Mountains

Mountains seem SO big and overwhelming. And, they ARE. BUT, I was looking at a picture of a mountain today and thought something like, "You know, they really aren't that big." I mean, compared to what I sometimes have them built up as in my mind. Have I seen a mountain in person before? Yes. Are they big? Of course. Huge, actually. But...

People climb them. People ski down them.

Their bases are reachable. Their peaks are attainable.

In fact, mountains are tiny to God. And, for us, God's Word says:

"... for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However...” - Matthew 17:20b-21a (NKJV)

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. - Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV)

Mountains are not impossible. And, with God, whatever "mountain" you're facing in your life is not impossible, either.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” - Mark 10:27 (NKJV)

And, you know something else? Mountains, even in life, contain a lot of beauty.

'Live Like That'

"... point to Him." - Francis Chan

"I wanna live like that and give it all I have, so that everything I say and do points to you." - Sidewalk Prophets

Sidewalk Prophets - 'Live Like That'

Treasure Box Blessings

The following excerpt is from a Beth Moore Bible study I did a while back. When I began reading it, I thought it was going to basically be the same as the well-known and beautiful 'Footprints in the Sand' poem, but it wasn't. I love this so much that I wanted to share it with you!

"Walking with God in the pursuit of daily obedience is the sure means of fulfilling each of His wonderful plans. Imagine in heaven God lovingly shows you His plan for your earthly life. You see footprints walking through each day. On many of the days, two sets of footprints appear. You inquire: "Father, are those my footprints every day, and is the second set of prints when You joined me?"
He answers, "No, My precious child. The consistent footprints are Mine. The second set of footprints are when you joined Me."
"Where were you going, Father?"
"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."
"But, Father, where are my footprints all those times?"
"Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits. Sometimes, you departed from My path and chose your own instead. Other times, your footprints can even be seen on another person's path because you liked their plan better. At other times, you simply stopped because you would not let go of something you could not take with you."
"But even if I didn't walk with You every day, we ended up OK, didn't we?"
He holds you close and smiles, "Yes, child, we ended up OK. But, you see, OK was never what I had in mind for you."
"Father, what are those golden treasure boxes on certain days?"
"Blessings, My child, I had for you along the way. Those that are open are those you received. Those still closed were days you did not walk with Me."
- Beth Moore

Walk daily with God in obedience and don't miss out on any blessings He has for you!

Unspoken

I have a friend who is a youth pastor. He felt led to move from the U.S. to France to minister to youth over there. So, a little more than a year ago, he and his wife, along with their two daughters, moved to France. It really is beautiful the way they followed where God was leading them. Anyway, he sent me a message yesterday morning in reply to something I had written to him regarding a recent article of his. The article was about language, transition, and finding your identity in Christ. It got me thinking about how hard it would be to move to a different culture where the people speak a foreign language. Then, I had two thoughts come to me about it:

1) No matter what country you are in, love is love.

Show love. Show Christ.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8

I read a different blog post a while back by someone who brought her daughters to Peru on a faith-related project where they saw a lot of poverty. She said these words to one of her daughters to give her comfort, reassurance, and guidance: "We're just here to love them..."

2) People can be led to Christ in spoken AND unspoken ways.


I've learned that and I believe it.

I am certainly not taking away from verbally speaking the Gospel to people. That is important. I'm just saying there are definitely times when people are led to Christ in other ways. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes unintentionally.

So, while language might seem like a barrier when it comes to spreading Jesus, there are many times you are leading the way to Him without even saying a word.

Another cool little fact that I saw on a photo: "Everyone smiles in the same language." :)

P.S. I am not downplaying the difficulty that would go along with being in a foreign country and learning a new language. And, I do realize it make things easier in every way when you are able to communicate verbally with the people you are surrounded by.

He Leads... We Follow

"... you go wherever He leads whether or not you feel like you fit." - Beth Moore

That is an amazing quote. Beth Moore was talking about certain situations in life. I've also learned and believe that no matter where God leads us or what He leads us to do, we should follow. I decided to take the quote a step further and put some additional endings on it. I've learned:

You go wherever He leads whether or not you...
... feel scared. (Isaiah 41:10)
... feel equipped. (Hebrews 13:21)
... feel capable. (Philippians 4:13)
... want to. (Galatians 5:17)

"You lead. I'll follow. Your Hands hold my tomorrow. Your grip. Your grace. You know the way. You guide me tenderly. When You lead, I'll follow. Just light the way and I'll go, 'cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see." - Jamie Grace (You Lead).

Hope

Someone posted this verse today:

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? - Romans 8:24(b)

I read it and started thinking about it and then I started thinking about a picture (see below) and a quote from a song I posted yesterday:

"Let hope arise and make the darkness hide." - Newsboys

Shortly after that, I went back and saw this post by someone else:

"Hope is calling out your name."

God's timing and the way He works is so cool.

Strength and Courage

Someone I care about has been going through a very difficult time and the worst part of the fight she faces is still ahead. I am thankful she grew up knowing God. She has shown so much strength on this journey.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

I am also amazed by the courage she has shown. Below are a few verses regarding courage and strength. It's awesome that all three of the verses have the following words in them:

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
DO NOT BE AFRAID
LORD
GOD
WITH YOU

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. - 1 Chronicles 28:20(a)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

5 Ways to Take the Focus Off of Fear

I've learned and I believe that in order for fear not to be forefront, we need to focus on Him.

My aunt talked about the fact that we choose our Master. So true.

If we focus on fear, we are giving the enemy control.
If we focus on faith, we are choosing God.

Joyce Meyer says:

• "Simply put, fear is the opposite of faith."

• "If you stay busy thinking about right things, the devil won't be able to fill your mind with wrong things."

• "... we can choose what we think about."

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2

I don't know if it was something my aunt said or if our conversation sparked me to put it like this:
Focusing on Him helps take the focus off of fear.

Here are some ways to focus on Him:

1) FOCUS ON FAITH-RELATED THINGS
This is something that is important to do all of the time but, right now, I'm talking about times when fear tries to take over. Whether the fear is just beginning to creep in or it's in full-blown attack, I believe focusing on faith-related things can help:

- listen to Christian music
- read His Word
- listen to a sermon podcast
- PRAY
- other

It helps me to focus on faith-related things rather than difficult and scary circumstances.

2) BE A VESSEL FOR HIM
I've learned to pray about God working through me. I want to try to pray that specifically more often because, as a Christian, we want God to work through us all of the time. It is such a blessing for Him to work through us! And, when He makes it known to us that He worked through us... wow!

You could try praying for this when you are feeling fear about a situation/circumstance. I think fear has a difficult time surfacing when we are focused on being a vessel for God to work through.

3) HELP LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST
We can help lead people to Christ in spoken and unspoken ways... both intentionally, as well as unintentionally.

It helps me to look at a circumstance/situation as an opportunity.

4) HE IS WITH YOU
I've heard (in a sermon and/or elsewhere) that God's Word tells us over and over not to fear because He is with us.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

(See also Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20, and Joshua 1:9)

5) SEEK HIM
One of my favorite verses is:

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

I love it because it's true. Seek Him diligently... "with all your heart". If you seek Him, you WILL find Him.

I've had many experiences where I believe God has made His presence known to me. One word: JOY

In Your presence is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11(b)

God can make His presence known and give joy even in the midst of a really difficult time.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Two very difficult days during this past year (as well as the hours leading up to those 2 days), I had a lot of fears that were associated with the situation/circumstances.

I'm not going to say fear didn't still take over alot, but...

I focused on my faith.
I listened to Christian music.
I prayed.
I read His Word.
God worked through me.
He made His presence known to me.
I felt the "nudge" of the Holy Spirit.
I memorized Isaiah 41:10.
I seeked Him.
I had a faith-related conversation with someone I had just met in that time period.
I experienced joy!

If I hadn't focused on my faith... fear would have been forefront a lot more and those two days would have been a lot more difficult. AND... I would have missed out on SO much of what God did and His blessings! There was SO much LIGHT amidst the darkness! Those two days were very difficult and, yet, VERY amazing. I am thankful for my faith. God is good.

Fear does not bring forth strength. Faith does (through God - see Philippians 4:13)

Fear ... Enemy ... Darkness
Faith ... God ... Light

You choose.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. - John 1:5

P.S. I love the pic below that I found online. "Replace fear with Faith" Those are good words!

'Strong Enough'

Today I decided to listen to the song 'Strong Enough' by Matthew West, which I had downloaded months ago. I wrote down these lyrics:

"Lord, right now, I'm asking You to be strong enough for the both of us."

I had thought about posting those lyrics, along with the song, on a CaringBridge site of someone I care about, but I didn't.

Later, I was riding in a vehicle and I decided to turn on the radio. Right before I pushed the radio on, the thought that maybe that song will be playing came to mind. I hit the radio button and the end of 'Strong Enough' was playing! Awesome, God! I've experienced more than one 'Wow, God!' radio moment. Love those!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Journey vs. Destination (A Faith-Based Look)

Is life about the journey or the destination?

I believe it's about the journey AND the destination.

JOURNEY

As a Christian, I believe it has to be about the journey. Here's why:

We were put into this world intentionally.

• "... He asked God not to take us out of the world..." - Pastor Chuck Bomar

• "We have been sent into this world." - Beth Moore

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world - John 15(a)

"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." - John 17:18

We are also told to run the race.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, - Hebrews 12:1(b)

Because He put us here, there has to be reason(s) for the journey.

DESTINATION

As a Christian, I also believe it has to be about the destination.

We are told to fix our eyes on Jesus, not on what is seen, and to set our mind on things above. We are not told to fix our eyes or set our minds on the earth.

fixing our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2(a)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2

Yes, we are on this earth, but the Bible says we are not of the world.

They are not of the world - John 17:16(a)

Jesus was facing death, yet He was awaiting.

"Because of the joy awaiting Him," - Hebrews 12:2(b) (NLT)

Awaiting.
Awaiting means there is more.
And, since there is more than just this earthly journey, it simply cannot ONLY be about the journey.
It also has to be about the more... the destination.

Jesus' destination was at the "right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

As Christians, our ultimate destination is Heaven. Of course it has to be about the destination. And, what an amazing destination that will be.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

A Lamp

I read a quote today and it reminded me of a sermon titled 'The Lamp', which is about the following verse:

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105

I re-listened to the sermon and, in it, Pastor Josh Turner says the following things:

• A lamp will only show you your next two to three steps.
• God gives us a lamp. But I think, for so many of us, what we really want is we really want a flashlight because, with a flashlight, I can see the destination.
• And, if I can see the destination, I can figure out the path to get there.
• ... we would choose the path of least resistance. We would choose the easiest path.
• But, the problem is, is if you chose your way and your path, by the time you got to the destination, you wouldn't be who God had called you to be, because you would've trusted in your ways and and not God's ways.
• ... we need to go through some trials in our life to draw us closer to Him, so that we can learn to trust, that we can learn to rely, and that we can learn to lean on Him.
• ... as we walk on this earth, as we walk through trials, as we walk though hard times, as we walk through the good times... ... God is using every instance, every situation, everything that you go through in your life, to shape and mold you to be more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
• And, that's why I'm so thankful that God didn't give me a flashlight.
• If you follow the Word of God, God will show you your next two to three steps.
• And, see, what happens is, is I will take two to three steps. And then I'll still have the lamp and the lamp will continue to light my next two to three steps.
• God will continually light your next two to three steps.
• I'm thankful that I had to have a lamp to trust God and walk with God every day.

Book

Looking for a good book to read?

The Bible.

"I mean, it's a really good Book." - Dr. Ken Blanchard

"... the Author will work with you as you go through it." - Dr. Ken Blanchard

With All Your Heart

I just realized today that two verses that mean a lot to me both have the words with all your heart in them.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart . - Jeremiah 29:13

A Best Friend

I am so blessed that God re-introduced a friend into my life a while back. We've known each other for over 20 years, but didn't keep in touch for many of those years.

Even though we live in separate states, we have been doing Bible study together online and/or via phone for over a year now. We usually talk on the phone once/week or bi-weekly. We communicate online way more than that, though. We've done multiple studies together in that time frame.

She has become one of my best friends. I am so thankful for her.

Beth Moore

This week I started my 6th Beth Moore Bible study. For a couple of the studies, I listened to the audio / watched videos and did the homework. For others, I only did the homework. The videos add a lot, but weren't mandatory in order to still get a lot out of the studies. My personal favorite Beth Moore Bible studies have been: Believing God, Living Beyond Yourself and Breaking Free. I just started James:Mercy Triumphs this week. I'm hoping it'll become one of my favorites, as well! She has other studies I would love to do at some point, too.

Here is a list of the 6 studies and what I did / am doing for each of them:

• Believing God (online - videos and homework)
• Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit (online - videos and homework)
• Breaking Free (member book)
• When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction (member book)
• Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still (member book)
• James: Mercy Triumphs (member book)

One Way

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6 (NKJV)

Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God; - Psalm 46:10(a)

The following is a picture of a ring I ordered.

Joy

In Your presence is fullness of joy; - Psalm 16:11b

... the joy of the Lord is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10b

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Love

"Everybody's always looking for a word, here's a word: LOVE. Walk in love, that will keep you busy for the rest of your life." - Joyce Meyer

"... the Bible is real clear about this. Jesus was real clear about this... that life was one big lesson on love. Love God and love people." - Pastor Pete Wilson

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" - Luke 10:27 (NIV)

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. - 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV)

"The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both." - Pastor Pete Wilson

"He wanted us to have hearts to love. 'You'll be My disciples by how you love each other.'" - Dr. Ken Blanchard (John 13:35)

"You can accept someone and love someone without approving of everything that they do." - Pastor Pete Wilson

And He loved people. He paid no heed to class or nationality, past sins or present accomplishments. The neediest and loneliest found a friend in Jesus." - Max Lucado

"If we want to live like Jesus lived, we have to love like Jesus loved." - Pastor Craig Groeschel

Truth

Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth. - John 17:17 (NIV)

"we listen to the lies of satan... ... ... when we need to let the truth of God's word break through the lies." - a friend of mine who is a youth pastor

"We're going to have to let truth scream louder to our souls than the lies that have infected us." - Beth Moore

"We can't recognize lies if we don't know truth." - Beth Moore

"The devil is a liar. Jesus is truth." - Joyce Meyer

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6 (NIV)

Prayer Is Important

A quote I read: "Prayer is the most important conversation of the day."

"I believe Satan does not want you to pray." - Craig Groeschel

(Speaking about the enemy) "He'd rather we do anything than pray." - Beth Moore

"Satan knows that prayerless lives are powerless lives, while prayerful lives are powerful lives!" - Beth Moore

Beth Moore points out the importance of prayer by showing some examples in the Bible:
"Abraham prayed ... Isaac prayed ... Jacob prayed ... Moses left Pharaoh and prayed ... So Moses prayed for the people ... ... So David prayed ... Elijah stepped forward and prayed ... Elisha prayed, 'O, Lord' ... After Jacob had prayed for his friends ... Hezekiah prayed to the Lord ... Daniel got down on his knees and prayed ... ... early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed ..."

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35

"...Bible characters who prayed. The list could have gone on..." - Beth Moore