Trust in the LORD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM; HE will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). One of the most powerful Scriptures that I have read in a very long time that I have taken a very close look at. We have all read this verse and take as an essential part of what we are to do as a Christian. We simply dismiss it because it sounds so simple. But! it is not. To trust someone is so very difficult when there are so many places in our inner parts that are injured by someone. We have an innate ability to keep account of wrongdoings and to always remember what was done and how it was done. We simply make excuses. To trust someone that we have never met, seen, touched or experienced with our physical senses is even more difficult; but, we do it. To do it with our whole "heart" is even more difficult. The Scripture is saying to trust with our whole inner man--every aspect of our being. We have to do the most difficult and intentionally trust in HIM. This takes effort. This kind of effort takes a labor that must exclude all else. When we trust, we must vocalize our intentions to ward off what others might say or to deter the outside influences that might destroy growing trust. That is the heart of acknowledgement. When I acknowledge that I trust, I am not trying to convince myself; rather, I am declaring that I am taking a stand. I know that I know that I know I am right and that what I have heard of the LORD is correct. It is mighty to save. It is the anointing of GOD that tells me that I can do this. I trust my GOD with every inch of my being. I know that whatever has come my way, cannot destroy me or deter my life. No matter what. This is where my paths will be made straight; the fellowship that I have helps me to understand what the heart of wisdom is. Through wisdom, I will be able to better discern where I am to go. And! the LORD will be at work to ensure that I am safe from harm and from destruction.

Pushing forward. Believing. Trusting in HIM.

Trust factor

Lately, I have been reminded of who and what I am to trust in. In this walk, there have been many days of wondering and pondering. I am told to Look. Listen. Watch. Seek and then I will find. When I stop what I am doing and continue toward the goal, I will find. But, what I find is where I am asking. I ask of my LORD many things. We are supposed to. We are supposed to ask HIM for health, wellness, prosperity, love, compassion and kindness. What kind of GOD would HE be if we were to have nothing available for comfort? We would be laid desolate and for the enemy to come to us and destroy us. That will never be. Despite it all, we are not orphans or a barren land that we would be left without hope. Trust. Believe. Desire. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the giftings of the LORD are for all men [and women]. These giftings, under the Holy Spirit helps us in ways that we cannot imagine because we are so limited in our own abilities. These giftings are for different kinds of service. In that service, we are to use them for all parts of teh body--every joint supplies. Trust in the LORD that enough is supplied to you that you would know and not be fooled for the day that you have need. I need. I am not ashamed of saying that. But, I know where my help comes from and it comes from the LORD--Psalm 121:2.

Pushing on. Seeking on. Receiving on.

The air that I breathe

There is very little doubt about who and what the LORD has been in my life. For all of it to be true and accurate, I must only understand that I exist because HE existed first. HE is the air that I breathe and HE is the only thing that is important in my life at any point. Why? Because we are told that we cannot do anything outside of the truth (II Cor. 13:8). The truth, JESUS, is found in us because we have made a home for HIM to exist in us. The truth is what sets us free; it heals our hearts if we allow it to; it comforts us in ways that we cannot imagine--if we allow it to be that way; the truth establishes the only way for us to live and to act; the truth establishes hope. In truth there is hope to be found and in that hope there is life and it is there more abundantly. I know this to be true because I have experienced it. I have experienced the greatest joy in the deepest of sorrow. I know that I am not alone or laid waste to the most difficult of days. I know that my LORD looks upon me as beloved and not with shame, disgrace, disdain or any hardness in HIS heart. HIS heart breaks when mine does and it is joyful when I am. I am thankful for who and what my LORD is to me and how much HE has promised to be with me. NO MATTER WHAT!

Pressing in. Believing in hope and truth in HIM.

Trust in the LORD

We have all been told it--"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Certainly we all understand that trusting is one of the most key aspects of our Christian walk that we learn to develop in our fellowship with the LORD. In this chapter of Proverbs, we are told to not to forget the importance of what has been taught to us. "My son [and daughter], do not forget my teaching" (vs. 1). It is good to be reminded of the important things when we are pressured by daily events. Do not forget; trust in the LORD. But what is trust? Trust is more than just a behavior or an emotion. It is the ability to feel secure in what has been taught and said regardless the season in which it was delivered. It is the ability to place your confidence in the One that is saying to "trust". By placing all confidence in the HOLY ONE, the CREATOR of all things, it is declaring that no matter what, that confidence is not a moot point and it is not just to say empty words. It means that placing your value in the ONE who created all things is more than able to meet all those matters that challenge the heart and soul. Trusting is similar to taking refuge in what you have confidence in. I have confidence in the CREATOR that what was growing inside of me was not going to overtake me. I have confidence in the CREATOR that no matter the outcome, I am safe and I am well. I can take refuge in HIM knowing that what challenges my day is nothing for HIM. HE is able to save me and HE is able to keep me from harm. When I place my confidence in HIM, I know that my daily walk is safe and that my steps are ordered of HIM. This confidence and trust allows me to say that "all is well with my soul".

Pushing on. Pressing on. Trusting on.

Become steadfast

Over the past several days, I have been praying about how to overcome insecurities. I have been exercising something over the past several months with the LORD. When I am buffeted with emotions or thoughts, I pray to the LORD about how to overcome them. While in prayer, I am asked of the LORD to define what is meant by my prayers. What does it mean when I say "high and lifted up"? What does it mean when I say "glorious"? What does it mean when I pray an offering of praise to the LORD? So, I search my soul and my spirit and see what I know and and understand what I am praying. It is an awesome experience to sit in HIS presence and discuss who and what my LORD is to me. This conversation is what is the most exciting because it is the way to overcome that which haunts me. I have been many things; insecure is one of them. I have prayed and asked the LORD what it means to not be insecure. The opposite of insecure is to be secure; of course. How does a person become secure when there are so many indwelt insecurities? To be steadfast and to remain strong and fixed on the goal set before. Psalms 57:7 says "my heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music". It is the condition of my heart that is before the LORD that will make my heart declare what is needed for the time. I must equally strengthen myself with what I do know. I am to sing and make music. This brings peace. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in YOU". Insecurities destroys peace. Peace is the enemy of insecurities. Becoming steadfast is the answer. When I have my mind set on HIM, then I become less insecure and the steadfast heart and mind will be better able to battle the things that buffet my soul. For that direction, I will keep my mind set on the things above--my Heavenly FATHER!

Pushing on. Being steadfast on!

Run the race

There have been many days that I can say that the burden of everyday obligations are too much to handle. But, I know that I have the confidence that my LORD is with me and shall never leave me without direction for the day. We must never feel that we are without direction. Despite the heaviness of responsibility for the day, we are told to persevere. In James 1:12, persevering in trials is not just a suggestion, it is expressed to be quite similar to a protocol. Persevering is nothing less than standing your ground during the difficult time. Much like trees in a grove, standing your ground builds upon the Christian that you were designed to be. The outcome to this perseverence is the reward of a crown of glory--the kind of glory that shines from the FATHER to the SON for our good will. We can be confident that within the perseverence, we have perfect fellowship with the LORD. Too, we are not tempted of GOD because we are told that HE does not tempt us. Every perfect and good thing is from above--no matter what the trial or ordeal may be. We have that perfect fellowship with a GOD who sees all, knows all, and helps all. We are HIS beloved.

Kaos vs Control

When I was growing up, the series "Get Smart" was one of my favorite shows to watch. The constant battle of Kaos vs Contol were the constant themes of the show. The battle always ended where Control won and Kaos was sent scurrying away. Much like it is with some daily battles with me. I am on the side of Control and Zigfied comes to try and snare any Control agent. Kaos is always there lurking around trying to foil all things. Isaiah 54:17 tells me that no matter what may come against me, "there is no weapon formed against me that will prosper". In the same regard, no accusation will stand against GOD's people. I am GOD's people and nothing will come to stand against me. I am protected against the accuser. When afflictions come, there is protection and no affliction that has been created shall prosper--it will be foiled! This is a promise that has been established and promised for my benefit. Too, Psalms 103: 2-3 reassures me that the benefits of GOD are mine. No matter what maladies that may come my way, the benefits and blessings of GOD are a promise and are mine to call upon and to be reminded of. When Kaos (Chaos) tries to rear its ugly head, and it usually does, relying upon the promises of GOD is the best protection. I am reminded that the LORD is able to accomplish HIS promises and HE does every day. No matter what plan designed to stumble us, we are to call upon the LORD and know that we are protected and this protection comes without ceasing.

Calling on. Encouraging on!

Watching over me

I have always known that the LORD keeps a close eye on me and watches over me. But, until recently, I had no idea really just how much I am watched over. I have been watched over since the moment I was conceived (Jeremiah 1:5). But, I have realized with greater understanding just how much the LORD keeps close watch over me. Psalms 121:1-8 really says it all. The LORD is my keeper and HE will preserve my soul. Certainly, I do understand that the precepts (laws) of the LORD are perfect for revitalizing my soul (Psalms 119:88). These precepts/laws/statutes/commandments are designed to keep a close watch over my soul that I would remember to keep my eyes focused on the LORD. I am reminded and encouraged that no matter what deeds and acts that have been done to me, I am preserved. My soul is well, and I must remember that I am to continue to keep the words of the LORD in my heart and in my mouth that I should not lose my way or to listen to defeat. Jeremiah 1:11-12 says that the LORD was ready and is ready today to watch how I perform the WORD in my life. Do I understand what "perform" means? How do I take the WORD and use it? Praise and Worship, prayer and sharing the WORD with anyone who will listen. The LORD watches over my life to make sure that I am continuing after HIM. Do I model what a Christian is to be? It does not matter what I have done or what has been done to me. I know that the laws of the LORD are written down in my heart and on my lips. How am I living my life? Do I understand what I am supposed to do with my life? That is why HE is watching over me to make sure that I am performing the WORD as it has been instructed to me. This is so simple yet so complicated and complex. To walk as a Christian is not easy. To choose to accept HIS love is not easy. It is an awesome thing when I understand the grace given me to learn to accept the laws of the LORD--it is by grace that I am saved and it is by grace that I am able to walk and to live.

Watching on. Encouraging on!

Trust in th LORD

I have noticed that when I am told that I must trust in the LORD with all of my heart, I think hard and long about that. I can trust the LORD to talk to me; I can trust the LORD to give me guidance; I can trust in the LORD to comfort me; I can trust in the LORD for spiritual direction; and I can trust in the LORD for so many more things. Can I stretch my faith more for my finances? Can I trust in the LORD for my healing? This is an area of great proving. I know that John 14:14 say that I can ask Jesus anything in HIS name and HE will grant it. Anything! 2Tim 3:16-17 says that all Scripture is given by inspiration by GOD for us that we might need it at any time for any reason. So, that means I am told what to do and to believe that it is going to be given to me. I am told that I have a right to receive because I am righteous. I am told that I can ask and receive according to GOD's GOOD WILL and it is not a lie. Then, if that is indeed the case, I can believe and trust in what the WORD has been instructed me to do. I can ask. I can believe and I can be confident that which was promised me will happen. I must continue to press forward and seek the LORD. I have a responsibility with the gift that HE has given me and that is righteousness. I believe that the effects of chemo are not going to be permanent. I can believe that what was meant for me to be destruction will not overtake me and I will prevail. No matter what may come my way, I can ask at any time and know that I am safe with my LORD. I can trust that my LORD loves me and cares for me.

Trusting on. Encouraging on!

Reviving the soul

What an awesome thing it is to have the LORD remind me of what needs to be done. "The laws of the LORD are perfect for reviving the soul". Despite the long and difficult days that I have been experiencing, I know that the LORD is always with me. I am to constantly keep the words of the LORD upon my lips, in my heart and in my mind. Psalms 118 has been brought back to my memory today because my soul is vexed. I must remember to bring my praises to HIM because HE cares for me. But, more importantly, HIS presence will preserve my soul. Verse 1: Give thanks to the LORD for HE is good; HIS love endures forever! What shall I be afraid of? Although I have anxious days and difficulties, I am reminded what has been done for me. I am told that I should come into HIS presence. I have been told before that I must confess the WORD--All that is within me bless HIS HOLY NAME! When I have nothing to offer in praise and worship is when I need to offer myself even more. This is the medicine to my soul--this medicine will revive my soul.
Verse 5: In my anguish I cried out to the LORD; and HE answered by setting me free.
Verse 6: The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man (chemo) do to me?
Verse 17: I will not die but live; and proclaim what the LORD has done.
Verse 28: YOU are my GOD, and I will give YOU thanks; YOU are my GOD, and I will exalt YOU.
This medicine has revived my soul and I will choose to say that the laws of the LORD are perfect for reviving my soul.

Reviving on. Encouraging on!

Quandaries and queries

I cannot help but to ask the LORD many questions. I have been experiencing a place in the LORD where I can ask questions and pose my thoughts earnestly and honestly. Hebrews 4:16 tells me that I can come to approach the LORD in HIS holy place and to seek to have fellowship with HIM. I have many questions. I have quandaries and queries that prompt me to push forward. Why is it that I feel? Why is it that I hurt? Why is it that I just do not understand? That is not difficult to know--I am learning and I am growing to understand that it is ok to have my questions. But, it is equally important to know that when I ask questions, to understand that HE is and HE will answer those questions when I am ready to understand the answers. Each day is learning. Ecclesiastes 3 tells me that there is a season in my life that I will be able to experience my feelings and emotions. Psalms 46:10 tells me that when I am out of order, I will not hear GOD but to be still and to know that GOD is! I am learning that GOD is in control and that the answers to all things will come in the season that I am ready to listen. But even more so, it is important to always ask my FATHER for help and wait upon HIM to answer. One of the most important principles that I am to understand is that HE is always there beside me and that when I ask, HE is sure and faithful to answer. It is in the perfect time and season, and it is in HIS good will and pleasure to answer all of our quandaries and queries. Much like we answer our own children in their questions, all the more so for us. What is even all that much more exciting is that HE awaits us!

Asking on. Encouraging on!

Fear not

Fear not, for the LORD thy GOD is with you (Is 41:10). This is always with me. No matter what may befall me, I am reminded that my HEAVENLY FATHER is with me. This is always true regardless the trials in the day that may come, I am encouraged that in the presence of the LORD, there is no need to fear. When I feel caged in or when I cannot explain the rockiness of my thoughts, I am reminded that I should not be afraid. When feelings come in like a flood, fear is not too far away from that. When I am approaching my next chemo, I experience apprehension and fear. I am reminded that I should not fear. When I feel that I am not successful about giving my fear to the LORD, I am reminded that HE is with me and no matter what, there is no fear in the presence of the LORD. No matter what may come our way, we should never allow our feelings to rule. There are many difficult days ahead and many unpleasant things to hear; however, I am told that fear should not prevent me from living the life that the LORD wants me to live. Despite the anticipation of a flashback or a bad nightmare, fear is only as bad as the amount of energy I put into it. I know that my GOD is with me. I am told so. I know that all will be well. HE told me. I have to believe it. "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31).

Fearing not. Encouraging on!

What kind of love is this

I am uncertain about some things and some things are just more solid. I wonder all the time about what the LORD could have possibly thought when HE was on the Cross thinking of me. HE was there carrying my anxiety, my load, my cancer, and all things unclean about me. What kind of love is this? What kind of love is it that today, with all the burdens that I have and all the stain of guilt, shame and anger that makes me feel unclean that the LORD loves? I know that the love that HE has for me is so unwavering and unquestionably mine. To meditate on what "kind of love" would take me a lifetime. I know that I have an awesome GOD who is always ready to hear what I have to say--no matter what it is. There is nothing that shocks HIM or surprises HIM. Nothing can sneak up on HIM and take HIM by surprise. And when we have no idea what may be out there for us, HE protects us with a jealousy like there is no other. I know that HE is possessive of what HE loves and HE loves me! This is the best example and when I tell others that I am possessive of what I love, it is because I have the best example. What kind of love is this? I am beginning to understand just what the word "love" means. This is unconditional to me and over me. When I feel that I cannot raise my head from the weight of shame or guilt, I am reassured that I am loved. When I have enough anger and hurt in my heart, I know that I am cleansed. Love covers [over] a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) This reminds me of a song that I was raised with: Where charity and love prevails, there GOD is ever found; brought here together by Christ's love by love are we thus bound. We are ever bound!

Possessing on. Encouraging on!

What a good cause

It is a good cause when we decide to take up our Cross. It is a good cause when we decide to be obedient and to do what we are supposed to do. I am reminded daily that when I choose and am in the WILL of GOD, then what to me is nothing less than a blessing. Sure, my choices are not always plain to see; however, I know that when I take the time, get into the WORD, and listen to what the LORD has to say, then of course, it is a good cause. I should never doubt that dedicating myself to the LORD is not a good cause. It is the best cause that I can ever think of. When Saul, also known as Paul, was converted, he chose to follow JESUS. Ananias was concerned that Saul was going to be a danger to the church; it was the LORD HIMSELF that said that this was a good cause--"he was a chosen vessel" (Acts9:15). It was a good cause to leave behind what he had ever known and to travel the nation to teach, preach, heal and deliver people from their illnesses. Likewise, it is a good cause that I choose to lay some things down and to ask the LORD for help and direction when the days are long and involved. It was not HIS will that I should be lost to what I need to do. It was not and is not HIS will that I should be confused about what to do. What a good cause to ask for HIS help and direction. What a good cause it is to know that I am living a SPIRIT filled life.

Knowing on. Encouraging on!

I give you my heart

One of the most difficult things that I have been able to do is to just submit my tumultuous feelings to the LORD. Certainly there is a rationalization that my feelings are just that--mine. All emotions that any person experiences are given to us from our LORD and it was HIS plan to give those emotions back to HIM so that HE could help when they are too much. Proverbs 4 is one of the most powerful chapters for me because I am able to express wisdom about when and how to express my emotions safely and without fear of judgment. Through wisdom, I can gain understanding about what angst I might be experiencing. This is not easy; at times, it is nothing that I care to venture into. However, it is wisdom to say, "LORD, I give you my heart." My heart tells me that I am afraid and that I have concerns. Wisdom says "do not enter the path of the wicked" (Prov 4:14). My heart says "I could care less about what others may say", but Wisdom says "let your heart retain my words" (4:4). Wisdom tells us that "keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (4:23). No matter the anxiety, or the angst, I choose to say "I give you my heart". It is not an easy thing to have the heart examined by the LORD. But trust and believe that what is precious to us is precious to the LORD. If it matters to us, it matters to HIM.

Giving on. Encouraging on!

Pursue me

No matter what the day may bring, I have the same cry--LORD pursue me! There are many things that I talk to HIM about and when I have a difficult time with a burden, I argue with the LORD, "no, I will not do it. No, please do not ask me to do that. I simply cannot do that!" And, of course, the LORD comes to me and reassures me that it will be in the perfect time that things will be completed. It is ok to share with the LORD the things that you are stubborn about and that it is an area that will stumble you. James 4 tells us how we can approach the LORD. Hebrew 4 tells us that we can approach the LORD. The entire book of Romans reassures us that we are not lost and we can rely upon the LORD for all of our needs. This is how much we are loved--we are reassured throughout the Bible that we can come to HIM for all of our needs. Romans 8:38-39 tells us specifically that nothing can separate us from the love of GOD. So, when we are experiencing a trial and the burden is heavy, we can have an honest conversation with our FATHER. HE does love us and HE does pursue us. If anyone could hear my conversation with the LORD, that person would know that a child does have that conversation with their natural parent; even more so, the LORD is all that much more patient, kind, loving and gentle to pursue us and to give us that touch that only HE knows how and when to do. This should not be mistaken from angering the LORD. HE knows that we get scared, frightful, and worried. All the more reason that we should not worry when we cry out "Pursue me!"

Crying on. Encouraging on!

All that is within me

All that is within me, bless YOUR holy NAME! I have to say this all the time because there are days that I cannot muster within me the feeling to say it. I know that to worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH comes from my spirit and my soul. But, when my soul is vexed, uttering the words are difficult. Giving a time to submit my heart and my mind to my LORD is the most important task in a day. Despite the long and difficult days when I have no idea what the outcome may be, I know that when I can say "all that is within me, bless YOUR holy NAME" is just that--all that is within me. I take the time to be able to step away from what is bothering me and to know that the grace that was imparted to me at the Cross is mine forever and that I can come to HIM and say what is within me. I know that I can run to HIM and express every bit of what is bothering me without fear of condemnation, mocking, scoffing or anything else that I might be worried about. I can say that what is bothering me is safe with HIM and that as we (yes, we) discuss it, I have direction for the day. This direction comes with the greatest amount of love that has been given to me. I am reassured that no matter what may come, HE is there and that the worries of the past are just that. These things that vex me can be washed away. How? By choosing to come to HIM, sharing my load, having fellowship with HIM, and to receive all of HIS grace that I can possibly drink in. I was saved at the Cross and from that point, everything that is in me shall bless HIS HOLY NAME!

Blessing on. Encouraging on!

No doubt

One of the many things that I battle about often is my doubt. Self-doubt is very defeating and can be the biggest enemy that we can ever have. At times, the devil does not need to be attacking us because we can do it all by ourselves. But despite it all, we have a great helper and friend--JESUS. HE knows how to come to our aid because HE has seen it in us when HE was with us. HE knows that we need the constant encouragement and the uplifting thoughts, words, and deeds to keep us focused on the goal that is set before us. This internal confusion comes with a huge outcome--separating us from what we are supposed to do. Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD and we are to be constantly reminded of that. No matter what the battle may be, we are to be reassured that doubt has no room when faith is in action. The enemy of doubt is faith. With faith, we can move mountains--whether the ones inside of us or the ones that we battle every day in our daily walk. Nothing is impossible for GOD if we believe. Whether we believe or not, GOD still works for us and to send us messengers, believing hearts, words of wisdom and the HOLY SPIRIT to guide and reassure us that no matter what the trial, we are not alone.

We are to constantly keep those words at our lips and to keep them at our finger tips so that in the day of great difficulty, we can be over-comers. It does not matter the battle. They all have one thing in common--the need to be encouraged in the darkest time and hour. Whether we feel we are whole persons because of the loss of an arm, leg, body part or other, we have the greatest person who ever lived as our example--JESUS! We can do what HE called us to do and we are going to invite more along for the journey. It can be done!

Journeying on. Encouraging on!

Attitude adjuster

One of the most important concepts that I have been working very hard on is the attitude adjuster. I had given my Pastor a candy cane at church during the Christmas holiday and he looked at me with some hesitation. He did not know why I was giving it to him; I had to express to him that it was an attitude adjuster and that it was not for his benefit but for mine. I have seen this concept in many places and is used in quite a diverse arena. The purpose is that when someone has been going through a significant set of trials and tribulations, the difficulties should not stop or prevent us from focusing on what really matters--our neighbor. That is the most important thing that we could ever focus on. When we focus on our neighbor, we will not have a lack in our lives--mentally, physically or spiritually. When we choose an attitude adjuster, we focus on changing our hearts, taking a moment to listen to what the LORD has to say to us, humble ourselves and then to look to what the goals really are. Yes, bad health, bad finances, bad so-many-other-things get in the way of us focusing on the goal that is set before us. When the apostle Paul wrote to the churches, he had expressed that if anyone had any reason to really complain about things, it would be him. He had been beaten many times, had his feet clubbed to the point of disfigurement and had been killed as well but was healed. This was because of the labor of love that was found in his heart toward his neighbor. He was commissioned to give and to give freely for the sake of the Cross. The Cross was his attitude adjuster. What is ours? Who is my neighbor? Are you my neighbor? If so, where is your attitude adjuster? Have you given one lately? You become blessed and healed of what it is in your life that needs that healing when the choice to give is done so freely. Choose this day, what and whom will you serve?

Giving on. Encouraging on!

The Joy of the LORD

Regardless, the days will come when there does not seem to be any way out. These days are full of many things and from these events that may come, stresses of all kinds may be present. Anxiety and panic are unfortunate outcomes of stresses that have been present for a long, long season. Anxiety, panic and stress is not of the LORD; it is a part of our humanity that tells us that we are human and that we cannot walk in this journey alone. We are to call upon the one that called us and we are to look to HIM to help us with our emotional battles. This does mean that we have to call out to HIM. We can do this in the same manner as when we call out to one of our friends and ask for their assistance and help. When we call upon the LORD, we call down all the ability to help us with our every need. It comes when we need it at the most perfect time. Yes, HE is the GOD who is an on-time GOD. HE comes when we cannot even possibly believe that anyone could understand. Our LORD hears it all and so asks us to ask HIM. The greatest reward is HIS joy! It is healing, comforting, directing, engaging and just what is not expected. This joy will teach the soul a new way to think, confess, guide in the manner of speech, and to be a schoolmaster for our hearts. When we understand what joy can do for us, we can be cleansed of all things. This joy comes when we have fellowship with the LORD and that our faith draws us closer to HIM. It can be done and it happens every day.

Joyfully pressing on. Encouraging on!

Monster thromper

For the most part, we are all monster thrompers. For in the journey of seeking wellness, "monsters" seem to rear their ugly heads, we are to take it upon ourselves to seek to attack them. These monsters may be from many things--personal issues; health imperatives; lawlessness and even more. We are to not be discouraged that what lies within our hearts and our souls cannot be cleansed. We can be made whole through seeking the pureness of the WORD of GOD. The journey may be tough, but it is an excellent journey just the same. I was listening to one of my songs today on the way to work and I was reminded that what we must address in our lives we should not say "this is unfair"; rather, we look to HIM as our ALL SUFFICIENT ONE! I am reminded that neither cancer or flashbacks will prevent me from serving the MOST HIGH. I am reminded through Romans 8:38-39 that no matter what comes my way, I have all confidence in the ONE that was crucified for me and these trials and tribulations will not last. James 1:2 tells me to count it all joy when I face diverse trials and temptations. These are for just a season in life. These monsters can be thromped. We can look to the ONE who called us and we must equally listen to the LORD when HE tells us that we are to assist and support our neighbor when their monsters are too much. We can thromp it all!

Thromping on. Encouraging on!

Lead me on

We have all heard the adage "when the road gets tough, the tough get going"; this is very accurate for those of us who have difficult days. These difficulties may be in many different forms and come from many different ways--home, work, school, health, family and etc. But we must never forget that despite what is going on, we must lead others on. "Leading me on" is a very simple concept. This concept involves the idea that we are our brother's keeper and we are to continue to invest ourselves into each others' lives. This means the occasional phone call; the email that is right on time; an unexpected visit at the door; buying someone lunch; making dinner for someone and including a card or a simple flower. There are so many ways that "leading me on" can be so applicable. JESUS said that we must "do unto others as we would like done unto ourselves". Would you like a hot cup of coffee and a conversation? Would you like a hug or a kind and uplifting word? Would you like someone to stop and smile for a positive note? Then why would it not be ok for it to be done in exchange? We often forget the needs of people around us and from that note, we must stand and take close attention. "Lead me on" is very important. It means that we are willing to invest ourselves in the most precious of things--our neighbor. When we give, it is healing and fulfilling. This week, I was privileged to see a "pay it forward" event. "I have been so blessed and so I want to bless you". I witnessed this while out in the field working. It blessed me even though I was not the receiver of this blessing. This was a "lead me on" moment that sparked this message. We are to lead each other on toward good works that would lift our neighbor up.

Leading me on. Encouraging on!

Casting your cares

I have been told that the term used in "casting" is similar to the term used when a fisherman is casting out a fishing net or a fishing line. When we discuss casting, we are to take into consideration that this is to be as far away from us as possible so that we will not take ownership of it again. But, how do we do this when there are so many cares in a day, let alone in a week? Simply, we are to continue to do this every time. The idea is based on the ability to become so good at casting that the cares get further and further away from us. Certainly, cares come to us every day. They cannot be avoided. These cares come to us from our daily lives--work, school, health, family, church, outside obligations and general daily living. We learn to prioritize what is important and learn that the cares of this life are brought before the LORD, discussed and left with HIM so that we can better live. We are not meant to live in fear or anxiety of what we should be doing; rather, we are to live for HIS utmost for our utmost. The excitement begins! We are to know that we have a refuge in HIM--A GOD who cares about what burdens us and what creates stress and troubles. We are not meant to walk this life in stress or anguish; instead, we are to live this life with fullness of joy and free of the heartache that can separate us from what our true calling is. We are to serve with our whole heart, our whole mind and our whole being. We are to offer ourselves in love and compassion, regardless. When the cares of this life come, and we are unable to cast them to HIM, we become more troubled and less able to perform at what the LORD wants us to do. Casting means that we are not to pick them up again.

Casting on. Encouraging on!

Being grounded in the WORD

As we all have been told in one aspect or another, we must learn and know what needs to be done. This is not always the same for the next person. Learning is a long and arduous journey that does not always have the same outcome. But when it is with respect to our personal walk with our LORD, being grounded in the WORD is very important. What is it? Is it the same to everyone? The only person that it should matter to is the LORD HIMSELF. Our walk with the LORD is unique and defined explicitly through HIS esteem towards us. We are all told to love one another and to continue on in doing good works. We are given instructions about what the Christian walk is all about; but, we are to act upon it as well.

When we are faced with the trials and adversities in our daily lives, we are to continue to seek after what we are to do in our lives. This does mean that we must invest some effort to be reading, studying, asking, seeking and waiting upon the LORD. When we seek, it is not always what we want to hear, but it is what is needed and necessary to hear. Not everything is always bad or harsh but loving and gentle. Being grounded in the WORD allows us to be able to have a deeper understanding of others as well as ourselves and to develop our relationship with the LORD. The days to come then become easier and less stressful. Does this prevent the stress from coming? No, it simply encourages us that the stress is not going to overtake us and deter us from doing what we know we must do. Stress lets us know that we are still working for the right side--JESUS CHRIST.

How then are we to act? That is the best question of them all. The development of the Christian character is different for all of us; but, it is still one and the same. We are to follow the LORD and to know that we are to love one another as HE loved us. The rest is up to HIM to give us the direction that we ask for.

Grounded on. Encouraging on!

Listening

How do you listen? The way that we listen should be with every aspect of our body. When we listen, we convey to the other person that they are important and no matter what is going on, they are our highest priority. We must convey they are loved, cherished, honored, respected, jealous over, and desired. Our heavenly Father looks to us in the same manner. We are to mimic HIM. Oh, how HE loves us. No matter what we have done, or what has been done to us, this love cannot be removed or impeached. Nothing can separate us from the LOVE OF GOD. We cannot separate ourselves from the LOVE OF GOD because we do not have that ability.

When we listen, we express that we want to be a bond-servant and to be invested. This investment comes with sacrifice. We must be willing. It takes a few steps to learn how to be invested and we learn along the way that this investment comes with great rewards. Some rewards are not seen right off, but others are immediate. We know that we have had the greatest example and that is JESUS at the Cross. HE listened to the thieves beside HIM. Despite HIS sacrifice, HE did not stop to listen to everyone else around while HE gave HIS life for us. Our HEAVENLY FATHER listened while JESUS died for us.

Do not be afraid to listen. Do not be afraid to be heard. GOD is good! GOD is merciful. GOD is glorious!

Listening on. Encouraging on!

Navigating the waters

Throughout the week, I have been listening to some of the most uplifting music. I know that the condition of an individual's heart has a strong bearing on what is defined as uplifting and encouraging. The music that I am very much enthralled with is a heavier Christian Rock. Petra, a group that was formed in the mid 1970s, is one of the most favorite of mine. Their lyrics, musical score, lead singer and band draw the anointing of the LORD to you. Their message was that of strength and courage for the battle and to know that GOD has not abandoned HIS children. The same is today. GOD has not abandoned HIS children and despite the long and difficult days, HE wants to remind us that HE is with us always. HE was there during the most difficult times in my life and HE is there still in the undefined. I have felt HIS hand in many aspects--hugs; hand on my shoulder; allowing me to be; and watching me laugh uncontrollably. Just like our own children, HE is interested and excited to hear all about what we have to say.

The music that we listen to during the day makes a vast difference with how our physical heart continues to beat. Choose well and know that when the LORD gives you something to carry you through the journey, hold onto it. These gifts are valuable to hold onto when the days feel lonely and desolate. Write those gifts down on the calendar so that you may have additional pieces of encouragement when there is none around. GOD is GOOD! And we can be that hand to stretch out to remind others of just how GOOD HE IS! Be well and Praise be to GOD forever and Amen.

Reminding on. Encouraging on.

It is a good day

I would be remiss to not add something more positive to the mix of things. While it is a very difficult journey to discuss the deep emotional aspects of life, it is equally important to be able to encourage the ones that are coming along in the journey.

For this reason, the Encourager's Heart was created. We must encourage one another in Christ as well as in our daily walk. See you there!

Encouraging on!