Thinking this morning...listening, worshipping, praying, mulling, meditating -- y'all know how I am... :)
A friend asked yesterday, "Since God is the Blood, The covenant, The provider, The protector and The Savior, why do we live as if He isn't?" -- my thoughts, too ... exactly.
"If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking..." is playing again and again in my heart and it makes me wonder, do we really believe His grace is so abundant in our lives that, regardless of circumstances, we're really sinking in a sea of grace? And as children of the most high God, shouldn't we? As a child of God, our state should always be completely overwhelmed by and "bubbling over" in and with everything in Him? Joy, forgiveness, peace, strength, health, provision, not to mention, the perfect salvation and future with Him that He died to give us - in short, just everything?
There have always been those that walked unwaveringly with God. Those who, despite all odds, were certain of His love and power in their lives. Those who shouted from the rooftops how amazing He was, how His Kingdom had come and how His will was for all to be forgiven, healed, delivered and to know they were adored; completely, unrelentingly and passionately loved - how we had all been ransomed and freed. The "new" had come. They were unashamed; crazy about Him and for Him and they didn't care who knew or what anyone thought. Their reputation was on the line with this world, but it was perfectly safe IN HIM. And oh my, the things they saw, imparted, experienced.
Although many may be "offended" by Him and His truth, for a Believer, His words, actions and thoughts are as real as, and in most cases, even more real than, any other. We are to be certain His greatest "all" is waiting for us to receive it. Now, I'm not saying life is supposed to be perfect. Those of you who know me, know - I am well aware of the difficulties, pains and heart-ache living here can bring with it, but I also know - Jesus said we'd have trouble, but that because of Him, we would overcome all of it, just as He had. And my question is - are we overcoming? Are we absolutely sure of Him when it counts? When people look at us, do they see Him? Do we stand out? Do they see His power in our lives, His provision, His strength, His courage and His heart? - Do they see someone walking in the fullness of His Kingdom, the way He intended? - someone He is "with"?
The reality of this world Should Not Be our reality. Our God is not a god who knows the definition of "defeat", "lack" or "enough", except in the context of, "we will not be defeated, we will not lack any good thing and He is the God of more than enough". What are we doing? Why do we fear anything at all? Our enemies are all under His feet AND by Him, they are under ours, too! Victory is certain for every child of God.
"Heaven invading earth" was intended to be a very real concept. But honestly, very few are seeing it as reality. I am determined to be one of them and prayerfully, to be someone He can be seen in so others will know Him, too. I am determined to believe for ALL of His goodness. I am determined to pass it on to my children and grand children. I am determined NOT to settle for less than HIS best.
I realize this probably sounds crazy to some. Radical. Nuts. Sold out. And that's ok. But - I will get there. Day by day, minute by minute, circumstance by circumstance, I will walk the path He paved for me, by faith and expecting His perfect, unfailing victory.
As the saying goes, He died for me, so by gosh, I'm going to live for Him.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
"More Than Just Encouragement"
Kev and I swap scripture almost every morning. It's something we do to keep each other going as we go through our days. This morning after I received his reply to what I had sent, I thought how cool it was and how thankful I am that we "encourage" each other that way. Then very clearly, I heard the Lord say, "My word is MORE than just encouragement, it's TRUTH."
Oh my goodness. Of course, it is.
It's so much more than just an "atta boy", more than positive thinking and more than "warm fuzzies". Now, there can be no denying that a kind word, a generous word, a happy word - all have tremendous power in a person's life ... (And let me say here, that the power that comes from any positive - or negative words - also comes from God, as we are created in His image.) ...
BUT --- the Word of God is ultimate power. It is Truth we can stand on, count on, build our lives on and trust to be fulfilled regardless of any circumstance. His word gives us absolute assurance; complete certainty. He who promised is faithful. Period. ~ Amazing.
He spoke the worlds into existence. With His word, there was light and darkness, land and seas and animals in both, stars and sun in the sky and with His breath human life was created. As if that wasn't enough, with His word, He promised descendants more than the stars to Abraham, children to barren women, wisdom and honor to kings and people, a savior's birth to a young girl and - to us all. Still more: His word healed the sick, cast out wickedness, raised the dead, fed thousands, promised provision, blessing and hope, saved millions and will save countless more. His words proclaimed, "I am with you.", "It Is Finished." and "I am preparing a place for you."
The power of His word is limitless.
When He created us, He imparted to us all that He is. His intention was for us to reign in life on earth (Romans 5:17). He said we would do all He had done and more. (John 14:12) His desire is that we honor Him, are a blessing to others, that we live for Him, in His light on His path. His hopes for us are that of any good father. He wants our lives blessed beyond all measure and He knows He and His Word are the way to that life.
One of the ways we are to do this is to "speak" His Word. Over and over He tells us to pray, to confess and to proclaim/preach His Word into ourselves and into each other. He also warns us to be careful and to "guard" the words we speak, that there is life and there is death on our tongue. In them, there is overwhelmingly great power.
There are so may truths that demonstrate this world changing power of God's words, but one of my very favorites is that of Ezekial. I can see his face clearly as he stands over the valley of dry bones. I can hear his voice tremble when he start to prophesy over them. I can hear his heart say, "Seriously??!!", but when instructed by God, his mouth say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones:“Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”" I can hear and see the bones beginning to rattle and move and try to get up. I can see Ezekial's face in wondered, amazement and utter awe. And when God asks him to speak to the winds, to command them enter the bodies to give them breath, without a thought, his faith does it. "So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army." Wow.
I love that, don't you? Even if he was worn down and his faith little, he trusted God enough to speak when He said to and then, like so many others, he witnessed the truth of God's word first hand - dry, dead, deserted and lifeless bones became "An exceedingly great army". Miraculous.
Imagine with me for a minute, if we all believed in His power, trusted His goodness toward us and used His words, rather than just our own, to bless, edify, encourage, create and build up. If we sent more than just "happy thoughts", or "good vibes" to each other ... if we sent out "powerful, fervent prayers" and words filled with faith and life to each other?
I'm unbelievably thankful for His Word. I'm so thankful for His wisdom which reminds me daily to draw near to Him through His Word. I am thankful and blessed in knowing from His Word, that He is always near to me and mine.
May His word always be in my heart and on my lips. May I only speak His words over my family and friends, over all those I know and those I don't.
“If you realized how powerful your words are, you would never say a negative word.”
~ Peace Pilgrim paraphrased
Oh my goodness. Of course, it is.
It's so much more than just an "atta boy", more than positive thinking and more than "warm fuzzies". Now, there can be no denying that a kind word, a generous word, a happy word - all have tremendous power in a person's life ... (And let me say here, that the power that comes from any positive - or negative words - also comes from God, as we are created in His image.) ...
BUT --- the Word of God is ultimate power. It is Truth we can stand on, count on, build our lives on and trust to be fulfilled regardless of any circumstance. His word gives us absolute assurance; complete certainty. He who promised is faithful. Period. ~ Amazing.
He spoke the worlds into existence. With His word, there was light and darkness, land and seas and animals in both, stars and sun in the sky and with His breath human life was created. As if that wasn't enough, with His word, He promised descendants more than the stars to Abraham, children to barren women, wisdom and honor to kings and people, a savior's birth to a young girl and - to us all. Still more: His word healed the sick, cast out wickedness, raised the dead, fed thousands, promised provision, blessing and hope, saved millions and will save countless more. His words proclaimed, "I am with you.", "It Is Finished." and "I am preparing a place for you."
The power of His word is limitless.
When He created us, He imparted to us all that He is. His intention was for us to reign in life on earth (Romans 5:17). He said we would do all He had done and more. (John 14:12) His desire is that we honor Him, are a blessing to others, that we live for Him, in His light on His path. His hopes for us are that of any good father. He wants our lives blessed beyond all measure and He knows He and His Word are the way to that life.
One of the ways we are to do this is to "speak" His Word. Over and over He tells us to pray, to confess and to proclaim/preach His Word into ourselves and into each other. He also warns us to be careful and to "guard" the words we speak, that there is life and there is death on our tongue. In them, there is overwhelmingly great power.
There are so may truths that demonstrate this world changing power of God's words, but one of my very favorites is that of Ezekial. I can see his face clearly as he stands over the valley of dry bones. I can hear his voice tremble when he start to prophesy over them. I can hear his heart say, "Seriously??!!", but when instructed by God, his mouth say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones:“Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”" I can hear and see the bones beginning to rattle and move and try to get up. I can see Ezekial's face in wondered, amazement and utter awe. And when God asks him to speak to the winds, to command them enter the bodies to give them breath, without a thought, his faith does it. "So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army." Wow.
I love that, don't you? Even if he was worn down and his faith little, he trusted God enough to speak when He said to and then, like so many others, he witnessed the truth of God's word first hand - dry, dead, deserted and lifeless bones became "An exceedingly great army". Miraculous.
Imagine with me for a minute, if we all believed in His power, trusted His goodness toward us and used His words, rather than just our own, to bless, edify, encourage, create and build up. If we sent more than just "happy thoughts", or "good vibes" to each other ... if we sent out "powerful, fervent prayers" and words filled with faith and life to each other?
I'm unbelievably thankful for His Word. I'm so thankful for His wisdom which reminds me daily to draw near to Him through His Word. I am thankful and blessed in knowing from His Word, that He is always near to me and mine.
May His word always be in my heart and on my lips. May I only speak His words over my family and friends, over all those I know and those I don't.
“If you realized how powerful your words are, you would never say a negative word.”
~ Peace Pilgrim paraphrased
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Word Fruit
Feeling a little nostalgic this morning pulling together birthday plans for my boys: getting together pictures, considering whether to party big or not to party big, who will come, where it will be, gifts they'd like, even the words to write in their cards.
I have to tell you, the past almost 19 and 11 years have gone by waaay too fast. Taylor is practically grown, so unbelievably mature and wise and exactly the same can be said of Greyson. Kevin and I are constantly learning from our boys. Faith is a whole other thing for them than it was for us growing up. They are much more steadfast. And we are also finding that as they age, there is very little, if any "gray" area for either of them. They KNOW what they believe. I'm thankful to be able to say, that from what we can see, their hearts, minds and spirits line up almost exactly with the Word of God, even when they don't particularly want it to. :) God is in them. And it's good.
Kevin and I are pretty careful about the things we speak over them daily. We know how powerful our words are and what a difference the life you speak over your child can make. We pray that edifying words will be received by their hearts and words of cursing will be cast down immediately. We call them "healed" when they're not feeling well, "wise" in spite of silly choices and "favored, loved and planned for" when they feel it the least. We speak healing over our home pretty consistently and pray/claim Psalm 91 frequently. Really, protection and provision in their lives are just prayed for and expected. We speak favor over them where their school, teachers, coaches, hockey and friendships are concerned. Daily, we call good friends into their lives and the removal of any that would cause harm. We speak good, wise choices into them and over them and the death of any desire that could lead them down a wrong path. Our heart's desire is that they follow hard after God everyday. And everyday, that their desire for Him increases a little, ok, a lot, more. :) We work to impart those desires through our words and into their lives. We know their lives will be more peaceful, more powerful, more blessed, if they do and what parent wouldn't want that for their child?
We've seen so much amazing fruit from speaking goodness and grace over them, even in times of discipline. God has been and is faithful. Always.
Lately, God has laid it on my heart to really speak a blessing over them. You know, like Jacob spoke over his grandsons. Something they'll look back on and remember forever. A prophecy from God and their parents that they can claim and hold onto always...
... and maybe something they'll do for their children someday.
*******************************************************************************
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
Proverbs 18:21
Call those things which do not exist as though they do.
Romans 4:17
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:22-24
Then God said ... then God said ...then God said. Gen 1
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
Deut. 30:19-20
The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart. And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Romans 10:8-11
If you want kids that are just absolutely extraordinary, you are going to have to raise them differently than other kids are being raised. ~ Andy Andrews
I have to tell you, the past almost 19 and 11 years have gone by waaay too fast. Taylor is practically grown, so unbelievably mature and wise and exactly the same can be said of Greyson. Kevin and I are constantly learning from our boys. Faith is a whole other thing for them than it was for us growing up. They are much more steadfast. And we are also finding that as they age, there is very little, if any "gray" area for either of them. They KNOW what they believe. I'm thankful to be able to say, that from what we can see, their hearts, minds and spirits line up almost exactly with the Word of God, even when they don't particularly want it to. :) God is in them. And it's good.
Kevin and I are pretty careful about the things we speak over them daily. We know how powerful our words are and what a difference the life you speak over your child can make. We pray that edifying words will be received by their hearts and words of cursing will be cast down immediately. We call them "healed" when they're not feeling well, "wise" in spite of silly choices and "favored, loved and planned for" when they feel it the least. We speak healing over our home pretty consistently and pray/claim Psalm 91 frequently. Really, protection and provision in their lives are just prayed for and expected. We speak favor over them where their school, teachers, coaches, hockey and friendships are concerned. Daily, we call good friends into their lives and the removal of any that would cause harm. We speak good, wise choices into them and over them and the death of any desire that could lead them down a wrong path. Our heart's desire is that they follow hard after God everyday. And everyday, that their desire for Him increases a little, ok, a lot, more. :) We work to impart those desires through our words and into their lives. We know their lives will be more peaceful, more powerful, more blessed, if they do and what parent wouldn't want that for their child?
We've seen so much amazing fruit from speaking goodness and grace over them, even in times of discipline. God has been and is faithful. Always.
Lately, God has laid it on my heart to really speak a blessing over them. You know, like Jacob spoke over his grandsons. Something they'll look back on and remember forever. A prophecy from God and their parents that they can claim and hold onto always...
... and maybe something they'll do for their children someday.
*******************************************************************************
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
Proverbs 18:21
Call those things which do not exist as though they do.
Romans 4:17
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:22-24
Then God said ... then God said ...then God said. Gen 1
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
Deut. 30:19-20
The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart. And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Romans 10:8-11
If you want kids that are just absolutely extraordinary, you are going to have to raise them differently than other kids are being raised. ~ Andy Andrews
Friday, March 1, 2013
To Live or Not To Live ... Radically
WHAT IF ... we really trusted in His amazing love for us?
WHAT IF ... we truly never feared being let down by Him?
WHAT IF ... we believed without abandon?
WHAT IF ... we gave without thinking of lack?
WHAT IF ... we finally forgave without judgment or fear of being hurt again?
WHAT IF ... honoring Him was foremost on our minds?
WHAT IF ... we surrendered to Him everything, once and for all?
WHAT IF ... we stopped looking to the world and finally looked to Him Alone?
WHAT IF ... we expected His best instead of accepting what the world considers "the best"?
Truly, finally and really ... for ourselves, our spouses, our children, family, friends and strangers?
What would be possible? How different would our lives and the lives of those around us be? Are we ever really going to "just believe" Him? (Mark 5:36)
You may read these questions and think to yourself, "I'm ok there."or "I'm pretty good at that one." and you may be, I'm speaking as much for myself as I am anyone else. You could also be thinking, "This is silly - that's not what God expects from us." Again, maybe you're right. But I would like to suggest something here, I believe these are things God hopes from us. After all, He died to show us His love, to give us His perfect salvation including, His peace, His joy, His provision for all things. ALL He asks is that we "believe" Him. That we "choose" Him over all else.
"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17, this we know, so we read our Bibles. But we're still missing it, and by "we", I also mean me. :) He has to become part of us so much that nothing causes us to waver. Believing in Him comes from our hearts, from our faith in His love for us and then our trust in His word. When we doubt His love, we also doubt His word and it's truth, so we negate His power, His salvation, in our lives.
No matter which way you slice it, it always goes back to, "Just believe." Our hearts and minds have to be so saturated with Him that we think of Him first in every situation, that we believe Him first. Sounds easy. But I'd venture to say, very few of us are there. I'm one of them.
In my heart and more importantly in my spirit, I KNOW there's a place, a life, where lack does not exist in any form; be it health, peace, strength, joy -- I Know His provision is perfect. I can see a life where my family and friends are all heaven bound and we are walking in His glory every day, fulfilling His beautiful plan for our lives.
Some may call this "immature", or "wishful thinking", or "impossible". We are all so busy being responsible grown ups, so busy thinking rationally that we forget and even dismiss people who really think like God thinks, but I'll tell you this, this kind of thinking can not come a carnal mind, from a mind of flesh; it can not come from this world. His realm is different from our earthly realm. His reality is MUCH different from ours. (Praise God!) And it's by this "immature" child - like faith that we will enter it. (Matthew 18:3)
God can do anything, you know? (Eph. 3:20)
Sometimes while studying and praying with Him, I'm hit right-between-the-eyes with these kinds of questions and I'm reminded of all He came to give and of His heart's desire for us to choose Him, just so that He can give us the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). And I want it, don't you? I want to live as "more than a conqueror." I know that in this world we have struggles, but I want to go into every battle Knowing I have already won. I want to see Him "move mountains". It is my heart's cry to exalt Him in all I do, say and think, to draw people to Him, to be a display of more of Him and less of me. I so hope to be a walking example of His unfailing love, to be a blessing everywhere I go and to everyone I meet. I want to believe Him with all my heart and with NO reservation what-so-ever, with no thoughts of embarrassment for myself or thoughts of acceptance from others. I want that - Everything He is and has and all He desires for me. I want it for myself, for my husband, my boys, my family and all the people around me. And I know you do, too.
It's ours. It's already here for us. But the "IF" lies with us. Will we take it? Will we believe? Will we receive Him and all His hope for us?
Pressing in again. Radically. :)
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. Ps. 27:13
WHAT IF ... we truly never feared being let down by Him?
WHAT IF ... we believed without abandon?
WHAT IF ... we gave without thinking of lack?
WHAT IF ... we finally forgave without judgment or fear of being hurt again?
WHAT IF ... honoring Him was foremost on our minds?
WHAT IF ... we surrendered to Him everything, once and for all?
WHAT IF ... we stopped looking to the world and finally looked to Him Alone?
WHAT IF ... we expected His best instead of accepting what the world considers "the best"?
Truly, finally and really ... for ourselves, our spouses, our children, family, friends and strangers?
What would be possible? How different would our lives and the lives of those around us be? Are we ever really going to "just believe" Him? (Mark 5:36)
You may read these questions and think to yourself, "I'm ok there."or "I'm pretty good at that one." and you may be, I'm speaking as much for myself as I am anyone else. You could also be thinking, "This is silly - that's not what God expects from us." Again, maybe you're right. But I would like to suggest something here, I believe these are things God hopes from us. After all, He died to show us His love, to give us His perfect salvation including, His peace, His joy, His provision for all things. ALL He asks is that we "believe" Him. That we "choose" Him over all else.
"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17, this we know, so we read our Bibles. But we're still missing it, and by "we", I also mean me. :) He has to become part of us so much that nothing causes us to waver. Believing in Him comes from our hearts, from our faith in His love for us and then our trust in His word. When we doubt His love, we also doubt His word and it's truth, so we negate His power, His salvation, in our lives.
No matter which way you slice it, it always goes back to, "Just believe." Our hearts and minds have to be so saturated with Him that we think of Him first in every situation, that we believe Him first. Sounds easy. But I'd venture to say, very few of us are there. I'm one of them.
In my heart and more importantly in my spirit, I KNOW there's a place, a life, where lack does not exist in any form; be it health, peace, strength, joy -- I Know His provision is perfect. I can see a life where my family and friends are all heaven bound and we are walking in His glory every day, fulfilling His beautiful plan for our lives.
Some may call this "immature", or "wishful thinking", or "impossible". We are all so busy being responsible grown ups, so busy thinking rationally that we forget and even dismiss people who really think like God thinks, but I'll tell you this, this kind of thinking can not come a carnal mind, from a mind of flesh; it can not come from this world. His realm is different from our earthly realm. His reality is MUCH different from ours. (Praise God!) And it's by this "immature" child - like faith that we will enter it. (Matthew 18:3)
God can do anything, you know? (Eph. 3:20)
Sometimes while studying and praying with Him, I'm hit right-between-the-eyes with these kinds of questions and I'm reminded of all He came to give and of His heart's desire for us to choose Him, just so that He can give us the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). And I want it, don't you? I want to live as "more than a conqueror." I know that in this world we have struggles, but I want to go into every battle Knowing I have already won. I want to see Him "move mountains". It is my heart's cry to exalt Him in all I do, say and think, to draw people to Him, to be a display of more of Him and less of me. I so hope to be a walking example of His unfailing love, to be a blessing everywhere I go and to everyone I meet. I want to believe Him with all my heart and with NO reservation what-so-ever, with no thoughts of embarrassment for myself or thoughts of acceptance from others. I want that - Everything He is and has and all He desires for me. I want it for myself, for my husband, my boys, my family and all the people around me. And I know you do, too.
It's ours. It's already here for us. But the "IF" lies with us. Will we take it? Will we believe? Will we receive Him and all His hope for us?
Pressing in again. Radically. :)
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. Ps. 27:13
Monday, January 21, 2013
Believe. Trust. Rest.
"Rest."
Deep sigh… didn’t your soul just relax a little? God is so good, isn’t He?
Hear Him again, “Rest, My child.”
I realized today that it’s been over a year since I blogged. Pitiful, I know. I have studied, worshipped, confessed, proclaimed, fasted, anointed, taken Communion and prayed, but my journaling has taken a hit. Not sure why. Guess I just haven’t taken the time. Suffice it to say, this past year, life sort of, got in the way.
We have had tremendous highs this year. We celebrated 20 years of marriage, graduated high school and celebrated 18 years with our oldest son and 10 years with our little one. We welcomed a new grand-nephew, had wonderful vacations with family, started new jobs, new schools, moved into a new home with sweet new neighbors (who can cook! J), started new hockey seasons, made new friends … we have experienced new and abundant life on so many levels.
But like all mountainous areas there have been some valleys this year, as well. Some lower and deeper than others. Our hearts have been broken, our faith tested and our beliefs pushed to, what we felt were, the limits.
Thank God for His enduring promises.
No surprise that He was present and faithful through it all. Completely real, immovable and loving in ways I can't express, He has been diligent in every season, on every mountain top and through every valley to remind us to “rest”.
"Dear one, rest."
We hear it while we sleep and as soon as our eyes open. We hear it at work, driving down the street and standing in line at the grocery. We hear it dropping our boys at school and walking into the hockey rink. We hear it when negative words are spoken over us, when unfair things are done or happen to us and every other time the enemy rears his ugly head. At night, while we pray and before our eyes close, we hear it again and again. “Just rest.” God is faithful. He Is…
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He makes me rest…” Psalm 23
Believe. Trust. Rest . We believe Him, trust in Him and He makes us…. Rest.
We’ve leaned on Him this year like never before. And He was always there. Never faltered, never even looked away from us for a second. He promised He would never leave us, that He would uphold us, lift us, provide, protect and honor us. And He did. - And He does.
Through everything, every day our marriage and family grows stronger. (We’ll be celebrating 21 years in a few days!) Our boys, Kevin and I are more firm in our faith and growing even more powerfully so every day. We are “working to rest” (as Joseph Prince says) daily. OK, yeah, sometimes, minute-ly, but we’re making progress. J
Our God is evident everywhere we look. He is here.
What a relief it is to know all the real work has been done. Jesus paved the way … “It Is Finished.” (John 19:30) … it’s time for us to honor Him by walking in it.... or strolling down it.
Just relax and confidently rest in it….IN Him.
For we who have believed do enter that rest.
Hebrews 4:3 NKJV
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