Category: 2015 Posts

Posted on in 2015 Posts

Worry Steals Life Away…Trust The One Who Loves You

love-699480_1920Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2Corinthians4:16 (NIV)

All I can say is getting old isn’t for wimps. I have aches and pains in places I didn’t know existed. Some are from just normal aging and others are self-inflicted by trying to do things I used to do but perhaps am getting to old to do now.

I look at my husband, Jim, and ask “How did we get this old this fast?”

He looks at me with his bewildered look that I get when I ask stupid questions and we laugh. We are only 53 and 54, me being the elder. I often hear about that from him. You would think I was 87 the way I talk, I know.

I wouldn’t trade this age for anything though, even with all of the aches and pains. It’s the first time in life that I can say, I really don’t worry about the little things anymore. As I grow older and my body begins to show more and more signs of old age, I am reminded of what happens next. The thought of being more than halfway through my life on this earth excites me as well as inspires me.

I know that scares some people when they start calculating the time they have left. Not me. My eyes are fixed on heaven and that gives me strength to get through another day. It motivates me to keep doing what I can do for God now because I know that someday, I may not be able to do it anymore and the opportunity will be lost. It inspires me to be bold. It teaches me to stop worrying about the little things and live like I have never lived before.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)

In August, we had a little mishap and I fell off our motorcycle. Yes, I had all of the protective gear but apparently a helmet doesn’t exactly protect you from a concussion. I went through the next nine weeks with a mushy brain, sleeping all the time, and a lot of headaches. I had to cut my workload way back and cancelled two retreats where I was scheduled to speak. I was frustrated that I was in such condition, but it was oddly also a time of renewal.

Although I am still bewildered of how I got into my fifties already, the older I get the closer I feel to God. The things of this world have truly started fading. Most of the time they don’t lure me into their traps like they did in days of old. God has become brighter each day that I spend focused on Him through the good times and bad.

In this life there will be suffering. However, we will someday be rewarded for our perseverance through the tough times with our eyes on Jesus.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Is there something in your life that is weighing you down? Are you feeling life pressing in from all directions? Are you spending the time you have left worrying about the little things and not getting anything done for Christ in your wallowing? He may not take care of your problems the way you think He should, but He will certainly take care of them in the best way possible for your good. I can testify it is true having spent the last thirty plus years trying and testing Him. We serve a faithful God! He will deliver you through whatever lies ahead. Stop worrying. Fix your eyes on Him and watch the blessings unfold!

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Posted on in 2015 Posts

If God Needed an Ark Built, Would He Choose You?

IMG_20150114_085930428I love it when God wakes me up with a thought. This week, though, waking up to this question, “If God needed an ark built, would He choose you?,” really made me think. I could justify why He wouldn’t have chosen me to carry His son, Jesus. As a young girl, I didn’t know Him yet. But this question about Noah threw me for a bit of a loop.

Last week as I traveled in the early morning hours, I saw a pond full of geese. Some were actually in the icy cold waters while others stood around on the icy parts of the water that had frozen over. I thought to myself…those poor birds! It must be miserable to be out there in that cold water.

Shortly after having that thought and pausing to take a photo knowing God was going to use this circumstance somehow, I had another idea pop into my mind. I thought, “God created those geese to withstand the cold weather and waters. That’s how they were made. I shouldn’t feel sorry for them. They’re doing what they were created to do.”

When I think about it, God creates each one of us uniquely so that we can do what we were created to do. I don’t have to be some super faith guy like Noah for God to use me. I just need to be me. That is a freeing thought when you think about it. God knew exactly what was coming our way so He equipped us with exactly what we need. When God asks us to do something, He empowers us to get the job done. It’s not in our strength; rather, it’s His power working through us. We just simply have to do what we’ve been created to do.

One thing the enemy would love to make us believe is that we are not good enough. When I watch others and allow my mind to think they are better than me or God uses them more effectively than me, I need to stop right there. I need to remind myself that God created them for a purpose just as He did me.  I can’t look at them and think, those poor things…they have to be missionaries in a foreign land. Nor can I say, poor me, look at how I have to suffer every week coming up with the right words for my blog. The fact is, we are all doing that which we have been created and called to do. God has equipped us and continues to fill us with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to help us be what He wants us to be.

I am special.

You are special.

We have each been created for a special purpose.

Your purpose might not be the same as my purpose.

We each have the opportunity to choose whether or not we allow God to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

It’s as simple as that.

If God asked me to build an ark, would I? It’s doubtful that He would ask such a question of me, but if I knew that it was Him asking, I would hope that I would at least give it my best shot.  Realistically, God will never ask any of us to build an ark again. However, He might be asking us to do something, even today, that we are resisting. We might be saying, “The weather just doesn’t look good…too cold. If I do that, others will laugh at me and call me a Jesus freak. Are you sure you’ve asked the right person, Lord? I couldn’t possibly be able to pull that one off.”

Whatever your excuse, if it is what God has created you to do, you will be just fine. Actually, when we choose to obey and follow the will of God, we are more than fine. We are awesomely blessed, just like Noah. Take time to listen today to that which God is calling you to do and with everything you have, I challenge you to say, “YES!”

What would this world be like if every Christian would be obedient and take action according to how God calls us? This week, I’m going to be asking me the same questions I’m asking you. I want a faith and obedient life like Noah, that if God needed an important job like building an ark done, He would trust me to carry out His plan.

We can’t all be ark-builders, but we can certainly all be faithful servants to The One Who calls us to action. What’s God calling you to do today? What will your answer to Him be?

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Posted on in 2015 Posts

I Am Kicking the Elephant to the Curb!

elephantToday as I ministered to a lady who was searching for the truth about God, I was humbly reminded of a time when I was there, too. My heart breaks for those still in bondage, afraid to take the first step. When I speak, I am given the opportunity to give my testimony and tell others about my personal relationship with Jesus. It’s a powerful thing when you have real life experiences of God’s hand on your life and are willing to share your story.

Many times in life, though, our relationship with Jesus is like an elephant in a room. We all know someone who needs God in their lives; but often, we just step around the subject thinking some day they will come to know Him like we do. We might be embarrassed or fear rejection of the person we are talking to about God.

There is a dying world out there and Satan would love to keep their blinders on them forever. If you haven’t already heard, it’s the biggest battle ever–it’s the battle for our souls. It is about where we will spend our eternity. We need to be telling everyone we can about the amazing grace of salvation.

I would say to those seeking, don’t worry if you don’t understand it all. He will show you the way. The Creator of the universe stands and knocks on your door for you to have a personal relationship with Him. He loves each and every one of you so much that He died for you, even when you are still sinning. Just say, “Yes,” and invite Him in!

When you think about it, God’s grace on our lives truly is amazing.

Please take the time to watch the attached Video and reflect on the gift we have been given or is still awaiting your receipt. (I am sorry but I have no control over the ad that might pop up before it plays. It will eventually give you a “skip ad” button to get to the video.)

I’m ready to kick the elephant out of the room!  What about you? Are you joining me?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.