The Fountain Day 104: Pulling tomorrow into today

Years ago, God spoke to me that I am like David…when He said this, at first, I really didn’t know what He meant.  David is so many things…a worshiper in the wild…a man after God’s own heart…a king and powerful leader…an author of many beautiful Psalms…an honest person, who didn’t attempt to hide flaws, but boldly took his weaknesses directly to God. 

Then I saw that it was all of the above.

Over the years of learning to have relationship with God, I have grown into one who is unafraid to share absolutely everything with God.  I share my strengths, weaknesses…successes and failures…worship in all seasons.  I know God and am unafraid to boldly go before Him in worship and to release worship onto the earth.  My worship of God doesn’t require an audience…other than the One.  I worship most when I am alone with Him. 

But there’s one last thing that I think about, regarding David…he pulled tomorrow into today. 

David wasn’t to be the one to build God’s temple…that task would go to his son, Solomon…but in his absolute love and affection for God, David did throw up a tent and established a worship culture around the ark of the covenant. 

Pulling tomorrow into today, he began to establish worship culture that we still emulate today.  He hired worshipers to provide 24/7 worship before God.  He worshiped with such abandon that it was off-putting to some, but he didn’t care because he knew Who he was worshiping and that the One is worth it all…even our pride and reputation.  He valued praise and worship so much that this warrior king, never neglected this intimate part of our creation…we were made to worship.

As I consider the way God has created me to intercede and to worship…as I mull over what purpose I was created to complete…I realize that a large part of who I am is, one who calls tomorrow into today.  As a prophetic voice, I am constantly speaking what’s to come over people.  Calling out tomorrow.  Calling out the gold inside of them…that’s what I call it. 

As a gold digger, I am often calling to the original design inside of a person and speaking life to it.  This is the crux of prophetic ministry in this time. 

When I read the Bible, I am acutely aware that the prophets of old were often tasked with offering words of correction.  In my heart, I believe that since we all have Holy Spirit now, we have an internal conversation with the One Who offers correction, and the prophet’s main function today is edification.  Yes, there are times to still offer correction, but far more often it’s to call out the good.

All of us are capable of cultivating this.  We are all created to call out the gold in those around us. 

Today I encourage you to try something new.  Take a moment and think about someone…then ask God what He has to say about that person.  Ask Him for an encouragement for that person.  Then take a bold step and either write it down and send it to the person or call and tell them what you heard.  It only takes a moment to hear…but delivering an encouragement to someone can have lasting impact.  It will make them feel loved and valued to know that God took time to speak to you about them.  What a wonderful thing!! I treasure every encouraging word I receive…in fact, I have a box with each written word inside of it, and I pull them out when I need a boost.  Go and give someone a boost today!!

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.  1 Corinthians 14:3

They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before God.  1 Chronicles 16:1

The Fountain Day 103: Season of lemons

In this season of pulling away and establishing new patterns and building new adventures…in this time of re-establishing our family unit and learning to live life different…in a season that began with many lemons…we have bit down deep and discovered the sweetest thing we could ever imagine. 

We have found so much joy and sweetness in the rhythm of family.  We have found so much peace in the simple.  I, personally, have found so much satisfaction and contentment in stepping out of a role the world told me I should fill, and into one that seems smaller, but has a far larger eternal impact.  I have never been more truly myself, than I am now.  And it’s from this place that I have had so many old dreams revived and many new dreams beginning to unfold in my heart.  This is the season that I am stepping straight into the exact things that I was placed on this earth to complete. 

My purpose.  My husbands purpose.  My children’s purposes.  We’re finding them now. 

It’s magnificent to behold what happens when we take ourselves out of a box and allow any adventure to come to us…when we learn to just say, “Yes.” And then lay the outcome and way forward, in God’s hands completely. 

Every day I imagine the box I used to live in being obliterated, as I rise to take on the new tasks of the day.  I have seen my vision change…instead of seeing now, I see heaven.  Instead of only worrying about today, I invest in the eternal.  When we live life with heaven in mind, everything changes.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  Romans 8:28

After walking out this year, I am more certain than ever, that the greatest obstacle we each face is ourselves.  We get in our own way.  We choose to fear man over God.  We choose not to believe we are fully redeemed.  How can we tell others that full redemption is available, if we can’t believe it for ourselves?  If we tell others to not fear man, then how can we?  If we tell others to let go and let God, how can we not do the same?

It’s time to live what we preach to others.  It’s time to bite down hard on the lemons in our lives until we find the sweetness inside.  It’s time to stop fearing a loss of reputation and just let it go completely as we dance before the God of the universe.  It’s time to not only preach freedom, but to be FREE!!

The time is now.

He makes the bitter things sweet. 

No matter what lemons life has thrown your way, you always have an opportunity to take those lemons and bite deeply into them to find the sweet.  God makes all things good.  He really does.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  1 Peter 2:9

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Fountain Day 102: Rainbow

Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of My covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come.  I have placed My rainbow in the clouds.  It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth.  When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures.  Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.  When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”  Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”  Genesis 9:12-17

The rainbow is such a spectacular thing.  Every time we see one, everyone around looks and you can hear the “Oooo’s and Aaah’s.”  The rainbow is breathtaking.  Even the unbelievers see it and are inspired.  The rainbow carries a feeling of hope and blessing that is so powerful that it draws all to it.  It’s no wonder the devil has attempted to hijack this beautiful phenomenon.  But he never will be able to truly do so.  The rainbow is, and remains, God’s symbol of promise over us.  His reminder of a covenant.  Our reminder of His greatness.  The One with the power to destroy all things, committing to hold back. 

The rainbow is amazing…but have you ever seen a rainbow that makes a perfect circle?  A few times, while out on the water, I’ve witnessed this awe-inspiring phenomenon.  While the regular rainbow is truly amazing…the full circle rainbow carries a feeling of exponential blessing.  It’s a rare sighting and carries a feeling of special favor.

The full circle rainbow reminds me that God goes before us and behind us, and that He is above and below us.  To me, it represents His wrap around love.  A physical representation of a spiritual principle. 

Today it makes me wonder, how would you behave differently if you truly knew and believed with all your heart, that His wrap around presence was with you everywhere you go? 

If you could physically see His presence, how would that change you? 

Would you be more bold?  Would you fear less?  Would you strive to behave more holy? 

I think the answer to all this would be, yes. 

The wrap around rainbow represents something that is true, whether we see it or not.  His presence is always with us.  He does go before and behind us.  He is all around us.   

O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.  You go before me and follow me.  You place Your hand of blessing on my head.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!  I can never escape from Your spirit!  I can never get away from Your presence!  If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there.  If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me.  I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.  To You the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are the same to You.  Psalm 139:1-12

The Fountain Day 101: Sides

In this season, more than any before, I believe it’s time to strongly reflect on a couple of powerful verses…

“Anyone who isn’t with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn’t working with Me is actually working against Me.”  Luke 11:23

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  Revelations 3:16

I have heard from several pastors that we “Christians” should stay out of politics.  That we are not to ostracize ourselves by taking firm stances.  I have heard them say that we must water down our Sunday morning behavior, so we don’t frighten or “turn off” those coming in for the first time, and those visiting unbelievers.  In their words, I see that they want me to be more worried about someone thinking I’m weird, than to truly worship God with abandon. 

I say this is hogwash!  I believe it’s that type of stinking thinking that has our world where it is today.  It’s this watered-down presentation of the gospel that has allowed the enemy so much wiggle room because he knows pastors won’t take a stand for Christ, and also will concede to his gnashing teeth.  Every time we bow to his agenda, he takes more ground.  Every time we think we can just give an inch he takes 2 miles…not just 1.

I, for one, am sick of it.  I refuse to ever again be a part of a church body that lacks courage to stand firmly on the gospel.  I also refuse to be somewhere that is ashamed of the movement of Holy Spirit. 

In my heart, I truly believe that if we (the church) would just be who we are, no matter who is visiting, then more people would not only be saved, but they’d truly be transformed by Holy Spirit.  When we shy away from allowing Holy Spirit to move on Sunday mornings, then we are showing non-believers and new believers that Holy Spirit is someone to be ashamed of…and the thought of that makes me want to fall to the ground weeping.  I would never want to make Holy Spirit feel unwelcome. 

God, please forgive me if I’ve ever stood in opposition to Holy Spirit.  Forgive me for any time I’ve been afraid to walk in power because of what others may think.  Take me back to my first Love and let us walk a walk of unbridled passion, in this time…even around those who have no idea what passion is or should look like.  I refuse to water down my walk with You, ever again.  It is what it is.  I love You beyond words.  I love You beyond anything else.  You are my One true thing.

It’s time to choose a side.  As the first verse stated…we are either working for Him or against…there is no in between.  There is no grey.  Sorry, there just isn’t.  Even if you’re trying to remain neutral…there is no more neutral…He makes it clear, you’re either for or against Him.

Choose this day whom you will serve.

This choice is between obviously wicked things and the Truth…but it is also between things that parade themselves as righteousness and following God.  It’s a seemingly more challenging choice every day.  As the church gets winnowed out and chaff is separated from wheat, we must be vigilant to have ears that truly hear, eyes that really see, and hearts that honestly know God. Choosing God will be something we do daily.  Be vigilant.  We can make it through this time victoriously.

The Fountain Day 100: Harsh

In our current culture it seems that rude, dishonoring words are far more ample than toilet paper at the grocery store.  People sit at home and peruse social media for purposes of cutting others down and berating their lives, thoughts, and beliefs.  These people are cowards.  They say whatever they want because they will never face the ones they criticize and will never be held accountable. 

Our world’s full of people with one thing in common…they’re harsh. 

When I was in my pre-redeemed state, I suffered from great amounts of harshness.  My tongue was sharp as a sword.  But all my rude talk was indicative of my broken heart.  I was wounded deeply and needed relief from Jesus…that’s what these people need as well.

People who are genuinely joyful and content are kind, not harsh.  So, you can rest assured that those who criticize your every move…are really just dissatisfied with their own lives and are lashing out on others. 

It is hard to have a gentle response to a harsh word, but it IS still the right thing to do. 

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.  Proverbs 12:18

Kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.  Proverbs 16:24

In a world full of hurting and lost people, we carry one of the most powerful things of all…kind words.

There have been several times in my life when a single person’s kind words shifted my life into a better position.  Words can truly build you up. They can breathe fresh life into your weary bones.  They can help you live to fight another day.

With words, God spoke things into existence.  Jesus used words to call Lazarus out of the tomb.  Many were healed with one word from Him, as well…and with a final word, Jesus surrendered Himself to the grave. 

Words are powerful. 

Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.  A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.  Proverbs 16:27-28

Our words are important. Controlling our tongues is nigh impossible…but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

And let’s not forget…on our final day, we will stand before God and answer for every idle word we’ve spoken. 

And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.  The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.  Matthew 12:36-37

God, please forgive me for every wrong word I have spoken.  Forgive any words I’ve spoken that have dishonored others.  Help me, Lord, to hold my tongue more often.  Teach me how to speak life.  Always let me be mindful of the gravity of my words.  I desire to honor You in all I do.  I love You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Fountain Day 99: Not above…But like

I read this familiar scripture the other day…

A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.  Luke 6:30

While we will never be above Jesus, we are still called to be LIKE Him.  Let that sit on your heart a bit. 

We were sinners, then Jesus’ blood covered us and now we stand as redeemed…we cannot take credit for this.  Jesus was the only One capable of accomplishing this great feat.  Since we are redeemed…we are able to be more like Him.

The simple fact that Jesus covers your sins gives you ground to stand on, in regards to becoming more like Him. 

Jesus was never afraid of the truth.  What is the truth?  Every word spoken from His mouth.  We learn truth from Holy Spirit now.  We have an advantage over every other person who lived before Jesus died and raised from the dead and then ascended to heaven and released the Holy Spirit onto the earth.  Our special Gift.

Oh, how I love Holy Spirit.  My very best Friend.  My greatest Confidante.  My Comforter and Wisdom. 

I’ll never be above Holy Spirit, but by listening, obeying and learning from Holy Spirit, I can be more like Him. 

What kind of Father is God?  I have found such joy in experiencing the love of God the Father.  He teaches me a lot about what it is to be a good parent. 

When we allow ourselves to have relationship with Jesus, Holy Spirit and God the Father…then we learn so much.  We learn more and more about how to be like Him…the three in One. 

Today, I encourage you to lay down the troubles of this world and spend extra time in your quiet place.  Lean into Jesus and ask Him to take you to the Father…He’s the only way to have that access.  Spend time with God and let Him love you.  Then lean further into Holy Spirit.  Be comforted.  Find wisdom.  Learn.  Then go out and intentionally love others better.  Love them purposefully.  That’s the way God loves us. 

Intentional living.  It’s what we keep circling around.  It’s paramount in this season.  Intentionally set aside time to learn more about God.  It’s so worth it!

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. ” So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them.  God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  Genesis 1:26-28

The Fountain Day 98: Bradford Pears

When I was a kid, I remember every year loving all the Bradford Pear trees.  I would tell my mom how beautiful they were, and she would always comment on how they are pretty, but they are invasive…and they stink.  Then one day I would notice a nasty smell and say, “What is that terrible smell?!”  She would reply, “It’s those Bradford Pear trees you love.” 

It was then that I began to realize that just because something is pleasing to the eyes, doesn’t mean it’s a good thing. 

Now, when spring comes, I notice those pretty trees…but I’ve also noticed how very bad they are for our land.  They seem to pop up everywhere, almost like rabbits they multiply…and boy do they stink.

This is a really good reminder for us on a spiritual level.  Just because something looks pretty…doesn’t mean it’s going to be profitable or good for you.  The world gives us many strong examples of this…but let’s be honest, so does the church.  Just because a church has a flashy building, the best lighting and sound and a charismatic pastoral staff, doesn’t mean it’s healthy or good for you. 

The recent revelations about several big churches lately, have reinforced that. 

It’s the fruit we are to observe.  Does it stink?  Is it shiny on the outside but rotten within?  When you get closer to the leaders of the church, do you notice something is missing?

Never ignore that discernment.  Instead, lean into it and ask God about it.  He will let you know if it’s true or not.  Don’t go off the word or recommendation of others, ask God.

Countless times, I have seen ministries that gave me a real check in my spirit…but under the advisement of others and also out of feeling like I might be judgmental…I proceeded with interactions with them…and Every. Single. Time. I regretted it.

It’s ok to listen to that still small voice even when it is different than what everyone else says.  Not everyone has discernment.  It’s ok if you are the only notices something is off. 

The moral of the story today is, stay aware.  Let God speak to you and when He shows you something, believe Him.  Man, I wish I would’ve always done so. 

Right now, I’m living out several unnecessary pains because I allowed myself to come under things that I knew from the start were not all they appeared to be.  I’ve asked God to forgive me and now I’m even more determined to take heed.  It’s never to late to begin again.

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.  For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver.  You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.  You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance.  Psalm 66:8-12

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.  People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.  Luke 6:43-45

The Fountain Day 97: Give it away

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.  Proverbs 3:9

Over our time struggling with the job loss and Chris beginning a new career, one thing that remained steady was…our giving.  I believe whole heartedly that one reason God kept providing for us was because we continued to faithfully support the missionary family and compassion child that we had committed to help support.  No, it’s not a ton of money, but when you have almost nothing…anything is a lot.

My point is, sometimes we need to give our way out of the struggle.

It is important, however, to sow in good places…to be responsible and make sure we are sowing in healthy soil.  There have been other times when God will direct us to stop supporting a person, we don’t always know why, but it’s so important to not only know how to begin things, but to also end them.

It’s so important to remain in step with God in all seasons.

When you went out before Your people, O God, when You marched through the wasteland, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.  You gave abundant showers, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance.  Your people settled in it, and from Your bounty, O God, You provided for the poor.  Psalm 68:7-10

There is another facet of this practice though…we should give in other ways, besides just financial.

If you need healing, pray for others to be healed while you are waiting.  If you need a mentor or more relationships in your life, then go mentor someone else while you’re waiting.  If you’re a mom of littles and need a break, offer to watch a friend’s kids so she can have a break.  When we give what we need, then others are far more likely to give to us. 

I know this can be stretching, but if you want/need something this is your best way forward.

As a culture we’ve become miserly in many ways…but God isn’t miserly.  That’s not a Christian behavior. 

I’ve been in seasons of relationship with some challenging people over the years, and during that time, God has often used this method to humble me and move me forward with that person.  For example, I had a person in my life who refused to ever apologize for anything…when praying about it one day, God told me that until further notice I was to apologize to that person anytime we had a disagreement…whether I thought I was right or not.  I was to always humble myself and present a love offering of apology.  Well, as you can imagine it was very difficult to do this…but I did.  I wanted so desperately to have a healthy and strong relationship, that it fueled me.  Now, years later I’m so happy to report that this person is much quicker to apologize than ever before…not only that, but we have far fewer conflicts in the first place.  What a blessing it is to be obedient!!

Many godly attributes are only achieved when we are willing to walk out a life of humble obedience, placing others above ourselves.  Jesus came as a servant.  We are also to be servants.  Serving Christ helps me to serve others.

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:28

The Fountain Day 96: Vulnerable

Once, while in a leadership class, we were asked what we believed to be our greatest strength as a leader.  My response was, “I feel like my willingness to be vulnerable is my greatest asset.  People trust me because I’m honest with them.”  The room was silent.  I could tell this answer did not satisfy.  I immediately thought, how odd is this? 

When I read the Bible, especially the lives of David and Jesus, I am constantly struck by their level of vulnerability.  David worshiped God in a way that provided much vulnerability.  He wrote Psalms that are full of honest and vulnerable moments.  Jesus left heaven to come to earth as a baby.  The most vulnerable state of being.  He made Himself a living sacrifice, even though He was the only sinless one.  He made Himself intentionally vulnerable to fulfill what we never could on our own standing. 

Vulnerability seems to be a hallmark of godliness.  We are so dependent on God. 

This is why it seemed so strange when my answer was dismissed.  It was a revealer that truth wasn’t being embraced.  If a leader must be one who pretends to have it all together and never wants to admit real pain or disappointment or struggle, then the culture of that place will remain shallow and full of others who feel they must also hide their struggles.  Our vulnerability is an invitation to others.  The world is pretentious enough, the church body needs the opportunity to feel safe…to be able to share in others pain, and the bear others’ burdens. 

As I embark on this next season of life, I am constantly embracing my vulnerability and my need for God.  He is the only One Who can hold me up.  He knows my heart, so I won’t even try to hide from Him.  When I’m honest with God I find such freedom.  And it’s led to Him trusting me with more revelation.  It carries its own reward. 

It takes great strength to be vulnerable.  It’s easier to hide.  I choose to be strong.  I choose to stretch myself and remain in a humble posture.  I desire my life to be an invitation to others.  An invitation to dive deeper with God.  An invitation to be trusted.  An invitation to grow.  An invitation to others honesty.  I want my life to be an invitation.

The world is full of shallow, fake people…let’s not allow the church (universal) to be that way too.  I’m not saying we become obsessed with out faults and never change.  What I am saying is, when I’m hurting, I’ll say so.  If I’m feeling weak, I will say so…and all in the light of Christ Who is my strength.  I won’t be stuck in weaknesses, but I find a pathway through them by being honest.  The more I hide, the longer it takes to remove roots in my life. 

I want to be like Jesus. 

The more I strive to be Lisa, the less I’m like Jesus.  The more I embrace the greatness of God over the smallness of Lisa, the more power I will see break forth in my life.  He is my everything.  The very breath I breathe.  Apart from Him, I can do nothing.  He is mine, and I am His. 

Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born a human being.  When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.  Philippians 2:6-8

The Fountain Day 95: Health

Years ago, after having all my babies, I found myself overweight and feeling really unhealthy.  I had fully given my body over to pregnancy and then nursing and being all-in with raising toddlers.  Also, much of that time I was acting as a single parent because Chris mostly worked out of state.  It was a hard time and to be perfectly honest, I was just trying to survive. 

Then one day, after our family moved to PA so we could all live in one place…God told me to start running.  I was a little shocked because I had never been a runner.  Nonetheless I found an app called C25K (couch to 5k) and began the humbling process of running.  At first, I was so exhausted when I finished each time, that I could barely function the rest of the day…yes, I was that out of shape…but as time passed and I stayed determined to do what God instructed me to do, things got much better. 

Fast forward 8 years or more, and today I refuse to go without walking or running 5-6 days a week.  It’s a necessary part of my life.  My family has noticed such a shift in me since I began exercising, that they too encourage me to go do it.  It makes me a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

But an unexpected side effect was that it made me a stronger worship leader too.

 It was when I began worship leading in PA that I realized God was transitioning me to a much more physically active worshiper…prone to dancing around and jumping, etc.  When I stayed on top of my exercise, this wasn’t a problem…but if I slacked…it was hard.  Also, my singing voice expanded during this time, and I believe a lot of that was breathing related.  When you run or briskly walk, you learn to breathe better and all of singing is majorly connected to breathing.  God showed me that one reason He had wanted me to exercise was so I could worship Him more freely. 

God desires His people to be self-controlled, and some of that includes getting exercise and being healthy.  Back in Bible times, they didn’t need to think about this because life was much more active, but in our season of the earth it must largely be intentional.  It’s just the way it is. 

I say all of this because I just want to reinforce the fact that to be a healthy, well-rounded follower of Christ, I believe it includes our physical bodies.  We are temples of the Holy Spirit.  I believe this is something worth thinking about.  It’s not the most important thing, but it is worthwhile. 

Another lovely side effect of exercising was, God began meeting me there.  I never exercise without having Him with me.  He speaks, gives me visions and encourages my heart during these times.  If I’m feeling emotionally stuck, I go out and walk…suddenly, things lift, and everything feels lighter, and the answers come.  It’s become a serious part of my survival. 

Imagine the ways God could meet you there too!

No matter what you do, find a place where you know God will always meet you. I have a few.  It brings great comfort to my life to know that if I go exercise, God will meet me.  If I sit at the piano, He will already be waiting. 

To have regular release and success in life, I believe we must have these places…the places where the searching ceases and we behold Him.

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”  This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.  This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, Who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.  1 Timothy 4:8-10