A Still, Small Voice

STILLNESS 

1 Kings 19:11-13 – “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”

Reflections: I realized something interesting today… Sometimes, I’m so focused on looking for God’s answer to my prayer(s) to come in one specific form that I actually miss it when He shows up and responds to my petition. Just the other day, I’d been praying to God for a solution to a particular challenge, and in my mind, I’d already envisioned what that solution would look like. I prayed about it for the better part of the week, and set about waiting and looking for God’s response. But while I was looking in one direction for the reply I’d envisioned, His actual response came from a completely different direction in a form so unlike what I’d been expecting that at first, I did not recognize it for what it was. It was like God crept up quietly, like a ninja, and completely threw me for a loop! 🙂

It wasn’t until I was meditating this morning that I realized God had, in fact, taken care of the issue at hand without my truly registering it. The situation was resolved through no action of my own and in a way that was much more like a quiet whisper than the bigger, attention-grabbing bang that I was expecting.

I think that God often operates like that, with a quiet whisper instead of a big bang, and we must quiet ourselves and attune our Spirit to His peaceful stillness so that we can recognize and be grateful for the subtle blessings and responses to our petitions when they come. It’s also important to acknowledge that God’s answers to our prayers often come in a completely different form than we imagine as we pray; but that’s okay, because God knows so much better than we do the solution for which each situation calls. And I’m so glad that He’s a God who gives us what He knows we need instead of what we think we want; because in the end, we’re so much better off if we do things His way instead of our own. 🙂

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright! 🙂

Whom Shall I Fear?

PROTECTION

 John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

Reflections: Jesus warned us to be vigilante and on the lookout for the attacks of the enemy, who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. He will try to rob you of your joy, stifle your hope, and extinguish the fire of your faith. This is particularly true when God is on the verge of taking you to a new level. In those moments before your breakthrough, the distractions, temptations, setbacks, and discouragements will often seem to come at you at an alarming rate.

When you feel as if you are under a barrage of attacks from all sides, stand firm, and take hope in the knowledge that the very next step may take you into victory. Hold on and know that God is always with you, and He has sent an army of angels to defend you and guide you through. You never have to face a battle alone. You are protected by the Creator of the universe, the God of angel armies, the Father who loves you unconditionally, and who will move mountains and part seas to fulfill His promises to you.

Isaiah 12:2 – “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.”

Song: Angel Armies by Chris Tomlin

Moving Forward…

So, today marks a new day for me, and this blog entry is the first since the completion of my 40-day fast that began in January. As I move forward into this new year, I am excited about what God is doing in my life, and anxious to see where He leads me. I’m expecting big things in the coming weeks and months!

Though the 40 days are over, I believe that I am going to continue journaling and blogging for as long as the Spirit moves me. These reflections have been as cathartic and instructive for me as I hope they have been for others, and I hope that you will continue with me along this journey for the next 325 days…(Note the new blog title! 🙂 )

RELEASE

Philippians 3:13-14 –“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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Reflections: I know a lot of people who, like me, are hoping that God will move them forward into bigger and better things in 2014. In this new year, so many individuals are hoping for renewal and restoration, to put the old things behind them and press on towards the mark…the goal(s) that God has put before them.

So often we petition God to help us move forward to a new level in our lives, but how often do we inhibit the process by getting in the way? We hold on to the old things that keep us bound and stuck in the same old place, and wonder why God hasn’t stepped in and lifted us to a higher level. We have to do the work, first, and we have to let go of those people, behaviors, or beliefs that did not serve us in 2013. Are you holding onto habits or relationships that continue to hold you back? What about old grudges or people you have yet to forgive? Whatever is keeping you from moving forward in 2014, now is the time to make a choice to release these past things and press forward to those things which are ahead. Experience the freedom of letting go, and clear the way for God to do a new thing in your life!

Let Go and Let God…

Shine bright!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: Moving Forward by Israel Houghton

Be Mine….

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

LOVE (Part 3)

1 John 4:6 – “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.”

Reflections: Have you ever seen those little candy hearts they give out during the Valentine’s Day season? They’re all over the stores these days. I saw one the other day that said, “Be Mine,” and it made me think…Isn’t that what God is asking us? To be His? He wants you to be His—His child, His heir, His hands, His heart…And He doesn’t ask for much in return, just all that you are and everything you have to give. 🙂 I know, I know…It may sound like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay for what you get in return—God’s salvation, His guidance, His wisdom, His peace, His joy, His LOVE…for eternity…Shall I go on?

God has already shown us His love in a million different ways, no more so than when He sacrificed His heart…His son…for us; and now, in return, He wants only to take our broken and battered hearts and pour into them a love that makes them whole. He wants to claim our weary souls and sooth them with peace, comfort, and rest. He wants to care for us, protect us, teach us, grow us, and above all, He wants us to know that we are L-O-V-E-D beyond measure.

God’s amazing, agape love (love unconditional) is the model to which all other love should aspire. Knowing God’s love is the key that unlocks your ability to truly love and be loved by others.  This Valentine’s Day, know that you already have at least one valentine, and He has already given you His heart. Will you give Him yours in return?

Happy Valentine’s Day! (And remember, YOU ARE LOVED!!)

Song: Love is All by Je’Kob

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright!

Nothing Else Matters…

RELATIONSHIP

Luke 10:41-42 – “’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

Reflections: In this world, it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of each day—earning our paychecks, handling our responsibilities, meeting others’ expectations… (My friends and family will tell you that I am particularly guilty of staying far too busy, and it is definitely something I am working on this year). Sometimes, we get so caught up in our day-to-day routines that we forget to stop for a moment and take the time to focus on the things that really matter—our relationships with family, friends, ourselves, and, of course, God.

In the story above, Martha is running to and fro, playing hostess and attending to her guests and household, but she is completely missing out on an amazing opportunity for some “QT” (quality time) with the Son of God.  Mary, on the other hand, takes a break from the work of the day to sit at Jesus’s feet and take advantage of every moment she has to spend in His loving presence. While Martha is filled with stress and anxiety, Mary is at rest, experiencing the peace that comes when we enter into the presence of the Lord.

Jesus responds to Martha’s complaints about Mary by admonishing the former for her busyness and explaining that all of the things she is trying to accomplish—much of it, in her mind, for Jesus—matters so little in comparison to the one thing He actually wants from her: a relationship…her time and attention. Did you catch that? Relationship matters more than all of our good works. And when we spend that quality time nurturing our relationship with God, we are more prepared for Him to guide us to the work that He feels is most important for us to do. He will help us prioritize and work smarter, not harder. 🙂

If you, like me, often find yourself too busy to attend to the relationship(s) that matter most, it’s time to take a step back and reprioritize. God did not intend for us to be so busy that our work and activities constantly take center stage. Take a break. Ask God for guidance about how to use your time and energy more efficiently, so that you can focus on the things that are truly important in this life.  

As one oh so wise young man once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

🙂

See Also:

James 4:8 – “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

Song: Nothing Else Matters by Israel Houghton

Shine Bright!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Everlasting Love

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.’”

Reflections: It’s that time of year, again! That time when hearts and minds turn to love and the celebration of all the things that make it grand… 🙂 People have a wide variety of opinions about Valentine’s Day—while some look forward to taking part in this time-honored day of romance and gift giving, others see it as a commercialized holiday that simply serves as a boon for the retail industry. Whichever camp you fall into, though, it’s hard to deny that there is something to be said for taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate LOVE. Whether you’ve enjoyed 50 blissful years of marriage or are still waiting for God to bring your mate into you life, we all have at least one great love in our lives that we can celebrate each and every day…

In one of my favorite Bible verses (Jeremiah 31:3), the Lord tells us, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness.” I smile every single time I read this verse, and my heart melts a little. I am loved…with an everlasting love…AND SO ARE YOU! 🙂

No matter who else is in your life–regardless of whether you are giddy in love, recovering from heartbreak, comfortable in a long-lasting relationship, getting to know someone new, or enjoying your singleness–YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD. You are the apple of his eye (Psalm 17:8, Zechariah 2:8). When He created you, He drew every line and curve with loving kindness. He knew you, and LOVED you…flaws and all…before you even knew yourself.

You will never, ever, in your entire lifetime, find another love like that. And that love, my friends, is surely something to celebrate.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to you all! Know that you are well and truly loved, today and every day!

Shine Bright!

Song: Love Song by Canton Jones

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Changing Your Perspective…

PERSPECTIVE

 2 Corinthians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Reflections: One of the greatest things about serving others is that it really gives you a new perspective about your life, particularly when you work with children and youth. These little ones (and even the ones who are not so little 🙂 ) require so much of your time, attention, and care that they take you outside of  yourself and require that you focus fully on someone else for a little while.

When we experience times of trial and turn to God for comfort, I think that at times, He purposefully presents opportunities for us to go, give, and serve. The reason? When our minds are focused on the world and the people that exist beyond our circumstances, when we see that we can make even a little difference in someone else’s life or brighten their day, it makes our own problems seem a little less daunting and overwhelming and…well…important, in the grand scheme of things.

The next time you find yourself stressing, worrying, or feeling consumed by a challenge in your life, seek out an opportunity to help someone else. You’ll be surprised how much it will soothe your spirit and change your perspective about the situation at hand.

Shine your light!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: The Things We Do by Yolanda Adams

Falling into Freedom

FREEDOM

Galatians 5:1 ­ – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Reflections: Freedom. Christ’s gift to us, through salvation, is freedom. We can be freed from sin, from strongholds, from unhealthy behaviors, situations, and relationships, IF we choose to accept this gift. But how many of us cling to the habits, people, and circumstances that keep us bound instead of releasing it all and falling into freedom? I know I am guilty. Even though my heart truly desires to be free in every area of my life; on occasion, I will look up and find myself making the same old mistakes. It’s actually really frustrating, and I tend to be pretty hard on myself when it happens.

But I have a close friend who always encourages me to look back and see how far I’ve come. He reminds me to be encouraged by my progress and helps me remember that God knows my heart. As I continue to seek Him, and the freedom that He promises, I WILL find Him…And I will find His peace.

So, the next time that you turn around and find yourself slipping back into old habits, don’t beat yourself up. Acknowledge and learn from the mistake, then pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep pushing toward the mark—the goal of total freedom in Christ Jesus. It’s yours for the taking! Just keep pursuing Him with all of your heart, and one day, you’ll look up, and you will be free of that yoke forever.

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Seed Inside You…

POTENTIAL

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” ~ Robert Schuller

Mind. Blown. 🙂

Reflections: I don’t know why I was so affected by this quote, but it really gave me pause this morning. Maybe it’s because I know what it’s like to feel inadequate for the task that God has put before me, or the role he wants me to play. I also know what it feels like to be chastened by the Spirit for my doubt and reminded that God does not make mistakes. He knows what he’s doing and calls the perfect person for each endeavor. Now, this does not mean that the person is perfectly prepared for the task at hand in that moment of calling. On the contrary, the exact opposite is often true. But that truth does not matter, because God looks beyond our present level of preparation to see the seeds inside us just waiting to bear fruit. He knows that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined, as long as we stay connected to Him and allow Him to use us and equip us for the calling. Apart from God, we can accomplish only a fraction of our potential, but with him, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Has God placed a calling on your life that you are struggling to accept? Do you feel ill equipped to face the road ahead? Find courage in the knowledge that you don’t have to do it in your own strength. In fact, you have access to the limitless power of God, placed inside you by the Holy Spirit through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Just trust God, and know that you CAN fulfill the vision. In time, it WILL come to pass, and your efforts will bear much fruit.

See Also:

John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright!

At the Crossroads…

DIRECTION

Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

 Psalm 73:23-24a – “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel.”

Reflections: Have you ever felt like you were at a crossroads? Like the decision you were about to make could determine the course of the rest of your life? That moment can be overwhelming, and a bit terrifying, particularly if you are trying to make the choice on your own. It is in those crucial moments of decision that it is most important for us to seek the Lord’s guidance and direction. He promises that when we seek Him, He will take us by our right hand and show us the way.

When we’re seeking God’s guidance, the best way to find Him is through prayer and the reading of His Word, which will be like a lamp for your feet and a light on your path, leading you in the direction you should go. The Bible also tells us to seek wise counsel. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should go running to everyone you know asking for advice; because eventually, their opinions will begin to drown out your own voice and, more importantly, the voice of God. Find that person who is a spiritual mentor, who you know has a strong faith, knows the Word, and lives their lives according to that Word. But make sure that you use discernment, and know that any wisdom that God speaks through them will not conflict with what He has already told or shown you. It will be a confirmation, sometimes of a Word He gave you that you only realize and understand in that moment.

Whatever approach you take, know that God will never leave you alone in that moment of decision; and rest in the knowledge that if you take the path that He sets before you–even if the road gets rocky at times–you will find fulfillment, provision, and ultimately victory, as God guides you into your purpose.

Also Read:

Proverbs 19:20-21 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Your Light!

Like FIRE in My Bones!

FIRE

 Jeremiah 20:9 – “Your Word in my heart is like a fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding back, and I could not.”

Reflections: This scripture really resounded with me today, because I realized that I’ve experienced exactly what he’s talking about. In the story, God is calling Jeremiah to do a great work, but Jeremiah is daunted by the calling, feels ill equipped, and just can’t see how it could possibly come to pass. (Man, have I been there!) But despite Jeremiah’s protests, he cannot deny the Word of God! It begins moving and working and building in him, until it feels like fire in his bones. He tries to ignore it, he struggles to contain it, but it’s no use—God’s Word will never return to Him void!

I was having a conversation the other day about a difficult situation, and how it differed so drastically from where I’d thought God was calling me to be. I was pretty discouraged at the time, but as I spoke about my current circumstances, this feeling began welling deep in my Spirit. I began to see flashes of the vision God had given me, and with each flash, I felt this overwhelming sense of joy! The feeling grew until I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or shout! I completely forgot what I’d been talking (okay, complaining) about, and I just started declaring God’s vision with conviction; because suddenly, I had no doubt that it WOULD come to pass. As the fire of His Word built within me, it became impossible to deny, and it no longer mattered to me what other people said, or what my circumstances would lead me to believe. I choose to trust God and to believe His promises; and so I will wait, anxiously, for the fulfillment of the vision.

Are you feeling doubt today about the Word God has spoken into your Spirit? Remember that God is not a man that He should lie. He is always moving, always working, even when we can’t see it. It may not happen the way you are expecting, and it may take longer than you’d like, but He will finish the work He started in you; and in time, His Word will be fulfilled.

Shine your light! 🙂

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

WRITE THE VISION AND MAKE IT PLAIN…

VISION

Habakkuk 2:2: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come…”

Testimony: God calls each of us to fulfill a certain purpose, and at some point or another, He places a vision in our Spirit of a specific role He wants us to play. I’m no exception.

God began revealing His vision of my future to me many years ago, and as time passes, He reveals a few more details about the path that will lead to the fulfillment of that vision. I have to say that so far, the path has not been a cakewalk. In fact, it’s been wrought with challenges, as the enemy tries to convince me that God’s promises will not come to pass. During this time, though, God has shown Himself mighty and strong, and I am amazed and humbled by the way He has cared for me, giving me hope and strength, and constantly confirming that I am on the right path.

Just this weekend, I had a moment of weakness, and I found myself questioning it all and praying to God for help, guidance, and confirmation—and MAN did He deliver! Not only did I receive more help than I imagined (and direct confirmation during the process that the help came from Him); but also during service on Sunday, God truly spoke to me through my pastor.

During a message titled, “Another Day, Another Battle,” pastor spoke about how, as Christians, we are going to face battles; but we must face them with the right attitude, knowing that God is with us and has already promised us victory. He began to encourage us to be determined, stick with it, stay on the path, and refuse to quit, because OUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN. Then he just starting saying, “Don’t quit! Don’t quit!” over and over again. He paused to say, “I’m speaking to someone in here who needs to hear this—Don’t. Quit. See it through to the end.” I, once again, was floored by God’s ability to use the people around me to help, guide, and confirm, just as I’d requested!

As I begin this week, I am strengthened, renewed, and empowered to move forward in my purpose and keep pressing toward the mark.

Has God placed a vision in your heart and on your Spirit? Does it feel like the vision will never come to fruition, or is the road of preparation becoming too much to bear? Whatever you may be experiencing, don’t quit! The vision is for an appointed time, but in the end, it will surely come. Write it down, remind yourself of what God is calling you to do, and believe that in time, with faith, determination, and the power of God, you WILL see God’s promises come to pass.

Shine your light!

See also:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will [direct your paths].”

It Is Well…(CONTENTMENT)

CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11b – “For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstance.”

Reflections: Trials are an unavoidable part of being alive in this world. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we have a God who promises never to leave us or forsake us, and who assures us ultimate victory over our enemies in every circumstance. Despite this knowledge, actually ENDURING the trials of life with peace and grace is a challenge not all of us are prepared to meet. We cry out for deliverance, and become angry or dejected when God does not immediately pluck us out of our difficult situation and put our feet on solid ground. We forget that sometimes, we must go THROUGH the challenge to learn, grow, and prepare for the greater purpose that God has set before us. And as we weather these storms, God promises that His grace is sufficient for every circumstance. In fact, His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The key is to find your peace and contentment in the midst of the storm, riding the raging waves with confidence because we know, without a doubt, that we can do and endure all things through Christ, who gives us strength.

Shine Your Light!

It’s Just No Fun Doing It Alone!

Hebrews 10:24-25 –  ^“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Reflections: You know, there is definitely something to be said for taking the time to fellowship with other believers, particularly those with such sweet Spirits that you literally feel the warmth of God’s love flowing from them, even over the phone. Such people create such a wonderful, nurturing environment that is so welcome during both good times and bad.

I have to admit that I often suffer from the “Lone Wolf Syndrome.” The experience of having some people jump in and out of my life has made me a bit hesitant to open up and depend on others. And if I’m honest, the habit of self-reliance has become a part of my nature (to a fault–this is something I’m working on). I somehow allow myself to consistently fill the role of the rock and strong shoulder for people around me, but play the quiet martyr suffering in silence when I go through times of trial (yes, I’m working on this, too 🙂 ).

There’s a REASON that God cautions us against forsaking the fellowship of believers, and instead encourages us to lean on and support one another. I understand this reasoning every time I leave a gathering of my sisters feeling refreshed, renewed, and strengthened by the Spirit. These relationships gird us up and help us to stand strong in the midst of trials, but they also serve to hold us accountable—to ourselves, to our calling, to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to God.

If you have not already found a group of believers with whom you can fellowship, or if those with whom you used to break bread  were only in your life for a season (for whatever reason), I encourage you to be intentional about seeking out the fellowship of other believers. We all need that support and love, and it’s always wonderful to know that the people of God are standing in agreement with you and lifting you up in prayer. This journey can be a rough one, but take heart, God never meant for us to walk the road alone. 🙂

Shine bright!

Also read:

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

What Do You Worship?

WORSHIP

Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Colossians 3:2 – “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Reflections: Webster defines worship as “the feeling or expression of reverence (usually toward a deity).” So, I ask you, what do you worship? What do you revere? What do you idolize? The reality is that anything that we idolize or worship, in essence, becomes like a god to us. I heard a song the other day that completely changed my perspective about what it means to have idols. The song was Clear the Stage by Jimmy Needham. During the bridge of the song, he sings,

Anything I put before my God is an idol,

And anything I want with all my heart is an idol,

And anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol,

And anything that I give all my love is an idol…

He goes on to say that we must clear the stage of our hearts and minds to get to a place where we can give God our true worship. (Good song, by the way! If you haven’t heard it, you should definitely give it a listen.)

Anyway, again I ask, what do you worship? What do you spend your time focusing on and desiring with all of your heart? Of course, we are going to want and work for and think about things in this life. We’re human! But we have to be careful not to let our earthly desires take the place of God as the CENTER of our lives. Worries, relationships, responsibilities, aspirations…they so easily consume us and take our minds captive. It’s up to us to guard our thoughts—against stress and anxiety (because that problem is NOT bigger than your God!) and against distractions that may distance us from the Lord. Pay attention today to the course of your thoughts, and be careful to set your mind on things above, and not below. Our God is a jealous God, and He does not like to share the spotlight. 🙂