Stones of Remembrance...

Joshua 4:4-9; 19-24

New International Version (NIV)

"When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 'Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.'

So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, 'Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites,  to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.'

So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. Joshua set up the twelve stonesthat had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day....On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, 'In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over.  He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

This was a new chapter in the Israelite's journey. Father God was establishing a new leader in Joshua and, in the process, bringing the Israelite nation from the old into the new -the beginning of the fulfillment of His promise to them. They were leaving the years of wondering -crossing over the Jordan- into the land Father God had established as theirs. Interesting, that He marked it with a miraculous display of His power... establishing Himself, yet again, as ELOHIYM - God Almighty, full of power, great judge - exceedingly more -one to be feared, reverenced and obeyed!

In this process, he commanded them to remember and not only to remember but, to set up a memorial to mark the occasion. So that in the future, they could always go back to what Father God had accomplished on their behalf to fulfill His promise to them -a reminder of His complete provision, love and faithfulness to them and their children for generations to come!

It is the same with us. Father operates for us today as He did for the children of Israel long ago. He moves miraculously in our lives and desires for us to set up "stones of remembrance" to continuously remind us of His constant abiding presence... He is ever-present; displaying His mighty power for our good and His glory. Not only is it intended to be a reminder for us but, a display of His splendor for all those He places in our sphere of influence. Our "memorials" should stand to be His introduction to the lost and hurting- those in desperate need of His saving grace. As we remember and live in the life of His constant presence, we influence the very atmosphere of every place we go- imparting His Spirit and drawing others to Him! 

Start erecting those stones and raising those remembrances and watch ELOHIYM show off! He delights in us and he is a God who is exceedingly more!

SHOUT IT!

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." ~Isaiah 64:4

Rise Up Warrior Princess!

Battling for the soul of my girl today... the enemy wants so badly to squelch the divine beauty and true heart understanding of who we are as daughters of the Most High (from very young -birth really)... Satan knows the kingdom dynamic of a Warrior Princess realizing and operating in the fullness of her God-given passions and abilities -if he can make her believe she is worthless, ugly...without meaning then he knows he has effectually shut down the conduit of God's power and influence that is supposed to flow through her.

Rise up daughters! Declare who you are to the enemy of your soul -operate in that knowledge -speak it and pray it over your daughters (both in the flesh and the spirit); be the gate keeper! Let the passion Father has birthed in you shine -be the hands and feet of Jesus! Be fearless to accomplish the task that only you've been given, DO NOT shrink back! We are vital to the kingdom and Father wants us to mobilize! The word says that you are "sought after" (Isaiah 62:12), loved and treasured -prized above rubies! If you chose to believe it you will be dangerous; radical even...the key that unlocks revolution, redemption and reconciliation in the hearts of men! Be of good courage and RISE!

Salt Licks and Fire Flys...

"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. " ~ Philippians 1:12-14

Paul is probably one of the believer's most profound examples of what it is to emulate Christ in adversity and stand up through the power of the Holy Spirit through suffering and persecution. I love his perspective and the encouragement he gives in this passage. He boldly recognizes that what he is walking through is being used of the Lord to advance His Kingdom work and purpose not only in bringing unbelievers to a saving knowledge of Christ [the WHOLE palace guard - take that in for a minute :0) ] but, in emboldening the Body of Christ to stand up and follow his lead. WOW!

It begs answer to a few questions, " Am I allowing the Lord to use the circumstance I find myself in to advance His kingdom work? Are those who don't believe being influenced to believe because of the overwhelming display of His glory in my hard place? Is my example stirring the faithful to deeper faith and bolder display of the Father in their own lives?

It's a paradigm shift really...instead of a "poor me", "why me" -we begin to see each day -no matter what comes; good or bad - as simply an opportunity to advance the cause of Christ...to be faithful "Unveiled Faces" for the display of His splendor in our sphere of influence... a sweet aroma amidst the stench of a dying world...salt licks and fire flys for the cause of Christ...

We are called -it' not optional!

How are you doing?

The place of "Adding to"...Are You?

2 Peter 1:

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Again it's about us actively participating and us adding something...but, make a note, it's not in our own strength -lest we should boast - it is through the divine nature and the Holy Spirit's power at work in us that any of the "adding" is accomplished! But, we must sharing in the doing...the whole "faith without works is dead" concept James was talking about...
If we don't open ourselves up to the Spirit by putting habits and patterns of behavior that promote verse 5 qualities into place then we squelch His abilities to move in and through us -making us ineffective for the kingdom work we have been placed on the planet to accomplish in Jesus name!
I don't know about you but, my heart cries, "make a difference...be effective!"

Are you living in the abundant; life-giving land of verse 5?

It All Comes Down To Choice...

Colossians 3:12-17:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, CLOTHE YOURSELVES with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Romans 12:

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We have to do the "clothing" and the "renewing" - IT OUR CHOICE - we can choose to put on the clothes of the Spirit and operate in the fullness of His power -OR NOT- we choose to allow Christ's peace to rule and his message to dwell -OR NOT- we can choose to conform or be transformed! It all in the simple choices we make...What is your focus on? Are you abiding in the place of renewal -allowing the Spirit free access to transform you? What clothes are you choosing? There's only two sets - those mentioned above and those mention in the few verses before those (and they are polar opposite)... Here's the crux of the message: It's in the place of complete surrender- the place where we choose to lay aside the things of natural man and the world - that we are able to genuinely see Father's will and plan. It's the place of perfect peace and full joy-the place of more than you could ask or imagine -even if the circumstances have you swimming with the sharks or running into SNAKES ;0).

What will you choose today - the mercy is fresh and Spirit is ready?

Life On the Edge of Nothing...the sweet spot!

These last 3 weeks have been climatic! They have been pinnacle and pivotal all in the same breath -the emotional pendulum has been in full swing. Our awareness of just how little control we have has never been greater than in that moment of sheer unabashed need and an inability to meet it in our own strength and resourcefulness...Life on the edge of nothing [the place we now call home]...total surrender of all that is of self...complete dependency on Father as our true and faithful source! The one constant here in this place has been and continues to be Father's care, love and absolute provision [and it just keeps coming]!

 I can't say it loud enough or with enough emphasis:

HE DELIGHTS IN HIS CHILDREN AND TAKES ABSOLUTE JOY IN SHOWING OUT ON THEIR BEHALF!

He -make no mistake- has his providential hand in all human affairs and He, with complete certainty, conducts the orchestral symphony [life] of his chosen ones for the display of His splendor, the edification of His bride and the calling out -unto salvation- those who are lost and in desperate need of what He alone holds for them...

We are privileged to sit in our "edge of nothing" seat -constant observers of this miraculous provision and grace that continually hovers over and around us... it is making our crooked places straight and calling forth abundance out of nothing in order to sustain us. This is the place which displays his awesome character in and through us to all who come across our station.

The even cooler thing...it's not just reserved for us...let me say that again:

IT'S NOT JUST RESERVED FOR US!

He invites all who would to join us here on the edge...it is a place of freedom, of refining...a place of long sought treasures found...the plateau where peace truly passes human understanding...a "soar on wings with eagles" kind of spot...

The view is fabulous and the assurance of the shelter of His wing...well that would be the PINNACLE!

I'll take the Edge of Nothing in the Center of His Everything over Anything else -Any day!

It's the sweet spot!

Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Psalm 91

The Church at Its Best and as It Should Be...

Our life was spontaneously interrupted today...but there's a back story!
My family and I have been walking through a very tough season -good but, stretching in the faith department. One in which we have learned to depend "souly" and "solely" on Father God for our complete provision - not knowing at times where, when or how His provision would come, yet being confident that it would.

 Well, today was no exception!

This divine intervention began a couple of days ago when I was prompted -by Holy Spirit - to ask for prayer concerning a few specific immediate needs we have. I asked and Father faithfully listened and went to work on our behalf (He is what His Word says He is and He does what it says He will do -every time!)
So, this morning my phone rang...it was a number I didn't recognize so, I called it back...when the lady on the other end answered she said "Kristi, we understand that you have a vehicle in need of fixing...that's what we do..." There was a little more to the conversation but, the bottom line gist of it was that she and her husband were on mission and fixing our car was part of it! In that instant, Spirit reminded me of a scripture passage in the book of Acts -chapter 2 verses 42-45( the part that talks about the early believers right after Pentecost and what they did) - it reads:

" All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need."


I have marveled all afternoon at this modern day working out of this passage of scripture...being part of the body of Christ is the same today as it was for the early church. I smile with sheer giddiness at how Holy Spirit moves in the hearts and minds of his people to accomplish the work that He intends and to operate on behalf of those who earnestly seek him -

He delights in dazzling us. His provision and timing are always more than we could ever ask or imagine and He is quick to make it happen -He is still in the mountain moving business -we are testimony to it!

As a good friend of mine always says, "I saw God today, Did you?"

Be blessed as you come and as you go,,,your God is near and He's taking delight in your pursuit of Him!

Letting Loose to Love...

I attended a retreat this past weekend and in one of the sessions the speaker made the comment "letting loose to love"... it was a passing comment but, it resonated loud and clear with me and has stuck deep. I have been pondering it ever since she spoke it and it is not fading. Over and over it plays in my head -what does it mean: "letting loose to love"? It implies that something has to go in order to truly love -that "letting loose" feels multi-faceted...

"Letting Loose"? A dying...a relinquishing...a surrender...a sacrifice...a release?

Maybe it's a setting free -allowing Father to break the bonds and strongholds in our lives that render us incapable of really giving and receiving love in it's richest form...

Maybe it's a combination of the two?
Something we have to participate with Father in so, that through our dying, relinquishing, surrendering, sacrificing and releasing -He is free to break the bonds and strongholds that render us incapable of giving and receiving love in its truest "God" form -the kind that turns folks on end and causes them to seek you out because they have to know what it is and experience it for themselves...

The Scripture tells us in John 13:
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”” (vs. 34-35 NLT)

Sufficed to say, we as believers are known by our love...it is the thing that draws the lost and dying world to the Father and I believe it is at the top of the enemies "destroy" list.

I see this evidenced in my own life...
The enemy knows that if I'm operating in the fullness of God's power and plan, living out my call and loving deeply then I am dangerous! You see he knows he can't touch my soul but if, he can steal my joy and block the flow of pure genuine love in and through my life then he can suppress my effectiveness and rob me of the abundance Father intends for my life -not to mention the Kingdom task I have been purposed to accomplish!

Because of this understanding, the Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 to:

" Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."

We must be on our guard, vigilant to the task of exposing his schemes and casting down his lies - all the while clothing ourselves in truth and surrounding ourselves with those who will encourage us in our pursuit of righteousness.

We must "let loose" of those things that hinder the Father's ability to pour His love into us and through us to others...

So the question is - What in you is keeping you from "Letting loose to love"?

Surrender it -Relinquish it - Release it!

Father is at the ready to break those bonds and set you free... "Loose to Love"



Deuteronomy 30:6 says:
“The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!

True Confessions...Keeping it real!

Here I sit -pondering the depths...so often this happens to me... How about you?

I move from hi to low and back again (can anyone else out there relate?!?!) The inevitable rise and fall of the never ending roller coaster of the adventure called life...and the battle called faith -one day hi -next day low (I know I'm not alone here!)

Today is one of those days where the uncertainty of it all smacks you in the face, knocks you slightly off kilter and causes you to sit back on your heals...swooning from the blow but, not down for the count! (I have walked around agitated and annoyed with it for most of the day)

It's on this kind of day- when I finally shake the funky feeling- that I am reminded of David's words in Psalms:

"For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." (103:14)

Unlike us, Jesus is compassionate and tender with us when we falter. Our weakness is where His perfection shines (if we let him)...He says take my yoke -it's light- and let me carry that burden!

This comforts me.
I can rest -even in these moments- because I know my Father knows me inside and out -he is familiar with my very frame and understands me in every way...

When all is said and done -pity pout party had - there is yet another kiss and a nudge to "go reread yesterday's post and the whole of Psalm 103!"

...still smiling and trusting my Father to perfect everything that concerns me today and to forgive my inconsistency and help my unbelief!

He is Good and everything he does is good! We can not contain all of his goodness -He is FOR me and the same can be said for you!

Just wanting to keep it real because it is here He gets the absolute glory! It's also the spot my soul finds rest. The "unveiled place" is where his presence comes and dwells and breathes life into my weary dry bones! And boy, have they needed some life today!

Peace- be still - He's loving on you! Can you feel it?

I'm Smiling...Are you?

Have you ever had one of those "That's it!" moments...


Over the last 18 or 19 months, every time someone would ask how we were doing, I would unroll all that was going on with us. With uncanny repetition, each conversation would inevitably end with me laughing and smiling- followed by a comment to the effect of " We have no clue but, Father does and we're trusting in that..." Every single time I would walk away feeling a little crazy -laughing and smiling at such overwhelming circumstances and uncertainty... well today -on Pinterest of all places -Father affirmed in me the reason why I respond the way I do to all those inquiries...Totally Him and just like him...


There pinned boldly on the virtual cork board of cyberspace in bold flowery font were these words and it was signed Jesus... (anyone who knows just a small amount about the Bible knows that Jesus didn't speak those words...but today, He spoke them directly to me...one of those "Kisses" just to shower his affection...and I felt it!)


It said:
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future. ~Proverbs 31:25


See it has nothing to do with me or the swirling circumstances that surround me right now (if it did I would be crumbling and melting under the stress and pressure) ... It has everything to do with him -JESUS- and my heart being stayed and fixed on Him -resting in what he desires to accomplish in and through me as he moves me and my family through this season that HE has set in motion in our lives...Jesus is the one who clothes us in strength and dignity...he is the peace that passes understanding creating the joy that wells up into laughter...He is the perfect love that drives out any fear -even in the most fearful of places...He HOLDS and IS our future...It's not us -it's Him...I'm smiling! Are you?

Philippians 1...

I was reading this passage a night ago and a few portions of it just jumped off the page at me in a way that they never had before so, I thought I would put it out there and see what come of it... (orange is the portion that jumped out at me -blue is my thought that followed)

Philippians 1:3-30

" I thank my God [BE THANKFUL] every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [We should pray with joy and expectancy of Father hearing and answering] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus [Our confidence lies in Father's finished work being accomplished in and through us because of Jesus until he returns or calls us home...reminds me of a song ;) ]


It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me [We are all in this together- sharing in his grace and struggle- carrying each other's burdens]. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God. [The goal- more of Him and righteous judgement- seeing things through His lens]


Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. [Nothing is wasted! Our obedience to follow the Father's call -even into hard places- bring his light and accomplish his purposes as we go...when we walk in this way, not only do we dispel the darkness -causing the veil to be lifted for some, we encourage our fellow sojourners to take up their cross' and do the same -LOVE IT!]


It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition , not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body [it is through the power of the prayers of the saints and the inner working of the Holy Spirit that we are emboldened to give an answer for the hope that lies within us no matter the cost...through which our ultimate deliverance comes!], whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ [Guard your hearts, minds, and actions -taking every thought captive to Christ so as to not hinder the work the Father is seeking to accomplish in you and in those within your sphere of influence]. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you [Stand firm- not backing down even in the face of opposition -greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world...]. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved [SALVATION IS HERE in the sticky and sticking place - as we stand firm, God's glory descends and we and others are saved through him...all hemmed in by obedience and a willingness to set aside our wills and agendas for his own] and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and no still have.

Out of the pain and the hard places we are called to walk comes passion, perseverance and his overwhelming presence in our lives...bolstering our faith and raising the bar of hope for all that he is and all that we are because of Him!

Joy...

As I have sat here musing, pondering and penning these thoughts, I have to be honest with you- I have struggled and do struggle with joy...we are called and commanded as believers to be joy-filled -a people characterized by JOY! Those who cross our paths should step back and go "WOW, what's that?" We should stand out! It should be contagious and genuine -spontaneously pouring out of us -not mustered up in any way... an overflow of the deepest recesses of our heart.

So, what is joy?

Webster's defines it several ways:
" to rejoice; the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; to experience great pleasure or delight."

Much of the time, we equate happiness with joy. But the truth is they are not one in the same.
Reading Webster's definition of joy resounds in my ears as how most of us would define happiness...

True joy goes beyond the surface emotions intimated by Webster.

I believe the bible characterizes joy on a deeper more soul satisfying level...

Old and New Testament are full of references to joy... all powered by the Holy Spirit and our choice to submit to God's word and His authority in our lives.

Partial References to Joy:

Psalm 9:2, 16:11, 21:6, 30:11, 32:2, 34:5, 106:3, 112:1, 118:15, 119:2, 119:92, 119:143, 126:5, 144:15, 146:5
Proverbs 2:10, 3:13, 13:9, 16:20
Ecc. 2:26
Is. 29:19, 56:7, 61:10
Acts 13:52
Romans 14:17, 15:13
2 Corin. 8:2, 13:11
Phil. 4:4
1 Thes. 1:6, 5:16

Don't be overwhelmed by the volume of references...take the time to drink them in - you will be glad you did -The Word is as water to the soul -quenching the depths; the marrow places...

Based on my reading and understanding (although I plan on going deeper so I may have more to add in the coming days), here is my summation of JOY:

Joy is the deep abiding undercurrent of a heart that is steadfastly secure in it's knowledge of the Father and it's understanding of His sovereignty over it's very life. It encompasses a face-like-flint posture that causes one to glory in the all-consuming presence of the living God and the absolute delight of knowing and being known. Joy is a place of complete rest in the midst of the storm -understanding that Jesus reigns even in the depths of the dark place...Joy is born out of the purest love and cannot be requited by the most tumultuous straight! It rises up from the land of desolation and despair to display the Father's glory and splendor in all things...

A gift from the Spirit given to all who believe, joy -for the believer - isn't asked for, it's accessed!

We are commanded in Galatians (5:16)to operate through the guiding of the Holy Spirit from which the fruit of joy (5:22) is born and sustained in our lives -even if the circumstance swirling around us would seek to dictate otherwise. We must chose to ascend from dwelling in the flesh to a position of surrender -laying down our natural tendencies and reactions in order to don the cloak of the spirit...love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

When we chose to live this way -we become a conduit of all that Father wants to accomplish in and through us to our sphere of influence -we become His face to our world - the demonstration of His life and character...it is here that He is enabled -through our obedience -to get glory and fulfill His purposes, plans and promises.

So, how do we "flesh" this out?

There are 3 principles to consider and reconsider:

Foundation ---- Focus ---- Forecast

1) Foundation is exactly that...the grounding principles. We have to know the Word -in this case what the scripture says about joy - so that we can operate in it. We have to know what is true of us as believers so that the enemy has no leg to stand on when he comes to "steal, kill, and destroy"

2) Focus - we have to be proactively aware of what we are giving our attention to...we must fix our gaze on Jesus and consciously chose to intently "FOCUS" our time, talent, treasure on Him, firstly, and beyond that, on the things that bring honor and glory to Him and point others in His direction. This requires active participation!

3) Forecast (perspective) Our day in and day out reality aligns with and filters through our focus and foundation no matter what circumstances surround us...our perspective is molded from our eyes being fixed on Jesus and the truth found in The Bible.

Our whole goal is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

" So all of us who have had the veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord -who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

Starting with the evidence of His joy!

Beth Moore has a great quote that I think sums it up...she says:

" We glorify God to the degree the we externalize the internal existence of the living Christ."

As we operate in the fullness of the Father's Joy, through the power of the Holy Spirit in us -we do just that- giving a reason for the Hope that resides within us!

For a deeper word study on "JOY" go to:
http://www.handmaiden.org/issue/joy/word-study.html

Resolved Not to Defile!

I have been slowly working through Beth Moore's "Daniel" study and when I say slowly -I mean I am still in week one... something she said in the opening session has stuck with me and I have been turning it around in my head. She said that in Daniel's day, "to share a meal was to commit oneself to friendship" - it was a sign of coming into covenant with someone...so in Daniel 1:8, when Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the food from the King's table what he was really saying was, "I refuse to switch my allegiance from the one true God to the false gods of Babylon". He determined not to break his covenant to Father God even though those around him were doing everything in their power to force the situation -even changing his name(more on that in a future post)!
In the course of this first week's study, the question of cultural influence and indoctrination was posed. She asked us what bothered us most...
The truth is -if you are walking & breathing, believer or not-- you have been indoctrinated.

As I was thinking about this, my focus kept coming back to the church (of which I am a part -least anyone think I am excluding myself from this sermon)...
What bothers me most is that the church has been unwittingly indoctrinated into the world's way of doing life, health and nutrition -in many respects there is no difference between us and the world...the divorce rate is the same, we are dying from the same diseases and we are literally eating from the same table! Some would argue that it is because we live in a fallen world that these similarities exist and while that may be a contributing factor, it is becoming more and more clear to me that our own choice (overt or covert) to embrace the patterns and behaviors of the world are at the center of our demise.

The majority of us (when I say us I'm referring to believers) have adopted the same hurried lifestyle, pace and values of the world... we pile our plates high with the same rich food, we satiate our lust for more, we burn the candle at both ends and we practice very little restraint. All the while, disabling the God-given system for naturally building and sustaining health within our bodies. Then, we plop down in the Doctor's chair and expect some chemist's potion to miraculously cure -in reality only mask -  the damage that is a direct result of what we ourselves have either knowingly or unknowingly propagated against ourselves through poor lifestyle choices, neglect of  pursuing and applying truth in health practices and nutritional compromises. We have effectively incapacitated ourselves on a whole host of levels and virtually rendered ourselves ineffective for the kingdom because we look no different than the world around us!

That's a pretty bleak summation if it stopped there...but there is hope! The bible says in Hosea that we are perishing for lack of knowledge. It also says, in the Book of James, that Father delights in giving us wisdom. His truth and operating in the fullness of his principles really does set us free! We just have to seek it and then practice it on a daily basis...

Studies show (I and my family are living testimonies) that adopting a lifestyle of true health and wellness -including a healthy nervous system, organic whole foods nutrition, detoxing, exercise and renewing your mind in the truth of God's Word all work in tandem to effectively reverse and in most cases obliterate the plague of conditions and diseases that are robbing us of the abundant, long life God promises in his Word and intends for each of us to experience! When we start putting sound nutrition into play and eliminate emotional, chemical and physical stressors from our body's systems then, this amazing machine - God's pristine design~the pinnacle of his creation- begins to operate in it's perfect order: restoring, regulating and healing itself! All it takes is a willingness to pursue truth, shift our paradigms to it and practice what we learn on a daily basis.

It worked for Daniel! He refused to "defile himself" (Daniel 1:8) and the favor of the Father rested on him all the days of his life even in the midst of great adversity:

"At the end of 10 days[of eating healthy, nutritious food] they looked better and healthier than all the young men who were eating the king's food."

Daniel 1:15

In the 3 years of keeping covenant and pursuing health and not the world's way ...

" God gave....knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind...In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times better than all the diviner-priests and mediums in his entire kingdom."

Daniel 1: 17 & 20

To do what Daniel did takes resolve and courage! You will in essence be a salmon swimming upsteam...you will risk offending and even those closest to you thinking you're crazy or weird (Jesus did, too) but, in the end the narrow way will lead to fullness of life and freedom!

You can do it!

Resolve to be a covenant keeper and set your face like flint to the task and beyond that to the One who has called you to the task...Father will empower and equip you with all you need to rise to the challenge!

To your health and that of the generations that will be forever changed because of your courage "not to defile" yourself... May Father reap His glory from your faithful obedience and may his kingdom come through hands and feet surrendered and submitted to his way! AMEN!

Faithful into Captivity and Through it!

Daniel 1:

Father God gave the Israelites into the hands of the Babylonians- He sovereignly directed their captivity. It didn't catch him off guard or by surprise... it was by design! This captivity encompassed everyone -it wasn't selective - both faithful and unfaithful were bond and dragged away...

Think about it, for Daniel to take the bold stand he took in Verse 8 of Chapter 1, he had to have been grounded in an abiding faith and understood the very character of Father God toward him. That faith originated somewhere and I venture to say it was not birthed at the point of confrontation - emboldened maybe but, not birthed!

I believe his courageous action demonstrates a pure unwavering faith and confidence in Father God and HIS WAY...and the Word says that God granted him favor in that. One could surmise from that, that Father God was using captivity to test and prove Daniel's faith...

Judging by the extended favor and according to scripture, Daniel was passing the test and continued in that favor for the entirety of his life - although (and don't miss this) the Bible tells us in Verse 21 of Chapter 1 that he REMAINED there...he never left captivity and yet he maintained this faithful and favored status!

Father God led a faithful man into the dessert of captivity- surrounded him by his enemy - in fact he enslaved him to his enemy. He tested and grew his faith, and empowered him to make a bold stand. God granted him favor in the presence of that same enemy, increased his position, knowledge and spiritual understanding, as well as, his physical health. All the while, maintaining the captive status.

The question we are tempted to ask here is WHY?

Why would a loving God give his faithful ones into the hands of their enemies and allow them to be taken into captivity?

Why would he allow them to remain in that place?

I think the better question in this is...WHAT?

WHAT?

What was Father purposed in doing here?

What was the bigger picture goal?

In my view, the answer is fourfold:

1) He is a just and Holy God who can not let sin go unpunished and will not yield His glory to another!
Israel, as a whole, was prone to wander and needed some redirecting (captivity seemed to do the       trick every time) In that, sin has far-reaching consequences and effects even the faithful.

2) This was a perfect opportunity to strengthen, grow and prove the faithful's faith...while demonstrating his absolute sovereignty over the situation (He is Lord even in captivity - there is no other).

3) In the places of deepest hardship, pain and wounding, he delights in being " I AM" -showering his favor and displaying his splendor... getting his glory from righteous lives - bringing blessing and light even to the darkest moments.

4) The bottom line, if captivity is the drawing force for his glory, fame and renown to be ushered in then, captivity is the place he will lead -not only to prove the character of those being led and transform them into the image of Jesus Christ but, to raise his standard that he might draw all men unto himself!

If I'm remembering correctly, the ultimate outcome for Daniel was the enemy captor declaring the sovereignty of the captive's God!

Goal accomplished!

Feeling lead to start a study from the Book of Daniel...having a "For such a time as this" urging...asking for revelation and renewed passion and vision for the Word and the truth Holy Spirit wants to reveal...more to come -as I go! Dive in if you wish...

The Book of Daniel (its one of the prophetic books towards the back of the Old Testament)

Matthew 24

Jesus Foretells the Future


 ¹ As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. ² But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

 ³ Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”

 ⁴ Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, ⁵ for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. ⁷ Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. ⁸ But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

 ⁹ “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. ¹⁰ And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. ¹¹ And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. ¹² Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. ¹³But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

 ¹⁵ “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) ¹⁶ “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. ¹⁷ A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. ¹⁸ A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. ¹⁹ How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. ²⁰ And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. ²¹ For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. ²² In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.

 ²³ “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. ²⁵ See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

 ²⁶ “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! ²⁷ For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. ²⁸ Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.

 ²⁹ “Immediately after the anguish of those days,

   the sun will be darkened,
      the moon will give no light,
   the stars will fall from the sky,
      and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

 ³⁰ And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

 ³² “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. ³³ In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. ³⁴ I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. ³⁵Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

 ³⁶ “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

 ³⁷ “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. ³⁸ In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

 ⁴⁰ “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

 ⁴² “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³ Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

 ⁴⁵ “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. ⁴⁶ If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. ⁴⁷ I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. ⁴⁸ But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ ⁴⁹ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? ⁵⁰ The master will return unannounced and unexpected, ⁵¹ and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Convinced!

      I am convinced now -more than at any point in our history- that we as believers need to know who we are in Christ, what The Word says to be true of us, and what authority we have over our enemy and his powers that operate freely in this world. We need to arm ourselves with truth and act upon the truth we know! We need to be rehearsing that truth and the stance we will take in the face of opposition. Our resolve must be strong and grounded in the overwhelming heart knowledge that we are abundantly loved and cared for even in the face of death and/or persecution. We need to take authority over the demonic forces coming against us and stand our ground in the power and name of Jesus Christ! We need to be proactive in our understanding of the times and current world events...we need to be creating community and establishing networks -readying ourselves to be self-sustaining and sufficient in a very practical and tangible sense - off the radar as it were...
       I believe a time is coming where we will be tested in these things and life as we know it may drastically change or not exist at all... I am not an alarmist by nature but, I am becoming more and more convinced of the truth of these statements and believe we need to be prepared and at the ready -not caught off guard! 

1 Peter 3:14-16

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

2 Timothy 4:1-3

¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Let's Be Ready!

Now That You Know...

As I was reading this morning, I came to verse I can honestly say I had never seen before or at least it had not registered with me in the way that it did this morning...

The context is the upper room -the night Jesus was betrayed - he has just taken off his robe and given the disciples an object lesson on servanthood by washing their feet... at the tail end He inserts this simple thought:

" Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them." ~ John 13:17

Jesus is very plainly laying it out for them...blessing comes in doing what we "KNOW" is true and right before the Lord...

How many times do we say, "I know I should, but....(fill in your blank here)"

The simple response to "I know I should..." is DO IT! If you know you should (and I am speaking most loudly to myself) then DO what you know you should!

The "doing"(being obedient) is what activates the "blessings" according to Jesus...and I believe it!

What was in that "blank"___________ -now- go DO IT and be blessed in your obedience!

Who He Is...Encouragement for the Day!

" The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ' The Lord is my inheritance, therefore, I will hope in Him!' The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him...

...I called your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ' Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!' Yes, you came when I called; you told me, 'Do not fear.' Lord, you are my lawyer! Plead my case! For you have redeemed my life."

~ Lamentations 3:22-25 & 55-58

He is absolutely faithful and loves us with a love we have no way of comprehending this side of heaven but, he is true to it no matter what! He will never leave us nor forsake us and he delights in showing us his power and glory and strength on our behalf! Lift your hands and let him dig you out this morning...come into the light -feel his glow on your face and know -without question that you are SOUGHT AFTER!

Educate!

I have been reading a book entitled, "What the Bible Says about Healthy Living." by Rex Russell, MD...excellent read!

It, in concert with Jordan Rubin's "The Maker's Diet" and "Maximized Living Nutrition Plans", has revolutionized my health and nutrition world view and I am more convinced now than ever that if we are to obtain complete wellness and the fullness of the abundant life that the Father promises we have to own our health and choices and EDUCATE OURSELVES (the scripture says, in Hosea 4:6, that we perish for lack of knowledge). From that, we must take action to align our choices - in as much as we have the control- with what the Word says about health, wellness, and nutrition.

These I have mentioned are excellent resources to accomplish this task and they go a step beyond to help us implement the new way we are learning.

The call is to step up, step out and get moving!