you are

…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Looking in our mirror we often see flaws and failings, but that isn’t our TRUE reflection.

We really should be asking God what He sees in us?

In Christ, we have been made new.
In Christ, we are redeemed.
In Christ, we are more than conquerors.

We are not our past, we are not our circumstances, we are not our job or family. We are each made in His image and likeness. Unique. We are not designed to be like everyone else but to be more and more who He created us to be. It’s not about what we once were, but what we are becoming.

I’d like to challenge you to seek His perspective and ask Him to share how He sees you. You are His beloved, His chosen one and He wants to share His heart with you.

 

clarification

Are you ever confused?

I am.

We expect so much to be predictable. People, the weather, the plans for the day. Things don’t always turn out as we wanted. There always seems to be something or someone that disrupts our “normal” flow.

I was thinking of the “never quit” post and praying through some things. Sometimes we do need to quit before we can move forward on the road He has called us to travel.

The verses lately say, “study how He did it” and “learn to think like Him.” That is the renewing of our minds, isn’t it?

Instead of OUR expectations – HIS expectations.

To Him – 2 fish and a loaf might be enough instead of us trying to take over the whole event. If we’re doing all the planning – where is HE?

Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. Gal 3:2-3

Thank You Lord that You give such grace. Help us to give ourselves grace too.

share your thoughts

That’s what social media is about, right? I think if I shared ALL, you would walk away more confused…another reason I limit post size….usually!

And just to be honest…I don’t feel it’s the “author of confusion”, just those points where reality, logic, and God’s plan do not always align.

Reading the Bible many stories bring you confusing thoughts… Jesus led a sin free life and yet how did it end for him? Others who did horrible things were people God loved and honored.

So as we go through life and find difficult people, we have to look through the eyes of God and see what He sees. Many have hidden gems the world needs and we are part of uncovering and shining them up.

Someone is hurt and retaliates in anger.
Another alone is seeking poisonous comfort.
One living in fear attacks others to keep distance.

There are many reactions to those buried and often unknown feelings. Most important is our reactions to them and showing them the jewels of His truth.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

resurrection true or false

I realize Easter isn’t about Jesus to many in the world. I know most of my life – even if I happened to go to church, I didn’t really believe. One day I took a step of faith to say, “I want to believe – I want to understand – help me.”

No dramatic change as some have but I began to see and understand the journey of Jesus. His great patience AND love…even with our messy lives. I started to understand that with Him – I am worth dying for.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Would you give your life for your family – your friends?

He did.

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14

He’s shown me it isn’t useless and I KNOW my life has changed by taking that step. I hope that even if you have doubt, you will ask Jesus to show you just how much He really loves you.

where is the path

Church is reading a chapter of Matthew each day until Christmas. I was really caught by my markings from previous readings of Chapter 2.

God’s way is not always easy to see.

Matthew 2 shares about the prophecies of Jesus. Even Herod knew of those words and was in fear when the Magi talked of the star, because Bethlehem would bring the “ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.”

Joseph was warned to go to Egypt, which matches the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

When Herod was gone, Joseph was told to go to Nazareth. Fulfilling another prophetic message, “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Joseph listened. He heard through dreams and obeyed.

The road is not always straight and easy to see. So tune your ears and check directions. God does have a plan and a destination but it might look different than you were thinking. I know my journey has!

are your wings ready

I brought my camera to the conference last week but these were the only photos I took.

This little one knew it had wings and wanted to test them…

They weren’t fully formed to carry yet.

The nest could not be seen but I’m sure it knew right where that safety lay.

Was it crying for help?

Maybe celebrating the discoveries.

Calling the others to join.

It was on the sidewalk outside the hotel and seemed intent on the parking lot instead of the safety of the nest. I waited a bit to make sure I didn’t get in its way as I drove out.

As I studied and wondered if I could help, I thought of the Psalms. David is crying out against injustice, calling for help, celebrating the wonder of His Lord and resting in the confidence of His plan.

Have you been testing your wings?

Are you allowing fear to hold you back?

He tells us not to fear but to be courageous.

Is confidence in His plan what guides your steps?

Do you dare to test your wings?

The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

This little creatures wonderful “hairs” were so beautiful that morning…

enter the forest

What comes to mind when you think of a forest?

Lots of trees?
How is visibility?
Can you tell your direction?
Is it quiet, loud, distracting?
Are you afraid?

The proverbial … “not seeing the forest for the trees” means something like “he’s seeing the details but not the overall picture” or “he has all the facts but can’t put them together so they mean something”. Ginia

I’m often focusing on the trees. Nature teaches so much but we hear God best when distractions are gone.

How can we quiet our lives and our minds to hear?

That’s where I still give thanks my car antenna broke years ago and hasn’t been fixed.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21

if that’s what it takes

Still chewing on Sunday’s service on A Missional Life.

Life is not about avoiding the storms; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. – Vivian Greene

We don’t ask for suffering, loss and hardship.

Returning to Paul’s fortitude to go when he knew suffering was ahead. And Jesus’ prayer, “Father take this cup away from me.” It was written he would be beaten and crucified. Yet they chose God’s will.

Over four years ago I left my job without savings or a plan. God told me the year before and I assumed I would get full details. When He said create – I did tell Him He was nuts but I created. I didn’t know what was ahead and I still don’t.

This song keeps playing in my mind – “If that’s what it takes to praise you….Jesus bring the rain!” Mercy Me (below)

I hang on to His written Word and those rhema words noted in my journal for my fortitude.

I have called you to something that is different than others. MFA’s won’t matter. Your obedience will.

You could have and would have seen a bit more success as the world sees it but your obedience will be rewarded even more.

Your obedience is worth far more than earnings.

Will you do all you can to avoid the rough road or move forward dancing in obedience?

stale bread

If you are a foodie, you might turn an old loaf into great croutons. (…making me hungry.) Or like my gram, feed the critters. I think grocery basics have changed. Used to be milk, eggs, bread, and coffee. With storm prep I read some weird facebook lists.

What’s on your list of must haves for the day?
How about your soul food?

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

I’m finding new things in my reading lately. The days I don’t read make me wonder… “What did I miss?” Today I finished Luke and this hit.

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

I remember tucking the Bible away because it was too confusing. Thankfully He continues to renew my mind!

Get yours out some more and see what new things it will share.

did I fail

Rocks

I’m confused. Last night was monthly critique and I had a painting I wanted some feedback on before a competition in February. BUT do you drive 40 miles in snow for opinions? I decided nope and kept working on the newsletter.

Around 6pm (meeting at 7:30) I felt God/Spirit telling me to go. I argued but He was adament. OK…You’re in charge. I bundled up, hit the highway and max speed was 55mph. I kept muttering, “This is lunacy.” Approaching the first ramp I was ready to exit but drove on…roads got worse. Then I said, sorry God…can’t do it, next exit, I’m heading home.

Did I fail? Do I get points for going out the door?

There are many stories where God asks people to do uncomfortable things. Not my first time but I don’t know if I blew it or if I’ll ever understand it.