He Hears Me, I Am Free

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.  Jeremiah 29:12-14

Most of us have heard, quoted and claimed for ourselves the promise made in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  We all want to be reminded in the midst of our hectic and sometimes harried lives that God is in control and is watching out for us.  This morning as I was reading over this promise, reminding myself of God's sovereignty I went a bit farther and found yet another promise that brings me great encouragement and peace.

When I call upon Him and pray to Him he will listen to me!  If I seek Him with all my heart I will find Him.  And, when I find Him he will bring me back from captivity!  Amen to that.  No, I am not in slavery in Babylon as the Israelites were at the time this passage was originally written.  However, I or we have our kinds of captivity that we deal with.  Captivity to sin, addictions, self-doubt, over indulgence, gossip and the list could go on.  Pretty much anything in our lives that is in excess or distracts our attention from the things of God.  Things that do not bring
glory to Him or to his kingdom or are destructive in some way to ourselves and others.

We all have methods of captivity in our lives.  We all do things we should not no matter how small or insignificant, or monumental and life-changing they are.  But the promise made by the One true God is what we need to focus on.  We need to read it, repeat it, take it all in and internalize it until it becomes a part of us.  We need to spend time seeking, praying and believing that God not only hears us, but listens to us!  He cares that he is found by us and he will free us from whatever our particular bondage is.

Thank you God for being that listening ear that I need.  You already know what I have on my heart, but you still listen intently and you promise to help.  My hope is found in you and because of that, I have a bright future ahead of me in you!

 

Let's seek him with all of our hearts today my friends!  He is our redeemer, our freedom from the trappings of this world and the messes we make in our mistakes.

Testing, Testing….

Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Exodus 20:20

Have you ever had a day where things just don't come together?  I'm not talking about major issues, although that certainly has happened to me before, but a day when all the small things just seem off.  A day when from the time you get up out of bed in the morning you feel almost as though the universe is lined up against you.  I had one of those days yesterday and I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts on this.

As I got up yesterday morning, I just felt tired.  I didn't want to get up.  I had no energy and certainly no enthusiasm for the day ahead.  I finally did get up and when I did I just felt like I was walking in a fog.  I followed my morning routine and took that all important shower, where I should add, I got shampoo in my eyes; this was number 1.  I finished the getting beautified and presentable routine and made my way down the hall to the kitchen for that all important cup of coffee.

I have this new, by-the-cup coffee maker that uses little pods and wouldn't you know it all I had left in my supply was decaf; number 2.  Moving ahead I sit down in my usual spot at the dining room table to do my devotion and all the things I had forgotten to get done the day before come rushing into my mind.  I can't concentrate so I give up on bible study or writing.  I know there is no point when I can't quiet the thoughts in my head long enough to hear from God.  This I am certain is where I made my mistake, where I failed the test of the day.

Many times in my Christian walk I have been bombarded by errant thoughts when I was trying to spend time with my Heavenly Father.  Most of the time instead of reading, writing or any of the usual things I do to try to direct my concentration on the task at hand I try to 'be still' just as the He says in his Word.  When I do this and I try to sit in silence, or at least my own silence, my spirit and my mind calm down and I begin to relax.  I start praying just a few words at a time giving God a chance to speak to my spirit.  But not yesterday.  I forged ahead.  I left for work early so I could run the errand I forgot the day before.  I did not stop and let God become my focus for the day and really give Him center stage.  From that point on, the day was rough and completely off kilter.

Once I got to work I fell into my routine.  I tried to make coffee, made a mess.  I tried to fix my usual bowl of oatmeal and spilled it all over the place. I sat down at my desk to start on my paper work and could not focus.  A co-worker offered me a doughnut which I told her I certainly did not need but ate anyway and not 10 minutes later my pants ripped up the side and I had to go home and change.  And somewhere in there, and I am not sure where, I spilled something on my uniform shirt.  It goes on, but I'm sure you get the gist.  As all of this was going on my patience and attitude were effected.  I got more and more agitated which in turn made the situation worse. 

I am not saying that everyday goes perfectly when I do spend my morning with God.  But what I know is that when I do, the little inconveniences do not grow into monumental messes, at least in my own mind.  I realized later as I was thinking back over the day what was different.  I prayed and asked God to calm me and give me some peace.  This morning I was talking to Him before my feet even hit the floor. And I gave myself enough time to not be rushed so I could spend some time in His quiet presence asking Him to be my compass and give direction to this day.  I hope you do the same.  If you haven't done this yet, do it now.  It makes a world of difference.

Dear God I thank you for being in my life and for guiding me.  I thank you for loving me enough to test my faith and resolve.  It's only through you that I have the strength and the courage to face each day.  When I focus on you first instead of on the busyness of my life things just seem to fall into place and my approach and reaction is tempered by your mercy and grace.  Please be with me today as I walk in your light.  Help me to shine it on those around me and help me to live out the blessing you have so graciously afforded me so that others will see you!

I pray each of you find you special quiet moments with God today.  He alone is in control and can give you what you need for each moment of every day!

Whirlwind of Prayer

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
James 5:15

These last few days have been a whirlwind of need passed on through prayer requests for family and friends. This week
I have called upon you, my friends and prayer warriors, to lift up the concerns of our Christian brothers and sisters as they
have faced great physical pain, illness and medical procedures. Thank you so much for your faithfulness. I believe with all
my heart that your willingness to carry these requests to the cross, lifting them to our Heavenly Father made all the difference.
I know in my own situation this week it brought me peace in knowing that God was hearing from his children on our behalf.

What I have found as well, it that sharing those concerns, my own and those of my friends, blessed me in ways I could not
have imagined. Realizing that I have so many who are willing to take a few moments to petition God on behalf of another,
sometimes whom they themselves do not even know, truly bolstered my own faith. My faith in God, my faith in the church
and my faith in my friends! It just doesn't get much better!

Keep praying my friends! It does indeed make a difference even if the outcome is not exactly what we expected.

God thank you so much for the way you have touched my life and the lives of those around me this week. I have seen your
hand at work, healing and comforting in many ways. I feel so blessed to be your beloved child and immeasurably so in the
company of such faithful family.


May we all see , hear, feel and know that God is always there beside us! We see it in the faces of our family. Hear it in
the voices of those speaking blessing and petitioning in prayer. Feel it in the warmth of hugs from our friends who
support us. And Know, that all of these things are possible because of a loving, faithful God who cares for us.

He Wastes Nothing

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13

Let nothing be wasted, in life, in love, in food, in play, in everything under the sun and on the earth.  I believe that Jesus wastes nothing. He knows us intimately, better than we know ourselves and to think that he would go to such measures over picking up scraps of bread leftover from five barley loaves used to feed five thousand and would allow anything to go unused would not make sense. Having already demonstrated to this crowd of thousands the great power he had it would have been  less work to just leave the crumbs behind or stir up a wind to blow them away. So why go to the effort of picking up the leftover pieces up? Why gather them and collect them in baskets making the proclamation to the disciples and those who were present, "Let nothing be wasted"?

He was making a point and showing them and us that there is nothing too small, insignificant or unnoticed by him. There are no 'throw-a-ways" to Jesus. We are all important and He pays close attention to the details. I'm sure there are times when we feel as though we are left behind in the race of life. We think no one sees us and no one cares. When we are struggling with difficult circumstances that are stretching our spiritual muscles leaving us exhausted and bewildered, we want it to make sense. We want our pain and suffering to end for sure, but we want it to matter, for there to be a reason.

In this one small statement, I see that everything matters to Jesus. He says 'nothing' is to be wasted. Not a morsel of bread that would surely waste away to nothing if left in place. Not a hurt, not a struggle, not a triumph or a victory; nothing at all. It is all to be used by Him for the glory of His kingdom. As for us, we must trust, just as this crowd of people did that He will feed us. In John 6:35 Jesus reveals that He is the 'bread of life' and by believing in him none will go hungry or experience eternal death. In Him we have life and not just any life, but eternal, victorious and abundant life. Will it be perfect or easy? No! We will make an impact however, if we live it for and through Him. He will provide for us and waste nothing.  We have experiences that are unique to us, good and bad, and the fact that we survive them, learn from them and live on to encourage others in similar situations that they too can be overcomers is part of how we can make a difference.  God walks through the storms of life with you then gives you the opportunity to share that experience:  He Wastes Nothing!

God I am so very thankful and comforted by your presence and the work you have done in my life.  I ask you to help me see the work of your hands and give me the courage and compassion to share my story with others you place in my path.  Give me the words and the boldness to speak life, your eternal life, to people I meet but most of all give me the strength to live a life pleasing to you, for your glory and honor.

May you all be encouraged today and reminded that you are not alone.  He is with you at all times, even when you may not feel His presence.  You will persevere through your storms and have the opportunity to live out and share your story for the glory of God's kingdom.

Happy Easter—He’s Alive!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Easter! This is certainly a day to rejoice. I have taken time over the last few days to really ponder and meditate on the historical and biblical events that make this day important.

On Thursday I attended the Upper Room service at church. I can remember a time when washing feet seemed a bit 'out there' for me. I did not understand the significance and believe me, feet are one of parts of the body that I do not find attractive on anyone other than tiny babies. But over the last few years I have actually come to look forward to this service because it really brings home to me how Jesus truly was a servant and if our desire is to be like Him, washing feet metaphorically and literally is apart of that. It is who He was and the example He set. Considering it was the last moments on earth that He could spend with the disciples , the fact that He chose this act of service to try and really bring the point home to them speaks to the importance of it. We should serve God and one another.

On Friday I tried to remind myself often that this day, Good Friday, was not just any other day. This was the day that Jesus put feet to His faith in His Father and action to the love He has for all of mankind. He endured the scourging, the beating, the ridicule and ultimately the crucifixion. In spite of all that He suffered He still asked the Father to forgive us for we know not what we do. He wasn't just speaking of the people who were there physically inflicting this torture on Him, He was speaking about all of us. Our sins are what put Him on that cross and His love is what held him there.

On Saturday I took time to imagine what that day would have been like as Jesus lay in the tomb. What were His family and friends doing? Were they having a wake of their own? Did Mary, his mother, share stories of Jesus as a child? Every mother has those little nuggets of information that we hold dear to our heart. A story of something cute our child did, or something ridiculous. But did she share them? I would like to think she did. Did His earthly brothers and sisters tell what kind of big brother He really was? What about the disciples, did they rehash the last three years telling of the great miracles they witnessed and performed because of this friend they had? When someone we love dies we go through this stage of grief where we remember and we share. Would they have been any different?

Today, I am rejoicing! Today I celebrate the truth that Jesus not only died for my sins, but He conquered death and sin and hell as he rose from depths of deaths hold on Him. Today I get to praise God freely and with confidence and I can come to Him with anything because Jesus, His son and my Savior, took on my sin and created a bridge to the throne of God for me. And for you! Because I accepted Him on faith I can spend eternity with Him in heaven. How awesome is that?

Dear God thank you, thank you for the sacrifice you made for me.  Help me understand it, take it all in and live in the love, forgiveness and freedom you set before me.  Let me see you at work in my life and those I come in contact with.

Praise God!  What an awesome and Beautiful Day!

The Day In Between

This is the day in between the two most momentous and important days in history. The one day that Jesus lay in the tomb and was mourned by his family, disciples and friends On this day, the horrendous cruelty of his execution was over and the miraculous raising of him from the dead had not yet occurred. Think of it from your own experience. How do you feel the day after you bury a loved one? I know for me it is always a surreal experience.

I am numb to a point and cannot quite wrap my mind around the reality that this person whom I loved is really gone. I have never witnessed such torture in the physical sense as scourging and crucifixion, but I have watched as bodies of family members have been ravaged by disease. I know that the comparison may seem a bit of a stretch, but standing by while someone you love suffers from illness and endures treatments that almost seem worse in the name of healing is painful to say the least. Especially, when it occurs over several months or even years. Then, when death comes and you feel the loss but also a sense of relief because you know they are no longer suffering the pain and torment, you can sit and reflect on the experience. I tend to go into shut down mode once the burial and all that goes with it is completed. I take the time to absorb, pray and comfort myself by remembering and focusing on the good moments.

I can only imagine that Jesus' family and friends were doing the same. They had watched as He was beaten bloody, spit on, mocked and crucified. They witnessed his death, how the world went dark, the ground shook and the temple was destroyed. Even though He had foretold his death repeatedly , not one of them understood it or believed it.

So on this day, the day in between, I can only think that they too were mourning and trying to absorb what they had witnessed. Maybe sitting in the home of His earthly family, they were holding a wake of their own. Sitting around talking about the good times and all the many miraculous events that had resulted from His short tenure on earth. Mary, his mother, may even have told of stories of his childhood. His brothers and sisters may have shared how they played as children and what he was really like as a big brother. His friends testifying to how he was always there to support them in their times of need. Just like we do. They were telling stories and comforting one another after a great loss that they yet did not understand the importance of.

On this day, we have the opportunity to relate to the emotional aspect of what dealing with His death may have been like for those who knew Him as a man. If we try to put ourselves in their place, we can truly empathize with those who felt His loss in the aching of their hearts. And just maybe, we can truly feel the real pain and weight of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf.

God, help me see the gift of Jesus through your eyes, feel it with your heart and know the importance of it to the depths of my being.  Let it be ever so real to me today that I come to a new understanding of your sacrificial everlasting love.  Help me not to take it for granted, but take hold of the resurrection power you have placed within me by your Holy Spirit.

I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed day as you spend time with our Savior and Lord.

Crucify Him!

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"

"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"

All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Matthew 27:22-26

Sitting in the back of the sanctuary of my church last night I was able to see all the people who came to remember the great sacrifice and gift of Jesus. I watched as men, women and children entered quietly, quickly found seats in the center sections and sat in silent respect listening to the piano playing old hymns, reflecting on the reason for this Thursday evening gathering.

As the service began with worship music the atmosphere was much more subdued than normal. There were video testimonies played declaring the blessing and faithfulness of God. Several members of the congregation came forward with 'cardboard testimonies' where they had written the struggles of their lives before Christ on one side and the freedom they experienced through their relationship with Him on the other.

Our pastor read scriptures from the Gospels that described the time leading up to and including the crucifixion. But, for the first time that I remember, as he told of the crowd yelling for Jesus' demise he asked us to play that part. He asked us to yell, just as that sinful crowd did so many years ago, "Crucify him!" We were all tentative at best. The words came out but in low tones at first. The pastor was urging us to go louder, and louder to experience the reality of what had happened. I could feel my heart hurt as I said those words, looking up at the cross on the platform covered with words representing the sins of us all, my sins, your sins: Lying, stealing, disobedience, adultery, drunkeness, lust, etc..

Now today, as I think back on this gathering that was followed by communion and a foot washing service, I read these scriptures and try to imagine what it was like for Jesus. Fully human in a fleshly body able to feel the emotions, the physical pain and yet fully divine. He struggled with the rejection of his beloved yet he knew what had to be done. Standing there on the steps of the governors home hearing his people yell for his crucifixion, how excruciating that must have been. Even Pilate, a Greek, knew what they were asking for was wrong. He washed his hands of the situation, figuratively and literally, exclaiming the blood would not be on him.

This crowd of individuals was desperate and following the leadership they thought had their best interest at heart. As Jesus prayed later from the cross, 'they knew not what they were doing'. But, just as they accepted at that moment they cried out for Jesus' crucifixion, the blood was on them and their children. It is also on us. He did not go to the cross for himself. He did not go to the cross for the righteous. He went for us! For all of us who are flawed, struggling through life in our own human futile manner. He chose to sacrifice himself so that we would have an opportunity to have eternal life. We just have to accept this gift. And once we have, we need to live and breathe in that moment, reminding ourselves daily of who and whose we are. We are the beloved children of a God that chose to make the greatest sacrifice on our behalf. All because He wanted to have a personal relationship with us. He gave us victory, not defeat. Let's remember the sacrifice that was made for us and as the days go by, take hold of the awesome power made perfect within us by a Savior who loves us that much!

Dear God I am humbled and pained as I try to imagine reality of your sacrifice. I thank you for that, knowing there is no way I can ever repay you for it. Help me remember you in my daily routine and to serve you above all else. May you be reflected through me today.

I pray each of you remember that you are dearly loved, cherished children of the most High God.  You have great power within you to overcome just as Jesus did.  Don't let his sacrifice for you go unnoticed.  Let it change you from the inside out!

Jesus: Reality At It’s Best

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3

As I read the news this morning, I came across a story about police officers who were shot and killed in Pittsburgh by a man
having a domestic argument with his mother. The officers who responded were not given the vital information that the subject
had weapons in his residence. During the initial 911 call, his mother told the dispatcher that he owned guns and that they were all 'legal'. At this point the dispatcher should have asked more questions about the type and location of the weapons. The information that the guns were present and accessible should have been given to the responding units for their own safety and this along with the additional information, that was not gathered, could have made a life saving difference.

I share this with you today because I truly believe that what happened here was not intentional. It is a by product of becoming comfortable, complacent and sometimes weary with the day to day almost routine situations we all see. Each of us experience repetitiveness in our lives. We eat at the same places, we see the same people, we hear the same stories over and over again. In our jobs, we may do the same tasks again and again day in and day out. What would normally set off an alarm bell in our minds or souls, we have become accustomed to and it not longer seems significant.

Our spiritual lives can fall victim to this repeat syndrome as well. We all have tendency to be intrigued by the new, the exciting or the different. If our devotional or spiritual walk becomes routine we get bored. If we get bored, we get lax and grow weary. We start looking for what will make our blood churn and our hearts beat faster so we can feel the thrill we once did. And sometimes, those quests bring sin and death with them instead of life and glory.

We have to continuously ask God to be at work within us, around us and through us. We need to keep our eyes open, our ears listening and our hearts attentive to his Spirit. We have everything to be excited about in Jesus. He lowered himself to our level so we could be raised to His in His name. If you feel yourself getting 'bored' reread the gospels and remind yourself of the sacrifice he made. It's better than any thriller novel or movie you will ever read or see. It's reality drama at its best!

God I thank you for reminding me today that I cannot allow myself to be comfortable in my job, my family life or my spiritual journey. Complacency leaves room for the enemy to take a foothold and influence my decisions and actions. May your story always be what thrills my heart and humbles my soul.

Look to the true story of Jesus for the best reality show you will ever see or experience. Ask God to bring it to you in living color by working in and through your life today!

Speak Boldly, in Faith

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:21-22

As we enter this Holy Week in between Palm Sunday and Easter I want to focus on Jesus, what he was doing and what he was teaching during those last few days prior to the crucifixion. In Matthew it says that he after he entered Jerusalem on Sunday he went to the temple. Being greatly disappointed by what he saw there, moneychangers and peddlers, he overturned tables and benches declaring that his house would be 'a house of prayer'. He healed people of blindness and lame limbs. He was extolled by the children proclaiming "Hosanna to the son of David". The chief priests and teachers were enraged and questioned his authority and position. After this, Jesus left Jerusalem for the night and stayed in Bethany.

The next morning, Monday, he returned and on his way he got hungry. He approached a fig tree on the side of the road and finding no figs he spoke to it, cursing it for bearing no fruit and it withered. The disciples were amazed and begged to know how Jesus did this. Here, in this simple statement above from verses 21-22 we find a great truth delivered straight from the mouth of Jesus to our hearts.

This statement of fact, this promise from He who is the author and perfector of our faith, confirms the power we are given through him. We must have faith when we ask something in His name and we must not doubt. We cannot doubt His existence, His power, His grace, or His mercy nor can we ever doubt that He loves us and wants us to live in His abundance. We must believe in Him and trust Him. Knowing, as a human man walking this earth, that He had this kind of power and yet He chose not to save himself from the certainty of his fate, the torture of scourging and the suffering of crucifixion. Since He did not use His power to save himself He bore our shame, guilt and sin on the cross, but instead He chose to endure the immense pain so he could show us that he has defeated death. His resurrection is testimony to the power we have access to through faith in Him. That same victorious power is ours and by faith we can move the mountains that stand in our way.

God thank you for being the power and truth in my life. I am standing by faith at the foot of a mountain that I know I can move by your power!
I am humbled as I am reminded of the great sacrifice you made for me. I pray I live a life that brings honor to you!



I love you girls! Stand tall in faith today and speak boldly and with power to whatever mountain or molehill is blocking your view of Jesus today!

Pondering the Passion

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

It is a beautiful day, this Palm Sunday, the week before Easter. As I study this morning, read my devotional and spend time in prayer I cannot help but imagine what may have been happening on this day some 2000 odd years ago. From the Bible we know that Jesus knew what was coming. As he grew from a child he was aware of his purpose, his plan to reconcile the children of God with the Father.

In church this morning the choir will be singing a song reminiscent of the hymns of the church. In this song we sing words of remembrance and respect for the sacrifice which was made. Beginning with a more mellow peaceful strain, strengthening in the middle and then building to a joyful end. It is much like the life of Christ on earth. I will be pondering that earthly journey this week as we grow nearer to Easter and the celebration, not just in thankful recognition of the price paid for my sin, our sins, but of the victory over death won by Jesus for me and for you!

This is from the song, "I Come to the Cross". May its words find their way into your heart today.

I come to the cross,

seeking mercy and grace,

I come to the cross,

where you died in my place.

Out of my weakness,

and into your strength,

humbly I come to the cross...

Remembering His Joy

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:2

I cannot count the number of times I have heard and applied to the saying, "no matter how bad life is, someone else always has it worse". I have many times considered this when I have found myself sitting in a pool of self-pity or condemnation. No matter how hard situations may seem in my life, I have never been unable to find someone who was facing something much worse than I. Although I do not relish their suffering I do recognize the blessings in my own life so that I can be thankful.

This verse reminds me, convicts me, of the fact that Jesus endured the cross, scorned it's shame and he did it all for me, for us. Can anything I deal with ever compare to that selfless, sacrificial act of love? I doubt it. Even though he knew what was coming, he saw joy set before him in making a pathway to the Father for us. An opportunity to reconcile humankind allowing us to have a personal relationship, much like he had, with God.

Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, by laying down his perfect life was raised from the depth of death's pit to sit at the right had of God. We cannot compare any suffering we experience, any sacrifice we make to what he did for us. But, we can honor him by focusing on him and his love for us instead of our problem. In doing so, we most certainly have to recognize the power of his love, his grace and his mercy. That power is living and active in us. It is the source of our hope for a better tomorrow and a promised eternity. It is the reason for our joy in spite of our struggles, our joy in the face of adversity. Focus on Jesus, he certainly provides a much more encouraging vision to behold than the darkness offered by our current problem and he lasts longer. The situation we are facing will end, but He is everlasting.

God thank you for reminding me not only of your sacrifice but the joy you felt as you made it. The joy you allow me to see everyday as I remember you died, for me! Help me keep my focus on you, because unlike my circumstances, good or bad, you are everlasting.

Let's remember whose we are today. We are His joy for whom He made the greatest sacrifice of all time. As we enter this coming week let's focus on not only that He died, but what He did leading up to it, to prepare for it and why he chose us over himself. Let us remember His joy!

Deep Roots for a Thirsty Soul

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Trust in the Lord! We have all heard those words spoken by many a pastor, bible teacher and friend. But if you are like me learning to put total trust in God takes time. It's much easier said than done. This verse gives a bit of guide as to how to grow in your relationship with God and a snapshot of what this connection could look like as it matures.

In comparing the trusting believer to a tree planted near water we can visualize a healthy, strong and well watered specimen that can withstand the tests of weather and drought. The water of the stream is the Word of God. It provides us with a powerful supply of health sustaining, refreshing and life giving fluid that feeds our thirsty souls and minds. Without constant water sources a tree would dry up and begin to shrivel and wither away. We are much the same. Without the continuous feeding on the "living water" that is the Word of God our spirit would be want for nourishment. Our souls would be gaunt without the life and light of Jesus resulting in our wandering aimlessly through life as easy prey for the enemy.

However, sending our roots deep into the Word, the 'living water' we will be well supplied, well nourished with storehouses of faith, hope and love. As our spirits are fed spending time with God in bible study and prayer our souls are fortified for battle. As the heat comes, we need not fear for our heavenly storehouses are filled to overflowing with the everlasting Word of God. Our leaves will always be green and will not wither because we have built our root system over time, it will not fail us. There is no need to worry when the drought comes, or a storm blows in, because we have a firm footing that will hold firmly through the harshest wind. With daily tending it will be strong enough that even if the surface is parched and arid,
far below in the depth of our soul the connection to our provider is still actively sustaining us in the midst of difficult times.

Through all the droughts and storms of life, as we keep our life-sustaining, spirit feeding, soul quenching roots steadfastly joined to the giver of life, we will overcome and we will continue to bear fruit. We will stand, submitted and obedient, thankful for His power in us. With each dry spell or wind storm your trust will increase and strengthen. Although we may have
wind torn branches and our leaves may be a little worse for the wear, we will share what we have learned with others who need to hear it so they can have the same hope and learn to trust just as we did.

God thank you so much for feeding my soul and quenching the thirst of my soul each day. Thank you for not allowing me to be out here alone in a weather torn world. I ask you to help me keep my roots planted and encourage me to dig deeper and deeper for a stronger foundation in you. Show me how to stand firmly and to share that knowledge with others to inspire trust in You!

My friends I pray that today you feel the refreshing rush of the "living water" of God. Take the time today to help your roots go deeper and build a stronger root system for dry times and stormy days. Share what you know, even if you are in a time of crisis now, because your experience and trust can inspire others and shine the light of God's hope in their lives.