It was a beautiful summer day in northern San Diego, perfect for a lunchtime drive in nearby mountains. The tranquil beauty set the perfect ambiance for reflecting on life, only my own life was not nearly so tranquil as the greenery around me. My own road was pretty rocky with cliffs looming at every turn, leaving me in a state of constant anxiety and not knowing what to do to change it. How did I get here?

I was a “fixer.” I really thought I could change people. My sister recognized this before I did and referred to certain of my relationships as my “projects.” Desperate to be loved, I married one of those on again, off again projects. Red flags were everywhere, but I recklessly ignored them. The unhealthy co-dependence was like a non-union fracture that would not, could not heal and crippled my judgment.

Such was my mangled state of mind while driving against the backdrop of God’s majesty. I couldn’t do it anymore. Why not just drive off that cliff? I could end all my pain quickly…but that would hurt my Mom. (Does she know she was a big part of why I am still here?) And then God! He spoke into me a verse I didn’t even know I knew:

“I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

THAT was what I wanted! I did not want to just exist but to truly live! All at once I finally understood just how much Jesus loved me, and that this was not my problem to fix. That moment set the trajectory for the course of my life. He brought me home to Himself.

What road are you traveling? Are you trying to travel it alone? Are you trying to fix a broken down vehicle but, in truth, you don’t have the tools or know-how? Let the Master Mechanic seal up the cracks and make you whole. Let’s travel this journey together with Him.

“Circle Zion, take her measure, count her fortress peaks, Gaze long at her sloping bulwark, climb her citadel heights– Then you can tell the next generation detail by detail the story of God, Our God forever, who guides us till the end of time.    Psalm 48:12-14 MSG

Have you ever tried to tell a story (or joke) you’ve only heard once? To tell the generations of the amazing depth of God’s grace, the soaring height of His love, the massive breadth of his power you have to know Him well yourself. Not just about Him like a subject in school, but KNOW Him personally.  Build your God-story to share with others by soaking up His Word daily, asking Him to reveal Himself and the message He has for you, and by worshiping with fellow Christ followers. Over time God will write many chapters of His faithful love-in-action into the book of your life so that you will never forget one detail of His goodness.

“Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! GOD Most High is stunning!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭47:1-2a MSG

Why would people clap and cheer in church? Not because a band or singer has provided great entertainment. Our Heavenly Father is great and mighty and worthy to be praised exuberantly. He lifts us up out of the miry pit and sets us at His right hand. Why wait until the weekend? Won’t you give our Lord God the honor and praise due Him today?

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

“Stop your fighting — and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

You THINK you would never fight against God, but really? When we try to go it alone, do this thing called life without Him we ARE fighting against the very One who gives life. When followers of Christ let anger, envy, bitterness and self-righteousness cause divisions in the body we ARE fighting against the King of Kings we claim to worship. What fight do you need to surrender so that you can be still before Him?🚦

“I will cause your name to be remembered for all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭45:17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Former US President Richard Nixon will always have the Watergate scandal attached to his name. On the other end of the spectrum stands Martin Luther King Jr who left a legacy of inspiring others to end the racial divides fragmenting our country. What a huge contrast when one is filled with the Holy Spirit! How is God working in your life to transform you into being a heritage builder? Does your life in Christ lead others to the cross of salvation? What is the godly inheritance for those coming after you? 🚦

“For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword does not bring me victory. But You give us victory over our foes and let those who hate us be disgraced.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭44:6-7‬ HCSB

After a zip-lining course my family decided to complete a ropes challenge course with the final challenge a tight rope walk high a tight rope walk high in the trees. I’d watched the others do it, and they were cheering me on, but trusting my harness to hold me up even if I fell did not come easily or quickly. Faith can be that way. As we recognize God’s hand in our lives and how He has demonstrated His faithfulness to us it becomes easier to step out on the tightrope knowing He is there to hold us up. What, or who, are you trusting in today to deliver you through times of adversity?

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬🚦

Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:5-6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Is the water you are walking through a little too deep, the current a bit stronger than you can swim? You were never meant to go it alone. God created us to need Him, and He alone is where true hope lies. When you feel discouraged recalling the ways the Lord has been faithful to provide in the past will remind you He will be faithful again because He cares for you. Will you reach out to Him now?🚦

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭41:9, 13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Has someone you called friend effortlessly cast you aside with an unexpected “I thought our friendship had run its course,” or directly throat-punched you with “I don’t ever want to speak to you again!” Protective instinct may incline you to sharply retort in like. Pause. Breathe. Pray. No matter the hurt, no matter the pain, God is still on the throne and deserves our praise. Sacrifice that desire to hurt back at the foot of the cross and leave it for Jesus who endured the unimaginable to redeem you and call you His.🚦