I’ve been discovering lately that although, I enjoy many “new” things, others come with a bit of apprehension.  I  wonder if the Israelites felt the same joy and anticipation entering into the Promised Land?  For forty years they had lived in the wilderness as nomads.  Following a pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night they experienced a type of security in the sameness of their life.  But then things began to change.  Joshua replaced Moses as their leader,.  God began to give them new instructions and the manna they were used to stopped appearing.  It was time to receive God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey.  But  first they had to cross the Jordan River.

Joshua gave them three days notice in which to prepare for the crossing.   These instructions included the need to purify themselves and how to follow the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The purification process caused them to put away anything “unclean” from their presence and set apart themselves for the Lord. It was a time of renewing the reality of why they had left Egypt and the actual  purpose of being God’s people.   These were all things they could do.  Even though they were headed to the new land,  none of the steps in themselves were difficult.  But change was coming.

I have often wondered how the priests felt when Joshua ordered them to “take a few steps into the river and stop there”.  What courage it must have taken for Joshua to declare that the water would stop upstream and become a wall so they could pass through on dry land.  Remember the Jordan river was overflowing its banks because it was harvest time, so it wasn’t a lazy or shallow river at this time.  But the priests did as Joshua commanded, the river did what Joshua said and the people passed over on dry ground!   It must have been amazing to experience this miracle.  Joshua and Caleb both had the memory of how God had opened the Red Sea for Moses, but I can imagine Joshua having to still his mind from going to “but that was Moses and he has his rod”, I but I am only me! (Well, those might have been my thoughts!)

God, through Joshua, led His people into new levels of  trusting  and faith through change.    The Israelite’s had gotten comfortable with the manna routine, but now they had to forage for their food.  They had to adjust to a new leader and his ways.  The  pillars of fire and cloud stopped directing their movements–which caused even more changes.  These were all good changes.  They were changes that brought them closer to inheriting this land God had promised them.

He is still leading us to new levels of faith and trusting Him, and many times it is through the tool of change.  Some change, if it is OUR choice, seems easier than choices outside of our control.  Covid 19 has brought much unwanted change to many people.  Lost jobs or businesses, death of loved ones or simply having to add masks and hand sanitizer to our shopping list means change.   For many depending on where you live: wildfires tornadoes, or hurricanes have forced change as well.  God knew crossing the Jordan would necessitate change for His people.  He understands all the things that bring change in and through us.  We must learn to lean on Him even more.  I believe good things are coming as we navigate these changes.  If you are in a season of forced change, please know the grace of God is with you.  You are not alone and He has a plan to bring you through this season with even more fruit.  If you know people who have been forced to change, please pray for them. Support them.  Love them.  Help them.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.  Isaiah 26: 3

When I was a child waiting for Christmas was exciting and frustrating.  I wanted it to come now, but also learned the joy of anticipation.  Waiting for vacations, birth of a new baby or birthdays is a bit easier now, for I know that all I have to do is let the days go by and enjoy the wait! I think this type of waiting as the the “eager waiter”.  But there are others.

Then we have the frustrated waiter. This type of “waiter” is the pacer, the “I wonder what is taking so long type of waiter”.  I once literally spent thirty minutes in a drive thru lane.  I timed it!  I felt bad for the staff.  Not sure what was the problem, but I chose to be patient.  Not everyone was that understanding.  Fortunately I was not on a schedule.  Then we have the distracted waiter–one who fills up his mind and body with busyness to help him avoid the big issue at hand.  Sometimes these folks can get very productive during these waiting times.  This type of waiting is usually  more short term.

Another type of waiting is waiting for the “unknown” to happen.  Did I get the job?  Did I get the promotion I tested for months ago?  Have I been accepted to the college program I applied for?  What are the biopsy results?

During this waiting time, I have employed the steps Philippians 4:6-7 instructs.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.    It helps me capture the worse case scenario thoughts.  How about this season of Covid?  Are you waiting for the “all clear” for when life can resume–fully open and free?

I know I am.  I think I have been a patient waiter for most of this season.  However, there is another BIG event scripture tells us to look for, anticipate and long for.  That is the second coming of the Lord.  As a child I would look up at an amazing cloud display and wonder, is this the day?  Of course many days and years have passed and we are still waiting.  But as the days and difficulties are growing, so is my longing for His return.  It is our hope as believers, that no matter what our current situation is, Jesus is coming again.  I Corinthians 4:17 reminds us:  for our light and momentary affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  We have eternity to look forward to and we must not let Satan rob us of that amazing truth.  Life here on earth is fleeting.  So while we are waiting let’s do the work of the ministry that He has called us.  Let us be busy about our Father’s business and occupy till He comes.  Let’s be grateful sons and daughters who spread the light of His love and truth.  Maranatha.  Come Lord Jesus Come.  Let’s be active waiters!

Father, I thank you for your promised hope of your coming again. I thank you that in that promise you also come into our everyday situations and bring your help and hope.  I pray for my friends who need this hope re-kindled in their difficult times.  I trust your timing, my Lord. 

Yesterday was my 71st birthday. Just a date on a calendar to many. I don’t “feel” any different than I did the day before, but the fact is I have fully entered my 7th decade! My children and friends made it feel special and significant. Thanks to FB I received wishes from so many friends and as we all know, it adds value to our lives! I appreciate those who took the time to simply say “Happy Birthday” and even more to those who customized it a bit!

My children loved me well. Simply asking what I wanted to do–be with them and play games. It was made even more special with unexpected phone calls–some I didn’t get to answer because I was too busy “partying”. My heart is full today with God’s grace and His love. I think back on our birth–yes, ours because I am a triplet! Only God’s mercy, grace and plan could see that we three around three pounder babies, born in a small cabin without medical help would live to fulfill the plan He has for us. I know my mother, who labored virtually alone was a praying mom. I know God answered her prayers that we would live. There were no ultrasounds nor for her, any prenatal care, just an understanding that after five other children, she was with child. Apparently when she told my father, she thought she was pregnant, he said, no you are just getting fat. Not too supportive, eh? But instead of one, there were three.

But we lived, and grew into the women we are today. Each of us love Jesus, as I know she prayed. Each of us have walked through seasons of blessings and seasons of struggles. God has been faithful through it all. Maybe it is our mother’s prayers that have kept me moving on when I have wanted to quit. She struggled with mental illness, but still loved Jesus. My husband Darryl preached her memorial service from her worn Bible. Her life was difficult. She spent much time in mental hospitals and on medications. Many would look at her life and think it sad. I don’t think anyone would want to grow up and say, “I want to be like Bertha Swift”. But she left a legacy of eight children who love the Lord. She prayed and some how even though she wasn’t in our life actively as a mother (we three were adopted) I know she prayed from afar and God heard that prayer and answered. He is still answering those prayers.

I know several moms who wonder about their children and their legacy. Their children struggle with mental concerns as well. I want to encourage you to keep praying. Keep trusting and don’t give up. If you are a mom or dad who has lost contact with your children, please keep praying for them. That may be the only gift you can give them on their birthdays, your prayers. But keep giving those gifts. Remember Jacob lost contact with his son Joseph, thinking he was dead, but God brought them back together again. (I also wonder if his brothers prayed for him, during this time as well?) It took us over 25 years to physically meet our mother. In His time, He arranged it. I know she must have wondered about us.

All of us, reach out to those around you who may be mother less or father less. Their moms or dads may be praying you into the lives of their children. You may be someone’s answer to prayer, even if they have passed. Follow the Holy Spirit’s urging to love others. It is always worth it. Thank you Bertha Swift. Your prayers are still being answered.

Today is a great day to remember that you are not alone. It is a day to remind yourself that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). I don’t mean, oh yeah, I know. I mean that you Sometimes, even when we “know” this truth, we need to deliberately bring it to the forefront of our mind and remember WHO it is that is in you and with you. It is also a day of remembering He is Lord.

He is the God who created the universe, and He holds your world as well.

He is the God who listens to the bird song, and your heart cry as well.

He is the God who sees your struggles, and says I am your strength.

He is the God who from the beginning of time has a plan for the world, and that includes your life as well.

He is the God who spoke and the world was formed, He’s given you a voice to join His Words to bring change to your world.

He is the God who is always present, even when you feel alone.

He is God, even in the shadows of death or fear, you are not alone.

He is the God of all Hope, even when you feel hopeless.

He is the healer of broken hearts and broken dreams, He is your restorer.

He sent Jesus His Son to save His people from their sin, that includes you!

He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, let Him reign today in your life.

He is a Faithful God, and He is faithful to you.

Friends, 2 Chronicles 14 tells a story of Asa, king of Judah faced an army of Ethiopians. Asa had 300,000 thousand warriors–Zerah, the Ethiopian had 1,000,000, (yes 1 million) men fighting against Judah. Asa cried out to the Lord, O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God, do not let mere men prevail against you! So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and the army of Judah and the enemy fled. Asa could have simply surrendered, but he remembered the Lord His God and they were victorious. Later on in chapter 15 Azariah, a prophet, spoke to Asa and said, Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. Vs 5 goes on to say: During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. Nation fought against nation and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin…

I think the troubles we are facing stem from God allowing us as nations to do our own sin thing. It is time to remember whose we are and allow Him to be Lord of our life, He will show us the way through with victory and strength. It is a time to remember Him and His ways. It is time to not only remember He is Lord, but allow Him to be yours.

I think most people in this day and age would agree–these are stressful times. Maybe more stressful on our soul, body and spirits. This week I’ve encountered sad news, bad news and distressing encounters. How about you? I’ve also had some good news, happy news and answers to prayer! The Lord showed me that the negative news seems to cling much longer than the positive.

The first thing we have to do is accept the fact these kind of things do touch our soul. None of us are impervious to the effects of difficulties. As much as the “perfect” me can carry and deal with hard things–I had to admit I can’t, but He can. So what does that mean? It takes time and deliberate steps to process the negative news and give it over to the Lord. I Peter 5: 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. The King James version uses the word cast. Either way there must be a transfer of sorts–from us to Him. Anxiety and cares in the Greek is mermna. From meiro-“to divide” and noos, “the mind”. Our anxieties and cares come into our lives and divide our thoughts and distract us from His thoughts and His ways. Merimna means to be anxious beforehand about daily life. We have a savior who is looking after those things. It is not our portion. When things come fast and furious at us, it is hard to take the time to do the transfer. But we must do so. An often missing step is to pray about the situation, but not do the transfer. I have had to slow down and prayerfully, give Him each and every care. As I really focus on Him–His ways and His words, my faith and trust grows so I can truly make the transfer. Then it is up to Him how He chooses to answer these prayers.

Psalm 139:23 Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Understand, He already knows every area of our thought life. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm. It is so encouraging and up lifting. God knows those areas of our heart that trouble us. Do not fear praying this prayer. It is often the first step to greater freedom in our walk with Him. He searches with grace and mercy, but also with truth, and that truth always bring freedom. Freedom from guilt, shame and the resulting anxiety from carrying such emotions saddles us with. When we take time to pray these “transfer” prayers, the Holy Spirit often points out areas where we need to grow in trust, or allow His finished work on the cross to be applied. Revelation 12:11 tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

This week as I received the sad news, bad news and even disturbing news I made a conscious effort to focus on the positive news. At our Life Group I listened with intent at the God stories the ladies shared. I asked them to pray for some of my “stuff” and their caring prayers touched my heart. We need the two or three believing in agreement often times to help us know we are not alone.

As I took the time to transfer my cares to Him, joy came. Peace came. Hope came. It took time, but I was with Him and that was good!! I encourage you to do the same–make it a habit!

Our last Blog focus dealt with the concerns that arise when healthy discussions turn into no-win debates which then can lead to difficult divisions in the body of Christ. As I prayerfully pondered the next step–I began to meditate on what can we do, rather than what we can’t. We each have a choice to choose to develop unity or foster division.

Over the years, raising three children and now helping impact ten grandchildren I have been confronted with sibling disputes of all kinds. As a young mom, I don’t think I always handled it as wisely as I could, but all three of my children are still alive with children of their own! In other words they made it to adulthood without killing each other–at least physically. As they moved into adulthood, they worked hard in reconciling some remaining misunderstandings and hurts. Sibling disputes come with the territory. The same in church. 1 Corinthians 3 Paul points out the various camps that had arisen in the church at Corinth. “I am a follower of Apollos”; “I am a follower of Paul” were two ways the church was dividing itself. Paul’s words clearly pointed out their immaturity in fostering jealousy and quarrels. He sought to change their perspectives. After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. (I Corinthians 3:5 He goes on to declare, For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. I Corinthians 3: 9.

And so it is with us. We are God’s field. He is planting the types of seeds He wants to grow in and through our lives. It is His choice. Ephesians 4 lays out the differing parts of the body and how they are to function as one. We must grow up. This is a season where we must learn to lay aside our petty differences and begin to appreciate each of our teammates. We have to settle that in our hearts. Every believer we meet, no matter their stand on the end times, styles and timings of baptisms, the place of Mary in worship, or what day of the week we need to meet if they have received Jesus as their Savior is not only our fellow soldier in the warfare against Satan–but our brother and sister. We must learn to discern and honor the body of Christ.

I confess there are some denominations I simply do not understand why they focus on certain things over others that I think are important. I came to realize they are following the Lord and are being obedient to what they feel is important. Just like I don’t like certain foods, so I choose not to go to those type of restaurants without being critical of how they cook their food! Let’s celebrate the differences, or at least celebrate the fact, (hopefully) that you are not under their policies! I believe this Covid pandemic is asking us to grow up. Laying down our childish ways, and taking up our cross daily. As it grows darker, we need every light there is to shine brightly for His glory.

Jesus prayed that we would be one. Let’s join in that prayer. Let’s ask the Father to show us if there are any hindrances in our lives that we can need to change so we can help His prayer be answered. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t. We can always grow in the fruits of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such is no law. I think as we work on cultivating those fruits, we will definitely be moving toward unity. Remember their is power in unity.

So many differing opinions have arisen these past few months. Conversations quickly turn from discussions to debate and then if not checked into divisions–even among God’s family. I have even surprised myself with the struggle to explain my thoughts and how quickly I find myself on the defense. Masks or no masks, gathering or no gathering, was this a planned pandemic? Or did it unfortunately just happen? So many questions, so many thoughts–who can you trust? What can you trust? How do we, as believers, proceed?

First, I want to apologize for the times I have moved from healthy discussion into debate. When we first began the shelter in place phase, the Holy Spirit spoke quite clearly to me, stay home and stay safe–you are important to the body of Christ. I repeat this with humility, because I am just His servant attempting to follow Him. So I very carefully stayed away from going out. My family did my shopping, or I ordered on line and did not darken a store for two months. When the Lord spoke to me, I simply chose to obey. I felt an immense peace about His request. I respect the fact that others had different assignments from Him. Washington was on the front lines of this pandemic in the United States. We were learning how to be safe (and still are). I am grateful for technology that kept our church and Life Group connected. Everyone was grappling with the “new” normal, with a seeming common enemy–Covid-19.

But gradually people began to share differing points of view from what they heard. Friendly discussions crossed into the beginnings of debate with obvious defensive points being lobbed by both sides. FB became a hot mess with both sides being presented as absolute Truth. Was this a planned conspiracy from the beginning? Or was it the result of our sinful world which is full of sickness and disease just manifesting itself? Are we subtly being groomed like mindless sheep for future restrictions? All I know is we serve a Sovereign God who is reigning over our lives. I choose to be His sheep, seeking Him and His ways. I do know that as we pray in agreement for God’s will to be done, it will be. How sneaky of our enemy to try to get God’s body to divide over mask wearing?

As the Holy Spirit began to talk to me about my part in accelerating the debate issue, I repented and ask for wisdom (again!). Romans 14 is an amazing chapter for this day and age. Paul talks to the differing perspectives over two major issues facing the Roman church. Food choices and which day of the week to worship. These were not essentials of solid doctrine, but a matter of personal perspectives. Paul shares some amazing wisdom that I believe if we applied today, we would be farther ahead!

Romans 14:4, who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In other words, we must follow our own conscience. We must allow others to follow theirs without criticism or judgement.

Romans 14: 17, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If we please God, and others will approve of you too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

This is a time for maturely approaching our perspectives. Proverbs 18:19 says an offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city, Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Let us work hard not to offend our friends with our stance, but listen with an open heart. Trusting their Master will lead and guide them as well as us into His truth. Let us listen first of all to our Master–and His wisdom.

My friends, healthy discussion is that, healthy. Listen with loving ears. Debate for debates sake is at best useless, but can lead to harmful division. We can agree to disagree or like medieval writer, Rupertus Mildenius: On the essentials, unity; on the non-essentials, freedom, in everything love. As churches choose to open or not, let us love those that choose to attend, and keep loving those who are not yet free to do so. Romans 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying!

There it goes again. Another bit of sad/bad difficult news that already is adding to my soul burden. I find myself letting out a big sigh and maybe even a groan or two as I process the information. How about you? A family member with relationship issues, bad diagnosis from the doctor, the struggle of discernment between truth and distortion in the news–all can lead to a sense of overwhelming burden and care. Reading Romans 8:26,27 this morning was so comforting and reassuring to remind us of how we have the Holy Spirit who not only understands our groanings and sighings, but comes along side us to help us in those moments.

Groan: a low, mournful sound uttered in pain or grief. Science tells us that the act of groaning actually is a primal way of releasing stress. It stimulates the part of your brain that helps assess whether you are safe or not. When people are in intense physical pain they often moan and groan–scientific studies have shown people tolerate pain longer if they are able to moan. It is interesting that there are several scriptures refer to the groanings and moans that women make in labor–often a coping mechanism to work through the intensity of childbirth, which means that sometimes we groan and moan while we are producing good fruit!

Sigh: to let out one’s breath audibly, as from sorrow, weariness, or relief Sighing also has a physical benefit. Many times when we hear difficult news we unconsciously hold our breath, and sighing is a way our body gets rid of any excess CO2 and the deep breath after helps us take in more oxygen. The good news is Isaiah 51:11 tells us that there will come a day when the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away! (ESV)

I think in our present season of Covid and violence, I find myself groaning and sighing much more often. I have heard many people (believers and unbelievers a like) responding to difficult news with “OH God”. Even people who don’t give Him a thought seem to without a thought, call on His Name! Thinking on how He helps us (remember He doesn’t replace our prayers, He helps us with them), I thought that initial response is to remind us that our God is present! He wants to help us turn to Him. To help us look up and out from those circumstances that would seek to crush us.

When I begin to move from the moans and groans to actual words in prayer, I find the Holy Spirit actually leading me from honest overwhelming words of to words of hope and solution finding. It is almost like He maps out a journey as I keep praying and leads me from the wilderness towards the promised land. Often my cloudy thinking begins to clear and I can begin to see where to take the next step. I know it is Him helping me navigate the dark difficult waters of confusion and even at times, despair.

I want to encourage you not to ignore your groanings. Not to pretend they aren’t there. But to acknowledge them to the Lord and actively bring Him into those dark areas. Our political/national situation often causes me to want to hide under the covers! But it is the Word of God and the Holy Spirit which leads me to pray for our leaders and nation. Asking the God of all Nations to bring His solutions to play. To protect the truth and to even show us how to vote! There are so many opinions flying around and I find myself simply asking the Lord to uncover the truth and lead me to it! The Holy Spirit helps encourage me to stand strong and face every groaning and moaning situation, and He desires to do the same for each of us.

Father, I ask that you alert us to our moanings, groanings and sighings. I ask that as we acknowledge the stressful season we live in that you teach us how to access your help even more. We release our faith for not only solutions to our personal needs, but also for the global situations our world is facing. We pray for wisdom during this election season. We pray that you will uncover the truth wherever it has been hidden, twisted or manipulated in any area of our lives. We thank you for helping us to continue to stand strong as a believers and not shy away from things that would produce more sighing and groanings, but we would trust you in the midst of them. In Jesus Name, amen

This is a very personal insight into the behind the scene motivation in what I am trying to accomplish! I love God. I love His creation called “people”. It is my simple desire to encourage His people to love Him more–not just in words, but also in action. It is my desire to stir up your heart to Him in every area! To remind you that you are always in His sight. To know that His heart, hand and mind is towards you. Isn’t that an encouraging word?

During this Covid season, I have slowed down my morning devotions. It has been so amazing to read slow enough to catch things I have missed, or forgotten. My chosen reading “program” is currently found on YouVersion, “Bible in One Year 2020 with Nicky Gumbel”. It encompasses a daily devotional by Nicky Gumbel, an English Anglican priest who developed the Alpha program–a Christian discipleship program. I enjoy his insights which include personal testimonies, historical facts and stories of others who have walked this Christian path. Listening to him reminds me that Christianity is not an American gospel! I have fallen more in love with God’s Word than ever before. It has never been my heart to just “read it” and check off the to do list, but to read to apply. I have done this over the years with various success, but I’m seeking to up my success rate! I love His mercy and grace. I love His Holy Spirit drawing me closer to Him. I love His quiet correction. (Sunday morning I awoke, with many plans in mind. As I was ordering my steps, I quietly heard this voice, “and how is this planning going without me?”. Oops! I apologized and repented, and asked Him to order my steps. It became a much more fun and satisfying day than I had planned–including my daughter, son and some grandchildren! Still got everything on my list accomplished and more!

If this blog has stirred up a desire to get to know and walk with this mighty Savior, it is readily available to you! The Bible is very clear on the fact that we all fall short (or sin) against God and His ways. That, in essence, is why we need a Savior. Jesus came with that express purpose in mind. He paid the price (his crucifixion), but also gave us power over our sinful nature showed forth in his resurrection! It is a free gift we simply need to ask for by faith, and receive it. My late husband’s story was amazing. He was raised as an atheist. To him, there was no God. After fighting against the truth, one day he woke up, got down on the floor and began to cry out “Jesus if I am who they say I am a sinner, and you who are they say you are, a savior, then save me!” As he prayed this prayer, he knew like he knew it, Jesus was real and he indeed saved him! His life began to be transformed–eventually becoming a preacher and pastor! This is a simple prayer, you also can pray. Father, I ask that you help any reader to come to know you more. Your Word declares we love you because you first loved us, and it is so true. I ask that you break down any barriers past experiences or teachings have had that would hinder them from taking this step. I ask that you give them courage to taste and see that you really are good! I silence the lies of our enemy and ask that you open their ears to your truth, in Jesus Name.

To those of you who are walking with Him, Romans 1:12 NLT, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. This is my heart for the small group I lead as well. It is my heart to add value and encouragement to every one I meet as well as my written words. Unlike other religions and beliefs, our God is knowable, approachable and responsive. He desires to directly interact with us through each day with His Presence, His Word and those that know him. I am so grateful, aren’t you?

One of the aspects of the Good News of Jesus Christ is the ability to enjoy freedom from sin, shame, guilt, fear and the torment of regret. Unfortunately even though His death secured these amazing freedoms, so many still spend too much time enslaved in their bondage producing effects. Why? Partly because it takes work. Yes, it takes a decision to choose to believe its true, and to determine to follow Romans 12:2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Or as the NLT says, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you in to a new person by changing the way you think, Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. At times fear of really knowing how free we can be holds us back. Look at the description of God’s will for us! It’s good. It’s acceptable (pleasing). It’s perfect. Doesn’t sound bad does it?

Our Life Group looked at Philippians 4: 8 last night. Paul instructs us to SET or Fix our thoughts on what is true. I began to meditate on what that would look like if I simply captured all my thoughts for one day that did not fall under the category of what is true! Including the thoughts I think about myself–which, sadly, I can find more challenging. Studies have shown that we think somewhere between 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those thousands of thoughts 80% were negative. Of those thoughts 95% were the same repetitive thoughts from the day before! (TLEX Institute). Obviously, we are falling short of applying Philippians 4:8-9 into practice! Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right, and pure and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

During this difficult times we are facing, we must more than ever learn how to quickly capture ungodly thoughts that would lead us astray, or distract us from His perfect will for our lives. Mulling over regrets, shameful feelings or sinful actions that are under His blood keeps us on a hamster wheel of bondage. He paid the price for our freedom, but again we have to receive it as truth. I encounter people who have asked Jesus into their hearts years ago, know some scriptures, but still are bound by fear. Satan does not want God’s children to walk in His power, because it keeps us ineffective. When we choose to trust Him and His ways we are free to bring that freedom to others.

Brothers and sisters, let us make the decision to capture those thoughts which keep you living less than He has called us to. Let us embrace His freedom, because we can! The early believers turned their world upside down! It is the same power given to us.

Here is a thought. What if by changing your fearful thoughts to faithful ones will change the fears of those around you? That your faith filled thoughts would encourage those you influence to believe for their God given freedom and destiny? We must not just rattle off platitudes of faith, but genuine walked out truths if we want to influence our world. We must practice freedom thinking!