Just A Little Farther...

The water splashed all around as the board gracefully glided through. The kids frolicked, water at the center of their fun. But just a few feet in front of them was the clean ocean water. They stopped too soon. They were sitting in the middle of the drainage/run off water. Unbeknownst to them, it wasn't the best place for them to stop. They needed to continue to walk forward, out of the dirty water and into the crashing, clean waves in front of them where the tide disperses any contamination into hundreds and thousands of miles of ocean, cleaning it. 

I'm always puzzled by this. I want to run down and say, "Get out of there! Don't let your kids play in that water."

Isn't that just what our Heavenly Father thinks as we sit in the "contaminated" things in our life? Isn't HE calling us to come out of it? Why do we all too often sit in the very places that is toxic to our souls?

The enemy's deception is slow and steady. One step here, a little step there until one day you're frolicking in a mess of destructive behavior and choices.

Here's some truth friends...
You NEVER have to stay there and continue to "sit" in it. JESUS is right in front of you. Do you not hear HIM tugging at your heart? One right decision at a time, prompting you to take a step in HIS direction as HE grabs hold of you hand. You do not have to walk alone.

Today, stop. PRAY. Ask JESUS to help you move towards HIM. Ask HIM to pull you out of the muck and the mire of wrong choices. You're never too far. Your never beyond HIS reach. Let the Redeeming Blood of JESUS clean you up and set you free!

Lord, I ask YOU to come into my heart and life. Remove anything that is not of YOU. Set me free from the chains and bondage of sin that has held me captive for far too long. I ask you to come into my life JESUS, making all things new. Forgive me and help me to forgive myself. 
I say these things in YOUR Mighty and Powerful Name JESUS, Amen.

"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."~John 14:6

911-Should I Make The Call?

The song ended. It was quiet as the Pastor prompted us to keep our eyes closed; to stay in the moment; to pray for the things on our hearts.

As I started to think of all that needed to be lifted up to the Lord, sirens sounded. First one and then others joined in, very loud, demanding my attention. There was an emergency. Something had happened. Someone needed immediate help.

911 - a call to action. A call to hope in desperation. We all know it and are grateful it's there, sure of the fact that trained professionals are always ready and waiting to spring into action at your call.

The sound faded off into the distance and I was able to once again focus. Pray. Calling on the Lord in time of need.

Then it hit me, each of our prayers is exactly like that 911 call. We are calling out to the Creator of the Universe...the Heavens...the Earth; asking Him to help you, to help others who may be on your heart. Think about that for a minute. The Lord is waiting. Sitting patiently, ready to answer you...His child's call.

Just like the sirens sounding, signaling help is on the way...your prayers let the Lord know that you're ready for Him to come to your rescue. You're ready to say, "YOU LORD, are the only one equipped to handle this mess, hurt, problem, sin, addiction, crisis, pain, loss...I need you Lord."

At that very moment...that second, He begins to move, to help, to save, to restore. Just like the emergency responders are trained to approach/treat a crisis situation; God knows exactly what you need. You need to let the Expert decide what's best for you. He may feel your prayer needs immediate attention and help/answers/healing arrives immediately, or He may think it's best to wait. He will fill you with His peace in the waiting, His comfort and His strength for a bigger plan He has down the road, (He knows what's best for you.) He may feel this prayer requires no treatment at all and wants you to learn to have faith and trust in Him, even if you're not getting your way. (He knows what's best for you.) He is the Expert. He sees the big picture and knows exactly what you need...when you need it.

What an incredible gift. To know that your prayers are heard, answered...from the Holy of Holies. Your every cry is to a faithful Lord, who wants nothing but the best for you.

So He waits. He waits on you. He waits on me. He wants us to learn to talk to Him in or out of crisis. His love surrounds. His love abounds. His love moves deep into your heart and soul when you're willing to talk to Him. So today, take a minute and pray. Put in a 911 call to the Lord. Put in a call of thanks. Put in a call of love. Whatever you're going through or whatever is happening...PRAY!

“When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the Lord;
And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple." Jonah 2:7

"I cry out to the Lord with my voice;

With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble. 

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul. 

I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me.”~Psalm 142:1-7

JESUS TEACHING ON PRAYER

So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”~Luke 11:2-4

Are You Stuck In Life's Riptide?

"C'mon! Get in here!" We stood at the waters edge yelling, waving our arms. My son and nephew were deep in the big waves...too far out for inexperienced 12 & 14 year old boys. Worry began to flood. I noticed with each crashing wave, every paddle and kick, they still seemed to be heading deeper and deeper out into the ocean. They were caught in a riptide. The rules of escape need to be taught. I'd told my son but maybe not enough. My young nephew had no idea being from Utah and not familiar with ocean dangers. 

My brother & I continued to yell. I motioned for them to paddle horizontal to the shoreline to help them get out of the riptide and come in. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be getting through  to them, they continued trying to swim against the ocean force. I knew that we may have to both jump in and save them.

Finally, a large wave broke through pushing them close enough to touch. 

The spray of the ocean across my face matched the refreshing relief in my heart. Sigh. 

That quick!

In a moment things can turn from fun to danger.

When life choices take us out into deep water; when you seem to be swimming and getting nowhere, heading deeper and deeper into a dangerous place...grab hold of your safety net. Reach out for the Lord's outstretched hand. He's yelling, "C'mon! Get in here! Let Me help you. Let me save you from drowning. Take my hand and walk with me."

Like the escape route of a riptide requires following the shoreline until you're safely out of harms way; our walk with Jesus is the same. When we choose to look to Him, to follow Him, we find ourselves safely out of the danger of our poor decisions. Washed clean. Restored. Made brand new in Christ's image, through His sacrifice.

Don't think you're too far gone. He has come to save YOU. He loves YOU. He wants to help YOU. He wants to guide you back to a safe and secure place...HIS LOVE.

Don't continue to swim against life's riptides hoping you'll eventually reach the shore. You're not designed to go this journey alone. That emptiness...that thing in your life that you're constantly trying to fill with (FILL IN THE BLANK) (drugs, alcohol, sex, lying, cheating, pride, stealing, hurting, unforgiveness)...whatever your space is, it can only be filled with the love of Jesus. Look to your Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the lifeguard of your life. Call to Him...HE WILL RESCUE YOU!  

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." 
Jeremiah 31:3

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." 
John 15:10-11

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 

Psalm 16:11

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG DROP?

"I don't know, is it a big drop?" It was too late when he began to wonder. He was securely strapped in. The log floated and bumped it's way through the water. It was his first trip to Disneyland. He'd seen the drop before getting on. From a distance it didn't seem so bad, but as the anticipation began to build, fear set in.

I often find that when I begin to focus too much on what's up ahead instead of living in the moment, the anticipation builds up fear and anxiety. It floods my trust and peace.

Today, stay focused on Jesus. Stand peacefully in the moment, noticing the things He's trying to show you. God is more than capable of handling tomorrow. Pray. Stay in the now...right where He has you and pay close attention. Soak in His Word. He will reveal Himself to you in the everyday things of life. A beautiful sunrise/sunset. A bird singing outside your window. A bright flower opening to the morning sun. A butterfly, once a crawling caterpillar now transformed...gracefully soaring. Be filled up with awe and wonder. You are loved. God is good...all the time!

TAKE A MOMENT AND LISTEN TO WHAT GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU:

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

BROKENNESS

Three men...two self inflicted with the pain of addiction. The third, a small, handicapped man...warmly greeting me.

Encounters everyday. What am I doing with these encounters? Pray. Always pray. There is not one single person on this earth who does not need prayer; powerful, heart felt prayers, not quick mutterings, or empty promises of prayer. Brokenness all around us each day. Drowning people. Waves of life billowing up. Swallowing. Reject shallowness. Let go of appearances. Go deeper. Walk the walk of Christ. Steps that lead to Him. Always Him. Our Healer. Our Life-Guard.  Our Savior. There is power in the name of Jesus. The whole world stirs at the mention of His name. Let the Love of Jesus flood the brokenness. Pray.

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us," 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 

"Pray without ceasing," 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" Philippians 4:6

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

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

Are You Clinging To A Lifeless Branch?

I came upon a tree that had one lone leaf still clinging to the lifeless branch. It survived the fall and continued to hang on through the winter. It somehow never realized that it was time to move on. By clutching the dried up branch, it was actually harming the tree, causing the branch to remain open and exposed to the cold elements. It also was forcing water to be released to the leaf...water that needed to be stored within the tree during these winter months to help it endure until spring.

You can often be just like that leaf, clinging to a lifeless branch in your life. You may know it's time to let go but you're afraid of change, afraid of the unknown, afraid of giving up your security blanket...(fill in the blank~whatever that may be.) We all have them, they come in many forms and can cause more harm than good. A false sense of security, but slowly it eats away at you; taking the much needed nutrients away, hindering your growth.

Just like a tree in the spring, which sprouts bright new life giving leafs, branches and even brilliant colored flowers; there are areas in your life that you need to let go of. Things that you continue to grasp that need to be cast aside enabling you to grow into all that God has for you; His good and perfect plan for your life. Change can be painful, letting go may seem impossible and fear can become almost debilitating. But God is bigger than your pain and fear. God is able to do remarkable, immeasurable things in your life. Have you asked Him for wisdom and guidance in this area? Have you listened to His promptings...trusting Him more than you trust your lifeless branch? If not, I encourage you to spend some time each day reading the Bible and praying, asking for God's life giving truth to be poured out over...(fill in the blank)___. Don't continue to hang on to your lifeless branch, let go and fall into the Lord's capable, loving arms. You are His child and He is guiding you safely toward HIS good and perfect plans for you. LET GO AND LET GOD!

"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 make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

" What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:15-17


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

What's Your New Year's Resolution

Changes don’t happen because you make a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of the year. Changes take place because of daily choices, an undeterred resolve to make the tough decisions every second, minute and hour of the day. A complete and total steadfastness to seek the Lord daily to help you with the tough choices and decisions, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth.

So today as you see the hope of a new year begin, seek to make changes in you, not others. Pray for others, but know that the only person you can change is you, with the Lord’s loving help and guidance. Remember you are not alone. You have a new beginning each morning; a fresh new day to make the right decisions; to be more loving, patient, kind, forgiving, and caring. Ask the Lord to show you and help you in the areas you need change. Start each morning in prayer and scripture study, feed your soul first thing, it is the most important decision you will make each day.  As you begin to see changes happening within you, the Lord reveals His truth about who you truly are in and through Him.

Happy New Year and remember, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ!