Oh, that we would be burning ones.  Those who are consumed with passion and the fear of the Lord.  I saw a sword, made of iron.  This sword was red because it was so intensely hot.  I realized that I was the sword.  I had only become this flaming hot because of time spent in the fire.  A sword sharp enough to separate even bone and marrow.  A sword made in the image of my heavenly Father. 

There’s only one way to be made that hot.  By being forged in the fire, we each keep our intensity.  We are made so furiously hot that we sear through all enemy advances.  We cut paths forward and eliminate any threat. 

Discomfort is part of intensity.  Discomfort is necessary for growth.  Discomfort is needed when gaining strength.  Discomfort is required to become a burning one.

I desire to burn so much with the presence of God that anyone who comes close will feel Him.  I don’t need to be seen; I desire to be known.  Known by heaven.  Known by Him. 

It doesn’t matter if I’m ever known by many on this earth.  Looking heavenward, I desire only that my name is in the book of Life and that I am known.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.  Away from Me, you evildoers!’          Matthew 7:21-23

Many of those we celebrate on this earth will arrive in heaven, unknown.  I don’t want to be one of them. 

I wonder how many of those we follow and seek to emulate are unknown?  It’s a staggering thought.  I don’t hold this thought as a way of judging others because I have no idea who will be known.  But I allow the knowledge to keep me sober minded.  I allow this knowledge to help break the fear of man off of my life. 

I know I’ve mentioned fear of man a lot this year already, but every day I’m discovering different ways that it has a hold on me and others.  I’m desperate to be free from it. 

Today I encourage you to go before the Lord.  Bow before Him and surrender to being forged.  Allow the Blacksmith to strengthen, form and test you.  Ask Him to make Himself known to you, as you make yourself known to Him.

“See, it is I Who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work.  And it is I Who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord.  Isaiah 54:16-17

God has been moving in our family.  I mean, a miraculous series of events.  Each hinged on the other.  A succession of decisions that have linked together, over time, to create an atmosphere conducive to these events.  These decisions have been part of God rewiring the way we think and respond to life, individually and as a family.  We are growing so much every day. 

While we no longer allow how we may be perceived by others to affect the way we make decisions.  Now we have begun to finally forge our own path forward.  It’s as if we first had to detox our old ways, before we could begin forward motion.  We have dared to decide that God’s plan, which looks different from what the world calls success, is all we will follow.  No matter what.

In essence, we are beginning to see the next portion of this long season of change occur.  And this morning, I realized that there have been several times when I’ve/we’ve been tempted to curtail the process and force our way forward, simply because of what others think.

When it’s typed like this it seems so obvious that we shouldn’t do that, but if we’re all honest, we’d admit that much of what we do is for approval, or the perception of what others think.

The single greatest thing that’s changed in our family over this last three or four years is this, we don’t respond to life based on our perception of other people’s opinions.  Instead, we stop and ask God and then lean into whatever He says.  Waiting if necessary.  Being misunderstood, if needed.  Confusing others, possibly.  Frustrating many, I’m sure.  But mostly, just honoring God and what He has planned for our individual family. 

He’s separating us now, so we can better serve others in the future. 

If I only ever teach my family for the rest of my life, is that enough?  Yes.

If I only ever lead worship in this home for the rest of my life, is that enough?  Yes.

If I only ever worship alone for the rest of my life, is that enough?  Yes.

If I only ever influence my children, is that enough?  Yes.

These are just a few of the questions that God has provoked me with over the last three years. 

We decide each day, and in every situation, who we serve…God or fear of man.

It’s literally that simple.  Here’s the test…

When you get an idea or hear from the Lord about something, what’s your first thought?  Is it about what others will think or is it a “Yes” to God?  That’s an easy way to begin…

We all struggle with fear of man on some level.  There’s always room to improve.  But those we admire most are usually those who have broken free of it’s hold and live unapologetically surrendered to God.  That’s what I want to be known for, don’t you?

I encourage you to notice your own responses.  Be honest with yourself.  If you find that you first think of other’s opinions before making decisions, I encourage you to lean into the Father and ask Him to remove that fear of man and increase your fear of Him.  Fear, as in, reverence and awe.  Realizing how great and good God is has transformed lives for centuries.  Let Him be your compass.  Let Him be your yes. 

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.  They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.  Therefore, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.  From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.  They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.  Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.  Therefore, their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.  They say, “How would God know?  Does the Most High know anything?”  This is what the wicked are like- always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.  Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.  All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.  If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.  When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.  Surely You place them on slippery ground; You cast them down to ruin.  How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!  They are like a dream when one awakes; when You arise, Lord, You will despise them as fantasies.  When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.  Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.  Whom have I in heaven but You?  And earth has nothing I desire besides You.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.  But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.  Psalm 73

It’s my favorite time of day…the still of the morning.  There’s a crispness in the air and I’m waiting for the sun to rise.  I absolutely love this time of day.  Nobody is up and needing me.  The shadows feel like the wings of God surrounding this quiet time of day. 

Soon the sun will rise, and the new day will be revealed. 

As I began to think about writing today, I thought about designer salt.  Yes, you read that right, salt.

Salt is a trend right now.  It seems like everyone is peddling a different kind.  Different flavor combos of salt.  Different types.  It feels like all my recipes require a different kind of salt.  Kosher, sea, table, Himalayan…the list has become extensive.

Yet, salt is still used for the same purpose…flavor enhancing…and most of the time I prefer the old favorite, table salt.  It’s worked forever and still brings the same tasty result with much less confusion than discerning between added flavors and varied coarseness.  

Salt is meant to enhance the dish, bring it to life…if you will…but not to be the star of the plate.  We all know that too much salt is a very unpleasant experience. 

We have become like the world, in that, we have become so obsessed with the different “flavors” of saltiness we find in the church, that we’ve forgotten…salt is to enhance what’s already there, not steal the show. 

Nobody wants to eat a heaping tablespoon of pure salt.  No, salt is added to things.  It enhances them.  It helps develop flavor.  It’s a layer.   Still, the most important thing is that which is being flavored.  If the meat is bad, the salt can only do so much to help.  When making brownies or other sweet treats, if too much salt is added, what was once sweet becomes unpalatable.  But when it’s applied in moderation it brings a balance to the sweetness.

I wonder sometimes if the church (universal) has begun to focus so much on the salt that it’s forgotten the importance of the quality of the thing the salt is enhancing. 

The salt of today is things like huge buildings, programs, lights, smoke machines, charismatic preachers, brightly colored children’s ministries, worship celebrities…but what about the content?  And much more overlooked, what about the content of the character of those who run these churches?

I’ve been in churches that look wonderful on the surface, yet when you look behind the sparkle you find emptiness, jealousy, poor leadership, lack of character and a myriad of other issues.  So, what’s the point?

We each must decide, are we content to be entertained?  Are we best served by something that looks good, or something that provokes?  Are we in need of a trendy spot or a convicting, God-fearing culture?

I wonder, are we willing to be “plain” …and to let God be the salt?  What if it’s you and Him and nothing else?  Is that enough for you? 

If the end draws near and churches are not around anymore, will you still have a walk with God?

This is the real question.  Is church your only time with Him?  Fellowship is good, but intimacy is too.  We must cultivate a real intimacy with Him if we are to endure.  I challenge you today to think about these things.  If church was removed, what would you have left?  No, I’m not saying to stop going to church, I’m simply saying, the better your intimate life is with Him, the more value you add to the church.  The church needs you and your relationship with God. 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations He has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.  He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire.  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Psalm 46

In this season of revealing, we are seeing many of those we previously looked up to, exposed.  It’s a season where God is calling out those who lead, He is giving opportunity for change.  For true repentance.  For humility.  For honesty. 

For many years, it’s been far too easy for leaders in church to simply get away with bad behavior because we didn’t have a clue what it meant to be set apart.  We only knew what it meant to be celebrated.  To love fame.  To love influence.  To seek places of control and power.

In essence we followed the model of the earth.

Just look at the governmental systems in every nation.  They seek power, control, the ability to get away with bad behavior, etc.

The best way to get away with bad behavior is to be in charge.  Then nobody gets to question you.

This is the faulty system that has led countries, schools, places of employment, and it’s trickled into the church and family.  It’s devastating.

God called leaders to a greater responsibility.  Leaders will be held to greater account when we meet Him face to Face.  Scriptures tells us so.

It’s more important than ever to examine motives.  Actions that appear selfless, might just be that…appearances.  Only God knows the heart, and what I’ve discovered is that when I keep my face turned toward Him, it’s far more difficult for me to be fooled by people.

There have been multiple occasions when practically everyone I knew loved and revered a leader, but my heart said, “No.”  Each time I used to wrestle with myself and wonder if I was just being judgmental.  That is, until I noticed that each time I felt that nagging inside, over time, it was revealed to be true.  God kept showing me that the nagging inside was His protection over my life.  Protection from being swept away by false forms of godliness.  Protection from being pulled into a lie.  Protection from following a false version of Jesus.  I will never ignore that nagging again.

Since God’s the only One Who can truly know a person’s motives, it’s important to always be asking Him to reveal them to you.  To protect you from false motives, even in your own heart.

Today I challenge you to ask God to show you if you have any hidden motives in your heart.  This can be a painful question, trust me.  But it’s better to know, and have the opportunity to change, than to remain in deception.

Jesus replied, “You hypocrites!  Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.  Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’  For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”  Mark 7:6-8

And then He added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you.  For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.  All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”  Mark 7:20-23

As I’ve mentioned before, the hurts in our lives can cause splinters in our hearts and minds.  These splinters may lay undetected, silently festering underneath, only to be revealed in times of great struggle, insecurity, and yes, as a sabotage of the future.

It’s the little moments when a song suddenly sucks you back in time to a painful place.  It’s the way a smell suddenly takes you back to a place where a memory is held.  The way a phrase can cause you to remember a certain time period you’d rather forget.

These splinters are what most people call triggers.  While I do sometimes use that word, I also hate it, because it’s become synonymous with something that can’t be changed except through external ways of others conforming to your pain and creating a “safe” environment for you to dwell.

Your healing isn’t anyone else’s responsibility.  It’s yours. 

It’s not up to the world to create safe spaces for you.  That’s an inside job that requires you and God coming into alignment. 

When I am tethered to God and allow Him to remove splinters from my life, as they are revealed, then I can become a more stable person.  Then I can become more useful for others. 

This life is not our own.  It’s not only for our comfort and success that we are alive.  We are made to worship.  We are to give hope to others, through Christ.  Depending on Christ and sharing Him with others. 

It’s time to rise up, church!  Rise up!! Take personal accountability for our own selves and become vessels for the Hope of the world to pour out. 

We must rise up and become those who do greater things.  We must hit our knees and learn how to battle in the spirit.  We are not meant to be passive observers of destruction.  We are meant to conquer.  We are meant to partner with heaven. 

Rise up!  Rise up!! Take your place and move in your God given authority.

It’s time to let God remove all the splinters as they are revealed.  Let them be removed.  Let His Spirit fill those spaces.  Then move ahead in His power.

The godly offer good counsel, they teach right from wrong.  They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from His path.  The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them.  But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.  Put your hope in the Lord.  Travel steadily along His path.  He will honor you by giving you the land.  You will see the wicked destroyed.  I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil.  But when I looked again, they were gone!  Though I searched for them, I could not find them!  Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.  But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.  The Lord rescues the godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble.  The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.  He saves them, and they find shelter in Him.  Psalm 37:30-40

I think, by nature, most of us want things to be easy.  When we perceive difficulty or trouble, we mostly avoid it and find another way. 

What I’m learning in this season is that trouble will follow if you don’t allow God into it.  He allows troubles to come, but not as punishment usually.  He most often seems to allow them so that we will grow and mature.

That’s such a wonderful gift.

He told us we’d have trouble, but not to worry, remember?

At this point, I view troubles as the contractions of life.  During our labor toward delivering the promises, we face many.  We shouldn’t fear them, but instead use them as invitations for God to move.

That’s been the largest change in my recent mindset.

I see something that looks uncomfortable or like a problem, and immediately, I ask God to come and make a way.

This has revolutionized my life.

When we choose to stop being victims of circumstance and victims of others, we can then see the true point…each is an opportunity to grow and be transformed by God.  It’s an invitation from God, as well.

What might change in your life if you began to see things this way? 

What if next time a challenge came, you stepped back and asked God to give you His perspective.

Either we believe God is in all things, or not.  We can’t have it both ways.

Today I challenge you to tackle life’s obstacles with a renewed perception.  Look at it from a different view.  Stop saying, “Why is this happening to poor me?”  Instead say, “God, what are You trying to show me?”

I promise that this small change will create a resounding change in all your life.  It will help to transform your mind.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see what He has done and be amazed.  They will put their trust in the Lord.  Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.  O Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us.  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.  You have no equal.  If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.  You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.  Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand- You don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.  Then I said, “Look, I have come.  As it is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.”  I have told all Your people about Your justice.  I have not been afraid to speak out, as You, O Lord, well know.  I have not kept the good news of Your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power.  I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.  Psalm 40:1-10

Every person has things that need to be healed.  You can’t grow up in this fallen world without having some shrapnel hit you from time to time.  Some grow up in such disfunction that it warps their minds and thinking patterns.  Some grow up in nice homes with sneaky underbellies that require a deeper humility to uncover and restore.  We all have stuff.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t. Even the person who says, “I had a great childhood.  Nothing ever happened.”  While working with people that say that, it never fails, during prayer God shows them memories and things that they’ve pushed down…yet still, in His gentle mercy, He pulls that weed out, reveals it to them, and leads them into wholeness.

The thing that is detrimental to our society today is the lack of healing…yet the abundance of dwelling on and labeling hurts. 

We are best served to acknowledge our hurts, invite God into that space, and receive actual healing and release from it.  It’s part of being transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Remember that often quoted scripture?  Let’s read it in 2 different translations.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2 NLT

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.         Romans 12:2 NIV

I used the two translations because I loved the wording of the first, on this part…”by changing the way you think” YES!!!  This is exactly it.  We all must allow God to transform the way we think. 

Everyone has been molded by parents, siblings, relatives, friends, etc.  But we all need to be taught how to think by God.  That transformation often requires heart healing at some point in the process.

I feel like God is having me bring this up because of the toxic counseling and psychology culture we currently live in.  It’s become like much of medicine, with very little emphasis on true healing.  Rather it is creating generations of permanent patients.

I can’t stand idly by and observe that, when the cry of my heart for many years now, has been to see God’s people led into full and lasting healing.  That’s the only way we will become the bride He wants us to be. 

Today I encourage you to evaluate this part of your life.  Be honest with yourself, do you need to be healed in some way?  Are there relationships in your past or present that feel damaging and are difficult to process? 

What if instead of thinking this is just the way it is and you are just the way you are, you actually ask God to bring true healing into your life?  I guarantee it’s the best thing I ever did.  If I ever find spots that continue to need healing, I simply do it.  I don’t avoid it; I actively pursue wholeness.  Heart healing not only changed my life, but also my personality.  I found out who I truly was.  I found freedom. 

Won’t you join me here in the land of freedom?

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.  We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.  But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read.  It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.  Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.  But whenever anyone turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:12-18

I was walking and praying the other day and suddenly I saw something amazing.

I was in a room and surrounded by grandfather clocks.  There were many all around me and I was leaning down by one and adjusting the chain.  I could hear the ticking all around.  The times were all set different, and the ticks were a bit overwhelming.  I asked God, “Why are they all working at different times?”  He showed me that it was all the different parts and circumstances in my life working, and they weren’t all aligned.  Then I said, “I wonder what would happen if they all suddenly became aligned?”  Immediately, I knew.  I felt propelled from behind.  When all the clocks began to suddenly tick the same, it caused a propulsion. 

So much yes, Lord.

Right then and there I began to deeply intercede for the timing of my life to be in alignment.  Since that moment, I have seen strange and wonderful things begin to happen.  It’s been nothing short of miraculous.

We don’t set the timing of our lives.  We don’t get to tell God how and when to do things.  I think He led me to this vision, partly to show me that.  My timing is strictly based on His hand.  But He does allow me to ask for Him to move in that place.

Here’s the catch though…He can’t adjust it if I resist.

When I asked Him to bring alignment, it meant that I was completely letting go.  I have intentionally continued to let go.  When worry or control comes knocking at my door, I intentionally say, “No.”  I then turn to God and say, “You are the only way forward.  I invite You to come and move in my life.”

Our lives can be an invitation.  This is a concept I’ve been dwelling on for years.

I have longed for my life to be an invitation for my children to know God better and to believe in Him.  I have longed for my life to be an invitation for others to receive healing and deeper relationship with God.  I have longed for my life to be an invitation for my husband to feel safe and grow.  I have also worked hard for my life to be an invitation for God to show His glory on the earth.

Allowing Him to align my timing is one small way I can be that invitation.

I encourage you to think about this today.  Is your life an invitation?  Will you invite God to come in and do as He will?  Will you allow His Presence to bring alignment into your days? 

I sincerely hope you will.

But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”  My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.  Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.”  Psalm 31:14-16

All throughout scripture we read of people making altars.  They made these in memorial.  They are to honor what God has done and make sure that generations after us also remember His faithfulness.  We do truly need to be reminded, in an ever-present way, of all that God has done for us.  It’s amazing how easily we forget. 

It’s the tale as old as time…forgetting quickly. 

We all pompously point to the Israelites and condemn them in our hearts, saying, “God did one miracle after another for them, and they still forgot quickly.  I would never do that.”

Oh, wouldn’t you?

It happens all the time.  God moves in an amazing way, and many people don’t even notice that He’s the One Who did it.  Or they acknowledge His goodness, then as soon as something else happens they wonder if God will take care of them. 

How many times have you taken credit for a move of God?  “Well, I would never!” 

Oh, you wouldn’t? 

I hear people do it all the time.  They pray for help.  Then when it comes, suddenly they’re the ones who had a great idea or they see a person as the one who came through for them…when really God was the Motivator for it all.  He was using others to provide.

It’s always Him.  The Giver of all good things.

That was one reason that they built altars.  It was an ever-present reminder to our naturally selfish minds, that God is the One. 

Our testimony of His faithfulness is an altar of sorts, to remind us of His constant faithfulness.  We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  Our testimony has power.  Whenever I feel pressed by life, I intentionally begin to recount to myself every time God has been faithful to me.  I speak these testimonies out loud.  I bring all my current problems to the altar of my testimony.

Altars alter our perception.  They remind us of the truth.  Taking our eyes off the problem and on the Answer…God.

On the other hand, if we erect ungodly altars, we surrender our hearts to something that is altogether unholy.  In essence and in truth, it’s demonic.

We see this when Moses ascended the mountain and Aaron had the people bring their jewels and gold and they made a golden calf.  It’s a shocking story, to be sure, but it shows how short the journey is from God’s presence to the desperation to worship something we can see. 

It’s important to make sure that the thing you focus on is good and godly.  The altar of our testimony should be ever-present in our mind.  It’s the only way to not focus on the altar of destruction.

Why waste time imagining your life without God in it…That’s exactly what you’re doing when you embrace fear and panic. 

God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Today I encourage you to take hold of that ever-present Helper.  He is God with us, Immanuel. 

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.  James 1:16-18

“The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you- you Reubenites and Gadites!  You have no share in the Lord.  So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.  That is why we said, ‘Let us get ready and build an altar- but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.  On the contrary, it is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at His sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and fellowship offerings.  Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the Lord.’”  Joshua 22:25-27

I watch people all the time.  I love to observe and consider.  It’s one powerful learning tool. 

I am not judging people, rather I’m always watching, considering, and deciding what they do that I’d like to become better at doing, and what they do that I don’t want to emulate.  It’s the way I’ve always processed people.  I’m a learner.

I was considering this recently and had this train of thought occur…

Have you ever observed someone who is in a waiting position, and you think, “I don’t think they’re really waiting on God.  I think they’re just being lazy or are afraid to make a move.”  And then you see another person and they are also in a waiting position, and you think, “Wow, it’s amazing how they are waiting on God.” And you know that if they move ahead in the wrong timing, it would be from a spirit of fear.

It’s interesting the way God works.  Two people doing the same thing, the only difference is the unseen motive. 

Motivation can drastically change things.  In the same way, two people could give financially to someone…and one could be motivated from God to do so while the other is motivated by a self-important desire to be seen giving.  So, while their actions both appear noble, only one was.  Appearances can be deceiving.  The heart is what matters.

It’s so important to be honest with ourselves.  Some of us pretend to hear from God to validate our decision, when we really don’t know what to do.  I wish we’d stop trying to intellectualize things and simply be honest.  If you are afraid…if you don’t know what to do…just admit it.  Go to God from that position and sit with Him through it.  Then when He speaks to your heart and you can move forward from a position of peace, move ahead. 

The worst thing to do is make a move because you are afraid of being still.

On the other hand, if God is moving ahead and drawing you in that direction, then don’t hold back.  Surrender is the answer.  In the same way that a roller coaster moves and loops without our assistance, Holy Spirit sometimes takes us for the ride of our lives.  The best way to enjoy it is to let go.  Just learn to enjoy the ups and downs.  Discover peace in any season.  It’s always available.

It’s so important to be in constant communication with God.  It’s important to listen to Him in “real time”. 

Remember that if Abraham wasn’t in “real time” communication with God then Isaac would’ve been sacrificed unnecessarily.  God gave Abraham a word to do one thing, then at the last minute He gave Abraham another word to stop.  That’s real time listening. 

God speaks.  He speaks today.  He speaks in many different ways, but He does speak.  It’s up to us to tune our ears to His voice.  It’s a decision. 

I know the following verse was Ruth speaking to Naomi…but I say this to the Lord all the time.  So, in that context I share this.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back form you.  Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God.  Ruth 1:16

The Lord replied, “My Presence will to with you, and I will give you rest.”  Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us?  What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”  And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.  Exodus 33:14-17