Lately, a lot of my thoughts have been yearning for days past. That’s so unusual because I don’t normally live in the past, but right now I miss the innocence that seemed to exist in the world when I was younger.

When I was a child we were “proud to be Americans”, so proud that they had a song written and we all learned it at school and sang it together. Products proudly boasted the “made in America” tag on them. Those were good days. I’m still not sure how we got to where we are now. I am still proud to be an American and I still recognize that the world benefits when our country is stabilized. That’s part of our function in the world. We are a refuge, but somewhere along the line it got taken advantage of and nobody knew how to properly set it right.

I also miss the days when Chris felt really successful in his work. Sure, I miss the money, but what I miss the most is the way he carried himself in those days. He felt so good about himself and it showed. He loved to shower us with fun and has always been an extravagant gift giver. I loved those days.

When Chris was younger in his business and saw one success after another, it was a generational curse breaking momentum that I felt. He had been raised in poverty and by God’s grace had found a way out. His legacy is new. He gives his children a legacy of excellence. I can honestly say that even now, as he works a job that he doesn’t really want to work, he brings that same excellence, but his spirit is a bit low. My spirit is a bit low watching him feel that way.

But then I realized that God was having me reflect, not to torture me, but to remind me that things were once very different. It was a promise. He was promising me that things would change again. That life won’t always be this way. He had to have me look back in order to remember what could be again. It had been so long that I had started to forget what it felt like. Now I am so thankful when I have the memories and I meet them with, “Yes Lord! Thank You and do it again.”

I came across this scripture and I wanted to share it with you because if I’m struggling with feeling this way, I’m sure that I’m not alone and maybe you could use the same encouragement that I was needing.

O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before You. The enemy pursues me, he crushed me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am Your servant. Psalm 143

Yesterday I was traveling and had 8 hours of time to think. When I pressed in a little and asked God to speak to me, what I heard kind of shocked me.

“You’ve stopped allowing yourself to feel excited. You’re numb”, I heard the Voice of Love speak.

Immediately, I knew it was true. After feeling excitement and joyful anticipation for many different situations, and then having those things fall through, had led me to be afraid of truly being excited. Like a gray cloud over my life, there hangs this fear of being disappointed. Even as I write those words “fear of disappoint” I feel a deep sadness.

When we knowingly or unknowingly allow ourselves to fall into a trap like this, it’s inevitably those closest to us that suffer the most. I have definitely been reserved and weighed down more than usual. I don’t mean to be, and I didn’t realize it until now, but this is the root.

Our family has been through so much. We are still going through so much. But this fear of disappointment makes it hard for me to even truly celebrate the good things God has done, and He has certainly done a lot. Even recently, when God sent a major breakthrough our way, my immediate response was a very conservative excitement. Then the next morning I woke up feeling anxiety and wondering if it was all actually true. I had to center my heart and mind on the fact that the goodness had actually happened.

Fear of disappointment is like a weight over each day and I have to fight it off constantly so I can embrace all the goodness. I shouldn’t have to fight this constant battle though.

The enemy is using this battle to keep me burdened and to attempt to steal my joy. He’s using it to make me feel like we’ll never get past all of this, but that’s not what God says. His voice keeps saying, “The best is yet to come”. His word over this year for our family is thrive, and in so many ways I have seen that happen. So, as we continue to walk out each day, I lean on that word to remind myself that God holds all our outcomes in His hands. He is present.

Prayer Moment: I realize now that so much of the unrest occurring in America comes from this exact same spirit. The spirit of disappointment. This causes us to think things won’t ever get better and it makes it so that no amount of resolution will ever be enough. Honestly, it’s because the void everyone is trying to fill, is one that only God can fill. He is the only answer. He’s not the weak choice, He’s the strong decision. If you too are struggling with this fear, I encourage you to go before God this morning and just sit in gratitude for all He’s done. Simply sit in His presence and ask Him to cover you with truth.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:18-21

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. Proverbs 27:19-20

When we bought our home here in Oklahoma one of the first things I loved about it was the view coming up the driveway. As you pull up toward the house and crest the hill, there it is in all its glory and part of that glory was three trees that had been planted right next to the house in the flower beds. I remember the first time I laid eyes on those trees because I loved them so much. But I discovered something very quickly, those trees were way too big to be planted right up against a home and their root system was growing directly under the foundation of our home. Not only that, but when storms come, those same trees that are so beautiful slap against the windows of the house and scare my children and have definite potential of breaking a window one day. So, this week I had those trees cut down. Those big beautiful, but misplaced trees, and it got me thinking…

So many things that have the appearance of beauty have dangerous roots.

I paused after I typed out that statement because every time I think it, say it or now type it, it resonates throughout my mind causing a deep sobering. So, I will type it again..

So many things that have the appearance of beauty have dangerous roots.

This statement can be applied to all aspects of life. No matter what you see or think is beautiful or draws you in, you must always look at its “root system” before deciding to partner with it either in speech or action. We are not called to be lazy christians, we are called to diligence. We are meant to be in the word and to search out truth in all situations. We are told to take every thought captive and that applies to when we hear something or someone’s excuse for this or that. No matter what we are responsible for seeking the true roots of a movement, idea, common phrase, church, etc before we begin to partner with it.

This is where I want to remind you of the second danger I saw in those trees remaining a part of our landscaping, they slapped the house and windows during storms and scared my kids and had potential to break a window eventually.

If we invest our energy or allegiance to something with a faulty root system and it grows an established “tree”, then it will inevitably cause damage and/or fear eventually.

When I partner with those rooted in fear, I too will experience an increase of fear. When I partner with those rooted in anger, I will become angrier, when I partner with something that’s just a “little” off from scripture, I will inevitably find myself moving further and further from Truth. You see, it’s so very important to be partnered with the right things.

Prayer Moment: God, reveal to me anything that I’ve partnered with that is not of You. Remove any blinders from my eyes that are keeping me from seeing what is true. Cut me away from anything that I’m walking in agreement with that is not in line with you and the fruit of the Spirit. I trust You to guide me through these deceiving moments happening in the world now. Show me the truth. I love You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.            Proverbs 31:30

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. Proverbs 16:8

 

 

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to Him who sent you? Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case, and will plunder those who plunder them. 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. Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers. Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.               Proverbs 22:17-29

When we wonder where to find truth, we should remember that scripture is full of it. Partnering with Holy Spirit and reading scripture is so important. We must hide His word in our hearts. It is more crucial than ever before. As we move forward, it’s important to know truth lest you be led astray.

He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the unfaithful. Proverbs 22:11-12

Our speech should be gracious and our hearts pure. Only in relationship with God can we be assured of having a pure heart. Focusing it upon Him and His thoughts is the only way.

I think about the verse above that states,

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.

This is sound advice. I try to steer clear of those who carry a spirit of anger and resentment because it is far too easy to get pulled in. This rule even applies to family. No matter who the person is, it can leak over to you if you are not careful.

These are just a few of the gems of truth that we can glean from scripture, especially Proverbs, in this case. I read them over and over and let them roll over my heart like marbles, smoothing out the rough spots.

We need these truths every day. These need to be the thoughts that come to our minds immediately when we face different situations and when we find ourselves in the midst of a struggle we can stop and listen to the truth inside before we respond.

Prayer Moment: God, place a covering over my mouth in times when I need to remain quiet. Show me how you wish me to respond in every situation. Place a supernatural hedge of protection over my life that keeps me from danger and gives me space to take moments before I respond to anything. Let my heart be held by You. Fill my heart with Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

 

The day I hit rock bottom was the greatest day of my life. Yes. You heard me right. The day I hit rock bottom was the greatest day of my life.

If you’re wondering why, I’ll tell you.

When I hit rock bottom, there I stood, looking around at the rubble. Gasping for air as the life I was living seemed to be choking out all my will to live, and the only thing that remained was a still small Voice. The Bible talks about removing all that can be shaken so that the only thing left is what cannot be shaken. There I found myself with nothing, absolutely nothing, but the Voice of God. From that moment until this that is the only thing I have built upon. Now when things happen, I remember when my house of cards fell, years ago, the only One that remained was God. He alone led me out and into a wholeness that I never knew was possible.

When I write these devotionals every week, I am continuing to build into that life built upon the Voice of God. The only thing I’ve found to be unshakeable.

In this time, we all must find that voice. All the noise of the earth is loud, but I see it even now crumbling in on itself. I’m not falling for the noise of the world right now. Do you want to know why/how? I only listen to the still small Voice. When Covid fears came knocking on the door, the quiet Voice said, “Peace, be still. Trust Me and everything will be fine.” Every time another flare up has occurred since then, that same Voice is the first Voice I consult when news comes across my screen. I won’t take up the banner of offense and groveling. I will listen to the One Who knows all and sees all.

Now is the time to have courage. Now is the time to guard against being deceived. Now is the time to not react from emotion, rather from a grounding in Who God is and what He says. Now is the time for the body of Christ to arise and shine.

ARISE AND SHINE!

Wake up!! Don’t be woke. Wake up!! Let the sleeping bride awake! The dawn has come, and the world needs the Light of the World now more than ever. We ARE the church.

It’s time to return to the Great Commission and take the gospel to every nation…starting with our own.

Don’t be afraid. This is our time to shine. Are you willing?

Prayer Moment: How are you living out the great commission today? Are you hiding the gospel or are you living it out? Now is the time. I pray you will prayerfully consider how you are called to spread the gospel now. We are all different so this will look different for each of us, but one thing is certain, we are all called to this. I pray you take time today to ask God how you fit into His plan of salvation for America.

The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken- that is, created things- so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”                  Hebrew 12:27-28

I’ve found inside myself a “never give up” spirit. I certainly haven’t always been this way, in fact, when I was younger I would never have been described this way, but as I have given myself fully to a relationship with Jesus and years ago left the rock bottom place, I have emerged with a solid understanding that what God sets out to accomplish will be accomplished.

If the God of the universe knows how to bring me to the end of myself, while protecting my life, and has planned every moment of my walk out of that dark place, then I am fully confident that if He sets me on a path He has done so with a plan to see me through it to the end. He will do what He has promised to do. That’s it.

He will see you through whatever path He puts you on. Do you believe it?

It’s true. He never fails, so we should never give up.

I know so much of our life feels up in the air right now, but we can hold onto what is true. Our God never fails to do what He said He will do. That is the same even now. He is Who He is and that will never change. So, hold onto that. Let that truth strengthen you. Breathe in the hope that radiates from that statement. Let it sink into your soul. The God Who set boundaries for the seas, is the same God Who will lead you through today.

I encourage you to find that place where the relationship is forged that will stand the test of time. Find the place where you have only one option and that is God. Focus on the Foundation that will never falter. Find the place where you come into the fire that brings strength. Don’t be afraid to face fire. Don’t be afraid of the forging place. This is where strength is found. Never give up. When the fire flames up higher and the heat becomes more intense, don’t give up.

Prayer Moment: Have you faced the fire, or do you avoid the heat? I encourage you to find the answer within you today. In our culture, many spend a lifetime avoiding discomfort at all cost. This behavior leads to a weaker character, but it’s never too late. Turn toward the fire instead of turning away. Let God lead you where others won’t go. Will you try it?

So, the Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled. Joshua 21:43-45

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead, of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed. Isaiah 55:10-13

 

 

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133

I have been thinking about this Psalm for a while. I think about it as I watch my children interact with one another. I think about it when I interact with my husband. I think about it as I operate within a worship team. Basically, in all areas of life I consider this verse.

When my children are getting along and playing together it feels like such a relief. I notice when that happens something in the air feels lighter and I feel more established. But when they fight and fuss, I feel a stark and contrasting heaviness. Likewise, when Chris and I are having a time of understanding each other and working well together, it can feel like there’s nothing we can’t accomplish as long as we’re together.  But when we have conflict, I feel the friction of needing to reconnect and restore the unity that once was. When a worship team comes together in unity you can definitely feel it. It creates an open door for the Holy Spirit to move and speak so clearly. When they are not together, you feel it too. The disconnect is louder than the sound of music. Times of unity are powerful in any area of life.

While these moments of unity are beautiful, they can ebb and flow. It’s hard to walk out unity all the time, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

In life I’ve found there are bridge builders, those who destroy bridges and others who seem to want to block bridges. If we’re all honest, we would admit that at times we’ve been all of these. Whether it was a place of wounding in our heart or a bitterness we held onto, or simply immaturity, we’ve all blocked or destroyed bridges at one time or another. I know I have. I’m not proud of it. But I have grown a lot and now I make very deliberate decisions to help build bridges.

Unity takes deliberateness and purposeful humility. We can’t say we want to become unified as the church (universal) and then only talk. We must have actions to back up our words.

Riots and yelling don’t lead to unity, they lead away from it. Nothing can satisfy the spirit that is leading riots, and it’s actually holding all those participating in bondage. Avoiding conflict doesn’t lead to unity, it delays it. Fear doesn’t lead to unity, peace does. We need to re-think our actions and begin to walk out life more deliberately

Prayer Moment: God, I ask that Your Spirit fall upon America and extinguish all the fires of rebellion that have sparked. Lord, we need You to unify us now. Breathe Your breath of hope and joy over the earth. God show each one of us what role we can play to bring unity in the kingdom of God. Teach us how to walk in Your truth and the power of Your Spirit. You make us bold in a way that leads to unity, so give us holy boldness. I love You, Lord. Guide my heart and guard me from being deceived. In Jesus name, Amen.

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:2-6

Today I want to leave you with some scripture about true love. Some verses to read and soak in. I hope that you will read them a couple of times and ask God to speak to your heart about them. What does He say about true love?

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-21

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. if I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.   1 Corinthians 13

Prayer Moment: God, show me what true love looks like. The kind that lasts and the kind that represents Your heart. I long to be held in Your perfect love. Help me to extend that same love to others. In Jesus name, Amen.

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I see the need to bring it up again, fasting is so important. When you are struggling to discern the truth, fast. If you can’t tell how you should feel about something, fast. When you are feeling angry, bitter, confused or defeated, fast. When it’s hard to hear God because of all the noise, fast.

Take yourself to a quiet place and give Him the opportunity to enlighten your heart. Fasting makes a great space for this to happen. It clears out all the distraction, and helps you focus on the One.

Some practical parts of fasting include, setting a definite start and finish time (while still leaving room for God to change it if He chooses). Also, be specific about what you are fasting from and why you are doing it. Write out your reasons so you can have an account of answers during this time.

You may be wondering why I’m being so practical and asking, “How is this a devo?”.

Well, I want to provoke you to consider doing some things you’ve never done before and fasting is one of those. I don’t, however, want to present you with the idea without giving you the “how’s”. So here we are, and here I am giving you the tools to try out what I’m mentioning.

Fasting connects us to the heart of the Father by extinguishing the noise. Once you try it, you’ll understand just how wonderful it is. Finding different ways to connect with the Father is always a good idea.

Here is some of what scripture has to say about fasting:

I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions…so we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.                  Ezra 8:21-23

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?            Isaiah 58:6

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrite do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash you face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  Matthew 6:16-18

Prayer Moment: I encourage you to take some time today to ask God about whether or not a fast is something He would like you to explore. It’s so good to have constant dialogue with Him, to bring Him into all facets of your life and give Him permission to guide and direct your path. All I am hoping is that you’ll take time to have this conversation.

For years now, I have struggled. I have struggled to figure out how to pray over those who seem bent on evil. The traffickers, the murderers, the oppressive governments of the world and the politicians seemingly bent on evil in our own country.

Then I read these verses… What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore, God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. One of you will say to me; “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists His will?” But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to Him Who formed it, ‘Why did You make me like this?’ ” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What if God, choosing to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the objects of His wrath- prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the objects of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory- even us, whom He also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? Romans 9:14-24

To me, this falls in the category of “things too wonderful for me to comprehend.” We simply won’t know this side of heaven, why some are the way they are.

It can be quite obvious that some are operating out of a demonic spirit. Hitler, for example, was clearly overtaken by the enemy. He along with many others from the past were most definitely operating from an evil place. Don’t think that can’t and doesn’t still happen.

Yes, God is judge, but when we see the fruit of a life it is good evidence of who they stand with and Who they don’t. Anyone can be saved, but that doesn’t mean we partner with the insanity of a person who is clearly coming from a place of death and destruction, right?.

We have a responsibility to pay attention. We are to be forgiving, not naïve. We are to love others, not agree with sin. There is a major difference and we must begin to take this call seriously.

The truth is, the antichrist will come, and the Bible makes it clear that the spirit of the antichrist is already roaming the earth.

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 1 John 4:2-3

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.             1 John 2:18

Prayer Moment: God, we need Your discernment to know who is operating from the spirit of the antichrist. Help us to not be so afraid of being seen as judgmental that we leave ourselves open to deception. Instead, help us to walk out a healthy balance of loving discernment, being wise as serpents and gentle as doves. We need You. In Jesus name, Amen.