Can One Simple Email Change Your Life?

I scanned back and forth down the page. A lump formed; eyes no longer able to contain the moisture. The overflow releasing, sliding...the drops, clear pearls resting on my keyboard.

The young boy was soon to be left alone in this world. A mother, slowly letting go of her fight; her body...slight and weak, cancer overtaking.

The words called for prayer, help and God's will to stir and move the heart of someone to take him in.

Blurred, wet eyes fixated on the dot...the period signaling the end of the email.

I climbed the stairs; incredible urgency to reach the safety of my room. I needed release...the tears to freely flow. The words moved me, heart and soul...beyond my plans, my worries, my selfishness. I prayed for the boy. I prayed for his mother. I prayed for the right family to open their home. God's will.

I shared it with my husband. We prayed and prayed and prayed. God's will. We took steps of faith, moving and waiting. Gods will. After several phone calls, visits and constant prayer, the doors slowly began to open. One by one. With each door, fear of change, less us time momentarily filled our minds...but we stayed the course, always praying, God's will.

That Monday morning email changed my heart. God's plan is bigger and better than my plans. We await the final process; a young boy, alone, now to become a part of our family. God's will.

When God puts things in motion and asks you to move, touching your heart and spirit to the very core of your being, take the steps. Walk it out. He will open the right doors and shut the wrong ones. We worship a God who parts the sea, shuts the mouths of lions, makes walls crumble, brings the dead to life and sets captives free.

What has God been putting on your heart? Take a step of faith and trust Him...God's will.


"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again..." Hebrews 11:33-35

"God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." Hebrews 11:40

 "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.


READ HEBREWS 11:1-40 (To Increase Your Faith)

My Fear and Doubt

I often doubt myself, question whether I'm capable, good enough, and strong enough to do all that the Lord is prompting me to do. I question my abilities. In the areas I'm lacking, I feel the enemy constantly attacking me. One moment I feel confident and capable, knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV) His strength and power is able to overcome my weaknesses. And then on other days, the enemy seems to be working overtime in the areas God is trying to free me up in.

I know that doubt, worry, anxiety and fear are not of the Lord. I know that when these feelings are overtaking me, I need to run to the Lord, open up His Word and fill up with truth to overcome the emotional manipulation of my human nature and the enemy. The Lord has a plan for each one of us. He does not expect us to feel 100% confident when He calls us, He just asks us to be available; available to allow Him to work in us and through us. We need to remember, even Moses felt inadequate when the Lord called him, "Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:10-13 (NIV). He didn't speak well and yet the Lord was asking him to speak not only to the Pharaoh but the entire people of Israel. The Lord knew his worry, fear and doubt in his inadequacies and short comings. He still required Moses to lead, trust and rely on God because in his own abilities, he fell short in every way.

God often uses weak and unqualified people because of their humbleness. God knows that when His Glory shines through, people will get a glimpse of HIS great power, faithfulness and love. He works in and through open and willing vessels (people). If you're going through a season in life where change can feel overwhelming, remember that God is bigger than anything you face. He is attempting to do a work in your life. Do not shrink back. Move forward in HIM. He is wanting to show and shine His love and greatness in you. Trust in His ability to move the mountains, to calm the sea, to give you His words and wisdom. Stand in faith and watch Him work, letting go of fear and doubt. Let God work!

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

The Vultures

My week had been a difficult one as I faced many possible upcoming changes along with an ongoing issue with a loved one. My heart was heavy and I knew that having some alone time with the Lord, surrounded by His beautiful creation was exactly what I needed to calm down and get filled with His truth. 

The wetlands surrounded me as I made my way down the trail. I stopped and noticed two vultures sitting amongst several varieties of nesting birds. They were attempting to appear unassuming and harmless, just hanging out...waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

After I walked a long distance and was just about to turn around to head back because my to-do list at home was a mile long...I felt the Lord prompting me, "Keep going, I have something to show you." I noticed a bridge about a mile up ahead and decided to continue on until I reached it. Just as I turned, a beautiful pelican with an enormous wing span glided right next to me, his wing almost grazing my right shoulder. I thought, "Wow…that's amazing!" He continued his low flight until he was a few feet past me and then soared overhead. 

I finally reached the bridge and stood watching the beautiful, endangered, California tern circle overhead, squawking and dive bombing into the water in search of food, coming up empty time and again but never giving up. He knew there was food for him, he just needed to keep seeking. I stayed for a while, enjoying the view and thanking God for reminding me that He provides for my needs, I cannot quit, give up or stop seeking Him, for He knows exactly what I'll be facing and what I need to make it through the day.

But wait! Just when I began to head back, the Lord had more to show me. A woman came walking towards me and stopped me in my tracks, saying, "Did you see that?" "No what?" I curiously replied. She went on, "There was a seagull who had a large dead fish in his mouth when all of a sudden, a vulture flew up. The seagull didn't budge!" Raising her eyebrows in excitement she said, "I wanted to yell, GET OUT OF THERE before he hurts you…drop the fish! Then all of a sudden, a second vulture flew in. The two large menacing birds were surrounding him, but he still stood his ground. I couldn't believe it!" She paused as I said, "Wow…that's crazy!" Then she moved closer to me and with a knowing look said, "That seagull had some kind of power to be able to stand up against those two vultures!" She smiled and walked away, just like that.

I got a little teary eyed, thanking God for another reminder of HIS TRUTH. With God on our side, we have nothing to fear! "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Life's vultures may be surrounding you...sickness, hopelessness, addictions, people, unforgiveness, doubt and fear. But God is with you, telling you to stand your ground in Christ. Stand against surrounding vultures reminding yourself, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 
Remember today to pray, read God's Word and let Him take care of you. You've been redeemed! You've been restored! You've been forgiven! Let go and let God!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

A Light In Life's Clouds

Sometimes you may need to take a step back from your current situation to see God's Light shining through!

Never give up on your trust, hope or faith...things WILL get better. It's always darkest before the dawn. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel, a silver lining in every cloud and a rainbow (God's Promise) after the storm. I've found all this to be very true in my own life. The problem may often be remembering everything that God has already guided you safely through.

Today, I'd like to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on past "impossible" situations that the Lord has taken care of...carried you through...fixed! Let this be the light and truth of God's love and faithfulness to you."

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." 
Deuteronomy 31:6

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" 
2 Corinthians 4:17

"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." 
Exodus 14:14

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." 
2 Chronicles 20:17

Are You Seeking?

I was reading the book of Mark 2:1-12, in the Bible and was really hit by the determination of the people to get close to Jesus to heal their friends, family and even servants. The word about Jesus was spreading rampant from town to town. Thousands upon thousands were flocking to Him. It was almost impossible to get close enough to Him...but four very determined men dug a hole through the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus.

Can you imagine actually lifting a paralyzed man onto a roof and then physically digging a hole big enough to lower your friend and having blind faith that your work will not be in vain? These men didn't hesitate, they didn't look at the problem and say, "It's too crowded, sorry friend, no healing for you today." No they found a way to get to Jesus. They did whatever they had to. Their faith was strong enough to know that getting close to Jesus was the answer.

Today, we do not require this kind of physical labor to get close to the Jesus, and yet He is still just as alive today as He was all those years ago. The only difference, He's now able to be with each and everyone of us whenever we call out to Him. He is but a prayer away. So I ask you, in light of the story and the incredible work it took to reach Jesus, are you doing all you can to seek Him? Are you willing to give 20, 10, or even 5 minutes out of your day to pray and read the Bible? This costs you nothing, no pain, labor, lifting, or struggling. The only thing you are being asked to do is seek the Lord. Give Him a little time in your day. Ask Him into your life in faith. Allow Him to begin to fill you up with His truth and heal you in all areas. Are you falling short in seeking the Lord with the same fervency that they did while Jesus was walking on this earth?

The Lord loves you unconditionally, no matter what you've done, where you've been or how low you feel. He forgives you. He gave His only begotten Son so that you can be set free of the bondage of sin and guilt. Open your Bible, call out to your Heavenly Father, seek Him and allow Him to begin to make the changes in your life. His love for you is unending. Put your faith in the Lord...spend some time with Him and watch Him work in and through you. Getting close to Jesus is the answer your seeking!

"A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ² They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.³ Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ⁴ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ⁶ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷ “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them,“Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”So he said to the man, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12

Pushing Through Life's Desert

On our recent vacation hike, I couldn't help but relate our journey to Christ... 

Heading up the dusty, cactus filled trail, the goal seemed impossible by the view currently in front of us. The mountains were scarce in trees and a small trickle of water wound back and forth in front of us. (You may have been told about a peaceful life when you seek a relationship with Jesus, but often find it difficult to see past your present circumstances.) 

Continuing on, we jumped over the "river," heading toward our goal. 

Steeper and steeper we climbed, the cactus/desert view slowly began to disappear. Green, lush trees now lined our path. 

The next part of the river we came to was wider, the water deeper and moving faster. It was beginning to look more hopeful. (The more you continue to chase after the Lord through prayer and scripture study, your view begins to change.) We stomped through the ice cold water in our tennis shoes, no longer able to avoid getting wet. In the excitement of what was to come we increased our speed, foregoing the trail and traipsing directly through the river to reach our final destination quicker.

I'd been told about an incredibly beautiful hike from a long time blogger friend who lived in the area that we were currently vacationing in. I was finding it hard to imagine that this trail was leading me to the final majestic beauty that I'd seen in her pictures.  

People began to pass us as they were heading down the trail. I asked, "How was it?" "AWESOME!" several teenagers replied in unison. (Church leaders, family members and friends will often tell you how God changed them and their life is now amazing.) "How much farther?" my husband asked in anxious curiosity and still lingering doubt. "Oh, you're almost there!" a teenage girl replied. My husband shot me a quick doubtful glance and said, "I wonder if they're just joking us and it's still really far or worse, not there at all!" As we looked around, there showed no signs of anything close to what we came for. (You may feel doubt in the middle of your struggles, wondering if God will really hear and/or answer your prayers.)

We continued walking and headed back onto the trail due to fallen trees blocking our path. (The fallen trees are like difficulties, often causing you to leave the narrow path God is calling you to stay on with Him.) 

When we were able to, we jumped back into the water knowing that we couldn't get lost by following it directly. (When you get closer to Jesus, you will not stray or get lost because He is your guide.)

Finally, as we turned a corner, we stared in awe...the slot canyon stood before us reaching towards heaven.

Our eyes fell on a small narrow entryway of amazing yellow, orange, grey and black colors marking the way inside this hidden treasure. (“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14) 

My husband ran to it and with his arms extended, was able to reach both sides. The only way to enter was directly through the river.

A loud, thunderous echo, was resonating from inside the canyon walls, beckoning us to see where it was coming from. (This is just like God inviting you to come closer to Him; wanting you to have a deeper more intimate relationship with Christ.) As we rounded the corner, there it was. 

One of the most glorious slot canyon waterfalls I'd ever seen.

 

(When you press in and continue to grow closer to the Lord, you will be filled with His unending love and peace which surpasses all understanding.)

Your life may be just like our incredible hike. You may be walking uphill in the hot, dusty, desert of life. The view around you may seem hopeless and unending. But the more you press into God's word, pray and seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ, the closer you get to the dream he's placed in your heart. He begins to do a work in you; changing you one step at a time. Walking you closer and closer to His amazing light. The view around you begins to change. The dark grim areas...become brighter. You are filled with renewed hope and strength. You no longer feel lost and alone. The more you seek the Lord you begin to realize that your "hike" through life is easier when you allow Christ to be your guide. 

Today, take the journey of seeking a "relationship" with Christ. He will never take you down a wrong path. He will make all your paths straight. Eventually transforming you into His amazing image. Your life will become more than you've ever hoped or imagined it could be. His path will lead you to a life, "rooted and grounded" in Him. Start your hike though the desert into God's glorious waterfall of love, peace and light. He has a good and perfect plan for you and is calling you to take the steps in His direction. 

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Feeling Dried Up?

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

I've been struggling with eye problems & infections for years. My doctor finally figured out that my eyes are so severely dry that while I sleep, as soon as I go into REM (rapid eye movement) while dreaming, my dry eyes scrape against my eyelids and cause severe irritation. 

Last night I experienced one of these episodes. The excruciating pain I felt was like I'd been stabbed in the eye with a sharp object. I instantly awoke and laid there in agony for a few minutes. Due to this ongoing problem I have prescription eye drops always on hand. I quickly grabbed it, put a few drops in my eye and was able to fall back to sleep. I awoke pain free and saved myself hours, days and even weeks of pain.

Your soul can sometimes feel the same way. Life's circumstances may have you dried up. Things seem to scrape and scratch at you daily, irritating and leaving you feeling sick, hurt, isolated and trapped in your present situation. There is medicine for this. Something that you can apply that will have you feeling immediately better...it's God's word, the Holy Bible. The words in God's book are life giving truth, wisdom, comfort, healing, peace and love. It is the one thing that can ease your burdens, and carry you through the day. 

Don't continue to suffer alone. Apply God's life giving medicine for your soul. Open your Bible right now and see what He wants to tell you! Let His unending love for you set you free. He wants to give you life and even more so...LIFE IN ABUNDANCE UNTIL YOU OVERFLOW! 

"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 1:14

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John10:10

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," Ephesians 3:20

Why Am I Suffering?

I was looking for something to send out to my "Morning Devotional Group," (a group of friends that I email every morning with encouraging, inspirational thoughts, stories and scriptures) when I came across a book, "Reflections of His Image-God's Purpose For Your Life," by Nancy Missler, which was sitting on my bookshelf. It was full of dust...forgotten and hidden over the years. It grabbed my attention, I pulled it out, dusted it off and started scanning, looking for something to jump off the pages. That's when I abruptly stopped and read this: 

THE PURPOSE OF SUFFERING

"Those of us who have lived long enough understand that life itself includes suffering. The 9th chapter of Ecclesiastes 9 points us to the truth that "all things come alike to all." Misfortune and evil and calamity and "time and chance" happen to everyone. (verses 2, 11) However, we also know that God is above all these things and He will use any or all of them as He sees fit to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. Suffering can be a result of our own sin, the sins of others, the schemes of Satan or from the fallen state of the human race. Here are a few other reasons suffering occurs: 

1)    To produce brokenness

2)    To destroy anything in our lives that is worthless, empty and steering us in  the wrong direction.

3)    To make us more pliable.

4)    To make us more Christ-like

5)    To endow us with more power.

6)    To experience the "fellowship of His sufferings," and

7)    To teach us how to help others, by our own experiences.

Another of God's purposes for suffering is to highlight the things in our own lives that must be dealt with. He wants us to make an honest self-evaluation of ourselves, which in turn, should lead us to confession, repentance and a change of lifestyle. "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to test thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or not." (Deuteronomy 8:2) 

God put the book of Job, the longest book of the Bible, right in the center of the Bible for a very good reason: it's an example of faith in the night seasons and the determination never to give up. God intends for all of us to use this book as a "road map" through the dark times, always keeping in mind that at the end of the road, Job finally "saw" himself and God as he never had before, changing his life forever. (Job 42:5)" 

What a powerful reminder of continuing to seek the Lord during times of trial, asking for His wisdom, strength, patience and guidance through life's storms. Don't give up! Don't lose hope! Stand strong in the knowledge that through this you will come out victorious as you put your trust in the Lord every second, minute and hour of the day. Call out to Him and know that He is guiding you safely through this dark place. YOU ARE LOVED!

 

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2  
"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." Job 42:5
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" 1 Peter 5:6   

When Are Things Going To Get Better?

How many times do you know what God is asking and wanting you to do and yet...you choose to stay exactly where you are? You continue doing exactly the same things that have been making you unhappy for the past several years. You talk about making the tough, yet necessary changes but somehow you continue to rely on your own strength, will and might. It is never quite enough to get your life back on the right path to happiness.

I'm going to be very frank with you. There is one constant and continual problem. It is something that we all struggle with...pride. We think we can handle everything on our own. But the one question I have to ask you is, "How's that been working out for you?" Do you still feel, lost, sad, alone, afraid and unable to stand strong and change the areas of your life that are out of control? The very thing that got the devil kicked out of heaven was pride. Unfortunately he uses that weakness in your life to continue to lie to you. He isolate's you and then fills your head with thoughts of defeat, and hopelessness. He tries to make you feel weak if you need to ask God for help. He does not want you to go to the very source of love, truth, light, wisdom and hope.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:7, 9-10

Jesus came to give you life through a relationship with Him. This relationship is built on getting to know Him and His Word through prayer and scripture study. As you spend time with Him daily, He begins to heal your wounds through His love and truth about who you really are. He slowly begins to take away the desires to do the things that are causing you heartache. He leads you beside still, calm waters; allowing you to take all of your pain, addictions, heartache, and loneliness and hand it over to Him. He will fill you with a peace that is incomprehensible. A peace that defy's all human logic. As you lean on Him, He builds you up and reminds you of how special you truly are. You are not your sin, you are not your addictions, you are not unworthy, you are not unloved. You begin to see who you truly are in and through HIS EYES. A person of great importance and value in advancing His Kingdom. A person worthy of giving His life for. 

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." Proverbs 8:17

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Do not continue to struggle alone. Do not feel ashamed to go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Do not feel unworthy of being loved. Do not feel the need to control everything in your life and feel like a failure when you can't. You were not made to travel this journey alone. You've been made for a love relationship with Jesus Christ. That emptiness you constantly feel is the huge gaping hole that God created in you to be filled with HIS LOVE. Do not continue to weather your storm alone through the deception of pride. Look to your Savior, your Redeemer, and your Healer. He stands at the door waiting...will you let Him in to your heart and your life?

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

At Least I'm Not Like Them!

Have you ever found yourself saying, "Wow, what's wrong with them?" Do you ever sit in judgement of others? We all fall short in this area, often times using this to lift ourselves up..."at least I'm not like them!" 

Sin is sin - you can try to justify it any way you want. The truth is none of us are perfect. We're all battling something...some sin may just be more outwardly apparent than others. Don't ever forget where you've come from and what you've been forgiven of. Your story will become your ministry. You have the ability to reach others who may be struggling with the same challenges you've overcome through the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. 

You have a story to share. You have a life to touch. Instead of wasting your time judging others, spend time loving them. Share your story of redemption, freedom, peace and love through your relationship with Jesus Christ. You have  been given a great purpose; to help set the captives free. Go out in unconditional love today, reaching out to a lost, hurt and broken people.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;" Luke 6:37

"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:17

"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest is great, but the laborers are few: Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest." Luke 10:2

WHEN YOU FEEL THE GRIME...

NOTICE THE HEART SHAPE AT THE TOP RIGHT?

I slowly pulled in between the tight panels, waiting to hear the loud beep signaling me to stop. I sat patiently waiting as the water poured over the top. Next came the multicolored layers of suds; a fresh, clean aroma filled the air. I sat in the darkness watching a particularly difficult spot a bird had left, wondering if the pressure would be strong enough to remove the main reason I was there. Water continued to rain down as the panels moved back and forth. The longer I sat, the stronger the pressure became, until finally the bird dropping disappeared from view. The flashing green arrows signaled I was done. I slowly pulled out of the car wash, my car once again shiny and new.

While sitting in the car, waiting for the cleaning process to finish, I thought about sin. When I've messed up and done something wrong, said something hurtful, talked about someone to others, negatively lashed out at my husband or family members, I feel the "dirt" of it on me. I feel the "old me" trying to rise up and cover me with shame, guilt and condemnation. For a while, I leave it on me, just like driving around in my dirty car with bird droppings on it. I allow my shame and guilt to be worn on my outward self. I don't feel worthy to go to my Heavenly Father and ask to be cleaned. The enemy takes this opportunity to fill my head with lies, "This is who you really are! You've messed up again. You're never going to overcome this. Look how far you were and you still couldn't stop doing it! Give up, what's the use...you'll never change!"

But through those dark moments, as I try to muffle the lies and make sense of it all; just like watching the multicolored suds in the dark car, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit calls to me, "You are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. You are a new creation in Him; and like the car wash, I begin to smell the clean refreshing aroma surrounding me. The past is gone, you have been made whole. I love you. I have a good plan for your life. Get up and let me clean you! The longer I sit with the Lord, the truth of His love begins to apply pressure to the dirt of sin.

I begin to pray asking to be cleaned, forgiven and made new again. I ask not only for forgiveness, but that the worldly desires of my human nature be removed in Jesus' name. Slowly the darkness begins to wash away, the light of Jesus' sacrifice beams brightly down upon me. I begin to fill the grime disappear. Then before I realize it, I've been cleaned, forgiven and I'm ready to be used by Christ for His purpose.

Don't continue to sit in the dark grime and dirt of your sin. That is not who you are! You have been given the gift of forgiveness and can start with a clean slate. Wash up...the Lord is waiting to use you for His amazing plan!

"Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:31-32

"Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:44-46

Is It Enough?

I was driving home from work and noticed a homeless woman crossing the street. Our eyes met and I began to pray for her. It was unusual to see a homeless person in the affluent area of Fashion Island,  Newport Beach, CA. This homeless woman stood out, in her oversized tattered dress, and shopping cart full of all her belongings. She demanded my attention, standing against the lush green lawns and beautiful palm tree lined streets. As I drove further I felt the prompting to go back and give her all the money I had in my wallet, which wasn't much. I quickly turned around and pulled up beside her. As I rolled down my window, she grabbed a huge tattered Bible, holding it close to her chest and backed away from my rolled down passenger side window. I leaned over to tell her I wanted to help her, holding up the money in my hand. She said, "I don't approach cars." I said, "I can get out and give it to you." She quickly replied, "No, I can tell it's not the right amount. I pray each day and ask God to provide for my exact needs for the day. I know the amount, and I can tell that's not enough." I continued to try and persuade her to take it, telling her if it's not the right amount then she can use it to bless someone else. She refused telling me, "If I accept an amount less than I'm supposed to I am being unfaithful to God." With that I told her I would be praying for her and drove away feeling a little disheartened as to why the Lord would have me go offer everything I have in my purse, only to be rejected.

While driving I continued to pray and ask what lesson the Lord wanted to teach me. I had felt the prompting very strong to go back and give her all I had; even to the point that as I began to count the money, I stopped because I knew it didn't matter how much I was giving her, I was just supposed to offer it all to her.

When I got home...Tithing came to my mind. I remembered how I've been falling short in being faithful to give at least a 10th of my earnings. I give a little here and a little there. But God is asking me to give Him at least a 10th. He is asking me to give Him my best. What I've been offering "WASN"T THE RIGHT AMOUNT!" What I've been giving to the Lord wasn't enough? Everything I have is His..my family, my job, my car, my home, my food, my clothes and all the extra little "must have" things I store up. He has given me so much and in return asks me to give a 10th of my earnings to be used for His purpose. He's blessed me and only asks for a small portion to be given in faithfulness. I have fallen short. I have short changed the Lord who is ALWAYS there when I call. He is so faithful and yet I have not been. 

Today, ask yourself if you too have fallen short in this area? The Lord is faithful to provide ALL your needs. Are you as faithful in giving to the Lord?

 ^"A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." Leviticus 27:30 

" Then say to the Lord your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them." Deuteronomy 26:13

"Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”  “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”  They answered, “Seven.”  He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:17-21

Give God your best and He'll supply the rest!!