Author: Bybrendat

A Personal Conversation About Purpose…

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Writer’s Note: My brother, Gary, passed away this week and after writing his eulogy, I have had little emotional energy to write anything else. So, today, I post something from my personal Dear God Journals. It’s a personal conversation on purpose, a dialog, if you will, between me and Thee. May we all find peace and purpose today and in the coming days. Amen and Ehmen.

Today, while looking for the scripture that said “Praise God from who all blessings dear godflow,” I realized that, while based on biblical truths, it is not a verbatim scripture from the Bible at all; but is instead from a song written in 1551. Then, I realized that God did not stop when he completed the 1,189 chapters, 31,173 verses, or 807,361 words in …the Bible.  Nor did He stop with the parables of the Gospels or when He inspired that old gospel hymn. God still, today, has things to say and as long as we keep our eyes, ears and hearts tuned to Him, we will still see His words and teachings all around us; a continuous flow of comfort, restoration and salvation for those yet wandering in the desert on the fringe of the Promised Land.

From there, my mind wandered to purpose. Probably because that is the topic of study coming up at my church and is something that has been pounding me personally over the head for the past several weeks. I began to ponder how God hasn’t stopped utilizing plain ol’ everyday sinners for His purposes and that I, like all of us, have been purposed and given the gifts to fulfill that purpose. About three years ago, when God opened my eyes to my own purpose., it was like seeing Jesus standing on the water, calling to me, my purpose in His hand. But, while relieved to finally know what my purpose was, I must admit that I did not fully embrace it and have allowed fear and life’s everyday obstacles to get in the way. It has been an on-again, off-again affair, to say the least.

I desperately want to be like Peter who trusts Him enough to step out of the boat. Sure, Peter sank, but I know in my heart of hearts that just proves that it’s ok to be human and that God’s grace and hand will always be there to save us. Not being able to do something on our own does not make us a failure at all, but instead it is this realization through which we gain eternal life. Truly, we have nothing to lose, but everything to gain by keeping our eyes locked on Jesus and for repeatedly stepping out of that boat, our purpose in hand.

And, just as I punctuated that last thought, I heard that small, still voice whispering softly to my spirit:

“Don’t you get it, My child? You know in  your heart that I want you to write; that is My purpose for you. Need an aha moment? Here it is. That poor memory I gave you was never intended as an obstacle. Instead it has taught you the habit of writing things down; things that were not meant just for you. Keep writing, my child. Words are powerful. I used them to create the world and I still use them to reach my many lost and wandering children who, like you, tend to forget that I am here to save them. You, My daughter, are like a pen through which My ink wants to flow. As long as you allow Me to be the one that clicks the button that locks the ink reservoir in place, My everlasting ink will flow through you so that you can do your part to fulfill My purposes. Keep writing, my child, and leave the rest to Me.”

Enough said. Thank you for choosing me, Lord. Please help me to be one of the most used, most reliable pens in your arsenal.  Forever and ever. Amen and Ehmen,

Good Family Genes…

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From my personal God Journals…

Hey, God!

It’s me again. I only have about 30 minutes right now, but I cannot think of any better dear godway to spend them than with you, right here, right now. I love that you have given me the gift of writing as it is so exhilarating to record our precious time together. I learn so much when I reread the entries and I suspect that others will as well. I am just honored that you allow me to do this; to have this assignment. May every word I write and share give you and only you glory. Help me to keep my pride in check, Lord. You know the flesh can easily become boastful, but my heart wants to remain humble in you. There is a fine line between being happy that people are gathering and harvesting good crops from the words I write and taking all the credit. Please, please help me always give you the credit and the glory and help me to always, always remember that it is not a matter of talent, but a matter of obedience. I want to be obedient, Lord. Help me. I love you, forever and ever. Amen and Ehmen.

Dear Child of Mine,

You do make me proud. Your heart is in the right place and I am so very proud of you. I made you in my image and you are looking more and more like me every single day. We have good family genes, child. Even though the world exists now in a fallen state and even though Adam and Eve introduced sin into the human race when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge, it is I that knits together your D.N.A. It is My Holy Spirit that provides you with the refreshing, reviving Breath of Life. You are programmed to seek Me and it is I and only I that will complete you. It pleases me so that you are understanding this and, just as I have promised, as long as you seek Me, I promise you will find Me. As long as you seek wisdom, it is yours. I promised it to you and I delight in fulfilling My promises. Every single one of them. I have never broke a promise, child. And I never will. I am still fulfilling the promises I made Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and will do so until all of my children have walked through the gates of heaven and into my arms. Child, you can count on me. Don’t ever forget this. You may never find anyone of this earth that you feel you can trust completely, but that is ok, because you have me and I will never leave nor forsake you. Rest in that fact, my child. The promise and peace of heaven goes with you wherever you go.

Oh, sweet Jesus, the peace of the Father just rained down upon me. From head to toe, I can feel the promise and peace of heaven coursing through my veins. I love you, Lord. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. In Your Holy Name I Pray. Amen and Ehmen.

And the Word of God Says…

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Psalm 105: 4-8 4 Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help. 5 Remember the miracles he has done; remember his wonders and his decisions. 6 You are descendants of his servant Abraham, the children of Jacob, his chosen people. 7 He is the Lord our God. His laws are for all the world. 8 He will keep his agreement forever; He will keep his promises always.”

Live In the Present Tense …

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Bybrendat's avatarAmen and Ehmen!

Writer’s Note:Two things you might notice in my devotional today: The use of the word “ponderment” and the lack of a capital letter on “satan.” Both are intentional. Ponderment is a word (or non-word, as the case may be) I like to use to describe those special times that I spend pondering during my morning God-time. I guess you could say it’s a cross between wonderment and ponder, because I always wind up being amazed when reflecting and communing with my Lord and Savior. And, as for satan, I have tried not to use a capital S on his name since a dear friend of mine told me years ago that she doesn’t feel the little poop deserves the respect that a capital letter denotes. I loved that and whole-heartedly agree! Have a great day, y’all! (P.S. Denny, I did use a capital letter in the one instant that I started a sentence with satan’s name. The grammar freak in…

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Cutting Through The Weeds of Life

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lawnmower

It’s not just a lawnmower. It has a name and that name is…

The other day, a friend was telling me that he gets his inspiration while riding his motorcycle to which I quickly quipped that I got mine on my riding lawnmower. And while I said it jokingly, it’s really very true. Indeed, sometimes God speaks to us in the strangest places—and, for me, it is quite often over the roaring of a lawnmower engine. Perhaps He finds that it is easier for him to “cut” to the chase as the rapid revolutions of the engine and blades drown out all the other noise of my world and I become more focused on Him and His creation. It really is a special time during which, over the years, I have received a lot of great insight.

This past weekend, for example, as I carefully and—I like to think skillfully—maneuvered my fire-engine red Craftsman mower with shiny chrome wheel covers tightly alongside the landscape timbers that separate the grass from my flowerbeds, I felt him nudging me to take a closer look inside the beds. Much to my dismay, what I saw was more weeds than flowers. It is then that I heard these words in my heart; words that flowed melodically and in perfect harmony with what was now just a backup hum from the mower.

flower

Your Heart is like the flowers

The most fruitful of seeds

It will die if not tended

Choked out by weeds.

Stopping the engine, I immediately hopped off the mower and started tending that flower bed. I pulled, plucked and tugged every weed. And, with each weed I pulled, it was if God breathed new nuggets of wisdom into my soul. He explained that the enemy has one play in his playbook—to plant weeds anywhere He Himself has planted seeds. In the case of our own hearts, the weeds represent things like sorrow, regret and shame. The evil one knows all too well that if he can keep us focused on the weeds, he can keep us from growing into the creations that God intended.

But, oh no, you devilish one, you are quite mistaken. God is the gardener of my life. And where you sow a crop of weeds, God is always standing by to pull, tug and pluck every single one. In fact, Matthew 15:13 promises us that “every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.’”

Indeed, as children of God, we should forgive ourselves and each other, just as God forgave us through His son, Jesus Christ. By forgiving, we pluck the weeds of sorrow, regret and shame and free ourselves to give love to and receive love from God and others, just as we are commanded in Matthew 22:37-39:

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

By forgiving, we free ourselves to be more fruitful—to grow more and more into His image, the image in which we were created in the first place.

Ah, sweet Jesus, I have held this teaching close all week and, today, as I prepared to do my weekly mowing once again, I noticed those flowers and plants which I tended last week have bounced right back and are full of life. My heart is feeling pretty full of life, too. Thank You for loving me; for never giving up on me; for forgiving me through your Son and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and for always being willing to tend the garden of my heart. Please help me to do my part so that I can produce fruit that will make You proud. Now, I’m off to hop on the lawnmower. You know, I’ve been thinking. Perhaps, I will give the ol’ Craftsman a name. Harley. That way I can tell my motorcycle friends that I, too, find my inspiration when riding my Harley! 🙂 Amen and Ehmen!

Have a blessed, weed-free day, y’all!

Please let it be so…

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This is a short excerpt from a conversation with a dear friend who was going through a difficult time and seemed to be struggling a bit spiritually. About the same time, I was being nudged, sometimes not so gently, out of my comfort zone as I  began to see the fullness and the cruciality of the purposes and plans God has laid out for me. Stumbling upon the words tonight, it reignited something deep inside of me and I felt compelled to share it. It is in its original non-edited state, spoken from the heart, and shared tonight just because I’m learning not to question…

“You are still living much of your life based on feelings and emotions….flesh….as do many of us…..you still don’t trust God…at least not completely. You are still a little upset with Him….or maybe I should say disappointed by Him….We are both still trying to live in the Spirit, but to do so by dictating the parameters….by what we want, instead of what He wants.

It has really shook me to my core….knowing that God has this beautiful calling on my life….this mantle of spiritual leadership….and that I keep walking away out of fear and doubt,

THAT is what I want to fall in love with….overcoming fear and doubt and stepping into everything that He has for me. For there….in that place….I know that I know fear and sadness will be replaced with joy, and loneliness with the fullness of life.

I want to please Him. I don’t want to fear anything but Him.

I want to serve Him. To Glorify Him.

Please let it be so. Amen and Ehmen…

The Sweetest Voice

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God talks to us in the stillness of the night.nature shot at stone mountain

When all is quiet in the world and nothing remains but the rhythmic beating of our hearts and the steady, calm sound of our breath.

If you can just learn to listen; to take pause and really listen, you will hear the sweet, sweet voice of God.

God also talks to us in the midst of our busy lives.

When the world is crazy; everything around us in a whirlwind; beeping horns; people talking and pressing engagements.

If you can just learn to listen; to take pause for even a moment and really listen, you will hear the sweet, sweet voice of God.

Oh, how I have always longed for those moments and am thrilled to finally realize that those moments can be anytime, anywhere. My how much better life is and how much clearer my path now that I am finally leaning to listen with my heart; now that I am finally hearing the sweet, sweet voice of God.

I pray you can hear Him, too. Amen and Ehmen!

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,

and they follow me.

John 10:27

 

Same God, Same Plan…

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Writer's Note: Another page from my personal "Dear God" Journals. Though this was from a few months ago, the lessons learned will last a lifetime...and beyond. Here's praying that we all spend more "Me and Thee" time. You don't have to spend hours. This exchange took about 20 minutes. :)

April 2, 2015 6:27 a.m.

Good morning, Father.

I was just re-reading what we talked about yesterday. Thank you for teaching me from your word. I dear godcouldn’t stop thinking about the fig tree yesterday and listened to three sermons on it. The really cool thing is that the information I got there simply added detail to what you told me. Oh, how I love these times together and learning directly from the teacher. Please continue to teach me and please let me say tuned to You so that it is Your voice and Your voice alone that I am hearing and so that I can discern right teaching. And thank you especially for the one preacher I listened to yesterday afternoon that gave facts on the fig tree as fig trees are not part of my everyday life. Just to recap so that I can remember: fig trees grow really tall, as tall as 50 feet; they grow even wider; they have many leaves and make great shade trees, providing protection from the elements; they were very common in Israel and Palestine; and, though, it was not the “season” for figs, there should have been evidence of the fruit to come on the tree in March when this occurred. What Mark meant by “not the season” was that the fruit did not ripen for harvest until around June. The tree represented Israel, just as you said, and it is still a symbol that applies to us all today. Lord, I pray with all that I am, do not let me become like that fig tree, looking the part on the outside, but bearing no fruit. To be dried up from the roots means that the tree is no longer drawing life from the Father. Lord, please help me to always stay rooted in you and connected to you. I need you today and every day and will re-commit my life to your plan and purpose every single day that I am allowed to wake up. What do you have for me today? I love you, sweet Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen and Ehmen.

“Oh dear, dear child, I am so proud of your commitment to My will and purpose, and, as long as you stay committed to that, and keep living in relationship with me, you will never have to worry about disappointing me. The roots will grow deeper and you will grow more and more beautiful and fruitful. Will there be others who still stand by the wayside and look like that Fig Tree that is no more? Yes. But, together, you and I will warn those who are going in that direction so that they, too, may “turn a new leaf” before it’s too late. Child, there will always be some that have hardened their hearts, but that day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that I am the Lord. I am the only One that ever was and that ever will be. I am the same One that Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David and Jesus prayed to. Yes, child, you pray to the same God! And, you serve the same God. You are a part of the same plan that was put into play before the dawn of creation. My plan hasn’t changed just because the world has changed. It remains and will remain even after the end of time. It IS just like I AM. Yes, there will come a day when the world as it is will pass away and those who know the world and things of the world only will pass away with it. But, those, like you, who know Me will live forever by my side in glorious eternity. I love you, child…with all My heart….and I AM the Lord, Your God.”

Whether we realize it or not, He is ALWAYS there…

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Thurimagesday morning as I was getting ready for work, God began whispering in my ear. While it may not have been audible, it was undeniable nonetheless. He spoke gently and lovingly in that still small voice that I have come to not only recognize, but absolutely covet.

The difference in this and most other occasions where I have heard from God, was that, on this day, I wasn’t purposefully praying or listening for Him. I was just getting ready for my day. I’m sure I was thinking, but I’m not sure what. The truth is I’ve had a lot of things on my mind lately and, while I haven’t really kept it from Him, I suppose I’ve let it keep me from Him somewhat as I spent more and more time pondering and wondering instead of praying and trusting. I guess it was time for an intervention—one of those times promised in the Word of God when the Spirit intercedes and lets the Father know what we need.

So, as I stood in my bathroom, drying off from my shower, I started hearing His whisper. The following is a synopsis of what I heard. And it was definitely something I needed.

“It’s not about speed, it is about endurance. It’s not about talent or works, it’s about obedience. It’s not about you. It’s about Me. And it’s not about pleasure. It’s about MY purpose and the utter joy and peace that comes with a purpose fulfilled…with ME and for Me. If it’s in My Will, it is what is best for you. You may not be perfect, but My will for you is perfect. Trust in this. You don’t have to figure anything out for yourself and I will never leave or forsake you. Lean on Me. Trust in Me. Rest in Me. Breathe in Me.”

Oh, Abba, why do we so often forget how much You love us and just how close You are at all times? Whether we are paying attention or not, You always know just what we need and exactly when we need it. I’m just so thankful that even when my human nature lets me get wrapped up in my problems and worries that You are always willing to gently draw me back. You never get mad at me. You just comes closer and shower me with even more love. I don’t deserve You, but I am eternally thankful that You think otherwise. Thank you, Abba, from the bottom of my heart. Amen and Ehmen.

And the Word of God Says:

Hebrews 10: 35-36: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

Romans 8:25-27: But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

2 Samuel 22:31: As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Proverbs 3:5-6: 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.

Isaiah 48:17: This is what the LORD says– your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”