glorious freedom!

I'm standing on Romans 8 today! I'm proclaiming Freedom in everything! Rebuking the bonds that tie and the chains that keep us down. For if God is on my side, His Spirit lives in me and there is absolutely nothing that can be against me nor can separate me from His love! 

Romans 8 ~ ¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ⁷ the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

⁹ You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.¹³ For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, ¹⁴ because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

 ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

WOW! Freedom! I need it!

Lord, Today I am proclaiming FREEDOM and I claim it! I'm asking You to lift the chains, unlock the barrier for me and my family. You are more than on my side ~ You are the Spirit that lives in me! Use me for Your glory! There is absolutely nothing that can separate me from Your incredible, undying love in Christ Jesus! If You are on my side ~ then who can be against me? You predestined, You called, You justified & You glorified me because I am Yours! You are an incredible merciful God and it is my daily honored reward just to be in your presence! In Your precious son, Jesus' name.

purge your conscience

Hebrews 9:14 ~ is what I read in my hand writing on the edge of a piece of paper. I think I remember writing that reference down in church, but I don't recall why.... so I looked up Hebrews 9:14.

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Hebrew 9:14

Wow! 

I'm reading a book called Releasing the Rivers Within by Dwight Edwards. It's pretty powerful. In fact, as I'm reading, I'm finding myself going back every few paragraphs and reading it again just to be sure that was what I just read. There is affirmation going on... Edwards talks briefly about fear, then a stirring, bearing different fruit, strong roots and I just read about giving up the easy road and go where Christ went. Jesus was in the streets, in the crowds, with the sick, healing, touching mingling with the lepers.  I see as a Christian how easy it is to be intertwined in a world of what might be called "safe and easy." In this safe bubble... I would think that I primarily have friends who call themselves "Christians".  It hits me... how do I reach the lost and share God's word if all my acquaintances and friends already know of the God I love? 

In this book, Edwards says, "An inevitable part of the life of Christ flowing out through us will be fishing for men and seeking the lost." ...fishing for men... hhmmm ~ I've been hearing this quite a bit.

This morning I read a friends blog who talked about trees extending up praise and how it is the roots that give strength. It made me smile! So I'm reading along in my book this afternoon about how God has rooted us and gives us strength... How our branches should not only be intertwined with only other Christians, but stretched out to the world. It is the life of Christ flowing through me... using me to touch the world... not just my world. These are not my doings... this is God working through us.

...Oh, I love it when He does this! It is clear what God wants me to do... purge my conscience of dead works and work for the One who offers eternal life. 

Okay, Lord... 

how?

lipstick

Several months ago, I began this blog site thinking that lipstick was the start and ending of each day... Just yesterday I pulled a tube of lip balm out of the damp washing machine... just glad I grabbed it before it reached the dryer! So many things in my life remind me of Natalie. Even when she's not sitting next to me on the sofa, I think about her. When she's at her dads for a weekend, I long for her return. She is somewhat of a lifeline to me ~ she keeps me grounded and in check ~ more than she will ever know.  The other night I forgot to give thanks for our meal. She reached out her hand across the table for mine, smiled, bowed her head and waited for me to give grace. :) 

The few times in my life when she's not near me, I still think about her. In the same realm, God is near me. It is a consistent conscience effort to acknowledge His presence, but it is becoming more natural. There was an incident today while mowing that I laughed out loud. I was listening to my ipod and found myself praising and worshiping Him. He makes me smile. :) 

Just as lipstick, God should be so much a part of my every day. In fact, God should be applied as lipstick... metaphorically speaking. He is the one who should always guard my lips. It's like applying lipstick... apply God ...to my lips. If my heart is longing to be in His presence and be relying on Him, my lips should only speak of the goodness of Him. Some times I'm terrible at this ~ especially at work. It's difficult to not get frustrated and easy to use the tongue of negativity.

Proverbs 21:23 says, He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (KJV says: keepeth his soul from troubles). 

Colossians 3 where it talks about holy living, verse 8 says, but now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 

In Hebrews 13:15, Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.

I have to remind myself constantly to watch what I say and keep God on the tip of my tongue. I John 4 keeps me and my soul in check :) I am told that I live in him and He lives in me. Why? Because he had given me His Spirit. I'm reassured that if I acknowledge Jesus is the son of God, God lives in me and I live in God. It's easy to keep my lips singing His praises when I remind myself to love my brother... to "live in love because God is love and whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him." I am so glad I am born in love because I know that love comes from God. Oh, that's so refreshing!

Lord, Thank you for the song in my heart. Thank you for the love you give me every day, and how each day you show me You are here. Just as lipstick, protect my lips and guard my tongue to only speak of you. Thank you for holding me, loving me, showing me. You are an incredible God! Thank you for never changing! In your sons' precious name.

fear itself

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "The only thing to fear is fear itself." Whom shall I fear? Over and over I am commanded to “fear not” ~ by Christ, by angels, by God.

Fear has been on my mind a lot lately and for quite some time now. I think that there is definitely fear in many areas of my life. But the things I fear about are really not mine to fear.

So, what do I fear? Fear of failing... failing in my job, failing God, failing as a mother. Fear of letting go. Fear of losing Natalie.  I have been working on “letting it go and giving my all.”  It seems all my life, I have broken promises to God. I know I have let Him down. I know I've failed Him. I’m reminded of a song by Third Day, “Take it all, ‘cause I can’t take it any longer. All I have I can’t make it on my own; take the first, take the last, take the good and take the rest...” 

There are times when I think I'm in the middle of a storm.  I would love to think that my valley's are not deep and in reality ~ they are very shallow valleys. God will not give me more than I can handle. What will it take to overcome these fears? In saying the words "God, you can have it all. I turn it all over to you." My gut feeling instantly pulls back and I  say to myself "except Natalie ~ she's all I have." I want to turn everything over... but I don't want to give up certain things because I fear loss.  Matthew 10:36-38, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Do I love Natalie more than I love God? In Mark 12, Jesus said that the widow has put more into the treasury than all of the others although she gave very little. Why did he say that? He says that everyone gave out of their own wealth, but the widow, out of her poverty put everything she had in. She gave him her all ~ everything she had. 

I'm also reminded of the story in Genesis 22 when Abraham took Isaac to the alter for sacrifice because God told him to. Abraham was obedient and without hesitation built the altar, laid Isaac on top of the wood and as he reached for the knife to slay his son, an angel of the Lord called out to him and told him to not lay a hand on the boy. "I know you fear God because you have not withheld from me your only son." God was gracious and merciful and because Abraham was obedient. I know God isn't asking me to give up Natalie... nor is that in the plans. But I understand the love I gain from her and I know God wants me to love Him the way I love her.  God knows the desires of my heart. With God, when I let go ~ I gain everything! 

The antidote for fear is love ~ bottom line. For perfect love casts out fear! I John 4:18 reads, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment..”  The enemy, Satan, loves to torment and is the author of all fear. This verse goes on to say, “The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  I know love Him, Christ, because He first loved me.  

It's hard not to fear. I'm in “waiting” right now. There's something big in the works... I'm letting go, I'm waiting, listening and trying to understand without fearing.

One of Natalie’s favorite songs “I’m letting Go” by Francesca Battistelli speaks what my heart is saying right now. My heart beats, standing on the edge • But my feet have finally left the ledge • Like an acrobat • There’s no turning back • I’m letting go • Of the life I planned for me • And my dreams • I’m losing control • Of my destiny • It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe • So I’m letting go • This is a giant leap of faith • Trusting and trying to embrace • The fear of the unknown • Beyond my comfort zone • Giving in to your gravity • Knowing You are holding me • I’m not afraid • Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe • Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me. It's scary to think that I am not in control of my life, but in the same breath refreshing to know that my life is in the hands of a wonderful, merciful God! From here on out it's not my destiny, Lord; the life I have planned for myself now belongs to You! I do feel like I'm falling and giving in to your gravity! For it is just fear itself that I fear... 

Lord, thank you for Natalie ~ she is truly a blessing in my life and is a desire of my heart. Thank you for Your grace and mercy and your patience with me as I journey with You! Thank you for the path you lay ahead and for the helping me overcome my fears. Thank you for your protection over me and my little family. Thank you for your consistency! Your love endures forever!  In Jesus' precious name!

middle of living

"Let it go. It's time... are you ready? I'm waiting. everything..." 

I can't stop thinking about Sunday's lesson. Pastor Jay talked about the story of Simon Peter lending his boat to Jesus. Then Jesus telling Peter to go back on the water and cast your nets again. Even though Peter had no success fishing the previous night. He was tired. He was finishing his routine; washing out his nets. As I read the dialog, I'm guessing that he probably had some hesitation, maybe even a little burdened that someone wanted to use his boat. The dialog proves he didn't argue the point to not go back out to sea, but definitely made a point to mentioned to Jesus they had worked all night and still caught nothing (Luke 5:5). Probably a bit under his breath... as though Jesus didn't already know this. But Peter followed Jesus request with no hesitation "because you say so, I will let down my nets." Those are powerful words.  Am I willing to surrender and let my nets down?

Can you imagine the feelings that Simon Peter had when he tugged on his nets and could not pull them in by himself because his nets were so full. I wonder if he thought for a split second that maybe his nets had hung up on a limb or rock or something. I know he believe in Jesus. He had already referred to him as Master once on this day before casting his nets. I can imagine there being glee in his heart... like pride while he was pulling his nets... I know I would.  I would imagine for a few minutes, he got caught up in the tugging and joy of pulling in the catch.  

In verse 8, it states that Peter realizes what has just happened ~ how Jesus has supplied his boats with over flowing fish.   Peter falls to his knees... praising Jesus ~ seeing all of the sin in his life. He humbly tells Jesus, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Peter sees what the Lord has done... another miracle. 

Now, I imagine Peter feeling embarrassed and ashamed of his actions ~ first hesitation and probably a little doubt, then it turning into pride. I would imagine Peter was probably thinking to himself... I'm such a fool. Jesus calmly said, "do not be afraid, from this point on, you will be fishers of men." 

Simon Peter did not hesitate... It says in verse 11 that they pulled up their boats, and left everything to follow Jesus. They had just hit the jackpot. They were at the peak of their fishing career. Their boats were overflowing. They had plenty ~ enough and then some! 

This is exactly what I've been hearing... I'm in a place in life where I have everything I need and most everything I could want. I'm very comfortable where I'm sitting ..good career, good car, a little cozy house, a wonderful family, an amazing daughter... I can say that life is good. ...but I'm hearing... "turn everything over to me. Are you willing to walk away for me?"  Now, I'm not saying I hear "walk away from my responsibilities..." I'm hearing "don't just lean on me... let me hold you. I want you to depend solely on me." 

Jay put it so clear Sunday (paraphrased) ~ "just because you are comfortable... you are in the middle of life... are you ready to give that up... to fulfill God's purpose?"

Peter wasn't out looking for a journey or career with Jesus. Jesus gave him the opportunity to trust him and Peter did just that. Peter was living life... He was in the middle of a work day... cleaning his nets as routinely I'm sure he had done many times. Just as I am... wrapped up in my every day life of work, chores, etc. 

Is God calling me to give it all? Yah, I believe He is... This is only the beginning... there's so much more in store. Right in the middle of living life I see how I am just now starting to live. 

Lord, you are an incredible God! Each day you continue to give me more than what I had yesterday. Every day is a new morning, feels like I'm living for the very first time in my life. Your love is more real than anything! I have a feeling in my soul and I pray that I'm not wrong ~ that it is all You! The life that I have now is only the beginning! Lord, use me; send me! Thank you for finding me and realizing that I am not broken beyond repair. You give me breath, you give me everything I have! I cry out to you ~ for you are hope for the hopeless and strength to the weak. Blessed is the name of Jesus! In Christ precious name I praise you!

hold the cross

I'm right now listening to one of my favorite hymns "Come and See the Cross." The lyrics sing "come and hold the cross". I think today is the first time I actually heard this line in the song. 

What a privilege it is to come to a Savior who has such selfless, unconditional love.  It's one thing to "see" the cross.. to know it is there. I see it. I also admire it. I have respect for it. I see the cross everywhere. It's a common decoration many people have in their homes and on their clothing. Often I take for granted seeing the cross. Now... come and see the crown of thorns that pierced him... see the blood and tears and hear the suffering.

And hear the cross... hear their cries and hear them nail him in vain. Hear the love cry, and learn to hold the cross. God sings a love song and longs evermore for my heart to hear Him; to hear Him suffering for me. 

"Hold" the cross... I know and feel the peace, the love, the power of the cross.  I see the scars from the crown of thorns and see how his sides were pierced.  I hear His cry. My heart breaks and feels how his heart was broken.... there was blood and tears and suffering for me. I see the cross, I hear the cross, but holding the cross gives me a clear perspective... a clear destiny... a love that does not die! ...a love whose Lamb was crucified. A Lamb who is alive and my heart forever holds Him!

"Come and hear the cross" He longs for my heart to hear Him! What an honorable statement to me! How blessed I am to have such a powerful God longing for me; to want me. I serve a gracious God! A merciful God! An awesome God! ...who wants me as His own. WOW, what a privilege to hold the cross.

Oh, Lord, You are an awesome God! You surprise me with your Holy Greatness everyday! Praise Your Name... Thank you for allowing me to hold the cross... to see the love you have for me! Thank you for the sacrificial Lamb! Lord, I don't deserve you, and yet, you still love and long for me! Thank you for your everlasting love song! Continue to keep the longing in my soul for more of You! I can't seem to get enough! You are worthy of all praise! In your precious son's name!

what a friend

It's been a while since my last post... Like I mentioned before... I'm still running a bit on "E." Just as I thought things might slow down after my business trip, soccer, etc., I was asked to teach third & fourth grade Sunday school. What's one more thing? Besides, I've always wanted to be involved with the children's program. I think life is going to slow down a little bit in a couple of weeks. Seems like soccer and school will both end at the same time for Natalie and I'm hoping it will free up a little extra time. 

There are times when I feel a bit alone more than others. Like this morning, I lie in bed as my mind races of things I have failed in and I start thinking of things I should have done or need to accomplish. Like right now, my bathroom is a mess... the drywall is showing through where I have taken down all the metal tiles and it's such a sore eye for me. My parents stayed at my house for a week while I was away on business and (bless their hearts) I actually felt sorry for them. They ended up fixing more things than I knew was wrong with the house and plan on coming back in a few weeks to fix more things. I'm grateful for their help, don't get me wrong, but embarrassed all the same. ...almost like I've failed to have it all together. Which brings me back to feeling alone. I know my dad thinks if I had a man around the house, then he could fix things for me ...woe, is me.

Today, a facebook friend posted this: Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. PSALM 73:23-26 

I've heard "diamonds are a girls best friend" and "a man's best friend is his dog" but who claims to be my best friend?  What a friend I have in Jesus! It's assuring to know that He keeps me safe and comforted and secure. As I studied my lesson for church how He feeds the multitude on two small fish and five small loaves of bread, I'm instantly reminded of how He supplies all my needs.  With only the smallest of things, He was capable of doing the unthinkable. The end of the lesson reads: "The boy who gave his lunch to Jesus had no idea what Jesus was going to do with his gift. In the  same way, we don't know what Jesus might do with the kind things we do for others." Wow... here I am thinking "woe, is me" when it's not about me at all. Christ and his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee to get some rest only to find the multitudes waiting on them to be taught and healed.  Christ over looked his desires to rest and tended to the people.  His continuing sacrifice... 

I'm grateful for my everlasting friend.  Even when I think I am alone, He is here with me. I love the old gospel hymn, What a Friend We have In Jesus. It's so true that I often forfeit peace and bear pain, when He has made the sacrifice for me to be able to turn those things over to him. 

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Lord, thank you for keeping me and my family safe. Thank you for my family's willingness to help me and show me your selfless sacrifice. Thank you for the roof over my head, the clothes on my back and the food on my table for it is you who supplies all of my needs and I am grateful.  Thank you for your grace and everlasting peace. You are so worthy of all our praise! In your son's precious name.