Being Perfect

Matthew 5:48, "Be PERFECT, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." 

Have you ever struggled over this Scripture? Some people throw their hands in the air and say, "If this is what it means to be a Christian, I can never measure up," and end up walking away from a relationship with Christ or half heartedly serving Him since it is pointless in even trying something that appears unobtainable. 

The word 'perfect' (teleios) in the original language has several meanings.  One definition is "completion," and another is "the appropriate state at the appropriate time."  For instance, a tree that has no leaves in winter is perfect. It is at the appropriate stage for the appropriate time. 

We have to stop comparing ourselves to others and we have to stop pointing the finger and expecting that others be where we are.  I know it is human nature to want to compare sins, place people at different sin degrees.  We play "Let's Compare" instead of noticing the log in our own eye and being grateful that Jesus loves us despite, will meet us where we are, and as long as our heart is to serve and please Him ~ we are in the appropriate state at the appropriate time!

Like any relationship, it takes time to grow.  If it is a relationship that you are cultivating and desiring deeper intimacy, you will pass through different stages to get to that level.  It takes time to develop. Our relationship with Christ is no different.   In a relationship, you will either be moving forward or moving backwards.  There is growth to this thing that must take place.  But I want to encourage you that if your heart is fixed on a sincere desire to follow Christ, you are in the appropriate state at the appropriate time... To God, this is to be perfect.  Without flaw? No, but definitely on your way to completeness...

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." Philippians 1:6

A Physician's Prayer

I was inspired to write this poem while my precious baby girl, Alyssa, was in the hospital. Though it was very difficult see her there for 5 long months, God was faithful! We serve the One, True God who sustains and strengthens all who call upon His name. We daily spoke and stood upon the promises that are laid out for us in the Word of God. Though it tried to grasp us on numerous occasions, we refused to bow down to fear. We trusted God at His Word, and we believe that is why Alyssa is now home with us today---happy, healthy and whole!

Though you may not be facing the trial of a loved one in the hospital, I pray that this poem would minister to you in some way. May you realize that you can lay all of your burdens, cares and hurts before God and know that He is concerned with all that you are facing today. He loves you so much.

Lord, take this little child
the one placed in my care
I've done all I know to do
and it isn't getting anywhere.

O Father, won't You intervene?
It's getting so hard to cope
His lifeless body is growing worse
and his parents are losing hope.

Human wisdom won't save him
it's beyond the ability of man
I stand in the gap for this child
I ask for Your healing hand.

I gladly welcome a miracle
or grant me wisdom from above
Guide me in any procedures
if this be the way the healing will come.

I trust that You are moving
that my prayer has been heard
For I know it's always Your will to heal
as revealed in Your Word.

May all know it was Your loving touch
that pulled this child through
I seek no glory for myself
I'm just the vessel that You used.

Love Your Neighbor

"Love your neighbor as yourself," embodies so much more than a rule to live by or an act to prove our love for God. There are blessings in obedience, but ultimately all guidelines that God lays out for us are laced with an eternal perspective much bigger than ourselves. God is about furthering His kingdom. We are the hands and feet of Christ in the earth to accomplish just that.

Think about this! Those who lowered the Apostle Paul through the window to escape the death threat on his life were actually letting down 13 books of the Bible! You never know the affect you have when you do something to help or encourage another... Remember, your act of love could reshape one's entire future ~ and generations following!

Drop the Cape

Many of us carry a "superman" persona where we feel less of a person if we need others. Being weak is not always a bad thing. It pushes us to look at our humanness that is not wired to carry things alone. Why would God send us the Holy Spirit, our Comforter? Why would He tell us to bear one another's burdens? Why did Jesus send the disciples out 2 by 2? Because we need help! Time to drop our capes! It's ok, really! :)

His Love

Nothing could have stopped Him

From laying down His life

It wasn’t nails that held Him

To the cross that night

The love He had for the lost

Kept Him on that tree

With a word He could have come down

But He wanted us to see…

That He is the only and true way

By no other can we be saved

He became the sacrificial Lamb

To destroy death and the grave

He came to give an abundant life

To disarm the thief of our soul

Making a way for us to walk in victory

To be made completely whole

His love for us gives us hope

We don’t have to live in defeat

For by one single drop of His precious blood

are we able to be free…

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

Overheard Conversation

A conversation I overheard between Alyssa and Brooke before bed one night... I quickly tuned in and typed as they talked... PRICELESS :)

Alyssa: God can pick up our house. He can pick up the earth with His hand!

Brooke:  Can he pick up the sky?

Alyssa: Yep.

Brooke: Why?

Alyssa: Cuz He made it. He can do anything. 

Brooke: Are we going to eat in Heaven? 

Alyssa: We might, but maybe we just won’t be hungry. God can make it where we aren’t ever hungry. 

Brooke: Do you think God has big hands?

Alyssa: Yep.

Alyssa: God don’t send u somewhere.  (Brooke interrupts) I’m TALKING! ... sorry God… you know how some people say that God takes you to hell or heaven? God does not take you where you gotta go. You decide whether you go to heaven or hell whether you believe in Jesus.

Brooke: Is there snow or grass in Heaven?

Alyssa: I don’t know. The ground is made of gold.

Brooke: Do they have the same water as us?

Alyssa: I think they put water in a pitcher to get water.

Brooke: How do we get it out of the pitcher?

Alyssa: You either go get it or God gets it. He’s more stronger than anyone.

Brooke: Yeah, mom can’t even pick up this house.

Alyssa: Say your name.

Brooke: Brooke.

Alyssa: He can pick up the house faster than you just said your name.

Brooke yells into me, “MOM! I want to go to heaven! So I can get drinks… cuz it’s hot down there." (Hell)

Alyssa: In heaven I don’t think you feel lost at all. You will feel at home.

The Crown

Create in me a clean heart

Make me more like You

Help me walk obediently

Down the path You choose

You’ve made me in Your image

Please change me day by day

I am the clay within Your hands

Do with me what you may

You encourage me to persevere

When my enemies arise

Reminding me You’re always here

Help me focus on the prize

Rid me of myself, Lord

Fill me with Your Spirit

Don’t want to walk in my own strength

For I know I’ll never make it

Faithfully You take me back

When I stray from Your will

Help me focus on the plans

You want me to fulfill

You promise me a crown of life

If I love You and endure the test

I need Your strength so I can stand

I want to give my best

I don’t want to disappoint You

Never want to let You down

Lord, I want to please You

So I’m worthy of the crown



Becoming a Fulfilling 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?

 

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.”

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…

Past Does Not Define You

We live in a fallen world.  Bad things happen.  Unspeakable things happen to innocent children. Tragedy sometimes hits unexpectedly.  Though God does not cause these things to happen, He WILL turn it around for the good to those that love Him (Romans 8:28).

You ARE NOT what has happened to you.  Your past experiences, whether they be things people have done to you or bad choices you have made, DO NOT define you.  You may live with scars from healed wounds of the past, but they will all work into God’s perfect plan for you.  Nothing you’ve experienced changes the fact that God has a plan for your life.   Your scars become your testimony.   And through YOUR testimony, many others will be set free.

The enemy has kept you chained to your past to keep you from moving forward with God.  It’s time to shake loose from the shackles and quit seeing yourself by the mirror of your past. 

“Faith is having confidence that God will take other's bad choices that affect me, as well as my own, and use them for my ultimate good.”

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?

(John 4)

Seasons

Seasons in our life have a purpose and will only be productive if we work along with them... Every season has an end, but we can't rush it along and make it happen. Running out in shorts in the dead of winter won't change the season! We have to trust and cooperate with the ONE who is working for our good in what appears to be the hardest of circumstances. “He makes everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

When we wear shorts in the winter, we suffer the pain of freezing. When we wear a snowsuit in the summer, we face the agony of overheating. When we force ourselves into a season that is over, we suffer pain because God is no longer in that season. He is a NOW God... He heals the pain of past seasons but He doesn't dwell there.

Fatherless

Alone and abandoned; the smiles you fake

He brought you into this world, but you feel you’re a mistake

Can’t recall when he last held you or was ever truly there

Emotionally he’s absent; he seems to never care

You strive for his approval; long for his concern

He lets you down as always; you wonder when you’ll learn

Nails of sadness pierce your heart---day after day

You feel forsaken…you hope it will change

I can see the emptiness---with you I have cried

I understand the loneliness of being denied

I share in the pain of being forsaken

I relate with the nails and the abuse you have taken

I want to carry every burden that is weighing you down

I want to give you hope and a smile for your frown

I want to assure you, you are here for a reason

These sorrowful times are only for a season

You felt you were fatherless, but your real daddy is Me

For I’m the one who formed you before you ever came to be

I have great plans for you…I’ll mend your broken heart

If you give your life to Me, I will never depart

Sweet child, I love you---more than you can understand

Despite your brokenness, please trust Me and take My hand

I’ll lead you down the path of Truth that will surely make you free

No matter what comes down that road, you can always count on Me

Though trials come into your life, and it seems there is no way

There is a peace I have for you---to get you through each day

Please don’t listen to the lies you hear---that your life is not worth while

For I don’t regret creating you…I’m proud that you’re My child

Reveal to Heal

"Praise the Lord.  I'm blessed" are often things you hear repetitiously in church when asking someone how they are doing.  I understand the need to be positive.  I understand that we are not to live by our feelings.  I understand we need to confess what the Word says about us.  BUT I also know there are people right in our churches who are broken.  They fear saying how they really feel because "that wouldn't be faith talk." 

It is time for the church to become a safe haven; a place where people can reveal in order to heal.  Do we camp out on the problem?  No.  But once we know there is a problem, we can offer the solution.  I encourage everyone to be more sensitive to the inner cries of those around you.  You have in you what people need to be free.  However, you can't help them if you don't know help is needed.   We need to make ourselves available so that His healing power can flow through us.  

And remember:  Healing is a process.  Helping someone who is emotionally broken requires time and a whole lot of patience.  A lot of people do not want invest that kind of commitment in the lives of others.  This then leaves us with churches full of people putting on their “church face” and never being real with one another.  Is this what “church” is supposed to be all about?  

"The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity” (Luke 4:18)

All that’s hidden
Must be revealed

Nothing gets past Your eyes

You know the darkness underneath

You know the inner cries

You want to peel the mask away

And erase all of the fakeness

You are not pleased with the lies

You’ve come to expose the weakness

You desire that all of Your children

Would have oneness with each other

But these walls are such a hindrance

Of us being real to one another

You know everything about us

The reasons we are insecure

Only You have the answer

To release us from this fear

It can’t be done in our own strength

The supply comes from only You

Deliver us from this bondage, Lord

Make us a people who walk in truth

Heaven's Gift

Written for my precious nephew, Levi, for his baby dedication...

They knew they were ready

For Me to give a child

Neither of them ever thought

They’d come to face such a trial

Doctor reports changed daily

Their hope at times felt crushed

The unknown was just so painful

They loved you so very much

Friends and family stood by them

I heard each one of them pray

The joy was unexplainable

When they found out you’d be okay

 Your mom and dad were honored

That I’d entrust to their care

A precious gift ~ your priceless soul

Your life for us to share

This is a special morning
Before Me, a vow was made

To teach you of My wondrous love

And the matchless price I paid

Your parents commit to lead you

Guiding you to hear My will

When life throws choices at you

I’m the only One who can fulfill

Levi, one day in your future

Looking back you will see

The impact of those who loved you

Because it led you here to Me…



Veils

I scurried around the kitchen taking care of my children’s hunger while worshipping along with the music on my laptop.  Suddenly I had to come to a dead halt, not knowing that MY "hunger" would be met that afternoon. Leaning onto my elbows on the counter, eyes shut ~ the One being worshipped reached down to touch me: depositing into me the only way to feed my longing to know Him more intimately.

  

 “…the veil of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:45)

Ultimately the veil has already been torn for our free access to God, where we can come BOLDLY to Him, but we hang our self constructed veils that keep us from confidently approaching Him.

I see Jesus, just the lower half of Him (in a white robe).  His hands outstretched beckoning one to come to Him…

A woman, behind a white veil – sheepishly, she pokes her head around to see Him. She knew Him. He knew her. That was evident.

As she made her way to Him, there were rows of veils to maneuver around.   Each veil had a name: Shame, hurt, bitterness, resentment, anger, guilt, abuse, abandonment: All in which were blocking her from coming to Him FULLY. She longed to be with Him, but these veils…

She loves Him and is in relationship with Him.  She is a worshipper… but she only presents to Him the “pretty” parts ~ ashamed of those unhealed areas of her life.   

We think these veils protect us. We shy away because of shame.  We even unconsciously doubt His acceptance because of false perceptions of our worth due to what we’ve been through or because of earthly relationships that have caused us deep pain.

The most intimate relationships are born out of being vulnerable to share your whole “story.”  This is why He is calling. He longs for all of you and He knows the healing power His presence brings.  Beloved, He is beckoning you…

Longing for a love exchange

Abandoned and free

I anticipate our togetherness

As you make your way to Me

Suddenly you cower

From Me, your eyes divert

Veils drape around you

Tailored by years of hurt

I see the shackles tighten

Binding up your heart

You hold from Me the broken

Only giving Me a part

A part of who you really are

A portion of your soul

I need to embrace it all

To mend and make you whole

Restoration only comes

To places you let Me touch

Press past your own resistance

I’m the One who you can trust

Anxiously I beckon you

As a husband to his bride

To make your way again

Confidently by My side

Recklessly abandoned

To My arms you quickly run

Cradled in My acceptance…

Veils dropping… one by one