“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Matthew 12:34

There’s a living stream within us. It begins with what we see and hear, flows through our thoughts, channels into desires, and pools awhile in our hearts. Then one day, the well overflows. Good or bad, our words reveal the content and quality of our inner aquifer. What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.

I’ve noticed my most polluted heart-waters gush out under pressure. Stress, pain, and fatigue are my main “pressure pumps.” How about you?

Bible memory is a powerful purification system! God’s truth in our hearts has a miraculous way of filtering muddied thoughts and motives. There’s nothing so refreshing than God’s living word flowing through our hearts and minds. That’s why God says:

“Commit yourselves completely to these words of mine. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.“ (Deut. 11:18, Proverbs 4:21-23 NLT)

You and your kiddos can memorize today’s verse in less than 2 minutes! Click the link and listen to Matthew 12:34 put to song by SEEDS Family Worship:

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/the-mouth/

If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak; of whom you speak;
And how, and when, and where.

“The Mouth” is found on the SEEDS of Praise CD – available at my web store.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

Jesus said to his disciples,

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Take Heart!
This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11 – the morning time stood still. Our knees buckled in horror as we watched surreal images of destruction and devastating loss. Strong Towers crumbled. The Pentagon gaped open. Aircraft debris littered a Pennsylvania countryside. Three thousand lives gone in an instant. Our hearts broke with grief.

FEAR claimed victory over us that day, and for many that was true. But not for all. Comfort, hope, and peace were found by those who ran into the arms of God. We took heart in our risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ…and entrusted Him with our wounds and “Why”s.

Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble (many trials, tribulation). But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What a powerful truth to have in our hearts and minds this anniversary weekend!

Memorize today’s verse with joy and ease! Can I strongly encourage you to click on the link and listen to John 16:33 put to song by SEEDS Family Worship? I promise you won’t regret the 90 second investment! In fact, if you’re like me, you’ll end up listening again and again…and then find yourself singing, “Take Heart! Take Heart!” while folding laundry. Your kids will love it too!

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/take-heart/

Take Action!
I want to share a terrific opportunity with you! This Sunday, September 11, Ann Graham Lotz (Billy Graham’s daughter) and author Joel Rosenberg will present “A Wake-Up Call For God’s People” - a worldwide Simulcast to be broadcast on the internet at 6pm (Central/Pacific) and 7pm (Eastern/Mountain). Ann says:

“This evening of teaching and authentic worship music led by Selah, we pray, will be used by God to wake up His people. Join us as we consider the times in which we live, refocus on Jesus as our Hope for the future, and ask God to re-ignite such an intense longing for His return that we live the rest of our lives with no regrets.”

For more info: Sunday, September 11: A Wake Up Call For God’s People

“Take Heart” is found on The Power of Encouragement CD – available at my web store.

“‘My thoughts are completely different than yours,’
says the LORD.
‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

‘For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

The first line of William Cowper’s 18th century poem, Light Shining Out of Darkness, has resided in my heart since I heard it years ago:

“God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.”

What comfort! What hope! All of life’s conundrums are in God’s wonder-working hands. He holds the answer to every painful and perplexing “why” and “how” – they are His to reveal, or not to reveal, as He chooses.

The more we learn about God (His character and nature), the more we realize how little we know. The Almighty isn’t just a smarter version of ourselves, as some may think. He is beyond our comprehension. His thoughts and ways are literally “out of this world!”

But that will change in a moment when we meet God face to face! Our faith will become sight. The great mysteries of God will be revealed. And we will glory in His perfection. Oh what a day!

GOD’S HANDWRITING
(by John Oxenham)

He writes with characters too grand
For our short sight to understand;
We catch but broken strokes, and try
To fathom all the mystery
Of withered hopes, of death, of life,
The endless war, the useless strife -
But there, with larger, clearer sight,
We shall see this – His way was right.

“For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13

For 56 years (1955-2002), the popular Ask Ann Landers advice column was a regular feature in newspapers across the country. Ann Landers received an average of ten thousand letters each month – nearly all of them from people with problems. Asked if there was one predominant theme in the letters she received, she replied, “The one problem above all others seems to be fear. People are afraid of losing their health, their wealth, and their loved ones. People are afraid of life itself.”

Fear is a thief – robbing our hearts of peace and confidence; pillaging our potential. Most of our fears are of the “what if” variety. What if I fail? What if I’m rejected? What if I get hurt? What if I write a bad Daily Bible Verse post and readers think poorly of me?” (Just keeping it real!) Do you have a fear-inducing “what if” today?

In the grips of fear, God takes our wringing hands in his and calmly says, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to help you. Trust me.” Embracing the security of God’s presence radically alters our perspective on “what if” and what is before us. Fears vanish. The adventure of life resumes. We can breathe again.

Because we’re human, we’ll always have fears – but we don’t have to give in to them. We can remember the Lord God is our “ever-present help in trouble” – and walk hand in hand with faith in our fearless Companion.

When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight.
When Jesus keeps you tight, he leads you through your whole life.
When Jesus leads you through your life, he brings you safely home.

-Corrie ten Boom, In My Father’s House

LINK the Word:
As loving and protective parents, we often take our child’s hand to help them:  walk safely across the street, get down from playground equipment, etc. Use those opportunities as object lessons for today’s verse. 

LIVE the Word:
Pray with an open hand, thanking the Lord that though you do not see him, you know he’s holding your hand and helping you with whatever struggles you face. Give him the “what if”s that cause you fear.

Pray with an open heart, listening for God’s reassuring voice saying, “I’m holding your right hand, (_your name_). I’m the LORD your God. Don’t be afraid. I’m right here to help you.”

Reach out to someone in the grip of struggle and fear. Give them a call. Write them an encouraging note. Share the reassuring truth of Isaiah 41:13.

“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

Some passages of Scripture are so beautiful they summon to be memorized.  This is one. What a treasure to have hidden in our hearts – the assurance of God’s mighty presence and active affection towards us!

The Lord our God sings over us!  Think of it! I have fond childhood memories of my mom singing sweet bedtime songs while tucking me under the covers. On those nights she might have forgotten, I remember calling out to her, “Mom, will you sing me a bedtime song?” And in she’d come…

Meditating on the amazing truth of Zephaniah 3:17, I’ve imagined the Lord singing over me in the same fashion – His voice of indescribable perfection singing lyrics of love and hope to a peaceful melody. And there have been occasions when I’ve called to him from under my covers at night, “Heavenly Father, will you sing me a song?” And in He’d come…

From his deathbed, John Wesley said, “The greatest of all, is, God with us.” How true! And how marvelous to know Almighty God’s presence offers us his great delight, soul-quieting love, and joyful singing!

Click the link below to listen to Zephaniah 3:17 recorded by SEEDS Family Worship. Singing God’s word makes it easy to remember. By the end of the song you (and your kids) will have this comforting verse in your hearts.  This is a great bedtime song to sing to your little ones!

“Mighty to Save” Zephaniah 3:17 by SEEDS Family Worship

“Mighty to Save” is found on the SEEDS of Praise CD – available at my web store.

This post is dedicated to my daughter, Amy, and all the other college students who are starting a new year of learning and living on campus.

“The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.”
Proverbs 12:22

Proverbs 12:22 quickly became known as “the Pinocchio verse” in our family.  Shortly after we learned it together, Disney released its 1940 animated “Pinocchio” on VHS (“Video Home System” – yes, I’m THAT old!); the classic story of a puppet whose nose grows longer with each lie he tells. The wise Blue Fairy warns him that ”a lie keeps growing until it’s as plain as the nose on your face.”

Pinocchio was a great memory LINK for our newly-learned Proverb.  So when McDonalds came out with a Pinocchio Happy Meal toy (with a nose that popped in and out!), I jumped up and down then headed for the drive-through.

With verse in hand, our proverbial Pinocchio would show up at various places as a silent reminder that “the Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men that are truthful.” The toothbrush holder was one of his most frequent appearances.  I’ll bet none of your little ones ever lied about brushing their teeth, right? I sometimes asked my young girls, ”Is that a long nose answer or a short nose answer?” If it was a short nose answer we delighted over it.  If it was a long nose answer, we waited for the truth…and then delighted.

To be honest, Pinocchio convicted me as well. I became mindful of my inclination for lying to avoid conflict or disappointment.  Lies, big and small, became less tolerable in my spirit. When speaking the truth made me squirm, Proverbs 12:22 became a powerful weapon against the urge to fib, prompting me to please God above man. The simple Proverb still speaks to me today!

How about you and your family?  Could you use a reminder from Pinocchio? Is that a long nose answer or a short nose answer?

Family Fun LINK:
Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, suggests Disney’s Pinocchio as a great “Movie Night for Kids.” Themes of bravery, obedience, honesty, unselfishness, self-sacrifice, and other virtues are embedded in the story and provide a friendly context for conversation. Plugged In has made it easy for parents by creating a “Story Summary,” “Family Activity,” “Talking Points,” and “Coloring/Activity Sheet.”  Just click the link below. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show together!

Disney’s Pinocchio Family Movie Night Activity from Plugged In

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Jeremiah 31:3

Holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom wrote,

“When I was a little girl, my father used to tuck me into bed at night.  He talked with me, prayed with me, and laid his big hand on my little face.  I did not move because I wanted to keep the feeling of that big hand on my face.  It was a comfort to me.

“Later, when I was in the concentration camp, I would sometimes pray, ‘My heavenly Father, will you lay your hand on my face?’ That would bring me peace, and I would be able to sleep. Because father showed me his fatherly love, I could later understand the heavenly Father’s love.  Fathers and mothers, show your children your love.”

For years, Elizabeth Elliott (widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliott) opened her Gateway to Joy radio program each day with these words:  “You are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  That’s what the Bible says.” I can still recall Elizabeth’s low, steady voice saying those words over the airwaves – and, oh, how they soothed my soul on many-a-day.

Take a moment to meditate on God’s everlasting, unwavering love for you (and your family). Sense his big hand on your face. Rest in his embrace.  Let Him fill your cup to overflowing. And then, love…

*Deuteronomy 33:27

“Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5

The road of life is full of forks. Some choices are obvious. Like, “Should I take the path to inner freedom and forgive _(name)_, who wronged me OR should I take the road to corroding bitterness and cling to my resentments?” (Remember, I said obvious, not easy!)

Others forks can induce an uncomfortable condition I call “indecision indigestion” – the nagging angst of not knowing with certainty which path to take.

Recently I came across a useful, Biblically sound approach to decision making. It was written by an amazing Christ-follower, German-born George Mueller. Mueller became one of the most powerful evangelical leaders in nineteenth-century England and is best remembered for his groundbreaking work with orphans. No doubt, Mueller stood at many uncertain crossroads of decision in his life and ministry.

In his later years, Mueller articulated 6 principles he followed when seeking the Lord’s will: (they’re worth reading!)

1. I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that is has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what his will is.
2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make myself liable to great delusions.
3. I see the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Spirit guides at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.
4. Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.
6. Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge; and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in transactions involving more important issues, I have found this method always effective.

Are you facing a difficult fork in your road today? God waits to show you his way, teach you his path, and guide you in truth as you hope in Him all day long.

Family LINK:
If your kids are in the midst of a tough decision (what activity to join, sport to play, class to take, classmate to endear, college to pursue…), this is a great passage for them to have in their hearts. One of the greatest things we can teach our children is how to turn decisions over to the Lord and discern His will. Share Mueller’s wisdom with them in words they can understand. And then work/pray through the path-choosing process with them. Only God can safely navigate us through every challenging fork in our road. And as our Creator and Savior, we couldn’t be in better hands!

“Show me the path I should walk, O LORD;
point out the right road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.”
New Living Translation

For the last seven Friday’s I’ve posted an “I AM” verse from the book of John.  Jesus made some bold public statements!  For centuries, the name “I am” was reserved by the Jews for God alone.  With each “I AM the …” Jesus’ revealed his deity – and beckoned all to believe and draw near.

If you’re like me, these past seven Friday’s have been heart-awakening to the majesty of Christ.  My faith has expanded over the weeks as I’ve “seen” Christ’s words come alive in my mundane moments:

• I’ve contemplated Him as my “bread of life” as I’ve waited for my toast to pop.
• Reaching for my sunglasses I’m reminded he is “the light of the world,” radiant in glory, blinding in brilliance, beaming light onto my private path – moment by moment, one day at a time.
• Taking my pups through the backyard gate for a walk, I see Jesus as “the gate” - my only entrance to salvation – and I thank him; with a swelling heart I thank him for my entering.
• Waking in the night with worry, I remember He is “the good shepherd,” laying guard at my gate through the night; keeping vigil for my protection and well-being. And oh, how my spirit revives with hope knowing he will leave the ninety-nine sheep on the hills and go look for the one that wondered off.
• On the way to the grocery, I notice a cross atop a neighborhood church and see Him, “the resurrection and the life.” The agony of his crucifixion makes me shudder. He “went there” – to the depths of hell – for me.  Then rose again. Death where is your victory, your sting?  He is life.
• Driving on an overpass bridge, I see Jesus as “the way,  the truth, and the life.” He is THE – one and only!
• Cutting the dead stems from my pitiful plants, I’m reminded that Jesus is the vibrant and sustaining “vine” and I’m the dependent branch.  In my own strength and autonomy there’s nothing I can do of lasting value – no fruit is possible except through clinging to my vine, Jesus. So I ask him for needed patience and wisdom.

Jesus Christ is the “I Am” in-of-over-through everything.  Nicole Nordeman put it beautifully in her song, “I Am.”  Click on the link below to watch and listen.  You will be blessed…and soothed by all Jesus is for you personally today.

\”I Am\” by Nicole Nordeman