Cut em' Loose~

Good afternoon~

 

Let's resume with yesterday's topic.

 

When my friend discovered her spouse's indiscretion, she did what most of us would do--she called her closest friends. I wonder, however, if she was prepared for their reaction.

 

Most everyone was supportive of her but not the marriage, and most everyone felt concern for her but not for the relationship.

 

Comments like, "Divorce that cheater!" and "You can do better!" were the prevailing pieces of advice she received. Not too many friends came alongside and offered to support her in her efforts to reconcile.

 

On a side note...I find it very interesting that all the same folks who so easily encouraged her to get a divorce all went home at night to the warm embrace of a loving spouse. Pride, I am told makes for a very lonely bedfellow. Unforgiveness, I have heard, isn't all that cuddly.

 

The Bible has a passage that deals with friends who might mean well, but when all is said and done, they were more of a hindrance then a help.

 

The book of Job is about a man who went from having it all--money, power, and family--to losing it every last bit of it. Job 2:11 says, "When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him."

 

They had good intentions, but that quickly shifted and they started judging him--implying that he was somehow responsible for all his own suffering because of some great sin in his life.

 

OUCH! His friends did the exact opposite of every thing we have been reading about in the DEVOs. And talk about a contrast to Christ's teachings. He taught us that only those who are perfect can throw stones, which pretty much means we are all disqualified.

 

At one point Eliphaz the Temanite even tells Job that, "He can cry for help, but no One will answer and the angels won't help either."

 

My goodness! Do any of us have the right to speak for God and decide who He will or will not answer?

 

Can you imagine if Job's friends would have rallied around him and my friend's friends would have rallied around her and just offered support?

 

It is so true what all our moms taught us about not saying anything unless you have something nice to say.

 

So as my friend started on the journey of forgiveness and reconciliation, she learned rather quickly who she would allow to travel with her. She chose her friends wisely and, for the sake of her marriage, was not afraid to cut some negative people loose. AMEN~

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Remind us to keep our opinions to ourselves. Embolden us to put our arms around those who are suffering and just pray for comfort and guidance. None of has the answers to the "whys" of life, but we can all help one another connect with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Gallant Choice~

Song of Solomon 3:4 "...I found the one whom my soul loves."

 

TGIM--Thank God It's Monday

Why doesn't anyone ever say that? We're alive, aren't we?

 

Yesterday I saw a sign that said, "God wants full custody of His children--not just weekend visits." I love it!

 

I am probably aging myself, but as kid I used to read Highlights magazine, and my favorite feature was a cartoon strip named "Goofus and Gallant."

 

Goofus always did the wrong thing. Gallant always did the right thing.

If Goofus ran with the scissors pointed up, Gallant walked with them pointing down.

If Goofus demanded something, Gallant politely asked.

If Goofus chewed with his mouth open, Gallant was perfectly mannered.

 

We have all had Goofus and Gallant moments. Last week I shared a couple of my own, but today I want to share a mega Gallant moment. Not actually a moment, but rather an entire life choice.

 

Later next week there's a whole entourage of Miamians headed out to California for a destination wedding. A whole lot of preparation has taken place, and it has been no small task coordinating all the details etc...

 

Why, do you suppose, are family and friends here in Miami making the effort attend? Are willing to pay for airfare, hotel, and car rentals? Are willing to make arrangements to have their kids taken care of or even allowing their children to miss a few days of school?

 

An even better question is why don't we make this effort for a couple who has simply decided to move in together? Why don't we throw shacking up showers?

 

It's because marriage, at its core, is a unique relationship where two people vow to love each other faithfully, in mind, body, and soul, through all the ups and downs of life no matter what. It is the epitomy of commitment, and we celebrate the romance and devotion behind it. (Sorry, but I don't find anything about moving in remotely romantic. Nor do I believe it demonstrates any serious commitment or devotion).

 

What are we to do, then, when a spouse violates the trust in marriage? When a spouse willfully disregards the vows taken and does the unthinkable?

 

Today's Gallant life choice award goes to someone near and dear to my heart who immediately decided, upon discovering all that her spouse did wrong, to love him anyway. To forgive him anyway. To allow God to restore her broken heart and her broken marriage.

 

We have talked about how to apply the biblical principles of love before. But let's face it--easier said than done. However, when faced with the choice of whether to fight or flee, this precious young wife and mom determined in her heart that she and her children would not be another statistic. If God says forgiveness and a restored marriage are possible, then she was willing to take Him at His word.

 

And thus began a year-long journey--one that we can all learn from, and we will this week.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You for marriage. It is a beautiful thing, and we all benefit when couples stay fully committed. Prepare our hearts this week as we look to the example of someone who did it right. Bless our marriages and keep them strong and faithful. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

The Domino Effect~

TGIF Blessings:)

 

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

 

I want you all to know that I have thought about that poor dentist (see yesterday's DEVO) over the years--13 years to be exact. Sometimes I wonder how everything would have turned out if I would have acted like a civilised human being. Worse, I sometimes think about the domino effect.

 

There's a commercial I really like because it has a gentleman opening a door for someone who had just helped someone cross the street, who had himself just allowed someone to cut in line at the market etc...And the message is that because someone did something nice for us, we turn around and do the same. It's a great message, but I wonder if the opposite is true.

 

What if I ruined the dentist's day and then he was grumpy the rest of the afternoon and was less than kind himself to a patient who then goes home with a sore mouth and a foul mood and snaps back at their spouse who turns around and puts the dog out and the dog, feeling vulnerable and rejected, bites a neighbor?

 

However, I can also testify that when we stop the rudeness dead in its tracks--when we practice self-control--we can change the course of the domino effect.

 

One day I went to pick up Rachel at school. In the immediate moments after the bell rang, a few of the moms and I were talking in the classroom while she and her buddies were playing. Back then guitar string bracelets were all the rage, and it was common to see all the little girls wearing as many as 20 at a time. Rachel's little friend gave her one, and thinking it was elastic, Rayray pulled it and of course, it was stretched beyond repair. The mother of the little girl went ballistic.

 

She went right up to Rayray, pointed a finger in her precious shocked face, and yelled ATROCITIES at her. "Look what you did!" "You should be ashamed!" "You are a vandal!" "You did it on purpose because you are jealous!" "You are the worst friend ever!"

 

I was literally one foot away, and for one brief moment, as I felt the heat rising on the back of my neck, time stood still and three things crossed my mind. (1) I am going to jail for murder, (2) I am going to wind up my arm and unleash a right hook and bust the teeth out of her mouth. ( I know a great dentist.), and (3) This is all going to go down in front of a bunch of witnesses, including my son who had by then come into the room.

 

And then I heard a whisper. God Himself bent over and gently said to my soul that my reaction would have consequences--good or bad. A question came to me: "Do you have room in your heart for forgiveness?"

 

Well, dang! Clearly God was watching me, and I never want to let Him down. So I stepped in between that mother and Rayray, and with the kindness that only Jesus can give when we purpose to do the right thing, I very quietly apologized for the incident. I assured her that Rachel hadn't meant to do it. I pulled out my wallet and offered to pay her one full American dollar bill plus tax for the one that was damaged because that was the cost plus $20 more for good measure. I encouraged Rayray to say she was sorry. I gathered my kids, went to the car, and sat there in stunned silence.

 

I finally drove home. My hands were shaking the whole time, and I was kind of sick to my stomach the rest of the afternoon. But that night I received a phone call from that mom. She was weeping and apologizing profusely. She explained that she had had a terrible day (she is an oncology nurse); she never meant to take it out on a small innocent child, much less in such a public way in front every one including her own kids. Would I ever forgive her? Would Rachel? We made our peace and were really good friends after that. Even traveled together a few times.

 

And from that moment until now I try to think of how we can all change the course of the domino effect.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

Sometimes we forfeit blessings because we choose to let our anger--no matter how justified--to take over. May we all always hear Your voice, which is forever encouraging us to do the right thing with Jesus' help. AMEN~

Dress Wisely~

Goooooooooood afternoon:)

 

 

Yesterday's DEVO really struck a chord, and I thank you all for your fine comments! Let's revisit some of the highlights.

 

Colossians 3:12-14 says, "...dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered...quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

 

When Rayray was five years old she went through a pink Power Ranger phase. She had the costume, and would wear it as often as she could. Some days it was a struggle getting her to put on her school uniform. Sunday mornings were sometimes difficult as she would already be wearing her special outfit when I would go in to wake her up. It was not easy negotiating with that child, and over the years I have learned to embrace her strong will as a gift from God. (More on that a later date).

 

But wouldn't it be grand if we were all as zealous and eager to dress in the wardrobe God has picked out for us? If you look closely at the verse, we actually have a choice. If God is encouraging us to dress ourselves in kindness could it be that sometimes we choose to wear rudeness or nastiness instead?

 

Before I point the finger at anyone else I point it to me. Most days I think I start off with a lovely blouse of beauty and pants of praise, shoes of sweetness, and even a frock of friendliness. And then something irritates me, like the dentist who could not find what was causing Jorgie's toothache and said to me in front of my crying and desperate son that it was, "Psychosomatic."

 

I immediately shed the jeans of joy and put on some highly threatening threads saying, among other things as I stormed out, "You shouldn't blame my son because you are an incompetent, unqualified quack!" The last image I have of that poor man is him with his head hanging down low on his desk.

 

But wait, it gets worse. I took Jorgie to an endodonist who promptly diagnosed the problem by determining there was a lack of oxygen in the tooth, so he drilled a small hole in the tooth and voila! pain gone.

 

Shouldn't I have been relieved that Jorgie was finally out of pain and just leave the thing alone? Yes, but when the endodonist explained how easily he diagnosed the problem and how the dentist could have done the same, I called back for round two. I know. I should have let it go.

 

But sometimes we are as stubborn as a kindergartener who wants what she wants when she wants it.

 

We adults, I suppose, can have temper tantrums too.

 

But guess what? Each and every morning we get a brand new opportunity to get dressed. Let's make sure the garments of beauty fit snugly so they are not so easily shed.

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, and even-temperedness? That's a lot to ask! Have you seen what we have to deal with? Maybe dressing ourselves with these attributes, however, actually improves our quality of life. By faith we can say that choosing to wrap ourselves in this godly wardrobe winds up being the bigger blessing than the momentary satisfaction of speaking our mind. Minister to us today with Your goodness that we might be so full and filled with You that others will want to dress the same way; the world will be a better place because of it. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Dress in Love~

A hearty and happy hello to all:)




The DEVO from March 26 talked about coming alongside those you love, and one of my buddies is now living this out in the most beautiful way I think I have ever seen.



Colossians 3:12-14 says, "...dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered...quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."



She recently found out she is going to be a grandmother. Her child will soon be married, so this news was surprising to say the least. Suddenly there were two options: Have a full-blown tizzy or remember that love is our basic, all-purpose garment that we are never without.



This fine and fabulous gal pal, fully arrayed in the wardrobe God would have us all wear, has withheld judgment and harshness. There's enough of that in the world already, don't you agree? Rather, she has rightly come alongside her daughter and is helping her navigate through all the whirlwind activities that come from preparing a wedding, preparing a baby shower, preparing a move, and preparing for the responsibilities of being a wife and mother. Is there even really any time to point a finger and be critical?



And may I add that everything being planned is to celebrate the love and commitment between two people who are aware that God is a forgiving Father Who desires to bless them?



What must we do to be blessed--even in the face of our own choices and consequences?



Proverbs 24:16 "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.'



We will all trip, over and over again, in fact. BUT WE GET UP AGAIN.



We do not stay down. We do not live in the error. We get up and make it right. How wonderful when someone encourages us and helps us get up. And when we get up, we get blessed. Our life may go off track, but glory and praises, we can all steer right back on course.



Isn't that life in a nutshell?



PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You that You know we are prone to falling down but that we also rise again. Life is a series of ups and downs, and You are with us each step of the way. Fill our lives with those who wear love like the life-affirming covering we each need. And if any of us is prone to being negative, rude, harsh, or critical, help us remove all that and replace it with the finest garment in Your wardrobe. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Blessings in Disguise~

1 Peter 5:14 "...Peace to all of you who are in Christ."

A while back I had a cheat day and sent out a DEVO written by Joni Tada. Feel free to read anything and everything she has ever written; it will help your spirits soar!

The gist of that DEVO had to do with a little three-year-old boy whose unconscious body was found by his mother. She called 9-1-1, and the paramedics, as they were taking her son to the ambulance, told the mom and dad to follow them in their car--to the cemetery.

No one wants to hear those words when their child is deathly ill. Long story short, the cemetery was the only place in their small town where a life-flight helicopter had enough clearing to land.

Sometimes we think we are headed to the cemetery, when in fact, a life-flight helicopter awaits.

Sometimes what we thought would undo us turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

When Hormone graduated from his elementary school, his father and I decided that Westminster Christian would be a good middle school and high school for him to attend. He aced his entrance exams and then went in for the face-to-face interview, during which he was asked if he liked to read. His answer, "Nope. Not at all."

Of course, I was mortified and thought for sure that this fine educational institution would promptly scratch him off the list of potential candidates.

It was a blessing in disguise because I was told afterward that the interviewer really appreciated the honest answer, and we enrolled Hormone shortly thereafter.

And remember the father of one of our dear DEVO readers who had a stroke several months ago? Boy oh boy did this family feel like they were on the way to the cemetery. Turns out it was the best possible blessing in disguise because that health scare prompted this lovely man to make some dynamic and wonderful life style changes that his family thought he would never make.

Take a moment to think of the difficulties in your life--all of them--the really important ones and the not so life-threatening but important just the same. Let's ask God to give us all a new perspective today.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, It is comforting to know that You are aware of every thing in our lives. Every single detail has purpose and meaning when we turn to You. Your love is complete and thorough, and we ask You to let us feel Your embrace today. Help us to see Your guiding hand in our lives. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Angels on the Job~

Good afternoon, all you glorious and forgiven children of God whom He is busy bringing His goodness to:)

Next month will mark the fourth anniversary of an incident that changed my life. We got that phone call that no parent ever wants to receive. Rayray and four of her friends were in a car accident. A Miami Herald employee who was working the late shift fell asleep behind the wheel of his car on the way home and t-boned Rayray as she was crossing a green light. The car flipped four times and landed upside down against a tree. All four of her passengers walked away unhurt. Rayray fractured her collarbone and needed stitches on her shoulder and arm after crawling through glass to get out of the car.

No one in the backseat was wearing a seat belt, so it was miraculous that no one was ejected. Rayray was taken to the local hospital, checked out, and released. I myself could not go to the emergency room because I had just had surgery myself. Her father and brother went, and I wondered how God would use this for good.

(1) Everyone, including the driver of the other car, survived. Enough said.

(2) The car, that would have been paid in full after just one more payment, was totaled. I DID NOT CARE. And I was able to finally prove to myself that after saying material things don't matter, I really believed it. Mind you, the other driver was uninsured, but thank God we had sufficient coverage.

(3) I was able to call my prayer partner right away, and she was willing and available to pray for my family and me. We all need to know there is at least one person we can count on in a real crisis.   

(4) When the moment of truth arrived, her brother stepped up to the challenge and was able to change Rayray's bandages with the skill of a top surgeon. This is amazing given that he has hands the size of a six-year-old gorilla. He did not shy away from helping her, and her father and I were grateful. Of course I knew they loved each other, but it blessed my heart beyond belief to know they will be there for one another long after Jorge and I are gone. Later that day Hormone just closed the door to his room and cried his eyes out. Glory~

(5) Not one of Rayray's friends pursued any legal action against us, which I found out later was possible by law even though it was not Rayray's fault. It's nice to know who your friends are, and to this day she remains close with them.

(6) I had the privilege of being the one to gently encourage Rachel to get behind the wheel again. It was beautiful being able to pray for her and watch God strengthen her as she fought against the fear of driving. She, of course, has since fully recovered, and is always always always on the go. The City of Miami is considering naming a street in Coconut Grove after her.

What was the number one good that came from this all? I learned that even when our children break a rule God still honors a mother's prayers. For you see, Rayray was not supposed to be driving that day. She was staying with a bunch of her friends, and I had specifically asked her not to drive because of the late hour. She assured me she wouldn't. But when they all decided to get something to eat, she just figured it would kind of sort of be okay. NOT!

When I finally saw her later that day, I broke down; my knees gave out. But I went on to caress that precious face of hers for hours and hours and did not once mention that she should have known better. I did not yell, threaten, or yes people, even preach. I just sat there thanking God that my baby was still with me.

PRAYER:

 

Dear Lord, We sometimes bring consequences on ourselves, but that does not stop You from blessing us anyway. Psalm 91:11 assures us that "You will order Your angels to protect us wherever we go," even when we go where we shouldn't. Thank You! In Jesus' name, AMEN~

 

 

Car After Accident



Jorgie's Gorilla Hands

Don't be Surprised~

TGIF Greetings:)

Today we start tackling the tough topic of how God works out the bad stuff of life into something good.

I, like everyone else, have gone through some things that are hard to understand. But since God is my Father, I am going to believe Him when He says that somehow, someway, everything will ultimately work out for my good.

Here's a powerful disclaimer:

No where in the Bible does it say that we are going to live a trouble-free life. In fact, it says the exact opposite.

1 Peter 4:12

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."

Fiery trials happen, we shouldn't be surprised by them because they are a part of life, and it has nothing to do with being singled out. We all go through something--sooner or later. I don't care how special you are, how many people love you, how much money you have, or what degree you earned from Miami Dude Community College--YOU ARE NOT EXEMPT.

Honestly, look at me. I am pleasantly plump, I laugh easily at anything and everything, I practice good dental hygiene, and regularly exfoliate my skin. I am precious and yet...

Trials are not something so extraordinary or rare that when they happen every one is like, "Oh my gosh? How could that happen? Life is supposed to be perfect!"

Therefore, when problems do come our way we can choose how we are going to react to them based on the powerful truth that God is aware of every single detail about us.

For example:

One day, out of the blue, I insisted that Jorge go to the dermatologist. This was in November of 2010. The first available appointment was January 4 of 2011. When that day finally arrived, Jorge did not want to go. He said he was too busy and would go later. I insisted, however, and he went. He was frustrated, but he went. The doc said everything looked fine, but they did biopsy a small mole on his back. Imagine our surprise when the next day we received a call that it was melanoma. Even the doctor was shocked. Suddenly we were scrambling to check his eyes, his chest, his blood...to make sure nothing had spread. And the day of the surgery they made an additional incision under his arm and performed some sort of scan with fluorescent dye in his lymph system to double check. AMEN! Everything came back 100% OK!

But it was what we did as a family that I want to focus on. When the doctor called that Jorge would need surgery--not some topical in-office procedure but a full-blown general anesthesia operation to remove the mole and surrounding tissue-- I gathered my chickies and my rooster and we all knelt down on the spot and unashamedly thanked God that He was in control. We still were not sure of the outcome, but just knowing that God had Jorge in His tender care brought us all a wave of relief. What if Jorge had skipped his appointment? What if we never would have made the appointment in the first place?

Knowing that God has obligated Himself to intervene in our lives to bring blessings out of trials changes the way we look at suffering.

More examples next week:)

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We know we shouldn't be surprised when troubles come our way as they are a part of life, but we can't help it. This just shows us how very very much we need You every moment of every day. "All praise to You because You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) In Jesus name, AMEN~

God is Good~

Numbers 6:24

"May the Lord bless you and protect you.May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace."

What a perfectly beautiful blessing to enjoy as we go about our day:)

We have been learning about God working all things out for our good, and it's easy to be strong in our faith when the going is good. With so much negative news lately, let's take a day to focus on the good because it serves a purpose.

Did you have a good night's rest last night? What about a good meal? Perhaps a good hot shower?

Did you enjoy a good T.V. show? A good conversation with a good friend? How about a good laugh because someone tripped over a rug and tried to act like nothing happened?

Maybe it was a good hug from one of your kids or even a pet? Did you open up your email to a good blessing today?

It is so very easy to accept the good in our lives. And being grateful for the good serves a purpose. The good things that happen to us in life are actually working for our good because as we enjoy them they remind us of God's goodness. We need to fill up our tanks with these reminders because it will help us go the distance when the going gets rough.

I had a discussion once with someone whose son was undergoing some frightening medical tests, and I was so impressed with her calmness. The words she said to me have been stored in my heart until this moment, and we would all be wise to embrace them tightly:

"Yenise, I have been alive for over 50 years. And day after day I have gotten up and enjoyed peace and provision from the hands of a loving God. Why, oh why, would I stop believing Him now? He has never failed me, and He never will."

Let's read that again:

"Yenise, I have been alive for over 50 years. And day after day I have gotten up and enjoyed peace and provision from the hands of a loving God. Why, oh why, would I stop believing Him now? He has never failed me, and He never will."

All those years of experiencing God's goodness in her life really gave her a reservoir of faith from which to draw upon as she and her family waited for results.

If we make it a habit to give credit where credit is due, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father," James 1:7, we will be better equipped to handle life's challenges.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

Thank You that You and You alone are the source of everything good and perfect in our lives. We acknowledge You as our Provider, Comforter, Guidance, and Peace. We open our hearts wide to receive You. Bring us and every single person we love under the covering of Your protection. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Is it Love?

Happy Wednesday~


Each and every one of us is so blessed today because God is busy busy busy working every detail in our lives into something good; God is causing everything to work out for us because we love Him.

How can we know if this is actually the case? The condition in this verse is that this is something He does for those of us who love Him.

How do we know if we love Him? Are we loving Him enough to activate this amazing promise in our lives?

Think back to the first serious relationship you ever had. You thought about him or her. Your momma never had to tell you to call them up. No one had to describe them to you; you knew everything from their hair color to their shoe size. You knew their favorite food, favorite color, and favorite song.

I have a crystal clear image in my head of Jorge wearing a gray Member's Only jacket and white leather glove shoes (no socks) with Paco Rabanne cologne on our first date. His bangs were combed to the side and then expertly fashioned into a side swept overhang that looked like a boomerang. His breath smelled slightly of tic tacs and red snapper, and I remember thinking that his nails were nicely trimmed. He opened my car door, allowing my chaperon brother into the back seat first, and then he helped me in.

I loved hearing stories about him like that time he jumped off his grandmother's garage roof and fractured his leg. Or when he had a starring role in his high school's production of "Grease." I wanted to please him, and one time made him green eggs and ham as a tribute to a favorite childhood story. He became grossly ill, but swore he wasn't mad about it.

My grandfather thought it highly inappropriate that Jorge wore a gold chain with his name plate on it, and that he wore shorts out in public. But he knew better than to criticize my man to me.

Jorge could do no wrong, and we regularly poured out our teenage hearts to one another. We were inseparable, and found it unbearable when my mother forbid me to see him for one entire month because I missed curfew by 10 minutes. So what did we do? He would show up at my house at 1AM after work, and I would hand him peanut butter and jelly sandwiches through the chained front door, which was right next to my parents' bedroom. He came because he loved me, and I risked further punishment for the same reason.

Love for God is actually very similar. We think about Him all the time, we get to know Him through prayer and Bible reading, we enjoy learning about Him, no body better talk bad about Jesus in front of me because I will say something, we want to live our lives in a way that pleases Him, and we pour out our hearts to Him because we desire His guidance and blessing.

Loving God is not about perfection. Loving God is not about religion. Loving God is about having a relationship where we mess up a lot and He doesn't. These moments we share here together demonstrate our willingness to get to know Him better--to increase in our faith, hope, and love. The moment we each said, "Dear Lord," He showed up and hasn't left since.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We love You. Thank You that we can have a dynamic two-way relationship with You. We always seem to be asking, but it's only because You offer so much to us. You are incomparably generous, and it is amazing to think that even the worst moments of our lives are turned into blessings. Open our eyes to see Your goodness. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Do Not Shut God Out~

Let's talk a little bit about what happened yesterday; we'll resume this week's topic tomorrow.

What happened in Boston is horrifying and beyond our scope of human understanding.

Different governmental agenices are investigating, and sooner or later the people responsible will be brought to justice. I am also grateful to live in this amazing nation where we have the compassion and the resources to really help our fellow brothers and sisters who were victims of this madness.

As I watched the new conference this morning different people spoke--the F.B.I, the Mayor, the Governor, the Chief of the Hospital, Police Captain, Fire Department Head--and yes, dear ones, an announcement from different clergy that the fine people of Boston were planning numerous inter-faith prayer vigils. Many houses of worship announced services, and Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley said in a statement, "In the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ, the light that was evident in the lives of people who immediately turned to help those in need today." Amen~

It is precisely at times like this that we have to fight the urge to question God's goodness. We have to refrain from asking why and pour all our strength into the One Who is our shelter from the storm. If we shut God out because we are confused, scared, and/or angry, then there will be no one left to turn to. He is the end all be all source of comfort and protection for us, and we must put our limited understanding aside and trust Him. Trust Him to pick up the pieces. Trust Him that when all is said and done, "He will rescue us from every evil deed and bring us safely into His heavenly kingdom." 2 Timothy 4:18.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Our hearts our heavy today for the victims in Boston. We pray that You would bring supernatural comfort for your children. Thank You that so many are turning to You in this time of great need. Minister to their broken hearts and put a soothing balm over their wounds that would begin a healing process. Thank You for those who so bravely entered the chaos to help others. Deliver them and all of us from evil. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Every Last Detail~

Romans 8:28

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."

The Message Version states the verse like this: "Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."

Is there anything out of the reach of God? Anything He ignores? Anything He dismisses? Anything He doesn't care about?

I want us all to purposely stop right here and determine once and for all that not one teeny tiny bit of our lives has been overlooked by God. If we will live our lives on the premise that God sees it all and cares about it all, then it will drastically change our perspective.

Remember when our kids were little? How many of us wet our fingertip and held it under their baby noses to make sure they were breathing? How many of us spent a sleepless night or two or 10 keeping watch when one of our children had a fever? And when Hormone had a serious infection in his hand a couple of years ago that landed him in the hospital for a week, Jorge and I parked ourselves next to him 24/7 for over a week even though he was 23 years old. Hovering doesn't even come close to describing how we were literally all over him.

Some people, like my grandmother, would have expected nothing less than that because she took hovering to the extreme. She could not understand why I didn't keep a journal of my childrens' bowel movements--noting time of day, color, and consistency--like she did for her two offspring. And whenever she babysat for me, I knew she would have an orderly report on this topic as soon as I walked in the door.

Surprise Surprise! There are some things about my kids that I am not interested in.

How many times do they go in and out the door?

How many times do they stand up and sit down?

How many hairs do they have on their head?

And yet God cares even about these mundane details. God doesn't mess around, and when He says, "Every detail," He means it.

Matthew 10:30 "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Psalms 139: 1-2 "You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways."

Let us meditate on the vast and thoroughly thorough manner in which God chooses to involve Himself in our itty bittiness.

"Of what importance is the human race, that You should notice us? Of what importance is mankind, that You should pay attention to us?" Psalm 8:4

And yet God does. Who do we think we are? We are weak, we don't live that long, we can be really rotten, and guess what? We aren't that special to most people. But God Almighty notices us and pays attention to us.

Side Bar--Anyone who has ever felt lonely and insignificant better do a double take because the One Who made the universe is hovering over you right now.

Tomorrow we will examine how being armed with this truth blesses us when things don't make sense.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Sometimes we go about our lives ignoring You when all the while You are paying attention to us. Could it be that You are waiting for an invitation to come in and help us, strengthen us, and protect us? Wait no more. We open our arms wide to a Holy Spirit invasion. Thank You that every thing about us is under Your caring concern. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

When Things Don't Make Sense~

During Christmas of 2011 Rayray and I took a mother-daughter road trip. It was so much fun, and one of the places we visited was the Live Tarantula Museum in Helen, Georgia. I have pictures of Rachel holding a huge, hairy spider in her palm, and a video where she is actually stroking it and says, "It's so soft..." I, on the other hand, felt my blood pressure rise and have had several nightmares where that same spider escapes its cage, finds me even though I am over 700 miles away in Florida, and punctures the skin right behind my knee with its fangs.

So, can you blame me for not understanding why she is grossed out by the hairs on her own brush? She won't touch it, and one time when I removed the ombre hairball and asked her to throw it out, she stepped back like it was a tarantula, except she played with one of those. Go figure!

Some things just don't make sense.

My family and I are in the middle of something right now, and as the details become clearer, I will share them. But as I sit here and write to you today, it doesn't make any sense to me. I thought I was so sure that things should have gone one way, but they are headed in the other direction. But let's take a moment to examine what we should do when things don't appear to be working out like we expected.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

The Message Version states the verse like this: Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Every single detail.

This means the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have been comforted countless times because of this beautiful promise that God has made me and you. This promise is not for everyone because not everyone loves God. Not everyone prays, and not everyone wants a relationship with Him. But all of who read this DEVO can be grateful that no matter what, something good is always being worked into our lives because we love God.

Have a beautiful weekend, and we'll keep on exploring this next week.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, How wonderful that You turn anything and everything around to bless us. Allow this truth to grab a hold of our hearts and encourage us today. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Heart That Never Fails~

Thursday Greetings!

Yesterday my husband spoke with a buddy whom recently had a dramatic, life-altering experience. A few weeks ago this friend was at the gym preparing for a Disney Cruise that he would be taking in two days. He was in the middle of a strenuous workout when he started feeling bad. His wife was called and she drove him to the emergency room. It was quickly determined that he was having a heart attack right then and there. This guy is 41 1/2 years old. His father died at 42 of a heart attack, and even though he thought about how great it would be to see his dad, he wanted to wait.

His wife and two small children, who were outside waiting for the in-laws to pick up the kids, were called in by the medical staff and told to say their good byes as they prepped this guy for emergency surgery because the doctors thought he would not survive. In they went, and as he lay there literally dying, they cried and hugged. All the nurses and doctors were crying too. Due to the urgency of the situation they did not even have time for anesthesia, so as the wife and children were escorted outside, they started a procedure--inserting two stents into two completely blocked arteries.

The overwhelming chest pains masked the smaller pain of the anesthesia-free surgery, and Jorge's friend just remembers thinking, "I need to live no matter what. Any pain pales in comparison to leaving my wife without a husband and my three kids without a dad."

I am happy to report that against all odds he survived! He is, for the glory of God, making a complete recovery and will soon be back to his normal life.

My husband was visibly moved by this story, and I knew as soon as I heard it that I would give everyone an important task today.

Stormie Omartian has a beautiful line in one of her books on prayer, and she has provided the inspiration for this assignment.

At some point today I want each and every one of us to place our hand over the hearts of those we love, or if we live alone place our hand over our own heart and say this prayer:

Dear Lord,

As I place my hand over _________'s heart, give him/her a heart that never fails. Keep _________'s heart strong and full of vitality for a very very long and full life. Psalm 27:15 says when we hope in You our hearts will be strengthened. Thank You that each and everyday we place all our hope in You and Your goodness for this life and the life to come; this means our hearts are strong! In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Jesus Has The Final Word~

Bonjour~


Today we wrap these verses up:)

Ephesians 1:18-21

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you and the glorious wealth that God's people will inherit, and v.19 His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength v.20 He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms v.21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

One of the best questions I have ever been asked is this, "When was the last time you worried that God would not be able to take care of you in heaven?" My response? "I have never doubted it." It was like a mini epiphany as I realized that there is at least one thing that has never ever concerned me.

Why is it so difficult to have that same kind of peace and assurance on earth?

I hope this last verse will make it's way to every last negative emotion we have ever had and eradicate all doubt and fear. Jesus is far above ALL. Obama does not have more power than Jesus and neither does the Pope. Cancer is a strong and frightening word, but it's not as powerful as Jesus. Divorce is heartbreaking, but Jesus, from the highest possible vantage point, is aware of it all and again, has whatever we need for restoration.

Did you know you could walk into any bookstore and find over 200 different versions of the Bible? This is important because it allows for comparisons that help us to better understand what God is saying. One of my favorite versions is THE MESSAGE BIBLE. Verse 21 is stated like this: Jesus is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything.

You say your spouse refuses to be kind. Jesus has the final word.
The doc says you will need medication the rest of your life. Jesus has the final word.
Your teenager is out of control. Jesus has the final word.
Your boss says you will never get a promotion. Jesus has the final word.

No matter what it is, Jesus has the final word. First we invite that power into our lives, and then we get to witness Him be in charge.

I recently asked someone to make a list of all their concerns for every single person in their family, including herself. What amazed me and blessed me and sent me to the stratosphere of joy when I received the list was how utterly long and detailed it was.

Here is a woman who is not going to stand by and watch her family plod along, mired in problems, when Jesus, Who has the final word is waiting for an invitation to send His help.

What are we going to do today? Are we going to engage or disengage? I say we engage with all our heart and soul. I say we take a step of faith and tell God that if Jesus has been positioned strategically as the most loving, dynamic, powerful Friend and Savior we could ever have, then we are going to accept it as fact and pray like we mean it.

My friend did not hold back in her desire to ask great things of a Great God, and neither should we.


PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for these amazing verses. Jesus, and Jesus alone is the One Who has the final word. Forgive us for looking to anything or anyone else besides Him. We take a united step of faith today and ask You for a breakthrough in our lives. Especially for (Fill in the blank). We welcome Christ into our problem and are grateful that His purpose prevails. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Resurrection Power~

Good afternoon:)

Interesting fact of the day based on an article in Sunday's paper: Rats are becoming increasingly popular as pets because they enjoy being tickled and they can laugh, albeit at frequencies we can't hear. They even play peekaboo with their owners. Sorry, people, but all of the above freaks me out! Proceed at your own risk:)

Ephesians 1:18-21
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you and the glorious wealth that God's people will inherit, and v.19 His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength v.20 He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms..

I misstated something yesterday. These verses are not about awesome pairings but triple whammies--BAM! BAM! BAM! And I am not talking about the Three Little Pigs, Peter, Paul, and Mary or rock, paper, scissors. This is about Hope, Riches, and Power.

Just what kind of power are we talking about?

RESURRECTION POWER

This is the kind of power that brings new life to preciously dead situations. Rather than list them here, ask yourself what areas of your life need a do-over. What situation are you facing right now that needs renewal, restoration, and revival? Where do you need to see God raise something from the dead and make it heavenly?

Have joy today, dear one, our God is able and willing. It all starts with...

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You that You exert mighty strength on our behalf when we need a resurrection of our own. Bring renewal, restoration, and revival to (fill in the blank). Praise You for Your incomparably great power. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

What a Great Pairing!!!

Ephesians 1:18-21
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you and the glorious wealth that God's people will inherit.

 

What's your favorite pairing? It is a cheeseburger and fries? Maybe it was Bogey and Bacall? For me it's always been milk and anything.

For sure we know that one is just not as good as the two together, and that's what makes this verse so AWESOME!

The hope to which He has called us, once our eyes are open to it, will encourage us deeply. But paired together with the glorious wealth that we will inherit makes this verse a tour de force--something that nothing else can compare to. Not your bank account, your cute spouse, your dream job, your pet monkey, or your best friend in the whole wide world!

When we break this down literal word for literal word it means that there is an infinitude of wealth.

Now ask yourselves this question, "How long can I enjoy my possessions on earth?" Realistically speaking, and even with advancements in science, I think the majority of us will make it well into our 80s and beyond. But sooner or later, BAM! we are all taking a ride on the glory train. So the infinitude of wealth that this verse refers to is eternal life.

When this life gets you down, think about the magnificence of heaven.

When somebody gets on your last nerve, think about the inexhaustible riches that await.

When every dream you ever dreamed for someone is dashed, remember that in heaven everyone will be a perfect version of themselves.

I am not suggesting that we check out early and resign our lives to a dreary existence. What I am saying is that even when life is less than great, we can always hang on to the hope and the glorious glory that awaits. In fact, when we shift our focus to everything that's wrong to everything good that's coming our way it transforms us. We become happy happy happy.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank You for the infinitude of wealth that we will enjoy one day. How rich and glorious. We are even more grateful that we don't have to wait to start benefiting from all Your blessings. Right here right now send your peace and help to me and every single person I love--especially (Fill in the blank.) In Jesus' name, AMEN~

God our Father~

Before we move on with this topic, I want to address the issue of God as our Papa. For many of us in the DEVO crew, our fathers here on earth didn't or still don't measure up. Many of us have been hurt, abused, even betrayed by the one who should have protected us and provided for us with love and willingness. I used to struggle with the concept of God as my Father because of the very painful relationship I had with my dad. In my mind, if my biological father didn't care for me, then why would God? If he had other things to do than be there for me and my siblings, then maybe God did too. It was complicated; it was rough. It was sad; it was downright heart breaking.

It's not as though I could even clinch a fist and demand God prove His love to me because, after all, He ignored His own Child's pleas to let the cup pass.

As a mom I have often found it nearly impossible to say "no" to my kids. Imagine if they were asking to be spared from death, and I, having the power to do so, did not? Yet, that is what God did. And not because I am special, or regularly teach myself how to spell long words like, hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, which ironically means fear of long words. It's because He is all-loving and good. I wasn't worthy;He made me worthy. And still I struggled with trust and faith in Him.

My struggles, however, never stopped me from seeking Him. Many many times I would honestly ask Him if He was listening? If He was really there? If He truly cared? I believed the Bible, but I needed the eyes of my understanding opened. I can not tell you exactly when this happened. I just know that as I sit here today, I am a new person. Actually, God assures us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 that even though our physical bodies are getting older, our inner spirit is renewed every day. Every single day we have a better grip on Truth, more faith in God, deeper courage, and greater fountains of joy.

Somehow Someway through the simple practice of seeking our daily bread, we will receive the nourishment that leads to our renewal.

Even if your dad was or is the best father on earth, thank God that that relationship was a beautiful foundation upon which to build a relationship with God your heavenly Father. And if your relationship with your dad wasn't or hasn't been good, thank God that He is perfect and will perfectly love you even if no one else will or does.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your unfailing love. Your love never fails--no matter what. You are the best Dad we will ever have. For those fathers out there who have turned away from their families, help them turn toward home. And for those dads who are awesome, bless them for all their selfless devotion. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Chew on Hope~

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:18-21
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you...

I am having difficulty letting go of the topic of hope because it's just too good.

Last night I made New York strip steak, medium rare. Jorge and Rayray woofed it down like rabid coyotes--as though it were water--no chewing necessary. Yet I savored every little tender morsel. It took me three times as long to eat it. That is how I feel about hope. Hope is something we must purposely chew on. We must willingly embrace it. And our eyes must be opened to it so that we know what it is when we experience it.

Have you or someone you loved ever felt hopeless? Like that needed relief would never come? That God is sending answers for everyone on the planet but you? That things are getting worse and not better? Welcome to the club!!!

I promise you, however, that God is all about giving you a breakthrough--not standing idly by while you have a breakdown.

If your child, or even a complete stranger, were drowning in a pool would you just sit there or do something about it? I think most of us would dive right in. When we yell, "Help! I am drowning!" God dives right in.

I have chatted with many folks, too many, in fact, who are content to waddle along in life purposely excluding God from their lives. And I have met many others who are too proud to ask for help, because you know, they can do everything by themselves. And then there have been a few who did not know that God even desired a personal relationship with them. How personal?

Mark 14:36

"Abba, Father," He said, "everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will."

Jesus had this conversation with His Father right before He was arrested and crucified. And one particular word in this verse really shows us what God wants to be to us. "Abba," literally means "Papa," or "Daddy." Sigh~

As our Papa, He will open the eyes of anyone who needs it. Let's pray.

PRAYER:

Dear Papa, We love You. Open the eyes of our hearts to understand the hope that is ours. Hope for a better today and an even better tomorrow. Hope that You take care of us in this life and in the one to come. (Fill in the blank) particularly needs a mighty revelation from You that You will take care of him/her. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Focus on the "Who"~

Ephesians 1:18-21


I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you...

This morning I attended the burial of my Great Aunt, Irene. She would have been 91 years old this Friday and was surrounded by her family as she crossed from this temporary difficult life into eternity--where the real fun begins! Here's a little shout out to Irene because in 1995, at the apex of grief as her daughter was dying of lung cancer, she and her daughter both said a little, "Forgive us of our sins and remember us," prayer to Jesus. The reunion she is enjoying with her daughter and Jesus as we speak is so very very real to me that it penetrates all the way to my bones and puts everything else in perspective. Amen!

Going back to the verse, we know we need to have an eye-opening understanding of God. I can tell you that as Irene was day in/ day out by her daughter's side, the one thing she asked me over and again was how God could allow for a 44 year old non-smoker to get lung cancer?

And surprise, what could I possibly answer given that my fit-as-a-fiddle 47 year old mom died of cancer a couple of years earlier?

I can tell you right now that there is no way we are going to have all the answers this side of heaven. And I have often wondered if there is an answer that would have somehow satisfied me and made it all better. Besides, God does not call us to know why; He calls us to hope.

H-O-P-E!!!

What a glorious word. Purpose right now in your heart that you will never let disappointment stand in the way of hope. Can the two exist together? Read Lamentations chapter 3. You might be shocked at how angry Jeremiah was at God.

The first 20 verses say things like, "God has broken my bones," "God has made me walk in darkness," God has turned against me," "When I call out for help He shuts out my prayer," " Like a lion in hiding, He dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help...."

Those are strong words. Portraying God as an animal just waiting to pounce and ruin our lives is a serious accusation. But midway through the chapter starting at verse 21, after Jeremiah had thoroughly vented, he says, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope..."

What is the "this?"

• His compassions never fail.They are new every morning.
• The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.
• For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.
• He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love.
• You came near when I called You, and you said, “Do not fear.”
• You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life.

So as we start to scratch the surface of what is the hope God is talking about let's keep two things in mind:

(1) You can be brutally honest with God about every single thing that has gone wrong with your life and even tell Him that He has, "trampled you in the dust," and He won't strike you dead.

AND

(2) When we set out to understand, even if it's by complaining to God, He will accept your honesty and eventually take you to your own verse 21.

It's a mystery, but it's a reality.

Irene's need to understand "why" took a back seat to her greatest need to understand "Who." Her questions gave way to the only thing that really matters--an assurance that Heaven is for real and that her baby girl would be there waiting.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that no matter what heartache, loss, disappointment, pain, or grief we experience, Your compassions never fail. Open the eyes of our heart until we all have a clear understanding of the hope that You have called us to. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

An Eye-Opener~

Ephesians 1:18-21

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you...

Let's dive right into our study of these verses.

What the Bible is saying is that before you can know the hope, you have to have an eye-opening understanding of God. Your heart might be in the right place, but your understanding has been blinded by everything that is wrong with your life and the evil in the world. Trust me when I tell you that I speak to a lot of folks who have very narrow and wrong views of God.

Yet, when we purposely set out to have an ongoing and vibrant relationship with Christ, immediately our understanding of God starts to change. Wrong thinking is transformed. Truth takes hold and crowds out false and negative thinking. Ever known someone who entertains wrong thinking? "I am not good." "I am worthless." "I will never amount to anything." "Nobody loves me." "Things are never going to get better."

It's dangerous, self-defeating, and leads to depression. You can stop it in your own life or in the life of someone you love by praying that the eyes of their heart would enlightened--opened to the Truth that they are so incalculably beautiful that Jesus gave up His life for them.

Honestly, dear people, I find myself often pausing as I write these DEVOs because I am overcome with such joy at the profound depth of God's love for me.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that no matter what anyone else thinks, You proved that we and those we love are worth saving. Open the eyes of our hearts today, especially for (fill in the blank) that we may understand the hope that is ours. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

God Has Called us to Hope~

At the bottom of this DEVO appears a picture of a joke that back-fired. I thought I would be all funny and put a rubber mouse in the bathroom to scare Rayray for April Fool's, and instead I scared myself when I saw it this morning. HAHAHAHA on me:)

Greetings, brothers and sisters! I trust you all had a beautiful Easter weekend. Here's a passage to start your week off with hope! We will chop/chop it all week long.

Ephesians 1:18-21

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

God has called us to hope--not fear, there's a glorious inheritance for us, and there is a great power available to us--the same kind that resurrected Jesus. (Could you use new life in an area that you thought was dead?)

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, You are so generous with Your love, hope, riches, and power. Amen! because we need it. Thank You for Easter. It's been called the biggest upset and greatest comeback in history, and it must be because we're still talking about 2000 years later. In Jesus' name, AMEN~