Why do squirrels run across electrical lines?

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  - Psalm 34:4

What scares you?

I was looking outside one day and saw a squirrel running across a phone line. My first thought was that – this squirrel is crazy! Then I thought – wow, she’s totally fearless! (that’s right… my fearless squirrel is a lady #girlpower) THEN I felt convicted! Why you ask? Because as I was looking up at that squirrel, I was literally in the middle of trying to talk myself out of something because I was afraid. Yes me… the author who wrote a book on overcoming fear was a scared. Isn’t it funny how God shows us in everyday things that we need to be fearless and we need to depend on Him. When I’m being obedient to God, it scares me. The reason it scares me is because when something comes from God, it’s not something that’s easy. It’s going to push you beyond your current limits. It makes me step out of my comfort zone and to be completely dependent upon Him. So, Lord you want me to take on this big project, and I have no clue what I’m doing? I’m not qualified for this God. I’m not ready! These are all things that I have said to God when He has shown what’s in my future. Believe me, I’ve begged and pleaded in some cases to get out of it. But you know what? Deep down inside me, I knew that I would not be satisfied if I just stayed where I was. How can I? I know God has these amazing plans for me, all I have to do is listen. Follow his lead and be obedient. I know it’s not as easy as it sounds, but the point is, we can do this!

My challenge to you today is to seek the Lord when you’re afraid. Not only will He answer, but He’ll deliver you from your fears. 

Children of Abraham rejoice!

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. - Galatians 3:7 NIV

Do you understand how big this is for us as children of Abraham? God promised him well…everything. He promised him land, a great nation, and blessings. The Bible says that we are children of Abraham and therefore we are entitled to all that God promised him. Yes! That means that if we have faith, recognize that Jesus is our Lord and savior and accept Christ into our lives, we too are entitled to all of that. I’m not sure about you, but I can always use additional blessings!  This means that everything God promised Abraham, we’re also entitled too!

Now, before you start asking God for everything, please remember that it’s not all about you. I know, I know… You already had your list for God, but the promises of God are also for you to be the best you so you can bring others to the Kingdom. We’re here to serve the Lord. So if you think that the promise God put in you is just for your success, think again. Of course God wants you to succeed and be successful, but He also wants you to be able to help others. Abraham was a servant, and he was obedient to the Lord, and because of that he was rewarded.

I challenge you today to release your faith! You’re a child of God and Abraham, and you have been given many incredible promises. Receive that! 

Can we keep the crazy to a minimum?!?

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

That’s right! The Word of God is just as relevant today as it was 2000+ years ago. In this very charged political climate that we are in right now, it’s very important for Christians to understand how important this is. We need to pray for our country, the candidates, and our churches. Things are changing, and it’s very easy to become part of this world. We don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, so we allow things to happen that go against God’s Word. This is where our soul and spirit sometimes feel divided. But God’s word is sharper than any two edged sword as the passage above states, and we can’t allow our feelings and emotions dictate how we live our lives. Our thoughts and attitudes affect everything we do. So we need to stay rooted in the Bible, and when we feel divided, we can go back to the Word of God and understand what God wants from us. I’ve seen some very mean and really awful things on Facebook about this election. The sad part, is that the really bad stuff is coming from people who call themselves Christians. It hurts my heart because we’re supposed to be disciples of love. We can’t be disciples if we’re spewing hateful things all over social media. If I wasn’t a Christian, and I saw that, I would seriously question if Jesus was so loving why are His people acting like this, but rest assured, it hurts Him as well, and thankfully He is also a God of grace. So he grants us grace even when we do things that are not of His Word.

My challenge to you this week as we go to the polls is to prayerfully ask God what His will is for you in this election. He will put the right candidate in the White House. I also challenge you to not get caught up in the craziness on social media. Don’t feel compelled to comment on things that upset you because you want to get your political point across. I can almost tell you with certainty that your post will not change the mind of someone whose mind is already made up. 

Don't leave the game until the timer hits zero!!

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. - Job 11:18-19 

We’re in the midst of college football season, and everyone has their team, and it’s a crazy time especially here in Tennessee. A lot of people follow the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and while I don’t follow them, I was flipping through the channels one Saturday and saw that they were losing 20-3. I am a sports fan, so I had heard the reports about them being the underdogs and that they had an 11 game losing streak going into the game against the Florida Gators. The expectation for their win was extremely low. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going into something and everyone around me expects me to lose, that doesn’t really give me the confidence I need to come out on top. In fact, they were booed off the field by their fans at half time. I can’t imagine how the players felt in the locker room. But I CAN imagine the coach and how it’s his job to inspire his team even though it seems all hope is lost. He probably gave them one of the most inspirational half time speeches ever. And guess what? It worked! Because they came back and won that game! I was shocked! But then Lord spoke to me about us Christians giving up before we should. The Vols could have easily came out for the second half and just rolled over, but they didn’t! I know there have been times in my life when God has given me a promise and when it was taking too long, or not going as I had planned, I want to give up and just say forget it. My mind monsters start telling me that maybe I was wrong about the promise, maybe God didn’t promise it. Maybe I just wanted it so I told myself it was from God and it really wasn’t. But I’m here to tell you that if you feel that way, do NOT believe that lie! If God put that promise in you, then He will bring it to pass. Don’t let those mind monsters have control. Do what you need to do to stay in it and not give up! God will give you the grace you need. Just ask Him. The Bible says that if we hold on, we’ll be lifted up on wings like eagles. That’s His promise to you.

My challenge for you this week is that when you feel like all hope is lost, do what the Vols did. Don’t roll over and give in to your fears. Come out fighting and you will have the victory! 

Jesus be my floatie

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

How strong is your faith? What is it that will make you try anything knowing that whatever you try, you can’t fail? It’s the feeling of knowing that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, you’re in the will of God and as long as you stay there, you will succeed.

Recently I was on vacation and we were at the beach, and my grandson who is 2 was completely terrified of the water and the sand. I mean he would not stand in the sand or get his feet wet. Even when he was being held he would cry hysterically. My daughter forgot to bring his floaties so I went to the store and picked some up for the next day. My daughter was convinced that he still wouldn’t get in the water. But we put them on him anyway. We went back to the beach, and believe it or not, they made all the difference! He was no longer afraid of the water. In fact he loved being in the water so much that when it was time to go, he didn’t want to leave and cried to get back in the water! I said to my family, who knew that 2 little floaties could do that. It got me thinking about life and how we struggle with faith on a daily basis. We all have moments when we don’t want to get in the water or even put our feet in the sand because of fear. Fear is very powerful, real and it can also keep us from God’s best if we don’t use His Word as our floaties and realize that if He put the dream in us, He’ll do His part, and we need to do ours. Don't just sit back and say 'I'm waiting on the Lord" Faith without works is dead, If God told you to do something, then do it. I understand that having faith can seem so easy, but with so many thing coming at us blindsiding us, our faith sometimes falters, and that's okay. But don't live there. Have your moment, then get busy! You've got a lot to do! 

I want to challenge you today to not give up even in the face of adversity. When you’re terrified, turn to your life-jacket. The Lord Jesus and even when it still seems impossible, just remember, nothing is impossible with Him to those that believe. 

You want me to dance and praise now? ….. What?

Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3 NIV

When you’re in the midst of a crisis, the last thing you want to do is dance, make music or praise God. In fact my first instinct is usually to cry, get angry, or run away from everyone. But, thank goodness over the years, I’ve learned that even though my feelings are real, they’re just temporary. I know that I will praise God even in the midst of my struggle because He’s the ONLY one that’s going to get me through it. Yes, we want to talk to our friends and have someone we can see hear us, and that's the human part of us, but God wants us to be dependent on Him.

Sometimes that’s really hard for me. Recently I was in a situation where I knew I shouldn’t have been, but I went anyway. It was an awful time, and I remember during the night a few times saying to myself and out loud - I hear you Lord. When it was over I called my friend to vent and even though she laughed hysterically at my adventure, she also said you know God was testing you right? And I failed that test because I didn’t listen to the still small voice of The Holy Spirit. I didn’t get mad at God, I was mad at myself for not listening! Then, I said thank you Lord for the additional confirmation, I praised Him and thanked Him for his grace. I listened to some praise and worship music and just chalked it up to experience.

When you’re in the midst of something that hurts, or makes you angry, don’t let your feelings or emotions win. Instead, do what the scripture above says, and praise His name with dancing and making music.

Yes.... I know your deepest thoughts

Psalm 26:2 (ERV) Look closely at me, Lord, and test me. Judge my deepest thoughts and emotions.

That is a bold prayer. Most of us have things that we wouldn’t want anyone to know about. And the thought that God would look closely at you and not only test you, but look at our deepest thoughts and desires! What!? That’s enough to make anyone nervous. But guess what? He already knows. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and the news gets even better! He still loves you! So when you ask Him to look at you and to judge your thoughts and emotions, this is showing a sign of spiritual growth. You’re asking God to help you be better! Isn’t that what we all should be aiming for? 

We all want to have the life that God has for us. But until our hearts and our desires line up with God’s Word, we can’t advance. If God can’t trust you with a little, how can He trust you with your deepest desires? I want all God has for me, and as I look over my life, if He had given me some of the things I was asking for at the time when I was crying, praying, begging and demanding, I would have completely messed it all up! God prepares us for a reason. He doesn’t withhold stuff because He wants to see us suffer, in fact nothing could be farther from the truth. The Bible is filled with people who lived abundant lives in every area of their lives. But they had to go through the process before God gave them their promise. And they got it. They received what God promised them, because they remained faithful, and they did what God asked. (Being obedient is a whole other blog!)

So what are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid to ask God to look closely at you, test you, and to judge your deepest thoughts and desires. When He does and you respond the right way, look out! Things will start to fall into place and God will accelerate you to your promise. 

Are you focused on the goal?

Philippians 3:13-14 The Message (MSG) I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.

I don’t know if there’s anything else that needs to be said after reading that verse of scripture. I mean wow! If you are going through anything right now and you feel like you’ll never be good enough or that it’s too late, this verse is a reminder that you shouldn’t believe the lies of the devil. He would love it if you gave up. But don’t do that to yourself! If Paul can say this about himself and be one of the greatest men of faith EVER, surely we can find joy knowing that even in suffering we still win!

I have been experiencing some spiritual warfare lately related to a promise that I believe God has put in me. It’s been a true season of suffering. I wish I could say that I never got upset or angry or wanted to give up, but I have many, many, many times. Just last night I was crying and pleading with God to end this once and for all. The circumstance is still there, but I’m not angry anymore, I’m not bitter. I realize that God is still for me. Even though I’m still dealing with the pain and hurt, I know that God will always be here, and I’m looking forward. I’m letting what’s in the past stay in the past. Yesterday is the past. I’m running forward and I’m not turning back, just like Paul said in Philippians.

I encourage you today, if you’re dealing with things from your past that are causing you to be bitter, angry and hurt. Cast your cares on the One who can handle it.

Forgive? The struggle is real

Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Do you feel like you always have to get back at the person who wronged you? Do you have a tough time forgiving? If that’s you, then the above verse should give you a wake-up call. We reap what we sow. Think about everything you did or said yesterday. Was it good or bad? We are reaping and sowing all the time. Good or bad. Makes you think doesn’t it? If you are constantly sowing bitterness, laziness, harshness and unforgiveness, that’s what you will eventually get in return. The verse above says that you will reap destruction. I know I don’t want to find out what that means. Most of us know someone who is negative. They never have anything good or positive to say, they’re always complaining and you never know what mood to expect. They are just miserable. I don’t even like being around people like that, let alone living that kind of life myself.

Choose to be like the second half of the verse. I choose to sow kindness, patience, encouragement and love. This doesn’t mean I’m perfect and I never get upset, believe me I do. Sometimes it takes a while to get to the forgiveness part, but I get there. I will not live a miserable life. I want to please God.

My encouragement for you today is that you sow great things so that you can reap great things. Treat people how you want to be treated. Show them respect. This will please the Spirit. 

Let it go... Let it go

Psalm 77:14 (NKJV)

You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. 

I’m writing this blog from sunny California and being out here has opened my eyes to some of our God’s marvelous works and wonders. In this week’s scripture we talk about our God who does wonders, and gives strength to His people. Los Angeles is a huge city but it’s surrounded by the most incredible mountains I’ve ever seen! When we were flying into LAX. I couldn’t stop smiling and just saying thank you Lord. Why was I thanking Him? Because He created this land and it’s gorgeous! 

So what does God’s wonders and him giving us strength mean to you? I know that there are times when I am weak. I need help. Sometimes it’s very hard to admit that I need help. I don’t want to admit that I can’t handle everything.  Sometimes I feel like I’m letting people down if I show signs of weakness.  Why do we feel this way?  For some of us we feel that we have to always be strong and never show signs of weakness or ask for help. Being a control freak about certain things has not helped. But God has been dealing with me in this regard. First, I’ve seen God do amazing things in my life and for people around me. If He does wonders for them, of course He’ll keep doing them for me!  Second, I know that we’re not meant to fight these battles alone. But I used to try. I have, well we all have the most powerful ally with us whenever we need Him. God declared his strength over us as the verse above states. It means He is with each and every one of us all at the same times and give us strength and courage when we need it. When we are weak, He is strong. When we can’t handle the pressure, He can. He takes all of our burdens if we give them to Him. I had a lot to learn about giving up control. But God has given me His strength, and I accept it. Does it mean that I’m not still a control freak? Nope. I am. But I also have chosen to give the stuff I know I can’t handle to the Lord and not try to be superwoman all the time. That’s exhausting!

My challenge for you is to look at your life and see if you’re trying to control every aspect of it. Are their things you’re holding onto that you need to release to the Lord? If there are, do it. Let it go! Don’t try to take on everything. Use the ally we’ve been blessed with – the Lord! 

New Year = New You

Psalm 25:15 The Message (MSG)

 If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.

Happy New Year!! I love this time of year. The holidays have always been my favorite. My excitement is escalated about the upcoming year. I know that 2016 will be my best year! What am I going to do to make sure of that? I’m getting out of my own way. I am a control freak to some degree. There are certain situations in my life that I’ve wanted total control of and I’m finally ready to do what Psalm 25:15 says and keep my eyes on God. God is my source. He is my plan. He is my everything. I’ve surrendered situations to Him, but then I pick it right back up if it’s not going the way I planned. But right now, I’m tired. I’m tired of going in circles. I’m tired of not having all of the Promises God has for me. I’m ready to stop letting Satan get in my head and I’m tired of believing his lies! I’m not the only one. I have many friends who feel the same way I do. I’m not saying that my life is terrible, because that’s not true at all. In fact I consider myself a blessed woman. But there are things I’m believing God for and I want it!

I encourage to take the same steps. It’s time to leave the past behind. Whatever is going wrong in your life doesn’t have to be permanent. Put your trust in the only one who can help you. Keep your eyes on God and he will do what He promises.

I want to put forth a challenge. When you are making your resolutions and thinking about what you want in the New Year, pray about it. Keep your eyes on God so you don’t trip over your own feet.