Inviting the Enemy Out to Play

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We live in a fallen world. The enemy prowls and surrounds us on all sides. He is shrewd. He is cunning. He is devious. He twists the facts and distorts the truth. He comes to you wearing sheep’s clothing and, if you are not suited up in the full armor of God, you will be deceived.

Then, just like that, before you even know it, you are dancing with the devil. What started out as a little flirting has ended in you inviting him into your home, your job and all the places you hold dear. You invite him out to play where he is more than happy to go to work, spreading evil from corner to corner of your life. You give him an all-access pass to your life and then wonder where in the world you went wrong.

Good news! We are never too far away to be reached by God. He is always near, but you must reach for Him. God is a giver. Realize he gave you what you have. He doesn’t need anything from us…he gives us breath….we are in the place god always meant for us to be….puts us in circumstances…so that men will seek him and find him….God is God…always in charge!

He is a sovereign God….a sovereign guard….he guards and guides us….

Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, you know the needs of this day. I will do my part and clothe myself in the armor that You designed. The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. The Gospel of Peace. The Shield of Faith. The Helmet of Salvation. And, the only offensive weapon, the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Please open the eyes of the spiritually naïve, Lord, so that they may suit up and STAND as well, at all times, but especially today when it seems the enemy is being called out to play. Amen and ehmen!

And The Word of God Says:

Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

God is Real!

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Writer’s Note: I just love these little reminders of how much our God loves us and is ALWAYS in ALL WAYS there for us. This was a little praise report I posted on my FB page on August 3, 2012 as my only child headed off to college and I prepared myself for an empty nest. Oh, and by the way, my nest is far from empty. My daughter is back at home, at least until next year when she gets married, and my beautiful mom has just moved in. God is good. All heart isaiah 46.4the time.

Oh, my, how great is our God! I have to share this with you, but please bear with me as I try to convey this before completely processing it all. It’s just so incredible to me, I can’t wait. As I was struggling a bit tonight with my impending empty nesthood, I did a little google search for an article that might help. The one I chose was about single parents struggling to find their purpose when the kids they focused on for so long were now leaving the nest. Towards the end was a scripture that really caught my eye. Isaiah 46:4 “I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Oh, how I needed to hear that! So much so, in fact, that I got up and went in the other room to get my bible so that I could read it in context; really study it. As I sat back down and opened the bible to begin my search, my eyes rested on a scripture. I noticed it was 46:4. No way, I thought! Then I looked up and saw the Chapter Title. Isaiah!!! Oh my! Out of 2600-plus pages in my bible, 31,000-plus verses, my bible opens to that page and my eyes fall on that verse. Coincidence? No way. Thank you, God!!! I asked you earlier today for sure signs. Thank you, God, for being so patient and thank you for making yourself known to us in such undeniable ways. Can I just say, you rock! Amen and Ehmen!

Isaiah 46:4: New International Version
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Tell Them That I Love Them…

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Writer’s Note: This is a letter I wrote to my dear friends after he was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening illness. Though it and the years that have passed since have been among the most difficult I could imagine, God has been there, always showing up whenever He was needed…such as in the writing of this letter. When my heart was bleeding for my dear friends, He took my hand and directed my pen. I sure love Him!

September 10, 2011

So, I sit here staring at my computer screen, praying for God to give me just the right words. What do I say to the two people on earth that have become closer to my dear godheart than a brother and a sister? What do I say to the two people to whom I have become eternally bonded; what do I say to them, O Lord, when they are facing this difficult time.

And then I heard Him speak, whispering ever so quietly deep in my spirit:

“Tell them,” He said, “Tell them that I love them. Tell them that they are not alone, nor will they ever be alone. Tell Neil that I am proud of him; the man he has become; a faithful servant and a soldier in My own army not afraid to take a stand against a shepherd that has lost his own way. Tell him that, though I know the pain and burden has been so very heavy through all this, that it WILL be worth it in the end. My WILL is always worth it. Tell him that this was a part of his purpose here on earth. Tell him because of his firm stand that My Glory will be fully restored in My Church. Tell my son that I am so very proud of him.”

“And tell my daughter,” He continued, “tell my sweet, sweet daughter who never fails to make me smile that I am right here collecting the tears of her heart, pouring each and every one into the well of life where millions of my other hurting and lost children will find comfort and ultimate restoration. Tell her that this is what it is all about. This is HER purpose. Tell her that, though I know the pain and burden continues to be so heavy, that it WILL be worth it in the end. Tell her My WILL is always worth it and that through her My Glory will shine for the world to see. Tell my daughter that I am so very proud of her.”

“And, you, My child. I am collecting all of your tears, too. You know your purpose and one day will quit fighting it. Like Peter, you have made that first step out onto the water, but, like Peter, you have been distracted by the storms raging around you. The day is nigh, my daughter; the day is nigh. And, as for your friends and soul mates, you know deep in your heart that “I have this”. I have been giving you visions of me as a superhero for a reason. I AM the ultimate superhero and I, indeed, “have this”. Now, I will thank you to please quit imagining me in tights. The Creator of the universe does not wear tights! But, I do want to thank you for your sense of humor. Laughter is good. I love you all, my dear children. All of you, just stay focused on me. Keep your eyes right here. I will not let go!”

And, with that said, the voice in my spirit quieted and I sat here again watching the cursor blinking on my computer screen. Off and on. Off and on. I love you two with all my heart and soul. And I commit to you that I will follow God’s lead today and forever and that I will do my part in our God-created friendship. I will be here for you until death do us part. And, then, when our time is up on this earth, I will be there with you basking in the light of His Glory and savoring His words, “Well done, good and faithful servants. Well done.”

I love you. Forever and ever. Amen and Ehmen!

Walking with God: About Faith and Favor.

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Whenever I get the chance I like to take a walk with God. Literally. The following is what I learned during our stroll around the neighborhood…

God’s favor isn’t about our personal pleasure, it’s about His purpose. It’s when we truly understand this that we truly become useable by God. Don’t listen to the prosperity preachers. They have it all twisted. God’s favor is not about your financial gain, a new car, new clothes, worldly comforts. And, if that is your view and expectation, you will be sorely and eternally disappointed. Not that you won’t get some of those things, it’s just that if you don’t use them properly, it will be ALL you get. You will have received your reward. A small, temporary, fleeting reward in the grand scheme of things.

I’ll say it again. God’s favor isn’t about our personal pleasure, it’s about His purpose. Look at Mary. She found favor, but do you think it was easy to have her life interrupted just as she was about to marry the man of her dreams? Do you think it was easy for her to be shunned and made fun of as she tried to convince people that she was still a virgin while looking like she was carrying a beach ball under her frock? Thank God, she had the faith to accept God’s favor.

What about Noah? Do you think it was easy to build an ark big enough to carry two of all of God’s creations…without help? Do you think it was easy to know everyone thought he was crazy? Thank God, he had the faith to accept God’s favor.

What about Joseph? David? Moses? And Jesus? What about Jesus? Do you think it was easy to be betrayed; to suffer the cruelest most inhumane death possible? Thank God, he had the faith to accept God’s favor. And the list goes on and on. Thank God, they had the faith to accept God’s favor.

Lord, I ask that you help me to have the faith to accept your favor and the strength to do what needs to be done. I know without You, I am nothing. I also know that I need Your strength.  I need You. Thank you, Jesus, for being my Lord and Savior. And for choosing a plain old, everyday, run-of-the-mill girl like me to take part in your grand plan. I am favored, indeed. And I am honored. Help me to make you proud today and everyday. Amen and Ehmen!

Happy Anniversary: Celebrating Love. Past. Present and Future.

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holding handsWriter’s Note: This was a note  wrote to my friend on the first wedding anniversary that she had to celebrate alone. Neil’s death, just seven months prior, usurped the life and love that she knew and, at least for a long while, it looked like she might not survive his death. But, she did, and, today, three more wedding anniversaries later, she is doing very well. God has ushered in a new life and a new love and, while she still misses Neil everyday, she is learning to keep moving forward…just as God intends. Happy Anniversary to my Friend. Enjoy the love. Past. Present. And Future. Amen and Ehmen!

To my friends who mark their 20th wedding anniversary today, one from heaven and one from here on earth. Thank God you had each other and that the heart is the one connection that will never go away; the place that heaven and earth meet and you will remain united until you are once again in the same place at the same time. I love you two with all my heart and I’m praying for your peace and comfort today, Denny.

I can still see his eyes—as beautiful blue and as comfortable as a favorite pair of denim jeans. I see them light up every single time you walked into the room. Even after more than two decades together, just your presence made him smile like a young schoolboy falling in love for the first time. And that cute and jovial little chuckle. The Neil chuckle, I call it. I can still hear it every time you’d say or do something silly, which, thankfully is often.
I’m sure your marriage wasn’t perfect. No relationship is. But, your love; well, your love was perfect.  And as you mark this anniversary of your matrimony with a saddened and clouded heart, just know that your Neil is just on the other side of those clouds smiling like a young schoolboy falling in love for the first time. He loves you, this I know, with a love that transcends all time and space. He loves you. Past. Present. And Future.

God Even Loves Us Goofballs…

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At the end of the church service, I hear God tell me to put my hand on a stranger’s shoulder and tell him that He loves him. So before I had a chance to argue or ignore, I just did it. It went something like this: “I don’t know why, but God loves you. Wait, that didn’t come out right. I am sure he has His reasons. Ok, wait. Look, I don’t know why I felt He wanted me to tell you, but he sure does. Sorry, I goofed it up.” Thank you, nice guy, for not treating me like a nut, but smiling and saying thanks. And reminding me God even loves goofs like me.laughing-smiley-face-clip-art-clipart-laughing-smiley-emoticon-512x512-90d0

Savor the Silence…

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Writer’s Note: Just before Thanksgiving last year, I spent a weekend at a monastery. Knowing that God was clock photocalling me there for a little ‘Me and Thee Time,” I went. And, boy, am I glad I did. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew WHO to expect. As promised, He met me there and taught me more in a few moments of silence than I could learn in years of busyness and bustle. Thanks for reminding me of this, Dear Lord, as I have let the loudness of life take its toll on me this week. Back to the stillness, to the silence, to Your Peace! Happy Sunday, y’all. May you find Him in all that you do.

In the silence, I sit. The only sound is the ticking of a nearby clock. Tick tock. Tick tock. The echo of minutes, of hours, of time passing by.

But, you need not be left behind. Grab hold of one of those moments and don’t let go. Delve deeper and deeper into solitude and into that sweet, sweet place that only you and God dwell.

Oh, how much easier it is to hear Him when you are in the same place at the same time. Oh, how much easier it is to see and feel Him when all else falls away.

Why, I wonder, do people fear silence so much? Why do they treat it as if it were a roaring lion trying to devour them when in reality it is the noise and distractions that are most dangerous? Yes, the truth is that silence is beautiful. It has a rhythm which ebbs and flows and harmonizes with every beat of you heart. It is the foundation of God’s own voice, speaking directly to you. Can you hear him? I can.

Lord, may I learn to embrace the silence and You on a daily basis, whether at a monastery or at home where finding peace and solitude is more of a challenge. May I learn to turn down the volume of everyday life so that I can commune with you and hear the sweetness of your still, small and mighty voice every day. I love you. Forever and ever. Amen and Ehmen.

1 Kings, Chapter 19

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Her Faith Rises Up like a Phoenix…

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 pheonix borrowed from webWriter’s Note: Over the years, I have watched my friend struggle with depression, but, no matter how dark the nights may get, her faith has always managed to bring light to her path. Sure, sometimes she has needed others to remind her, and God always seemed to make sure I was in the right place at the right time when she needed such a reminder. The following is a short snippet of a vision he gave me one night in regards to my friend. It gave me hope for her and for all of those who may continue to struggle with depression, but who never give up on the God who never gives up on them. His promises are real and His love is unfailing, unconditional and never ending. Thank you, Jesus! Amen and Ehmen!

Sometimes it seems as if the darkness overtakes her from the inside out. Satan knows just what to use to cloud her soul, hurling her into an abyss of loneliness, hurt and depression. He knows full well that is harder for her to follow and find comfort in her Great God when her own eyes are shrouded by clouds.

What he can’t comprehend, however, is how her faith can still rise up like a phoenix from the darkest, nethermost reaches of his hellish plantings. And, just when he thinks he has her in his evil grip, the majestic bird adorned with colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet scoops her up and drops her safely in the lap of her Father.