Precision Decision

Romans 16: 25  "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past...

The chatter this week seems to be on two things, an American sniper and a quarterback and his football. I find one thing with both these participants and their "controversy," in common:  both are  trained to be precise.

 Bradley Cooper
 from the movie "American Sniper"

One protected us; one entertains us.  Both are heroes to some, to many.

Tom Brady, QB for The Patriots 

Any U. S. military man or woman serving in harm's way is a brave hero to me, no doubt for a minute here. 

In this verse, the Apostle Paul uses the word "according," meaning to be harmonious or consistent with.  A trained sniper has to be consistent, his life as well as others is on the line. He is serving his country, maybe even rescuing a hostage. A quarterback has to be consistent in his efforts to score, for his receivers to trust him, for his fans to approve of him. 

To be consistent, means to hit the mark every time. They rely on their training, their weapons and or equipment, and know their target. It takes training, planning and skill. Both have obstacles to overcome. 

The Gospel is consistent, precise, a revelation of a mystery we can only get a glimpse of. It is precise because it is Perfect. The Gospel is the Good News of Redemption and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ  who precisely and perfectly loves you and me. 

As human beings, we are flawed, imperfect and may not always hit our target. 

As human beings, we may manipulate things, make a bad judgment, not hold true to our words, bring disappointment, cause controversy. 

Jesus caused controversy, still does. Truth does that. 

God's desire for us is to surrender. Quite the opposite of what we think of as heroic. In doing that, He longs to reestablish harmony between Him and the world, to personally bring hope into our lives in Him; peace. It doesn't mean we'll never see trouble again. He desires for us to practice and train towards sanctification, the willingness to seek to know Him more, with calculated, thought out precision. How can we do that when we are surrounded by the enemy, under stress and worry, unsure of our own capabilities and skills, under pressure to win, be a winner? 

We can't. The mystery is in the surrendering, for sometimes the obstacle in our way is ourselves. God reveals to us a helper, the Holy Spirit, who precisely and lovingly directs our efforts, our prayers, our desire towards the target of God's own heart. At the precise moment we prayed for forgiveness, God's precise and perfect redemption saved us and then leads us towards the goal line. There is nothing we can do or manipulate to gain God's favor. 

Lord, thank you for allowing us to be the precise target for Your love.  We do not deserve it. Your Word provides for us the training we need to grow. Our skills, our birth-given qualities, our horrendous sad stories all can be used for Your glory; no need to manipulate. At precisely the right time, in our availability, in our trust and obedience, You establish us, help us through our fears and into heroics, giving us the courage to stand true, confidant in You for all our needs. Help us Lord to keep our eyes on the Target and trust in Your plan. Now to Him who is able, Amen. 

An American Hero 

Update!

Psalm 65: 5     "By awesome deeds Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who art the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea." 




As part of a few prayer circles and the "official prayer-chain" through church, I receive many opportunities--privileges to pray for many people, most I do not know.

...but God does.  




Some of the time, I hear an update and can see where God's Hand touches lives. A lot of the time,  answers do not come right away and many times, God answers in such amazing ways,  magnifying His omniscience and sovereignty. To God Be the Glory! Many ongoing situations require God's guidance and waiting on Him. As we bow our heads, we are not giving God permission to work "His magic." It is simply a time for us to connect to Him and draw closer in petition and support for another's need. It also gets us out of the "me" mode and into the "others" mode. Prayer shapes us into His will, allows us to see His glory, His power.

A few days ago, another prayer warrior sent me an e-mail asking me for some updates on prayer requests I myself placed before friends in e-mails. She had 11 names listed!  I knew this would take me awhile to type out a reply.

I did that yesterday, and although in my mind and heart, I knew all the updates, all the answers to these prayers--the listing of each person and the writing of at least a paragraph update on what the Lord had done or is currently doing in each life, gave me such a rich perspective and gratefulness of how He  moves and works in His beloved; in my own life as well. Spending more time in sincere prayer before Him brings proven results and I am glad I can document His goodness!  Look what the Lord has done! Look what He is doing, what He is continuing to do!  Never cease praying!

Lord God, your scripture says we can trust you to all the ends of the earth, to all the farthest of seas! You have given us the Holy Spirit in which to call upon for ourselves, for others, for a broken, needing of your love world. You give us testimony! Whether we write it down in pen, chat about it to our neighbors, shout it from the rooftops, or repeat and list all Your goodness in a follow-up e-mail, You remain a faithful God in our prayers for righteousness. Thank you Lord for the privilege to pray and to see Your answers and record it on my heart. Amen.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

  Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge—  Take it to the Lord in prayer; Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,  Thou wilt find a solace there.  https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789

Journal entry/comment/ or thought: Start a prayer journal of your own.
Reflect on your own prayertime. How has the Lord answered; how has the prayer from other's encouraged you?

"Beloved"

I John 3:2 "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is."

Mary thought and prayed, as she beheld His glory, this precious baby, perfect in every way...YES every way, the result of a miraculous conception. God chose her to give birth to His Son, The promised Messiah.  He grew in her womb and now slept peacefully in her arms. We all love our children, yet she worshipped hers, literally!

Mary, the mother of God, Mary the child of God.

She did not know what God's plans were for Him. She simply obeyed, loved and nurtured her Child. She did not know she would watch Him live perfectly, preach with knowledge, conviction and passion, even at a young age. She would watch Him leave to start His ministry, stir up such controversy and dissension, draw crowds in the thousands, perform miracles, be betrayed. She never imagined she'd witness his suffering, his brutal death; that tears and gut-wretching weeping physically hurt.  She held Him close to her breast and He suckled to gather His strength. In this moment, and forever more, her strength came from Him.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Joseph considered, as he replayed the conversation Mary had with him. He loved her so much that even though he could not possibly understand this "change" in his plans...their plans, His love far outreached his disappointment. He'd take her somewhere, somewhere to protect her reputation. 

Now, he gazed down at this precious Child he just watched enter the world and He felt such love, such responsibility, such...unpreparedness. How in the world could he be a father of..."The Son of God?"  This is so confusing. 

Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This Emmanuel, God With Us, living in his household!  He adored Him at that very moment. He wrapped another blanket around Mary's shoulders. He kneeled, bowing his head in awe and worship. Peace came upon Him. 

He understood why God chose Mary, but him? The dream, the shepherds, the Star, this stable, it all seemed like just one big dream, yet as he looked down again on this Perfect Child and saw Him just as He is, the chosen Messiah, the King, He knew Great Love and that he would be the son, the beloved of Him! He promised to God to start honoring this Baby by always honoring his wife, Mary. 

"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You are His children, His beloved. Look upon the Baby's face, the same bloody, torn, crowned-with thorns-face that took on the cruel crucifixion the world offered up to Him, because God So Loved this same world. Like Mary, like Joseph, we do not know all that we can be through Him. We can know though, His peace, His strength, and His Love. God wants from us to think on Him, pray to Him and consider Him in all that we do in and through this life. He is applicable and visible all around us, and soon enough, we shall see Him just as He is, Emmanuel, God With Us. 

Thank you Lord for the sweet baby Jesus, for the miraculous story of the Nativity and for the Promise of Hope. May we honor You in Word and Deed this Christmas and may You be seen in the hearts of those whom You call Beloved. Amen.  

Journal question, comment or thought:  How do you see the Christ Child? 

When Words Don't Work

Psalm 90:17 "And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and do confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands."

A student today:  "I met this kid from China at lunch and I was trying to explain to him what 'stuffing' was.  It was hard to explain. He just didn't get it."

Finding the right words sometimes to articulate or describe something totally foreign to another person, doesn't always lend itself to a clear visual. How would you tell someone about stuffing, because it sounds...well, less than appetizing. 

You take stale bread, cut it in cubes then mix in some celery and onions and stuff it into the crevices of a  foul...oh,  and maybe add some herbs.  

Even as a writer, I rely on tools to help me bring my sentences more energy, provoke a feeling in a paragraph, convince someone in a blog. 

Words, words, words--not the only thing that communicates. 

I'll bet if my student invited this new friend over for a taste, for a demonstration of the making of stuffing, he'd see it, taste it, understand its power on the palate and the desire for a second helping. 

Sometimes, our words don't communicate. Nothing makes any sense. Someone needs a visual, a hands on demonstration and a taste of what is good before a revelation occurs. 

---And that, just might require us putting our own words in action, a step into obedience, a trust of the unknown. No more words. 

The Lord Himself did just that. He demonstrated love, by becoming flesh, living and ministering for 33 years and then continuing His obedience and God's salvation plan by going to the rugged Cross. His own blood sets us free.  How can we place that visual, give that demonstration, bring someone to the "table of His grace" so that they too can "taste and see that the Lord is good?" 

In this season of giving, of charity, of meeting needs, I encourage you to not just say the words, write the words, repeat the words...but demonstrate, provide a visual, sharpen your tools for hands on communication of the power of Love. What once you thought stale, God transforms into minstry, not only revealing insight but inspiration for your own soul as well. 

Lord, thank you for all the opportunities You give us to serve, to bless You, to bless others. In that, we become the visible love of Your servant heart. Thank You Lord, for those that have blessed me with hands-on love as well as their kindness in words. You go before us. If You so desire for our actions or our words to go forth, we only have to be obedient and trust You in our doing. Lord, give us that trust, give us that desire to see the opportunities and/or create the way to be Your hands and Your feet in all that we do. Confirm the work of our hands Lord, to know You and make You known. Amen. 

Reflection: How are you preparing to give to others this holiday season or seasons past? How can you continue to use more than words in every season?  

Kisses from Heaven.

I Peter 5:10 "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."


Writing a memoir about the journey through grief and healing, I find the experience of writing, recalling and reciting as spiritually affirming if not more so, than the remembered events and words I type out  in my word document. If I could begin to compare it to something, it's like walking into a very dark, lonely cave with a pen light only to have it transform into a Mag light, which leads into a beautiful cathedral, filled with stained glass windows and singing choirs of angels,  sunlit from up above.

Oh...one more thing, the angels sing to me while blowing kisses from Heaven.

Since the busyness of the school year and ministry started in September,  time to work on my chapters eludes me a bit. This week found me with 4 days off and I determined to spend some time with the keyboard, my memories and my work-in-progress. Sharing an important chapter this week with my writing group, I've been so blessed for their hearts to hear, to suggest, to seek to understand where my heart lies, then and now.  I found myself strolling through the cave-cathedral in both occasions and the beauty of these moments, overwhelms me.

The CATHEDRAL of His affirming plan in what I am writing, in what I am sharing in my writers' group; God confirms to me in such a miraculous way, ...as a friend said, "how could anyone deny the Deity of Christ!"

The bond of the Lord through people, through experiences, does not leave one in a dark and lonely place of grief. God designed fellowship, whether for a few days or for a lifetime. When He orchestrates lives together, even in the hardest, most distressing of times, His grace and mercy etches into our hearts.  His light shines on it, and by writing, by retelling, God makes Himself known! That connection shines again. Nothing is coincidence!

Yes, I've left out the details here, and they just may be in another chapter towards the  end of my book. Just know, that I know, that God shows Himself in such wonderful ways when He communicates His love and affirmation. Read His Word, sing a psalm, write a prayer, tell a story. Expect Him to show you and when He does, the miracle continues.

I am in the process of writing about THE SUFFERING; in,  through and after.

The God of GRACE heals my heart.

I am sharing my writing with my writers group to PERFECT it.

God CONFIRMS me by orchestrating Incidences, His Word, His Creation, His People, to speak clearly in my preparation of this story.

In that, I receive STRENGTH to continue on, to give Him praise, to Glory in His Love for me!

I am ESTABLISHED  in His Will and empowered to keep pressing on towards the Promises of Hope!

Thank you Lord, for the work I am doing, for the confirmation in such intimate, personal ways that you gave me this week. For sending moments to me that prove your amazing, miraculous ways. I praise Your Name, Name above all Names as my Lord and Savior, the Giver of my strength and the author of my story.  I continue to proclaim your grace upon amazing grace. Amen.

Reflection for your own journal: Where have you seen a miraculous confirmation of God's will in your own life?

No Longer

II Corinthians 5: 15 "...and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose again on their behalf." 

We sort of went the wrong way home from Chino Hills tonight, a little longer loop around the city. 

"That's OK, my husband says. We'll drive by the church and say hi!" 

It's Friday night. No one is there. 

We skirt around Peyton from Chino Hills Pkwy. and the property is dark. 

But Ted doesn't miss the opportunity. 





"Hi CVCC. See you on Sunday!"

I just smile and feel the blessing for a time existed when seeing or even stepping inside the church only happened for him on Easter and Christmas, maybe an Awana event. 

No longer.  






I liked reading poetry, great multi-chaptered novels and dabbled in my own rhymes, my own stories. I always took great notes. I kept a journal now and then.  Sometimes, my words spoke back to me and I felt God. 

No one will get this stuff. It's too personal. Maybe I'm just a crazy dreamer. 

"That's OK, the Lord says. Trust me and I'll do wonders."

I type out a few things, create a blog or two and I hit send. I enter a room in a library with other "aspiring writers" opening journals and sharing. I witness an amazing  community with other  "crazy dreamers" and God sits right in the center. 

I just smile and feel a blessing for a time existed when my heart felt heavy and my words messy, tripping along a very uncertain path. 

No longer.  

NO LONGER!   

Thank you Lord for Your Resurrection and mine.  You are NO LONGER dead, but alive in me and through me. Never did You hold anything from me. Your sovereign plan allowed for times when I waited, I prayed, to find hope, and began to trust--a process of story, building up a faith and long-lasting joy in the outcome. No longer do I wonder if You are active in my life for You show Yourself everyday. Thank You, that I know that all things work together for Your glory. You Lord,  turn those "how much longer God?" moments into praises of glory, no longer doubting in Your plan. Help me to keep at it, no longer drifting as if unanchored. Show me everyday the way to press into Your plan in every thought and deed. Amen.  


Reflection for your journal: What is your "no longer?" praise to the Lord.  

Comments and sharing is encouraged.  Thank you.  

Prep Time

Isaiah 40:3  A voice of one is calling: "In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for God."

My son and I, working late into a Friday night, prepare the fruits, lay out the fish, chop up the onions to make cive'che, and continue to prepare for a big fish fry fundraiser planned for tomorrow evening. 

I went shopping. Setting things in order, scraps quickly go in the garbage. I wash dishes and put things away, leaving space, making the way clear for his handiwork with a knife.

Without proper preparation, chaos in the kitchen and a less than satisfactory result could be our outcome.   

Corey set me up with the task of  rolling the limes, slicing and squeezing. Who would know that these little gems of deliciousness together, supply so much juice?

I am following my son's lead, as he has done this before. 

When I shared the event with a friend today, she surprised me by asking if I needed plates and napkins; she would gladly drop them off in the morning for our event. What a blessing! 

Earlier preparation included extensive advertising and of course, several fishing trips to supply and inspire our event. 

We anticipate a fun and successful day. 

Have you prepared your heart for what God wants you to hear--what He wants to stir up in your walk with Him? 

Some of us need more prep time than others.  We don't see the clutter, the garbage in the way. 

Things remain frozen and what we've "caught"...we don't know what to do with. 

Maybe you've "left things out on the counter," always with a good intention, but how things spoil fast!  

Sometimes it takes someone whose experience teaches us how to take a step, encourage us in the right ways to prepare. We begin to read His Word and study to learn, spend more time in prayer, actually attend church and get involved. 

Other times, a blessing comes unexpectedly and we see the goodness of the Lord. It makes us yearn for more. Gratefulness prepares us again into humbleness and to recognize more of His grace.  

When He's touched us,  inspired by the Holy Spirit to grow, sharing comes natural and with God, we boldly tell our story and  anticipate with joy, all He has prepared for us. 

Jesus, He's all about preparation: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Clear what clutters, lay out your purchased heart before Him.  Allow Him to make you into a "gem of deliciousness," prepared to receive and serve all His goodness. 

Lord, thank you that you lead us into preparation for all you have for us. You show us, when we humble ourselves before you, where the clutter lies. You gather it and discard it, clearing the way for us to receive abundant life. The results are a bounty of Your goodness and wisdom from Your Word that continues to prepare us to walk everyday in Your light. What You prepare for us--indescribable!  Amen.