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. 

Peace in the midst of chaos

John 14:27New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

This time of year can be very stressful. We worry about so many things, especially things that we have no control over. But we don’t have to. God promises us His peace. I sometimes worry about things that are happening in my life, my kids, my job, my career, and finances. I would really worry about the kids and finances around the holidays. I bought into the hype of the commercialism. Now we know the real reason for the season and even though I still sometimes struggle with these things, I’m not as bad as I used to be. Now when I feel the worry coming on I don’t let it overcome instead I turn to the Word of God and I speak it over my life. The peace I feel after talking to God is unmistakable and indescribable. I just feel all the weight lifted off. That peace only comes from God. Nothing and no one else in this world can give you that kind of peace.

 I encourage you today to not let this season stress or worry you. Instead enjoy your family and Jesus. Time with them is the most precious gift. My birthday is Christmas Eve, and I can’t imagine a better place to be than at church for our Christmas Eve candlelight service. That’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten.