My Dear Friend,

I’ve been wanting to talk with you but with all that’s happening in your life, it’s hard to get you alone long enough. I don’t want to add one more thing to your plate but it’s already February and I really need to tell you somethings.

I understand you’ve been going through some very tough times and all I’ve wanted to do is tell you how often you’re on my mind. Somedays I’d like to whisk you away from it all and sit by a cozy fire with a cup of coffee talking until we run out of words. You mean so much to me and my Kingdom and I just can’t imagine you not being a part of it.  I miss you running to me when you’re in trouble and I thought you’d run to me this time, but you seem to be distracted of late, running to this thing and that thing but never to me.

Have I done something to offend you? I feel like you’re avoiding me. You’d rather spend time with anyone and anything other than me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to add one more thing to your plate, I’m actually trying to lift your load because I never intended for you to carry all of that.  I wrote a whole book of letters to you will all the answers to the questions you’ve been asking but you won’t pick it up to read it. You read the cards others send you and I’ve even seen you cry over them, but you’ve yet to cry over the love letters I’ve written, some of them with the blood of my son.

I’ve heard you say you love me, but I’m not feeling the love because you spend time with the ones you love the most and you just seem to avoid me.  Remember when you cried the other day because your long time friend ignored you, how it broke your heart and you wondered what you did wrong? That’s how I’ve been feeling. I just wanted you to know. I haven’t done anything wrong but you still won’t come. Your spirit even cries out to me but your flesh stands in the way. Hear me calling to you and come away with me.

Song of Solomon 2:14 My dove, hiding in the caves high on the cliff, hidden here on the mountain, let me see you, let me hear your voice. Your voice is so pleasant and you are so beautiful!

Isaiah 62:10 “Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!”

Are obstacles keeping you from going where you need to go? God has prepared a way for you and just because there are stones in the path doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go that way. When a highway is built, there are those who survey, those who clear the way and those who build the road. Many people will travel that road once it’s completed, but if no one steps up to prepare, no one will benefit from the highway.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. He announced his coming and readied people to receive the word of the Lord. Now it’s our turn. We are to be those who prepare the way for the return of Christ. Us, the blood bought ones, those he commanded to make disciples of all men, we are the ones who are to prepare the way. He didn’t call us to sit in our comfortable pews, to make an appearance and look nice. He said to follow him and I seem to remember that he moved around a lot, going and doing what his Father told him to do. 

When was the last time you picked up a stone of hindrance from the path you were on so that those who followed behind you wouldn’t stumble and fall. That could mean just dealing with issues in your life that may cause someone else to sin. It could mean, stop complaining about how nothing good ever happens to you, or simply learning to trust in God and loving others. What are you doing to prepare the way? Do you love like Jesus? Do you point people in the way they should go but make a U turn because the road gets too rough for you to travel? 

Where is God leading you and what’s keeping you from going? He said we are to love him more than anything or anyone; that’s jobs, family, friends, churches, ministry, EVERYTHING! There should be NOTHING that holds you back from showing others the way to Jesus and no one that comes between you and him. Father, examine our hearts, show us where the stones are and how to give you access to people, places and things that stand in the way. We love you and want others to know that love as well, not selfishly keep it for ourselves. Father, your gift of love was never made to hold onto, it was made to give away so we make more room to receive.

I had adiscussion with my husband this morning about all the kids we provided a place to sleep and meals at our table. We don’t realize why God brings people into our lives, but perhaps it’s to have the opportunity to speak truth into them, to see them as God does and declare it over their lives. How often does that happen at home? How often do we look past the exterior and see whats on the inside?

So often we focus on what we see in the natural and talk about that. The way they wear their hair, their piercing’s, tattoo’s, even their clothing is simply a cry to be noticed for who they are or hope to be. To be artistic, original, make their own mark on the world, these are all gifts and abilities trying to come out and make a difference. Have you ever just loved them? Have you ever just sat and listened to what they had to say without lecturing?

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  

I know I’ve quoted this verse before, but hear me out a moment. When we speak the problem, the results are the problem in a bigger way. You cannot speak one thing and expect other results, it just can’t happen. If you simply seek the face of God and ask him what you should be speaking over your children, their spirit will run toward the things spoken over them.

Remember the story of Ezekiel (chapter 37) when he was standing in a valley full of dry bones? What was it the Lord asked him? “Can these bones live?” Logically, they were just a valley of bones; dead, dry bones, no life in them and no hope of living again. But listen to what Ezekiel said; “You alone know, Lord.” Right there, he opened himself up to operate on another level; a supernatural one. Then the Lord said to Ezekiel; “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! ⁵ Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. ⁶ I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”

Stop looking at your impossibilities the way you’ve always looked at them. What is Gods perspective? How does He see this situation, this person, this hardship. Is anything too difficult for God? I think not! Until you change your words, you’ll never see the results you want to see. Get rid of doubt and unbelief and begin to speak to the mountain you face; “Mountain, be removed and cast into the sea!” This is not ‘positive speaking’, it’s taking your authority as a child of God and speaking like your Father.

I started doing this consistently over my children several years ago. I refused to see things in the natural anymore and chose to seek the face of God and to speak what he said instead of what I see. Sometimes I get frustrated and blurt something out, but I’m quick to repent and get right back on track. I want to see the salvation of the Lord and the only way that will happen is if I start operating like God does.

I speak over you, my friend and whatever you face today; Bones live! I speak life into your body and health to all your flesh. I speak the supernatural power and presence of God over every opposing spirit that would cause you to feel hopeless, sick and defeated. No weapon formed against you will prosper and every tongue that rises against you in judgement will be stilled. We will believe the report of the Lord today regardless of what it looks like, feels like or smells like. Our hope is set on you, Father and you alone. Thank you for your Word and that it never ever fails, it always does what you send it to do. Every word we have spoken contrary to your Word, we revoke and renounce it. Keep our mouths pure before you that we may be more like you in every way. Amen!

I recently heard a teaching on this passage found in Galatians chapter 4 asking the question, “Who is your mother?” We know that Abraham is our father, but our ‘mother’ is determined by whether we accept the free gift of grace or walk after the law, trying to earn our righteousness.

^21-31 Tell me now, you who have become so enamored with the law: Have you paid close attention to that law? Abraham, remember, had two sons: one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. The son of the slave woman was born by human connivance; the son of the free woman was born by God’s promise. This illustrates the very thing we are dealing with now. The two births represent two ways of being in relationship with God. One is from Mount Sinai in Arabia. It corresponds with what is now going on in Jerusalem—a slave life, producing slaves as offspring. This is the way of Hagar. In contrast to that, there is an invisible Jerusalem, a free Jerusalem, and she is our mother—this is the way of Sarah. Remember what Isaiah wrote:

Isn’t it clear, friends, that you, like Isaac, are children of promise? In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless connivance (Ishmael) harassed the child who came—empowered by the Spirit—from the faithful promise (Isaac). Isn’t it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics follows that old pattern? There is a Scripture that tells us what to do: “Expel the slave mother with her son, for the slave son will not inherit with the free son.” Isn’t that conclusive? We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

As I was discussing this with someone yesterday, I realized that the religious teaching I grew up with that taught I must be good to get good was incredibly wrong. This righteousness that I tried to earn was a gift and I could not earn a gift.  Every time I would mess up, I felt I had to be ‘saved’ all over again. It was a constant battle to earn my right to be a child of God. I even imposed this teaching on my children, “You must keep the rules or you’ll bring a curse on your life.” I realize now that I was teaching them that Gods love was conditional and it is not.  It’s no more conditional than my love for them. Whether they are good or bad, they are still my children and I love them.  Good or bad they are still heirs to everything I own. 

I’m thankful that Jesus reconnected me to the free gift of Gods grace and favor. I’m thankful for the truth of His Word that sets me free from the law of sin and death. My mother is the free woman, Sarah, who even though she tried to ‘fix’ a problem by giving Abraham her handmaiden, Hagar, God gave her a son who inherited the promise.  What a gift! God always keeps his promises, even when we mess up.

Your love is amazing, Father! You freely give it to me so that I can freely give it to others. It’s that love that changed me from who I was to what I am. I didn’t have to clean up, you took me as I was and it’s your love that changes those around me.  There was only one condition to receiving and that was believing.  Acts 16:31 says; “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your house.”  There it is! It’s not just for you but for your household as well.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving and it’s free, anyone can have it.  I love that about you, Father.  I won’t hoard this gift but freely give it away.

Psalm 18:30-36 MSG  What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him makes it.  Is there any god like God? Are we not at bedrock? Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction; Now I run like a deer; I’m king of the mountain. He shows me how to fight; I can bend a bronze bow! You protect me with salvation-armor; you hold me up with a firm hand, caress me with your gentle ways. You cleared the ground under me so my footing was firm.

I love this entire Psalm, but this section spoke to me this morning. Sometimes we question why things are going the way they are. Why we seem to run into obstacle after obstacle and why nothing seems to go right for us. I love how David saw God. Regardless of what enemy he faced, he new the faithfulness of God. He says, “What a God!” His communion with God caused him to take the right path. His fellowship with God made him strong. He was a mighty warrior who was held by Gods firm hand but caressed by his gentle ways. 

Do you see the hand of God on your life like that? Are you so focused on your problem that you forget God is bigger than all of that? Why don’t we take a praise break this morning and begin to recall all of what God has done for us. Let’s begin to call out, Great God! Awesome! Mighty! Wonderful! Love you, Father! You direct my steps and clear my path from debris. My eyes are on you, not my problems, they seem so small in the face of one so great as you. The earth is but a tiny ball in space and yet you created it and us. You have great plans for me today and always. 

Perhaps God has protected you from something or someone. Instead of focusing on justice, let go and let God do as he desires. This is not for you to carry, it never belonged to you, it belongs to God. We need to know as David that God fights our battles for us. Instead of smearing peoples name, bless them, love them, talk good about them to others. If you want to see peoples hearts, watch what they say about their enemies. If they curse them, walk away. If they bless them, know that they are trusting God and not the arm of their flesh.

Father, I’m so thankful that you watch over me every step of the way. You have indeed kept my path clear and well lit so that I neither stumble or fall. Your hand is on me to bless me and reward me. All of my sins are covered under your blood, buried in the deepest sea. Your forgiveness has brought me to my knees and humbled me. Oh that I may bless those who curse me and say all manner against me falsly. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation for you always watch over me and keep me from evil. You hide me under your wings so that those who hunt for me to do me harm, they cannot find me. That alone makes me glad. I love you Lord.

I Corinthians 1:25 ERV Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. Even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

We are no match for the wisdom of God. Our logic is contrary to him, our wisdom is like the wisdom of infants. If we are going to operate in the wisdom of God, we must first believe in him and trust in him. We cannot trust who we do not know, so we must get to know God. How do we do that? Well, how do you get to know anyone? By spending time with them, listening to their story, asking questions. 

Walt and I didn’t get to know each other over night. I fell in love with his heart for God and His Word but I didn’t really get to know Walt until we spent time together. It was a process. I’m still finding out things about him because he’s changing as we grow old together. As he draws closer to God, there are aspects of him that change simply because of his proximity to God. I’m sure it’s the same with me for him although I see it more clearly in him.

Thats what I love about God, he looks on the heart of man.  The exterior is not who he’s interested in, he’s after our heart. Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” Don’t judge what you see when you look at me. There is more to me than meets the eye.

Father, thank you for loving me just the way I am and forever changing me on the inside. My heart belongs to you. I have set my heart on you to do your will, not my own. May today be the day that you use me a huge way. I know this is not just my hearts cry, but others are crying out to you for more. Hear us today. We want more of you. To know you in all of your fullness, that we may be a light to a very dark world.

James 3:13-18 ERV ¹³ Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast.¹⁴ If you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, you have no reason to boast. Your boasting is a lie that hides the truth. ¹⁵ That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God. That “wisdom” comes from the world. It is not spiritual. It is from the devil. ¹⁶ Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. ¹⁸ People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living.

Just when I think those white hairs on my head are a sign of wisdom, I realize that young or old, wisdom only comes from God. The wise ones have simply learned to keep their mouth shut! Can I get a witness up here?! Wisdom from God is pure, peaceful, gentle and easy to please. Ok, now I don’t feel so good, especially with the word ‘gentle’ and ‘easy to please’ in there. That would more aptly describe my husband, Walt. He’s so easy going, keeps the peace, a very gentle man. You’d think that after almost 38 years together some of that would rub off on me. NOT! 

Funny that the beginning of this chapter talks about controlling your tongue. Such a small thing that tongue, but it sure is hard to control. I’ve watched friendships destroyed because of a word spoken at the wrong time in the wrong tone. Sometimes it’s not even what we say but how we say it that makes the difference. I’m sure we’ve all done it; said something we regretted, hurt someone unintentionally. Looks to me like the only way to have Gods wisdom is to work at keeping peace. I’ve heard duct tape works well and comes in all sorts of colors now. 

Well Father, perhaps if I simply yield my tongue to you, maybe you could use it for good today. Every time I try, I botch it up and end up saying something hurtful or stupid. How much good can I do for you if my mouth is always screwing it up? Let Davids prayer be mine today; Lord, help me control what I say. Don’t let me say anything bad. (Psalm 141:3)

Mark 9:38-41 ERV; 

³⁸ Then John said, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to force demons out of someone. He is not one of us. So we told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group.”

³⁹ Jesus said, “Don’t stop him. Whoever uses my name to do powerful things will not soon say bad things about me. ⁴⁰ Whoever is not against us is with us. ⁴¹ I can assure you that anyone who helps you by giving you a drink of water because you belong to the Messiah will definitely get a reward.”

How many times have you seen someone who wasn’t ‘qualified’ or perhaps ‘trained’ to do something be told to step away? I have seen this happen often. I understand protection, but even Jesus said not to discourage them from laying hands on people in the name of Jesus. If that person laid hands on me in faith and I received my healing, I’m the winner, don’t you think? I’m learning that if God can use a donkey to talk sense into someone, he can use new born babes in Christ to do the same. It’s that constant discouragement that causes people to walk away from the faith. 

I feel that Jesus is showing us a very pure truth; some people must see to believe. How much more vivid the picture if they laid hands on a blind person and their sight returned. Don’t you think that they’d become a believer at that point? I know I would. So don’t wait for Sunday morning church and invite them to receive their miracle. Wherever you are, do it then. At the store, at work, in the mall, if the Holy Spirit prompts you to do it, don’t put it off. The world will be won by the signs and wonders they see.

Father, thanks for showing me that this morning. I have probably done it myself without realizing it, but if we are to raise up disciples than we must expect the unexpected. Jesus, you weren’t afraid of being made fun of by the crowds, you simply did what you did to glorify the Father. Thank you for the example and help me to follow in your footsteps today.

Remember the story of the Samaritan woman who was at the well and Jesus asked her for water? I was reading there this morning and this portion spoke to me; John 4:23-26 ERV 

²³ But the time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. In fact, that time is now here. And these are the kind of people the Father wants to be his worshipers. ²⁴ God is spirit. So the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

²⁵ The woman said, “I know that the Messiah is coming.” (He is the one called Christ.) “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

²⁶ Then Jesus said, “He is talking to you now—I am the Messiah.”

Jesus is coming soon! That used to be the message of the church back when I was 15 but many of our young people have never heard those words. Churches have stopped preaching it for fear that the message would be too harsh and people would leave and seek other places to fellowship. I was reading this morning in Matthew 24:4-14 when Jesus himself told us what would proceed his return. 

⁴ Jesus answered, “Be careful! Don’t let anyone fool you. ⁵ Many people will come and use my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah.’ And they will fool many people. ⁶ You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. ⁷ Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places. ⁸ These things are only the beginning of troubles, like the first pains of a woman giving birth.

⁹ “Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in me. ¹⁰ During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. ¹¹ Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. ¹² There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to every nation. Then the end will come.”

I don’t know about you, but I see this happening all around us today. It’s more evident than ever before, Jesus is coming! I’m not fearful or downhearted, I’m excited because soon I’ll be going home. Yes, thats right, home. This world is a place we live in temporarily but Jesus is preparing a place for us so that where he is, we can be also. I’m excited! There are signs all around us if we will open our eyes to see it. When Jesus left this earth, he sent us an instructor, a comforter to give us boldness to proclaim Jesus is Lord. He said to go make disciples, that means as we learn of Him, we are to teach others. He didn’t tell us to only let pastors do it or teachers do it, He said WE are to make disciples. We are to duplicate Jesus and be like him so that others will learn to be like him too. He’s coming back for a bride, one worthy of him. Let that be you!

Father, today more than ever, we watch for you to send your son for us. May you find us doing what you’ve said to do, not hiding under a rock, timid and afraid. You’ve given us great boldness, may we declare to those around us that you are indeed coming soon. We indeed possess a treasure in these earthen vessels, your Holy Spirit which leads us into all truth. “One day Jesus will call my name, as days go by I hope I don’t stay the same. I want to get so close to him that it’s no big change on that day when Jesus, calls my name.