Words from the Heart

Knowing that God goes before us and often leads us out of harms way gives me a wonderful sense of security. I hope I never forget that He brings me into the spacious places David talked about in Psalm 18. And it would be easy to continue to cruise along life’s highways and byways, staying safe, and never venturing down some unexplored path. Yet I think in order to experience spiritual growth, we should all look for opportunities to step out of our comfort zones.

While our reliance on God in all aspects of our lives is crucial to an intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe, I don’t believe we are to live our lives isolated from the world. Taking the gospel to all the earth is the impetus for missionaries who carry the truth around the globe. Many are called into that ministry. But what about those of us who aren’t?

Some serve in various ways within the parameters of church. Others serve in well known organizations like the Salvation Army, reaching out and meeting needs, regardless of a person’s faith or beliefs.

But I believe we must go beyond the walls of churches or organizations and actively live our faith. In other words, WE must be in the driver’s seat, leading others who don’t know the way.

It comes first by making our stand as Christians, identifying ourselves as followers of Christ. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35, NLT

Once we do so, then we have a responsibility to not only be an example to others in word and deed, but be willing to clear the way for them so they too can come into a spacious place.

It can be something as inconsequential as a smile to a stranger or as significant as financially helping someone in need. It could be taking the time to pray WITH someone who is struggling through difficult circumstances or encouraging a neighbor who lives alone. There are a thousand and one ways each of us could touch a person who doesn’t know God’s truth. Too often, I believe we think presenting the plan of salvation is the answer. But if we look at Jesus’ life, we’ll see a man full of compassion for the lost. He met their needs. Can we say the same for ourselves?

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4, NIV

Blessings, Francine

There are many things we keep between ourselves and God. That’s one of the wonderful privileges of having that intimate relationship. How blessed we are to have the Creator of the Universe love us and provide the Comforter to live within us, knowing our most secret thoughts and desires. We can pour out our innermost fears, our endless worries, and our deepest hurts to Him and He hears. Not only that, He knows the exact and perfect way to comfort us.

But what about when there is SOME THING between ourselves and God. What if there is unconfessed sin, a behavior we KNOW is wrong, or a habitual sin we can’t seem to let go of. And if not a sin of commission, it could be one of OMISSION. We so easily slip into routines that don’t include prayer or reading God’s word, thinking it doesn’t have a direct affect on our lives.

When our Father points out something we need to change and we don’t, the space between us and Him begins to grow. It might not be much at first. But the more we allow it to continue, the larger the space becomes. It can grow into something that is deeper than the deepest canyon and wider than the biggest sky.

The good news is that the Father rarely allows us to become comfortable with the sin or the behavior.

A sense of disquiet, distress, or disappointment nags us ... around the edges at first but as time goes by, our discomfort grows into an almost constant state of agitation. Peace and joy all but disappear and we no longer hear the Father.

Sometimes God speaks loudest in silence. If there is a gnawing sense of unrest in your soul, you may want to see if there is SOME THING between you and God and redirect your singular focus on the Creator.

“So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].” James 4:7-8, Amplified Bible

Blessings, Francine

JOY IN KNOWING

Have you ever wanted something really, really bad? It looks like something that would be perfect for you. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a new relationship, or a large purchase like a house or car … you’ve come to believe that “doing it” – whatever “it” is, is best for you. You’re excited about your decision.

However, you’re also committed to submitting whatever you do to God’s leading and guidance in your life. You want what God wants for you more than what you want for yourself. For me, it’s a belief borne of a life initially lived without God – a life lost, then found.

So, you look at the opportunity from all angles. The first is whether or not it would be something God would want. How do you know? I mean really, how would you know what God would want for you?

There isn’t an easy answer and it’s as unique as each human being. While God’s truth is GOD’S TRUTH, an intimate relationship with our Creator is developed just as our relationships are developed with our children or those whom we love. They aren’t identical and are forged by the individual interaction with each child or person. It’s the same with God and us.

He speaks to us through His word, through His creation, through our praise, and through our worship. Some of those things are done corporately, but they affect us in an uniquely individual way.

What I do know is that if seeking God is the deepest desire of our heart, He promises that we will find Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD,” Jeremiah 29:13-14,

Moreover, as we grow in that multi-faceted relationship, we begin to not only hear Him, but also know what He wants for us. And God wants the best for us, regardless of what we think. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

How? I believe it is through joy. Or maybe, it’s a peace about any decision we have to make. Suddenly, we begin to ponder that shining opportunity in our career, the relationship that “seems” perfect, or the big purchase that is within our grasp and we begin to question ourselves.

For me, God seems to re-direct my “wants.” Whether it’s to do nothing but remain in Him or to move in a different direction, I’ve come to realize that God has created His desires in me. And that’s when I move into the supernatural peace that God promises us. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7, NIV

It’s joy in the knowing … truly, truly knowing that I am moving and living in His will.

Blessings, Francine

There was a time in my life when the only thing I had to look forward to at the end of the day was the coffee I would have the next morning. It was a span of days or weeks; maybe even months, when I was deep in the darkness of depression. I was in a place I’d never been before and I felt pretty much alone. Everything was different. I couldn’t pick up the phone and call family. I couldn’t run over to my daughter’s and spend time with my young grandchildren. And financially, things were grim.

Have you ever been there? You may have had just one thing to look forward to but it was enough ... enough to get you through the day.

What is so sad is that it doesn’t have to be that way, especially if we have a personal relationship with Jesus. I did. But in my loneliness, I wandered from the light and got lost in the darkness. All I had was knowing I’d wake up each morning and enjoy the coffee I loved so much. Seems a bit silly now. But then, it was everything.

What is your “everything?”

Whatever it is, it doesn’t last. Oh, I still love coffee, most especially first thing in the morning ... sharing it with nature or the desert critters that visit us. But it is no longer my “everything.”

Almost everyone has something they hang onto in the darkness. Unfortunately, its significance and importance will fade, leaving you wanting more. Which begs the question, “more of what?”

That’s the wonder of Jesus. He is our all in all. He will never leave us. And He gives us eternal hope. Sometimes, we can’t see eternally; all we can see is our circumstances and often they look dark and dreary.

With the hope of Jesus in my life, I don’t have to worry about the circumstances. I know they will always change and, if I trust in them, they will always leave me wanting. Instead, I have an unshakable faith and I know, regardless of the circumstances, Jesus will fill my mind, heart, and spirit with a supernatural peace and joy. It doesn’t eliminate the pain. But then, nothing does. Rather, the hope of Christ gives me new eyes with which to see eternally. And as I recognize how fleeting this life is, I realize that the best is yet to come -- honest and true.

And I’ll let you in on a secret, I am hoping there is coffee in heaven.


Blessings,

Francine

I’ve never been an alarmist, especially when it comes to scripture and references to the “End Times.” I’ll leave that to others.

Yet, I cannot ignore the state our world is in. Who can turn a blind eye to the daily increases in fuel costs, food, or home foreclosures or the almost daily decrease in home sales or the closing numbers of the stock market? Storms and natural disasters recently have taken their toll in thousands of lives lost.

I don’t think we can argue that we live in unsettling times.

I often wonder about those who have no faith in God. Many are quick to blame Him but that’s about as far as they go in recognizing the Creator of the universe.

Where do they find comfort? How do they escape the fear that seems to be creeping into every society around the globe?

Where do they find hope?

I won’t speculate on the times we are in. Jesus himself said no man knows the hour of His return. “So also, when you see these things happening, you may recognize and know that He is near, at [the very] door. But of that day or that hour not a [single] person knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:29, 32, Amplified Bible

What I will do is point to the Savior’s words that give hope to the hopeless, peace to the worried, comfort to the afflicted:

And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea,

Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor).

Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. Luke 21:25-28, Amplified Bible

There are many references in the Bible that read like today’s headlines.

I don’t use scare tactics but I do believe in the Truth of God’s word. A little book that came out in 1974, The Vision by David Wilkerson, reads more realistic today than it did back then. If you are looking for truth in prophesies of the Bible lived out in the 21st Century, read this book. When you do, never forget that God’s in control.

My prayer is that you will come to a deeper understanding of the Creator’s love for YOU. Check out these web sites:

Running on Empty

Power to Change

Blessings, Francine

Make no mistake; Satan is crafty in his methods of attack, covertly targeting our weaknesses. For some it’s doubt, others it’s self-worth, and for many it’s a fragile faith. Satan would like us to focus on these things rather than our Creator’s love for us and purpose for our lives.

Doing battle in the spiritual realm is beyond our ability. Until we recognize that fact, we are vulnerable. However, God didn’t leave us defenseless. He not only provides us with spiritual strength and courage, but He also has given us spiritual armor.

Ephesians 6:10-17 describes the armor of God which believers are instructed to put on in order to "stand firm against the schemes of the devil." That’s a promise God has given us. Put on the armor and we will be able to stand firm against whatever tricks Satan has up his sleeve.

While the picture Paul painted of a soldier’s armor may not be easily understood, each piece has a spiritual purpose.

The Helmet of Salvation: Starting with our minds, the helmet protects us from Satan’s attempts to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 11:2, NIV.

The Breastplate of Righteousness: Our hearts are where our emotions, self worth, and trust reside – areas that Satan often attacks. The breastplate is God’s righteousness and it protects our heart, ensuring God’s approval. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, NAS

Belt of Truth: Satan is a liar but is called the angel of light because his lies appear to be truths. God’s truth can defeat Satan’s lies. “… even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light,” 2 Corinthians 11:14, NAS

Shoes of Peace: Satan would like us to think that we aren’t capable of spreading the “good news” and tries to make us feel hopeless. These give us the motivation to continue to proclaim God’s truth and the true peace that is available only in Him. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful,” John 14:27, NAS

Shield of Faith: Too often, we become overwhelmed with our circumstances. This piece of armor gives us the ability to see beyond those circumstances, protects us from Satan’s attacks, and helps us know the ultimate victory is ours. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1, NIV

Sword of the Spirit: The sword is the Word of God and is the only weapon of offense in our list of armor. There will be times when we must take the offensive against Satan, especially when we face temptation. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him,” Psalm 18:30, AMP

Putting on the armor isn’t something we just think about doing, it’s a choice we must make. As with physical armor, it only protects if it is worn.

Pray as you envision putting on each piece of God’s armor, claiming His promise.

Blessings, Francine