Are You Wandering?

While sitting on the beach a group of monks walked past me. It reminded me of life's wandering and searching. The quest to quench a deep seeded thirst for truth. A life journey to fill an empty space. I remember all the things I'd try to fill my emptiness with before I truly accepted JESUS into my heart and life. Some things would temporarily cover the hole for a short time, but slowly, I knew deep within, I was missing something truly important in my life. Eventually, sadness and longing for more crept into my every day routine; something meaningful, healing, restoring. I wandered in search of the next thing to plug the hole, only to find the same end result. 

One day, after a dark, despair filled night, I decided to go back to church and take my whole family with me. I'd tried everything else and realized that it was time to give JESUS a try. My approach was different in that I chose to make it more than a Sunday sermon affair. I decided if I was really going to seek HIM, I needed to get into GOD'S Word and read it for myself...daily. How can you get to know someone without doing your part to get closer?  As I made a commitment to read the Bible ten minutes a day every morning, something began to happen, the truth of GOD'S words began to heal the hole in my heart. It began to heal the hurt in my soul. It began to heal my thoughts, changing my attitude, reminding me that I was loved and made for a purpose. 

I'm thankful JESUS CHRIST found me in my wandering. I'm thankful HE pulled me close. 

Friends, if you're in the wandering stage of life and still feel emptiness at your very core, I want to challenge you to seek JESUS. Don't take my word for it or anyone else's, go straight to The LORD in prayer. Ask HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you. Open up the Holy Bible and read GOD'S Words, love letters written specifically for you and I. A guide to true healing in every single area. GOD created an open place in each of our hearts that only HE can fill. 

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

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

THE FIGHT

I sat in front of the pier, a group of homeless men of varying ages...early 20's to late 60's sat to my left. I silently prayed over them as my worship music loudly played. Another older homeless man with long gray, straggly hair pulled up on his bike, a worn cart attached to the back with a dog inside. He began screaming at a one of the younger homeless men...who in turn responded by yelling and charging towards him. They seemed to know each other and have some kind of long standing rift. Their anger began to escalate as they stood face to face just a few inches apart, taunting each other to throw the first punch while name calling.

I've never been one to just sit back and let things happen around me without trying to intervene. I quickly turned my bike around and pulled up next to them and shouted, " Stop it! Knock it off!" I repeated it several times, my music continue to blare, as I prayed that it would not escalate. They were oblivious to me or anything I was saying to them. But I continued to try, "Stop it! Calm down...don't do this!"

Finally a friend of the younger homeless man stepped in and pulled him away before either man threw a punch.

ANGER.

It can grip so hard and drag us in past the point of reason.

As I road away I thought about all the times in my life I've let anger get me to a point of really hurting people. I've said terrible things. I've lashed out trying to hurt people who I felt wronged me or my family. But then JESUS stepped into my life and filled my heart.

Don't get me wrong, I still get angry, but my reactions are much more controlled than before. I know how to diffuse it by running to The LORD. The enemy can use anger to control people. He hardens hearts and blinds eyes. He breaks up families and friendships.

Today if you find yourself held in angers grip, steal away to a quiet place, pray, ask The LORD to reveal truth, peace and His love over the situation. Never forget that JESUS makes ALL things new. Don't be deceived, don't stay captive in anger. JESUS has called you and I for more. Let His love seep into those hardened, hurting places. Let go. 

"Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
for anger rests in the bosom of fools."~Ecclesiastes 7:9

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."~James 1:19-20

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3

Do You Fall Prey To Crashing Emotions?

It was hard to swallow. Something wasn't right. I felt achy, tired and couldn't breathe. I knew my body was trying to fight off an impending attack. I began to load up on extra vitamins...trying to offer a counterattack to boost the unseen battle raging within. 

But what of the unseen daily battles of emotional attacks? Worry. Fear. Stress. Anxiety. Doubt. Depression. Pain. 

Why am I slow in defending against these often debilitating emotions?

I know immediately when I get that sinking feeling...when something's just not right. Why do I not run as quickly to what I know will offer a counterattack? I know what's lacking. 

Life has a way of throwing unexpected trials at me. Too often I let the emotions fester. They begin to overtake and the issue/problem becomes larger than I can bear. I fall prey to my crashing emotions.

The cure is swifter than any vitamins I may take for a physical illness. The affect of The LORD'S truth over my emotions is miraculous; all encompassing, unending in it's healing power.

So why do I wait to call to Him?

To Pray?

To read the Bible?

Why do I choose to sit alone and wallow in it?

Lord, today please help me to look to YOU First; spending time alone in YOUR Presence as YOU reveal truth to my soul...my heart...my emotions. Draw me close to YOU as YOU guide my way. Let my heart be filled with the knowledge of YOUR Truth & Light. Do not let me sit in the lies of crashing emotions. "YOUR rod and YOUR staff they comfort me." I say these things, in the name of my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, Amen. 

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4

"For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” 
Jeremiah 31:25

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

"Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth."
Jeremiah 33:6

Sitting at the Waters Edge of Life...

The wind whipped the sand. I turned my back to keep it from my eyes. I could scoot back, away from the oceans edge, but getting closer to God’s amazing beauty is why I came to the beach. The same can often be true in life, it may not always be easy or the ideal conditions to seek God. Some day’s you’re weary; soul parched. The last thing on your mind is getting closer to God; the day’s drag on, one blurring into another. But the Lord patiently calls out…"Draw near to Me. Let Me fill you up."

The sand continues to pelt my back. I sit. I write. I listen. The waves crash up to the edge of the shoreline, all power and strength, only to recede from whence it came. My leg dangling, the ledge recently created by the recent swell of hurricanes far off. I cannot see what’s happening underneath to raise the water up. But I know the water is hitting sand bars deep below, forming incredible, glorious, sometimes monstrous waves.

Most of us try to avoid life’s storms, crumbling as they relentlessly pound despite our best efforts…no visible end in sight. During these times it’s important to not lose sight of the ALWAYS PRESENT STRENGTH OF THE LORD.

“The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.” Psalm 29:8

He can raise up great and majestic beauty in your life if you will call on Him. Cling to Him as a lifeline. Learn to trust fully in Him. As each wave hits the sandbar of your heart, call on Jesus. Ask for wisdom and guidance. He will not let you drowned. Don’t turn your back on Him any longer. It’s time to go deeper. Let Him bring beauty out of the storm, carrying you safely into the light…a rainbow shining brightly where once there was only darkness.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I turn, I face the wind. The sand no longer hits my face. Nothing has changed other than I chose to face it head on.  The water closes in, spraying my face, and glasses. Refreshing salt mist has replaced hard sand pelts.

Things do not always stay the same. You may be in a difficult season right now. Don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. Don’t lose faith.

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Turn your face to Jesus. He is waiting for you; interceding for you. He loves you. You are never alone. Look to Him!

“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail;” Luke 22:31-32

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-9

^"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

Do You Feel Trapped?

I walked up to get a closer look and see if I could save it. The brilliant colors drew me in. A half circle around it was all I needed to know it couldn't be saved. I was too late. The allure of false light had trapped him. The candle was encased in a trap. This beauty who had known the crawl, endured the transformation, to finally soar, had been sucked in. Drawn to the light, it's warmth and comfort a facade. It's outward appearance still looked the same, however the life was gone. I sat back down as the music played, filling the air, my eyes drawn back to the encased, lifeless butterfly. Now a beautiful decoration.

I know in my own life, too often I've been drawn to the allure of false light. Chasing after things that I thought would bring me happiness, only to get trapped and encased in the lie.

The light of the candle was false...not the comforting warmth of the sun. The false allure of this world and the things in it are not the one true, life-giving, life-sustaining, and life-transforming light of Jesus Christ. Everything you're chasing after will never fill the one true void in your heart. You need Jesus. He fills up, transforms, renews and makes ALL things new.

Do not continue down the empty road you've been on for far too long. The true Light that has come into the world, Jesus Christ, is easy to find. Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior over every area of your life, even those deep, hidden, dark places. He will bring life back in...no matter how far you've wandered or how deep you've fallen. He is the Life-Giver, Restorer, and Healer. The Savior of the world that makes all things new. Call out to Him today. His Light is life!

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind." Ecclesiastes 1:14

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

"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 1:7

I'm Tired!

As the sleepless nights mount up, it takes a toll on me. I'm becoming overly sensitive, easily angered and frustrated. A constant sense of uneasiness floods my usually peaceful mind. Sleep deprivation is wearing me down. Three to four hours a night is not enough!

I have so many things to do, the list in my head seems to continually get longer, I never seem to get caught up.

This morning I had a yoga class (to help the herniated disc in my neck), weight training and a bike ride. As soon as the alarm went off I felt the pressure and stress to get there begin to overwhelm me. I chose to stay in bed. I'm mentally and physically exhausted. As soon as I make the decision, the guilt of skipping out floods my mind. I'm in training for a big memorial hike in honor of my dad. It was a goal he'd set and achieved before his passing from lung cancer. He climbed Mt. Timpanogos in Utah. It's a difficult hike that takes about 4 1/2 hours each way.

I want to be in shape to climb this mountain. However, at the moment, I can't even climb the mountain in front of me....getting to the gym. Sigh...

In the middle of all this mind spinning, I hear the Lord's prompting, "Rest in Me." Sigh. "Rest in ME." 

Can it be that simple?

Closing all the doors, silencing my phone, shutting out the world that never stops calling my name, I enter into the quiet place with the Lord, praying, soaking in His Holy Word. More of HIM, less of this world. Even in my tired state, I feel the restlessness begin to fade away. My breathing slows. My mind stops racing. Right here, right now, I'm choosing to seek the Lord's peace. I need to be filled...stilled....renewed. 

^"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you Jesus for reminding me that time spent with You always fills up my parched soul.

Right Here...Right Now!

The Lord says..."When you come to Me in Thankfulness I hear you. I answer your call as you put your complete faith and trust in Me. Be mindful of Me throughout your day. Do not become passive in this world. I've come to save you. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Let the Light of My Love capture you each morning. Let My truth and words be on your lips all day long. I have divine appointments for you. Do not let the enemy blind your eyes with worldly lies. Stay in the moment. For in each moment you will find peace, wisdom, guidance and understanding for what is placed in front of you. "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Stay the course: second by second...minute by minute...day by day. I'm in the very moment where you are standing. Thank Me for My presence. My Mighty Hand holds you. Do you not perceive it?" "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Stay in the now so that My Glory may be revealed in and through you. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—" John 14:16

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

ARE YOU EVER SATISFIED?

Are you ever satisfied? I ask this question first to myself and then to you. When you're blessed with something you've been hoping and praying for…is it enough? Do you find yourself chasing and hoping for the next thing on your wish list? Are you a victim of consumerism? 

Human nature is stated very clearly in the Bible found in Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon (son of King David and considered one of the wisest men to ever live besides Jesus.) He chased after worldly things, attaining it all, only to say it was, "grasping for the wind." He mentions it over and over again...no less than nine times. Accumulation. More stuff. Never enough. We rent storages to hold things that we will probably never use again and yet we keep it. MINE. I speak to me first!

"GRASPING FOR THE WIND."

The true chasing you should be doing each day is chasing after the Lord's heart. JESUS. HIS will. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you towards the things that you truly need. Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—" John 14:16 More time praying. More time reading the Scriptures. More time sharing the unconditional love of Christ. Where's your heart? I ask myself first and then you. The Lord has blessed each one of us with so much materialistically and continues to do so. But the true question is…do you care where others will be spending eternity? 

As you seek Jesus and He fills you up…this should start to become a priority, if you truly let Him transform you into HIS image; removing the things that so easily trap and entangle you. Look around, wherever you are…is there someone you can pray for? You have so many opportunities placed in front of you each day. At work, praying quietly at your desk for the people in your office to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, in the store, in the gym, in the movie theatre…so many opportunities to pray for people. The Bible plainly states that the ONLY WAY to the Father is through His Son, Jesus Christ. All paths do not lead to Heaven. Jesus is the only way to the Father. 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

Where's your heart? I ask myself and then you. Are you too busy trying to devise a plan to get more things? It's all, "grasping for the wind." It will not bring you true happiness or fill the empty void in your soul. 

Don't get me wrong…we all need provisions now and for the future, but what I'm talking about is the never ending excess that consumes our thoughts and time…more…more…more. Maybe it's time to pray for the things the Lord wants for your life. As a "Christ"ian you should care more about the Lord's will than your own…"grasping for the wind." There are too many people who need a Savior, Jesus Christ; too many people who are struggling with pain, addiction, loneliness, and heartache. Do you care? Step up and seek more of the Lord's will and less of yours. In this you will find true happiness for all that you've been searching for. I speak to me first, then you. Trust Him with ALL of you. Allow Him to use you mightily each day and watch the burdens begin to fall away. Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life". What was Christ doing here on earth? He came to save. He was here to bring the lost, hurting , misled and broken people back to the loving embrace of their Heavenly Father. Stop "grasping for the wind," and cling to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

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

STOP WASTING YOUR TIME...

God wants you to know…"Stay in this place of worship with Me. Do all that I'm asking you to do and it will go well for you. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 I am leading you down a path of My making. I'm making a way in the desert, to reach the lost, hurting and broken. My way is easy and My load is light. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 Do not shrink back in fear. Do not worry about what others may think of you. When you worry about others views, you hinder My Holy Spirit from working in your life. Hold My hand as I guide you to the people that I want to touch; people who are lost in the darkness through the lies and deception of the enemy. They need hope. They need love. They need understanding. They need Me, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." 1 Corinthians 1:27

Do not continue to waste your time on trivial things. Stay focussed on Me and allow My will to permeate and radiate in and through you. Your purpose is to do My Will and then go home. Do not allow other things to steal you away from your one true calling. My servant. My ambassador. My mouthpiece to spread the unconditional, saving love of Jesus Christ to a lost and broken people. People who have lost hope. People who have lost their way. People who are grasping at so many worthless things. Lead them to Me. Point them in My healing and restoring direction. They need a Savior. They need hope of a new beginning. A new life that no longer hinders and binds them in chains. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10  I am God. I have created you for more. More than this limited life shows you. More than you ever dreamed possible. My peace and love will overcome any and all obstacles. Look to Me. See Me. I'm right here. I never leave you. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Do not distance yourself from Me. I love you. I am for you. I am not against you. Stop running. Stop looking for other things to fulfill you. It is Me and Me alone that you are searching for. 

Stand and behold my work. Stand and see that I am making a new way…a new life…a life overflowing with streams of milk and honey. Walk this way. Do not turn to the right or left. "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Proverbs 4:27 In all things pray to Me for wisdom and guidance. I will lead you safely home. Finish My work. Do not be afraid. I am God and I will fill you. It is not by your power, will or might, but Mine. Am I not capable of making all things possible? 

Do not fear. The enemy roars around like a lion waiting to devour. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8 I will not let him harm you. You are mine. Walk in the knowledge of this truth. Many things will vie for your attention. Keep your eyes completely focussed on Me. My words are water to your soul. They will flow into the parched, cracked areas, renewing and refreshing your spirit. They will lift you up and carry you through all that I'm asking you to do. Read My Word. Fill up and be nourished each day. Walk forward as a mighty warrior of God. My army encompasses you. You need to know that you are never alone. You are safe in My arms. Allow this knowledge to move you. Move out into all that is waiting for you. There are people who need My Love. People who have gone astray. No longer worry about your appearance, or people's perception. This is not of Me. You need to be bold. Walk in boldness. Your Savior has redeemed you. You are a new creation in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17  You are being asked to bring others to this knowledge…JESUS; a relationship with a Faithful Savior and loving Father. Go forth and do MY WILL."  

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

Is Life's Bokeh Stealing Your Attention?

Lord, open my eyes to see You more clearly. To see the blessings. To see the love. To see You in the midst of trials, weariness, worry, anxiety...always to see You first. Let all other things fade, become less clear, like the bokeh on my new camera lens. Bokeh: a word mentioned often in photography. Something to strive to achieve in pictures. Bokeh, "the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the image; the out of focus areas in an image around the subject."

When I look to You Lord, You are teaching me to achieve the aesthetic quality of life. To blur out all struggles and strife around me and focus on You. First. Always first. Then and only then can I see the truth of Your life giving, life guiding, life saving love. I can be sure that You are taking care of the blurry areas of my life by focusing on Your clear image of love for me. Thank You Lord, in Jesus' name, Amen.

"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" Psalm 105:4

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ 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? ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:25-26 & 33

A Prayer For You...

Lord, I know You have a good plan for my life and a purpose, but some days I feel overwhelmed. I face many challenges throughout my day and I sometimes feel a small root of bitterness attempting to form. On these days I need more of You and less of me. Help me to see things through Your eyes Lord and not my own. Please give me Your peace, patience, love and comfort during difficulties. Lord, You are always on the scene...help me to seek You; to reach for Your outstretched hand. Let me walk close to You on life's journey. I know that if You've brought me here...You are working.

Please help me to have less of me and more of You. Let the words of my mouth speak Your loving words of kindness. Let my life be Yours to use always...even in the storms. Let me be found worthy to do Your work; to walk where You're leading me, in blind faith. For if we know exactly what's in store for us...it isn't faith at all.
" Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:11
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3

Lord, help me to remember that my current view/perception of the situation in front of me has nothing to do with the true reality of what You are doing.
" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Strengthen me Lord and build me up. Let me walk closer to You. Let me be Your hands and feet. Protect me from the lies of the enemy, as he attempts to fill me with thoughts of defeat.
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Lord, Thank You for always filling me with the truth and light of Your Holy Word. Jesus came to show us by example how to overcome the temptations of the enemy and it's always with Your powerful Word and Prayer. He conquered the enemy on the cross, defeating the bondage of sin and death. Help me to remember to seek You and Your Word when I feel discouraged and defeated. Thank You for reminding me...in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39

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

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