I meet You in the watches of the night.  As the world surrounding me sleeps and the night lays itself out like a blanket of darkness, You stir me.  I hear You in the watches of the night.  You speak.  You stir me.  You move my heart to new depths of faith and belief in Who You are.

I cannot tell you how many times my faith has been stirred in the night.  It seems as if sometimes God uses the quietness of night to peel off the residue of the world from my spirit, so I can receive a new injection of the Truth.

I cannot tell you how many nights I find myself wrapped in visions from God.  He speaks to me.  I hear because all life is quiet.  He loves to speak to me in the space between sleep and wake.  The times when you can comprehend but aren’t aware enough to argue.  Those seem to be great times for Him to download His goodness into me.  Times when I am not aware enough to hide from His blessing.  When I am too tired to debate my worthiness.  That is often the space He chooses to tell me the wonderful things.

I meet Him in the watches of the night.

Do you?

When you lie in bed tossing and turning, have you learned yet to begin asking if He has woken you?  Have you learned to quiet yourself instead of being frustrated that sleep escapes you?   It may not really be that you are restless, it may be that He is stirring you.  He likes to speak to us in the quiet moments.

I believe that we often miss Him because we don’t yet know to ask if He is present in a moment.

He is the hand that stirs us.  He is the voice we long to hear yet ignore in its inconvenience.  His is the hand we brush off because the timing is not what we thought it should be.  He is the one who interrupts our day to bring our focus back where it should be, yet we give Him an irritated glance because we want to continue to move through life at our own speed.

He is the One unafraid to inconvenience us.

I challenge you, next time you feel your day getting interrupted, stop for a moment and ask, “God, are You the one stopping me?  Are You trying to get my attention?”  I bet He is most of the time.  There is always a lesson to learn.  Will you learn it?

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.  Proverbs 16:9

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert!  You do not know when that time will come.  It’s like a man going away; He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”    Mark 13:32-37

Today I saw myself blowing the fluffy white seeds off a dandelion.  I saw that each seed represented a release of His Spirit.  A way of sending out word of His goodness.  Years ago, God told me to share with others when He blesses me so that like a dandelion those blessings would blow out into the world and bless others.

I feel like sometimes, people are afraid to share stories of their blessings because they don’t want others to feel they are bragging or something, but I say that’s nonsense.  I think that false humility is the enemy’s way of tricking us into keeping miracle stories to ourselves.  It’s his way of robbing from the power of testimony and stealing from God’s glory.

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.  And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.  Revelation 12:11 

So today I want to challenge you.  Go out and share some stories of times when God has blessed you abundantly.  Share some stories of times when God has really lavished His love upon you.  Share some of the Glory of the Lord with others.  I guarantee it will begin to stir their faith.  The really cool thing is, it will also stir your own faith!  You will feel encouraged as you share your history of His faithfulness in your life.  We need to remember.  You will be emboldened by sharing what God has done in your life and in the lives around you.

Take some time in your quiet place and let your mind search out the times when God has abundantly blessed you.  Recount to yourself first, the many times He has lavished Himself upon you.  Then be prepared to share with others.  He will undoubtedly provide opportunities for you to speak out those blessings.  But whatever you do, don’t let fear stop you from sharing the goodness of the Lord with others.  You never know who you might encourage.

Next, I challenge you to intentionally partner with God to release His Spirit into the world around you.  How does He want you to release His Spirit?  That’s something you and He must work out.  You can only know from spending time in the quiet place and being willing to share.  Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone friend?  Are you willing to lay aside your own self consciousness and reach out for a larger portion?  He will not leave you empty handed.  The world needs your testimony.

My mouth will tell of Your righteous deeds, of Your saving acts all day long- though I know not how to relate them all.  I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim Your righteous deeds, Yours alone.  Since my youth, God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds.  Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.  Psalm 71:15-18

My tongue will proclaim Your righteousness, Your praises all day long.  Psalm 35:28

Go out today and spread the word of your testimony!

 

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a dear friend about what “by His stripes” really means.  It stirred my heart thinking about it, then this morning while I was running, out of nowhere I saw one drop at a time of blood dripping onto me from above.  When each drop hit me, it became white.  It was awe-inspiring.  The impact of each drop was another level of healing.

Today, I invite you to take a moment and focus on the debt paid through each blow that struck Jesus’ body, ripping His flesh and causing His blood to flow.  Then, imagine Him carrying the cross.  As He trudges along with each pain filled step, blood would’ve been sprinkling the ground beneath Him.  They finally reach the place where He will sacrifice His life for you and me.  Then they drive one nail after another into His hands and feet, while blood pours from the wounds.  It wasn’t a clean process, it was a gory mess, I have no doubt.  Imagine a crowd gathering to witness the whole event.  I cannot even fathom it.

Why would He allow such torture, knowing He could end it all in less than a second?  But your wholeness and unity with Him was too important to Him.  He wanted to offer Himself.  He wanted to pay for your life with His.  He chose you.  He wanted you to be completely healed, he paid for that too.  He wanted nothing to stand between you and Him.  He gave His life to an unjust punishment to prove that to you.

Why then, do we struggle to believe He is good?

Why do we struggle to believe His promises?

How can we insult His sacrifice with our disbelief?

Oh God, forgive me for any time I have short changed Your ultimate sacrifice.  I long to more fully express my love for You.  Fill me with Your Spirit.  Fill me completely with the healing and teach me how to walk in it fully.  Teach me to walk in all that You paid for at the cross.  Oh God, I long to fully tap into all You have stored up for me.  I adore You.  You are my King.  I love You, in Jesus name, Amen.

Let’s look at this verse in a few different translations:  Isaiah 53:5

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him; and by His wounds we are healed. 

But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed. 

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. 

Sometimes reading a verse in several different translations can cause it to take hold in a deeper fashion.  Let the words soak into your spirit as you receive a greater understand of His sacrifice and the freedom it brought.

Recently, I wrote about the space in between.  This morning as I was processing several different things that are happening or need to happen in our life right now, I saw myself standing on top of the water and God reminding me the only way to not sink was to keep my eyes locked on Him.  I saw that when I start looking around I begin to sink.  He spoke, “The space in between that you wrote about earlier is the moment you are walking on water.  Don’t focus on anything except Me.”  It’s in remembering Him and His promises, I can stay steady and continue to walk on water.  Right now, I am walking on water.

So many things in life seem in an unstable place, but really it’s just the sorting out of things so God can reorder and rearrange things.  He is the One moving us.  It was His idea to set us up in Oklahoma.  He knew our hearts wanted to be in the South.  He is the One Who brought us our awesome realtor here in PA, and He released us to let her establish the asking price for this home.  We have totally surrendered to Him over this house.  He is the One Who opened a sudden position for Chris to get a foot in the door where He is working right now.  He is the One Who put it on our hearts to begin preparing to move a month before we knew there was even a job.  He is the One Who provided a new school for our kids.  It’s always been Him.  It will always be Him.  And He will receive all the glory.

Here I am, eyes locked on the One Who will never let me down.  I know from my history with Him, I can trust Him.  He’s never ever failed me.  He never will.

So, in this space between, I will not rush, worry, toil or run around unnecessarily, I will rest.  I will be still, so He can be God.  I will not constantly scheme, plan and trouble shoot.  Have you ever seen people who say they are trusting in God, but are constantly making new plans and scenarios and you know they are doing so out of fear?  No, part of letting God be God is letting Him make the plan and trusting that when He wants me to do something, He will let me know. He loves me enough to not let me miss out on His great plans for my life!

Wherever you find yourself right now, I encourage you to keep a constant focus on Him.  Listen to that still small voice and let Him navigate life for you.  It only takes the courage of trusting Him.

Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup; You make my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  I will praise the Lord, Who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Psalm 16:5-8

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No”.  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who was preached among you by us- by me and Silas and Timothy- was not “Yes” and “No”, but in Him it has always been “Yes”.  For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.  And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.  Now it is God Who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  2 Corinthians 1:18-22

It’s early in the morning, the birds are chirping and there are sounds of the earth rising from it’s sleep.  There is a humid feel hanging in the air after a night of steady rainfall.  All is well, or at least it should feel that way.  When my eyes first opened, and I began to stir, anxiety was waiting beside my bed to cloak me in fear for the day.  It stretched out its skeletal hand and tried to wrap its cold tendrils around my throat and heart.  It beckoned me to join it for an excursion with unfounded dread for the day.  That’s when a decision had to be made.  Would I join fear or would I intentionally partner with faith?

I felt something that looked like courage rise up from deep within me, but when I first began to engage it, doubt tightened its threatening grasp around my throat.  Then I knew, I would most certainly have victory today, why else would fear be so looming in the morning?

I began to focus on the promises.  I began to recite truth to my heart and mind.  With each repetition, anxieties grip loosened.  With each decision to follow peace and joy, not fear and irritation, I become Victory.

We never can tell what each day will bring, but I am always certain, fear is not from the Lord.  Anxiety is not in His plan for my life.  So, with intentionality I will turn my back on it and look into the Father’s eyes again.  He knows my heart.  He has good plans for me.  He cares for me.  He alone is my Provider, Defender, Lover and Friend.  His voice never lies.  He IS Truth.  I can trust Him.

I ask you, how do you face each day?  When fear or anxiety come knocking do you give them unlimited access, or do you stand firm?  Have you learned that fear is not something that just happens to you, it’s something you allow?  Yes, sometimes the battle can feel intense, but remember God said we are more than conquerors.  We have a way out of every temptation.  Fear is a temptation.

How will you embrace this day?

God, I surrender to You and Your plan.  I give You my whole heart.  I pray You would guard me against fear and deliver me from anxiety.  You are my portion.  You are my delight.  I trust You this morning.  You establish my life.  You make my steps secure.  You, and no other.  Thank You for being my God.  Thank You for loving me.  I surrender this day to You, and I choose You over anxiety and fear.  I choose You.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but to those who have the faith of Abraham.  He is the father of us all.  Romans 4:16

Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.  Hebrews 4:1

I see a black space, and in that space, I see one pinpoint of Light.  Then I see no matter how “big” the darkness around you feels, there will always be at least a pinpoint of Light.  Then I see myself walking into a dark space and I realize I am carrying Light inside of me.  Either way, the darkness cannot block out the Light.  Whether the Light is from a pinpoint or inside of me, there WILL BE LIGHT!

God said we would never be tempted beyond what we can resist.  This means at least a pinpoint of Light will be present.  Sometimes things in life can seem dark, but if we focus we will find the Light.  He is our Ever-Present Help in times of trouble.  Ever-Present.  That means He is always near.  ALWAYS.

I used to be intimidated by situations in which I could literally feel the darkness, but lately I’m feeling emboldened in those places because I realize the power of the Light I carry.  I didn’t realize it before, but my fear came from not truly knowing and believing that God’s power lived in me.  When I asked Jesus into my heart, He took up residence inside of me!  His power is IN me.

So, instead of carrying around a fear of the darkness, I can extend into the world a knowledge of the Light! When I step into a situation, I look for Light and if I don’t see any, then I begin to focus on the Light inside of me.  Does that make sense?  We should always be looking for the Light in each and every situation.

Today, as you head out to church or for a day of rest, I encourage you to take a moment and ask God to show you the Light He has placed inside of you.  Ask Him to stoke that Flame inside.  Invite Him to blow into the depths of your soul to increase the Fire.  You are the light of the world.  You are a city on a hill.  You must let your light shine.   Also, ask God to make you increasingly aware of the Light others carry inside of themselves.  Be attracted to that Light and encourage it in others.  Whenever I notice that someone carries a bright light inside, I tell them.  I use it as an opportunity to encourage them.  It’s funny, when I take time to encourage someone else, I undoubtedly leave also feeling encouraged.  I don’t need to feel insecure because someone else has learned to shine, I can feel encouraged because when we stand together we shine brighter than before!

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let you light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:  God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.  1 John 1:5-7

The other day I saw myself in a field and I was holding a net and saw blue butterflies flying all around and I was joyfully swinging the net to try catching them.  Then I saw myself with a net full of lively blue butterflies.  I had a smile spread across my face and felt such delight! God showed me that’s how I’m navigating this journey of change.  I’m to always look for the blessings (blue butterflies) and fully recognize and celebrate each one (catch them in my net)!

That is exactly what I’ve been attempting to do with each passing day.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older, or because my relationship with the Father has grown so much, but things that would’ve really beat me down and kept me scared or lonely or feeling rejected in the past have been much easier to walk through than before.   Through this season I am learning to not reach out and try to cling to things and people that God is not bringing near to me.  Instead I’m embracing each person who takes the time to seek out a goodbye and I’m truly treasuring the love and affection they bring.  Also, instead of worrying and toiling over where we will live next, Chris and I are dreaming and starting by looking at things that are bigger than what we can currently afford before we start being “reasonable” and reigning it back in.  That may seem strange to some of you, but those of you who are closest to me know that historically I would be looking for much smaller and cheaper than we need or can afford just to make it safe, so I see it as a victory that we are dreaming first!  I’m not worried at all that we will jump into something we don’t need to because that’s not who we are, but dreamers….that is who we are and for us to fully thrive we need to mix a little dreaming in with all of our processes.

That may make no sense to some of you, but I believe my fellow dreamers will relate.

I’m a person who usually operates with caution, so any time I dare to even consider or give God the opportunity to do greater than I dream or imagine, is a victory.

So, as we continue to move forward, I will continue to catch butterflies! Meaning, I will continue to find God’s blessings in each day and keep dreaming.  Will you?

I promise you will feel more free and thankful if you are constantly taking time to enjoy life rather than checking off a list each day.  You will feel more satisfied and connected at the end of each day if you truly engage the blessings God has placed around you.  My challenge for you today is that you would face this day in expectation of blessings!  Take a slightly slower pace and use your net to catch any butterfly blessings you see today!

God, thank You for surrounding me with Your blessings every day!  Thank You for loving me so much that You delight in seeing my delight.  Forgive me for anytime I have neglected to notice Your blessings in my life and open my eyes to see the world through a lens of abundance and gratitude.  You are my greatest Blessing! I love You, in Jesus name, Amen.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

I don’t believe that I have ever felt the Father’s heart for me so clearly as I do right now.  I have become increasingly aware of the way He orchestrates all things in my life in a special way just for me.  He’s so amazing because He can orchestrate millions of lives to feel special and unique at one time, and while each is interacting with another.  It’s truly amazing!

The Father’s heart for us is so intimate.  His every move in our lives is an invitation to intimacy.

My question for you today is, will you let Him become more intimate with you?

For some, this can feel like scary and uncharted territory, but He’s really such a loving Father.  Once I let my full guard down and invited Him to have full access to all of me all the time, I have never felt safer or more loved.

The Father’s heart is beating for you.  It is beating over you.  Will you take a moment and listen?  Will you meet the Father with abandon?  I know I’ve mentioned the Father’s heart previously, but really could I bring it up too much?  I don’t think so.  I honestly believe if we connected to Him more as believers, the world would be drastically changed for the better.  It is from that point of connection where boldness and fearlessness and passion arises.  We need to be stirred.  We need to be moved to the point of passionate confrontation with the Father.

At different places where I lead worship and/or speak, it is so hard to look out and see a room full of glassy eyed individuals who have decided not to let any emotion come forth.  They’ve decided to barricade themselves behind blank stares and solemn faces.  How long will we face the Father of Lights with dull gazes?  How long will we fear tears so much, we avoid any movement of Holy Spirit?

Some ask why tears come when they feel Holy Spirit moving, my reply is probably because you’ve been holding back so much and trying not to feel.  When we truly let Holy Spirit move over us, the common occurrence is a flood of tears.  It’s a release.  We need that release.  But we can’t get it if we are always avoiding anything that makes us feel.

Will you allow yourself to feel today?  God is not afraid of your feelings.  He is ever ready to embrace you and all of your emotion.  Today’s challenge:  Let your guard down and let the Father in, because He cares for you.

You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in a bottle.  You have recorded each one in Your book.  Psalm 56:8

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.  Psalm 126:5

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Matthew 6:26

While going through this transition season, I’ve thought a lot about what defines me.  Here in PA I’ve had the opportunity to lead worship in multiple places every month, and I treasure each time I have that privilege.  It makes me feel alive, and I love to walk a group into the Presence of the Lord.  But when you’re uprooting and moving to a completely new area you can begin to feel a little lost.  You can start to wonder if you will find another place to thrive.  It took me many years to get established up here and I truly hope our new home will offer a much faster connection.  But in the moments between being planted firmly in a place, and being transplanted, is a season of the between (as I mentioned in an earlier devo) and in that between, I must press into who I truly am.

Suddenly, I am remembering that I am now able to walk a group into God’s presence through worship because of many years I spent worshiping alone in the secret place.  I remember countless times, worshiping loudly through our home.  I remember my kids, when they were still mostly toddlers, finding me in our kitchen with my eyes closed and arms raised worshiping in song.  In that instance, I heard my oldest, who was about 7 or 8 at the time, telling the others, “Do this” and when I opened my eyes, I saw three of my babies with arms raised to heaven singing with me.

Who am I?

I am a worshiper.

I worship every day, and all the time.  There is rarely a moment when I do not hear worship music swirling through my mind, and when life throws challenges my way, the default in my mind is to find a worship song that speaks into that situation and I will sing it over and over again until that storm passes.

In worship I find my strength.  In worship I find courage and kindness.  In worship I remind myself Who He is, so I can keep life in a better perspective.

I was made to worship.  So were you.

Who am I?

I am His.

I belong to the Father.  No matter where I go or what I do, that fact can keep me centered and focused on His abundance over my life.  I have nothing to fear.  I will lack for nothing.  He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3

I can be certain that my foundation is secure when I rest in these facts.  Do you know that you know that you know who you are? Have you spent so much time with the Father, that you cannot be shaken in your identity?  If not, don’t let another day pass without finding yourself grounded in the truth.  It will create a launch point for your whole life, and the blessings that flow from it will not only bless you but all those around you too.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:26

“And I will be a Father to you.  And you shall be sons and daughters to Me.”  Says the Lord Almighty.            2 Corinthians 6:18     

Lately as I’ve walked out the unknown with the Father, I have realized something.  One reason we struggle to believe that God will never let us down is because people let us down all the time.  And to be fair, I’m sure I let people down frequently too, whether I know it or not. Whether it’s intentional or not, doesn’t really lessen the blow.  We should all admit we make time for what’s most important to us.

I can honestly say, I never set out to disappoint anyone, but undoubtedly it happens on occasion.  I know I’ve been let down a lot.  I truly don’t think people intended it, but it doesn’t change the effect it has on the other person.

With all that being said, what can we count on in life?  Some think we can only count on death and taxes.  Another group would say we can count on hard times.  But I believe I can absolutely count on the love of my Father and His goodness.  I know those two things are absolute.

When I pull myself up above the swirl of life and enter into the Presence of Abba, I know the absolutes.  God doesn’t just love.  God IS love.  His eye is always on me.  I am the apple of His eye.

I don’t know where you are in life right now.  I don’t know if you have a great need or if you are full of contentment.  Troubles come, and troubles go but one thing is certain, we all need to remember God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.

We also need to be willing to offer others the grace we would like to receive.  When someone lets us down we have a choice.  We can let a bitter root begin to form, or we can return to the embrace of the One Who never lets us down.  We can’t accuse God of being unfaithful simply because our only other example is a flesh and blood person.  How can we accuse God when He Himself went to the trouble of explaining this would happen, in the Bible.  He tried to make sure we knew the difference between human nature and His.

No matter what the world throws my way, I know I can count on His faithfulness to carry me through.

Thank You God for being my Faithful Companion.  Thank You for being steady.  I love the way I feel Your steadiness holding me up when I walk through hard times.  I love that You are unchangeable, when I am walking through a season of change.  I can count on You in every season.  You are my Rock and I adore You.  In Jesus name, amen.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep.  O Lord, You preserve both man and beast.  How priceless is Your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.  They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights.  For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.  Psalm 36:5-9

May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.  Psalm 33:22

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.  Psalm 17:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:8