He is in Control.

And He has a plan. And Romans 8:28 tells me it's a good one. Whether I can see that good or not.

He is Good.

For a few hours, floating in the air, I digested that thought. Then I forgot it.

The notion that something so simple, so thin, yet so solid can block our view of what's happening - that notion catches me up in wonder and awe every time. And, up there, moving through seeing and not seeing gives me peace. But not when my feet are on the ground.

Maybe it's because I work and serve around words that makes tangible clarity so important. I need to see what's happening, where something is going, understand what I "should be" understanding. I strive to "get it", and explain it. And that's where I get into trouble. Seeing, understanding, striving.

Understanding His ways and His whys is about as feasible as grabbing that simple-thin-solid air in my hands. And thank God for that! I want a God who is far above and beyond me. Most of the time.

He is Holy. Different, set apart.

So, my desire is to learn how to write when I can't see. When I'm in that simple-thin-solid stuff of life that blocks my view of what He is doing. Ah, yes...sounds like the definition of faith.

LORD, praise Your name that you care enough to teach me that faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

For Heidi

2015-09-18T09:11:00.000-05:00

These may be the only public words ever written about her. Aside from her obituary.

Over the five decades of her life, few people knew her. But many cared for her. She had profound human limitations - the kind that most people turn away from.

But He didn't. He rushed toward her.

He is Love.

Her list of "couldn't" was long. Very. But she could run and smile. So she did, often. And her heart soared every time. She experienced joy in a way that you and I will never understand because we take our abilities for granted. Her joy was a gift, and she knew that gift very well.

He is Joy.

Praise God, she didn't know her limitations, her lists of inabilities. He did, but didn't consider them a limitation. He can show us Himself in any person, condition, limitation, skill, circumstance, event, ability, experience, question, or answer.

He is Grace.

She gave Him glory. Her life gave Him glory. She pointed us to Him.

Could she have any better legacy than to point us to our Creator God, to cause us to wonder at who He is and how He works, or to show us what finding joy can look like, even in what we would call devastating circumstances?

He is Savior.

And so, today, as we remember and honor her life, we can't help but honor her Savior. In His grace, He covered her inabilities and gladly welcomed her into His perfect, eternal presence.

And in that beautiful place, with full expression of who she was made to be, she can praise His name!

Oh, sweet sister, enjoy!

Her

2015-05-09T08:16:00.001-05:00

She probably won't ever see this. That's okay. She knows how I feel about her.

Her life has been a testimony of God's grace and faithfulness. And her life has been...crazy hard.

She's been abused, mistreated, lied to, cheated on, abandoned, ignored, rejected, afflicted, and broken by many people on this earth. People that were close to her. Just like He was.

But she was never alone. Ever.

He is El Roi, the God Who Sees her.

She would say her life has been hard, but she doesn't say that in a way that seeks pity or attention. And it's not her identity. A ridiculously hard life is not her identity.

He is her Identity.

She takes every bit of what happens to her in a peaceful, faithful stride. I promise you you've never known anyone like her. You just haven't.

She is surrendered. Like, face-in-the-soil-and-arms-outstretched surrendered to Him. She knows He loves her (in spite of all the difficulties). She trusts His hand and what He allows into her life. She praises Him no matter what. For real, people.

He is Sovereign over her life.

Despite how she's been treated, she is gentle, patient, loving, kind, generous, faithful. Hmm...it hits me now...fruits of the Spirit. She embodies the fruits because she is surrendered to Him and His work in and through her. Like no one else I know.

He is Fruitful in her life.

She is adorable, sweet, and funny as ALL get out. The tone of her voice, the songs she sings over voice mail, her Betty Rubble laugh, the thing she does with her mouth when she tastes something new or is trying to figure out what's in something she's eating, and even the way she becomes Miss Bossy Pants when making dolma. It's all just overwhelming joy.

He is her Joy.

She is the strongest woman I know - spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically. Hands down. She has ZERO competition in that area. She suffers cancer well, like a warrior. She endures decline without complaint. She's authentic and vulnerable.

He is her Sustainer.

She listens with intent. She hears. She speaks her mind when she needs to. She is gracious and thoughtful. She understands and encourages. She supports all that is good.

She is not perfect. And so she relies on Him and His work on the cross to make her acceptable to God. And she worships Him for that. Boldly and often.

He is her Savior.

She prays like a warrior for her children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and people in the news. She will not give up praying. Ever. She has been the instigator for countless answered prayers for peace, protection, answers, guidance, healing, endurance, and salvation.

He is her Source.

She helps me see Him at work. She points me to Him.

Because of her life, I know Him better.

And it's my honor to love her as Mother.

Back to the Grind

2015-04-06T17:36:00.001-05:00

All the pomp has passed.

No more horrific images of the bloody cross, or the glowing empty tomb, no more "He is Risen!" signs. Gone are the chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and spiral ham (well, maybe just one more sandwich tonight...).

And, honestly, most people went back to work today and forgot all about Him.

But He hasn't forgotten.

He Remembers. You.

Praise His never-failing name.

For Us

2015-04-02T14:50:00.001-05:00

Here's what happened...

He is the Perfect Sacrifice.

It's all so backward. Perfect Him. Sinful us...me.

And, it's true. He let Himself be abused, spit on, insulted, mocked, and whipped so violently that He wasn't even recognizable.

For us. You. Me.

And then...in a move that seems even more backward...

He is Always Forgiving.

As they were mocking, spitting, insulting, violating Him. In the very moments that they were doing that, as His perfect life was fading from this earth. He forgave. And still does, today.

It's hard to comprehend. But try.

Because it's real and it's the most important event of human history.

He was on that cross for you. And for me.

Praise His name.

Seeking

2015-03-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

They sit on my desk, catching light. Seeking light, leaning toward it.

He is Light

So can we, seek the Light.

He makes all things beautiful. Even us.

He Knows...

2015-03-05T14:56:00.000-06:00

This one's pretty simple.

Wherever you are...He knows.

Whatever you're dealing with (or not)...He knows.

Whatever you're facing...He knows.

How do I know this? Two reasons.

First, one of His names is El Roi, "the God who sees."

He Sees.

So she [Hagar, who had been mistreated by her boss, so she ran away, while pregnant, into the desert] called the Lord who spoke to her: The God Who Sees, for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the One who sees me?” That is why she named the spring, “A Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.” It is located between Kadesh and Bered.
Genesis 16:13-14

He doesn't see some people and not others. That would be absurd! He's God - He sees everything!

If He saw her, He sees you. Wherever you are. In whatever condition you're in.

Second, He has a history of knowing where to find people.

He comes toward us.

Immediately He [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. ²³After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. ²⁴But the boat was already over a mile from land,battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. ²⁵Around three in the morning,He came toward them walking on the sea. ²⁶When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸“Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” ²⁹“Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Matthew 14: 22-33

So, Jesus sent his disciples off in a boat, and that boat ran into a violent storm that freaked them out. And without them asking, "He came toward them". He knew where they were. He's the one who sent them on that boat. He knew the storm was coming. And at the right time, before they could even call out His name, He approached them.

Because He knew.

Take a deep breath. And thank Him for knowing. You're not alone.

Praise His name!

Praying for Snow

2015-02-21T10:39:00.001-06:00

I hate snow. But I love it.

What I mean is that I love snow, but hate what it brings with it. I love the white, clean, glittery look of snow, but I could really do without the slush on the roads, salt on my car, and air so cold that my nostrils that stick together when I breathe outside.

Watching it, from indoors, brings me calm and peace. It falls quietly. Gently. Effortlessly. Gracefully. It slows me down mentally. Hearing it crunch under my boots is one of the most calming sounds I can think of, next to the voice of God.

He Speaks.

But the problem is that it doesn't snow enough. In my mind.

My mind is full of so much noise. So. Much. Noise. Noise about colleagues who don't own their responsibilities, departmental silos, daily project 'emergencies'. Noise about dirty counter tops, carpet that needs vacuuming, toilets that need cleaning, an art table that's calling me to create. Noise about a stacks of resumes to review, lists of documents to edit, podcasts to listen to. Noise about food, fat, carbs, sugar, fructose, food allergies, my muffin top waistline, HIIT workouts, strength training, migraines, cortisol, digestive issues... So. Much. Stinkin'. Noise.

I say I want to hear His voice, I tell Him that each morning. And I mean it.

But I let all that noise in. Hmm...if I'm honest, I bring it in. I invite it in. I let it steal my focus. I make the noise urgent. And He doesn't want that for me. Or for you.

He Speaks. He has things to say.

So, maybe, if you're feeling worn down, exhausted and drained, like me...maybe we need to take a snow day. Maybe we need to pray for a soul-blizzard to cover all the noise, shut the place down, and help us focus on what we know will bring us calm and peace.

Perspective

2015-02-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

There's something really nice about being locked in a barely full plane for twice as long as we should be, during a snowstorm.

Something about that space and silence. Being shut off from all the demands, pulls, pushes, responsibilities, and voices. Floating above all the muck and stuff below, getting a bright, clean view of something bigger than what's normally in front of me.

Something about not being able to make a phone call, text, IM, or be called out to from another room.

It simplifies things. And allows time and space to uncover the gunk that got me thinking sideways.

It's been a rough few weeks. Work. Health. Marriage. Ministry. All at once. And my mind got very sideways.

Hmm...and it emerges...

Suspended 38,000 feet in the air, locked in a metal tube, I've got nothing but faith to hold on to. Down there, on the ground I can't see through these clouds...down there, I've convinced myself I have control over what's around me. I believe the lies that it's all on me, that in order for things to work out, it's on my shoulders.

He, alone, is in control.

I just heard a preacher say that our thoughts are out of control when they're not aligned with God's word. Man, that resonated.

It's a dangerous thing: me believing I'm in control. Not dangerous like, me-jumping-out-of-this-plane dangerous. But dangerous to my heart, mind and relationship with Him. Because when I think I'm in control, anything goes...words, actions, motives, thoughts, attitudes. And that's probably what creates a lot of the muck and stuff that's on the ground.

Sigh. This is good to know. I needed this.

So, what about you?

What have you been thinking about? Who do you think is in control of what's going on around you and in you? What does God say about that? Think it through.

We land in 45 minutes. I'm kinda wishing I was on that super long flight to Shanghai out of Gate K13. The view is nice up here.

Not For The Faint of Heart

2015-01-12T20:03:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine just earned her PHD in Biblical counseling. She's a Bible genius. And here's something she wrote:

"We need to understand the problems of our lives

in light of what we believe about God."

The first time I read it, I didn't stop. Somewhere in the middle of the next sentence or two, my mind did a double-take. Say-what?!?

I have to understand the problems of my life (...check)
in light of what I believe (...check)
about God (...hmm...whoa)

Understanding the problems of my life is not a struggle. I've lived with them most of my life. I think and think and think about them. They're right in front of me most days.

And I believe lots of things about those problems. Where they came from. Why they happened. Who contributed. How I contributed. When things went sideways. What the right solution looks like. How I can/should fix the problem. How I can't fix the problem.

...about God?

Sigh. Not so easy.

That relationship problem of mine. How does what I believe about God tie to the problem? Again, sigh.

I believe that if God loved me, He would fix that relationship.
I believe that if God really loved me, He would have spared me that pain and disappointment.
I believe that if God was good, things would have turned out differently.

Hmm. Starting to understand my friend's point.

All of those beliefs about God are wrong. Every last one.

And that's where we get into trouble. When we start thinking about God in light of our problems (the flip side to what my friend wrote).

See, I don't want problem relationships. I don't like problem relationships. And, those thoughts about the problems influence my thoughts about God. Focusing my thoughts on the problems cause me to think problematically about God. Do you see it?

What I need to do is focus my thoughts on God, getting a right view of God and His character. Then, think about the problems.

He is Love.

He is Gracious.

He is Faithful.

He is Bigger.

He is Good.

He is Listening.

He is Purposeful.

He is Relational.

And all of those truths are what I need to understand before I can understand my problems.

Because knowing all of that, setting the tone with all of that truth about Him, that is what helps me interpret and respond to my problems.

He loves me - He died for me. He is purposeful in allowing those difficult relationships. He is listening when I cry out to Him for help. His grace is what keeps me above water some days; and it's the same grace that keeps the relationships bonded, rather than fall apart. He's bigger than relational challenges. How's that for understanding my problem more accurately?

So, what about you and your problems?

Try it for yourself. Sit down somewhere quiet. Get a piece of paper, and draw a line down the middle of the page. If you're the brave sort who's ready for some powerful "aha!" moments, label the left column "My Problem" (easy enough) and the right column "What I Currently Believe About God" (as it relates to that problem).

If you prefer a more gentle experience, title your two columns "God's Character" (as in, the truth about Him, found in the Bible) and "What That Means For My Problem" (as in, how the truth about God's character re-frames your thinking about your problems).

Please, get at it. You'll be amazed at what He shows you on that page. You will.

And your problems will likely thank you for it. :-)

Knowing

2015-01-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

So, how is your "Day Two"?

Maybe everything is new and different. Maybe you started that diet or exercise routine. Maybe you've put down the cigarettes or the bottle. Maybe you've read your Bible two days in a row. Maybe you cleaned the house and everything is fresh and bright.

Maybe you're still lonely. Maybe your kids are still breaking your heart. Maybe you're still hung over. Maybe those relationships are still broken. Maybe you're still mad at God. Maybe you're on day who-can-keep-count-anymore of a raging migraine.

However you're moving through Day Two, know this: He's got it.

He is Sovereign.

Whether all is good and perfect and new and fresh and hopeful and all that you want.
And whether it isn't.

The same God who created the world from nothing is sovereign over your Day Two.

If it's going well, be humble enough to know that it's His grace (not your greatness) that enables that.

If it's been a tough few days, be thankful enough to acknowledge that He's using it all for some good. He promises that.

Someone, praise His name!

Receiving

2014-09-27T10:45:00.001-05:00

I haven't had words to share. Well, not pleasant ones.

My mind has been stuck. And my heart, even more. Very. As in, very, very.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

He is Rest.

For the weary, tired, stuck soul. For the hurting, dry, what-seems-like-dead heart.

May this truth encourage you. We know it's true.

May He bring this truth to reality.

Today, LORD!

He's My Steady

2014-06-27T16:09:00.001-05:00

I've been in a bit of a swirl lately. Caught up in crazy.

And when I'm in a swirl, I can't think clearly. Or write. Or hope.

It seems like a lot of what's around me has changed. Is changing. Literally, today.

The thing is, everything we can see changes. Shifts. Morphs. Grows. Shrinks. And it's easy to get caught up in that crazy. To focus on those changing, shifting, morphing, growing, shrinking things. Because those are the things that make up our days, weeks, months, years.

And I got very swirly in all that crazy.

But His grace hovered in the midst of painful, confusing, noisy, hurtful, sad swirliness.

He is Gracious.

All that swirly-ness served a purpose. To show me what happens when I live a life focused on what's around me. For people, their opinions and preferences, my job, my health, my body - what happens when I let all that define me, determine my okay-ness, dictate my responses. All caught up in crazy, for sure.

I sought Him, but the swirly-crazy was so loud, I couldn't hear.

But He didn't give up on me hearing His voice.

He is Persistent Love.

And it came clear. Still.

He said it Himself, "I am the Lord, and I do not change." Malachi 3:6

And there it is.

He is Steady.

Somehow it makes sense in a way it hasn't before. He is my steady, in a world of swirly-crazy. And until I get that, like, really focus on that, deep in places where I'm swirly, I'll be caught up, distracted and, well...lost.

My stability is not found in my brain. Or my past. Or my marriage. Or anyone's mood (especially not mine). Or my job. Or the size of my body. Or what you think of what I write (or don't write).

My stability is found in Christ. He never changes, shifts, morphs, grows or shrinks. Rest in that, Little Birds.

He is Christ. My stability.

Praise His name that He never changes. Jesus Christ is the same (literally, "himself"), yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Amen!

Hope

2014-04-23T15:27:00.001-05:00

Maybe someone needs this today. Do you?

Maybe you think no one sees you.

He is El Roi. The God Who sees.

Maybe you think you're ordinary, nothing special.

He is Creator. The One Who spoke you into being, and crafted you by hand.
His mighty hand.

You are loved. By the God Who makes all things new. All things. New.

In Our Place

2014-04-18T08:35:00.001-05:00

It's different this year, for me. Good Friday.

'Cuz it's also my birthday.

In a very real sense, I feel the weight of His death. On that cross. It should have been me up there.

But it wasn't me. It was Him. In my place.

He is Jesus. Savior. My Savior.

He knew, before any of my family took their first breath. He knew He'd take that cross for me. And for you.

He knew I'd need Him to.

He is the Perfect Sacrifice. For sinners. For me. For you.

He was there when the world was created. He breathed, and it was!

He was there when Eve ate the apple, bringing pride and selfishness into the world.

He was there when God asked for someone willing to take the blame for sin.
Our blame.

He was there when they mocked Him as King. Spit on Him. Tortured Him till death.
On our behalf.

Did I mention, He is Perfect? As in, pure, lovely, without fault.

He is Perfect Love.

Perfect Love died on the cross, to take on the burden of sin, for you and for me. Jesus in our place.

He is Life.

His death (and resurrection) brings life. Eternal life. Perfect, eternal life with Him forever.

He is Everything.

May today be the day you choose life. Choose to put down your own, imperfect life.

Choose to believe that He died for your imperfections, just like He died for mine.

Choose to accept Him as your Savior. You need saving. (I did, too).

Choose to believe that He hung, and died, on that cross. In your place.

And choose to believe that His rising from the dead gives you life, too.

Today, may we share the same birthday. Mine, physical. Yours, spiritual.

If you want to learn more, visit www.TheDayJesusDied.com

Will someone, please, praise His Perfect, Loving name!

Hope

2014-04-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

So, this is how I've been feeling. Which is why I can't write.

Dry. Smooshed. Surrounded by things that used to be alive.

I kind of had a melt down. Well, not kind of.

At the last minute, decided to take a day off and just breathe, move a little bit. Outside.

Minding my own business, it appeared out of nowhere, and speaks sweet things to my soul.

He Speaks.

And, like a child, I stopped in wonder. And squealed. Outloud. People pointed and stared. But I didn't care.

The most beautiful, vibrant, happy little flowers. Just here. Nowhere else.

And instantly, I smile. Just that fast.

Because I know what He's saying. And it's precious to me. To my dry, brittle, worn out heart.

He is Comforting Creator.

He can turn anything around. Anything. And I need to believe that.

He is Sovereign.

He determines when and where He will bring life into a dry, brittle place.

He is Trustworthy.

And His light will shine where it will shine. He will make beauty.

So, there is always hope. Always, in Him.

Praise His name.

Knowing

2014-03-18T08:45:00.002-05:00

Today is an important day for me.

It's a day I'm stepping out of the safety of the current and into the unknown.

And there is a profound, last-minute obstacle.

So, I'm saying it to Him (and you). In advance.

He is Faithful.

That doesn't mean it'll all turn out okay.
It means that even if it doesn't turn out okay, He's faithful.

It's true.

He is Always. Faithful.

It's the same for your day, too. Believe it for yourself.

Someone, praise His Name!

Because He Says So

2014-03-05T11:34:00.003-06:00

They were physically exhausted, mentally tapped, emotionally frustrated.

Then He showed up. And told them to go deeper.

And I love what happened next. Simon said, "we worked hard all night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again."

And they caught enough fish to tear their nets wide open. Love that!

He is Trustworthy.

Think about what happened there.

Jesus told them to go deeper. After they worked all night doing what they thought was best. What they thought was deep. But He told them to go deeper. He knows what's best.

He is Wise.

He points us to depth. He knows we don't get results with anything superficial. He sees us working hard, but not getting anywhere - our efforts to control the surface, to keep things together, to work relationships to our advantage, to avoid root issues, thinking we don't need Him, trying to hide our sin. Whatever it is.

He calls us deeper than that.

He meets our needs in the deep. Our real needs. Not the distracting needs that we think are deep. He knows and meets the real ones - and He knows that solutions and healing come in the deep of Himself.

And sometimes, that's hard to understand. I mean, how does Jesus meet my deep needs?

Even Simon shows a bit of that question in his response. He says, in so many words, "um...yeah...we just had our nets in the water. Like, all night long. And we caught nothing. Trying again doesn't make any sense...but, if You say so..."

And there it is. Surrender. Letting go of what we think we know. Trusting Him. Believing Him. Letting Him run the show. Putting our effort into the deep.

I can relate. I've had several things in my life recently that aren't making sense. Things I've caused, tried to influence or fix, dreams I'm trying to pursue, things I'm trying to avoid.

And I know He's calling me deeper. But I didn't want to go there. Deep is scary. Remember that movie, The Abyss? Yeah. No thanks.

But over several weeks and months, I became like Simon. And I surrendered to what didn't make sense. ...but if you say so, LORD...

He is Right.

I walked deep into relationships that needed to be healed, uncomfortable conversations that needed to be had (another one today!). I did what He asked me to, or walked into what He brought to me, even though it didn't make sense, didn't seem fair, and certainly wasn't what I wanted or was prepared to do.

Right now, I'm walking into the depths of a job search I didn't want. A scary, kind of exciting, but intimidating process. He's calling me to step out, address deep fears and insecurities, trust Him, and go places I'd normally not go.

And you know what? He's changing me. Slowly. Dare I say, healing and growing me.
In deep places.

He is always Working.

He's calling us into the deep. He's calling you into the deep. Because He knows that there is blessing, provision, wisdom, growth, trust, love, and healing in those places.

What is it for you? Where does He want you to go deeper? Where does He want you to just surrender, and say...but if You say so, I will...?

Trust Him. Put yourself into the deep. Surrender to do it His way, for His will, by His call.
And get ready for your nets to burst. 'Cuz they will.

Worthy

2014-03-02T09:17:00.001-06:00

I wake up, and it's there.

In the midst of my day, it's there again.

Before I go to bed, it's still there.

So, I'm sharing it with you. Just listen. ~~Twice.~~ Three times. For real.
A beautiful thing on which to focus your mind.

...for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see...everything was created through Him and for Him. (Including you...)

He is Creator, worthy of glory.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Jesus, You are good...

someone...praise His good name!

Rolling Up My Pants

2014-02-11T21:13:00.001-06:00

That song. That prayer. He's answering...

He is Listening.

A while ago, I wrote that post, which came from a pure, deep desire. And here it is, real as can be. An opportunity to live out.

My heart wanted to know Him deeply, like that quiet, unmoved place in the dark of the ocean. The place that doesn't move with the surface.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger...

In the form of my team being eliminated in order to save fixed costs at work.

He is Faithful.

He's had me there for 12 years. I've loved every single minute. For real.

It's where I use my gifts, talents, abilities, passions. I love what I do. He designed me to do what I'm doing.

And it hurts to leave. It's scary. It's depressing.

And then I'm reminded of when Israel was crossing the Jordan. He told them that the priests had to step into the deep water before it would recede and let them pass through.

That's how He works. Think about it.

How can He part the sea for us if there isn't a sea in our way?

How can He answer our prayers for peace if there isn't anything to rustle us up?

How can we learn to trust if everything goes our way?

How can He show His power if nothing is broken?

How better could I go deeper than my feet could ever wander than to take me out of my comfort zone?

He is God.

And He wants to act in our lives. He wants an active role. In my life. In yours.

I want to be that woman who steps into deep water when He calls me to. Because I know that whenever He asks that, He's got something special in mind. And I want to see it.

Don't you? Want to see what He has for you. If yes, step into it. Whatever He has in front of you that's scary. The painful step. The difficult step.

Have no fear of the future, for God is already there...

Praise His name!