Sacred Space

What if I MISS my Quiet Time???

2011-12-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

We've all heard and quoted this familiar phrase from Psalm 37. A delightful cliche that goes along with that thought is, "God is not about rules, but about relationship".

This morning I had coffee with a friend who, like me, tries to 'please' God. The way we have defined that pleasing is through rule keeping. We belong to the club of 'good' Christians who beat ourselves up all day if we missed our 'quiet time.' We just know our day won't go well because we didn't start it right. Kind of like God is a timed release vending machine we put coins in early in the morning (the earlier the more godly you are!) and then He pays out all day. Good quiet times can hold you over till almost dinner, weak or short ones may leave you wanting chocolate mid afternoon.

We discussed how difficult it is for us recovering performers to believe in our hearts that God simply wants us to delight in him, be His friend and out of that relationship choose to do what He says.

Think about it. Jesus is the Lover of our souls. Not scorekeeper.

Jesus is our Peace.

Jesus is our Joy.

Jesus is our Sustainer.

Jesus is our Provider.

Jesus is our Best Friend...and so on! There are no conditions attached to those attributes...whether we have a good quiet time or not. All day long, every hour, every moment. With or without our quiet time. Does that make you feel uncomfortable? Me too. Is it true? What do you think???

Prayer for those far away.

2011-12-07T09:40:00.001-08:00

It's been 5 years since we were evacuated out of Kinshasa due to threats of violence around their first democratic election in decades. I read today that the borders are closed again and more violence is expected. A life so far removed from the comfort of my cozy living room as I sip coffee in front of my fake fire looking at my fake Christmas tree. What's real?

I've been reading blogs this morning from sisters around the world that I am virtually connected to through Women of the Harvest . Real women with messy lives living in challenging circumstances. Many of us glamorize missionaries, or think that they are somehow more spiritual than the rest of us, that they've been given extra measures of strength to live in difficult circumstances. Not true. I so admire these women and families who have followed the Shepherd to the field where He leads them. And, I pray that all of us will listen to the leading of the Shepherd in our own lives and that during this Christmas season our feet will bring good news of peace to a broken, fearful world.

"Dear Jesus, I abide with you this morning for my sisters around the world who have left homes, family, familiarity and comfort to take your message of salvation to your children. It's December Lord, and good or bad, we all have expectations of what this month should bring. I pray for those far from families they love and long to be with, comfort them Dear Comforter. Give them joy like Peter knew...beyond expression! I pray for those who are lonely and disillusioned, strengthen them Lord. with the strength you gave David when he was in a foreign land feeling so alone. I pray for those whose marriages are being tested beyond what they think they can handle due to internal and external pressures inherent in marriage, but exacerbated in foreign cultures; give them patience and endurance as they hope in Your ability to give them wisdom and discernment. I pray for mommies who are trying to love, discipline and educate their children. That is a challenge in 'normal' life, but even greater on different soil.

Give us all sensitive ears to your still, quiet voice as You guide us each moment to the path of life, the path of peace, the path of restoration every moment. Bless my precious sisters, Your chosen daughters, abundantly this Christmas Lord. Lift their heads to You and not to people near or far that they feel could meet some need they have. Remind them of Your lavish love, Your deep delight in them, and let them hear Your voice singing over them, rejoicing that they are Yours. Hold them close. In Your tender mercy, amen."

This IS about me, and HIM

2011-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I will bless the Lord who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken,

for His is right beside me.

Psalm 16:7-8

Testing, testing, 1-2-3...Thousands have gone before, and thousands will follow. We, ourselves, have been here before...I'm talking about cancer. Steve's mom, 2 of my aunts (mom's two sisters), my grandpa (mom's dad) have died of cancer. Now, my mom has been diagnosed. For the last 2 weeks she has had at least a dozen tests, and each time the news gets worse.

SO, how will my soul fare? As the only daughter, she is dependent on me to be there 'every step' of the way. I have amazing brothers and sister in laws, kids and husband, who are very supportive and will be there, but I am feeling the call and desire to step in deeply.

God has cleared my schedule. He has guided me to rich pasture these last 2 years where I have learned to listen to His Voice in precious ways. I know He has prepared the table of my soul in ways I cannot see, but I feel. I am deeply grateful. I walk in the LIGHT of HIS PRESENCE even in the dark valley. When I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10).

The picture above is from a weekend my cousins and sister in laws shared to celebrate mom's 80th birthday on October 2. We had a sweet reunion. The Lord instructed me to plan that weekend before this diagnosis. I'm so grateful I've learned how to listen. He is so good.

Contrary to a popular phrase, this path is about me. It's about me, it's about my family, it's about you, it's about the unfailing love, mercy and grace of God in our lives. And, it is about His glory. I choose to engage fully, paying attention to His lead, and trusting in His goodness.

Sacrifice of Giving Thanks

2011-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Psalm 50:23---"Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God."

God continues to amaze me as I think about how He guides. In this psalm, people are offering all kinds of costly sacrifices in hopes of pleasing and honoring God, and He speaks up with what truly honors Him. Giving thanks.

This just doesn't compute in my mind. I think it should cost everything to honor God. That it should really hurt. Sometimes it does, but more often, it is very simple.

Why does He call giving thanks a sacrifice? I'm not sure, but if we tie it together to Paul's counsel to give thanks in everything, I can make some connection. You see, if I sacrifice what I am feeling sorry for myself in through giving thanks instead of grumbling, worrying, complaining and fretting, I make space in my heart and mind to see and hear God. That honors Him and it brings me salvation. I am saved from my dark self!

I urge you to try it. All day today, when tempted to fret and worry, give thanks. Lay down the comfortable spot you naturally go to, and give thanks.

Look back at something difficult and give thanks. Lay down your 'right' to be angry, hurt, even vengeful...and give thanks. Look ahead to what's daunting, and give thanks. He is already there! This puts us on His path of salvation, rather than our natural path to destruction.

How will you know? His fruit will become self evident. These are the seeds you sow. Seeds sown through giving thanks. Fruit born through His spirit watered by our thanks...

Peace will replace fear

Love will replace vengeance

Joy will replace anxiety

Patience will replace anger

Kindness will replace slander

Goodness will replace selfishness

Self control will replace indulgence

Life will replace death.

This is the path of salvation. Do you need to be saved today? Give thanks.

Does He really care?

2011-07-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was actually excited to see that my reading guide was taking me to Psalm 37 today. The Lord knew what I needed to hear (He's sweet that way!). Do you ever wonder if He really cares about every detail of your life? I used to be such a cynic when people would pray over the littlest things (like parking places...ok, I still struggle with that one) But, the Lord has shown me many times recently that He does care about the little things and the big things that want to quench joy in my daily life.

What does it mean to live a hidden life in Christ? All those common, yet unexperienced, phrases are dancing around a lot in my thoughts now, and hopefully they are finding sure footing in my experience. The phrase: "beyond my comprehension but not my experience" has become a thread of prayer in my abiding life in Christ. I cannot comprehend how He orchestrates all of our lives at once. I cannot comprehend how or why He hears my every thought and knows how many hairs are on my gray head. Such intimacy!

May these expressions of trust penned by David encourage you today, as they do me. However, I want more than encouragement. I want these words to be my life experience today:

I jump around a bit as my attention was drawn to different verses:

Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait for Him to act.

Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires.

Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily on His path. He will honor You by giving you the land.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Abba, I get so focused on and worried about details and how to lay out the path---but You are the producer---not me. Help me to be still in Your Presence all day long and to walk steadily on Your path. This way of following/dwelling/abiding///fills me with peace.

You're inviting me to wait and watch---to be obedient and faithful to Your lead in even the smallest turns (phone calls, emails, thoughts, plans, words, spending etc...)

and to delight-take joy-in my knowledge of You. To walk by faith centered in the truth that You do care about every detail of my life; 'beyond my comprehension, but not my experience.' Lord, I want to live there with You.

Truth Telling: random

2011-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of my family members is known for candidly speaking the truth, which most of the time is delightful. We've had lots of discussion on the topic of when critical truth telling is necessary. Not that it's ever okay to lie, but are there times when speaking the truth is more harmful than helpful? Obviously, yes. But that doesn't mean truth telling that wounds isn't at times the right way to follow Jesus. He was the master at it. We need to carefully follow Him if we are to speak truth to our friends and loved ones in the same manner as our Master.

I recently read this acronym (which I know can be cheezy, so forgive me) that I find helpful...especially when I'm trying to follow Jesus in responding to those closest to me where I can get careless. Phil Calloway gives this acronym for truth telling:

THINK...

Is it True? Is it Helpful? Does it Inspire? Is it Necessary? Am I Kind about it?

I think that's helpful. And, that's the truth.

Vulnerability

2011-07-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Steve keeps asking me if I've posted anything on here lately...so I promised I would. It's crazy how insecure I get around this challenge. SO, I thought that may be a good place to begin. Let me ask you...is there something you 'feel led' to do that scares you to death? Something that may expose a part of you that others haven't seen? A vulnerable place? What's it going to take to get you to take that next step?

I found a journal entry this morning written on a pad

of paper on a day when I couldn't find my real journal (no date). It was about the woman at the well from John 4:39-42.

This was her testimony,

"He told me everything I ever did." (how vulnerable must she have felt?)

The people in her village heard the message and believed. And then...

They heard Him themselves and believed in the Messiah.

What a great story! This is OUR story! We hear about Jesus and then we hear Him ourselves. If we listen well, He will tell us everything we need to know about ourselves and then that exposure becomes a light for others to see Him.

"Lord, this woman must've had a terrible reputation in the village. A woman, first of all, would have no voice--and an adulterous woman would be scorned and rejected; but here she is...and many believed in You because of her story. Her testimony about hearing from You. She was transformed!

She became, through knowing You and realizing she is known by You---a woman of passion with a story to share. The story didn't center around her sin, but around You. Her experience of You gave others a thirst to hear from You themselves...so they came to You. She became so filled up with your living water that the vulnerable vessel held no more power over her.

You stayed for two days! You were actively available to those who wanted to hear. You harvested the prepared field. You weren't in a hurry to get to a more significant, important place or meeting (how often I feel like I am a disruption to people and make people feel the same!)

These were ordinary village people with ordinary, daily lives. That day, they became true worshippers. In spirit and in truth. She became light and it spread.

Thank you Jesus for WHO You are. I love the fact that You are no respecter of persons---You show no favoritism. Every soul is Your beloved creation in whom You long to live and become a fresh, bubbling spring filling us with eternal life which will easily spill over to others in our village. You're inviting me to live intimately with You. Listening for Your voice in all tender areas of my heart. You want me to tell others what You have to say...how You long to love them."

What's your story? Do you feel like you have nothing to say? Don't depend on your salvation testimony. Jesus wants to bubble new springs from you to offer the weary around you. Do you need to sit down and listen to Him for yourself? You put yourself in position to be filled by Him, and He will do the rest...and you will be overcome with joy.

Turn off the computer, the phone, the t.v.; close the book, tell the kids you are on time out for 20 minutes. Sit down, take a deep breath, and check the status of your spring. Is it dry? Open your Bible to John 4:10...

Now, listen to Jesus say to you..."If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water."

The harvesters are paid good wages

2011-03-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Living Bread: John 4:31-38

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, "Rabbi, eat something."

But Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about."

"Did someone bring him food while we were gone?" the disciples asked each other.

Then Jesus explained, "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing His work. You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest,' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What a joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest."

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

My Invitation

Lord, so many phrases are intriguing to me in this text, so please help me to hear what You want me to pay attention to today.

Lord Jesus, the disciples were urging You to eat and You replied that You have a kind of food/nourishment that they had not experienced---and You were nourished by it. You were experiencing the joy and the good wages of the harvest---a woman brought to eternal life; brought to a personal, intimate relationship with You, Messiah!

O Lord, I feel as clueless as the disciples. I have not fully experienced this true satisfaction of doing Your will. I have not experienced the wealth of reward from working whole heartedly in Your fields which the God has prepared. I get consumed with my needs---what to eat, how to make sure I'm satisfied---but You have rich rewards---wages prepared for me as I fully engage with You in Your work. What JOY is there to be had! I confess this is nourishment I know very little about...and am not sustained by. you are inviting me today to take the blinders off (to wake up and look around v. 35) and see Your will all around me. This is why I am here. To do Your will! As the Father sent You, Jesus, so You have sent me. And, You will faithfully guide me to the fields that are ready to be harvested. This is the richest of fare that money can't buy. This is the drink for the day that truly satisfies.

You're inviting me to pay attention to where You've been; where seeds have been planted and to be there ready to bring people in to a relationship with You=eternal life. To eat this food: not off shopping in the village to satisfy my earthly desires, but attuned to You---doing Your will and experiencing the richness of Your harvest.

Lord, today, help me to not worry or listen to the voices around me urging me to eat what this world says will satisfy (feeding my ego)---but to sincerely seek and do Your will and recieve the rich pay off only You can give. Lord, I've nibbled at that table, but You're inviting me to a feast. Only by Your grace, only by Your power, only because of Your mercy---I come. Increase my hunger for Your food.

From STEVE: True worshipers worship in spirit and in truth

2011-03-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends...I asked Steve if I could post his invitation today because it spoke so deeply to me (and him). An amazing recent blessing has been our soul journeys together. Since September we have been doing Listening Prayer in the mornings together and sharing our invitations. He would tell you he is not a journal-er, or a writer. He is simply receiving what the Lord is serving him and it is priceless. So, I hope you engage with us today. I'd love to hear from you! g

Living Bread

¹³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.

“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. ²⁴ For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Steve's Invitation

Feeling of exposure/rawness

Oh My Lord Jesus, how You are able to extract the truth from our hearts. You knew how that Samaritan woman deeply desired fulfillment and satisfaction. She must have been looking for that through her 5+marriages---she wasn't ever satisfied because her focus was on the wrong area. Your Word to her exposed the very essence of her searching heart or sinful heart. Truthfulness about our condition is what You desire to hear from our hearts. You desire for us to worship in Spirit...follow the Spirit that lives in me as He speaks. Don't go forward without His directives. Trust that He will speak to me and lead me. Believe WHOLE-heartedly that He is present and desires to control my life and take me to the place most pleasing to the Father.

Worship takes place everywhere. Not on some mountain nor in some city or building---but on Turnagin Ct./Liberty High School/ in the car/ in the shower/ in an office/ in the backyard, garage, in front of the t.v.; computer; movies; in conversations/ with friends/ family/ alone time. And we're/I'm to worship believing and knowing that Your Holy Spirit is present and holding me accountable for all my thoughts/actions.

The woman was so absolutely open and honest with You. That's what You desire. You invite me this day to be honest and truthful in all of my life. Every phase and area. Thank You Lord that You are willing to take in my sinful soul and desire to transform me. Slice me deep Lord Jesus, that I would be willing and able to extract the deep cancer of sin from my soul. I am willing to go under Your surgery to the very essence of my sin and have it taken out (healed). Today: my pride; ego; my self; is/are an offense to You. I need Your truth deep down. Teach me and lead me about the Spirit's work and the power of truth telling to the ego in me.

Lord Jesus, I picture myself there at the well taking to You. What truth are You speaking to me? What worldly thing do I lust for that is greater that God? That's what You desire to replace with the Spirit and Truth.

Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well

2011-03-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Living Bread John 4:1-10

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John. So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.

He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samritan village os Sychar, near the filed that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from teh long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?"

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."

My Invitation:

Lord, having just made my list of what's ahead of me for the next 2 months---it stood out to me that You too felt tired and weary--and You sat down wearily. Busy in ministry, dealing with Pharisees and their religious bondage; long walks (you were physically tired) and now entering or returning to Galilee (looking ahead to more!) You understand how I feel---but more importantly, You are teaching me how to live in the reality of walking IN You; trusting You to guide me and fill me with the living water that only You can serve.

You understand when I sit down wearily and tired; when I look ahead and feel overwhelmed. You are inviting me to see You at the well beside me. Lord, I don't want to read into this story---but I want to live in it with You---and see and hear You here. I want to learn to live how You teach...humbly and gently. You sat down, You were tired and weary. I don't know how long You were resting there before the woman showed up, but when she came, You were ready to meet her and serve her. You, the Living Water, poured out again.

"If you only knew the gift God has for You." What a tender, sweet, powerful invitation or revelation. That's the central theme of all I do and why I live---to offer this amazing gift to all You lead me to or bring to me! But first, daily, hourly, primarily, I must live in that gift. I must be experiencing that living water. I must be honest when I'm tired and weary and sit down by Your well with You and drink deeply so when the 'needy' people come around, I can overflow You. Lord, it's hard to get up early in the morning---to come and eat and drink of You---but it is priceless; abundant and life-giving. I am a fool to stay away; to stay in bed.

You sat by Jacob's well---on Joseph's land. I wonder what that stirred in You Jesus? Thank You for knowing my life---no one else does---and You're there with me, inviting me to experience the gift of Your Spirit in every moment.

We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things

2011-03-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Living Bread: John 3:31-35

He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few beleive what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment."

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

My Invitation:

"Anyone who accepts His testimony can affirm God is true." Lord Jesus, John the Baptist accepted WHO You were and where You came from and realized how powerless and finite we are. He plainly taught that the bottom line is, we are limited to what we can see with our human eyes---but You are God---You came here, bringing love to us and in accepting You and obeying Your words we experience eternal life through faith that You are God's Son. My faith is proven as I do what You taught...all born out of Your love, which You give so freely, to the whole world.

Lord, You are inviting me today to accept You as the One grater than anyone else---or anything else. Greater than the devastation of earthquakes and tsunamis; greater than evil rulers; greater than the heartbreak of suicide; greater than the damage done by drug and alcohol abuse; greater than scars of abandonment and abuse; greater than any physical disease that destroys bodies; greater than special needs; greater than heartbreak; greater than loss; greater than the earthly things that consume me and bring despair.

You testify of what You've seen and heard---and You tell only the truth. As I accept Your testimony (John 3:16-17) I affirm God is true. You have not made it difficult for us to be saved from this evil world, You have done all the work. JB pointed people to You and what You said. He pointed them to You and Your power. To You and Your love...to Your testimony that You are God's Son. He proclaimed that eternal life is experienced in accepting You.

Jesus, You are inviting me to be at rest in You with what I can't understand or explain. You are GREATER!---and, by faith, I accept You. As I'm given opportunity, give me the courage and resolve to point people to You.

He knew human nature

2011-03-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Living Bread: John 2: 23-3:8

Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee.After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

My Invitation

v. 24 But Jesus didn't trust them, because He knew human nature

Lord Jesus, people were beginning to trust in You---but You didn't trust them because You know human nature. Wow Lord, I've never noticed this but it in some weird way it brings me comfort and perspective as I deal with people in my life that disappoint me, most often myself! You're inviting me to see that it's foolish to put faith or home in humans who are by nature unfaithful. As I am! The actions of those who trusted You and then turned on You brought You grief, but didn't rock Who you were or why You walked the earth. There is really freedom in this truth.

Freedom for me to know You know me so well and You know I am unfaithful---and you still love me and serve me and lead me and forgive me and bless me etc.---daily grace---which brings me freedom to walk through the failures and disappointments brought to my life by others, feeling the pain, but not putting my trust in them to the point that their choices have power over my state of being; my identity; my fullness in You.

You're reminding me today to trust in You alone; experiencing Your grace which is sufficient to cover my human-ness and powerful and abundant enough for me to extend (overflow) Your grace on to other humans like me.

What is innocence? Psalm 37

2011-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

note: I am processing what it means to trust that the Lord really is directing my steps so this entry was a short diversion from John. Hope it is an encouragement to you. Bread.

Living Bread: Psalm 37

(3)Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

(23) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

Invitation: Truths I need to transform my mind...

1. The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord-v. 23

2. He delights in every detail of my life-v. 23

3. He makes me innocent and makes my innocence shine-v. 6

4. Commit everything to Him-v. 5

5. Trust in Him-v. 5

6. Do good-v. 3

7. Be still in the presence of the Lord- v. 7 (that's every moment!)

8. Stop being angry-v. 8

9. Turn from evil and do good-v. 27

10. Take delight in the Lord-v. 3

11. Put my hope in the Lord-v. 34

12. Travel steadily along His path-v. 34

13. Don't worry or fret-v. 7

14. Be generous-v. 21

15. Offer good counsel, teach right from wrong-v. 30

16. He (God!) will honor me.-v. 34

Lord, you are inviting me to meditate on your truth and walk in the reality of what You've designed me to be. Thank You for Your blood that makes me innocent, help me to delight in You by walking in this truth.

Earthquakes, tsunami and love

2011-03-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

in light of what took place in the last 24 hours, I am jumping ahead to my invitation for today (daily manna). I thought it might encourage you as you process what's taking place around the world. Remember, I am just learning with you...I am not an apologist or an expert, just a fellow pilgrim.

Living Bread
John 3:9-21 How are these things possible? Nicodemus asked (speaking of being born of the Spirit).

Jesus replied, "You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don't understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won't believe our testimony. But if you don't believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that eeryone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son

My invitation
Lord, there is so much suffering going on right now---today---around the world. Egypt, Libya, middle east etc., and now the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami raging the Pacific. I feel like Nicodemus who could not understand the earthly things and am unable to understand heavenly things. These disasters (along with personal crisis in homes across the globe!) make me feel unsure, anxious, fearful and at a loss of how to 'explain You.' The devastation is overwhelming---"For God loved the world so much"---Jesus, You plainly told Nicodemus what You are telling me. In spite of what I see and cannot interpret into a pretty little 4 point explanation---YOU LOVE THE WORLD---all of it!
You are inviting me to look at the Son of Man---lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life (v.14-15).
me, "but what about______________???????"
You, "God so loved the world."
Help me Holy Spirit to walk in the truth of Your love today. You're inviting me to rest, watch, pray, be alert. You: Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer of the world, love all of it. I trust You. I can't explain You---but You sent Your love, and I trust You.

Right here in the crowd

2011-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

John 1:19-28

This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you? He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah." "Well then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting?" "No." "Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!" Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked him, "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?"

John told them, "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal."

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

Living Bread: my invitation

"Right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize"

Lord, I am not seeing or hearing a clear invitation; but am aware that You show up at the time You've set---and we are no more than a voice saying "You are here." John had no credentials, no title, no 'right' from a human perspective to be baptizing but he was lead by Your Spirit and obeyed Your direction which resulted in serving You with full abandon.

I feel like you are inviting me to do the same---not worrying about how others view me, or where You lead me, but to simply be a voice in peoples lives that says, "You are here."

Apparently, John didn't go through the proper religious channels and protocal---he simply made himself available and spoke the truth which pointed people to You. You brought people to him to hear and respond (repent).

Lord Jesus, today, I believe You want to use me (and all your followers) in the same way---to help people see You and follow You. Give me faith to walk forward with confidence no matter how alone it can feel. Holy Spirit bring people to us, and lead us where You want us to be a voice for You.

Lent

2011-03-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

Here is a comment I found helpful about lent:

Shaping Your Lenten Discipline

"To begin, we might consider disciplines of abstinence that help us clear out the clutter of those things that distract us from God. Whether we fast from foods that comfort our emptiness, from caffeine or alcohol that keep us stimulated, from aspects of media or technology that keep us distracted, from words that keep us overly-enamored with our own thoughts, from mindless spending that keeps us numb, from addiction to the spotlight that keeps us dependent on other people’s praise…disciplines of fasting and other kinds of abstinence help us to clear the decks for spiritual action.

As we clear out the clutter in our souls, we become more finely attuned to what is really going on in our lives spiritually and the invitations that are there for us. As we experience a broken and contrite heart in the face of what we are seeing, the way is opened for God to teach us wisdom in our secret heart."

Listening Prayer (click on link and see my post below) may be a great option for you to clear out clutter during this lenten season.

The world did not recognize Him

2011-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

(steve said I should go back and post a few from the first few paragraphs of John, so we are back-tracking a little bit, but will catch up fast and then it will slow down again. Check out the helps I added above so you can engage with me more in this process)

John 1:1-13

In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that He didn't make. Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it...although the world was made through Him, the world didn't recognize Him when He came. Even in His own land and among His own people, He was not accepted. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God---this rebirth comes from God.

Pause here and go through Listening Prayer or at least take a few moments to listen to what you just read.

Living Bread: my invitation

"The world did not recognize Him when He came."

Lord Jesus, You came and You weren't recognized or accepted. I'm a bit confused by this, or perplexed I guess. I'm wondering how they would have known, but now that I think about it--You gave them plenty of sign posts, and even the voice of John the Baptist---but they weren't listening or looking for You and when You, the light, came, they rejected that Light. They had the promises but they chose to turn their hearts away from the Light. You're inviting me to pay attention; look for You; wait for You; see the light You give me and step into it, or stay in You and live as Your daughter.

I, too, can and do choose to not accept You at times. I look for other ways, other paths, but they always lead to darkness. Help me Spirit to listen and pay attention---to watch for and walk in the Light...Your Light. Give me faith to really believe it and live it and not turn away out of fear or pride. Thank You for Your patience. Thank you for giving me life in You. Thank You for making me Your child.

Passion for God's house

2011-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

John 2:13-17

It was time for the annual Passover celebration, and Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area He saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and He saw money changers behind their counters. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and oxen, scattered the money changers' coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, "Get these things out of here. Don't turn my Father's house into a marketplace!" Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from Scriptures: "Passion for God's house burns within me."

"Passion for God's house burns within Me."

Living Bread

Jesus, You had no tolerance for personal, selfish gain from what belonged to You and Your protection over it was severe. That was a temple built with human hands---but we are now your temple purchased by Your blood and You are the cornerstone. You are inviting me to see how sacred this house is and how passionate You are about keeping it set apart, holy, for Your purpose. For today: all of it; all of me; my thoughts, actions, attitudes, words, even my emotions are to be completely surrendered to You and Your purpose for me. I naturally want to set up shop and somehow gain selfishly what I foolishly think will bring me reward.

Lord, although I fear Your whip and the violence of Your passion---I invite it---praying I keep my temple cleared out so You don't have to come with such force leaving such a disaster. You graciously give me signals along the way to keep my temple available for Your Spirit...but my sinful nature still resists and tries to deceive me. Help me Lord to feel the same anger and disgust that You do when I allow sin to dwell in me---

gossip, selfish ambition, greed, revenge, outbursts of anger, laziness, fear, judgmental and critical attitudes, pride---Lord Jesus, I need Your passion to rid myself of these things that take up space in my life (temple) and block Your Spirit.

Lord, You are inviting me today to pay attention to the tables I set up that You would knock down and drive out.