Living Water

 

 

Drawing from a source

That is only temporary

A thirst never quenched

Issues only buried

A desire that is craved

But you never truly get

No matter how much you have

The need is never met

Come see what I have to offer

You will never again thirst

It will become a well within you

In which eternal life is birthed

If I told you all your secrets

And counted your failed tries

Would you draw from My well

Where you’ll finally be satisfied?

Voice to Our Hearts

Our mouths give voice to our hearts.

"For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b

We all are capable of adjusting our outward actions, but without an inward change, what is inside will eventually surface. Infection may go unnoticed for awhile, but always manifests on the outside in time. A sure indication, a clear warning that something is not right and needs fixing.

It is important that we guard our mouths when we feel destructive words and attitudes well up from inside - BUT we need to recognize that it is there and not going to go away on its own.  We need the help of the Holy Spirit to shine a light on the darkness inside and allow Him to reveal and pull out the roots. 

For many, this isn't a simple work because the roots are so firmly planted.  There requires a surrendering of old mindsets and ways, an unbiased approach in prayer, and total submission to the Word in order for God to do that inner surgery.  Just as we physically cannot stay healthy and in shape without exercising, neither can we emotionally and spiritually.  There's  a workout involved. It takes dedication and a sold out devotion to becoming more and more like Christ in our actions and our attitudes. 

 

The Bible says we HAVE the mind of Christ. We can think like Him. We can live like Him.  However, it doesn't just happen on it's own. You cannot get to know somebody or model after someone you do not spend a significant amount of  time with.  Spending that time with Him is our responsibility, as is renewing our mind through the reading, the studying, and the applying of God's Word in our lives. 

Let's take our spiritual vitamins of Scripture every single day. If we will humbly listen and apply the knowledge we learn, He will show us the inward work needed and will lead us down the path to our wholeness. :)

(1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:11)

Power in His Name

I overheard my 3 year old, out of the blue, declaring, "There's power in the Name of Jesus! Grrr!"

Made me chuckle at the surety in the statement coming from such a small vessel, but it threw me quickly into a moment of reflection.  How often we forget what's behind that Name: JESUS. 

"Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the Name above all other names, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

EVERY other name is subject to the Name of Jesus!  

What "name" are you battling?  Is it sickness? Depression? Anger?  Addiction? Poverty?  Relationship problems? Begin to speak His Name over your situation.  Even if you can only muster enough strength to whisper, "Jesus" - continue to do it over and over again. There is unfathomable power and authority behind that Name! (Matthew 28:18)

Salvation in the Name of Jesus:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

Demons flee and protection found in the Name of Jesus:

“But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.”  Acts 16:18

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17

Strength and soundness of mind in the Name of Jesus:

“And His name, through faith in His Name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”  Acts 3:16

Healing in the Name of Jesus:

“Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the Name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. By faith in the Name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ Name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:6

The Name that saves. The Name that heals. The Name that strengthens.  The Name that calms the storm. The Name of hope.  The Name of victory.  Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXH0MjGe10s

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.  But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.” John 20:30-31

Character

Our character, if not developed and matured, will eventually catch up with us and knock us down from the platform in which our gifting and talents have taken us.

We all have seen it.  Highly gifted performers who have the world's attention but lack of character shows through in their actions and their credibility is marred.   Ministers, oftentimes those with a worldwide voice, but EVENTUALLY their character flaws shine through and it's the very thing that dethrones them from their position.  Marriages that appeared "OK" suddenly end in divorce.  The "perfect" child becomes the prodigal... Why? Because the hidden issues of the heart have been ignored.

"The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3

Our greatest weaknesses, if left undealt with, will surface to the top.  You can only wear a mask for so long. The rubber band eventually snaps and what used to hide you has now left you revealed.  The self constructed platform that once elevated your ego comes crashing down from the weight of the junk that was left unchecked. 

Bandaids are not a substitute for surgery.  Developing our character is a deep work that requires facing our heart issues not covering them up.  Building godly character takes place in quiet, "at the feet of Jesus" times: diligently exposing ourselves to the Word of God and letting it shine a light on those areas that do not line up. 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24

Slow down and take a look at who you are. Not who you lead others or yourself to believe.  Not what your reputation says about you. Who are you when no one else is looking?  What heart attitudes reign behind your smile?  What would God say about your character?

Lord, we all have "stuff" that we cover up so beautifully. On the outside everything looks good and yet inside their is decay that needs a touch from You.  Whatever it is in our lives that is keeping us from fully serving and pleasing You, please shine a light on it.  Shine Your light on the ugly parts so that we can, with Your help, become all You have called us to be.  We want to be a living example of Christ in the earth - not a false representation that gives Him a bad name because of our undealt with "stuff."   We love You, Lord, and we desire to become more and more like You.

True Beauty

"We have to STOP agreeing with what the world has said about us while it exploits us: We are only as good as we are sexually desirable." ~Beth Moore

From early on, young girls are subliminally trained to "use what you've got to get what or who you want" ... For those who don't feel they measure up to what society portrays as a woman, life can be an ongoing body image struggle resulting in eating disorders and depression.  Sadly, life's goal becomes minimalized to squeezing into a size 0. 

This is NOT what the Lord intends for His daughters.  It is an ugly lie from the enemy that is embedded in us as women.  It has infiltrated us to the point of "normal" - where we don't even recognize how non-stop we are bombarded with it.  It is a clever decoy to keep us focused on everything but who we are called as women to be in Christ. 

Feeling beautiful, the need to feel beautiful is okay, but Hollywood does not define true beauty. 

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:4-5

Not only are we bombarded with "image based" worth, but men are seeing the very same thing and getting a warped sense of who a real woman really is, expecting us to live up to unattainable ideals.  Fact of the matter is, we ALL, men and women alike, are being deceived into a false reality all in order to keep us flesh conscious.  If the enemy can keep us there, we will not be walking in the spirit ~ where our true worth is found. 

"Perfect love casts out fear."  This whole issue is fear based.  Fear of not measuring up, fear of rejection, fear of being unwanted, fear of being second best...  I pray that we all can get to the point where we allow Christ's perfect love to penetrate every broken part so we can walk in wholeness ~ viewing ourselves the way He intended.

"But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 MSG)

Fulfilling Your Spouse

We all have our ideals of what we want to GET out of our marriages, but what are we willing to GIVE?  Laying aside our desires for just a moment, let’s think about our spouses. What could we do to assure them they are loved? What would make them feel secure, safe, and truly cared for?  We all have an innate need for these things. What are we doing to daily fulfill it for our partner? 

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. To have the privilege to make someone feel special, and to make their life a little easier is priceless.  Wives, wouldn't it bring you unspeakable joy to know that when your husband leaves the house each day, he can't wait to get home to YOU?  Husbands, can you imagine the “spring” you’d have in your step in knowing your wife excitedly anticipates for you to get home from work?

When we just “take life as it comes,” all too often we set ourselves up for failure. This is true in our homes as well.  We can say we want to have a healthy and happy home, but there is just something about writing it down.   It's like when you are making plans for the day with things you wish to accomplish.  Once you make a checklist of those things, you feel obligated or accountable to do that which you have set in your heart to do.  Likewise, when you get specific as to the spouse you want to be, you are more apt to take the steps to becoming just that.  Then share it with your spouse.  What a sweet moment it will bring when they see your heart’s desire is to bring them joy!

How does this sound?        

 

As your lifetime best friend ~ I want to bring you joy
A place of safety ~ where you can be vulnerable
I want to hold your hand ~ as an encourager, your biggest fan
As your faithful lover ~ I want to make you feel like the man (woman) you are

I commit to talking things through ~ walls never being built
I will protect your feelings ~ even if I do not agree or understand
I will always do my best ~ to show you how much you’re loved
I want you to never doubt ~ how proud I am that you are mine

I want our home ~ to be a peaceful haven
A place you can retreat to ~ to be refreshed from each day’s challenges
I want to make you feel alive ~ adding smiles to your life
Whatever it is I can do ~ I want to make life easier for you

This is possible!  We have to throw out the 50/50, self seeking mindset “I’ll do for you if you do for me.”  Marriage is teamwork. What team ever succeeded with players only giving fifty percent?

100/100 carries a whole different perspective: to solely seek to satisfy your partner’s needs.   If we want a truly fulfilling marriage, both sides have to give their all, all the time. What have you done TODAY, with no strings attached, to show your spouse how much you love them?

Intricacies of Life

 

I was walking through a "year round" Christmas store and couldn't help but notice all of the Christmas villages on display.  From afar, they looked nice, caught my eye, but when I really got up close and looked at all the intricacies of each individual piece, it made the display that much more beautiful and appreciated.

I began to think about our lives and how all too often we look at the BIG picture and we miss the "little" things.  Years pass us by and all we can account for is eating, sleeping, and paying the bills ~ a life of what appears mundane when you look through it with "surface" vision. 

We do this day after day acknowledging the "existence" of people, places, and things but never noticing their beauty.  We grow weary concentrating on what we don't have and miss out on the enjoyment of what is right at our fingertips. 

Looking at the villages I was also reminded of a couple of verses in Psalm 139, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

When an artist puts detail into his creation: a painting, a sculpture, a writing ~ it is put there for a reason... for the observer to take notice and find enjoyment in the beauty of it...

God is the Master Creator, the Master Artist and He is into detail!  Everything He has ever created is an authentic masterpiece made for not only His pleasure but for ours!  BUT we have to slow down to find the joy in the NOW.  

Let’s stop merely glancing over the big picture of life.  Hit the “zoom in” button and you’ll discover what a fleeting look will never see. 

Begin studying the individuality of your children.  Love them BIG now right in the midst of their annoyances and quirks.  Begin noticing the deeper things deposited within your spouse, significant other, or your friends rather than maintaining “how’s the weather” shallow encounters. Quit waiting for an “easier” or “more convenient” stage of life to live in the now.  Before you know it, the chance you had is over. Everything gets pushed off for a future that never comes. 

“Slow down and smell the beauty in life…” eb

Freedom In Our Praise

Most of the Psalms were written during wilderness times; the Epistles,  in prison. We can take comfort in knowing that when we are in the fire, God is about to use us in a mighty way. 

"About Midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God..." In their darkest hour, they didn't forget God nor grow angry with Him.   They knew from Whom their help came from and they knew their freedom was in their praise. 

The rest of that Scripture states, "And the other prisoners were listening to them." Others are watching us as we endure life's storms.

"Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the jail.  All the doors  immediately flew open, and everyone's chains came off. "

May we be like Paul and Silas, confident that God will never  forsake us even in the toughest of times.  Our continual worship of Him will invoke His presence into our lives. Not only will it bring our freedom, but an open door to share the Gospel message to those who have watched our calm endurance. 

(Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:15)

I AM

I feel Your breath within the breeze

I know You're breathing life in me

A shattered heart

Placed in Your hands

Putting my trust

in the Great I AM

Your loving voice

Calls out to me

"You shall know the Truth

and it will set you free."

You reveal to me

All who You are

"I AM your All in All

The Bright Morning Star

I AM Agape Love

My anger is slow

I AM the God of Compassion

Lover of your soul

I AM the Whisperer

That gently speaks to You

I AM Alpha and Omega

I came to make things new

I AM Mercy and Grace

Forgiver of your sins

I AM the Most High

I will stand in your defense

I AM your Comfort

Your Provider, Your Friend

A Faithful Father

My love never ends

I AM Wisdom

Your Shepherd, your Guide

I AM the God who sees

Every tear you've cried

I AM your Hiding Place

Your Rest, your Calm

I AM your Safe Shelter

From every storm

I AM your Hope

I AM Faithful and True
The Author of your life

Who came to deliver you

I AM the Bread of Life

The filler of your heart

The God of new beginnings

Who gives you a fresh start

I AM the Light of the world

The One to be revealed

I AM the Prince of Peace

I AM the God who heals

I AM your Redeemer

The only One who saves

The perfect Lamb of God

For you, is why  I came

I AM the Resurrection

I AM Absolute Truth

The Anointed and Chosen One

Who has chosen you

I AM the Vine

Living Water for your soul

Refreshing comes from Me

I AM the God who makes you whole"

Such depth to who You truly are

In awe – I humbly stand

My everything, my every need

Found in You,  the great I AM!

Thermometer or Thermostat?

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue!" (Prov. 18:21)

Are we speaking death or life into our circumstances, over our spouse, over our children, over ourselves? What are we creating with the words that we speak? Our words have creative power!

What future are we building with the thoughts that we harbor on? The thoughts we meditate on are the direction in which we will go... these thoughts will show in our attitude, which will then become the words that we speak... And our words will eventually create an outcome... We have to make a conscious decision to change our attitude so that only life is spilling from our lips. 

What atmosphere are we creating for ourselves and for those around us? Are people drawn to us or does our body language send the message that we are unapproachable and unfriendly?  Would people consider us unpredictable? Do we speak words of blessing in some situations and show a totally different "face" in others?  As believers, this ought not be so. 

We need to strive to walk in the Spirit in ALL circumstances. We don't pick and choose who we show ourselves friendly to or who we walk in love towards.  "Treat others as you want to be treated" isn't for the select few that YOU decide deserve it.  It is for the unlovely. It is for that person that you cannot stand to be around.  It's for a former friend, an ex-spouse, those who have cheated you, lied to you, spoke evil of you.  We are not responsible for their actions, but we will be for our own!

Are you a thermometer that fluctuates in the presence of certain people, the every day annoyances that come along, and the varying temperatures that life brings?  Or are you a thermostat that everywhere you are - you choose to set a positive attitude that reigns in the room - ALWAYS being an example of Christ and His love?

(James 2:8, James 3:6-11, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:42-44, Matthew 12:36-37, Mark 12:30-31, Mark 11:23, Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 10:20, Proverbs 15:4)

Do You Love Him?

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

It is an amazing concept that whatever we do to others, good or bad, we are doing to Jesus Himself.  Our love and our commitment to God is demonstrated in how we treat others! 

Are we kind  or sharp tongued? Do we use our words to edify or do we use them to tear down? Do we take time to listen to the hurts of others or do we tune them out?  Are we willing to lay down our agenda to lend a helping hand or do we find doing for others to be an interruption to our lives?  Do we have a cheerful heart when we serve others or do we grumble and complain when we aren't recognized for our deeds?  Are we quick to give when there is a need or do we hoard what we have rather than seeing that we are blessed to be a blessing?

The Scriptures are clear that God takes account of everything - down to EVERY idle word we speak! 

We are EXPECTED to exercise self control even when we are offended or irritated by another's actions. Why?  Because when we don't we aren't being effective lights for Jesus in a dark world. We aren't representing Him correctly and ultimately we bring shame to His name. It's the love of God that leads men to repentance. If we can't love others with God's love, we cannot reach them for Christ. 

Our actions mirror our hearts. Is there enough evidence in how we treat others to convict us of being true lovers of Jesus?

(Matthew 25:31-45, Matthew 12:36, Matthew 5:14-16, Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Cor 9:8-12, 1 Cor 13, Prov 12:25, Prov 19:17, Prov 25:11, Eph 4:32)

Judge Yourself

How is it our sin looks so much worse when committed by someone else? If we feel the need to judge, let's turn to the mirror on OUR own wall for practice...

"You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." Romans 2:1

As a sidenote: The Word DOES say we will know whether people are living for God by their "fruit."  It is important to take notice of one's lifestyle in order to make wise choices in who we allow into our inner circle. However, we are NEVER called to condemn: to mark as worthless, having no hope, deserving of punishment.  We are to be ministers of reconciliation. If we see a brother or sister who is caught up in a lifestyle of sin, we are called to lift them up IN LOVE.

When we are so focused on the wrongs of others, we overlook the very things in our own lives that need adjusting.  Let's make a conscious decision TODAY to not allow words of condemnation to pour from our lips. 

(Matthew 7:20, 2 Cor. 5:19, 1 John 5:16 Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 21:23, Eph. 4:25,29)

Fear

 

We are all well acquainted with the emotion that bears a choke hold.  It's ruthlessness.  It's torment.  It's an enemy to faith, a thief that robs you of life - imprisons you to a false reality. 

Anxiety, depression, doubt, worry, hurt, anger, sadness, low self esteem, unworthiness.  It comes disguised underneath many different emotions, but it all comes down to one thing:

FEAR.

The paralysis for some is the dread of what could happen years down the road, anxiety associated with an unpredictable economy, and for many it is the torment of what today, the next hour, the next minute will bring. 

"...fear has torment." 1 John 4:18a

Fear is not only an emotion, but a spiritual force. It is very similar to faith in that both have an unshakable belief in an unseen future. Fear trusts circumstances, natural predictions, the enemy's lies, and self.  Faith trusts God and what His Word says.  Fear is negative faith. 

Fear is an enemy of God.  It in essence rips Him of His lordship in our lives. We become self focused and not God focused.  We put our trust in the wisdom of man rather than in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5).  We no longer see Him for Who He is and who He desires to be in our lives...  He solely becomes a gateway to Heaven, but in our day to day living He is diminished to a dusty figure placed on a shelf.   

God is love, and the Bible says that Perfect Love casts out fear.  God is THAT perfect love. 

"There is no fear in love (dread does not exist), but perfect love turns fears out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment.  He who is afraid has not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18

Father, we want to know Your love... Your love is our freedom.  Your love removes shackles. Your love delivers us from all fear.  You are not what our circumstances look like. You are not what the latest trends define You as.  We commit to growing in the knowledge of who You truly are as defined in Your Word, and through that knowledge - growing in intimacy with You... We know that in experiencing that intimate love - fear has no more room in our lives. Thank You for Your love and the hope and peace it brings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztHkNujb5o

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Peace

 

Written for those who have endured emotional or verbal abuse… I know the battle that rages, and I understand the roller coaster that you can’t seem to walk away from.  It may not leave outward bruises and scars, but the inward “soul scarring” is a pain that doesn’t just go away with a band-aid and time.

Only the One who made us can restore us back to wholeness.  In the midst of your raging storm, I pray you look to Him ~ where your release and your peace is found.

Peace

Crashing waves

Bruise my shore

Howling winds

Blow in once more

Torrential rains

Pelt my skin

Lightning bolts

Come again

Turbulent waters

Staggered stance

Cycle repeated

In this dying dance

Trembling knees

Strike the ground

Eyes glance up

To where help is found

An instant hush

The storm to cease

All at once

A soul at peace…

Stop Comparing

 

We have to STOP comparing and elevating ourselves above others. Whether you fell short twice today and someone else doubled that, fact is: we all need the same blood to make us clean. God does not operate with a "totem pole" mentality!  We must quit taking score, categorizing sin, and shooting our wounded with self righteous insults. Our righteousness is not based on a point system...

Think about it: When we expose the sin of others, is our HIDDEN sin any less evil in His eyes?

Father, help us to view others through your eyes.  Let us not see someone else's sin as opportunity to puff ourselves up. Though our sin may not always be something that is publicly seen, we know there are things hidden in us that grieve Your heart.  We want to make that right with You. Forgive us for thinking we can expose the sin of another and keep ours in secret.  We commit to pray for those who are in bondage or choosing ways apart from You. Lord, help us to be conscious to walk in the mind of Christ so we leave no room for self righteousness to infiltrate our hearts. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Beauty

 

 

As the leaves rustle across the ground

In the cool autumn breeze

I gaze at Your creation

Where Your beauty is clearly seen

I see Your beauty as the sun comes up

It’s written across the sky

As the sun warms me, I feel Your love

When nighttime settles, I wonder why

Why You choose to share such beauty

With one who fails You every day

Though I fall short time and again

Each morning You meet me anyway

In the quiet moments I sit and think

In awe of what I see

As the wind blows by, I hear Your voice

Whispering to me…

You notice the beauty around you

The intricacies through and through

But as splendid as this all appears

 My beauty is wrapped up in you…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggGwDrxrC2k&feature=related

Be Still

Burdened by life's challenges.  Overwhelmed by surrounding pressures. Moments of anxiety convincing you that "down" is the only direction your life will spiral...  

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

This Scripture, so simple and yet so difficult.  It's hard for us to wrap our minds around surrendering what appears insurmountable to someone else.  Our worry gives us a twisted sense of control and we can't fathom victory in our lives apart from our own efforts. I mean afterall this is BIG stuff we're faced with, but all of the stress and loss of sleep isn't quite working for us, is it?

Be still.  Part of the literal translation is "to let drop, let go, release."  We need to drop our hands from fruitless, fleshly efforts, let go of the worry that torments our minds, and release it to Him.  KNOWING that He is God takes the pressure off of our shoulders to be in control and allows Him to take over supernaturally.   

Yes, the giants in our life are big, but God is bigger!  

Be still...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKb54tu4gG0&feature=related

Repentance

Oftentimes we are so driven to a life of perfection that our "repentance" becomes a method. It becomes about us; OUR feeling "a clean slate," OUR feeling "right," OUR success driven thinking to personally have victory over sin. In doing so, we miss the real point of repentance ~ opportunity to connect with the very One's heart we grieved. A moment of embrace. A beautiful occasion to hear, “You and I are okay.”

Intimacy

Israel knew God's deeds, but Moses knew His ways. We need to grow past merely being informed ABOUT God and get to the point where we are transformed and KNOW Him, His heart, His ways. We have learned of His goodness from what others say and from what He has done in our own lives, but because we don't move past the "dating" stage with God, we aren't experiencing intimacy with Him.  True intimacy is born out of commitment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcfH6l1-HvE&feature=related