What Are You Afraid Of?

Posted by Christy

Seems that the theme message GOD is giving His people today is to be fearless. Serve Him fearlessly. Don’t let fear stop you, let it motivate you. Sometimes the thing you fear is the very thing GOD is calling you to do.

God does not give us the spirit of fear:

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you……..For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6, 7 NLT).

Fear is irrational. Fear steals your power. You do not think clearly when operating out of fear.

It is said that those who fear the darkness have no idea what light can do

I love this insert and action point by Adrian Rodgers:

What Are You Afraid Of?

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

In Matthew 25, we read the parable of the talents. When the master who had distributed the talents came to see the stewardship of those talents, one man had taken his talent and hidden it in the ground.

You may have a buried talent, but you’ve been covered up by the sinister minister of fear, who keeps you from achieving your dreams. You say, “But what if I fail?” You can be so afraid of making a mistake that your entire life will be a mistake. The fear of failure keeps so many from competing that they never even get in the race. They just lose by default!

ACTION POINT:
Sir Walter Scott was called a “dunce” by his teachers. Napoleon Bonaparte was next to last in his military class. Walt Disney was fired as a cartoonist because the newspaper said he couldn’t draw! It’s not bad to fail. We all will fail. But may God deliver you from the spirit of failure, which is a spirit of fear.

The thing GOD has called you to do is His. It’s His glory. His workings. His Kingdom. His. Not ours. He will equip you.

Feeling unqualified for what you know for sure He’s calling you to do? Great! His power works great in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). You are fearing failure because you’re working like it depends on you. Now, how about working like it depends on God? Remember GOD doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Listen, He will not call you to watch you fail because that would tell the world that He….the very God you’re working for…. is a failure. He’s not. And, neither are you. Have you messed up? We all have when we don’t walk in His wisdom. Ask His forgiveness, learn from it, and move on.

Everyone is dealing with something. It’s what they do with it that makes the difference in people

Feeling paralyzed by fear? Do it anyway. Do it afraid if you have to, just do it. There are so many leaders who have failed at something and been told lies about how worthless they are. Instead of letting that stop them, they allowed it to motivate them. You will regret it if you don’t. Regret causes bitterness, and we all know how ugly bitterness is.

Walk in His power. It’s all available and waiting for you. Fan those flames! Remember, the very thing you fear is often the very thing GOD is calling you to do.

Who Is This God, Anyway?

Posted by Christy

Yesterday we talked about being fearless. Immediately God took me to His Word and to a place in my heart asking Who is this God that you would serve Him fearlessly in this crazy life and in seemingly impossible circumstances? And, why??

Immediately He took me to Matthew 6:9; The Lord’s prayer. Specifically the first line: Our Father in heaven.

Who is your Daddy?

Because of Jesus, we come to God as our Father. A child, sitting on our Daddy’s knee chatting….and listening to His wisdom. Trusting in His care over us. We come to Him not as a fearful people to a tyrant lording over us. No, He’s kind. He’s gentle, yet sure and just. He’s your Daddy!

Some of you may have never had that feeling of being a Daddy’s girl. Never sat on your Daddy’s knee and felt that love, care, protection, strength, provision and wisdom. I’m sorry. I truly and deeply am. I know you have an idea or dream of who you wanted your Daddy to be, wished your Daddy to be.

I have some notes on Daddy. Notes on who He’s been to me, will always be to me, and most certainly wants to be for you. This list never ends, and is added to regularly. I’ll never be able to stop describing Him as He meets my every need, my every longing as I go through this life. Some of this list is from teaching notes, and all of it is true.

You are secure and taken care of because of Who you belong to. This is your Daddy. Follow Him fearlessly. Allow me to introduce you:

Your Daddy is…

the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End

Keeper of creation and Creator of all

Architect of the universe, Manager of all time

He always was, always is, always will be unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone

He was bruised, but brought healing

He was pierced, but eased pain

He was persecuted but brought freedom

He was dead and brings life

He has risen to bring power and was raised to bring peace.

The world can’t understand Him, armies can’t defeat Him, schools can’t explain Him, and leaders can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him, Nero couldn’t crush Him

He is Life, He is Love, He is Longevity, and He is the Lord

He is goodness and kindness and faithfulness and He is God

He is holy and righteous and powerful and pure

His ways are right, His Word eternal, His will unchanging, and His mind is consumed with US

He’s our Savior, our God, our peace, our comfort, our Lord, and He rules our lives

His bond is love, His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and His goal for us is abundant life

He’s the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the Ancient of Days, Ruler of rulers, the Leader of all leaders

His goal is a relationship with you and He will never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, never overlook you, and never cancel your appointment in His appointment book

When you fall, He will life you up

When you fail, He will forgive you

When you’re weak, He is strong

When you’re lost, He is your way

When you’re afraid, He is your courage

When you stumble, He will steady you

When you’re hurt, He’s going to heal you

When you’re broken, He will mend you

When you’re blind, He will lead you

When you’re hungry, He will feed you

When you face trials, He’s with you

When you face persecution, He shields you

When you face problems, He will comfort you

When you face loss, He will provide for you

When you face death, He will carry you Home to meet Him

He is everything for everybody everywhere every time and in every way.

He is your God, and THAT is Who you belong to

You see, with a Daddy like this, we can face anything, anytime fearlessly because we can trust Him. We. Can. Trust. Him. You are His creation. He’s invested and consumed with you. He can’t stop thinking of you, and doesn’t want to. He is the Supreme Ruler. Nothing can defeat Him. He’s your Protector. He never fails. He is madly in love with you. Madly. Crazy. Head over heals. Stalker type love….only not creepy. He is unstoppable and never gives up on you. Never. He is your Provider. When He calls you to a thing, He will carry you through it. He will equip you. He is powerful and majestic.

He’s your Daddy

You can do all things through Him who is your strength. In His strength, you are fearless.

Don’t Look At Scripture

Posted by Christy

Scripture gives perspective. The Word builds fruit in our lives. We sometimes look “at” scripture but not “through” scripture.

Go through your day by looking at it “through” the scriptures. Because He told you this morning in His Word that He loves you and goes before you, gives you wisdom, has good plans for you, you will respond to things rather than react to things. Live out your day on those promises fearlessly when things come your way, knowing that He meant what He said.

We can walk through things boldly and confident in Christ when we see every event, change, or situation through His promises.

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:2, 3

Satisfied

Posted by Christy

It’s going on 6:30am and I’ve been sitting for over an hour and half holding a sweet sick child as she struggles with a cold. She’s finally sleeping. Due to her severe neglect she has a lot of sensory processing disorder issues and developmental delays that GOD is healing. Amen! This causes some confusing feelings in her especially when she doesn’t feel well. She and I are very close and when anything goes on, happy or sad, she wants Mama! She and I spend a lot of time together. She trusts me. We have a kind of “short hand” between us. I know what she needs faster than anyone just by a look, or a sigh. I can read her quicker than she can read herself. I know her. I’ve spent a lot of time studying and listening to her. My voice brings her confidence when she is confused by the messages her little world is sending her. Just the sight if me makes her relax. She often says, “I need you, Mama.”

I am blessed.

As I studied and reflected this week on Psalm 63 and the deep satisfaction GOD brings into our lives….His love, mercy, faithfulness and provision moved me. As soon as David woke he was aware of his need, his deep thirst for GOD. Even more so than the need for a drink. David was in the wilderness and knew thirst.

Because he had spent time with GOD in his life before the wilderness came, he knew GOD. Really knew Him. Our GOD is faithful. He knew GOD could quench his thirst, satisfy his hunger, fulfill his every longing. And, when GOD satisfies it isn’t with a quick snack. No, it’s a satisfaction from rich, solid foods that fills you up full and gets you through this thing. GOD knows David better than David knows David; knows what he needs better than he does. He holds David steady no matter how shaky the ground feels beneath his feet. One glance in the eyes of Daddy relaxes David. David has strength and confidence in a mighty, loving GOD Who is passionate about him. Who pursues HIM. Who is consumed with HIS love for him.

GOD is that crazy about each one of us. As I sit here holding a sleeping child and know how deeply I love her. How much I gladly do for her. How I am passionate about the love I have for her; how much I want to fulfill every need, every hurt, every longing that she has, I am blessed and confident. Confident in knowing my GOD can and will do all of that and so much more than I can think of or imagine for each of us.

HE is here in each of our lives sweet sisters! THIS is our Daddy! HIS love is perfect and pure. HE knows us better than we know ourselves. And, HE is there. Right there in front of you. Behind you. Beside you. Rest in HIM. Drink HIM in. Dine with HIM. HIS love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on you.

Blessings and love to you all xoxo.

In His Peace,
Christy

*I’ve been away from you dear friends and I’ve missed you. I’ve been away writing. I’ve written over one hundred daily devotionals that I will begin to share with you here soon. GOD is GOOD!

I’ve also been busy helping and organizing our growing ministry. GOD has truly blessed and we know HE will bring more to us. Things have also been very busy at home. We have children moving into full time ministry across the world from us, and traveling around busy with ministry here, and training up our newly adopted little one in the way she should go so that when she too is older, she won’t depart from it (Proverbs 22:6) . When you give your kids to GOD HE says ok, and we submit!

Go All In {Bible Study: Living and Leading Like Jesus}

Posted by Christy

Read Luke 10:25-37

Focus: Luke 10: 27, 37

27) He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 37) The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus tole him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:27,37)

The ‘expert in the law’ was testing Jesus. He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. I had to giggle a little about Him quoting scripture to JESUS. Ha! He had no idea that he was talking to the Word made flesh and quoting the Word to the “Word”! Ha! The purpose of the law is not to save from sin, but to produce knowledge of sin…the function of the law is to show man what a guilty sinner we are. Jesus was trying to make a point with this man about following the letter of the law versus following the heart and Spirit of the law, but he didn’t get it. We know this by the way he says, ‘the one’ instead of saying the Samaritan. He knew the answer in his head but not in his heart.

Love God and Love people. That’s it.

Makes sense to me that these verses are in this order…. Love God with all of you and love His people. The closer we grow in our walk with God the more we can understand His love and be filled with love for others. All the more reason to be sure I am spending time with Him every day. Jesus is telling us to live as He lived and love as He loves. And, that is loving God supremely with the TOTAL person…go ALL in.…allowing nothing to come between us and God….and then go and love His people like THAT.

The question started out: Who is my neighbor? but it ended by posing the question: To whom do you prove yourself a neighbor? My neighbor is anyone of any race, creed or social background. The real test of love is action, not just profession. Loving God with all of me and see people as He sees them. ALL are worthy.

God wants us to understand that people are always more important than our schedules, our things, our money, and our time. Helping people means personal sacrifice, but that’s how we show God’s love to them. And we let God love them through us!

I love the picture of Christ here: The Samaritans were despised by the Jews because of their mixed Gentile blood. It was a despised and hated Samaritan that stopped to care for the Jew. Jesus came to this world, despised, rejected, and hated….for us. He saw us in our desperate need, had compassion on us. There is nothing….no debt of ours….that He leaves unpaid by the sacrifice…..payment for my soul….for all eternity. His blood paid my sin debt. Woo!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!! (also note that this is a picture of how Jesus extended His hand of love to His own people….the Jews….in spite of how they reject and despise Him)

Promises, Promises

Posted by Christy

I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set your foot, you will be on land I have given you’ Joshua 1:3 NLT

Joshua and the people of Israel had promises to go, measure out, and claim. This was a literal ground unoccupied for them. God’s grace had a plan to bless and prosper them. All they needed to do was walk it out in faith.

Friend, there are divine, new and precious promises waiting for you to claim. We serve a God who is alive and actively working and pursuing you. He’s absolutely crazy about you and wants to give you so much more of Himself. His love isn’t a selfish love, but a love that wants to give and give and give and give. And give. To you.

Step out and claim your ground in Christ. There is a magnificent territory to march through the length, and breadth of and lay hold of. There is a land of promises opened up to you, child of God. It is God’s will that we “measure it off” by the feet of obedient faith and claim it as our own! Take possession of the promises of God in the name of Christ!

All the promises of God are yes, in Christ Jesus

Miraculous Faith: Part 2

Posted by Christy

We often feel like we have nothing to offer, “Your servant has nothing there at all….except a little oil (2 Kings 4:2) ”

The widow’s little bit of oil was already dismissed as being useless for the cause. GOD took this little left over and rocked their world with it! He provision was both for today, AND it overflowed into the future. God wants to make a message out of our mess. That message? Nothing is impossible with God…absolutely NOTHING. His power is available for your life both today, and all you need in the future.

That’s how just God works. He takes what we, in our finite minds, consider useless and hopeless and uses it to radically change lives. In our weakness He is made strong. Feeling weak? Good! Feeling useless? Good! Really messed something up? Good! You’re ready to pray that seemingly impossible prayer. When is the last time you asked GOD for something only HE can do? That’s the kind of faith HE’s looking for. That’s the kind of GOD we serve…..that is miraculous faith. A faith that believes for a miracle.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20)

photo credit:Crosschurch TV

The Ultimate Sweet Spot: Friendship With God

Posted by Christy

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

David discovered a truth and shares it with us: if he finds his life’s delight in the Lord, all his desires are fulfilled. To delight in someone is to find joy in their presence, to welcome their unique qualities and to express pleasure in their company. When we make the Lord the object of our delight, spending time in His presence and reveling in His character, our deepest heart’s desires gradually align themselves with His own. Soon, what we want is what He wants—-and how delighted He is to honor our heart’s desire by keeping us in the center of His will…..and the center of God’s will is the ultimate sweet spot.

When we have a right-standing relationship with God we have a life of freedom, liberty, and delight….you are God’s will. And all your common sense decisions are actually His will for you, unless you sense a feeling of restraint brought on my a check in your spirit. You are then free to make decisions in the light of a perfect and delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decisions are wrong He will lovingly produce that sense of restraint. Once He does, you must stop immediately -Oswald Chambers

There’s nothing this world can offer that can beat what it feels like to be right in the middle of God’s presence. Moses knew that, and thats why he didn’t even want the promised land with all its glory if God wasn’t with Him.

There’s also nothing like the feeling of being out of His will for our lives. I’ve been at a place where I knew God didn’t want me to be. The spirit rose up in me and said, let’s get out of here. The worse part about hell is being completely away from God. Being away from God in this life is hell on earth.

Being with God is what allows us to escape the fiery furnaces of life without even the smell of smoke on our clothes! Being with God is where armies are defeated, lives are changed and victory is won…..even when it seems all is stacked against us. Being with God is where the anointed power of God rests. Being with God is indeed the ultimate sweet spot.

No Longer At Sin’s Beck And Call

Posted by Christy

……”This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:20

The New Testament of the Bible literally means “The New Covenant.” The word covenant means an arrangement made by one party, which another party involved could accept or reject but could not altar. We can accept or reject Jesus, but we can’t change or altar who He is, or what He accomplished. Religions try. People try. But it doesn’t change a thing.

The whole second half of the Bible teaches us about the new covenant given to us in Jesus. The Old Testament primarily records God’s dealings with Israel on the basis of the covenant given through Moses, while the New Testament describes the new arrangement of God with men through Christ on the basis of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant revealed the holiness of God in the righteous standard of the law and promised a coming Redeemer; the New Covenant shows the holiness of God in His righteous Son. The New Testament, then, contains those writings that reveal the content of this New Covenant

The message of the New Testament Centers on:

the Person who gave Himself for the remission of sins (Matt 26:28)

the people (the church) who have received His salvation

Thus the central theme of the New Testament is salvation. The Gospels introduce the Savior. The book called Acts describes the spread of the good news about His salvation. The letters (Romans-Jude) give details of the blessings of that salvation (and the practical application of Christian doctrine to life situations) , and Revelation describes the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ and His people in the future.

We are now under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ who brings us from glory to glory each day through His unwavering grace. We are a chosen people belonging to God who called us out of a darkness into His wonderful light. We must declare His praises! (see 1Peter2:9) We are no longer at sin’s every beck and call. We get included in Christ’s sin conquering death and we also get included in His life-saving resurrection.

When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him, but alive He brings God down to us

From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. Sin doesn’t get a vote. You are dead to sin and alive to God. THAT’s what Jesus did. See Romans 6:1-23 MSG.

What will you do then with this Jesus? Accept or reject Him?

Rich, poor, comfortable, uncomfortable, first world or third world this principle remains true: the presence of God comes to those who seek Him..

Posted by Christy

There is a woman in Haiti that goes outside her tent everyday, raises her hands in the air and praises God for everything she has. Out loud….in front of everyone. This dear woman only has about 5 things in her whole possession (AND lives in a tent!). 5. 5 things, yet she praises God with everything in her. All around her are people living just like her. Want to know her secret? Her security doesn’t lie with her circumstances, but on the promise and presence of God. She is passionate for His presence. Rich, poor, comfortable, uncomfortable, first world or third world this principle remains true: the presence of God comes to those who seek Him. I have way more than 5 things. You have way more than 5 things. We need to walk around everyday praising God. We need passion for His presence!

The Lord recently brought a sweet girl into our family. Her name is Bella. Although she has a lot of hurt, and a lot of pain in her young 6 years of life, we stand on the promises of Psalm 103 and see His healing, redeeming, crowning. Oh, the crowning of love and compassion. That brings tears to my eyes for her. Every single day I tell her she is loved, treasured, and wanted. He is faithful and He is healing her heart and her body and is redeeming her from where her circumstances could have taken her.

Want to get in the presence of God? Praise Him. Remember all that He has done, who He is, and what He will do. He forgives. He heals. He redeems. He crowns. He satisfies.

We have a compassionate, loving, gracious God who is crazy about us. We talk about the benefit packages we have with our jobs. The benefits of a child of God are listed here in this Psalm. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read David’s list and worship. God’s love is overwhelming, all consuming, and everlasting. He wants to overwhelm you now with His loving presence.

Go ahead…..walk outside your door, raise your hands in the air, close your eyes and praise Him with everything in you. People may say your crazy, but deep down they want to do it too 🙂

_______________________________________________________________________________
A Door To Hope ministries does a great work in Haiti. We are very impressed with them and encourage you to click the link and get involved.

The 7 Realities of Experiencing God

Posted by Christy

I LOVE this. Read it out loud with your name inserted. Believe and walk in it now.

The 7 Realities of Experiencing God via Blackaby

(Insert your name into the realities and journal this)

1. God is always working around (your name).
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with (your name) that is real and personal.
3. God invites (your name) to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks to (your name) through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the Church to reveal Himself, His purpose and His ways to (your name).
5. God’s invitation for (your name) to work with Him always leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
6. (your name) must make major adjustments in her life to join God in what he is doing.
7. (your name) will come to know God by experience as she obey’s Him, and He accomplishes His work through (your name).

2012: A Year Filled With Attitude

Posted by Christy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Can you believe that 2013 is here?! Wow! I have whiplash from 2012!

As God woke me this morning and took me to our scripture, I smiled. I smiled because of all this brought me through in the last year.

giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20)

Does this mean my 2012 was entirely filled with all positive things as I skipped and twirled through my days? No. Absolutely no.

And, yes. Always and in everything there is something to run to Daddy about. Keeping this practice keeps us communicating with Him….which is precisely where we should be.

A person that is filled with the Spirit is mindful of and grateful to the Source of all things good. And, when things aren’t so good we can thank the Source of strength that got us through.

Keeping my heart and mind in praise and thanksgiving keeps me on the right path….whatever the attitude I have that has me face to face with Him is ok. The point is the face to face part.

New Year’s Eve 2012 was spent gathering in my home filled with friends old and new celebrating, thanking God in prayer and praise for all the victories won. All of them. Everything. All things good, and all things that were for our good. 2012 started out in a very painful neck surgery that blessed me with time to be still, learning and growing closer to Jesus. Lost loved ones….some through death….some through betrayal and choices of their own. A drawing closer, skin-to-skin with God. A calling. Another calling. Another calling. Another calling. A child. That blessed child! New relationships. All life changing. All woven while sitting, serving, speaking, loving with my Jesus.

Whatever 2012 was for you…whatever 2013 will be for you….speak the name Jesus over it/ for it/ to it. There’s power in your words. Your tongue can have a Lazarus effect on your life.

Give thanks always, and for everything because we serve a God who does not sit high on a hill and bid us to climb out of the valley. No. He bungees down and carries us out. He doesn’t build a bridge and command us to cross it. No. He crosses the bridge and shoulders us over. Grace. This is the gift that God gives. A grace that changes us and leads us to a life that is eternally altered. A life that gives thanks always and for everything in that sweet, Holy name: Jesus.

No Matter How Crazy It Sounds, It’s Happening….

Posted by Christy

I woke up at 3:30 this morning….which is quite normal for me….and my first thoughts were about how crazy God is. Not crazy insane, but crazy fantastic. Crazy outrageous. Crazy about us. Crazy like a fox. Crazy impractical. Crazy excellent. Crazy unusual. Crazy ironic. Crazy excellent. Crazy wow, ridiculous and unusual!

My heart woke to Philippians 4:13 where it says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This means, no matter how crazy it sounds, if it’s His will, it’s happening! I think about all the crazy, fantastic things God has done in my life. What He’s doing right now. I used to say God rocks my world, but now I say, God flips me out and blows my mind!

God specializes in crazy things, doesn’t He? Outrageous, unusual, and miraculous things happen when He’s working. Dead rise! Seas part! Blind see! Deaf hear! Old women give birth to prophets! Men don’t die….EVER, but go straight to heaven! A man walks in water! 5,000 men….not including women and children….are fed with 5 laoves and 2 fish! 4,000 men….plus women and children….fed with 7 loaves and 2 fish! Fire comes down from heaven! The lame walk! Savior born of a virgin! He came and died so that we could live! He rose again and is alive right now! When I listed the first few things I had a period after each one, but they all deserve and exclamation point! These crazy things happening!

God loves doing the impossible, the crazy, and the out of the ordinary–the fact that He uses any of us might just be the craziest of all! He’s crazy about us!

Or….is it really crazy? Is it all unordinary because we measure the ordinary/unordinary by what we know to be ordinary? Are the workings of God unusual because of us, not because of Him? Not being used of God this way, or seeing God move this way, sadly, is normal for most. What if it was normal to be used of God this way? It is normal….for God! It’s perfectly normal for all these miracles to be happening. The heavenly hosts aren’t up there saying, Wow! That’s so cool! Didn’t expect that to happen! They expect what we call the unexpected. Elijah is a great example of a flipped out, mind blown life that was normal for him. When the fire from Heaven came down, He didn’t stop and say, ” WOW, that was so CRAZY!”

Elijah was bold, and He believed His God to do amazing things, and that was His normal. And believing, having, seeing God….and being used by God to….do the miraculous can be normal for us too

Every time I see God do the impossible, I fall more and more in love. Not because of what He does, but because of who He is. A God that is so crazy about us that He’ll part seas, raise the dead, walk on water, make the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, become a lowly baby, born of a virgin, in a lowly manger…..heal the sick…..raise your marriage from death to life…..bring your child home….deliver you from addictions……make sense of the senseless…..renew and use a prostitute for His Glory (there was a prostitute in the blood line of Jesus Himself! Don’t count yourself out sister, He loves you and will use you too! You’re not used up trash! You’re a BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS!!! Rise up and walk for your Prince has come to rescue you!)…..turn that hard heart into a soft, open heart…..come into your heart and save you to live all eternity with Him…..transform your LIFE to walk anew….cast out those strongholds….turn a worrier into a worshipper…..give peace to the panicked…..peace to the chaos…..a financial breakthrough…..a home to the homeless……be a Father to the fatherless…..turn that man’s heart back to you…..deliver a child to the barren…..give a new family to the orphan…..set the captive free…..set fire to the tongues…..give you a crazy love for Him and His people…..make a leader out of a follower…..place a fire in you that doesn’t go out….a boldness to walk wherever He leads, and say whatever He tells you to say, and do whatever He tells you to do…..Why? For you. For me. For love.

Why not let God use you? Let your new normal be a fantastic, crazy-to-this-world life watching…..expecting…..seeing God do the crazy, the unusual, and the miraculous! Let your new normal be a life being used by God in fantastic ways!

Is God doing a crazy thing in your life? Is God calling you to do crazy things for Him and His people? Of course He is! That’s God, and that’s perfectly normal for God 🙂

Joy To Your World

Posted by Christy

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

When the people heard God’s Law, they experienced deep sorrow. They had ignored and betrayed their sovereign and personal God. The very thought of their sin made them sob. Instead of patting them on the back and telling them how great it is to mourn their sin, they encourage the people to turn their mourning into a celebration. Once they understand God’s written message and accept His mercy, their joy overflows.

We need to do the same. Sinning is something to be sorry about (for real) and shed tears over because we have grieved our Daddy. I was a daddy’s girl growing up and nothing caught my heart quicker than grieving my dad. But we don’t have to stay there…..God’s mercy over us is something to shout about. Mercy is not giving us what we deserve. God had mercy on us and sent His Son to die so that instead of getting what we deserve, we get heaven…..we get forgiveness….a pardon….we get to dance and shout for joy instead of mourning. To skip Jesus means we are still lost in our sins. Don’t skip Him! He loved you enough to die for you! You are valuable to Him….that’s why He came!

Jerusalem’s wall was strong and restored and now the people needed to restore and strengthen their relationship with God. Nehemiah tells them that their delight in the Lord will be their inner fortification.

Need to mend the broken relationship between you and the Lord? Go ahead! He’s waiting. He’s not standing there with a pointed finger, waiting to say I told you so…..He’s standing there with a smile on His face, joy in His heart, and arms open wide for His prodigal child has come back. All of heaven is waiting too, with their party hats on and their noisemakers ready to scream and shout. You are valuable and dearly loved.

The people were no longer to focus on their inadequacies, mistakes or sins. As they repent and find their source of life and celebration in the Lord, their self preoccupation diminishes. They came out of their sin heavy funk and had a party! They experienced the truth of Nehemiah’s words: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

You’re forgiven child! When you bring that sin back up to the Lord, He’s going to say, “What sin?”. He’s not kidding when He says you’re forgiven. Don’t waddle in it anymore (and don’t do it anymore!)…..do a Jesus jig along with the rest of us because Jesus came and brought joy to your world! Ever see someone go through something so horrific with such strength? This is their secret….the joy of the Lord is their strength!

“Send some to those who have nothing”….. spread the news! There are others around you who need the joyous news right now. There’s plenty of joy to go around, share the good news!

Stay Close to the Light

Posted by Christy

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become children of the light.” When he has finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. (John 12:35-36)

Stay close and the darkness won’t overtake you…..

I remember that night so well. We could hear the tornado coming. The electricity was out and there we were in the dark.

Suddenly the house we knew was unknown. We had one tiny flashlight that barely lit our path in front of us. Kids were scared, and I was doing a good job at faking my calm. The already dim flashlight began flickering….darn, I forgot to replace the batteries…..and I wondered how long the light would be with us.

For a brief second, a child stepped away to grab something but quickly discovered that when he stepped away from Mom the darkness would overtake him. “Stay close and the darkness won’t overtake you”…..the child that was clinging tighter than my pj’s said: messaged received.

Jesus was teaching that He is the light. His crucifixion was near, and He was urging them to believe in and walk closely with Him while there was still time…..stay close to the light and the darkness won’t overtake you.

In our home we knew so well, we were constantly unsure of where we were as we inched along.

When there is absolute absence of light, even the familiar is unknown

When we believe and give our lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord, He (the Light) remains with us forever. Darkness will not overtake us. Like a light shining in a dark place, He points the way we should walk.

As Christ followers, we are to be Christ’s light bearers, letting His light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions? Walking in the Light isn’t simply about living a moral life; it’s a matter of following Christ, Who is the Light.

I’ve been to some pretty dark places in my life…..and in the lives of others. I’ve seen darkness overtake people: message received. I cling tightly to my Savior.

Jesus’ return is near. He is urging you to believe in Him, and give Him your life while there is still time. Walk in the Light and the darkness won’t overtake you.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light. (Ephesians 5:8)

God Sings and Shouts With Joy

Posted by Christy

When I think of the Lord God of the universe…..the Creator of EVERYTHING finding delight in me it seems so surreal. He has loved us so much and I am in awe that He sent His son to die for my sins….me personally an individually…..and you too….personally and individually.

The Lord Himself exults over us with gladness and sings, resting in quiet ecstasy over us in whom is all His delight. Wow. WOW! Do you feel worthy of that? I don’t! But, it’s true! This awesome and undeserved love stirs within my heart a need to rise up and praise Him.

The mighty God is with us…walks with us, speaks to us and quiets all the loud stirrings within us with His complete and perfect love. His patient, forgiving love. His peaceful love. His faithful, unending love. His joyous love. His kind love. His gentle love. Alllll of His love……. this awesome, huge love is given to you….brought and introduced first to this world in the form of a baby. Born to die…given to you. And all because he loves you!

God is with you, mighty to save. He sent His Son to die on the cross for your sins. Giving your life to Him quiets and brings rest to your soul. You’ll find confidence in your future for you know He is with you in this life, and in the life to come. He is victorious….therefore those who belong to Him are victorious. Giving your life to Him causes Him great rejoicing. Yes, rejoicing no matter what you’ve done, and who you are, and where you are….He rejoices over you. And you too rejoice with gladness for you know what He rescued you from and forgave you for

Giving ourselves to Him to love and care for us delights Him and causes Him to break out in a song and shout with joy (rejoicing!). This very day, as the great big mighty God of the universe thinks about us, He is glad, He is delighted, He loves us and it causes Him to sing.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)

It’s Simple

Posted by Christy

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

God’s laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced down to two simple principles:

Love God and love others

Love is the primary affection with which we are to relate to God–and do it with our total being…everything…..no holds barred….ALL……

……All is a keyword here. Life is so busy and sometimes we are partially focused on God. He wants all of us, not just our leftovers……

…….There are no “ors” in this, it’s all “ands”…..grouped together with no room for partial pieces. All always means all!

Love Him with all your heart (affections) and with all your soul (spirit) and with all your mind (intelligence) and with all your strength (will).

This Christmas season, give Him your heart and let your spirit dance a love song with Him. Allow Him to refresh and renew your mind into right thinking and focus on Him. Say to Him, not my will but Your will be done.

Making A List and Checking It Twice

Posted by Christy

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:7-8)

As much as I try or even want to love on my own strength, I cannot love well and completely unless I am connected to God. Believe me, I’ve done that, and it ain’t pretty.

When we first know Who God is and experience His love, grace, and forgiveness in our own lives, we are then filled up with a supernatural love that overflows to others…..even those who are hard to love.

It’s this same supernatural love that God pursues us with. His tender passion is not found in this world, oh, no. This world is full of fragile loves–love that abandons, love that fades, love that divorces, love that is self-seeking, self-pleasing, and plain out selfish….me, me, me, it’s all about me, and right now. This isn’t love….these are “feelings”. God is not that kind of love. Real love is like God who is holy, just, giving, kind, patient, seeking others needs first, never gives up, never looses faith, always hopeful, and endures forever.

He’s personal and intimate with us in our hearts, in our prayers, and in our lives. His love is everlasting.

Who Christ is and what He’s done should cause us to act. His generous love and compassion is not to stop with us. We should find ways to show compassion to those who are suffering (even if it is at their own hands) because Christ is compassionate towards us. (Believe me when I tell you that there are days when that alone keeps me going. I could start another blog on that alone….these aren’t empty words here). His love for me is my fuel and lights me up…keeps me fired me up and overflows to others.

“You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving….great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves and in spite of ourselves.” -Victor Hugo

Here’s your list….check it twice 😉:

Love for God can be seen only in love for other people. (4:11-13,16-21,5:2)

Love and fear are opposites. (v18)

Love is a gift, not a possession. (v10,13,19)

Confession of Christ and love of others cannot be separated (vv19-21)

God’s love is certain. Christ showed that on the cross. (4:10,14; 5:6)

Because He first loved us….

It Isn’t A Christmas Season For Me

Posted by Christy

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will rise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him. 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 15:12-13)

The believer’s hope comes through the Scriptures, which were written and inspired “by the power of the Holy Spirit”

God alone is our source for eternal hope, life, and salvation. True joy and peace come from God. We often try to find joy and peace through worldly things that fade away.

Our joy is directly proportional to the grace we have received–at least the perception of grace that we have received

Receive a small gift, and your joy might be minimal. Receive a large gift, and your joyous reaction is greater.

I just gave one of my daughters a cute note pad, and she had a big smile on her face and squeeled, “Thank you mommy!”. I gave my other daughter a car (very used) and she squealed, jumped up and down, cried and thanked me a million times. Receive a small gift, and your joy might be minimal. Receive a large gift, and your joyous reaction is greater. When I think on the grace, mercy, love, hope, joy, life, gifts and salvation God has given me I jump up and down too! My rejoicing is great and I start Jesus-jigging!

When Christ followers don’t have much joy in their lives, something is wrong. Spend time thinking on the things God has given you–rescued you from–brought you to–brought you through. We’ve all been through some “stuff” and God has brought us through them.

Just as when the disciples gathered up the remnants from the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 into the storm, take those blessings from your past into your right now and into your future.

True Christmas joy comes from rejoicing over the great big~bigger than life~gifts of grace.

Christmas isn’t a time or season, it’s a year round state of mind….a condition of the heart.

A Branch for Christmas: the richest gift of all

Posted by Christy

“The days are coming”, declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. “In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line”; he will do what is just and right in the land.

God’s grace-filled promise is paid in full in Jesus Christ- the Righteous Branch. He came with a journey of love to carry out and He did it, and did it well….righting wrongs, and bringing justice for all who receive Him.

Grace: giving us what we don’t deserve. I don’t know about you, but I certainly have done nothing to deserve this kind of love and sacrifice.

God’s promise is true for my salvation and also just as true for my daily life. In all things (all means all) God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8).

“In those days and at that time”….God knows what’s going on with you and me. Believe that God will swoop right in at the right time and work for your good. I ask again, do you really think God would love us enough to send His Son to die for us, and not care for us in our daily life? What would be the point? What about that would make us eager to serve Him? No, He’s all about the details of our lives. We just over look Him and aren’t listening for His voice.

There’s a power of God that you and I can’t even imagine, and that power is at work in us, for us and through us

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior…..a King born to die….let’s remember that His love for us is consuming, overwhelming, never ending, awesome, and huge. He brought salvation to us, and He also brought an invitation….a front row seat to allow Him to work in us, for us and through us in such powerful ways.

What a mighty and loving God we serve!

Thank You, Lord for our Christmas Branch….a Branch for Christmas is the richest gift of all!

Walk in loving power, and at the edge of your seats with the King.

The Guiding Light, As The World Turns: Before The Beginning Began

Posted by Christy

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

Before the beginning began the Word….Jesus…was with God.

Jesus wasn’t created; He has always existed. The Word was with God and is the second Person of the Trinity, the Divine Revelation, the expression of God, God with skin on, the visible manifestation of God.

The Word was with God, yet willingly gave that up to become like man, born to die, humbly obedient even to the point of death on the cross for you and me. Therein lies hope.

He is God’s Word to us and in Him there is life, salvation and deliverance.

His life is the light of men; guiding and directing our paths, removing darkness and keeping us from stumbling around in it. Without Him we would be lost.

He is the real Guiding Light as the world turns, and the only one I want to watch and imitate in my own life!

…..are each valuable and unique, and alive in Christ.

As children of the light…..

…..our lives, attitudes, and decisions reflect Christ to the world.

(Image by Soy Negrense)

When Division = Multiplication

Posted by Christy

“Bring them here to me,” (Matthew 14:18)

I love this story in Matthew 14:14-21. Jesus had spent hours teaching and ministering to the people. It was around 3:00 pm and well passed lunch time. The disciples were concerned that they were out in a remote place with nowhere for the people to go and get food. The Bible says 5,000 men. Traditional calculations say around 15,000 when you include women and children (How would you like that kind of crowd popping in unannounced this Thanksgiving?).

The people just couldn’t leave. They were surely hungry, but it was another kind of appetite they needed satisfied.

The disciples saw things as getting desperate and were worried about the outcome. Jesus said, “they don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

God wants to do the supernatural, and He wants us believe for it too

They were still thinking too small…..all we have are these five loaves of bread, and two measly fish.

We do that too!

Daddy says, I’m here….cast your cares on Me….I go before you…..I go behind you….no weapon formed against you will prosper….I have plans to prosper you…..I give you the Comforter….I give you my Son….you’re in the palm of my hand….I divide the seas…..I raise people from the dead….bring fire from heaven……create something out of nothing….and I’ve got this too

Sometimes things seem impossible. We’ve tried in our own strength and we’re still not seeing the big picture.

Daddy says, “Bring them to me.”

When a child has a broken toy, and tinkers away for a while trying to fix it, Daddy says, “Bring that to me.” What the child has put so much effort into attempting to do seems so effortless now as Daddy fixes it with ease.

Jesus says, “Bring them here to me”

“Them”

those issues
that mess…
your brokenness…
that marriage…
that potential man/woman…or lack thereof…
that job…or lack thereof…
your family…
that past…
that child that has stepped away from the church…
that situation you just can’t seem to forgive…
that situation you just can’t seem to get forgiveness for…
all…..them ALL
Bring them all to Him

And don’t hesitate at the multiple problems….”them” is plural….take it ALL

Jesus told them to sit down. Bring them to me and sit down—-I’ve got this…..sit down and rest while I do my thing.

Then…..and don’t miss this….Jesus broke the bread, and then it multiplied!

Did you catch it? Multiplication happens out of brokenness!

It’s when that thing breaks me–when I let it go–take it to Him–and sit it out–and let Him work–that His blessing multiplies

Whatever measly things we have….whatever seems hopeless, or too big…..take it to your Daddy first. He’s reaching for you and asking you to Bring them to Him. Obey. Take it to Him and sit down and watch Him do His thing.

Happy Thanksgiving from all the gang here! We love you all and pray abundant blessings for you, your family, your calling, your church, your work. This office will be closed through Monday. Give everyone great big hugs as you celebrate and enjoy Thanksgiving together.

Walk closely with the King!
Love,
Christy

Full Tank: He Holds No Good Thing

Posted by Christy

This is our “Thank Tank”

It’s a wonderful container that I got as a gift and turned into a thank tank years ago when my children, who are now 23 (next week) and 18, were very young. The card I placed in the top says,

“Thank Tank”
That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever (Psalm 30:12)

And this poem:
Consider what the Lord has done for you and those you love; then give Him thanks with hearts of praise for blessings from above

It’s been filled with lots and lots of notes. Personal ones that are only for God. These notes are written by my family and countless other people who have been in our home over the years. Small groups. Teenagers spending the weekend for a youth group function. Traveling choirs filled with strangers that come and fill my home to the brim. Grown ups as we talk and praise God for His goodness.

So many memories of year round teaching groups of girls, and guys and seeing them grab the empty pages and write their hearts on them

This tank is full of thanks to Him for blessings passed, and blessings coming. Hopes confirmed by seeing His hand, and hopes confirmed by the promise of His hand.

This year finds me in the same place. I look back over the years and see His victorious hand through many, many, MANY hard things. The joy in the many, many, MANY wonderful things. And just like in Matthew 14:20, when the disciples took the remnants of the blessed miracle of feeding the 5,000 men into their future, I take mine and give thanks for all He has done, is doing, and will do.

God is the same God that has done all He’s done. God is the same God that is doing all He is doing. God is the same God that will do all He’s going to do. His hands are capable. I trust His hands. No matter what, He knows me better than I know myself and His bountiful love will always fill my life full and over flowing into my future too. He loves us and holds no good thing from His children.

That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever (Psalm 30:12)

Forever

How Do You Live Out Your Love For God?

Posted by Christy

I read this story online somewhere(?) and wrote it down:

A tired father came home from work, grabbed his newspaper, and settled into his favorite chair with a sigh of relief. All he wanted was a little peace and quiet. All that his young son wanted was his daddy. The little boy raced into the room and asked, “Dad, can I get you something to drink?” The man lowered his newspaper, smiled and replied, “No, thanks. I’m not thirsty. I just want to read the paper.” He then raised his newspaper and resumed reading. The little boy thought for a moment and then said a little louder, “Dad, can I get you something to eat?” The slightly exasperated father lowered his paper and said, “No son, I just want to read the paper!” As the father resumed his reading, the little boy tried again. “Dad, can I get you……..” but before the little boy could finish his question, the now irritated father lowered his paper and demanded, “What is it that you want son?” The little boy sighed and gazed into his father’s eyes as he explained,

“I don’t want anything, Dad.”

“I just love you so much that I have to do something about it.”

How do you live out your love for God?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Deut 6:5)

Jesus: All Access Pass

Posted by Christy

In Matthew 6:5-15 Jesus is teaching us about prayer.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:9-13)

The Lord’s prayer is a model for our prayers. There’s no “formula” to it, no ritual or secret way to better channel the strongest waves of communication to or from God. We have all access to Him.

The Message version puts it this way:

The world is full of so called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best–as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. You’re in charge! Yes. Yes. Yes.

God loves us, and has done all He’s done for a relationship with us. Talk to Him. That’s the point, talk to Him. Communication draws us into more knowledge of, and closer to the people around us. If we want to know more about this mighty God, we need to get to know Him. To get to know Him is to talk with Him. To talk with Him is to get to know Him. A conversation. Just start talking.

God + Nothing = Everything

Posted by Christy

I love the feeling I get when I see a box of things from our past. I smile just walking in the direction of the box. Opening them and talking about what each thing represents. The laughter, and love that flow as we remember. Things my kids made, holiday decorations, funny and sweet notes my children wrote, things sweet friends gave me, mementos of my Dad and other loved ones no longer with us. We’re all transported back. It’s cozy there in the kisses from our Heavenly Father.

What a blessing it is to cuddle with each kiss! It’s like getting blessed all over again. Passing to the next generation the moments of joy we have in raising our children, growing and loving in marriage, the awe, fear, wonder, and victories in God. I was talking with a friend the other day who said we don’t remember days, we remember moments. I agree.

I give thanks for remembering. For the remembering brings joy. Joy in giving God the glory and thanks in a life lived well. I add quickly not a life lived perfectly, but with honest passion, desire, love and compassion authored by God Himself. A passionate desire to follow, glorify and honor God. This story of love is authored by Him. A life together made on our own would not have been so great. In our own weak attempts we fail. For we are nothing and have nothing without Him

For you see, God + nothing = everything

Mighty To Save: Unleashed

Posted by Christy

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17a)

My family had a Jack Russell named Eddy. He was such an interesting dog. He traveled with us leading worship and speaking so much that whenever he saw that big white trailer being loaded with instruments, he’d go ahead and jump in the truck ready to go on the road. He loved the youth groups. And they loved him so much that they would have me sign his name along with my name when giving autographs!

Before we could start taking him on the road with us, we had to get him trained to walk with a leash. Training went smoothly. One day we noticed that he had gotten so used to the lifestyle of walking with the leash on, that even when he didn’t have it on he would follow closely and never leave our side. It was hilarious how he would move along with every move we made when he didn’t need to.

Because he assumed he was leashed, he was acting as though he was caught and couldn’t move in the freedom he had

The enemy tries that with us. He gives the allusion that we’re caught with no way out. Like Eddy, we get used to the lies and the lifestyle and walk like leashed dogs…..following his movement.

Turn to him in all the authority the name Jesus stands on and declare NO MORE!

Jesus came and paid the price and broke those chains!

Victory and freedom are yours

He is with you

HE is mighty

HE is mighty to save

All-out Control Freak: There’s Treasure In Letting Go

Posted by Christy

This is a picture I found somewhere on the Internet at some point. I don’t remember where or I would give credit to the author. That isn’t a picture of me, but I have a lot of hair…maybe not as out of control as hers….and I can relate. It’s a big picture because I think ~~sometimes~~….~~a lot of the time~~….ok….all of the time, we need a BIG reminder about control.

My husband likes it when I wear my hair up. At any given day, it takes AT LEAST this many barrettes to keep it tucked in, up, down, and over or whatever:

Sometimes I even use more!

As leaders and decision makers of our home, and in our workplace, we have a lot to be in charge of as women and men. But sometimes our strength of being conscientious can morph into the weakness of being slight–or all out–control freaks!

I think this stems from that age old fear of the dark. The unknown lurking in the shadows. Outright fear.

We’ve been hurt before by things out of our control, so controlling what we can feels powerful.

Today I was reminded of a verse that I had marked very well in my Bible and had notes on.

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3)

“Wow! The truth of this verse rocks my world. Don’t miss it!”

“God has gone before us and buried a treasure in every problem and stored rich truths in every minute of darkness we will face. The only way we can discover that treasure is to embrace it as an opportunity to trust God and uncover a new seed of victory. Some things cannot be learned in the light–they are treasures of the darkness” –GiG

I challenge you today to let go and let God have His way with you, and that situation. There’s a treasure waiting for us there in the unknown.

Christy Rawls :: Encouraging, Equipping, Empowering Others

Jesus Follower, Wife, Mom, E3 Ministries Director, Non-Profit Director, Teacher, Speaker, Encourager

GOD

What Are You Afraid Of?

Who Is This God, Anyway?

Don’t Look At Scripture

Satisfied

Go All In {Bible Study: Living and Leading Like Jesus}

Promises, Promises

Miraculous Faith: Part 2

The Ultimate Sweet Spot: Friendship With God

No Longer At Sin’s Beck And Call

Rich, poor, comfortable, uncomfortable, first world or third world this principle remains true: the presence of God comes to those who seek Him..

The 7 Realities of Experiencing God

2012: A Year Filled With Attitude

No Matter How Crazy It Sounds, It’s Happening….

Joy To Your World

Stay Close to the Light

God Sings and Shouts With Joy

It’s Simple

Making A List and Checking It Twice

It Isn’t A Christmas Season For Me

A Branch for Christmas: the richest gift of all

The Guiding Light, As The World Turns: Before The Beginning Began

When Division = Multiplication

Full Tank: He Holds No Good Thing

How Do You Live Out Your Love For God?

Jesus: All Access Pass

God + Nothing = Everything

Mighty To Save: Unleashed

All-out Control Freak: There’s Treasure In Letting Go

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