I feel the Lord releasing a new season over us…

Most often I go to the track to get my exercise, but on occasion I don’t have time to go so I head out to walk/run the gravel roads around our home. This is where I found myself a couple of days ago, and when I did, I realized it was sovereign that I did so. As I embarked on my journey, I noticed a ton of dragonflies! They are back!! I saw them in many different colors and sizes, all flitting around and eager to be out again. I could feel the prophetic significance of this moment pour all over me.

The season is shifting. Beauty is re-emerging. It’s the return of the promise. Not that the promise ever really left, but our time of being held captive has ended and we are released into the world once again.

This is a time to deliberately begin to re-enter normal life. Yes, I said normal life, not “new normal”. Friends, the term new normal is a term of oppression. It’s a fad term used to make restrictions seem more palatable or dignified, but even though you dress up a pig it’s still a pig. Restrictions are not truly for our safety, they are for them to gain a deeper control over us. We aren’t meant to live that way. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. He is freedom. He established America to represent freedom to the world.

So let’s take life to it’s fullest and determine to emerge from our cocoon in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s spread the gospel here in America. Let’s love the lost into salvation (It’s His kindness that leads to repentance). It’s time to go out and be the church.

This trick of the enemy that meant to oppress and silence us, has only served to release us! Look at all the churches that are now online! It’s so inspiring. Look at those who used this opportunity to release peace and joy into the world during the time of quarantine. It’s so encouraging.

We are the church, so let’s go out and be exactly that! Are you ready?!

Prayer Moment: God, I thank You for protecting us. Thank You for sustaining each one of us through this challenging season. I thank You for turning over every plan of the enemy and using it instead for our good. Thank you for giving us a moment to breathe and re-establish a healthier family life and pace for our everyday lives. Help us to continue to walk in this reset pace. Help us to take all that we’ve learned while in the secret place and now use it to advance Your kingdom on the earth. God bless America, the land of the free and home of the brave. Awaken that mantra in our hearts once again and give us courage. You alone are worthy of all our praise. I adore You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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.” Hebrews 12:28-29

The other day while I was at the track, I was thinking about how peaceful I’ve been feeling. Then I thought of the way I’ve walked in peace for many years now. Then I had a beautiful vision.

I saw a giant, wild storm all around, but there I was walking in the center of the storm surrounded by a capsule of peace. There was no wind or rain within that capsule. I was being held in perfect peace.

This is how we can all walk through the storms of life. God offers us this luxury when we make the decision to walk in the pace of the Holy Spirit. To keep this pace, we must be willing to not charge ahead, and to not lag behind.

What I’ve felt lately while watching the world is this, the Holy Spirit is saying, “Come out!” yet in their fear many are remaining huddled down.

Friends, when we become hobbled with fear and fall out of step with Holy Spirit, we reach the end of the grace we’ve been walking in. To remain in that grace, we must stay in tempo with Him. We shouldn’t charge forward or lag behind but remain steady.

I believe in being steady. God is steady. Even when God is moving rapidly there is a steadiness to the motion. When he is moving slower, there is still a steadiness to it all.

When I go somewhere and begin to feel the swirl that exists there, I choose to step back, find the center of His Spirit and move forward in Him. You see, we can keep our peace no matter where we are and no matter who we are around. His Spirit within us is greater than anything in the world.

Prayer Moment: Are you feeling controlled by fear or kept in peace? This is an important question to continually ask yourself. We must check in with our hearts on a regular basis, especially if this is a newer concept. We do everyone a favor when we maintain our own heart. It is the well-spring of life and from it flows all that we do and say. We honor God when we honor the process of maintaining a healthy heart. From that healthy heart, peace has a stronger foundation in our everyday lives. I pray you find that peace today.

Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Proverbs 147:4-6

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way to safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:21-26

 

 

Have you ever looked at a puddle on the ground or even a smaller pond while it is still? The water can look so clean and clear, but then when you disturb the water isn’t it crazy to watch a cloud of mud bubble up. This totally disrupts the beauty and clarity of the water and makes it hard to see through anymore.

This is how I feel about a lot of the “information” we are fed lately. Things start settling down and we all begin to see things more clearly and with reason, and suddenly the media returns to stir up panic, once again muddying the waters and creating a false fear.

This process brings new importance to the verse that says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10), doesn’t it?

I want to give you a moment to chew on what I’m trying to convey here…

During this crazy time, I have stepped back from all media presence. I have not listened to either side. I have done this intentionally. God told me to step back and guard myself and my children from the fear mongering, and as I’ve done so, I’ve noticed we have walked this out with far less fear than most. In fact, we’ve had a whole lot of joy through this season. We’ve reveled in our family time and used it to re-establish a healthy household rhythm. When I’ve felt anxiousness try to rise up, I have gone to the Word and also made sure I got some exercise, because in doing so my mind would always clear up and I would be ready to embrace the peace again.

I don’t need media to tell me anything. I need God.

Establishing this pattern in my life has made it much easier to discern the truth from the lies. I can feel when something comes in and tries to muddy the waters of my mind because I have experienced the clarity of peace. I have become so accustomed to peace that I immediately know when it gets disturbed, and I have trained myself to stop and reconnect when I feel that way.

Prayer Moment: Have the waters of your heart been muddied by all the fear? If so, it’s not too late to begin to establish a healthier rhythm. Maybe take a hiatus from the media and ask God to begin to tell you what you need to know. He always seems to find a way to inform me, I know He’ll do the same for you. Trust. This is what it’s all about. Do you trust God enough to turn away from the information of the world?

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heaven are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

 

 

 

 

I was spending time with God the other day when suddenly I saw Jesus. He was sitting next to a tree and He reached out His hand and picked a piece of fruit and held it. Then I heard Him say, “Don’t curse the fruit I give you.”

Let that sink in a little bit.

Immediately, I knew exactly what this meant for Chris and me. We are in a season of making hard choices, but we are following God’s lead and are 100% certain that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Obviously, this vision re-confirmed that fact.

The challenge has been to not complain or critique.

Let’s be honest, we all struggle with this. That’s why I decided to share this personal story with you today.

When I had that vision, I was reminded how crucial it is for us to be in a constant state of gratitude. I also knew the word was for more than just Chris’ current job situation.

We were being called to bless our work, home, marriage, children, finances, giftings, etc. Basically, we are not to speak ill of ourselves or anyone else. We were being called to not be grumblers, rather we are to rejoice in each day!

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.  Philippians 2:14-18

Prayer Moment: This is a lesson we all like to raise our children with, but let’s be honest, how good are you at not complaining about things? We all struggle with this sometimes, but we don’t have to settle into it as a habit. We can be better. It’s the little decisions each day that make the difference. When we wake up and intentional give thanks to God for the day and our jobs and families, it sets a tone for the day and can literally change the way you see those around you. What was once an inconvenience, can become a source of joy and fulfillment. I encourage you to take an honest assessment of yourself today, and if you discover you speak more negatively than positively, simply ask God to forgive you and make one or two deliberate decisions to begin to reshape your thoughts and words. I promise it’s worth it!

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

 

There have been so many times in my life that I’ve been afraid of being successful. You may be thinking, “What?! Why would anyone be afraid of that?” Well, there are a few reasons, but here are a few, first of all in the past I have fought this fear of having success one time and then not being able to maintain it. You know the saying, “She’s a one trick pony.”? I’m not sure where or when that lie rooted within me, but I would literally hear that saying in my head sometimes when I tasted a moment of success. Then instead of savoring the joy of success, I was stuck fighting off the insecurity of letting everyone down. That’s sad, I know. Sad or pathetic, I’m not sure which one.

The good news is, I’ve grown to a place where I no longer cower to that. When I hear that phrase in my head now, I just say, “Well, I may be but God’s not and He’s the One Who gave me the idea in the first place.” Like with these devotionals, when I did my first 365, I had moments early in the process when I would fear running out of things to say, but everything I write is inspired by Holy Spirit and over time I realized that I would never run out of content because Holy Spirit is infinite and this devotional writing endeavor was God’s idea in the first place. Since I live a life led by the Holy Spirit, I have a safety net in everything I do. I know I cannot fail. Even if I have a moment of let down, I know success will follow over time, because He never fails.

Second, I have battled a fear of others despising my success. I am so sensitive to other’s feelings and emotions, as a discerner, that at times it’s crippled my willingness to outshine others because I didn’t want them to feel bad. I now know how completely unhealthy that is, and I no longer feel this way, but in a moment of honesty I wanted to share this just in case someone else struggled with it too.

Now I know that my success will encourage others. I have found that people are always there to champion me. My husband is my first and foremost encourager. He is always behind the scenes, helping me filter through ideas and thoughts. He is a sounding board for all that I do. I also have one specific sister that listens and helps me process every plan or idea that I have. She is a natural encourager and since we are sisters, I feel freedom to tell her everything because she knows my heart better than most and she sees me through what she knows of my heart, not through suspicion. Which leads me to a final hindrance of mine when it comes to walking out success.

As a child I have very clear memories of my grandmother telling me you shouldn’t compliment people straight to their face because they could get the “big head”. This rooted a very damaging lie in my heart and mind for many years. Pulling that thing out has required a lot of prayer and releasing. I’ve done the severing of the lie and reinforcing of the truth, but if I’m honest (which I always try to be with you) I would tell you that to this day I still struggle with this one. I’ve become so afraid of arrogance that instead I will default to stepping aside for others. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m still learning and emerging, but now you know that in my head this is what I’m battling.

Prayer Moment: Take a moment today and ask God to show you if anything is standing between you and experiencing success in your life. It is a worthwhile exercise to make sure that you’ve done everything in your power to allow a steady flow of blessings into your life. He desires so much for you, don’t you want to taste and see His goodness? Take this time today to listen to Him and journal anything He says so you can return to it and monitor your deliverance from the lies. I love you and pray for a full measure of release over you today.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Co-inhabit: To inhabit together

Recently, I was thinking about all my dreams and callings and also about my husband’s dreams and callings, and I said to God, “I want us to both be able to walk out our individual dreams and callings at the same time. I don’t think one of us has to make all the sacrifice for the other, I believe You made us to walk successfully at the same time.”

While those words were coming off my tongue, I began to have a vision. I saw Chris and I walking side by side into the sun. The highlight of the vision was the way we were walking directly next to each other. I knew God was saying, He too had this desire for us.

I don’t know if you realize when we walk closely with God, His thoughts and plans for us become our hearts desires so when we pray things that we think are only from our own heart, we are actually praying for things He has placed there. Basically, we are praying for the plans He has for us. This is the beauty and freedom that comes with close relationship.

In the culture I grew up in it was most common for the wife to take a secondary role to the husband. I never observed women in my life pursuing their own dreams and callings, I only saw them supporting their husbands. While this is a noble thing, it only reveals a portion of what God had in mind.

I was designed to pioneer. I was created to worship and lead others in worship. God planned for me to pour my heart out in words for devotionals and books. I was made to be a wife and mother.

He created me for more than just to be a support for Chris’ dreams. He created us to support each other’s dreams.

We are stronger as a couple when we are both supporting each other. Chris loves me more when I am walking out my identity. He’s proud of me when I do, and it’s attractive to him. Likewise, nothing is more attractive to me than seeing him walk through life with purpose and identity. I’m drawn to that confidence he has. We are both pioneers in different ways, so we understand that about each other, that’s one reason God placed us together. We lean upon each other’s strengths.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

When we are walking together, with God in the center, we are that cord of three strands. We are stronger together.

Whether you’re married or not, this devotional is speaking to you. Single mom’s also need to walk out their dreams and callings, not just their children’s. You too become a guidepost for your kids future as they watch you walk in fullness.

Prayer Moment: No matter your situation, I encourage you today to find time to remember who and what you were created to become. If you don’t know, then ask God, or find a friend to pray with you as you seek God’s heart for your life. We need each other. God made us that way. I pray today will be a turning point in your life. Blessings over you and your household!

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the story of Joseph a lot. The Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers and was falsely accused and imprisoned, etc. but came out of all of that to be the second most powerful person around. It’s quite a story, and I’ve read it many times, but the reason I’ve thought about it so much lately is this, my husband has taken a job that we have no intention of making a career out of, but our family needs money to survive, and we are certain God provided this stream of income. Not only is this job not a “dream job”, but it’s requiring him to live eight hours away from us.

One day while we were talking on facetime, I was listening to him talk about all he’s doing there and after a week or two they put him in charge of ten guys, and I heard God say, “He’s like Joseph.”

It is true, he is. He came from less than desirable circumstances, but one consistent thing in his life has been that he walks as a man of honor, especially in his work, and he is always placed in a position of influence in his jobs. My son, Micah, put it this way, “Of course he’s in charge of some guys already, he’s a born leader mom.”

God has placed something inside of Chris that cannot be denied, even in the worst of situations.

I admit that he’s suffered from some of the negatives like Joseph did, with people on more than one occasion seeming hell bent on sabotaging him and he’s been taken advantage of more times than I can count, but he always comes out ahead. I count on that. He walks in a humility that I haven’t seen in any other person I’ve ever known. I’ve learned a lot from him over the years.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, the thing I want to highlight is that no matter where you are or what you are doing, your calling and who God created you to be cannot be denied. God will make a way. If you’re to be a leader, then God will make that happen for you. If you’re supposed to influence, then He will give that influence.

Two takeaways from this, we don’t have to make our own way, we only have to follow Him, and no matter where we find ourselves, God can use it to bring us one step closer to our destiny. Remember, God gave Joseph dreams. Joseph knew early on that he would be a powerful person and his family would bow to him. But look at the curvy path he took to get there. One thing I notice is this, he never tried to take matters into his own hands, he trusted God. Also, he simply continued to live with excellence no matter where he found himself, and as he lived as his authentic self, God made a way.

Prayer Moment: We can either let our circumstances define us or we can live as our authentic selves and allow God to make our way. Today, I challenge you to press into that thought. Who are you created to be? Once you know that, don’t push your way into it, simply agree with God, tell Him you are willing, and ask Him to make a way. There are so many things that God has said I am to do in my life, so many visions I’ve had of my future. But I know I will only be at rest and find success if I let Him make the way. I also know the only way to stay in the places He has promised me, is to let Him place me there. Will you trust Him with your future too?

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:5-8a

 

When we first moved into our Oklahoma home, I kept noticing this run down home with a lot of broken- down farm equipment, etc. and even a couple of train cars that were scattered across the property. We pass this property every time we drive out to our home, and quite honestly, it was an eye sore. The organizational part of me longed to go over there and begin to help the owner get it in order.

When I saw the owner at his mailbox one day, I realized he was pretty old and most likely unable to clean it up anymore. Then one day he was gone. I knew he had passed away because I began to see signs for an estate sale and many different family members frequenting the home.

It’s been several months now, and the family is still not done cleaning up and removing all the things this man had accumulated in his fields. After a time, I began to feel sad that the family now had a fulltime job of sorting through what the previous owner was unwilling to let go of during his lifetime.

If I’m being honest I would tell you that when I see things like that or an overly messy and hoarder-like home, I know the person has some internal pain that they have not dealt with yet.

This reminded me of the baggage we all must deal with in order to live a peaceful and free life with Jesus.

Throughout our lives, things happen to us. Some things are done to us and others are mistakes or bad decisions we make on our own. Regardless, if we don’t deal with these pains, we inevitably pass them along to our children, and the cycle can go on and on. Just like the physical way I was watching family members clean up that man’s property, we often are stuck dealing with generational sin or baggage from our parents or their parents. But there’s hope! No matter where it originated, it can end with you. This is a powerful and true statement.

Prayer Moment: During this time when we are having so much extra thought space, why not go to God and begin to sort out this generational stuff. Why not empty the baggage out of your life? Why not take this opportunity to allow God to sort the garbage from the treasure in your life? Right now, I am constantly feeling God re-shape my heart. On many different occasions He has stopped me while I’m doing something and said, “You’re just doing it that way to be busy. Stop. Breathe. Find your value in Me.” Still I am working out my value system with God. It’s a long process to undo years of thinking one thing or another. There’s an old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Some use this as an excuse not to change, but I would rather say, “He makes ALL things new.” and live in a world where I am always willing and able to be changed, and to be a person that people enjoy being around rather than one they have to adjust to being around. Wouldn’t you?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

 

Foundation: The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level. An underlying basis or principle. The action of establishing an institution or organization on a permanent basis, especially with an endowment.

We all must have a solid foundation. There is no question that if we are to grow in the Lord, then we require a firm foundation.

During this time when we have been forced to drastically change our lifestyles and many of us are remote schooling our kids, and all of us are being held hostage in one way or another to this “invisible threat” we must push into that foundation in order to survive.

My message today is mostly for those who are maybe discovering that their foundation isn’t all it needs to be. Friend, that’s ok, it’s not too late. If you’re realizing you have not yet invested enough in this pivotal piece, then now is an opportune time to start.

Take this time to begin to steep yourself in the Word of God. Open your Bible every single day and begin to knead the truth into your heart. Soon you will realize you’ve hidden within your heart the tools you need to walk out all circumstances. The Word of God is a constant source of strength to me. It’s also a constant reminder of what is true. I imagine you would agree with me that now, more than ever, we must be able to discern the truth from the lies. God’s Word will help you to do that.

Prayer Moment: I want to leave you with a foundational Psalm. Read it a few times over and let the words roll around your heart and see if you begin to find strength from them. God’s Word never becomes obsolete or irrelevant. It’s to be a light for our hearts as we navigate dark times.

I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the One Who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He Who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Any time I feel threatened or worried about health and well-being, I remind myself of these words for that Psalm, “The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.” I rest in this promise and walk out my life as if I truly believe those words. I will not fear because He has promised to protect me.

What promises do you feel are set within your heart? I would love to hear about them from you.

I know that we’ve been walking out some very challenging and never before imagined, life circumstances lately, but I implore you to hold onto hope.

God is our Hope. We are reminded of this repeatedly throughout scripture.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

(This list could go on and on)

We are also told of the dangers of letting our hope wane.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

We are also encouraged that hope is always worthwhile.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. Psalm 33:22

The bottom line is this, as believers, we have this hope. We have a hope that the unbeliever cannot understand. It separates us from the ways of the world, and hopefully makes them more curious about exactly Who this Jesus fellow is.

Hope.

In a world full of lost people fear is easy because they have never experienced true Hope. This is a great and powerful witnessing opportunity. By simply holding onto hope right now, we exercise a true freedom only found through the cross. What if this is the witnessing tool the world has been waiting to see. A church (you and me) who truly have a solid and unfailing Hope.

Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world.

Prayer Moment: No matter how you’ve been navigating life thus far, it’s never too late to begin again. To start living a hope-filled existence. There is a great opportunity to repent of hopelessness and to ask God to solidify the Hope of Jesus in your heart. Take a minute today and ask for true Hope to come bubbling up from within you! That’s the true secret, when Jesus lives within us we already have all the Hope we ever will need. Now it’s just a matter of tapping into it. Blessings to you! May your Hope burst forth!!