This week, one of my children needed to write a paper about their greatest disappointment for English class. I was heartbroken over what that child said next, “I don’t want to write about it though, because I’m still living it right now.” Tears welled up in their eyes and I asked (even though I already knew), “What is your greatest disappointment?” “Things with dad’s work.” Was the reply.

I can’t argue that it’s been a long and disappointing season, but as I rolled those words around my head, I started remembering all the times God had been faithful during this time. It is truly miraculous, the way He’s been providing for our family. It’s impossible to see it and not feel loved. Then I heard God saying to my heart, “I cloak even your greatest disappointments in victory.”

It was then that I realized I needed to make sure that my child had a chance to feel validated in her emotions, but then to make certain she could see the bigger picture too. The place where God’s glory has been dwelling over us in such beautiful ways. The moments of provision that prove we are walking out something He’s using to draw us closer. We’ve praised God for each instance of provision during this time, but it’s easy to feel bogged down by the length of this season. It’s easy to begin to forget the moments of blessing because the day to day wondering takes hold.

I believe most Americans are feeling this way right now. All the changes that have occurred in our way of life over the last few months has been shocking. The political intensity of this season easily feels overwhelming and so stressful. But we must take time to remember all the faithfulness of the past, and to see that when we are part of God’s family, we will always have victory no matter the circumstance.

I speak to your spirit right now, arise and shine for the Light has come. Don’t back down to the darkness that roams the earth. Don’t give in to hopelessness and fear. Refuse to partner with foolish conversation. Make yourself aware of what’s really going on, don’t just listen to what you’re told. Always consult the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, before you make choices and decisions. We were born for victory. We will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Prayer Moment: God, keep my heart and mind focused on Your goodness. Help me to speak to fear and remind it about Your faithfulness. Let me be fear’s foe. Bless me with a spirit of optimism and remove any pessimistic root from within me. I am set toward victory in all things. Teach me to walk victoriously. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the Lord your God is the One Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Over the last couple of months I’ve had two people speak with me about a famous worship leader, whom I really love and enjoy, and they both mentioned that they love her worship, but don’t always love to watch her worship because it’s too distracting. This statement from them left me feeling troubled, because it was when I saw her worship many years ago, that I realized I was not alone. Someone else worshiped like me. Watching her brings me a feeling of freedom. She gave me permission to be fully vulnerable and engaged in worship.

What am I to ascertain from this?

Here’s what I know…my worship of God has nothing to do with anyone else. It is me engaging God. It is me bringing Him the gift of my adoration and praise. It’s me listening to what Holy Spirit wants to say in that moment.

When I began to worship God with my body, through raising my hands and dancing sometimes, it was breaking off so much baggage. It was me taking back my body. As a woman, for many years I had seen my body as a hindrance to life because of the way men objectified it. Being pursued when I didn’t want to be and having unwanted experiences. These things make it especially poignant to begin to discover movement in worship. It’s taking something that’s been abused and making it pure through worship. Worship sometimes feels like restoration. Restoring God’s rightful place on the throne and bringing my whole self to Him.

Why am I discussing this?

I simply want to refocus our hearts and minds on the One we are worshiping. It’s never about pleasing others, it’s all about Him. He is worthy of all our praise. It’s ok if others don’t understand the way you come to Him in worship. Of course, none of us should want to be a spectacle, and we should guard against becoming prideful in our differences. At that point we are worshiping ourselves. Likewise, we shouldn’t allow the discomfort of others to take center stage of our worship either. There’s a definite balance and it must be walked with a deliberate heart. It’s up to each of us to work out our heart of worship with God. We are each responsible for ourselves.

Prayer Moment: God, teach me the best way to worship You. Help me to never cower to opinions of others. Instead, lead me in boldness and humility. Teach me to have unbridled affection for You without fearing the condemnation of others. Teach me also to stand right before You. Release a heavenly perspective over me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. Psalm 134:2

Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.  Psalm 150         

Today I felt stirred to thumb through my Bible. I was wondering what God had to say. This is not a common tactic for me, but ever so often it’s what I’m led to do…Then I heard, “Jeremiah”. So I began to thumb through that book and “happened” to come across this.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the houses in this city and the royal palaces of Judah that have been torn down to be used against the siege ramps and the sword in the fight with the Babylonians. They will be filled with the dead bodies of the men I will slay in my anger and wrath. I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness. Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against Me. Then this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear o fall the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.” Jeremiah 33: 3-9

Yes, I know these words were spoken from God over a specific people group, at a specific time, but today I felt an invitation to receive the same promise. It was as if God reached into scripture and said, “This is also for you. Also, for America at this time. Do you trust Me enough to believe for it?” My answer is simple yet complex, “Yes, I will believe.” He was pointing out the first and the last part of these verses mostly. The promises of Him being found when we call on Him, and Him restoring our nation.

This message piggy backs the message I wrote about “Remembering Ninevah” a few days ago. I DO believe the best is yet to come. I DO believe we are in the middle of a heavenly reset that will change not only our lives, but the lives of our children and our children’s children. This is the moment. I DO believe.

Whatever the world looks like, today I take a stand upon God’s promise. He’s not finished yet, so I won’t act like He is. I will partner with hope, in all things. I will trust Him. I will take Him at His word, not try to qualify it or make it more palatable for others. I will believe. Will you?

Prayer Moment: God, help me to hold onto this word You’ve given me. Lord, as more things get exposed, help me to keep a heavenly perspective. Help me to keep You constantly before me. Help me to stay Your course. I will follow You anywhere. Even if none will go with me, I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Recently, when I asked God about a certain area of my life/ministry, I specifically asked if I had anything to truly offer in that place. God’s response was so beautiful. A day or two after asking, I began to have a vision and it’s continued even until today.

I saw myself decorating a very large farm style dining table. I was placing specific centerpieces on it. I saw it all in great detail. As I was setting this table, the scene felt very warm. I was wearing a very comfortable looking oversized cardigan sweater, and as I moved around the table, I felt very creative. Then I began to hear the words, “Richness” and “Depth”. I also heard the phrase, “Prepare a table for them.” The entire scene felt rich with warmth, creativity and purpose. But what struck me was that I was the one offering the richness to the scene. God was using me.

Richness: The state of existing in or containing plentiful quantities of something desirable. The quality of being pleasingly deep or strong.

Depth: The distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something. The quality of being intense or extreme. A point far below the surface.

In this vision, it was confirmed to my heart that while what I have to offer is different from what that group is accustomed to, I should still serve and begin to create an invitation for a new depth and richness to be released among them. It’s funny because the reason I had asked God was that I saw the group was so different from me. I worried that I would be seen as “too much”. But here was God affirming the very things that He’s placed within me. The richness and depth that comes from a life lived in lock step with Him. A heart that is drawn to the deeper places that many avoid. I can’t help the way I’m made. He did it on purpose. Now I simply need to embrace it.

My goal will be to bring enrichment wherever I serve. Whether it’s at home, church or school, I can choose to leave enrichment like a trail behind me wherever I go. I can choose to do things with excellence and to add value wherever I go. It’s ok to operate in excellence, even when those around you don’t want to. It’s always ok to do things well. That’s what Jesus did. That’s the kind of person I want to be. How about you?

Enrichment: The action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something. The process of making someone wealthy or wealthier.

Prayer Moment: God, help me to leave Your mark everywhere I go. When I am doing a project or helping with something, give me courage to bring enrichment to that place. Help me to always embrace every day with a heart to enrich the world around me. Help me to be all in in everything I do. Bless the work of my hands and let everything I do be prosperous. May my soul always prosper. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will not. Proverbs 10:6-7

The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it. A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted. When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:22-25

As I read my Bible this morning, I came across Psalm 35 and it really resonated with my heart. I could hear it spoken over our country, and the godly leaders among us.

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me, fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, I am your salvation. May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise- may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like You, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. O Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my life from these lions. I will give You thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise You. Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They gape at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” O Lord, You have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in Your righteousness, O Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His servant.” My tongue will speak of Your righteousness and of Your praises all day long. Psalm 35

Prayer Moment: God, now is the time to arise!! Come and shine Your holy light over all the hidden darkness. Scatter our enemies and re-establish Your throne here in America. Cover our President and Vice-President and all the godly in political office. Protect them and their families with Your fiery hedge of protection. Protect Your church in America. Protect our Nation. We belong to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today while I was walking, I noticed something that I hadn’t noticed before. In the picture above you’ll see barbed wire around a tree trunk. But do you notice what’s happened? The wire has been around it for so long that as the tree grew it began to grow around the wire. Now this foreign object is seemingly becoming a part of the tree. In actuality though, we know the tree would have relief if the wire was cut off and discarded, because eventually this wire will do major damage. If the wire was removed then the trunk could grow and repair itself.

When I saw this today, I immediately thought of America. In much the same way, we have had some very unamerican ideology that has been choking our country, much like this barbed wire, for many years. It has been happening so long, in fact, that some believe it to be truth. They are trading the truth of America and our American ways for a lie. That thought process has wrapped so firmly around us that it too seems to just be a part of us now, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Were we to return to our original foundation and Biblical principles, that “barbed wire” would be cut back more and more until finally we were totally released from it. Don’t believe that it can be removed? Let’s look at Ninevah…

If you open your Bible and read the whole story of Jonah, you’ll discover the entire reason that he ended up in that big fish was because God wanted him to go prophecy in Ninevah, so that they would change their ways. If you will remember, when Jonah finally goes, he is SHOCKED that the king takes God’s warning and does make major changes in the city. They became a city devoted to God. Jonah wouldn’t be satisfied though, because he thought the city should still be punished, but that’s not what God wanted.

America is in the same type of situation. Many have been sent out to proclaim God’s truth and to share the good news, but in the same breath they condemn America as if she can’t be saved. There’s such hypocrisy in this way of thinking.

Is anyone beyond saving? Is any country beyond radical transformation by God?

If we’re honest, we would answer, “No.” It’s the pride in man’s heart that would say it’s beyond repair. Many would have said I was beyond repair when God lifted me from the muck and mire. Let’s not forget where we came from.

It’s time to stand up and proclaim the good news in our streets and pray in that same regard. God CAN save America. He can radically transform our country. He is NOT finished yet.

Prayer Moment: God, forgive me for every idle word I’ve spoken against America. Right now, I sever, break and destroy all those word curses in Jesus’ name. I release a word of hope and salvation across America from sea to shining sea. Let Your word pierce our hearts and transform this nation. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened. Jonah 3:10

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects his bones, not one of them will be broken. Psalm 34:19-20

Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:17-20

I believe that every day is an opportunity. What will you do with each one? Some days call for rest, others are full of the bustle of work and life. Some days begin with calm and end in hurry. Each day, we get to choose.

Beginning each day in the peaceful Presence of God, is the best way to make the most of it. When we present the day to God and ask Him to prioritize each task, then we discover a very different tempo. I know I’ve mentioned parts of this before, but it is a lesson that never gets old. We must learn how to step back from busyness and allow the Prince of peace to guide our every step.

As the scripture above states, we should live wisely and make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. We must understand what the Lord’s will is also. The only way to know that will is to be in His Presence and allow Him the opportunity to speak to us. If we never stop long enough to hear His voice, then we are much more likely to be filled with anxiety as we watch our own plans crumble. Remember what God said about that too?…

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.                Psalm 33:11

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The season has shifted, and I believe making the most of every opportunity is more important than ever. We must begin to seek opportunities to share the Truth, to share the gospel. We must train ourselves up in how to share God with others. You can even practice sharing the good news out loud at home. Look at yourself in the mirror and witness to yourself. Something great will happen, if you try this…one, you will learn how to more boldly share God’s promise without stumbling over your own words. Second, you will be testifying to your own spirit. It may seem (and feel) strange at first, but you can’t help but be encouraged by sharing the good news, even to your own reflection.  

Prayer Moment: God, teach me how to clearly share the gospel of truth. Lord, lead me to those whose hearts are ready to receive this truth. Help me to never be intimidated or scared to share You with others. Embolden me and refine me to lead others into Your kingdom. The world needs You God, help me to partner with You every day and in every way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In my experience with my own heart health and the heart health of others, I have learned that when we have moments where our anger flashes up like a brush fire from some incident, we have been triggered from a previous unhealed hurt. It’s like people walk around with landmines in their hearts, and it can be very sad for the person who unwittingly steps on that landmine and is exploded upon. It rarely happens from a large incident, rather something small and often totally innocent on the part of the person who steps on the sore place of another. It’s a very unfortunate turn of events. It can bring long term damage to a friendship and all because one person refuses to admit they have a hurt that needs healing, or because they are unaware that they are responding from a place of hurt.

The Bible instructs us in how to behave though…

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21

If you find yourself often or easily angered, it’s truly time to take a minute and search yourself. Ask God to show you any places of pain in your heart, receive His perspective and find the courage to release your pain to Him. He is a just God, you can never find justice apart from Him. Your anger won’t bring about righteousness, it will just cause devastation to your life. The Bible also warns us…

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. Proverbs 29:22

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25

I have two questions for you, after reading those two scriptures. Are you close with an angry person? Are you an angry person?

It’s so important to answer these questions honestly. You need to know if you’ve fallen into the pit of anger. It’s not hard to get out, but you can’t get out of something you don’t realize you are in. Be honest with yourself and determine to make a change if necessary. It’ll benefit you and all those around you.

Prayer Moment: God, am I an angry person? Forgive me for any places in my heart that are easily angered. I invite You to come in and remove all anger from within me. I want to be more like You. Hold me close. Teach me Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Indignation: Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

It seems the world is filled with indignation. But did you notice in the definition that it is based on the perception of unfair treatment? It doesn’t even have to be true, just perceived.

What I’ve noticed is that many of the media, celebrities and politicians love to stir up and profit from indignation. There’s a hazy illusion roaming across America that says all police are evil and nobody is responsible for their own actions, it says that women get to choose whether they call a baby in the womb a baby or disposable, it says that even though they tout “My body, my choice” it doesn’t pertain to not forcing the masses to wear a mask. It’s all a nasty illusion. All of this indignation is not stirred up from facts, but perception. It’s emotion based.

It almost feels like we’re in the movie “The Never Ending Story” and are navigating the swamp of sadness and keep feeling more heavy laden with each step. In that movie, they are warned that if they can’t hold onto hope then the swamp will swallow them up. As Atreyu and his horse Artex move through the swamp, suddenly Artex gets stuck in the swamp mud. As Atreyu pleads with him to remain hopeful and fight the sadness, the horse is unable to and his story ends there in the swamp.

As we navigate this highly unusual time in history, it feels as if it has become much harder to hold onto hope. In fact, it feels (to me) that the enemy has specifically targeted our hope in this moment. And why would he do that? Because ALL hope comes from God. It is evidence that He exists and that we will always have a future.

If you are not careful, the swamp of sadness will gobble you up. We need a sure footing now more than ever. We must know the Source of every good thing. Like the scripture says:

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.  1 Chronicles 16:11-12

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

We must REMEMBER! Remember ALL the wonders He has done. Remember all the good He has done. Remember EVERY blessing in your life. REMEMBER!! Then praise Him. Thank Him with your whole heart. Sing to Him and thank Him.

Prayer Moment: God, help me navigate this time. Continually bring Your history of goodness to my mind. Help me to cling to Your truth. The truth. Teach me to walk in gratitude, not fear. Let my life be a solid beacon of hope to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today, since it’s Sunday, I wanted to give you some scripture to meditate upon. Take some time and read this over a few times. This portion of scripture is ripe with instruction and affection. I feel God’s presence every time I read it.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! 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. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God Who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:1-18

It’s so important for us to renew our perspective and remember the gravity of our calling in Christ. In the same way we use the words, “Never forget” when referencing the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11…we should “Never forget” Who we should look to and model our lives after, even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like nobody else in the world is doing it. Even when those close to us say that we are crazy.  We are still to walk like Christ. We must still remember that none of us has anything to brag on except Christ. It is because of Him and through Him that any of us is saved. He is the only way. Never forget your place. We are seated in heavenly places, only because of Christ’s sacrifice. So, at the same time you feel the power and authority God has placed upon you because of your salvation, never lose sight of the One Who paid for you to be where you are today. Jesus. He deserves unending praise and worship from everything that has breath.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Prayer Moment: Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice. I could never reach the end of praising You for what You’ve given me. Without You, I can do nothing. Because of You, I can do everything. Thank You. Help me to always remember how I got to where I am today. Remove all pride from my heart. I adore You. I praise You forever. In Your name I pray, Amen.