I’m not sure about you, however, I have plans for my life, my kids lives and ideas for a world of peace. The problem is in my zest for being in control I can shut down the better plans.Over the years, I have heard, “you are not in charge, you may not have the right solution.”
When I get in the way of my Creator God and His plans things can become a tornado and swirl to effect not only me but those I love. I have had to step back and let God/ Jesus/ Holy Spirit be the teacher. I need instruction and direction or I wander like a lost sheep. Can you relate?
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Pausing from my want of control makes me take a step back and breathe. Take a breath right now! Ponder that circumstance or person that you want to control. Take another breath, deeper this time. Blow out the hurried anxious mindset, breathe in the Breathe of life that comes from the One who created you.
Now consider this scripture verse set and push a reset in your mind:
Psalm 20:1-6 MSG GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. [5] When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! [6] That clinches it-help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.
Did you slow down that busy brain of yours? I know I had to reread this scripture from the Message version, it’s more similar to contemporary speech. So if you have time, reread Psalm 20. It will be worth it.
This morning, I was amazed to hear a song by Rend Collective, “Plans”. The words were a great reminder that our God has plans for us. He can be trusted. Our problem is our need to control. Enjoy the pause as you listen.
Here’s the reality, in our fast paced world, we have gotten used to an immediate solution. God doesn’t work that way, He sees our lives and those we love as a finished masterpiece. Visualize a puzzle that needs to be completed. The multiple shades of color bright and dark require intricate position of the pieces. It takes time for the Masterpiece to be completed.
Sometimes our response from God can be immediate, or perhaps soon or the harder response to wait. But our God is working on each of our life stories, He needs our cooperation and submission to His plan. So let Him lead your day and be in His control it’s a more peaceful place to rest.
This thanksgiving week, choose thankfulness for the little things and gratitude to our God, the Puzzler Master, who made you. He will finish the work He starts if you allow Him.
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Could it really be as simple as knocking on the door? I used to think being perfect was a prerequisite to being a follower of Jesus. I could never measure up to the standard. But I am learning to seek His truth for myself. No barriers, no false teaching from others. It starts with a knock on the best door.
I love this conversation from Jesus to His best friends, the disciples as He shared this parable.
Luke 11:5-13 NLT. Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, [6] ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ [7] And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ [8] But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. [9] “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “You fathers-if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? [12] Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! [13] So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Initially it may seem as though Jesus words to the disciples were a rebuke. He shares our need for persistent relationship building in seeking Him for the answers.
Please reread the scripture, Luke 11, consider the text again it is metaphorical. People can understand it’s parable message in different ways.
He shares with the disciples His provision however, whoever knocks on the door needing help must ask for His protection. His love is free. His promises can be received only when we actively pursue Him. His gift of love, mercy and forgiveness are available for taking.
Jesus does not force His relationship on any human. He wants to pour blessings on His children. We have to push aside any worldly idol that we may think can fill the God shaped hole in every human heart. No material or human thing can fill this hole. Only Jesus!
Leeland sings “Waymaker”, such powerful lyrics. Trust the Waymaker!! I have been singing this song in the way to school, our kids can hear the words reminding us to hold onto Jesus! We can be an example in action of our faith in God! Words and worship aloud can connect to the angels in heaven. We all can make a joyful sound to the King.
What fills your mind when you think of white water rafting? It’s a risky sport; amazement as you hear the crashing waves against the boulders and trees, large branches float alongside, it’s a pretty fantastic experience.
Just watching the power of nature and feeling so small when you listen adds to the excitement. From the roadside, it may seem a beautiful peace but experiencing it while being on a raft is something entirely different.
Preparation, before you get on the raft, reminds you of the importance of the river guide. His expertise in river safety teaches you the proper fitting for a crash helmet or the proper fit to snug your vest so tight that you could barely breathe.
As the expert guides, you learn the paddle strokes: forward, back, or how to work as a team on the left or the right of the raft, how to back up a raft, and how to turn a raft. I see the river guides’ purpose: fun, memorable stories, love of nature, and safely bringing you back with an amazing experience.
The guide is your safety net and your compass while on the river. His purpose is to help you avoid the pitfalls or the obstacles that may stop you from having a safe track down the river. Obstacles such as huge boulders, swirling cesspools that are under the water, or trapping trees in different parts of the river might entangle.
Working as a team is huge when you’re on a raft which is why listening to the voice of the guide is so important. You have to be able to hear him above the crashing waves.
It is a metaphor for life to be able to listen to the guide above the voices or the noises in the crashing waves in our lives. To be able to listen to our Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, is priceless.
Revelation 22:1,17 NLT [1] Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In 1995, I had a rafting experience that changed the trajectory of my life. I still reflect on what I learned daily. Because I almost lost my life on that white water rafting trip on the Cache de Poudre River.
I was hyper-vigilant listening to the guides’ instructions because I wanted to have a great trip and was scared to go on class 4-5 rapids. I needed to trust the guide to give me the right directions. The crash position is looked as if you were a baby with your arms wrapped around your knees bobbing in the water. I figured it was important to listen to these things. I hoped I would not be thrown out of the raft.
Unfortunately, I realized my need for the crash position when all eight of us were sucked out of the raft in a bend called Cardiac Corner. We were trying to help the raft ahead of us to propel out of the suction in a cesspool, Cardiac corner is a class 4-5 rapid, risky because of spring runoff. I felt the flaying legs of the people who were in the raft above me as I was in a cesspool trying to figure out where the sky was.
All eight of us scrambled to swim to the shore. I was below everyone, I was the last rafter rescued, crashing and entangling trees, smashing into boulders, twirling upside down, in the crash position, even as the raft went over my head.
I prayed for a calm mind and had an amazing conversation with my God. I felt as if I was sitting in the hand of the Lord once I humbled myself and said “Lord if I’m supposed to survive this and help me to be calm and not get too badly injured”. It was a transforming experience in my life. I ended up with many bruises head to toe, but no head injury. I determined to follow the Lord’s plan for my life not Mary’s plan. My husband, who was on the raft, could not believe my peacefulness. We relocated to Colorado and my journey with my God has never been the same.
Life has many twists and turns, however, God is immutable, never changing! I still go back to those key transforming lessons. I hope this reflection might be a help to you as you navigate the waters and the raging rapids life can bring.
Reflections to meditate on:
We can’t do this life alone. There’s something bigger than us, our Creator God who made all things.
Expect the unexpected but don’t be afraid. Behind the scenes the Lord is orchestrating great things, don’t be afraid of the bends of your river journey.
The crashing waves may feel overwhelming at times but reach out to Jesus who walks on water and wants to be your guide.
Every bump and bruise will have a purpose you may not see initially. But you will grow through the challenges of life, especially when you ask Jesus to guide you.
His plan is to bring you abundant life, so reach out for God‘s goodness.
It takes faith and something bigger than ourselves the Father, His son: Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can be our compass and our guide. He really does want the best for us!
There may be those around you that live in fear and want to keep you back from God’s best. Don’t allow someone else’s journey to stop you from yours.
And trust Jesus in all things, He is the healer of mind, body, and soul and through his Holy Spirit, You will be blown away at how far He takes you in this river of life.
[17] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
Lord, we want to listen as You speak. Thank you that you are patient. My heart overflowed with love for our God as I listened to this song, “I’m Listening” by Chris McClarney and Hollyn. ” When you speak confusion fades,just a Word and suddenly I am not afraid,” amazing lyrics. Listen as He speaks to you.
[5] LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. [6] The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! [7] I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
How are you using your words, blessing or cursing? It matters to God how we treat those He places along our path. No one is perfect not one of us!
My current self reflection is: are my words encouraging, speaking truth in love or in frustration, snarky, unthinking babble?
What is my main purpose when speaking is to be right or to cause more destruction to someone who is struggling? Have you ever thought about how your words impact people in your sphere?
Matthew 12:34-37 NLT [34] You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. [35] A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. [36] And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. [37] The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Do you want to acquit or condemn another person who is created by God? Gossip or slander tears down, it does not build up, even in asking prayer for someone. Go to God with concerns, He knows the details of His children. There are times you feel prompted to share your struggles, the Lord will guide you to safe, Loving, Godly brothers and sisters in Christ.
Titus 3:1-2 NLT [1] Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. [2] They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Do you want to be known as the quarrelsome, judgmental Christian or a gentle, humble servant of Jesus? If you are a parent, our kids watch how we use our tongues. Troubles come when we speak without thinking. I am guilty of this character flaw. It’s as if my tongue has a mind of its own. James is a solid book of the Bible, here are a few pearls of wisdom I turn to often.
James 1:2-12,26 NLT [2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [9] Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. [10] And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. [11] The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. [12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. [26] If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
Reread James 1:26: If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and our religion is worthless. Wow, that hurts, it is a conviction in your heart meant to bring a pause, and lead you to repent, ask forgiveness from Jesus and for help to break this flaw, in the Name of Jesus. We can’t do this on our own, our flesh gets the credit for impulse control issues. We need to grow in self control, a fruit of the spirit!!
Galatians 5:22-25 NLT [22] But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. [25] Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Those who parent, mentor, or feel the call to share wisdom with others are called to a higher standard. Their loyalty must be in God alone. We live in a world with trial and daily we get the opportunity to hone our faith in Jesus. We must be humble and seek the Lord for all things, too.
James 3:1-10,13,17-18 NLT [1] Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. [2] Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. [3] We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. [4] And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. [5] In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. [6] And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. [7] People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, [8] but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. [9] Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. [10] And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! [13] If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [17] But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
The tongue can bless or curse. Do you want to start a forest fire? Our tongue and words can be restless and evil, especially when you are Hangry. I remind myself to evaluate for H.A.L.T.: Hungry, Angry,Lonely,Tired. Even still, there is no excuse for lack of self control.
On my own, I may not be gentle, peace loving, or willing to yield to another. But with accountability of fellow believers in Christ, time in stillness speaking with my best friend, Jesus and asking Him to help me change character flaws, I am hopeful of healthy communications. Grateful to those who speak truth over my circumstances so I can grow in Christ and in community of His people.
I want to be known as a peacemaker and an example of a fruit bearing Christian, how about you? It is a new day, start to tame your tongue and may the words we speak be pleasing to God and encourage others.
Psalm 19:14 NLT [14] May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
I am reposting this well said blog from Temi, founder of Christian Mommas, fellow Sister in Christ and fellow prayer warrior for life.
Life Choices-Longmont Pregnancy Medical Clinic was added to the list of terror hits post the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision from last week. It feels like an attack on all women, babies, and families. Early Saturday morning, Life Choices -Longmont was vandalized and has fire damage. It is under investigation by the FBI. It feels like a violation.
I had served as the Nurse Center Director of Life Choices and Advocate counselor for 5 plus years. We served clients and community with the love of Jesus, we watched and listened as women came in unplanned pregnancies or families in poverty came needing early prenatal help with ultrasounds, community resources such as clothing for kids and mom, diapers, formula, other necessities and a loving, listening ear to hear their hurts and love. If a women needed post-abortive counseling, it was provided, all services were free. Businesses, individuals, and churches financially supported this amazing clinic.
I was tearful at times hearing many life stories, there was never coercion. We loved these clients as a sister would, and shared community contacts, directed people to places for food, electricity vouchers, places to gather with other women, churches that loved like Jesus.( Yes, they are out there despite the loud voices who don’t believe it.)
I had forged amazing Sister relationships with clients who returned to share life. It was an amazing season in my life of giving without judgment women, and honoring families. It was and is a privilege to give all, heart, time, resources, and compassion.
My question: How is it possible that some feel trying to destroy Christ loving, serving, places of love is the right answer? When others destroy the places that serve the community it is not pro women, it is evil.
We each have an opportunity to help those in crisis pregnancies, families need to see Jesus in our actions not just words. Maybe now is the time to invest in time for those who need a hand. Where can you make a difference in love? You may save a life, mom, and child.
I just wanted to share a personal perspective. We are all broken sinners in need of a Savior who gives grace, mercy and love even if we don’t feel deserving. God is love not hate.
If you think about Life Choices or any other clinic that serves as Jesus today, lift up a moment of prayer, gratitude and know these places are around. As God wills they will survive.
As I sit at the coffee shop, I see a class of teens being treated to an end of the year coffee / fruit drink. This teacher apparently comes every year and treats the students for a job well done. Now that’s a teacher who knows how to reach their students. She is being a reflection of love and God is love.
The whole class is polite, respectful and shows gratitude. This is the next generation of leaders. They are shown compassion and direction by this amazing teacher. It is refreshing, we can all reflect hope and love like this relationship.
Yes, they take out their cellphones for a bit of additional communication, however, they are in person carrying on conversation. There is laughter, smiles, and companionship.
There is hope!
They are valuing the most important thing, relationships in respect, love, common interests and they will likely succeed in the future as a result. This is the future!
Photo by Vj Apratama
Psalm 145:12-17 MSG [12] Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. GOD always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. [14] GOD gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. [15] All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. [16] Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. [17] Everything GOD does is right- the trademark on all his works is love.
Where is your sphere of influence? Make a difference to encourage and love others it’s a trademark of God who loves and can impact generations.
The same God that freed captives in the Bible is the same God that can transform your life. He is filled with kindness, wisdom, and understanding. He knows you He wants to fill you up with His riches of grace, unfailing love, and joy.
Will you take a risk and reach out to Him? Past disappointments with a human father may give you fear or cause distrust of your Creator God. He is good and He is able to guide your life. Will you let Him?
He wants to adopt you into His family, but He gives you a free will choice. As a mom blessed through adoption, this amazing gift of adoption into the Lord’s family takes on another level of love and awe. He wants a relationship with you.
Ephesians 1:3-11 NLT [3] All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. [4] Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. [5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. [6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. [7] He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [8] He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [9] God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ-which is to fulfill his own good plan. [10] And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-everything in heaven and on earth. [11] Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
“Same God” is a wonderfully moving message of the unfailing love and commitment of God to His children. Elevation Worship and Jonsal Barrientes really bring this promise to a beautiful place. Listen to the lyrics. Be amazed at this amazing God.
May this song impact you as much as it did me. He is the same God from the beginning of time to now.
Every day is an exercise in endurance. Trusting in God with the uncertain future, with our relationships, and our emotions require thinking outside our own control.
There are moments I want to be a child again, putting adult decisions and responsibilities down. Guess what, we can put down our worries and concerns. We can give them to a God who extends His hand to us, saying come, my child!Jesus actually spoke these words in Matthew 11 as He spoke to people about seeking faith in God.
Matthew 11: 25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”
Matthew 11:28 - 30 (The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Holy Spirit Come by Patrick Mayberry
Patrick Mayberry sings of going to the Lord in our distressed times, singing, “Holy Spirit Come.” I love to play this song when I feel weary and burdened. I sing loud and feel the love of Jesus pour over me. Sweet moments of peace are there for the taking just sing or call Him. Come Holy Spirit and refresh your children.
Twice in the past two weeks, my youngest & I were in the car when a bald eagle flew over and circled us. It happened again Tuesday after school for the second time. Eagles are my favorite bird they represent majestic powerful victory. They are messengers of God’s protection for His people. The Israelites were in need of protection as they traveled in the desert escaping the oppression of the Egyptians, it is described in Deuteronomy 32.
Deuteronomy 32: 10 - 11
He found them in a desert land,
in an empty, howling wasteland.
He surrounded them and watched over them;
he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.[c]
11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks
and hovers over her young,
so he spread his wings to take them up
and carried them safely on his pinions.
Breathtaking and in awe, my youngest and I shared a beautiful moment at the roadside. Watching this amazing eagle, we were speechless. First, it circled the car, and then, it was pushing hard and flying against the wind then circled and went with the wind to the east. I wrote a blog post called ” Wind” last week, check it out. In Hebrew, it is Ruach, meaning wind, spirit, and breath.
Is it a sign or a wonder? Only God knows. I believe that we are given opportunities to see our Creator God in nature. He can do anything. My love for His creation and my stillness with God can bring amazing moments. We have to fix our eyes on His truths and spend time with His Word to gain wisdom, especially in these crazy uncertain times. People are watching our walk of faith, I was blessed to share these with my child.
The next day I sent this text to my daughter: Sweet daughter: I believe it was prophetic that twice recently you and I have had eagles soar and hover over us in the car. Consider this, my precious one, We are to be God’s messengers, He wants us to fly with the wind, His Holy Spirit, into the future. He was showing both of us the eagle pushing against the wind then in with majesty this beautiful eagle flowed with ease facing east. We must flow with God, my dear daughter! He will use our obedience when trust in Him alone. (Expect distractions from the enemy, as he has different plans.)
Isaiah 40:28-31 [28] Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Since He created each of us in His Image, He knows how best to send a message. Are we seeking Him? Are we open to hearing His truth? When we are available to hear Him, He will share a wonderful mystery that will take our breath away.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 