"Look at other people through lenses of Love; see them from My perspective...it pleases Me." (168)
Love is such a powerful antidote to all dark and vice-like responses. To respond with love when another has reacted in spite, or out of their "pocket of darkness," is one of the most liberating privileges of a Christian. To walk in love is often uphill, yet well worth it. Giving in to a reactionary vengeance takes little effort, however it is always a severe waste of your human dignity and especially costly to your eternal soul.
So choosing to love another, when their sin or faults would say otherwise...elicits great respect because it requires a grace-filled soul. Grace in action deeply impacts my personal life, helping me overcome "pockets of darkness" in others and even within myself. Using "lenses of Love" radically changes and enhances the perspective around me and within me.
"Seek to live in My Love, which covers a multitude of sins: not only others' sins but also yours." 1Peter 4:8
Checking my Pockets & my Lenses...dmc
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Bridges & Branches of the Mind
"I know everything about you, far more than you know of yourself." (167)
The complexities of the human mind, all the networks of thought patterns and behaviors, are far beyond our ability to explain or to understand. Hidden, somewhere in the neuro-bridges and branches of the brain, lies the sick and seductive tendencies of the soul. Patterns that taunt us, haunt us, until we feel helplessly overcome. Yet there's SOMEONE who knows and totally understands us!
Even more AMAZING... we often continue to resist honest confess to the One who honestly knows and loves us anyway! Perhaps, our great flaw is the tangled thought patterns of pride woven in the mind where we blindly hide, becoming trapped and imprisoned in our own "offensive, hurtful" ways! (Psalm 139:24)
May our own bridges and branches not sabotage our own good choices. Confession IS good for the soul...and for the mind! It brings sanity and sanctuary...to our hearts, our homes, our health and our heritage! Hallelujah...
Bringing every network of thought into the Light of His Presence...dmc
The complexities of the human mind, all the networks of thought patterns and behaviors, are far beyond our ability to explain or to understand. Hidden, somewhere in the neuro-bridges and branches of the brain, lies the sick and seductive tendencies of the soul. Patterns that taunt us, haunt us, until we feel helplessly overcome. Yet there's SOMEONE who knows and totally understands us!
Even more AMAZING... we often continue to resist honest confess to the One who honestly knows and loves us anyway! Perhaps, our great flaw is the tangled thought patterns of pride woven in the mind where we blindly hide, becoming trapped and imprisoned in our own "offensive, hurtful" ways! (Psalm 139:24)
May our own bridges and branches not sabotage our own good choices. Confession IS good for the soul...and for the mind! It brings sanity and sanctuary...to our hearts, our homes, our health and our heritage! Hallelujah...
Bringing every network of thought into the Light of His Presence...dmc
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Welcome Christ not a Curse
"My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me. Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry... worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me." (166)
An "anathema" was like welcoming a curse upon someone or an evil upon yourself. The opposite of that is Maranatha which welcomes Christ upon someone or something; even meaning to welcome Christ's Return.
This struck me so powerfully... I can either welcome a curse or welcome Christ into my thoughts. It will depend upon what I choose to do with the problems and challenges that come my way. If I worry, I basically welcome all the troubles that come with that worry, much like a curse...anathema.
If I keep my focus on Christ, I am basically welcoming Christ's Presence into the situation. "My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me." (166)
Even if my awareness is flawed or faulty, my faith can become more God-aware and welcome all the blessings that come with...
Maranatha...dmc
PS - "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Rev. 22:20
An "anathema" was like welcoming a curse upon someone or an evil upon yourself. The opposite of that is Maranatha which welcomes Christ upon someone or something; even meaning to welcome Christ's Return.
This struck me so powerfully... I can either welcome a curse or welcome Christ into my thoughts. It will depend upon what I choose to do with the problems and challenges that come my way. If I worry, I basically welcome all the troubles that come with that worry, much like a curse...anathema.
If I keep my focus on Christ, I am basically welcoming Christ's Presence into the situation. "My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me." (166)
Even if my awareness is flawed or faulty, my faith can become more God-aware and welcome all the blessings that come with...
Maranatha...dmc
PS - "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Rev. 22:20
Monday, June 6, 2016
The Beauty of His Face
"Seek My face...my world is filled with beautiful things; they are meant to be pointers to Me, reminders of My abiding Presence." (165)
Seeing God's face in the midst of life is such an awesome way to selectively view things, gaining a fresh perspective. For me, God's face is reflected in countless ways especially through beauty, nature, music or the special bond of caring relationships. I have also seen God's face in unfolding infancy, childhood wonder, young love, resiliency, solitude, pain and aged wisdom. There are so many "pointers" that "declare (His) Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear."
Fine Tuning my Sight & Sound to See & Hear Him...dmc
Seeing God's face in the midst of life is such an awesome way to selectively view things, gaining a fresh perspective. For me, God's face is reflected in countless ways especially through beauty, nature, music or the special bond of caring relationships. I have also seen God's face in unfolding infancy, childhood wonder, young love, resiliency, solitude, pain and aged wisdom. There are so many "pointers" that "declare (His) Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear."
Fine Tuning my Sight & Sound to See & Hear Him...dmc
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Homesick for Eden
"I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill." (164)
As long as I can remember I have battled a sense of deep disappointment over things I do that fall short of "perfect." My tendency to self-scrutinize can steal away joy and momentum. So, I need to take my eyes off myself and intentionally refocus on Jesus, and as I do, I sense His reassuring love!
Sometimes, I wonder if I am just homesick for my ancient roots, the Garden of Eden, where life was as perfect as life can get... at least here on earth!
Eden's Girl (with a whole LOT of fig leaves!) ...dmc
As long as I can remember I have battled a sense of deep disappointment over things I do that fall short of "perfect." My tendency to self-scrutinize can steal away joy and momentum. So, I need to take my eyes off myself and intentionally refocus on Jesus, and as I do, I sense His reassuring love!
Sometimes, I wonder if I am just homesick for my ancient roots, the Garden of Eden, where life was as perfect as life can get... at least here on earth!
Eden's Girl (with a whole LOT of fig leaves!) ...dmc
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Restored in Challenging Times
"Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust...(although) dotted with difficulties... (and) certain to riddle you with anxiety... Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness...as you stay close to Me."(163)
The usual response to a high level challenge is low level confidence. This sets the stage for anxiety and failure. Often other lives are at stake and our response to "challenging times" can have a devastating ripple-effect!
The good news is, when we head into the challenge, we can also experience peace, "regardless of the day's problems."
In the past few years there's been a cry for leaders who are innovative, perceptive and sagacious enough to build momentum in the midst of decline and recession. We need leaders, and we need to BE leaders, who can prayerfully lead the way through these "demanding days."
Jesus tells us to "grip (His) hand tightly and stay in close communication... Regardless of the day's problems, (He) will keep us in perfect Peace!" That's quite a promise!
We've got a Good Leader with a Good Plan for Challenging Times!
Restoring My Confidence...dmc
Happy Anniversary to Charles & Amber (my son & his beautiful wife).
What a huge blessing you are to your family, to so many others, and especially to us! God bless you with many more years of love & laughter!
The usual response to a high level challenge is low level confidence. This sets the stage for anxiety and failure. Often other lives are at stake and our response to "challenging times" can have a devastating ripple-effect!
The good news is, when we head into the challenge, we can also experience peace, "regardless of the day's problems."
In the past few years there's been a cry for leaders who are innovative, perceptive and sagacious enough to build momentum in the midst of decline and recession. We need leaders, and we need to BE leaders, who can prayerfully lead the way through these "demanding days."
Jesus tells us to "grip (His) hand tightly and stay in close communication... Regardless of the day's problems, (He) will keep us in perfect Peace!" That's quite a promise!
We've got a Good Leader with a Good Plan for Challenging Times!
Restoring My Confidence...dmc
Happy Anniversary to Charles & Amber (my son & his beautiful wife).
What a huge blessing you are to your family, to so many others, and especially to us! God bless you with many more years of love & laughter!
Friday, June 3, 2016
Spiritually Sleepy
"Fears and worries...will encircle you, seeking entrance, so you must stay alert. ..turning back fear before it can gain a foothold." (162)
Remember a time when you tried to "stay alert" and it seemed impossible to do so? I have certainly struggled with staying alert, even dreaming that I was AWAKE, when I had really briefly fallen ASLEEP ...driving down the road! Yikes!
As our boys were growing up they would sometimes vacillate from being spiritually passionate and then spiritually indifferent. At times, when they didn't seem as tuned-in and alert to spiritual things, they were also more inclined to give in to temptation. So, I would occasionally ask if they were getting "spiritually sleepy."
I know that when I become spiritually sleepy it's harder to "stay alert" and fight off the fears and worries this world throws my direction.
Keepin' My Eyes Wide Open...dmc
PS - I'm including some great insights from Kay, Melissa & Carolynn. Thanks, ladies, for your awesome comments & great wisdom!
From Kay...This devotion also reminded me of 2 Tim. 1:7: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. That is what I want! So, why do I get fearful of stupid things, like speaking to a group of people, doing something new, etc?! I do not want to be spiritually sleepy. I definitely needed this devo! I actually should have read it yesterday, before I spoke to a group of out of town visitors:)
From Melissa...I like that Kay! I've been there. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." I know I will always have some sort of fear or worry in my life (I'm human), but having God's love will quiet that fear/worry."My Peace displaces fears and worries".(162) The only thing that I really fear is living life without His love and that is why I must take time to be in his word. "Sit quietly in My Love-Light, while I bless you with radiant Peace. Turn your whole being to trusting and loving me." (162)
From Carolynn...So, why DO I sometimes get fearful of "stupid" things? I really liked the 2 Tim 1:17 scripture also...I too, want the spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. A very wise Christian lady once told me when I am in doubt, needing to make a choice, decision about something, etc., to ask myself the question, "will this choice, action, or do these feelings have eternal consequences?" For me, answering that "plumb line" question honestly has given me much peace and freedom, "displacing fears and worries" (162) 2 Thess 3:16 The Lord of peace himself gives me His peace at all times and in every situation.
Remember a time when you tried to "stay alert" and it seemed impossible to do so? I have certainly struggled with staying alert, even dreaming that I was AWAKE, when I had really briefly fallen ASLEEP ...driving down the road! Yikes!
As our boys were growing up they would sometimes vacillate from being spiritually passionate and then spiritually indifferent. At times, when they didn't seem as tuned-in and alert to spiritual things, they were also more inclined to give in to temptation. So, I would occasionally ask if they were getting "spiritually sleepy."
I know that when I become spiritually sleepy it's harder to "stay alert" and fight off the fears and worries this world throws my direction.
Keepin' My Eyes Wide Open...dmc
PS - I'm including some great insights from Kay, Melissa & Carolynn. Thanks, ladies, for your awesome comments & great wisdom!
From Kay...This devotion also reminded me of 2 Tim. 1:7: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. That is what I want! So, why do I get fearful of stupid things, like speaking to a group of people, doing something new, etc?! I do not want to be spiritually sleepy. I definitely needed this devo! I actually should have read it yesterday, before I spoke to a group of out of town visitors:)
From Melissa...I like that Kay! I've been there. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." I know I will always have some sort of fear or worry in my life (I'm human), but having God's love will quiet that fear/worry."My Peace displaces fears and worries".(162) The only thing that I really fear is living life without His love and that is why I must take time to be in his word. "Sit quietly in My Love-Light, while I bless you with radiant Peace. Turn your whole being to trusting and loving me." (162)
From Carolynn...So, why DO I sometimes get fearful of "stupid" things? I really liked the 2 Tim 1:17 scripture also...I too, want the spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. A very wise Christian lady once told me when I am in doubt, needing to make a choice, decision about something, etc., to ask myself the question, "will this choice, action, or do these feelings have eternal consequences?" For me, answering that "plumb line" question honestly has given me much peace and freedom, "displacing fears and worries" (162) 2 Thess 3:16 The Lord of peace himself gives me His peace at all times and in every situation.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
God's Emergency Room
"Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind."(161) The scripture for today paints an interesting picture in the original language. "Be still and know that I am God..." Ps. 46:10
The phrase "be still" comes from the word "raphah" which means "to mend, heal by stitching, as a physician stitches a wound."
This reminds me of a memorable trip to the ER years ago when our two sons were in their early teens. The boys had been riding their dirt bikes in the woods near our home. Racing back home, the younger one went down, while navigating a turn, on loose gravel. In an effort to miss him, the older one also went down. You guessed it... I had to take both boys to the ER to remove gravel, set a broken bone and get a knee stitched up. In the midst of all the ER drama, the biggest challenge was getting both boys to "be still" or sit still, while their flesh was scrubbed, stitched and a broken arm set and placed in a cast.
When life leaves me broken, bruised and in need of some mending...it's still hard, no matter what age, to just "be still" and let the Great Physician do His great work. However, Matthew 12:20 encourages my often bruised or broken heart, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory." So, I'm learning & quietly waiting my transformation...
In the Eternal ER...dmc
The phrase "be still" comes from the word "raphah" which means "to mend, heal by stitching, as a physician stitches a wound."
This reminds me of a memorable trip to the ER years ago when our two sons were in their early teens. The boys had been riding their dirt bikes in the woods near our home. Racing back home, the younger one went down, while navigating a turn, on loose gravel. In an effort to miss him, the older one also went down. You guessed it... I had to take both boys to the ER to remove gravel, set a broken bone and get a knee stitched up. In the midst of all the ER drama, the biggest challenge was getting both boys to "be still" or sit still, while their flesh was scrubbed, stitched and a broken arm set and placed in a cast.
When life leaves me broken, bruised and in need of some mending...it's still hard, no matter what age, to just "be still" and let the Great Physician do His great work. However, Matthew 12:20 encourages my often bruised or broken heart, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory." So, I'm learning & quietly waiting my transformation...
In the Eternal ER...dmc
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
In the Midst of Messy
"Because the world is in a fallen condition.... Expect to find trouble... At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection." (160)
Learning to have a dual perspective greatly increases my ability to maintain a sense of balance when life gets crazy and complicated. While it is necessary to be aware of what's happening around me, it is essential that I am even MORE aware of what's happening within me... staying conscious of the Holy Spirit's inner promptings within me! How absolutely valuable it is, in the midst of the Mess, to be MORE focused on the Message! Therein lies the secret to discovering the "Peace & Joy that circumstances cannot touch."
Keeping My Mind on the Message not the Mess...dmc
Learning to have a dual perspective greatly increases my ability to maintain a sense of balance when life gets crazy and complicated. While it is necessary to be aware of what's happening around me, it is essential that I am even MORE aware of what's happening within me... staying conscious of the Holy Spirit's inner promptings within me! How absolutely valuable it is, in the midst of the Mess, to be MORE focused on the Message! Therein lies the secret to discovering the "Peace & Joy that circumstances cannot touch."
Keeping My Mind on the Message not the Mess...dmc
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Soaking Up the Son
"Let My Light soak into your mind and heart, until you are aglow with My very Being." (158)
This reminds me of how important light is to the plant world... green grass, spreading trees, colorful flowers, lush vegetable gardens... they all do remarkably better with sunlight. We are spiritually the same... we do remarkably better when we have Son-light! So, let's let the Son-shine in!
It also reminded me of a gospel song from years ago, The Hallelujah Side. (Listen for this descriptive phrase... "the windows of my soul.")
So, where (or who) do the windows of YOUR soul open up to?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAaI455daog&feature=related
With Windows Wide Open...dmc
This reminds me of how important light is to the plant world... green grass, spreading trees, colorful flowers, lush vegetable gardens... they all do remarkably better with sunlight. We are spiritually the same... we do remarkably better when we have Son-light! So, let's let the Son-shine in!
It also reminded me of a gospel song from years ago, The Hallelujah Side. (Listen for this descriptive phrase... "the windows of my soul.")
So, where (or who) do the windows of YOUR soul open up to?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAaI455daog&feature=related
With Windows Wide Open...dmc
Monday, May 30, 2016
An Amazing Aura
"This time of focused attention... I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day... (creating) sacred space around you - space permeated with My Presence and My Peace." (157)
I am so grateful for people in my life who have illustrated what it means to have "sacred space... permeated with His Presence and Peace." Even as a child, I remember sensing that certain people had a certain aura about them that created "a safe place...a haven" that sparked life and love in me.
One definition of aura is "a distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing; an atmosphere."
Time spent with Jesus creates a cushion of "sacred space" around each of us! What an amazing thought... what a privilege!
Captured in His Amazing Aura...dmc
I am so grateful for people in my life who have illustrated what it means to have "sacred space... permeated with His Presence and Peace." Even as a child, I remember sensing that certain people had a certain aura about them that created "a safe place...a haven" that sparked life and love in me.
One definition of aura is "a distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing; an atmosphere."
Time spent with Jesus creates a cushion of "sacred space" around each of us! What an amazing thought... what a privilege!
Captured in His Amazing Aura...dmc
Sunday, May 29, 2016
God-Aware & Grateful
Years ago, after ministering to people who had gone through a series of good times and bad times, Joe and I were honestly reflecting on our own lives and decided we would be very intentional about staying God-aware and grateful during all the situations of life. When things were going great or even when life was stressful and difficult... no matter what... we'd intentionally stay God-aware and grateful!
We decided we did not want to get into a pattern of earnestly seeking after God only when life was dark and difficult or when we were in desperate need of His help. We decided we wanted to habitually live up-close-and-personal even when life was "filled with good things." We did not want to be inclined to focus on the good things more than on the Good God behind all those good things!!
It is true... "finding God in every situation" and responding "with thanksgiving and praise" does in fact open "wide the door to (His) Presence." (156)
Grateful for a Good, Good God...dmc
Saturday, May 28, 2016
The Pool of God's Presence
The devo for today speaks of how great and overwhelming God is and how man mistakenly tends "to make himself the measure of all things. But man's measure is too tiny to comprehend (God's) majestic vastness." (155)
This makes me think of how silly it would be to fill a large swimming pool with water, one tiny teaspoon at a time! It would take forever and be a seemingly impossible task! Yet, that is similar to how small we are in comparison to God's Greatness.
Yet, a God so Great longs for us to "draw near" to Him! And as we "draw near" He promises to respond by drawing near to us! Incredible! (James 4:8)
I think it's time to dive into the pool of His great Presence; to let His overwhelming "Power and Glory" wash over and around us until we are...
Overwhelmed in Worship...dmc
PS - My friend, Melissa shared how this devo reminded her of the song, Measure of a Man by 4Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lunaZQltWGY
This makes me think of how silly it would be to fill a large swimming pool with water, one tiny teaspoon at a time! It would take forever and be a seemingly impossible task! Yet, that is similar to how small we are in comparison to God's Greatness.
Yet, a God so Great longs for us to "draw near" to Him! And as we "draw near" He promises to respond by drawing near to us! Incredible! (James 4:8)
I think it's time to dive into the pool of His great Presence; to let His overwhelming "Power and Glory" wash over and around us until we are...
Overwhelmed in Worship...dmc
PS - My friend, Melissa shared how this devo reminded her of the song, Measure of a Man by 4Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lunaZQltWGY
Friday, May 27, 2016
Put Him ON
"Seek My face at the beginning of your day...put Me on and wear Me throughout the day... To wear Me is essentially to have My mind; to think My thoughts." (154)
Have you ever noticed how what we wear impacts our mindset and our behavior? After a long day of work, coming home and putting on some casual clothes allows me to feel more relaxed and helps me shed some of the pressures of the day. However, getting up and dressing up for the day helps me feel energized and ready to tackle the demands of that day.
No wonder Jesus reminds us that... "Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day. This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you." (154)
Dressed & Ready in Him...dmc
PS - Happy Birthday to our oldest son, Michael Kaehl Colaw! Thanks for being a great example of a man who "puts on" Jesus every day! You are a wonderful, caring son! We love YOU!
Have you ever noticed how what we wear impacts our mindset and our behavior? After a long day of work, coming home and putting on some casual clothes allows me to feel more relaxed and helps me shed some of the pressures of the day. However, getting up and dressing up for the day helps me feel energized and ready to tackle the demands of that day.
No wonder Jesus reminds us that... "Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day. This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you." (154)
Dressed & Ready in Him...dmc
PS - Happy Birthday to our oldest son, Michael Kaehl Colaw! Thanks for being a great example of a man who "puts on" Jesus every day! You are a wonderful, caring son! We love YOU!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Antidote for Uncertainty
"Every person on the planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is drawing closer to Me." (153)
When our sons were little guys they would sometimes need a little extra reassurance in the middle of the night, especially if they'd had a bad dream. It was always quite amazing how quickly they would fall back to sleep just knowing dad or mom was there.
The uncertainties of this world, like bad dreams, eventually dissipate with the antidote of our Heavenly Father's reassuring presence! Resting in His Presence can help to calm and quiet our anxious thoughts, anywhere at anytime!
His Perfect Peace works Perfectly....dmc
When our sons were little guys they would sometimes need a little extra reassurance in the middle of the night, especially if they'd had a bad dream. It was always quite amazing how quickly they would fall back to sleep just knowing dad or mom was there.
The uncertainties of this world, like bad dreams, eventually dissipate with the antidote of our Heavenly Father's reassuring presence! Resting in His Presence can help to calm and quiet our anxious thoughts, anywhere at anytime!
His Perfect Peace works Perfectly....dmc
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Problem Solving not Soaking
"Your mind leaps from problem to problem to problem, tangling your thoughts in anxious knots. When you think like that, you leave Me out...and your mind becomes darkened." (152)
Problem solving is much different from problem soaking! A problem soaked mind is saturated in tangled, toxic thoughts that impact and eventually assault our brains. A problem solving brain operates much differently.
It reminds me of how cucumbers become pickles! As a child I would watch Mom brew the brine and thoroughly soak the cucumbers. We could observe the change inside those Mason jars over the next days, weeks, months.
Dwelling on problems can begin to dominate and dictate our lives to such a point that we become 'pickled' in our own bitter brew.
It's not likely a pickle will ever turn back into a cucumber, however, we have a Problem Solving Savior who "yearns to help" and "together, we can handle whatever this day brings."
Problems are just a fact of life, but the Presence of Jesus will make the brew...
Sweeter, not Sour...dmc
Problem solving is much different from problem soaking! A problem soaked mind is saturated in tangled, toxic thoughts that impact and eventually assault our brains. A problem solving brain operates much differently.
It reminds me of how cucumbers become pickles! As a child I would watch Mom brew the brine and thoroughly soak the cucumbers. We could observe the change inside those Mason jars over the next days, weeks, months.
Dwelling on problems can begin to dominate and dictate our lives to such a point that we become 'pickled' in our own bitter brew.
It's not likely a pickle will ever turn back into a cucumber, however, we have a Problem Solving Savior who "yearns to help" and "together, we can handle whatever this day brings."
Problems are just a fact of life, but the Presence of Jesus will make the brew...
Sweeter, not Sour...dmc
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Gardens or Graveyards
"Bring Me your mind for rest and renewal. Let Me infuse My Presence into your thoughts...giving you glimpses of heaven while you still reside on earth...I want you to walk with Me in the garden of your heart..." (151)
The way our minds build neuro-networks of thought looks similar to branches on trees. We can literally grow a "garden" of fruit-producing 'trees' with the patterns of thought we allow to develop in our minds.
Carefully tending our thought life is critically important because toxic, negative thoughts can neuro-chemically burn the branches, eventually leaving something similar to holes in the brain, where life-giving thoughts could have been! The death of a fruitful, life-giving mind, overcome with oppressive thoughts, is such a tragedy!
Jesus invites us "to walk with (Him) in the garden of our hearts, where (He wants to) take up permanent residence."
It's a process of retraining our thought life, with His help, so we can experience the benefits of a beautiful, God-glorifying frame of mind!
Growing a Garden, not Digging a Graveyard...dmc
The way our minds build neuro-networks of thought looks similar to branches on trees. We can literally grow a "garden" of fruit-producing 'trees' with the patterns of thought we allow to develop in our minds.
Carefully tending our thought life is critically important because toxic, negative thoughts can neuro-chemically burn the branches, eventually leaving something similar to holes in the brain, where life-giving thoughts could have been! The death of a fruitful, life-giving mind, overcome with oppressive thoughts, is such a tragedy!
Jesus invites us "to walk with (Him) in the garden of our hearts, where (He wants to) take up permanent residence."
It's a process of retraining our thought life, with His help, so we can experience the benefits of a beautiful, God-glorifying frame of mind!
Growing a Garden, not Digging a Graveyard...dmc
Monday, May 23, 2016
Strategically Placed
"There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some...are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence..." (150)
Approaching life from the perspective of "hidden treasures strategically placed" in my daily life is a radical mind reset. I've discovered hidden doors will suddenly open when I look at an encounter, a circumstance, a challenge, a responsibility or some life event as a strategic opportunity to discover God's hidden treasure. Some are timely junctures. Others are timeless life lessons. While others may just be another great God-adventure.
It makes me realize how my life is strategically placed in both the larger and smaller scope of all things; including the time and place of my birth, who I am, why I'm here, how I live, and even when and where I will die! All a testimony of being strategically "in Him" where "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden." (Colossians 2:3)
Strategically In Him...dmc
Approaching life from the perspective of "hidden treasures strategically placed" in my daily life is a radical mind reset. I've discovered hidden doors will suddenly open when I look at an encounter, a circumstance, a challenge, a responsibility or some life event as a strategic opportunity to discover God's hidden treasure. Some are timely junctures. Others are timeless life lessons. While others may just be another great God-adventure.
It makes me realize how my life is strategically placed in both the larger and smaller scope of all things; including the time and place of my birth, who I am, why I'm here, how I live, and even when and where I will die! All a testimony of being strategically "in Him" where "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden." (Colossians 2:3)
Strategically In Him...dmc
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Beyond My Understanding
"When things don't go as you would like...remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances...even though it is beyond your understanding." (149)
Already this morning I've had several emails of concern about things beyond our understanding. Things that tend to "shatter our thinking." However, in the midst of messy times God is still sovereign. Our "ultimate challenge is to keep fixing our eyes on" Him! What we focus on is what becomes the dominating force of our lives!
When our own understanding is weak we can come "under the mighty hand of God" rather than coming under the messy realities of life. (I Peter 5:6)
Under His Mighty Hand...dmc
Already this morning I've had several emails of concern about things beyond our understanding. Things that tend to "shatter our thinking." However, in the midst of messy times God is still sovereign. Our "ultimate challenge is to keep fixing our eyes on" Him! What we focus on is what becomes the dominating force of our lives!
When our own understanding is weak we can come "under the mighty hand of God" rather than coming under the messy realities of life. (I Peter 5:6)
Under His Mighty Hand...dmc
Saturday, May 21, 2016
But as For Me
"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation, My God will hear me." Micah 7:7
There are times when we have to make a decision based upon what we personally believe about God or what we have personally heard from God. What others may say... friend, companion, relatives, those who seem especially close... may really sound more like the words of an enemy (Micah 7:5-6) because they are more focused on the problem rather than His Presence. (148)
It's critically important for me to check out my focus...if it's more on the problem than on His Presence... I'm in trouble! If I take counsel from others who are more focused on the problem than His Presence... we're all in trouble!
"But as for me," I must "wait for God" no matter what others say. Great problem solvers have a way of seeing through the problem in the light of His Presence! It REALLY IS the FOCUS we gain in His Presence that makes all the difference!
Focused on His Presence...dmc
There are times when we have to make a decision based upon what we personally believe about God or what we have personally heard from God. What others may say... friend, companion, relatives, those who seem especially close... may really sound more like the words of an enemy (Micah 7:5-6) because they are more focused on the problem rather than His Presence. (148)
It's critically important for me to check out my focus...if it's more on the problem than on His Presence... I'm in trouble! If I take counsel from others who are more focused on the problem than His Presence... we're all in trouble!
"But as for me," I must "wait for God" no matter what others say. Great problem solvers have a way of seeing through the problem in the light of His Presence! It REALLY IS the FOCUS we gain in His Presence that makes all the difference!
Focused on His Presence...dmc
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