Meet Mo...A Man Searching For Inspiration

I captured the above shot after "Mo" (in the turquoise shirt) had walked away & met up w/his friends.
I hope he's sharing JESUS w/them now!

Yesterday I met a man named "Mo" on the pier. He approached me and asked what I was writing? I told him, "An inspirational Christian story for my blog." He said he was a writer, (historical history) and it peaked his interest to know what I was writing about. Then he said, "Inspire me!"

Woah, that caught me off guard...spur of the moment inspiration?

The first thing that came to mind is how JESUS changed, softened, guided and directed our hearts to bring lil' Josh (our foster son/soon to be adopted son) into our family. So I shared our story...which all started with a simple decision to spend time with THE LORD *daily* in prayer and scripture study. It changed everything about our old selfish lives...replacing it with HIS Heart, Love, and Will. A transformation that only happened as we *chose* to seek JESUS daily. 

He listened intently. And at the end said, "Thank you for inspiring me today! What parting words would you leave me with? 

I said, "SEEK JESUS."

He smiled, leaned in to give me a hug and said, "Thank you!"

Today I'm thankful for *appointments* GOD has for us. Each day is a new adventure. We need to make sure we're always available and ready to make time for HIS plans in our day!

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared."~Exodus 23:20

"Seek the Lord while He may be found,

Call upon Him while He is near."~Isaiah 55:6

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."~John 15:1-5

IT LEAKED OVER EVERYTHING!

I changed plans, instead of a nice day relaxing on the beach after yoga, I decided to take a walk deep into the wetlands. I stopped and picked up my favorite tri-tip/veggie bowl, threw it in my bag and headed off down the trail. I walked for quite a while before stopping at a quiet location with benches. It was time to sit and eat, bird watch and write. As I pulled my bowl out, I realized the delicious teriyaki juices had seeped out, right through the paper bag and into my backpack. It poured all over my Bible and writing tablet...soaking in from the cover to the pages.

Absorbing in.
The good stuff.
The flavor.
The very thing that makes it good.

I was struck by the comparisons to my life's journey. As I made a choice to turn from my old empty life and walk toward Jesus, as I made a commitment to read The Bible at least 10 minutes every morning, to pray daily, changes began. Small at first. My attitude...I wasn't always expecting the worst in my day. I felt hopeful...the good words of God seeping in. Trials would come, but they were no longer my undoing. Day by day, 10 minutes stretched into 15, 20, 30 minutes; the sweetness, the craving for more truth, absorbing into the deep recesses of my emptiness. My words, my actions, my desires...they all began to change.

How can it be that simple? 

Reading and praying, "Yes JESUS, have YOUR WAY in my life!" The truth. The good stuff of Christ being absorbed. 

Just like my leaking teriyaki sauce, that covered everything in my backpack, Jesus' truth, words, forgiveness, grace, love, and light will sink deep into your heart when you open The Bible. Pray. Ask Jesus into your life. He comes like a flood...a wave of rushing water to the dry, parched soul.

If you are at a crossroads, stop and ask Jesus which way to go. He is, He has, the answer you've been looking for. He will pour out His love. ASK HIM! 

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

And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”~Mark 9:28-29

"Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you: I will make my words known to you."~Proverbs 1:23

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams."~Acts 2:17

WHEN ALL LOOKS IMPOSSIBLE

“PRAY-I Am making a way in the desert, My Way, YAHWEH. Pray through impossible in worldly eyes but possible in and through Me. Pray. Bold. Blind Faith. Moving. Right here. Right now. MY WAY opening before you. 

You are loved. Be bold. Speak My words. Share My words. Captives are being set free. Blind eyes will be opened. MY Truth, Spirit, Glory, revealed. Walk in the ways I’m leading you. A place where impossible gives way to possible. I Am your Savior, Jesus Christ. I have given all for you because I love you. Share Me with the lost…the people roaming the lands without a Shepherd.” 

“This battle is not yours but Mine,” says the Lord. “Is anything too hard for Me? My Hand is outstretched. Grab Hold. Do not let go. I Am Mighty to Save. You are mine and I Am yours. Go Forth. Proclaim My Name. I will provide.”

"Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert."~ Isaiah 43:19 
"You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious."~Ezekiel 2:7

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."~Matthew 9:36  

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."~Matthew 16:15-17

And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s."~2 Chronicles 20:15

"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

The Struggle

I tried to hold them in. I struggled to put on my~everything's fine, no problems, no worries, just fine~face. But the moisture filled. The lids spilled. I'm not a crier. I've always tried to be tough.  In my mind the only thing crying accomplishes is making me feel worse, weak, emotionally unstable. 

Hold it together.

You can do this.

Things will get better.

Truth is, sometimes, the problems mount up. Problems that seem unending. Issues that seem impossible. I'm in the dark tunnel; walking, jogging, running...trying to see the light. I get tired. I busy myself in mindless things. I try not to look at it. But it's there. It's big; looming above, in front, beside and behind. There's no escaping it. Not tears, not tasks, not the fake smile. No...it's right here. 

So what do I do? I need help. 

I open my notebook. I read. It's my safe place, this $1.00 notebook. I hide my heart treasures within its covers; words, prayers, answered prayers, Scripture verses...they're all there. Words...some shared on this blog, others~things God has whispered to my soul during quiet time with Him. It's priceless. 

The first letters pop~"Faith Walk" This is no accident...no coincidence. The Scripture I wrote down months ago:
"Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:3

I continued to read...my writing about faith. It was before this trial, perhaps during another one...this life, full of them. Faith writing, faith in trials, faith in impossible: 
"Trials push us beyond our own strength. It asks us to look to God when we cannot bare the burden and weight. We are deceived in thinking we're sufficient in ourselves. We need to recognize our deficiency and seek Jesus' sufficiency DAILY, asking, "What would Jesus do in our situation?" 

He is our example. He always spent time with His Father. During His greatest trials, in the garden of Gethsemane, in heading to the Cross, He went and spent time alone, praying. The faith, trust, strength and endurance needed from God. He knew what was ahead. Jesus sat with His Father, it is there that He was filled.

I need filling. I need to be held. I need to know that this will work out for His good and perfect will.  

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

So I make a choice. I choose to sit and spend time with the Lord. I choose to be still. I find all things that I need for this moment, this day, right here with God. 

"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

HIS GRACE is sufficient for me. HIS STRENGTH is made perfect in weakness. Thank you Lord!

My MIRACLE Healing!

I stopped here after receiving my MIRACLE...to thank the Lord & take in His beauty!

I have to share something very personal. I received a MIRACLE healing. On Thursday, May 29th, I went to see the surgeon to discuss/schedule surgery to remove a very aggressive pre-cancer, that was found after a biopsy. It was in an area that could've left me with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. This procedure was recommended after several tests, visits with my doctor and my oncologist. It was decided that surgery was the best option. During my appointment, the surgeon performed an extensive examination (which I thought I was only there to discuss the surgery and then set a date. I was not happy about more examinations needless to say.) That was until...he found absolutely NOTHING! It was gone! He told us he could not perform surgery on something that wasn't there. THANK YOU LORD for answering prayers.  Once home, I dropped to my knees, praying, thanking, crying. I grabbed my Bible and when I opened it, this is the first thing I saw: “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” 

 Then I read the rest of the verses: 
"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road." Mark 10:51-52

I started balling like a baby all over again! Faith, me? My faith during all of this was like a roller coaster ride. Some days I'd do great and others I spent crying, stressing, and worrying. This led to internet researching, (which of course led to more stress and worry.) Finally, I'd open up my Bible again to get filled up with truth and immediate peace.
     

As I kneeled, crying in gratitude, "Thank you Jesus!" My husband walked in. He said, "Why are you crying?" When I told him the scripture that I'd just been given and how I felt, he said, "It only takes the faith the size of a mustard seed, Lis." "So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." 

WOW...that's the exact kind of faith I had. It was small. But I tried to remain steadfast in seeking the Lord in the midst of everything. Failing some days and doing amazingly well others. FAITH. What does the Bible say about it: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1. After this answered prayer...my faith is growing. The Lord chose to heal me. 

 And yet, while I received this very undeserved miracle...there are others, like my step-dad who was not healed...even though he had amazing faith. During his illness, his spirit remained strong, unmoved, unwavering in the midst of his cancer. He was a light to so many people. He was a miracle by his example everyday to each one of us. So when I talk of faith and miracles, I need to always remember, whether it is a complete and total healing or the gift of incredible faith and strength from the Lord to endure the trial in the midst of the storm. When we continue to seek Him, He always fills us up where we're lacking. Just like the mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds and yet grows to become the largest of trees. 

"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32.

Thank you Lord...I stand in awe and amazement of your gift!

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

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

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

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!!