Company of the Weak

"Grow strong in your weakness...Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith... I am developing your ability to trust Me... to lean on Me continually... This is how you grow strong in your weakness." (254)
It seems that the strong will often overcome the weak, or even intimidate them. But sharing our weaknesses, our brokeness, can be far more inviting, even embracing. Why? Because we tend to identify with others' weaknesses more readily than with their strengths. Although I may cringe at my own weaknesses, they are often the bridge that touches another especially when I fall on Jesus to assist and cover me.
My richest relationships have been safe harbors for my weaknesses, warm hearts of forgiveness and wise words that encourage me!
Praising God for the 'company of the weak' that encircle and love us, no matter what...dmc

PS - Today is my precious daughter-in-love's birthday!
Amber Dawn Colaw, you have blessed our lives immeasurably and have encouraged us so many times. We love how God uses you and your amazing story to advance His Work in the lives of so many others! Thanks for loving our son, Charles and our grand-delights, Trey, Hayden & Trinity!!  Birthday Hugs to YOU!

Delightfully Yours

"I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing!" Zephaniah 3:17 (253)
Think of someone whose presence brings you great delight. Just laying eyes on them, even if it's at a distance, can cause your heart to leap. I will often tell my grandchildren that whenever I see them it feels like I have a little internal cheerleader that will spontaneously start to jump for joy!
Similar to how Zephaniah says God responds to us...cheering and singing!  Think of it!!
It's hard to imagine, but it's wonderful to know! May I bring such joy to my Father's heart today.
Listening for His Song of Delight...dmc

Waiting & Whistling

When I was a little girl, my dad would sing a little jingle, entitled, "Whistle While You Work" when we had tasks to do. That's still a great way to attack the duties of my day!
Our devotional for today says, our Heavenly Father prompts us to "Wait Before You Work." "By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities...this act of faith ...is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness." (252)
I try to focus my waking thoughts on Him...praising Him! It helps to set my heart in the right direction and sets the emotional neuro-climate of my mind. With so many distractions, having paused to wait in His Presence and to read from His Word, makes a huge definable difference in my day!
Although no one may "see" us...those in the heavenlies DO take notice, and the powers of darkness are weakened while all the Powers of Heaven rise up to strengthen and minister to us. Having waited BEFORE we work gives us great reason to whistle WHILE we work today!
Waiting & Whistling...dmc

Heavenly Nutrients

"Grow strong in the Light of My Presence...receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face-to-face, and this interaction strengthens your soul." (251)
The spiritually well-fed are strengthened, nourished with supernatural strength! Psalm 34:8 tells us to "taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!"
Sometimes the only way those around us will know how "good" God is will be to "taste and see" by nibbling at us! Sometimes even biting us...and it can be quite hurtful... but it may be the necessary appetizer to spiritual nutrition, and their own experience with a soul satisfying Savior!
May God use our tasteful, spiritually nutrious lives as the appetizer that attracts others to Jesus!
I have tasted and I have seen..."THE LORD IS GOOD!"
Feasting on Him Today....dmc

Refocused in Jesus

"Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days..A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to "the world, the flesh, and the devil," all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion... you go step by step with Me." (250)
When I am focused on the presence of Jesus, I am able to move through my day with a greater sense of His companionship. That makes all the difference!
It reminds me of a synchronized dance between two partners who ebb and flow with rhythmic ease. It's like dancing with Jesus to the rhythms of heaven, delighting the Father, delighting the Son, delighting the soul!
When I get distracted, spiritually out-of-step or I'm tempted to temporarily dance with the devil... Yikes, everything falls out-of-synch and I feel totally worn, torn and abused.
So, today, I'll be...
Dancing with Jesus...dmc
PS - Joe's mom, Mabel Colaw, went to be with Jesus today in 2010. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom! Dance on with Jesus!

What's Messing with Me?

"Trust Me in the midst of a messy day...Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective." (249)
Have you noticed how a "messy day" gets a whole lot messier when we let it mess with us? I believe the enemy often tries to mess with our minds by messing with our lives to ultimately mess with our eternal destiny! We can't always prevent messy circumstances in life, but we can prevent a messed up eternity. Capturing His Mind will protect our own minds from those messy thoughts that totally, even eternally, mess us up!
Since cleaning up messes can become overwhelming, catching a mess early on, cleaning it up quickly, is a far better way to go. Then, all that's left is a testimony or MESSage of deliverance!
Absolutely No Messing Around...dmc

Wandering Thoughtfulness

"I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with me...(when) your mind goes off in tangents...do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me...redirect your mind...whisper My Name." (248)
I've often battled with wandering thoughts, even in the midst of prayer, bible reading or worship. That tendency troubled me... until I discovered how research affirms that most of us can catch ourselves thinking about things other than what we are actually doing much of the time. This cognition tendency can be a huge hindrance or, if handled creatively, can be a great asset, especially when it comes to prayer!
So, I started using those wandering thoughts like mental stepping stones to redirect myself back to Jesus. Now, whenever my mind wanders, I immediately talk to Jesus about it. I've discovered this allows me to confess quickly and to "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)
With quick confession comes the ability to ponder the situation from a whole new perspective! Wandering thoughts become another opportunity for prayer!
I've noticed that when I get distracted and share it with Jesus I am immediately put back on track, prayerfully "collaborating" with Him. I have talked to Jesus about many things that would have never made my official prayer list, but they've certainly become a part of my prayer journey.
This kind of unceasing prayer becomes a type of ongoing conversation with Jesus, who's become a close traveling companion. He knows my heart, is interested in the landscape of my mind, weighs in on the various scenes, conversations and attitudes I am experiencing. The relationship that develops is reasurring, enjoyable and rewarding!
It's a great way to intercede for others, for situations, and for my own deepest desires or hurts that are often too difficult to express otherwise.
Catching Wandering Thoughts with Pondering Prayers...dmc

A Larger Font Life

"I am all around you - as you seek My Face...nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe - never feel lonely again...every thought...every word...I read you like an open, large-print book." (247)
God really knows us better than we know ourselves. "Aware of all (our) ways." (Ps. 139:3)
At times I mystify myself. I wonder what's happening within me...emotionally, physically, spiritually, relationally, etc. So, it is especially comforting to know that my Creator really "gets" me. He totally understands me! And still, He totally loves me! Amazing!!
When I am searching for insight from Him, when I need direction, or an answer I will ask Him to increase the font in my life. Just like when there is print too small to decipher, I may need Him to increase the font so I can clearly read the situation (or myself) better.
I picture it like the expanding capability on my Iphone that enlarges pictures and script with a simple two-finger technique. I like living the "open, large-print" life with God. Nothing hidden, nothing unconfessed, everything uncovered...
Wide Open...dmc

Promise for Parents

"Entrust your loved ones to Me...They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. When you release (them) you are free to cling to My hand (and) I am free to shower blessings on them...relax and...watch to see what I will do." (246)
My precious friend, Lori, tearfully shared the most beautiful example of this in our Truth & Dialog bible study. Here is her testimony...

Since my son was going to be leaving for Air Force Basic Training, I decided to look ahead to the devotional for that day, the 23rd of August. just to see what it said. The devotional was written for me and every other mother who struggles with children moving on either to college or to the military. The first line was like WOW! As I read thru the devotional, I saw I needed to release him so God could bless him! That had such an impact on me! I need not "idolize" my relationship or my love for my son because God would watch over him and I needed to keep my thoughts on God. I have been so excited about this devotional jewel. I have told everyone about what God was telling me for this very day, the day he leaves for military training. The peace I have in my heart tells me that this is a good thing, a very good thing, for him.

Thank you, Lori, for speaking to all mothers who are releasing their precious children into this uncertain world. Some releases seem to cut deeply into a Mother's Heart. God certainly understands, afterall, He made us to love so deeply! So, whether it be kindergarten, the military, the ministry, a surgical procedure, a new babysitter or a new business adventure, whatever... we have a God who gently leads our young, as "He gently leads those (of us) that have young!" (Isaiah 40:11 NIV)
"God, thank you for watching over our children & grandchildren. Shower them with blessings and cover them with protection as we place them in Your Hands...and tightly hold our hands, as You gently lead us through each day. Amen!"
No matter what age or stage of life, we'll continually be...
Releasing & Rejoicing...dmc

My God vs My Fears

"Fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm you trust in Me. Speak out...Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to me." (245)
I find it nearly impossible to enjoy a blessed and abundant life when I am harassed with fear. I've observed and experienced how being fearful can certainly mess with sound judgment! Fear steals away self-confidence, God-confidence and fundamental confidence!  It sabotages a heart and strips away the empowering perspective of praise. No wonder Satan will often attack with annoying, even paralyzing fear.
It is good for me to be reminded often that "God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment." (2 Timothy 1:7) I am so grateful that...
My God is Greater Than My Fears...dmc

Privileged & Perilous

"You are walking along the path I have chosen for you...a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others." (244)
Recently Joe and I were sharing with a discouraged young father. He was experiencing what so many have wrestled with... life can become so overwhelming and very discouraging... even when we are "walking the path" and trying to seek God's will. Our hearts ached deeply for this young father.
It is good when one generation speaks encouragement into the following generation. These are perilous times and we desperately need each other, as we wait on God's answers and intervention! We are grateful for those who have spoken into our lives, at just the right time, encouraging us. We intentionally try to speak encouragement into the next generation every chance we can.  Because the "chosen" path does not always feel privileged, we must rally to support one another, as we 'herald the reality of His glorious Presence.'  
Grateful God Walks My Perilous Path...dmc

Healing Brokenness

"I am a God who heals. I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships...ask for healing of some brokenness... You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degree of healing...grow more and more intimate with Me ...and thank Me for the restoration that has begun." (243)
There's a lot I do not understand about healing, but I do know that the closer I live to Jesus, the more I experience Him and He touches me with "degrees of healing." My prayer is that after others have spent time with me, they will be less broken and far more blessed... All because the Gentle Healer is alive in me!
Staying Close to The Healer...dmc

Powerful clip: The Gentle Healer (Michael Card)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOrsKFzpb9c&feature=related

The gentle Healer came/Into our town today
He touched blind eyes/And the darkness left to stay
But more than the blindness/He took their sins away
The gentle Healer came/Into our town today

The gentle Healer came/Into our town today
He spoke one word/That was all He had to say;
And the one who had died/Just rose up straight away
The gentle Healer came/Into our town today

Oh, He seems like just/An ordinary man
With dirty feet/And rough but gentle hands
But the words He says/Are hard to understand
And yet, He seems like just/And ordinary man

The Gentle Healer/He left our town today
I just looked around/And found He'd gone away
Some folks from town/Who followed Him, they say
That the gentle Healer is/The Truth, the Light, the Way.

Refocused & Refreshed

"As you increasingly find fulfillment in Me, other pleasures become less important. Knowing Me intimately is like having a private wellspring of Joy within you...If you feel any deficiency, you need to refocus your attention on Me. This is how you trust Me in the moments of your life." (242)
The secret to trust is really the ability to stay focused on Him more than on the issues that distract and distress! I am learning that as I keep my focus on Christ, the "wellspring of Joy within" me tends to bubble up and flow over into every area of my life. I am refreshed!
When my thoughts wander down troublesome trails I am reminded of Psalm 131, "I do not get involved with things too great or too difficult for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; I am like a little child...putting my hope in the Lord, both now and forever." I like the CEV translation: "...I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, just like a young child on its mother's lap." Psalm 131:2
It's all about setting up the mental boundaries that keep me from wandering into "things too great or too difficult for me" and just letting God deal with those things, as I snuggle in close and quiet myself...
In His Lap...dmc

Deeply Fallen, Deeply Dependent

"Expect to encounter adversity...you live in a deeply fallen world... (I empower) you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me... (when) coming face-to-face with impossibilities... cry out to Me...Watch Me work on your behalf...under the shadow of My Almighty Power." Psalm 91:1 (241)
Living in this "deeply fallen world" can be deeply disturbing. I much prefer God's original, supernatural 'Plan A' where we were created to be living in Eden, before the fall of man, feasting on fruit trees, enjoying exotic animals, doing life with a perfectly crafted & chosen life partner and having fellowship with our Creator in the cool of the day!!
But sin has so tainted our world that living supernaturally, in this world, is impossible, unless... we learn how to live empowered! I found that the empowering place is "under the shadow of the Almighty" not under my own abilities!
So when faced with adversities, difficulties and impossibilities, I must realize, all the more, my INability and His great Ability! So the very things I dread (adversity, difficulty and impossible situations) help remind me to stay exactly where I am suppose to be...
Under the Shadow of the Almighty...dmc

Micro-Mini Vacations

"Find Me in the midst of the maelstrom...Whisper My Name...I am still with you." (240)
Although we may not be as familiar with the word "maelstrom" we are very familiar with it's meanings: a restless, disordered, or tumultuous state of affairs, a vortex of conflicting currents.
I often feel the vortex of conflicting schedules, expectations and various daily demands. Years ago I started to practice (what I call) "micro-mini vacations" where I close my eyes, breathe deep and prayerfully meet with Jesus. I often envision Jesus and myself in a calm, quiet location. I will breathe in His protective, peaceful Presence and exhale the distracting "maelstrom" within me. It really works FOR me...because HE really works IN me! Even just whispering His Name, for example, calms my tendency to get caught in whirlpools of worry. Jesus knows just how hazardous they are for me!
Whispering Whirlpools Away...dmc

God's Heart Calls to My Heart

"I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me. This longing originated in Me... When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call, both of us are blessed." (239)
While blessed by God's Presence, I am also amazed to think that He enjoys spending time with me! With you! With us! In fact, it brings Him great pleasure!
Philippians 2:12-16 says it this way, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to do His good pleasure (purpose.) Do everything without grumbling and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly to the message of life..."
God is working in us, enabling us to WILL and to DO His good pleasure so we can "shine brighter day by day" like stars in this dark world! It is interesting how "grumbling and arguing" can dim the glow of His Presence in our lives. It is also interesting to note that the scripture says we must participate, "will and do", to experience His good pleasure.
So the deep longing in my heart, to know Him, originated in His Heart! That is such a priceless privilage!
Joyfully Responding to His Heart...dmc

He Knows Me

"I Am the God of all time...talk with Me about everything... When things go "wrong"... Make Me your Refuge by pouring out your heart to Me." (238)
Just what do you do "when things go wrong?" Who do you call? Run to? Lean on? I am grateful for hearts I can trust, souls who love me no matter what! But calling out to Jesus is a whole other thing because He really knows absolutely EVERYTHING about me. He even knows me better than I know myself!
Calling to the God of All Time, Anytime...dmc

PS - Today's devo reminded me of the song, He Knows My Name, by Tommy Walker.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8puwexBBo&feature=related

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

What's Next? Change!

"The world you inhabit is a place of constant changes...even the body you inhabit is changing relentlessly...however, I am the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 (237)
Change is built into every aspect of our lives; even every healthy cell is fashioned for change.  I was quite captured with the myriad of changes I experienced during pregnancy; how my own body changed to accommodate the growing new life within me. Then, observing all the normal changes from infancy to adulthood with our two boys, totally intrigued & often entertained us! We discovered to successfully survive raising another responsible human being required incredible flex-ability and firm-ability. It asked us to flex during numerous changes... like growing appetites, clothing sizes, best friends, haircuts, moods & mind lapses, while remaining reliably firm on the ultimates... like honesty, respect, integrity, work ethic, personal & spiritual disciplines. It was an endless, evolving series of WHAT'S NEXT?!
The impact of change is quite dichotomous, sometimes comforting, sometimes distressing, sometimes amazing, sometimes assaulting. For example, we've discovered the physical changes that come with the typical aging process can be quite distressing, even demoralizing, at times. But it is comforting to know that Jesus is the firm "rock-solid foundation" that never changes. He's the constant, reliable anchor that gives us reassurance, no matter WHAT'S NEXT?!
Firmly Anchored in Him...dmc

Divine Mental Health

"I crafted you with enormous capacity to know Me and enjoy My Presence... The more you focus on My Presence with you, the more fully you can enjoy life. (When you) glorify Me through your pleasure in Me...you proclaim My Presence to the watching world." (236)
When I was in my early teens a Youth Camp speaker spoke about the "God vacuum" everyone had. Now research reveals how our brains respond (using imaging technology) when the Presence of God is experienced.
There's no doubt...we are divinely crafted to "know and enjoy (God's) Presence." Allowing His Presence to fill my thoughts means... I am inviting Jesus into every thought and I am intentionally using my brain to glorify Him; to enjoy Him, to focus on Him... no matter what!
Staying Mentally Healthy by Praising Him...dmc

Stirring Up Compassion

"Come to Me when you are weak and weary...your weakness....draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion...allow Me to bless you richly..." (235)
I often long to be better equipped, or to do much more than I am able to accomplish...wishing I had more strength or energy, wisdom, creativity, talent and other resources. Today's passage encourages me..."He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick..." (Isaiah 42:3)
So when I am feeling bruised or my flame is dim and smoldering, He draws in closer. He does not deal harshly with those who feel inadequate, sincerely seeking after Him. What a wonderful comfort! What a safe place to land when I need a haven!
May I be so stirred with compassion for the other bruised hearts around me. Those "whose hearts are (also) set on (a spiritual) pilgrimage." (Psalm 84:5) He really knows "how difficult (our) journey has been."
Alittle Bruised, Alot Blessed...dmc

Exchanging Holy Whispers

"Come to Me. Come to Me. Come to Me. This is My continual invitation to you, proclaimed in holy whispers...the magnetic pull of My Love...(filling) you with My fullness." (234)
His gentle "holy whispers" can come in the most unlikely ways and unexpected times. However, I've discovered that when I whisper praise or a prayer to Him, He will often whisper back to me! It's a wonderful exchange of love that "cannot be measured or explained, but it can be experienced." It's an expression of His love that is so "wide and long and high and deep" that it can fully cover and carry us! (Eph. 3:16-19)
As I started to read today's devotional, this Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice whelmed up in my heart.
Copy & Paste the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs10Rr14WxY

Let's "Come to Jesus" all day long...dmc
Chris Rice - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) Lyrics

Weak and wounded sinner/Lost and left to die/O, raise your head, for love is passing by/Come to Jesus/Come to Jesus/Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted/And carried far away/And precious blood has washed away the stain, so Sing to Jesus/Sing to Jesus/Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby/Don't be afraid to crawl/And remember when you walk-sometimes we fall...so Fall on Jesus/Fall on Jesus/Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely/And steep and filled with pain/So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then Cry to Jesus/Cry to Jesus/Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over/And music fills the night/And when you can't contain your joy inside, then Dance for Jesus/Dance for Jesus/Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat/Kiss the world goodbye/Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and Fly to Jesus/Fly to Jesus/Fly to Jesus and live!

Moments of Time & Bursts of Energy

"Energy and time are precious, limited entities...use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As you...(saturate) your mind with Scripture, I will show you how to spend your time and energy. "My Word is a lamp to your feet...a Light for your path."" Psalm 119:105 (233)
I have days where I feel like the sands of time are dashing through my hour glass at an unprecedented speed and with each grain of sand a precious burst of energy suddenly slips away, too!
What a comfort to know that the time I spend with Jesus will help me "discern what is important and what is not" protecting both my time and my energy today!
Taking & Making Time with Him...dmc

Robed & Ready

"Wear My Robe of Righteousness...I custom-made it for you...realize your privileged position in My kingdom...practice walking in this garment...throw off unrighteous behavior (and enjoy) the gift I fashioned for you before the foundation of the world." (232)
Have you ever tried to dress for an event, only to realize, nothing seemed appropriate or fitting to wear? It's very disheartening!
The rigors of this world leave us stripped and destitute mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, physically but especially spiritually. Life can become so disheartening!
Jesus knew we would be made vulnerable and exposed, so He fashioned a Robe specifically for each of us. Carefully crafted to equip and cover every issue, need or challenge we would face.
I love the song, The Robe, sung by Wes King. While you listen... get dressed!
In the Folds of The Robe...dmc

Copy and Paste:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7_RJ0kKmQo - 109k - Cached
The Robe (by Wes King (1993) Words by Wes King music by Phil Naish)
Anyone whose heart is cold and lonely/ Anyone who can't believe/ Anyone whose hands are worn and empty/ Come as you are
Anyone whose feet are tired of walking/ And even lost their will to run/ There is a place of rest for your aching soul/ Come as you are
Chorus: For the robe is of God/ that will clothe your nakedness/ And the robe is His grace/ It's all you all you need/ Come as you are
Anyone who feels that they're unworthy/ Anyone who's just afraid/ Come sinner, come and receive His mercy/ Come as you are.

Deep Calls Unto Deep

"I speak to you from deepest heaven...in(to) the depths of your being. 'Deep calls unto deep...(My) billows sweep over you.' Psalm 42:7 (231)
While the ocean intrigues me, it also intimidates me...both at the same time. The way that waves can roll in, crashing over each other, or the way a breeze can send gentle ripples over the glassy surface, gives it an ever-changing, nearly living, breathing, expression of nature.
The ocean resonates deeply with me. It reminds me that God's grace, His mercy, His unfathomable love goes far deeper than any soul struggle I may experience or encounter. My misery calls out to His mercy. My sin cries out to His saving grace. I am overwhelmed with praise, captured in worship, as the deepest part of my heart is caught up in the depths of His love.
Wading into Sacred Waters...dmc

Tyranny of Understanding

"Understanding will never bring peace...trust in Me, not in your understanding. (You try) to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery...(but life's) endless series of problems...pop up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. (You) search for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master)." (230)
I believe Satan often uses our "voracious appetite for trying to figure things out" to distract and derail us spiritually. I've worked with some brilliant people who eventually must face a situation or problem that baffles and frustrates them. They generally fall into two categories, which most of us ordinary souls also wrestle with...
The tendency to "figure things out" makes them hyper-focus on the problem leading them to overlook the more important, even obvious or eternal issues.
The other extreme, is their tendency to justify or excuse themselves from resolving situations that may challenge or expose their own flawed conclusions.
Basically, pride in our personal perspective or understanding of a situation can severely hinder us from humbly seeking out the Master's higher perspective and obeying Him.
So, it certainly makes sense that the enemy would want to throw "an endless series of problems" in our path to keep our minds sufficiently distracted with troubles. Haven't we've all experienced how a troubled mind cannot truly enjoy or emit peace and we experience the costly fall-out.
What is God's rather simple, yet solid solution? Seeking Him "and the peace of God that transcends all understanding (which) will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7)
A heart and mind at peace is a much wiser, more winsome, healthier way to live!
Simply Seeking Him...dmc

Like the Feet of Deer

"When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me...leave (these matters) in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing... I will make your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon the high places." (229) Habakkuk 3:17-19
When things seem be be going all wrong, it is hard to navigate forward, hard to clear my thoughts, hard to discern what's best, what's necessary or what needs to be eliminated. It's hard to focus on possibilities when my thoughts are filled with impossibilities and haunting concerns.
The picture of a graceful deer springing over tangled terrain, leaping over dangerous crevices or jumping from one rocky ridge to the next inspires me to believe that God will enable me to move forward with supernatural grace in my own rough times.
Even when the landscape of life gets rugged, the landscape of my mind can be renewed, energized and graced because of a Good and Gracious God!
Dancing with Deer Feet...dmc

Stillness Inspires

"Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you...(be) ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into (your mind.) Rest in My sufficiency..." (228)
At times, in my devotional pilgrimage, I've journaled the God-inspired thoughts I've received. Thoughts that would often stretch me and challenge my perceptions of who God is and how He was impacting my daily, ordinary life. Somehow, in the midst of those inspired-musings, it seemed I never doubted His Sufficiency and that He would provide and protect all that concerned me.
Reading back over those recorded thoughts, I am amazed and deeply stirred to rest in the Wisdom of the Ages.
Resting Quietly, Just Listening...dmc

Overcoming SADD

"Hold My hand...Together...I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven. I am the Way, stay close...focus your thoughts on Me. Just concentrate on enjoying Me...staying in step with Me." (227)
How easily I can be distracted, with worries or wonders; burdens or blessings, both, can take my focus off of Him! It reminds me of a type of Attention Deficit Disorder that wrecks havoc on our souls. I've come to call it...Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder. Too many of us suffer from SADD!!
I find it quite applicable because once my focus is misdirected I will grow continually more and more SADD!
Refocused and Ready...dmc

Resonating with the Creator

"Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image." (226)
Although I do not totally understand this, I know that all sound operates on frequencies, invisible to the eye, yet can often be captured by the ear! As one of God's image-bearers, when my words are in agreement with Him, as an extension of His heart, something resonates deep within my soul. It's like every cell of my body is grateful when my words glorify God or when they bless others because it speak sparks of life deep within myself, too!
The voice I am most familiar with is my own. I must monitor it responsibly, making sure that my words are in concert with God's heart. When I voice words that are dissonant, or out-of-tune with my Creator, it scrambles the harmonies within me. I grow uneasy within myself and can sense I need to stop and "tune my heart to sing Thy grace." (Hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
Longing to be synchronized & harmonized with His heart today...dmc

Be Still not Stagnant

"In this action-addicted world, few of My children take time to sit quietly in My Presence. But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water." (225)
There is a huge difference between "living water" and still, stagnant water. One is refreshing the other is disgusting.
I love how His Living Water can clear out the sludge, slime and stink of my stagnant soul. Taking time to "be still" in His Presence stirs up the stagnant waters...until a stream of living water is flowing in, through and out of me. Always Living Busy does not necessarily mean Living Blessed.
Opting to be Still...dmc

Amazing Love

"Nothing can separate you from My Love. Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: "Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus." (224)
To experience the kind of love that goes deeper than any misunderstanding, any miscommunication, any mistaken intention or mishap is a rare and wonderful gift! Our relationship with Jesus is based upon His Amazing Love that will never forsake, never abandon, never withdraw, never misrepresent, never miscommunicate or mislead us.
Have you noticed that the more of Jesus we experience, the more grace-filled our own love becomes! I am so thankful for a loving Savior, a loving husband, a loving family, a loving church and loving friends whose lives reflect this God-kind of Amazing Love!
My friend, Amelia, shares this great memory that illustrates the impact of such love in her own life... "When I was a young child, our family of 5 (and later 6) lived in a small three-room house on my grandfather's farm. After my mother tucked me in bed, I could hear her working in the kitchen on the other side of the wall. The "noise" was no problem. Instead, it was a comforting sound. All was well with my world because my mother was there taking care of her normal duties and "thinking of her children". Isaiah 49:16 reads: "...You are always in my thoughts!" (CEV) Imagine that! God is always thinking of me and "...always at work for the good of everyone who loves him" (Romans 8:28 CEV). What blessed assurance!"
Gratefully Amazed Again...dmc