I had the privilege of speaking at The Oil City Vineyard Church, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2019!
You can find the link here:
https://www.oilcityvineyard.org/sermons
Scroll down to: 2019 The Counterfeit God Sermon Series and find the date and title: The Idol of False Comfort.
I hope this helps you along your journey of wholeness.
Happy New Year!
This is a list that my husband and I have been discussing with each other and our kids lately as we walk into the new year. I love this list but would have put "Forgive" as number one to experience a positive new day let alone, new year. We have multiple opportunities to exercise forgiveness everyday, don’t we? From the smallest frustration to the closest relationship, the temptation to hold on to un- forgiveness, even in seemingly insignificant ways, is available to us. But it is not an option- unforgiveness poisons our own self no matter the size of the dose. Our relationships may be shallow or deep based on the reconciliation and trust two parties are willing to exchange but forgiveness is a non-negotiable.
From our hearts to yours, have a Happy, Positive and Healthy New Year!
I have been some what quiet writing blogs for a while because I have been writing a few books! This excerpt comes from my devotional book which will be published early in 2019. As I was proofreading today, I thought I would share this rich truth with you.
Who is a God like you? Pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He doesn’t retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on you and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-20
Other people may retain their anger toward us until we die, but God does not. God delights in mercy. Let me say that again, God delights in mercy. Say that to yourself over and over, let its truth wash over you. He will have compassion on you and subdue your iniquities. And when you ask for forgiveness, He will cast all of your sins into the depths of the sea and envelop you in His love.
Let’s Pray! O Lord God, you truly are beautiful. Who is like you, O God?? Pardoning and passing over my sin, washing it clean in the blood that Jesus died for me. Thank you that you delight in mercy. Thank you that you have compassion on me, knowing me as but a man, human and faulty. You have compassion, because you walked as we walked and were tempted in every way that we are. You are sinless and transparent, Holy and approachable, High and lifted up and lowly. Thank you that you chastise me with the love of a Father. Thank you that you cast every last sin in to the sea of forgiveness that envelops me in love. Thank you my loving Father, Holy Spirit that leads me into all truth, and merciful Savior, friend, Amen.
There was a traveler who at first saw nothing of the light that was shining in the wood
After a while the thought moved softly-“I am with you all the days and all the day long”.
But just as a flower never presses it’s sweetness upon anyone but freely gives to him who desires it, and to him as often as he will,
So that thought of peace did not force itself upon the traveler,
and yet it did offer to his lips a cup of healing.
And then, but how it came to be so has never yet been told,
the gloom of the darkness was gone,
the light in the wood shone forth,
and the glory thereof. – Amy Carmichael
Do you remember in the movie City Slickers when the character, Ed, said his best and worst day were the same day? I relate to that in this way; that the things in my life that could have potentially destroyed me have been the very things that have given me grit and determination to change. Those times have been the catalyst to eventually propel me into my best self and my best potential.
I have found that the humility I have learned in failure has been fertile ground for authenticity and given me a more meaningful way to relate to others.
I am sitting here this morning in my quiet place. The corner space in my room, next to a window that has been designated for prayer and meditation. I am reading Psalm 91, H.C.G Moule and Beth Moore. As I feel a cool, gentle breeze touching my shoulder after a humid, sticky night, I find that I am in very good company. The words that I am reading were written by people who have a deep understanding of failure. The constant theme is; what is impossible with man, is possible with God.
It is not only that God loves, knows and relates to us, in real time, through Jesus Christ...which is pretty mind blowing. It is that He can still prove inexhaustible and victorious in our mortal flesh today! It is also that, He and He alone, can set us free from the slavery of sin. And it is further, that because He has set His love upon us He will deliver us.
I am sitting here right now, drinking in His love and mercy. His absolute encouragement and inspiration toward me to lift my eyes up to the mountains from where my help comes from. The awesome overwhelmedness that He is a master at taking ashes and creating beautiful things out them. He really wants to do that for me and for you today and every day!
Thank you God that the things that the devil meant to destroy me have been turned for good in your hand. Thank you God for your Holy Spirit that leads me in to all truth and uses my life to help other's with their's. I am overwhelmed as I sit in your presence. I thank you for the other's who have gone before me and have transparently encouraged me by their trials, struggles and failures. As difficult as the road has been, I thank you that you did not allow me to become hardened. You kept my heart soft and vulnerable, so that you could continue to teach me and I could continue to encourage others with the comfort I have received. And I thank you that you, and you alone, can grow the most beautiful creations out of seemingly impossible conditions.
I am walking this path of wholeness with you and I would love to hear from you today.
