I recently saw a video of a man getting into freezing cold water to swim.  This water had a thick covering of ice over it, and he could only enter from a place where they had cut a chunk out for him to get into it. 

I can’t fathom this, but I guess he was into it. 

As I watched the video, I saw him get in and begin to swim while his friends were walking on top of the ice he was under.  You could see him swimming the whole time.  He reached a certain point and suddenly he hits the ice, seemingly trying to break it so he can come out, but it doesn’t.  The person on top of the ice, stomps on it and it doesn’t break.

I then began to wonder, what the heck is going on…until he turns, begins to swim back the way he came, and suddenly I saw him holding a red cord.  That red cord led him back to the hole they had cut, and he exited with ease…seemingly unphased.  I guess it was all part of the plan.

This made me think…

When we are on a journey with God, it can feel like this.  The shock of going a new direction is like the initial shock of that icy water.  When we determine to go under and begin to swim with Holy Spirit, it can seem easy at first, but then there’s inevitably a time when we want to get out…but we’re not in the right spot yet. 

We hit against the ice, trying to break out, but it’s not possible.  Unlike the guy in the video, sometimes we begin to flail and refuse to move any further as we bang against an unbreakable place, over and over again.  Exhausted and unable to breathe, we begin to question it all.  

Before too long, we feel like we’re drowning…and we don’t even realize that it’s because we’ve stopped cooperating with Holy Spirit and have demanded our own way.  We don’t get to have our own way when we are following Yahweh. 

We finally fast and pray, or whatever, and discover there is a red cord.  We take firm hold of it and follow it out to freedom and breakthrough.

The parallels in this story are many.

Without that cord, he could have died in the water.  God never leaves us without a way out…the blood of Jesus made the way and Holy Spirit will lead us.

He is our red cord.

Friend, I too am in the middle of swimming the arctic channel.  I sometimes feel like I will never see the end.  Yet, every time I want to give up, I see the red cord.  I find my bearings and continue.  I pray you do too.  Don’t give up.  Don’t ever give up.  There is no adequate compromise.  It’s all or nothing. 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John 14:6

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.  Acts 4:12

As we see such craziness happening all around us…as we may or may not be wrestling with hopelessness, frustration, fear of the future…I wanted to remind everyone…God knows.

Not only have evil things like this happened before, but they are foretold for the future…and God is already there. 

David knew of these times.  Let’s read…

O Lord, rescue me from evil people.  Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long.  Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.  O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked.  Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me.  The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way.  I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”  Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy!  O Sovereign Lord, the strong One Who rescued me, You protected me on the day of battle.  Lord, do not let evil people have their way.  Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud.  Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me.  Let burning coals fall down on their heads.  Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.  Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.  Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.  But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; He will give justice to the poor.  Surely righteous people are praising Your name; the godly will live in Your presence.  Psalm 140:1-13

Listen, there are evil people.  It’s been made clear in scripture over and over…now, I don’t know how God truly defines that because I know Jesus died to save us all…but I do know some people are guided by evil.  Evil desires.  Evil lusts.  Evil spirits. 

But…

Take heart.

God is greater.  He is bigger and able to thwart all attacks.  All. 

There is a great evil in our world.  Denying it helps nothing.  Praying for God to intervene does.  We need Him.  We also need to keep fighting. 

The days will get darker, but we will live in His presence.  Remember that promise.  The last little portion of the scripture we read…it’s honestly, the most encouraging…we will live in His presence…even in dark days.  Hallelujah!!

Are you aware that there are people who are cooperating with a leeching spirit? 

They are the people who are never satisfied; whether it’s access to you, time you spend in ministry with them or working for them, exploiting your giftings, taking your money, etc.  Leeches are very real. 

Those who leech time are so prevalent because the more the enemy can leech from your time, the more distracted from your home you become.  You can’t do it all.  You just can’t.  We weren’t meant to do it all.  It’s a lie we’ve been told, to believe we can have it all and do it all.

The leeching spirit is never satisfied.  No demonic spirit is, but this particular spirit is focused on depletion.  Our government struggles with this spirit, a lot. 

Think about it…the liberal line is never satisfied.  Never.  It always wants more.  There will never be a way to satisfy it.  That spirit is after your freedom.  If it is able to take that, it still won’t be satisfied…it’ll want more.  Once freedom is gone, the arm of control will never stop picking away at your life. 

This is a really big deal.

We must learn to identify and then eradicate this leech.  Then no matter what, stand in opposition to it.  Resist it and pull completely free of it. 

We can’t allow the leeching spirit to take away our children’s future. 

In the church we must eradicate the leech.  We are to serve God, not the leeches hunger.  Our service should be solely at the direction of Jesus, not a culture of busyness.  So many churches take and take…with very little genuine giving.  I’ve also seen too many times, a church culture that demands honoring the pastor’s families and priorities, but not yours.  That’s out of order.  Nobody is more important than others and each family is a priority to itself.

In our friendships we must oppose the leeches.  God, family, and everything else…that should be the order of priority.  Too often, friends come in and demand time that we don’t have.   A true friend will honor your top two priorities.  A true friend will also be honoring those priorities in their own life. 

It’s our individual responsibility to steer clear of leeches.  We would be wise to do so and suffer if we don’t. 

I encourage you to examine this subject in reference to your own life.  If you see evidence of leeches, then repent and cut soul ties with such things.  It doesn’t mean you can’t have relationship with people who have been operating this way (though sometimes you should), it simply means that you will have to put real boundaries in place.  This is so healthy.  So necessary. 

The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!”  Proverbs 30:15

As I was praying recently, I felt the struggle and resistance that we are facing.  I saw it as a fog.  Then I heard the Lord say, “The fog is thickest when you are about to get through it.”  I then saw myself standing in the midst of the fog and realized that some of the resistance and struggle I am feeling is a fog…it’s not actually real…it’s the illusion of trouble.

Intimidation.  That’s really what it is.  It’s just like the enemy, to see us right on the verge of breakthrough and then him trying to frighten and discourage us so much that we think about turning back and quitting. 

Friend don’t ever fall for that!!  Push through the fog!!  Press on.  Believe.  Restore your hope.  Cling to joy.  For goodness sakes, don’t give up!!

The fog will always lift, and if you remain in step with Holy Spirit, you will succeed.  

Here we arrive again at….trust.

The crux of our walk with Jesus is trust.  Trust and obey. 

“As for God, His way is perfect:  The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.  For Who is God besides the Lord?  And Who is the Rock except our God?  It is God Who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.  He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  You make Your saving help my shield; Your help has made me great.”  2 Samuel 22:31-36

Trusting God in the fog, is the same as Peter trusting Jesus as he stepped out onto the water.  He was fine until he lost eye contact with Jesus.  Our lives are the same.  That will never change.  We must lock eyes with the One Who is eternal.  The One Who never changes.  The One Who never loses.  The One Who makes our path secure. 

We must be like horses with blinders blocking out all peripheral sight, as we look only forward to Him. 

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is the King of Glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is He, this King of glory?  The Lord Almighty- He is the King of glory.  Psalm 24:7-10

No matter what is happening in your life, lift up your head.  Look upon the King of glory and rest in His sight.  Fight from a position of rest.  Walk through the fog and don’t ever stop.  Never stop moving forward.  If you keep moving forward, then you won’t get lost.

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.  Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.  Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.  Proverbs 4:25-27

I fully trust God to bring about everything He has spoken over my life and the lives of my family.  I believe Him when He says good things.  I believe Him when He draws my heart to repentance. 

I believe He won’t allow me to miss out on a single blessing.  I believe this because He has proven that He will protect that which He has set into motion.  He will even protect me from my own mistakes.  I fully believe that.  He’s a really good Father.  Far better than we can ever imagine. 

I place my trust firmly and unequivocally in His hands. 

I’ve soared with wings as eagles.  I have felt the bottom of the pit.  I have been lifted up and have been left to my own devices, but one thing remains…His steady love, favor, and protection over my life.

Have you felt it too? 

Have you reflected on all your years and seen how He’s been there in every moment?  Have you acknowledged how His hand has protected you even in the hard moments. 

Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will protect me from the anger of my enemies.  You reach out Your hand, and the power of Your right hand saves me.  The Lord will work out His plans for my life- for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.  Don’t abandon me, for You made me.              Psalm 138:7-8

These words remind me that I can count on Him to be bigger than anything I do.  Bigger than anything that can be done to me.  Bigger than any mistake.  Bigger than the enemy.

Trust…

If I am walking in step with the Spirit and am fulfilling God’s purpose for my life, then I can trust that nothing…absolutely nothing can permanently derail me from it.  I am God’s workmanship; created for a purpose.  I am an intentional creation of God; so are you.  Let’s act like it!

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  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, for ever and ever!  Amen.  Ephesians 3:16-21

Have you ever been reading the Word, and even though you’re reading an account of something completely unlike your life, God uses a portion of it…even a couple of words to speak to you?  I mean, one of those times when the words seem to glow and resonate loudly through your head… 

I had just such an experience today.

Let me preface this by saying…The scripture surrounding these words, was originally written in a very different context, but in a way that only the Living Word can do, God highlighted the words separately to me and in a second, I had a full vision of how it applied to my life.  It’s so amazing when He does that.  Yet, I still had a choice…would I receive the Word, or would I look at the scripture surrounding it and say, “This isn’t for me.  I can’t take this out of context.” 

Do I trust the Voice of God in my heart and mind?

Yes…yes, I do.

These are the moments that mark my life…the willingness to simply believe Him…without my having to qualify what He’s said.  Oh, how I hope that you do too!

If I hear, see, or think something that feels like God, I hold it out and ask, “Is this within the character of God?”  If the answer is yes, then I believe it.

You must be very curious about what I read…let’s read the full verse first, then I’ll tell you what was on fire for me today.

He swore an oath in the name of the One Who lives forever and ever, Who created the heavens and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it.  He said, “There will be no more delay.  When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled.  It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets.”  Revelation 10:6-7

As I read over this prophecy of the end times, I came across the quote, “There will be no more delay.”  And it was like a bell rung in my heart.  The words became bright and I paused and gasped.  God was speaking to me. 

For months, and even years now, I’ve been praying that all delay would be removed from our lives.  I have felt the delay so many times.  I wondered about it.  I have prayed about it.  I have searched my life and heart to repent for anything within me that would be causing delay.  At the end of the day, I wasn’t causing delay.  God was allowing it.  But why?

I now see that without the delay we’ve experienced, we’d be far less likely to have come to the place spiritually, emotionally, and relationally that we have come to now.

Chris and I, individually and within our marriage, have been forged in the fire.  God has been creating something stronger.  I can only imagine that it is exactly what we will need in order to move into the full glory of His calling in our lives and marriage.  Our family has been forged in the fire, both individually and together…and what has emerged is we are an extremely tight unit, my children are confident…both in who they are, in our family unit, and in God and His constant care and provision.

We have emerged from the flames as a solid and unbreakable unit.  He’s sealed His promises on our hearts with fire. 

Now we stand with a fierceness and conviction that is unwavering. 

I care not what anyone else says or thinks.  We will follow God.

We’ve come a long way…and now He speaks, “There will be no more delay.”

We have the One. 

The One Who is altogether Perfection. 

The King of kings, Lord of lords…the Perfect One.

Can you fathom it?  It’s so hard to comprehend.  It’s so wonderful.

I will never be perfect, but I hold hands with the Perfect One every day and all the time.  If I need perfection at any moment, I only need to look over at Him.

I can’t tell you how many times lately, that I’ve needed Jesus and have simply looked over to my left side and have seen His Presence.  He is always…always right next to me.  Closer than a brother, nearer than my breath, more real than what I see with my physical eyes…my Jesus.  The Perfect One. 

He comforts me. 

It’s funny, that so many of us think it’s too bold to assume that He is near…but I think it’s bold to think He isn’t.  In my opinion it’s more natural to look over and expect to see Him, than to assume He has no time for me. 

He is my Gift.  He is my Portion.  He is my Forever…is He yours?

He wants to be.

It’s time to lay aside all presumption and embrace the Perfect One.  It’s time to stop running around attempting perfection on our own, and to instead, look to the Perfect One. 

God of Perfection.  The only sinless One.  Oh, Jesus, so often I wonder how you did it.  You are more awesome than I could ever imagine, and I am desperately and whole-heartedly in love with You.

Praise the Lord, all you nations.  Praise Him, all you people of the earth.  For His unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.  Praise the Lord!  Psalm 117:1-2

When we are consumed with His perfect love we can be as bold as lions.  When His perfection eats away all our insecurities, then we are warriors made ready. 

It’s time to be bold as lions!!!

Come to the fountain.  Come and drown in His love.

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  As for God, His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.  For Who is God besides the Lord?  And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God Who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.  Psalm 18:28-32

Can you see it?

Flames of Heavenly fire.

Can you hear it?

The flaming chorus singing around the eternal throne of God.

Oh Lord, release the fire of Heaven into each and every one of our hearts today, in Jesus’ name.  Pour out the baptism of fire over us.  Release the embers from around Your throne over us, so they can burn away anything within us that is not in full alignment with You and Your plans. 

The walk of today is not for the faint of heart.  It’s for those willing to carry a flame so piercingly bright and fiery that it burns through every lie.  A fire so pure that hell cannot resist it and must flee.  Anointed people so consumed with the holy fire that they affect every atmosphere they walk into, and even those they only pray over.  Let even our sweat come out as molten lava, filled with the presence of God.

It’s time for the laid down lovers of God to make their move.  We’ve been waiting in the quiet place.  We’ve been refueling and relearning.  We’ve been healing and soaking.  We’ve been seeing the new thing God is beginning to do.  Now it’s time to move. 

Move out church!!!  Resist.  Occupy.  It’s time for the church to take over the 7 mountains.  We are to be the cultural influence. 

We hold the only thing that brings real life.  Real joy.  Real fulfillment.  Real peace.  Eternity is within our hearts and our words.  Release.  Release the living word of the Lord into the earth from our mouths. 

Let righteousness stir you deep.  Down in the deepest places of your heart, let righteousness stir and begin to boil…then let it boil over into the world burning away every lie and deception. 

The consuming fire of God is ready to fall upon the earth.

Can you feel it?

That stirring…the stirring you feel for the One you love.  Your first Love. 

There is a fountain in heaven that roils with burning fire.  The fires of true revival.  Revelation.  The revelation glory. 

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.  2 Peter 10:13

Sometimes I fail. 

Even with the best of intentions, a wonderful quiet time in the morning, and Jesus in my heart…I can head out to embrace the day and fall flat on my face. 

Sometimes I let my family down.

Even though I love them more than anything, but God.  Even though I have devoted my entire life to being a solid wife, raising my children, and cultivating a positive, peaceful atmosphere in our home…sometimes I lose my peace.

They say failure is not an option.  I say, failure happens.

We all fail sometimes.  It’s what we do next that matters.

Failure can be a launching pad for success, if we decide to learn from it. After you fail do you simply give up, or do you intentionally stop and reset?

This is key. 

Too often I see people who simply give up when all they really needed to do was humble themselves and start again. 

Failure is never permanent unless we decide to let it be.

Imagine being Peter.  You walked with Jesus, learned from Him, ate with Him, lived every day with Him…then at the last minute, when it seemed to count the most, you failed.

What would have happened if Peter let failure be permanent?  Imagine all that would have been lost…and the generational impact it would have made.  God had a redemption plan for Peter.  God knew that after being broken, Peter would be much stronger…and more humble. 

We all need to remember this… 

Our places of failure can be transformed into our places of greatest breakthrough and anointing.

“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me.”  Luke 22:32-34

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love You.”  Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  He said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”  Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.  John 21:15-17

As we head toward Christmas day, I just keep feeling drawn to Jesus…I keep thinking that He is enough. 

Jesus is enough.

In the midst of all the trees and gifts and social engagements, Jesus is standing there.  We proclaim He is the reason for the season.  As we head into Christmas week, I am truly trying to tune my heart that way.  Keeping Jesus first is intentional.  The world will do its best to distract from and distort the message of Jesus. 

This devotional is meant to encourage you to fully embrace the Savior this Christmas.  Remember this scripture as you head out to celebrate with family and friends. 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.  Colossians 2:6-8

Our lives can be that simple.  Staying rooted and built up in Him…strengthened in the faith…overflowing with thankfulness.  Thankfulness is a constant theme in scripture.  So much freedom comes with and from gratitude.  It is a source for us…a place to access peace. 

With gratitude and thanksgiving…that’s how we are to enter His courts.

The second portion of the scripture is equally convicting…”See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”  These thoughts are the thoughts that I have been training my mind to focus upon.  What in my life is based on human tradition and worldly principles, yet has nothing to do with Christ?  This is a tough question that leads to the beginning of true change.  It’s been so shocking to see how much of my life has been based on what I was told, not what was actually Jesus. 

We can’t afford to be lazy Christians.  We must be diligent. 

God, forgive me for anytime I’ve lost focus on the cross.  Draw my eyes to Yours all day, every day.  Jesus, be the center.  You are my hope.  You are my firm foundation.  You are all I need.  Fill my broken and empty places.  Be my friend when I feel like I don’t have a friend.  Be my choice when I can’t decide what to do.  I place all that I am, and all that I will ever be squarely in Your hands.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  Colossians 4:2