The anger swells again...surprise attack shatters the peace... forgive again, Lord?
The heart wrestles with obedience. Forgiveness is too hard, Lord, too exhausting.
But your Word pierces. You must forgive! Jesus' very words...no other options.
The heart cries for help once more. Increase my faith!

Flying Solo

Flying solo these days?

Think twice about going it alone. We were meant to do life in groups.

Do you know why birds often fly in a "V" pattern? To save energy! One of the stronger birds takes the lead, performing most of the hard wing work, while the others glide on the air draft he creates. But if you watch long enough, you'll see the leader drop back, allowing another in the flock to assume the lead. The birds form a community, providing support for the journey.
The author of the Book of Hebrews instructed Christ followers to "fly" in groups.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25.

Life was hard for these persecuted believers and this wise author knew they needed each other to make the difficult journey. Perhaps you are finding life really hard today. Are you trying to do it alone? I've found that leaning on a stronger believer energizes me until I can take my place as the encourager. Just as I noticed that birds know their exact position; we, too, need to be sensitive to how long we depend on others as well as when we need to take the lead.
So are you flying solo? Is it leaving you spiritually exhausted?

Maybe it's time to "get your group on."

Woman at the Well

I am the woman at the well and I've seen Jesus! Day after day I come to this ancient well to draw water, but today was different. He sat there, a Jew, tired and thirsty, and asked me for a drink. Me? An unclean Samaritan woman? Unheard of! I tried to argue, but He offered me everything.    Who am I to question this prophet who knows every detail of my life, even my current shame?   This Jew, he offers me permanent, living water,  not the temporary kind that flows from our father Jacob's well. But eternal, cleansing, saving drink that could only come from Him. I no longer need my dusty jug and the others? I must rush and tell them. Will they come and see for themselves the Savior who satisfies my soul?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Monologue written for Camp Tallowood 2010

She left behind her water jug that day. What must I leave behind to truly follow Jesus?

...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14                                      

Only you, Oh LORD, deserve to be exalted!

Perversion...for me to sit in the high place that is reserved for You.

We worm our way to the top, sometimes oblivious of the climb. Self-centered, unaffected by the path of destruction, we simply cannot live out our appointed position. Discontent with humility...unwilling to accept servanthood...exchanging Your plan for a season of glory. Father, guard me from such malady for I fear the long and crippling fall! Quickly open my eyes to the aftermath of elevating myself before You and others.

You, alone, be exalted!

He's always watching you!

Invisible, yep, that's right...invisible!  That's how I've felt most of my life. Maybe you're like me and feel like nobody really knows the person inside. And even if they did, would they even care? Maybe if I had a great voice or I was cute and petite...then might they notice? Or is it just luck that drops us into the right crowd? Well, today I feel untalented, ugly and unlucky!
Elijah, the mighty prophet felt discouraged and depressed, even after a great mountain showdown. Why? He temporarily took his eyes off God and  then, he dove into fear, pity, and depression. But the amazing news is God never took His eyes off of Elijah. He offered him protection, rest, nourishment and a new purpose.
Sweet thing, you are not invisible to your God. He watches over you every moment of your life. He delights in you, sings over you and gives you worth. We don't earn His attention because of our success or looks. God sees only the heart.
It's not luck, sweet thing; it's love!

Mother's Day 2010

We will not hide these truths from our children;

we will tell the next generation

about the glorious deeds of the LORD,

about His power and his mighty wonders.

Psalm 78:4 NLT

Less of me, more of You...I've been watching life through new lenses. Sadly, I observe a malignancy attacking Kingdom life. The life-sucking "M" word...Me! I asked for fresh perspective; not to be disappointed. New cases of selfishness crop up daily, growing in epidemic proportion, but the ugliness is overshadowed by promising cure. One wise woman calls from the wilderness, challenging the sin-sick to shed their self-medicating approach to scripture study, replacing it with intentional search for the One who gives life to the Holy pages. I take the bait and plunge. Genesis: chapter one...His rich character calls from each life altering verse . Exodus: chapter three and four...an evolving list shatters my complacent spirit.
May births healing from my chronic condition.

                          LORD, eradicate my Me disease!
              Infuse me with growing knowledge of only You.

Physician of my sin-sick soul,

To thee I bring my case;

My raging malady control,

And heal me by thy grace.

John Newton 1779