Today our country is celebrating the 4th of July. Here, it is a celebration of independence from British rule dating back to 1776. In America, freedom is our prized possession, but with it also comes a lot of responsibility.   I like to think of spiritual freedom in the same way.  

God, who is the creator of this world, created man with independent thinking. We have the ability to choose Him or to not choose Him. I always say God doesn't want robots.  We have to operate in a way that goes beyond the surface.  For many years, The fourth of July to me meant, a day off.  A day where I could eat as much barbecue, and banana pudding as I wanted without guilt.  It was a day to relax and enjoy my family and friends. That's the surface. However, it wasn't until I was older that I understood that huge sacrifices were made in order for us to celebrate this day.  I am thankful to the soldiers that gave their lives in that war for our freedom.  Likewise, Jesus also made sacrifices, that led to him making the  ultimate sacrifice for our spiritual freedom. 

In the Bible text John 4:23-24,  Jesus was speaking to Samaritan woman about true worship and fellowship with Him.  In a nutshell, she didn't know who or what her people were worshipping.  They worshipped out of tradition.  Jesus was there to let her know that true worship is not contained to one particular place. True worship is through the man that was standing in front of her. A time was coming when true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit, and Truth. 

To worship in the Spirit is to go beyond the surface of religion and obligation. Spirit worship seeks to know God intimately, to build a relationship through faith, love, and trust.  To worship God in truth, is to  worship Him through His son ,Jesus Christ.  Before Christ's birth and death, people worshipped God through a High Priest.  Priests would go to God with sacrifices on behalf of the people to pardon their sins. 

 Jesus Christ died, so that we could have this freedom to get in contact with God (through Him) whenever we want to.  He also gave us the freedom to choose Him over 2000 years ago, and still today in 2021. 

 Know the man that you are worshipping. Don't settle for tradition, rituals, or spiritual checklists. Go deeper, and pursue a real relationship with God, just as you would any relationship. Connect with Him through His son Jesus by prayer, and the studying of His Word.  The things you will learn about Him daily will release a power in you, and that power has no limits.  There is nothing too hard for God, and his resources never run dry. 

 

You Talk A Lot

You Talk a Lot….

 

 

 

Have you ever heard this before? Or maybe, “you’re always doing something.”   The first time  I was told I talk a lot; I didn’t know what  to do with that!  Funny thing is,  the first time I recall hearing that I was a senior in high school.  Up until that point I didn’t have much I could say or was allowed to say out loud.   We grew up with, “Whatever an adult says goes” , and it went, period!  There was not much discussion on the matter.   

 

When I think about it,  I was a senior in high school when I started to think seriously about my life, so I had a lot to say!   The first time I was told “You’re always doing something.” I can recall feeling a sense of pride about that, but this can be good or bad.   

 

In Isaiah 30:15 toward the latter part, it  says in Quietness and Trust is your strength…  In this passage God was giving His people in Judah a lesson in “you are doing too much”.   In order to defeat their enemies, all they had to do was rest in the strength of God, and  He would  make them victorious.   However, they decided to go in their own strength by trusting in faster horses.  Because of this God told them  their enemies’ horses would be even faster, therefore they would not win!  When we move in your own power, we ALWAYS do too much.  God is trying to make it a tad bit easier on us.     

 

When we are too confident, we can talk too much, or do too much.   When we are confident in our own resources and abilities, we fail to consult God.  God is saying our strength and our victory  is in quietness and trust, in Him. 

 

When a champion fighter is confident, (from a natural standpoint), there isn’t much that they have to say. They have the proven stats and track record to prove they can win.  It is theirs’s to lose if they do!  They are also smart  enough not to waste  their energy on talking and bouncing around before the fight starts.  

 

When we talk too much about a thing,  we have to ask ourselves;  “Who am I trying to convince? Them, me, or both!”  

 

God want us to remember where our strength really lies. It is in the quiet trust of knowing that He is able, and capable of doing what He promised.   It is knowing that the One to whom we’ve given trust will bring us out.  He also has a proven track record, with stats that go back over 2000 years.  He has and knows the plan! . Consult Him, rest in quietness to hear what He will Do!   God will honor your faith, and you won’t be worn out.  

 

 It’s  a win-win. 

 

Personal Creativity

 

We can read a million stories, hundreds of books, and obtain 10 degrees, and we will never be able to fully answer “these” questions apart from God. 

 

“What am I still doing here?”  Have you found yourself asking these questions?  It can be quite puzzling, especially when someone close to you pass away, or people who are in their prime of creating pass away.  

 

Surely, they had more to give the world.  Their lives were profitable, but they are gone, and I am still here.  What is that about?”

 

We may never know the answers these questions on this side of creation, and God meant it to be this way.  

 

It’s  not for us to know the path of others, but to discover and walk our own. But we are not alone. God is walking and guiding alongside us. 

 

We must  tap into what He wants us to know. Truth is, there is a lot that He wants us to know, and we don’t know it, because we don’t seek Him for it.  

 

God is a Master Creator. He created us. Everything that we have in us was given by Him and for His purpose.  If we want to know our purpose, we have to consult the one to whom our purpose is tied to. 

 

The apprehension of Christ, and His purpose in us, is the Joy and mystery of life.  

 

Your creativity , it’s personal. 

The Worst Could Happen..

Time to Reflect…...

 

What is the worst thing that could happen to you?  Have you ever thought about that?  Sure, we all have!  I tend to have this coping mechanism (maybe you do too) that tends to make some peace with the worst case scenario.   Why do we do that?  

Well I do it so that it takes away the fear and devastation that causes us to fear the worst case to begin with!   I don't know if this is healthy or  not, but it helps me, sometimes. 

In Rev 1:8, John is in the presence of Jesus, as HE reveals to him some pretty powerful stuff….. 

" I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.  And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."

This scripture can be a lot to wrap ones brain around.  Death is the absolute worst thing that could happen to a human being, or is it?  Bare with me….

Is dying is the worst thing a human being can experience or encounter? Wellllll, I guess it depends.  Death is certainly shrouded in mystery and fear. Simply because of the unknowns. No one wants to die. No one wants to think about how their life will end, and what happens after that.   Many who've had near death experiences, and those who DIED, and came back share…and still….fear and mystery?  

Jesus understand that the fear of death is pretty scary to humans.  So He went and got authority over that! 

Jesus said look, I got the keys?  I can put you in, and I can let you out.  I have All power and authority over death.    Jesus said,  "I was once dead, and now I am alive! And I will never die again."  Do you want  your key? Then follow Me. 

God has gone and made the worst thing that could happen to you, The Best Thing that could EVER happen to you.. 

Beautiful Construction

 

 

James 1:2-4

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

 

 

This is becoming a pain in my backside.  Every day I have to find another route, only to be rerouted from the route I thought would give me clearance.  I am so frustrated why are we just sitting here? “move” Go! What is taking so long?  This is frustrating the living daylights out of me!   Does any of this sounds familiar? 

 

If  you live in North Dallas, or any other major city that’s  steadily growing and showing no signs of slowing down you know exactly what this is.. Construction!  It is definitely an angst for most people.  We just want to get in our vehicles and cruise from point A to point B,  but due to unforeseen circumstances we are not allowed this comfort. 

 

Such is life when you think about it?  No one wants their life  to appear ugly and disheveled.   It just screams chaos, and confusion to the world.  When we are under construction it looks as though we are failing to everyone else, but to God, we are a beautiful masterpiece in the making.  

 

This scripture in James use to confuse me so much.  I didn’t understand how James could be asking us to rejoice in the midst of trials.  Who do you know rejoice when trouble comes?   “YES! My car is being repossessed today this is Awesome!!”  Or  “I just found out that I have a rare blood disease. winning!”    No one does this?  But here James is asking us to see our troubles from the inside out, because this is God’s perspective.  He sees the beauty in what we  will develop into, but we have to persevere and see it to the end. 

 

Reroutes, delays, and hours sitting in traffic is appealing to no one.  It is only when we learn to put on an audible book, play our favorite track, or catch up with a friend while sitting in the mess can we sort of appreciate it.   Through perseverance we are  learning to appreciate  both sides of what this craziness is producing.   

 

When the cement trucks, utility vehicles, and bull dozers disappear what we gain is something we never imagined.  Patience, Maturity, and Beauty.     “oh wow have you seen what they have built over there on Glory Road?  It is so nice!”  

 

Now, we can bask in the light of what our new neighborhood or city looks like. It is something to be proud of and we don’t mind showing it off when friends and family come to visit! 

 

When you are in your next trial, try to focus on the glory after.  Think about what you are  becoming.  Sit still ; be patient and remember that your beautiful is on the horizon. 

 

"Sit Down and Be Quiet"

 

 

 

2020, what a year right? I think it’s safe to say that this year will go down in history as one of the craziest. I was sitting in a waiting area, and a man walk in with a t-shirt that read “2020 Sucks”, and his wife was wearing a “SNAPPED” t-shirt.  I think this is the only time you can wear something like that, and people not think you are suicidal or homicidal, well, because we all get it! 

 

This year all the things that you could never imagine happened, and all at the same time.  In addition to the pandemic many of us are experiencing personal tragedies.  The waters are turbulent, everyone has an opinion about it, and our government leaders don’t have a viable solution. 

 

The phase uncertain times has been used a lot, and it is exactly that.   We have nothing solid to stand on.  A global pandemic, civil injustice and unrest, a political circus, a shook educational system, unemployment, businesses shutting down, and on top of that everyone is tired of social distancing and wearing masks! 

 

So, what can we do?  Well, as my momma use to say to me when I was a kid; “Get somewhere, sit your tail down, and be quiet!”   I am pretty sure she didn’t know she was being biblical at the time, but folks God has us right where He wants us, don’t believe me? Read Psalm 46:10, and the entire chapter for that matter.     

 

Psalm 46 reminds us, that God is our refuge and strength. Our place of safety and substance.  God is a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear no matter how devastating the storm.  It can be difficult to rest in this truth when we are listening to everyone and everything but, God. 

 

People.  God wants us to sit down,and be quiet long enough to know Him. He wants us to hear what He has to say right now. He wants to keep us safe; give us real knowledge, wisdom and peace.  We can have peace right now.  However, peace won’t come while we are having futile arguments with people on social media every chance we get, or while watching endless hours of CNN or Fox news as they scare the daylights out of us from sunup to sun down?

 

    Only God knows everything about everyone, and every situation. Only God knows the heart of every individual including ours. Take this time to know God. Block out all the noise. Too many opinions, theories, and stores will steal your clarity of thought. It muffles the sound of God’s voice; if you can hear it at all? 

 

To know God is to understand Him, to observe and recognize what He is trying to do through your situations, and the world’s. To know God is to know Him well enough to understand why these things have to happen, and what you should be doing as a result of them.  Be still in Him, and He will keep you still, as in poised, calm, clear, obedient to Him, and active where it counts the most.

 

Who Is Able?

 As we continue to face this global crisis ushered in by the Coronavirus, I can’t help but notice that God is not being consulted in higher offices. With all their education, intelligence, and wisdom no one has felt the need to call a global prayer meeting. 
 Yet with their best efforts our leaders have been unable to stop the spread of the Coronavirus  Their predictions keep changing, the facts on how the virus can be contracted continues to evolve. Hospitals have no more rooms for patients. They are running out of lifesaving equipment, and many of our healthcare professionals have lost their lives trying to protect us. They are telling us not to visit the hospital if we think we've contracted it!?  So where do we go for treatment?  Who can protect us, who can heal us? Who is able to stop the progression of this deadly virus? 

God is Able!  

The one and only Person that can deliver us is not being mentioned as a weapon to fight against this pandemic. Yes, churches are praying, believers are consulting God in our communities, or in our space of influence for Christ. We are trying to stand in the gap, but many of us are already surrendered to Christ.  However, our nation is not in the correct posture.   The Word of God says every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that I am Lord; Romans 14:11. Our country is prideful, and we boldly display on our currency “In God we Trust”.  But our actions are not backing this up. 

Politicians want to be Heroes. But they are not capable.  So, we ask the question again. Who is Able? The Word’s resounding response is GOD is ABLE.  Eph. 3:20 says; “Now unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think... "  This should cause us to seek. It is a mystery to many, a question that will cause us to look deeper for answers from God, and knock at the door until it is opened.   

He who is Able, has an extensive resume. A proven track record that backs Him up! God is our Creator, God is our Healer, God is our Deliver, God paid our ransom, God gave us His only Son. God delivered the Children of Israel across the red sea on dry ground. God protected His people from the plagues of Egypt. God raises the dead. God makes the lame walk, and the dumb talk. God provides for every living creature big and small.  God can do more than anything you or I will ever think to ask Him! But first we’ve got to ask Him. We must trust His track record. Yes, people have died. People are dying. But people are also surviving. God’s hand of mercy still covers us.  He is standing and waiting to be acknowledged.  We need to deliberately and diligently seek Him. 

The one Who is Able, has thoughts and ways that are far above ours. You can take the smartest leader in the world, and put them with the smartest scientist, the most intelligent economists and strategists and they still will not be able to accomplish what God can.  The Bible says, “for as high as the heaven is above the earth, so are my thoughts and ways higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:9) 

 This is a vast distance. None of us can pinpoint where heaven is. We can’t even fathom heaven's location past the universe.  This is why we pray; this is why we consult God. He has answers and solutions that never enter our minds.  

So, who is Able? God is Able, and He wants to work in cooperation with us!  

Exchanging my wants for His

We usually do this the other way around right? And when things don't go the way we want we become angry with the world, and with God.  This scripture in the 37th Psalm has given us the "secret sauce" to our happiness.  "Delight yourself in the Lord."  

 This means spending time with Him.  Read about Him.  Pray to Him.  Studying Him, asking Him questions, and WAITING for an answer. (This is always the hardest part).  We make our life about Him. 

 I know we have often asked: "What do I really want"?

I feel after we've gone around the mountain and back, we all will arrive at the same answer:  peace and happiness.  However, the means by which this happiness is delivered to us is what can muddy the waters.  We think we know what will make us happy so we put all of our energy into that "thing" we think will do it for us. Most of the time it's natural things: 

A house,  a car,  a person, or a relationship.  For all of you younger folks reading this, Spoiler alert: those aren't it! lol.  Although you may feel pretty happy in the beginning, all of these things will fizzle out and ultimately disappoint. 

Delighting in God first is going to save you a lot of time and frustration. 

We've got to put our wants to the side and start exploring what it is that God wants. And in doing this:  love, peace, and happiness will flow through you regardless of what is going on around you, and in your life. 

Be Blessed! 

My Soul Has Weight

Today as I was reading The 40 Day Soul fast, by Cindy Trimm I learned that there is this scientific study out there called 21 grams, have you heard of it?  This research shows that immediately after a person dies they lose 21 grams.  That’s 3/4^thof and ounce.  Wow!?  I’ve never heard of this experiment, but Duncan McDougal performed this back in 1907.  He would take a terminally ill patient and weigh them right before their passing, and then immediately after. He did this on six people, and several animals to confirm that there was a difference. There was no weight change in the animals but in the humans it was 21 grams!  I have never thought about they physical weight of our souls. 

My immediate emotion to this finding is that, the soul is extremely powerful! If you think about our personality, emotions and aspirations, which is the seat of where EVERY thing lies, it all weighs less than an ounce!  

My mind is really blown.  This says to me that I really have to put my self in an environment where I can tap into this very powerful piece of me.   We are Body, Soul, and Spirit.  The body, (which is dying daily) unfortunately gets all the attention, but the soul is eternal.  Ironically meaning, that although it cannot be properly measured by natural means, it carries the most weight. Our souls live forever. 

The soul is often starved or neglected and given the wrong diet. It is ignored and overlooked, under valued in our world.  The scripture even says, “Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.”  1 Sam. 16:7

This means God doesn’t judge us by how we look, what we own, or our connections. He judges us by what is inside. However,  we live our lives mostly taking care of what the world sees as if their vote matters. God’s Judgment is the only one that matters! He holds our eternal home. We should nurture from the inside out. 

Why do we give more attention to the flesh than our soul?  Is it because we care more about what people say and think, than what God knows about us? Does it make us feel accepted, likeable, or in-fashion? Those things fade.  When we give attention to our soul man we really begin to see how much weight 21 grams carries in the kingdom of God. 

Our soul is our inward compass, the rotor in our ship so to speak. From our soul (i.e. our heart) flows the issues of life. Where our heart is, there will our treasure be also. This is the Word letting us know just how much weight the soul carries.  

We must build up our souls and guard it! Protecting it with the hope of God’s word. Guard your soul against despair and hopelessness, negativity and complaining. All of these things poisons the heart and spills out into our daily life. Our soul is what dictates our path, and destination. 

It is hard to deceive the heart because it is who we are. If our soul is full of darkness our lives, our conversation, and choices will reflect the same. This is why God tells us to guard our hearts with all diligence.  Meaning put more effort into protecting your inner man, because it will dictate what happens on the outside. If you want to be happy, if you want to find joy, feed your soul the Words of God. They are hope, and They are life! 

Choices

Today I’m starting again, to read The 40 Day Soul Fast  “Your Journey to Authentic Living", by Cindy Trimm.  I purchased this book years ago following New Years.  My sister and I thought it would be a great way to start our year. As I look back on the pages, (after dusting them off first!) I realize I’d only made it to page 32!  I can tell you I purchased this book well over 5 years ago!   Okay transparent moment:  I don’t know why sometimes I can’t finish what I start. I have so many good intentions and good ideas. I will start something work on it, put it down, and pick up something else?   Yes, I have accomplished things, but in the grand scheme, I have found there is still so much more that is trying to get out.  I can feel the Spirit trying to birth it out of me, and I will procrastinate on it. I do realize that it is about daily choices.  Choosing natural or carnal things over spiritual. Putting something off until tomorrow, when I’m capable of doing it today.  A few days, weeks, and months of that, and it’s no wonder that “thing’’ that God gave me to do isn’t done yet!  Lord, thank you for grace and please forgive me."  I am making “the better choice” starting today.  

In Cindy ‘s book, I was reading about how the choices we’ve made in life has landed us where we are now, whether we be in a good place or a bad place.  See here: 

“Where you are now is a direct result of every decision you have made in the past."  "In other words, the life you are living today--the state of your relationships, the joy, and peace you are experiencing, or the sorrow and pain-find its root in decisions you have made up until this present moment.  Your life is simply a representation of the sum total of your choices---choices that either enslave or save your soul. Think about that for a moment.  Ultimately, you are only one decision away from changing everything. One decision can change the trajectory of your life." 

This is a jolting truth to share in a society where everyone loves to play the blame game!  However, if you’re anything like me you thought, “Oh heck, now I got to be extra super careful of every little thing I do, and the choices I make, even the ones that seem to be small."  This isn’t a bad position to take when making decisions, but I tend to carry it to the next level. WORRY.   We know that God commands us not to worry.  He tells us in Matthew 6:25-34, all the reasons why we shouldn’t. And my biggest take away is, He’s already provided for today. He has placed the right choices here, all we have to do is choose them. Free will right?  Today is Tuesday, July 16, 2019. I only need to be concerned about today, and not in a worrying anxious kind of way, but by making it my business to ask God into His business for this day, so I will make the right choices.  And, if you didn’t think to ask the Lord this morning what His plans where for you today, start now.  Ask Him in this moment. “What do you want me to do?" , And then wait and expect.  I feel it’s the only way to ensure we make the right choice so we will be proud of where our lives end up. Even if your life doesn’t look like you thought it would.  If we are obedient to God we can have peace in knowing that God is pleased with how you are stewarding your life. You will live in joy because you know His plan will benefit you greatly before it's all over.  (Romans 8:28) 

   My prayer today:  “Lord, Thank you for granting me entrance into today. I am so grateful that you have allowed me to live in this day that you have made. Now, “What would you have me do today?” Where are we going? Who should I talk to, where should I go to buy, who do you want me to pray for. What mysteries and treasures have you hidden for today? What problems will I face, tell me now, how do I navigate through them? Word my mouth for whomever I will encourage and exhort today.  What are my responsibilities, Lord?  Please be a light and a lamp for me, in your Son Jesus’ name amen.”  

When you really break it down, today is really the only day you have to inquire about.   Tomorrow has its own set of mysteries and treasures it will hold, and ONLY GOD knows what they are. I don't know about you but that is a load off! We can plan of course, but we can’t be grieved or shaken when things don’t go the way we plan.  I am convinced that we would all be a lot less anxious or frustrated if we diligently entreat God about what He has for us in this day.  Today, not tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.  

You've Got Troubles..

How do you handle life's disappointments? When trouble arrives do you stress or host your own pity party? Do you have a meltdown or seek unhealthy escape routes? I think it's safe to say fear of failure and the unknown has gotten the best of all of us a time or two. But, I love St John 16:33 because it keeps it all the way real with us. "In this world, you're going to have trouble." 

The above biblical truth is in my top 3 because it dispels the myth that going through troubles, loss, and hard times somehow exempts you from God's favor. But Jesus is pretty clear here...make no mistake about it, troubles are hitched to your wagon from the moment you exit your mother's womb and enter this fallen world, clearly pointed out in Job 14:1 But,...(that conjunction is key.) Take heart, in ME you SHALL have PEACE because I have overcome This World.

So what brings you security? Is it money or things? Is it solid relationships, friendships, a spouse? All of these things are wonderful to have, but when life rocks the boat or tips it all the way over what will you do? How will you see yourself? Hardships or "failure" can really chip away at your self worth if you let it. But if you remember this scripture, and strive to keep your Identity with Christ and not in this world you WILL have peace no matter what occurs in this life.

I Have prepared Peace; Search for it.

Happy New Year  Family!   I know by now you are knee deep into making all of your dreams come true for 2019!  Yep it's what we do, and if you're fortunate you haven't fallen back into your old habits, yet!  

So what do you feel you need more than anything in the world right now to make you happy?  How does the end of your day leave you feeling? Are you satisfied or disappointed and tired?  Now think about how you began your day.   Like most of us, we wake up with a to-do list and pre-planned job duties a mile long.  We can experience mental overload before our feet touch the ground!   We fill our minds with all of the things that “we” need to do, and what we need to “make” happen.  I don’t know about you, but it brings me a little peace when I have accomplished most of my to-do lists within a 12-24 hour period.  I am a horrible procrastinator, but when I get things done the peace that I experience from that is very short lived.  Where the old list begins to dwindle, there is another one waiting closely in the wings screaming for my immediate attention! This use to drive my husband crazy! LOL.  “He’d say;  honey we will get to it, don’t worry”. I use to feel so bad thinking my mind was overloading and disturbing his peace!  I had to learn to stop, and celebrate an accomplishment before picking up new “to-dos.” 

 My soul desperately cries out for focus, and not only focus for what I want, but for what God wants for me. 

Today, I tried a 7- minute focus drill. In the guided drill I was forced to focus on one thing, while giving some attention to the things that would pull my mind away from that primary focus.   I then had to force my self to come back to the center of my focus, pushing the distractions out of my view.  It was not easy for me as I try to do 10 things at once. I'm constantly running back and forth trying to keep all the balls in rotation. I realize when I do that, all the balls maybe moving, but do I know where  are they going? I'm I really getting anything of substance done?  Much like a person who juggles, the art is being able to “juggle”, but to what avail? Maybe to say you are focused enough to keep tossing and catching the same balls over and over again? Although impressive, is it real productivity? How did that juggling act fulfill my God given purpose on that day?  See we can do and accomplish a lot of impressive stuff, but is that what we’re suppose to be accomplishing. I realize that I don’t want to be this master Multi-tasker in the sense of how our world glorify and praise that skill today. I want to focus on the task at hand giving all of my attention to what is important in that moment, and then move on to the next.   So how do we accomplish this, when there’s so much to do in our waking hours? Let us tell it, and women especially , ALL of it is top priority! Lol. Lord helps us. 

In Ps. 118:24 God reminds us that every new day that we enter, He made it. Meaning not only did He prepare the day, and the encounters of the day He allows us to be in it.   So our focus and direction every morning should be, "God What did you prepare for me, today?"

What is your focus for me in this day Lord. What have you pre-ordained?  When the Word of God says that His peace will surpass all understanding, and guard our hearts and minds, it means that we have to experience His peace. Not create it. No one ever visits a spa, or a vacation resort, and then try to create a peaceful environment once they arrive. “Okay let me plan my peace?” No! The entire retreat IS peaceful. It has already been prepared for you. Just walk in, sit down, and receive.  (Yes Jesus!) God is saying, I’ve already created it.  It’s a gift that comes with each new day. Look for it, and accept it.  

So,  I am a planner, am I going to stop planning? Of course not! Lol. I will however begin practicing the welcomed spiritual discipline of accepting God’s providential moves, as they come.  True inner peace comes from knowing God’s will, trusting God, and then accomplishing what He wants us to do in “that” day.   That old gospel song that says; “This peace that I have, the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away” That’s facts!  If you believe that more money, status, things, friends, and fame will bring you real joy and peace, man ole man the hard and tiring lessons will abound.  I’ve been there!  All of those things are subject to change, and will fade  in your lifetime, on this side of  heaven.   But once you prove what  that acceptable will of God is for your day, and then you walk in that. You will have successfully accepted your free gift of His peace, and your life will emerge from that peace. Every distraction or seemingly altered course of your day will bring on new meaning as you search for the daily miracles and blessings God has waiting for you. 

Let's Search for God's Gift of peace in 2019! 

Christ Is Security

  

Have you heard of the Devotional Jesus Calling?  It is a best selling devotional written by Sarah Young, and has been republished numerous times. The messages are always on point and there are scriptural references attached to each promise. 

  Today was one of my Favorites! 

The first sentence began with: Make Me The Focal POINT of your Search for Security. 

All of us want to feel safe, but everywhere you look nowadays you see everything BUT that.  As soon as you put your trust into something it soon changes. I have never seen so many warranties and insurance polices abound in my life, and  within that insurance find ways not to cover everything. 

 So many people are trying to secure, and protect their futures, But ONE thing is for certain, nothing on this earth is “safe.”  I have a thing that I say now, and it's “If you can see it, it will change! Good or Bad.  Like the old people use to say, just keep living.

 So what do we hope in?  Many people bet on themselves.  They feel if they hustle hard enough in life it will payoff.  To an extent this can be true, but it is not fail proof.  The only real security is the One who cannot change, and His name is Jesus Christ.    Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 

Hebrews 6:18 also talks about the two immutable “unchangeable” things that should bring us great security.  God’s Promise and God’s Oath.  When God made Abraham a promise He swore by himself because there was no one greater! He needed nothing else to secure His promise but HIM.   People often secure their word with “I Promise” Or  “I swear”.  Even the Presidents elected in our Country have to place their hand on God’s word to “cement” their oath in a greater truth because their word isn’t good enough.  God doesn’t have to do that. He IS the Truth, and  He is the only Security that we need.   Remember to always make Christ the Focus in your search for security. He knows where you're going because He's already been there! 

 If you Get Christ, You get Security.