Choosing to Walk

I do believe the Lord is trying to tell me something. This verse and verses like it seem to literally be appearing before my eyes; or, I hear them being whispered in my ear from that “still small voice"...“Walk before Me and be blameless.”

Because I continue to come across this verse - not by mistake mind you, but because the Lord is trying to teach me something - I had to dig into it a little more and see for myself exactly what it means.

I pulled out my handy dandy Strong’s Concordance to look up the original Hebrew definitions of the words “walk” and “blameless”. Here’s what I found:

Walk comes from the Hebrew word halak meaning to behave oneself, a continual action, to enter, to exercise (self), to grow, to move, to run.

The word blameless is the Hebrew word tamiym which means without blemish, truth, complete, full.

God has been speaking this lesson to me, but I believe it is also for all of us who have been called according to His purpose. You and I are to be conducting ourselves in a manner that is based on, and reflects, the Truth of God’s Word and His righteous character. We are to be continually exercising ourselves toward godliness until our journey through this life is complete.

But how? How do you and I daily exercise ourselves so that we are filled up to overflowing by the Almighty God? For me, it begins by getting into His Word at the beginning of every day. I know that when my feet hit the floor every morning, God has a fresh new Word awaiting me in the pages of Scriptures. The Word is already there, and just as the definition of walk tells us, I have to enter into that time with Him eagerly anticipating what it is that He is going to speak over me that day.

Another way for us to exercise ourselves toward godliness is through prayer. My prayer time is so utterly important to me. This is my time to sit before the Lord, pour out my heart to Him and then listen for Him to speak back to me. Yes, God speaks to us through His Word, but praise Him, He has also chosen to speak to us personally through conversation. When we talk to the Lord, He listens and answers.

I find it very interesting that the word walk is verb, an action word, something that has to be done; it’s not something that has to be done by God, but something that must be done by me in order for my walk to be blameless before Him. Walking before the Lord, entering into His presence on a continual basis, sitting before Him allowing Him to fill me up is my choice.

I can choose to obey Him and walk before Him daily which will lead to a life that reflects the Truth of who He is or I can choose not to. Today I choose to walk. What about you? Do you choose today to walk worthy of the calling God has placed on your life?

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of
the calling to which you have been called."
Ephesians 4:1, ESV

Precious Treasures

"He who heeds the Word wisely will find good,
and whoever
trusts in the LORD, happy is he."

Proverbs 16:20

The condition of my heart affects what I say, do, and see. When my heart is heeding and giving attention to the wisdom of God found in His Word- that's what will come out of me- His wisdom. I'll teach His wisdom to my children and those around me; I'll make wise choices and behave wisely. Why? Because I've heeded to the instructions of His Word. Heeding oneself to the Word of God leds to one being joyful in the Lord no matter what may be going on in the circumstances around.

Joy in the Lord is not based on whether or not everything is fine and dandy in our lives. Joy is, rather, a happiness based on unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. True joy, for the believer, is knowing and resting in the fact (and it is a FACT!), sweet sister, that everything between her and her Lord is right (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Our joy in Christ is not temporal or based on our past, present, or future circumstances, but is founded on an unchanging, all-powerful God. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

In John 17 verses 13 and 14, Jesus says,"But now I (Jesus) come to You (God), and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in them. I (Jesus) have given them (you and me) Your word (God's Word)." He goes on to say in verse 17 of that same chapter, "Sanctify (set them apart) them by Your truth. Your Word is truth."When you and I heed to the instructions found in the Word of God we will be sanctified and our joy will be made full because it is based on an unchanging God, not on the ever-changing world around us.

Examine your heart right now. Are you paying careful attention to God's Word, gaining new insights and wisdom each day? Is your heart full of joy because it is focused on an unchanging God? Are you allowing God to sanctify you each day, setting you apart to serve Him? If you answered no to any of these questions, ask the Lord to do a mighty work in your heart right now; sanctifying you with His word, setting you apart for His service, filling you with His joy, and focusing your mind solely on Him.


Father, how I thank You that I can rejoice in Your Word because it is full of treasures just for me (Ps. 119:162). Your Word, O Lord, is more precious to me than gold and silver and I delight in it (Ps. 119:72). Open my eyes to new truths in Your Word and hide them in my heart so that I can fight against the enemy (Ps. 119:18 & 11). I love Your Word, Father, it is a joy to me (Ps. 119: 97).

He Sees My Heart

“For the LORD does not see as man sees;

for man looks at the outward appearance,

but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7b

My outward appearance is not what impresses God the most. It’s the condition of my heart that He’s concerned with. God watches and examines my heart.

What are the motives of my heart? Is it pure, holy, and blameless? Because the heart is the center of wisdom and the sole source of what affects my speech,my sight, and my conduct, how am I living out my life? Is it pleasing to God? If not, what needs to change?

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from your deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.

Let you eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.

Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right or to the left, remove your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23-27, NKJV

What are my issues? What is springing forth from my heart? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control? Or anger, bitterness, hatred, impatience, selfishness?

When my heart is in tune with God’s, I will follow His path. My desires will be His desires. I will see absolutely nothing but Him and my life will reflect that. My behavior, my thoughts, speech, attitudes, actions, and my vision will be all about Him.

When God looks at your heart, what does He see? Is your heart in a condition to be chosen by God for greatness? Or, is there too much selfish pride and ambition filling your heart not allowing even a small glimmer of God’s glory to shine through? Does He need to open up your heart and do some repair work, clean it out, and fill it up with Himself?

Life is too short and God is too good for us to continue living with a diseased heart. Living our lives in the flesh does not please God (Romans 8:8). We must walk in the path that He has set before us, living life completely filled with the Spirit.

Confess any sin you might have in your heart right now that is rendering you ineffective for Kingdom work. God is faithful and just. He will forgive you and cleanse your heart (1 John 1:9).

Oh, Father I desire to live a life that is totally consumed with You. Right now, fill me up to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that I, myself, am not at all visible. Wash me; cleanse me. Forgive me for failing You. Mold me and make me into what You desire me to be. I want to be used for Your glory to make an impact on the lives of my husband, children, family, friends, and the world around me. I am Your servant. Amen.

picture used with permission from Lori at All You Have to Give

God's Strength

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13

Paul, the writer of Philippians, was content with his life because he could see life from God's point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul was grateful for everything God had given him, the good, bad, and the ugly. He had detached himself from the nonessentials in his life so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in our lives. Paul had so allowed God to fill him up that he had strength to withstand anything he came up against, and boy howdy, did he come against some heavy duty stuff; prison, beatings, rejection, aloneness.

I wonder, are there any empty places in your life today? What are you trying to fill that emptiness with, a job, an unhealthy relationship, money, food, drugs or alcohol, the list could go on and on? In Psalm 81:10, the Lord tells us to open up wide and let Him fill us up. Sweet sister, detach yourself from those nonessential things in your life so that you can focus on the eternal, everlasting God and allow Him to fill you until your cup runneth over.

If you are struggling with feeling empty and weak today, I'd love to be able to pray with you and for you. You can contact me personally here.

Much love to you!!

Think Before You Speak

"The heart of the righteous studies how to answer

but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil."

Proverbs 15:28

How often do you stop and think before you speak? Do you stop, collect your thoughts, and re-group in the midst of a not so pleasant situation? This is something the Lord has really been speaking to me about lately; how everything, both good and bad, affects all those around me.

I want you to do something right now. Get a pen and a piece of paper. Don't have one? Dig through your purse- find an old kleenex and some lipstick. It doesn't matter what it is, just find something to write with and on. **smile**

Now, I want us to think about the people in our lives that we influence. We're going to make three lists.

*First, write down all those, by name, who are closest to you; those you live with- your spouse, children, roomate, other family members- the people who REALLY know you.

*Second, write down those people you see, most likely, everyday- a co-worker, boss, students that you teach, maybe your child's teacher.

*Lastly, write down those people you might see only once or twice a week- the mailman, cashier at the gas station, waitress at the resturant.

Now, look back over your list. How do your thoughts, actions, and reactions affect all those you have influence on? When your child interupts you while you're on the phone, what do you do? When your husband calls, after you've had a not-so-great day with the kids, and says he'll be home late, do you smile and say, "oh honey, that's ok, take all the time you need"? How about when the waitress brings out your meal and nothing is the way you ordered it, what's your reaction?

Solomon tells us in Proverbs that the righteous man (woman, in our case) studies how he is going to answer. He stops and thinks before he speaks. The opposite of that is the wicked, self-seeking man, who responds immediately with hurtful words. Ephesians 4:29 says not to let any harsh words come out of our mouths. Why? Because those words damage. As believers, we are to speak words that encourage and build up. Our words, like those of Jesus, should be full of grace and beauty (Luke 4:22).

How can we put into practice thinking before we speak? I believe it starts in the heart and through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that is built on and in His Word. Several years ago, I learned a very practical help in a Bible Study class I was in. It comes from the writings of the apostle Paul to the Philippian church.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable-

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy

-think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

Use this verse to PRE-PLANT in your mind only those things that will result in attitudes, actions, and words that will be pleasing to God.

Father, help me to pre-plant in my heart and mind Your Word so that the thoughts I think, the way I act, and the words I speak will pleasing in Your sight (Psalm 19:14).

PRE-PLANT model from Conversation Peace by Mary Kassian

Can I Pour You a Cup?

I stood in front of the mirror and smiled.

It was the first time in my life this had ever happened.

I turned to the left and then to the right. I even did a 360 degree turn just to see the whole picture for myself.

I smiled.

I couldn’t believe it.

For the first time in my life I was wearing “skinny girl” clothes. And, boy was I proud!



To read the rest of today's devotion head on over to the Internet Cafe.

Chicken & Potatoes...who knew?

God very often teaches me lessons through my children.

For instance...

"Mom, what's that you're cookin'? It smells REALLY good," my seven year old son said as he peered over the counter trying to catch a glimpse at what was being prepared for dinner.

"It's garlic potatoes and mushroom chicken," I responded.

"It sure does smell good! I'm really hungry," he said as he darted back to his room.

A few minutes later he returned to the kitchen, "Is it ready yet? I'm really, REALLY hungry."

"It won't be long. You can go ahead and set the table and get ready," I instructed as I reached for the dishes in the cabinet.

"Yes ma'am! I'd be happy to."

Shocked by his eagerness to obey, I handed him the dishes, silverware, and napkins. He quickly set the table and then stood at the counter watching with excitement in his eyes as I took the chicken from the oven and put the potatoes in a bowl.

As I fixed his plate and placed it in front of him, I could almost see him begin to salivate. It wasn't like he hadn't eaten that day. In fact, he had eaten...quite a bit. He was just ready to dig into his meal.

"Mmmm! Mom this is so good!" he said as he shoveled the food into his mouth.

"I'm glad you like it," I replied.

"Man! This hits the spot!" he continued.

All throughout dinner he ranted and raved about how good his meal was.

"Mmmm!"

"Yum!"

"This is SOOOOO good!"

I sat there in utter amazement at his enthusiasm over a plate of mushroom chicken and garlic potatoes. Then, it hit me. A lesson. A GOD lesson.

For whatever reason, my son was very excited about dinner that night. He willingly, and immediately I might add, obeyed when instructed to set the table. He not only ate everything on his plate, he enjoyed every single bite he put in his mouth. He continuously praised and thanked me for his dinner. When his plate was clean, it was apparent his belly was satisfied to the full.

Every day is a new day to pull up a chair at God's table and feast on His Word. As I thought about this "feasting on God's Word", I asked myself these questions...

First of all, am I eager and excited to sit at His table? Does my heart long to dine with Him?

Am I even prepared to sit at His table and eat? God's table is set and ready, is my heart?

Do I enjoy the food He feeds me? Do I take it ALL in, even the parts that bring conviction to my soul?

Do I praise Him and thank Him for the Words He has prepared for me?

Do His Words satisfy my hungry soul?

"Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it."
Psalm 81:10c, NKJV

Feasting at His table. Dining with the Almighty. Filling my hungry soul to the brim with the riches of His glorious Word. That's what I want. That's what I truly desire. That's what my heart longs for.

Who knew that a seven year old boy and a plate of mushroom chicken and garlic potatoes would result in a God lesson? He did!

One Question. Five Words.

Templates + color + paper + scissors + lamination

=

HOURS of fun and delight for my inner crafty, OCD, organizational self.

I spent the better part of the morning redesigning the templates my friend sent me. I changed the colors so that each of my kiddos would have their own set of like colors, personalized the pictures to include our family, and then printed the templates out on good quality cardstock. Cutting it all out took nearly two hours, but I was determined to get it done so that I could take my project to the "make-my-heart-skip-a-beat-when-I -walk-in-the-door" store to be laminated.

Mission accomplished. Re-designing was done. Printing was done. Cutting was done. Time for lamination. Oh, the joys that flood my soul! I dropped said materials off at the "make-my-heart-skip-a-beat-when-I-walk-in-the-door" store to be laminated while I went to do some other shopping.

As I pulled back into the parking lot of said store to pick up said project my heart was all aflutter because I knew my night would be spent cutting out the project that was now LAMINATED!!!!!! Pure delight!!!!

Seeing the excitement in my eyes, hubby put the kiddos to bed so that I could resume my obsession with my crafty, organizational project that happened to be laminated. Ahhhh....

I began unrolling the 10 feet of lamination that lay on my dining room table. Heart palpitating. Hands sweating. Overwhelmed with anticipation of what my eyes were about to behold.

And then...

Horror. HORROR flooded my mind and filled my heart. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Was I really seeing what I thought I was seeing? My beautiful crafty, organizational project RUINED by a poor lamination job. Oh, the searing pain of loss! Oh, the depths of sorrow my heart felt!

And then...

Horror turned to ANGER. "Have these people NO idea the hours I've spent making this baby beautiful? Do they not know those Ziploc bags held more than just strips of paper? They obviously have no idea what happens when a crafty, organizational, OCD teaching momma's heart is shattered into a million pieces because her project is RUINED! First thing Monday morning we will have a reckoning them and I! Oh, yes we will!!!" I thought to myself.

It's a good thing (really a GOD thing) I had a day or so to think through my madness. God began dealing heavily with me about how I was reacting to this situation.

Here's what He spoke to my heart...

"What in the world are you thinking? It's only stuff. You have NO idea what was or is going on in the heart of the person who works at the store. I sent you there for a reason! Be a light for Me! Love this person! See past this persons flaws, I saw past yours, and see their hurting heart!"

I did call the store on Monday. And, I did share my disappointment with the result of my product. But, I did it with love and compassion. The manager of the store asked me to drop by and allow them to take a look at what had been done. They assured me they would do everything they could to make it right.

So, once again I pulled into the parking lot of the "make-my-heart-skip-a-beat-when-I-walk-in-the-door" store, but this time my heart was focused not on my crafty, organizational project gone ever so wrong; instead, my heart was focused on the heart of the person who stood behind the counter.

We stood at the counter chit chatting while peeling bad laminate off strips of paper.

Then it happened. One question, five words. The reason I was there.

"Can I pray for you?" I asked. Five words that changed the course of our conversation. One question that would draw our hearts together. Five words that would open my eyes to the hand of God working in my every day happenings. One question that would give this individual opportunity to unload burdens and hurts and pains they had been carrying for years.

God taught me a huge lesson! A lesson that I will not soon forget. A lesson in seeing Him in the every day. A lesson in looking past my own selfish desires. A lesson in seeing down to the heart of a person. A lesson in obeying. A lesson is loving. A lesson in compassion. A lesson in being the hands and feet of Jesus.

"Finally, all of you be of one mind,

having compassion for one another;

love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;"

1 Peter 3:8, NKJV

One question? Five words? What would God have you ask the individuals He places in your life today? Will you obey?

Oh, and by the way. Guess what I'm getting? A laminating machine of my very own. Yes ma'am I am!! For FREE!!!!! Ain't God good!!!

Be Prepared!

High beams on.

Hands gripped tightly to the wheel.

Feet firmly planted on the floor board.

Eyes shifting from left to right. Right to left.

Anticipating Bambi's daddy, or cousin, or aunt, or uncle, or grandma, or baby, or whom ever to leap into my path at any given moment.

Dead and alive.

I see them all the time.

Those hairy four legged beasts.

Some have horns. Some do not.

Some have spots. Some do not.

Some choose to be loners. While others come in herds.

As the driver of the vehicle, one can NEVER know what said
beast will do.

Will it jump?

Will it freeze with fear?

Will it continue to munch the yummy snack it has found?

One can never know.

So...one MUST be prepared.

Be prepared for ANYTHING.

Beloved, you and I live in a dark world.

A world that is ruled by a being who desires to jump into
our paths and wreck our lives.

At times he stands on the sidelines just watching and waiting.

Other times he creeps slowly to the edge, eager to see how we will react to his presence.

And, then there are those times when he stands smack-dab in the middle of our paths, daring us to move forward.

Do we move forward? Do we continue traveling on?

Or, do we freeze in fear?

Do we try to busy ourselves in hopes of ignoring the danger that lies ahead?

What do we do?

Precious ones, we MUST be prepared.

Hands tightly gripped to the Sword of the Spirit.

Feet firmly planted in His Truth.

Eyes open wide.

Looking.

Anticipating.

Prepared.

So, that when the enemy leaps into our paths will not freeze in fear, we will not busy ourselves hoping that if we ignore him he will go away, but rather we will continue moving forward on the path God has paved for us to travel with confidence because we are prepared, armed, and dangerous warriors in His army.

"Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil

walks about like a roaring lion,

seeking whom he may devour."

1 Peter 5:8, NKJV

Has Your Day Come?

"Ok guys, it's time to get your chores done," I say to my children every morning.

Everyone exits to their perspective chore zones and gets to work immediately. Or...so I think.

Tick-tock. Tick-tock. 5. 10. 15... 30 minutes pass by and surely beds are made, toys are put away, desks are cleaned off; all children are dressed, with teeth and hair brushed, and are eager for the day to begin, right? WRONG?

"Why isn't your room clean? And, why aren't you dressed? Have you brushed your teeth? Or you hair? WHAT have you been doing for the past 30 minutes? Didn't I tell you to do your chores?" I ask, all the while wondering why they haven't been compliant and done what all well-behaved children do the first time they are told to do something by their parents.

"Didn't I tell you to do your chores?"

"Yes," my son replies.

"Then why haven't you done what I told you to do?"

Looking around his room, he shrugs his shoulders and says, "I don't know."

Oh. My. Word. Will we every get there? To the point of immediate obedience? To the place where when instructions are given, they are immediately listened to, taken to heart, and obeyed? Will that day ever come?

That day of immediate obedience did come for those first disciples who were called out by Jesus. Yes, that day came and that day changed their lives.

"18) And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19) Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20) They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

21) Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22) and immediately they left the boat and their father,

and followed Him."
Matthew 4:18-22, NKJV

As soon as the command to follow left Jesus' mouth, Peter, Andrew, James, and John dropped what they were doing and followed. No questions asked. No getting distracted by the goings on around them. No letting 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes pass by. No shrugging of the shoulders and wondering, "Hmmm. I don't know. Should I or shouldn't I do what I was just instructed to do?" There was none of that, but rather immediate obedience.

Immediate obedience that gave them face-to-face access to the One and Only.

Immediate obedience that allowed them to walk, literally, in the footprints of Jesus.

Immediate obedience that permitted them to be a part of Christ's inner circle.

Immediate obedience that enabled them to see down into the depths of the heart of the Man who came to change the world.

Immediate obedience that changed their lives for eternity.

I wonder, what would our lives be like if we immediately obeyed God's instruction? What would our lives be like if we were willing to drop everything, no questions asked, and obey?

Immediate obedience would give us face-to-face access to the One and Only.

Immediate obedience would allow us to walk down the path He has paved for us.

Immediate obedience would permit us to be used by God in ways we never dreamed possible.

Immediate obedience would give us a glimpse into the heart of the Savior who came to change the world.

Immediate obedience would change our lives for eternity.


As I ask myself this question, I ask you as well... Has your day come? Your day of obedience? Has it come? When God instructs, do you immediately obey?

May it be so, Lord. May it come quickly. May our hearts immediately obey when Your voice is heard.

Resolutions vs. Goals

Some people make New Year's resolutions; others set goals for the year. I've often wondered...what's the difference and which should I make if any?

Of course I did what any (or maybe it's just mine) wondering mind(s) would do, I
typed in Webster's Online Dictionary in my Google search bar and proceed to read the definitions of resolution and goal.

resolution-
1 : the act or process of resolving: as a : the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b : the act of answering : solving c : the act of determining d : the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e : the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2) : the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g : the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum 2 : the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation) (3)a : something that is resolved b : firmness of resolve (4) : a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group (5) : the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out6 a : the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b : a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image

Huh? What in the world!?! Ok, I admit, I didn't read the whole thing, just skimmed it, but what I did read, I didn't understand. Geesh! Moving on...

goal- 1 a : the terminal point of a race b : an area to be reached safely in children's games2 : the end toward which effort is directed : aim 3 a : an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points b : the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c : the score resulting from such an act

Better. I understand this one, I think. In a race, a goal is the finish line. In a game, a goal is where you want to aim the ball. In life, a goal is the result of what you've exerted all your efforts toward.

So, in this new year, this new decade, do I make resolutions or set goals? I'm going with goals. I'm gonna set some goals. Yes...yes, I am. Goals. Not many, just a few. I want to be able to focus my efforts and attention toward a handful of things so that I am able to do them with excellence. Goals. I want to cross the finish line of 2010 triumphant. I want my life to be more purposeful this year; I want it to be aimed at a specific target- a target that glorifies the Father.

As I sat at my desk this past January 1, 2010 with the pages of my new pink leather journal blankly staring back at me I eagerly grabbed my pen and began jotting down my goals for the year.

1. Consistency in my Quiet Time. Some mornings when the alarm announces a new day has dawned, it is SO hard to crawl out of bed. But, alas, my time with God in the mornings sets the tone of my day and gets my thoughts focused on Him. I need that. My goal is to get up EVERY day when the alarm clock beeps or dings or plays music or whatever it does and meet with the Father. What will I be doing in my quiet time? I'm going to be reading through the New Testament. God has already shown me so much in the few chapters we've read together. It's been great!!!

2. Memorize at least 2 verses every month. Care to join me in this? Hiding God's Word in our hearts is so important. When the enemy comes against us or times get tough, with God's Word hidden in our hearts we can walk forward confident and sure that He is with us.

3. Journal every day about Bible reading and what has gone on during the day, especially with the kids. I want my kids to have a written record of their lives and mine. I want them to see, for themselves, how God has worked in them and me over time.

4. Exercise more. 'nough said!

5. Be very purposeful about my time with my kids, putting them, their schooling, and their lives before everything else. God has given them on loan to me to raise for His glory. Raising kids takes lots of time and energy of which I must be purposeful. I am fervently praying for the salvation of my son this year. Do it Lord!!!

6. Be more of an encourager to my husband. My husband works his tushy off for us providing everything we need. He is committed to us and loves us with a passion. I want to encourage him more this year and be more purposeful in letting him know how much I love him and appreciate all he does for us.

7. Complete the Bible Study on 1 John. A few years ago I began writing a Bible Study on 1 John. God is calling me to complete this work. With His leading and wisdom, this will be the year of its completion.

8. Write for God's glory. Not only will I continue to write here, but I, again with His leading, will continue to write for At the Well and Exemplify Online. I also plan to submit some articles for publication and pray that at least 1 of them gets published.

9. Live out the calling God has placed on my life with a passion. I want to be bold and fearless in all that I do for Him. By His Grace Ministry and In His Word Bible Study are ministries that God has called me. These are avenues His has paved for me to live out my story and bring Him glory. Already, He is leading me to step it up and I'm so excited to see what this year holds for these ministries.

10. Seek God's face in everything. My theme verse for this year is Psalm 27:8: "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face LORD, I will seek." I want to do NOTHING without His leading. NOTHING. In all things, Lord, I will seek Your face!

My goals. Attainable? Yes. Easy to attain? No. Rewarding when I cross that finish line and look back over the year? Absolutely!!!!

Ready? Set? Let's go girl!!!

12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;

but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which

Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;

but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14) I press toward the goal for the prize

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14, NKJV

What about you...what are your goals for 2010?

Seeking Him in 2010

"Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it."

A new day, with no mistakes in it... hmmm...

2010...

a new tomorrow...

a new day...

a new year...

new beginnings...

new opportunities...

new people...

new...

To read the rest of today's post, join me over At the Well as we seek Him in this new year.

"When You said, 'Seek My face,'

my heart said to You,

'Your face LORD, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8, NKJV

One Brief Moment in Time

I stood at her bedroom door and called out for my two and a half year old daughter to come to me so that I could get her dressed for church.

"Just a minute!" was her reply.

Standing there waiting, my husband encouraged me to go finish getting ready myself and he would take over with her.

"No," I said, "it's the principle of the matter now. I called her and she needs to come to me."

Again, I called her name and this time she did come running. But, instead of running straight to me, she decided to take a detour through the living room. Not a good choice. As she rounded the corner of the hope chest, she hit the floor. Hard. And the tears began to fall.

Oh. My. Word. God immediately began speaking to my heart. Numerous, invaluable lessons were learned from this one moment in time.

I called my daughter's name, not once, but twice for her to come to me. Immediate obedience was what I was after, but immediate obedience I did not get. My little one was busy doing what she wanted to do and would come to me in her own time.

Not only would she come in her own time, but she was determined to come to me in her own way. The path from the kitchen to her bedroom is a straight shot; a clear path. But, did she take the easy route? Nope. It wasn't "her way" and her heart desired to go her own way; a way that seemed right in her mind. Her journey would take her through the living room, around the hope chest and end up leading her to fall flat on her face. Tears streaming, breath knocked out of her, she lay on the floor waiting for me to come rescue her. Did I? Yes... I did... but not immediately. I let her lay there for a minute suffering the consequences of the wrong choice she had just made.

Sound familiar?

Ever heard God calling your name, instructing you to come to Him so that He could get you "dressed" for a job He had prepared for you to do, but found yourself responding, "just a minute" because you were too busy doing your own thing?

Or, maybe you've responded to His voice but decided to go your own way to get to Him? Did you find your own way to be dangerous, full of dead ends and detours? Maybe your way led you into a deep pit you were unable to get out of on your own; a pit that would leave you with scrapes and bruises and horrific wounds because of the impact such a long, hard fall would have on your body.

Oh, my friends, I have been there. I've been too busy doing my own thing to respond to God's voice the first time He called my name. And, I've come to Him many times by way of the "Jenifer Route" only to find myself laying in the bottom of a pit barely able to breathe with nowhere to look but up... to Him. God has rescued me from the pit, but He has also allowed me to suffer the consequences of my sin- He allowed me to suffer in order to teach me and mold me into the woman He created me to be before the foundations of the earth.

In this one very brief moment in time, God used my daughter to once again remind me of lessons He has walked me through many times before.

He said to me...

"When I call your name, sweet daughter, drop what you are doing and come to me. Immediate obedience is what I am after."

And...

"The straight and narrow way brings many blessings upon your life; the wide and, often seemingly easy way, only leads to pain and wounds that I do not wish for you to bare."

So, I ask you today...
~When God calls your name, do you immediately drop what you are doing and run to Him?

"So Samuel said: 'Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than
sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."

1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV

~Are you walking the straight and narrow that God has laid out before you to walk down or have you constructed your own path and now find yourself in a pit?

"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter
unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know
what makes them stumble."
Proverbs 4:18-19, NKJV

If you find yourself in a pit today, call out to Him and He will answer. In fact... He stands ready.

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He
also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet
upon a rock, and established my steps."
Psalm 40: 1-2, NKJV

Precious, Lord, may we obey You immediately. May our hearts be inclined to hear Your voice and heed Your instructions. Empower us with the strength to stay on the path You have set before us. Guide our footsteps to follow after Your own. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Story Behind the Song

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise,

as some count slackness,

but is longsuffering toward us,

not willing that any should perish

but that all should come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9, NKJV

A few Christmas' ago I asked for a devotional type book on hymns. I wanted something that would tell me about the author who penned the hymn and the story behind his/her writing it. My mom came through for me and found Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan. This book contains 300 of the world's greatest hymn stories. From "Rock of Ages" to "Amazing Grace" to "O How I love Jesus," these beautiful old hymns are given new life as one reads their story.

I was reminded of a magnificent hymn this week when I visited a friend's blog and just had to read more about it.

"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" was written by Robert Robinson in 1758. Robert's father died when he was young, and his mother, unable to control him, sent him to London to learn barbering. What he learned instead was drinking and gang-life. When he was 17, he and his friends reportedly visited a fortune-teller. Relaxed by alcohol, they laughed as she tried to tell their futures. But something about the encounter bothered Robert, and that evening he suggested to his buddies they attend the evangelistic meeting being held by George Whitefield.

Whitefield was one of history's greatest preachers, with a voice that was part foghorn and part violin. That night he preached from Matthew 3:7: "But when He saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to His baptism, He said to them, 'Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?' " Bursting into tears, Whitefield exclaimed, "Oh, my hearers! The wrath to come! The wrath to come!"

Robert immediately sobered up and sensed Whitefield was preaching directly to him. The preacher's words haunted him for nearly three years, until December 10, 1755, when he gave his heart to Christ.

Robert soon entered the ministry, and three years later at age 23, while serving Calvinist Methodist Chapel in Norfolk, England, he wrote a hymn for his sermon on Pentecost Sunday. It was a prayer that the Holy Spirit flood into our hearts with His streams of mercy, enabling us to sing God's praises and remain faithful to Him. "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," has been a favorite of the church since that day.

Robinson continued working for the Lord until 1790, when he was invited to Birmingham, England, to preach for Dr. Joseph Priestly, a noted Unitarian. There, on the morning of June 8, he (Robinson) was found dead at age 54, having passed away quietly during the night. (story taken from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan, page 109.)

Listen to the beautiful words of Robert Robinson's "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

Grace and Peace

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 1:2, NKJV

The Greek word for grace is charis, meaning unmerited favor. It is an undeserved acceptance and love received from another (Holman Bible Dictionary).

Paul very often pairs the concept of grace and peace together in his writings. Why? Because as a former persecutor of the church and an opposer of all things Godly- as one who considered himself to be the chiefest of sinners and as one whose heart, mind, and soul raged within him keeping him from any kind of peaceful life- Paul understood full well that once a person received and accepted God's grace, he/she would also be filled with God's peace, a peace that passes all understanding.

Peace comes from the Greek word eirene which means exemption from the rage and havoc of war; peace between individuals; security, safety, prosperity (Thayer Dictionary).

Again, Paul understood fully that this grace, this undeserved favor, this undeserved love and acceptance which had been lavished upon him, leading to a life that dispelled the raging war within his being came only from God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing Paul had ever done, nothing he could ever do would make him deserving of God's favor. God had been gracious to Paul by calling him to Himself and granting him salvation.

Paul's embracing of God's grace opened the doors to a life of peace with the Almighty God. Read what he says in Titus 2.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing
us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and
godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the
glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to
redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His
own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Titus 2:11-14, NASB

Do you see the grace and peace in these verses that Paul speaks of? "For the grace of God has appeared," here is God's grace, Jesus Christ in the flesh, appearing to all men in order to bring them salvation. "Who gave Himself for us to redeem us," and here is God's peace, brought about through the redemptive work on the cross. Christ's death on the cross redeemed us or released us from the debt we owed because of our sin. His blood paid our ransom and restored us to peaceful fellowship with God.

Grace and peace. You can't have one without the other.

Grace and peace. Grace given by God. Peace made possible through the shed blood of Christ on the cross.

Grace and peace. Both undeserved by fallen mankind; but both abundantly lavished upon fallen mankind because God desired relationship with the people He created.

Grace and peace. Acceptance by God. Secure in His hands.

Grace and peace. Beautiful. Abundant. Undeserved. Freeing.

Precious one, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Rest in His grace and peace this day.

Today Lord, I Rejoice!

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. - For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD?
My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. - "

One pearl of great value." - The ruler of kings on earth.
His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven. - Head over all things. -

He is the head of the body, the church.
His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs. -

He could not be hidden. - His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. -

"No one ever spoke like this man!" - His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars.

Make your face shine on your servant. -

"Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"

(Ps. 104:34; Song. 2:3; Ps. 89:6; Song, 5:10; Matt. 13:46; Rev. 1:5; Song. 5:11; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18; Song. 5:13; Mark 7:24; Song. 5:13; John 7:46; Song 5:15; Ps. 31:16; Ps. 4:6-

all Scripture from the English Standard Version- Daily Light, September 22)

Today Lord, I rejoice in You! I rejoice in the glorious richness of Your Most Holy Name! I rejoice in the abundant grace You have so freely bestowed upon my sin sick heart. I rejoice and am humbled that You have chosen me to be Your daughter and spend my life serving You.

May Your grace not be in vain. May all my meditations be pleasing and delightful to Your ears. May I be a reflection of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Father, there is NONE who compares to You. YOU are Lord over all. YOU are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Ruler of the universe, Creator of all. The radiance of Your glory can penetrate through the very darkest of hearts.

YOU are strength;
YOU are might;
YOU are beauty;
YOU are light.

YOU are righteous;
YOU are holy;
YOU are just; and,
YOU are the Giver of abundant life.

May Your face shine upon me this day. May my thoughts be Your thoughts and may my hands love as Your hands love. May my heart be filled with compassion and mercy. May my words be spoken with kindness and may they be pleasing to You. May my life today, precious Lord, be a sweet offering to You.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.

I Love Me Some Words!

I LOVE words! I love nouns and pronouns, verbs and adverbs, prepositional phrases and the like; oh, I am especially fond of adjectives. Adjectives add to any text such a rich description of the subject at hand. Makes my heart beat a little faster just thinking about...words! Sweet mercy...I love me some words!!!

I recently started reading through the book of Ephesians in my morning times with the Lord and the beautiful words penned by the apostle Paul to the church of Ephesus are enough to make my heart not only beat a little faster, but near 'bout leap out of my chest. Listen to a few of the words one will read on the pages of this great book...

"by the will of God..."
"Grace to you..."
"peace from God..."
"in Christ..."
"He chose us..."
"hope of His calling..."
"riches of the glory of His inheritance..."
"the fullness of Him who fills all in all..."

Be still my heart! Beautiful! How absolutely beautiful are these words!?! And, these phrases are just a few from chapter 1. Geesh! I can only imagine what other magnificent words will be unearthed as I continue on through the entire book? Glory!!!

As I began reading through chapter 1 of Ephesians, I couldn't get past the first half of the very first verse.

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,"

Ephesians 1:1a, NASB

Oh, the hope contained within these few words that fills my sin-sickened heart! Now, think through this thing with me; I want you to grab a hold of that hope too.

Paul. Who was Paul? He was once the man named Saul.

As Saul, he was...
a killer of God's chosen people.

a hater of all believers.

a destroyer of the church.

an opposer of the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yes, he WAS all those things. But, now!?! Now, he is Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.

Now, he is...
a lover of Christ and all things in Him.

a preacher to the lost.

a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

a defender of the Faith.

a builder of the Church.

Paul, whose life was once burdened with sin, is now covered by the magnificent, abundant grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and is chosen to be an apostle, a messenger, one who would lay the foundation of the church. Why? Because, it was God's will, God's choice, God's providential sovereignty to save this offender of the Gospel and make him into one of the greatest apologists of the faith that has ever lived.

Do you see the hope here? God knew WHAT Saul was; God knew WHO he was. Yet, He saw past all the junk and saw the heart of the man Paul and knew exactly what He could make Saul into. It was God's will that the grace and salvation freely given through the mighty work of Christ on the cross be granted to the man Saul. God had a plan. And, His plan was for Paul to be an apostle, a messenger of His saving grace.

Those few words fill my heart with much hope. Paul called himself the chiefest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), yet he recognized that he was a sinner who was saved by the grace of God. I would have to rank myself right up there with Paul when it comes to being the chiefest of sinners. However reading his story, knowing what he was and seeing what God made him, fills my heart with hope.

If God can use parasites to make pearls and if God can use a sinner such as Paul to be one of the founding leaders of His church, then God can use me and equip me to fulfill the calling He has placed on my life because that's His sovereign will. And, He can use you too!!

That, my friends, is a good word and I LOVE it!

Trust. Cling. Rely...On Him

Let's recap what we have learned thus far from Psalm 27:14.

First, we learned that during those inevitable times of waiting in our lives, we are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in us. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield.

Next, we learned that in our waiting in eager and patient anticipation of what the Lord is doing and is going to do in our lives, we are...strengthened, supported, encouraged, conquering or seizing something in our lives, repaired, and built upon.

Today, we are going to talk about the concept of courage that the Psalmist David speaks of in Psalm 27:14.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and

let your heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."
Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

Often times in our waiting our hearts can become heavy, burdened, and worried. The Psalmist tell us that we are to take courage.

Courage is a transliteration of the Hebrew word chazaq, which means to be bound fast, to be attached.

In Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Moses is addressing Joshua and all of Israel. He tells them to "be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." The strength and courage of the Israelites came from their confidence in knowing that the LORD would never leave nor forsake them. They were attached to Him and He to them.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage,

all you who hope (wait for) in the LORD."
Psalm 31:24, NASB

Be strong...take courage. Hang with me here, this concept is a very important one for us to grasp. This phrase "be strong...take courage" is a plural imperative. Plural meaning the Psalmist is speaking to all of us; imperative meaning it is a command or a strong encouragement to behave in a certain way. This is a phrase used particularly in anticipation of battle. Those going into battle were strongly encouraged to present themselves as a people who were strong and filled with much courage because they knew to whom they were attached. This is the very idea behind Moses' command to Joshua and all of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6-8.

We also find this same idea in Psalm 27:14, "be strong...and let your heart take courage." The Psalmist is commanding us to take courage in the One to whom we have attached ourselves, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake His children.

In our times of waiting, as the Lord is strengthening us, supporting us, encouraging us, conquering those fleshly desires in our lives, repairing our brokenness and building upon His plan, ...

~we are to confidently hope in Him knowing that what He is doing in our hearts is preparing us for a battle that is sure to come.

~we are to attach ourselves to Him, allowing Him to clear the way and not trying to do it ourselves.

~we are to trust in Him, not our own selves nor the people around us, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us.

Have you attached yourself to the Lord God Almighty today or are you hanging onto life by a mere thread? Are you trusting in an All-Powerful God, allowing Him to clear the way before you or are you trying to live life according to your own plan? Are you prepared for battle?

Trust Him. Cling to Him. Rely on Him.

Repairing and Constructing

Yesterday, we discussed that during those inevitable times of waiting in our lives, we are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in us. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield.

Today, I'd like us to continue digging into the meaning of Psalm 27:14.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your
heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

We are not only to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our lives, the Psalmist tells us in our waiting that we are also to "be strong".

Strong is a transliteration of the Hebrew word hazaq. This word means to be strong, be courageous, to make firm, strengthen, support, encourage; to preserve, to conquer, seize, retain, to harden. I found it very interesting that this term was also frequently used in reference to construction or repair work (2 Kings 12:5ff; 1 Chronicles 26:27; Nehemiah 3:4ff; Nahum 3:14).

Think about this with me:
Could it be that in our waiting, God is constructing or building something in us?
Could it be that in our waiting, God is repairing or mending a part of us that is broken?
Could it be? I definitely think it could be! Oh, the hope this gives me as I wait, knowing that God is working in me and on me to construct a woman who will more accurately and beautifully reflect His holiness!

In our waiting in eager and patient anticipation of what the Lord is doing and is going to do in our lives, in this very waiting moment, we are...
~strengthened
~supported
~encouraged
~conquering or seizing something in our lives
~repaired
~built upon- something in us is begin built up

Today Beloved, as you wait, know that He is repairing and constructing in you something new and beautiful!

How are You Waiting?

We live in a society, a day in age for that matter, where waiting is something we aren't very accustomed to doing. There's just no much that you and I have to wait on or for these days.

For instance...

~Need something for dinner? Head to the nearest fast food restaurant or pop something in the microwave, and wa-la... dinner is served.

~Out and about and need to call a friend? Never mind waiting until you get home to give her a call; just pick up your cell phone, hit #2 because you have her on speed dial, and talk until your heart's content.

~Is there a special event on your calendar you want to look nice and tan for? Not a problem! Forget the real sun and now even the tanning bed; get a spray on tan!

~Forgot that your mom's birthday is tomorrow and now it's too late to send her a card through snail mail? Don't panic... send her an e-card, with music, for free!!

Are you with me here? Waiting has become a lost art. While I am thankful modern technology has afforded us the freedom to hurry along in doing some things, with that freedom, I'm afraid, has come an attitude of impatience.

What does God's Word have to say about waiting? How are we to wait? What are we to do in our waiting? Over the next few days we are going to discuss this concept of waiting.

In Psalm 27 verse 14, the Psalmist David tells us that we are to "wait for the LORD."

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your
heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

"Waiting" here is the transliteration of the Hebrew word qawah which carries with it the idea of expecting, hoping in, patiently waiting for.

Webster's Dictionary defines "wait" in the following way, to remain stationary in readiness or expectation; to look forward expectantly.

Inevitably, there will be times in our lives when the Lord will have us in a position of waiting. In fact, you may be there at this very moment; waiting for the Lord to show you the next step you are to take. As you and I wait during these time, what are we supposed to do? How are we to behave?

Let's revisit what the Psalmist said. He said that we are to, "Wait for the LORD." During those times of waiting we ARE NOT to gripe and complain, moan and groan, whine and fuss, stomp our feet and pitch a fit; instead, we are to wait in faith. We are to remain where we are patiently waiting for what the Lord has next for our lives. We are to expectantly look forward, with hope, knowing that what's coming from Him is for our good and His glory.

In Isaiah 8:17, we read that Isaiah was in a time of waiting. He was waiting for the LORD to turn His face back toward the house of Jacob. While Isaiah waited he was not nonchalantly going about his day, bidding his time as the minutes ticked away, he was not gripping and complaining, begging the LORD to hurry things along; he was eagerly looking for the LORD to turn His face back toward His people.

"And I will wait for the LORD who is hiding
His face from the house of Jacob;

I will even look eagerly for Him."

Isaiah 8:17, NASB (emphasis added)

So how are we to wait? We are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our lives. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20).

Are you in a "waiting" place right now? How are you waiting? Are you waiting with eager and patience anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in your life? Or, are you grumbling and complaining, begging Him to hurry things along?

Let me encourage you today Beloved to, "wait for the LORD" and "look eagerly for Him."