You made me; You created me.  Now give me the sense to follow Your commands.  May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in Your word.  I know, O Lord, that Your regulations are fair; You disciplined me because I needed it.  Now let Your unfailing love comfort me, just as You promised me, Your servant.  Surround me with Your tender mercies so I may live, for Your instructions are my delight.  Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on Your commandments.  Let me be united with all who fear You, with those who know Your laws.  May I be blameless in keeping Your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.           Psalm 119:73-80

I really love how the above verse says…”May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in Your word.”  I have noticed that when I live boldly for God and allow His joy to fill me, then others are naturally encouraged by me.  The opposite could also be true…when I don’t stay focused on truth and joy, then I can just as easily become a downer…and downers always end up pulling others down. 

We all love to be around authentically joyful people.  It’s very attractive.  Joy is such a beautiful strength.

We are all to be stewards of His joy.

We are also to be stewards of His tender mercies.  I love the way it’s described as tender.  God’s mercies are the epitome of tender. 

It’s His mercy that called us into His heart.  It’s His kindness that leads to repentance…kindness is a fruit of mercy.  

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle to feel kind toward difficult people.  Those who are struggling with things that I truly don’t understand.  Those who are pushing agendas that I see as clearly demonic. 

This week, as I reflected on the trans movement that is currently being shoved at us, left and right…I was angry…then I suddenly became so grieved.  The mercy of God flowed over me and I saw that this particular weapon of the enemy was such an affront.  When those who have been pulled into the lie of trans are saved and seek to walk with God, it will be glorious, yes…but it will also be so hard.  The enemy of our souls is tricking people into literally changing their bodies with chemicals and surgery…when I was thinking about it, I saw how difficult and complex it might be for some when they are saved and seek to live a “normal” life.  I know this because I lived it…not because of trans, but because of my own sexual sin. 

When I began to truly walk with Jesus, the hardest sin for me to forgive myself for…were the sins I committed against my own body.  I know firsthand the challenge of feeling like I could never be holy.  Feeling I could never be fully right with God because I had chosen to sin against my own body. 

My heart is so beyond grieved that this would be the case for this generation.  Oh Lord, help us.  I would never desire for anyone to struggle with what I’ve struggled with…in terms of feeling like I might never be clean again.  I know what it is to be made clean…therefore, my heart toward those who are sinning against themselves is so heavy. 

Lord, let Your tender mercies flow from the mercy seat and over our land.  Lord, protect people from the tricks of the enemy.  Bring fast forgiveness and transformation to those who have become enslaved to demonic agendas.  You alone are holy.  I know that I stand as redeemed, only because of Jesus’ blood shed for me.  Lord, awaken this generation to the salvation that comes only from Jesus.  Bring forth a revolution of morality and holiness.  We need You.  We always have, and right now we need You so desperately.  Come Lord Jesus come.  Forgive our sins and lead us down right paths.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

None of us are holy on our own merit.  It is God alone Who is holy.  It’s Jesus in us that makes us holy.  We are completely dependent on Jesus.  It is His righteousness that covers us. 

Yes, I know we’ve talked about this before, but it always bears repeating because it’s just so easy for us to fall into pride.  It’s shocking how easily we forget our struggles with the sin that so easily entangles, and suddenly we feel like we’re the most holy person ever…the road from forgiveness to haughtiness is short. 

This leads me to these verses…

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe My Sabbath.  This will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, Who makes you holy.  Exodus 31:12-13

Here we are told that we observe the Sabbath as a sign that we know that He is the Lord. 

It’s so interesting to me that God’s desires our rest as a sign we know Him.  In essence, it’s being willing to allow for a day of rest…letting go of work for a day…choosing rest, instead of striving, that declares we know God.  That’s amazing. 

Only a truly loving God would weave rest into our weekly schedule and somehow make it an acknowledgment of our relationship with Him.

You see, when we choose to rest, we choose to acknowledge that we have no power on our own.  All power, authority, and wisdom come from Him.  It’s not observing the Sabbath that makes us holy…it’s God Who makes us holy.  It’s not behavior of our own that makes us holy…it’s the One we serve Who makes us holy.  This is why the Bible makes sure we know that we don’t get to heaven based on works…and why does it say works won’t get us there?  Lest we boast.  You see, God knows just how easy it is for us to get the “big head”. 

All of the gospel leads us to the fact that we are to be fully dependent upon God. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

The scripture doesn’t say, apart from Me you can’t do some things…no, it says, “Apart from Me you can do NOTHING.”

Nothing.

We need Him.  All the time.  In every situation.  We are to remain full time dependents of Him.

That’s such a safe place to live…fully dependent on God. 

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.   John 15:7-8

There are moments when God is shifting those who once walked under Him with humility…yet have given themselves over to the ways of the world…out of their position of influence and placing those who are next in line to lead His people.  We read about it all the time in scripture…like Saul and David.

Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul.  Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.  David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.  When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him.  But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle.  1 Samuel 18:12-16

This paradigm could occur in churches, work, even government…

When this occurs, we shouldn’t be surprised to see whoever is being replaced throw an absolute fit.  When God is shifting authorities, it’s natural for clashes to occur.

This is happening now. 

In many places the enemy has felt He has free reign…but God.  God has stirred His remnant.  He has activated His sleeping bride.  He has brought wrongs to light and is giving a chance for mercy.  An opportunity for us to change. 

It’s common, nowadays, for me to see things in a new light…as if a guard that was once set around my view has been lifted and now I see more.  Have you been experiencing this too? 

It’s exciting, to say the least…but it’s also stretching, because new vision carries new responsibilities. 

When we yearn to know more and see more, then we must embrace the privilege of that.  Once we know something, we can’t unknow it…once we know we are responsible for responding appropriately. 

As we continue to watch God displace some and replace them with others, we must stand ready to take action and fill gaps, as He leads us. 

It’s a level up season.  Are you ready?

“You, heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down.  Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.”  Isaiah 45:8

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

The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.  When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.  How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!  Proverbs 16:14-16

Life with God sparks imagination.  When I’m walking closely with Him and listening intently, I am more imaginative.  Why?  Because when I’m near Him, I know I have a future.  Hopelessness comes from distance and disconnect.  Imagination is key to walking a vibrant life with God.

I’ve noticed that so many of us struggle to use our imagination.  I guess it’s from years of disappointment, being told to grow up, having dreams mocked, chasing the American dream…there are a lot of reasons. 

During this season, the last couple of years, God has been increasingly provoking me to explore my imagination and partner with Him more.  God puts imaginative dreams within each of us, but it’s our job to search them out and take the first steps. 

Are you willing?

When is the last time you dreamed, just for the sake of dreaming?

When was the last time you asked God to increase your imagination?

This is something I now do, almost daily.  As I read about the many imaginative and miraculous ways God moved in scripture, I have become increasingly convinced that we have seen so little of what we could see.  He has so much to show us.  He has so much adventure planned for our lives.  Most die without even scraping the surface of possibility.  I have made it my mission to push as far into Him in this way, as I possibly can.

Why is this important to me?

Well, I want to know Him better.  If God is creativity, then I want to be immersed in it.  God is love therefore I seek a deeper understanding of that too.  It’s all about wanting to know Him better.

As I sit outside right now, listening to the many sounds around me…I can feel God’s creativity.  The birds’ many different chirpings.  The sound of the wind.  The feeling of the sun shining down on my shoulder.  Nature can tune our hearts to this heavenly creativity.

Imagination must be reigned in by God and tuned to His heart, otherwise it will inevitably become perverted.  The Bible cautions us of the imaginations of men.  But this doesn’t mean we should shy away from all imagination.

An imagination partnered with God is a wonderful thing!! 

Take time today and sit in your imagination.  Ask God to come in and reveal new imaginings to your heart.  Lean into whatever He shows you.  Imagine it can happen.  Imagine your imaginings are reality…It’s like taking hold of a rainbow and following it to its place of landing.  Heaven touching earth.  It’s a beautiful place. 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.  Ephesians 1:17-19a

The Lord is moving.  Many are hearing the sound of expanding territory ringing in our ears.  Many are tuned to heaven and are hearing clearly that land is being given to God’s people.  Places of refuge.  Properties that provide food, through homesteading, and land for the wanderers to find rest.  It’s a specific time…to be sure.

The wealth of the wicked is being laid aside for the righteous.  We are in a season of shifts.  A time to look up and ask God, “What’s next?”…then to double down in preparation so we are established for it. 

I have had multiple dreams lately.  The kind of dreams that you immediately know are significant. 

In one of those dreams, I was face to face with a person who once (I thought) was one of my closest friends, but she and her husband betrayed Chris and I in some really painful ways.  In the dream I came face to face with the next step in forgiveness.  It’s been many years, walking out the process of forgiving something so acutely personal. 

After I woke up, I began to reflect on the dream and as I did, I had a very clear vision…I saw myself pushing/flipping over a very large stone.  It took all my strength to push from under it and flip it over.  Then I heard simultaneously, “expanding your tent posts” and “the boundary lines are expanding”. 

It takes a lot of strength and some discomfort to move these boundary stones.  It’s not been pleasant to pursue forgiveness, even in my dreams.  It’s not easy to wake from those dreams and instead of simply dismissing them, ask God to show me myself…ask Him to grow me. 

In this season, I am surrendering to growth and intentionally investigating myself to see where I have need of maturity.

This is not easy.

To get where we want to go, we will inevitably face pain.  There will be times when we face the ugliness inside ourselves if we plan to grow.  Are you brave enough?  Are you willing?

It’s so worthwhile. 

God is on the other side of shame. 

A lot of times we struggle to look at points of shame from our past or present, but whenever I find the courage to do so…I find God waiting right on the other side with a deeper understanding…with a greater measure of mercy…with a deepened sense of my identity. 

He holds my identity.  No man defines me.  He alone tells me who I am…so if I have gone astray and allowed someone’s opinion of me to speak louder than His…then I always end up with more shame.  Shame is not from God.  It’s a trap of the enemy.  A set-up to go off course with our destiny in Christ.

Shame is our enemy.  Remember that next time it lurks up behind you.  Call it out and command it to leave, then ask God for His viewpoint.  He is always near…and He cares for you.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.  For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”  Isaiah 54:2-3 

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”  And God granted his request.  1 Chronicles 4:10

There is a day coming…

The day of the Lord.

We all wait with bated breath.  We all desire Him more than life.  We cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!!”

Let us all wait with great expectation and longing…but as we wait let’s remember…

Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.  In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on servants- men and women alike.  And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth- blood and fire and columns of smoke.  The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before the great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.  But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the Lord has said.  These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.  Joel 2:28-32

We aren’t to wait in the waiting…we are to keep moving in the Spirit until…

Don’t relent.  Don’t give up.  Don’t stand as one so focused on the end that you can’t be useful in today…there are souls at stake.

We are to be laboring until…the great day of the Lord.  

This reminds me of what we tell athletes as they run out to play a game….”Leave it all on the field!”

Let us be found leaving it all on the field.  Giving the best of what we are and what we have up until that final day.  Nobody knows when it’s coming…so we must make the most of the time we’ve been given.  True rest will come later, now we work the fields.

Let us not be found napping under the trees…let us be found working the fields.

So many have been convinced that the day was coming today, that they made poor use of their time.  They wasted the opportunities because they felt it was over.  That’s not what God has called us to do.

We continue to grow, plant, walk in increase, take the land, walk in miracles, and grow roots…until.

There is no stopping until He appears in the clouds on a white horse…

That great and glorious day of the Lord!!!

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there.  Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war.  His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns.  A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself.  He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God.  The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses.  From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations.  He will rule them with an iron rod.  He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.  On His robe at His thigh was written this title:  King of kings and Lord of all lords.  Revelation 19:11-16

For many years now, I’ve been praying for God to restore us.  Something happened while we were still living in PA, and it carried into OK with us.  Even if you don’t know how it happened, you do know when you’ve been robbed.  We’ve been robbed.  The enemy appeared to sneak in with a desire to sabotage the good work of the Lord. 

When we walked in abundant provision and influence, we were constantly reaching out and blessing others.  We sought ways to pull others into the stream of increase with us.  We blessed in secret and in ways that we desired to be blessed.  We walked with integrity, as much as we knew how. 

The truth is, we are all always learning.  Lately, when I’ve thought about where we’ve come from and where we are currently, I’ve fought a feeling that if we had walked out all of it with perfection, then we wouldn’t be going through this stretching.  But that’s a lie. 

The truth is, as I now see it, the Lord brought us into increase and has used this hard season to “season” us.  To make us more aware, responsible, certain, and wise.  To remove the weight of pleasing man and to give us a mantle to serve Him only. 

Neither Chris nor I was raised with plenty in our lives.  So, when we stumbled upon it, of course, mistakes were made…we were learning.  God’s not mad about that.  He also didn’t take it away because of that. 

We stood on the precipice of moving into great things for the Lord and watched as crows swooped in and ate up our abundance.  Like farmers in the days of old, all we could do was watch and pray. 

But God.

God has been here the whole time. 

I feel now that we were like a plant…and when we began to bear fruit, we needed to be cut back at certain points so our roots could grow deeper and our branches stronger.  We have been in a season of cultivation.  There is no shame in that…it’s an honor to be pruned by God…pruned so we can sustain greater weight from larger fruit.  We have been in the process of growing into a place where we have the capacity to withstand…and now we pray…

Restore our fortunes, Lord; as streams renew the desert.  Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.  They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.  Psalm 126:4-6

Instead of focusing on what we’ve lost, what if we instead focus on the good ways God has used this time.  At this point in our journey, I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything in the world.  God has been very near the entire time.  He has been faithful at every juncture, and just as He said He would, He has worked everything for our good.

Now we stand as a more solid family unit.  Now our marriage has been forged in the fires of disappointment, loss, and discomfort…and we stand so solidly together.  Now I don’t care one tidbit what others think about how I’m living or what I do or don’t have.  I see value in a very different way. 

My priorities have been restacked…and as I lean into God today…still walking through the challenging fires…He speaks this to me…

Then the Lord will pity His people and jealously guard the honor of His land.  The Lord will reply, “Look!  I am sending you grain and new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy your needs.  You will no longer be an object of mockery among the surrounding nations.  I will drive away these armies from the north.  I will send them into the parched wastelands.  Those in the front will be driven into the Dead Sea, and those at the rear into the Mediterranean.  The stench of their rotting bodies will rise over the land.”  Surely the Lord has done great things!  Don’t be afraid, O land.  Be glad now and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things.  Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field, for the wilderness pastures will soon be green.  The trees will again be filled with fruit; fig trees and grapevines will be loaded down once more.  Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem!  Rejoice in the Lord your God!  For the rain He sends demonstrates His faithfulness.  Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.  The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.  The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts.  It was I who sent this great army against you.  Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God, Who does these miracles for you.  Never again will my people be disgraced.  Then you will know that I am among My people Israel, that I am the Lord you God, and there is no other.  Never again will my people be disgraced.  Joel 2:18-27

I receive it, Lord.  Yes and amen.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9

When the swirl of the world and all it’s sounds fills your mind in a constant barrage, it’s so important to continually and repetitively return to the base…to our foundation…what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, etc.  The world is continually trying to pervert everything.  They long to pervert our children, any form of godliness, all purity.  But we fight back the hardest when we simply simplify…

We do this by returning to simple truth, nobleness, rightness, purity, etc.

Our greatest weapon is the simple gospel…the simple truth. 

The gospel is simple.  It’s very black and white.  It’s so easy to live right when we really know what scripture says and what God says to us now, through Holy Spirit. 

I don’t know about you, but recently I’ve felt under attack in my mind.  I know what I believe, but all the loud noise and manipulation, can have a sneaky way of pulling at our heart strings and making us feel like if we don’t comply, then we’re bad people.  But we’re not.  Agreeing to a lie is the most unloving thing we can do.  It hurts more than it helps. 

We have shifted into a season where the truth is considered hate, but it isn’t.  Changing language doesn’t change truth.  We must break agreement with the spirit of intimidation that tells us that we can’t speak up or else.  Rise up!! Rise up!!

It’s time to take the ground we’ve relented to the enemy…it’s time to take back territory.  It’s not a time to idly stand by, rather it’s a time to advance.  Rise up!! Stand for truth.  Stand for righteousness.  This is the most merciful thing we can do.

The spirit of the world behaves much like a spoiled toddler.  Laying down and throwing a temper tantrum when it doesn’t get its way.  Now, remember what’s the best remedy for a child throwing tantrums?  Ignoring them and walking away.  Don’t engage.  Stand firm.  Continue in truth.

These same things we did when our kids were pushing our limits most certainly apply for living through today. 

I implore you today to take time to re-focus your heart.  Intentionally focus on what you know to be true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable…yes, it’s time to redeem the word admirable…declaring you are living your own truth is not admirable, it’s an abomination.  Admirable is standing for truth when nobody else agrees.  Admirable is leading your family in purity, even when the world is saying you’re a prude.  Admirable is standing for what is lovely…the innocence of a child is lovely.  Holiness is so lovely.  Freedom is lovely.  Let the revolution first come to your own heart…and once you’ve re-established yourself in the firm foundation, let God lead you into whatever comes next.  You can weather this season.  The reward will be great!

Do you feel like a gentle person?

It’s a fruit of the Spirit.  It’s so worthwhile.  Scripture reminds us to let our gentleness be evident to all…Let’s read together.

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-7

Gentleness can be a fierce weapon.  It can disarm an attacker.  It can confuse the enemy.  When we face aggression with gentleness, it removes the power of the enemy. 

Gentleness, a great weapon indeed.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.  We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.  Proverbs 16:32-33

I know a lot of people who are so desperate to be powerful that they refuse all patience.  But in the throws of developing patience…I have found it to be invaluable.  It is key to a life lived connected to God.  Patience is the acknowledgement that God is in charge of timing.  Patience exhibits humility and a wisdom that most don’t bother to seek…it helps a person to remain focused on God, not self.  That’s what patience does at its core. 

We are all best served to search for it.

Patience requires gentleness.  Yet, both are powerful weapons…

What if…just what if you dare to step out of the rat race and hustle, to embrace what’s real.  Peace and gentleness.  Walking in step with Holy Spirit.  Allowing God to set the pace, not your own agenda and timetable. 

Friends, I know that the world pushes fast motion and quick progress, but I propose we gain so much more in the slow burn.  Like I said to a friend recently, we are like a slow cooker, not an instapot. 

If we want to have a deep account in heaven to make withdraws from, then we must make many deposits.  Deposits of faith, patience, and gratitude. 

I have been sad to see so many believers lose the faith because they never learned or were taught to slowly grow.  To allow God to be the dark room the picture of their life develops inside.  When we restrain ourselves and move at His pace, then we are always on time. 

We want our growth to be deep enough for roots to be strong.  When we don’t allow for patience then we are shallow and demanding.  I don’t want to be like that, do you?

Growing deep takes intentional behavior.  It takes restraint.  It requires a lot of humility.  It’s not for the faint of heart.

God, forgive me for any impatience in my heart.  Lead me in Your timing.  Show me Your heart for my life.  I trust You to bring about every thing You’ve planned for me life.  Thank You for being so faithful.  I love You.  I trust You, in Jesus’ name…Amen.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and reflect on the One Who saved us.  Let’s remember how we all got here.

Who is this One Who we serve so diligently?  Who is this One Who wins each heart?  Jesus.  Sweet Jesus.  Oh, how I love Him.

How did we find Him?  He drew us…

No one can come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me draws him, and I will raise Him up at the last day.  It is written in the Prophets:  They will all be taught by God.  Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me.  No one has seen the Father except the One Who is from God; only He has seen the Father.  I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.  I am the bread of life.  Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died.  But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.  This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  John 6:44-51

If we are part of God’s family, it’s because He’s drawn us.  He chose us.  Isn’t that wonderful?!

Not only does God call us, but Jesus walked the earth and served…giving His life as ransom for many.  It’s the greatest act of humility we’ve ever seen.  It’s unreal to even believe.  It’s so much more wonderful than we can comprehend. 

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”   Mark 10:42-45

He came to earth to serve, not be served.  Isn’t it wonderful?! 

Who is this Jesus?  How is it possible that One Who was in heaven agreed to come to earth?

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11

He knew the reward for His sacrifice would be so much greater than the struggle.  So much greater than His pain.  It’s hard to believe, but for the sake of the world He did it all.  For the joy set before Him. 

Isn’t He wonderful?!

Set your heart to praise Him today.  Be full of gratitude for all He’s done.  No matter what your circumstances may be this very moment, let gratitude be your response to life.  From a cup that is overflowing, face this day.  Rejoice!  Rejoice and be glad, for the Lord is good to you.