Defining rather than being defined.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith in this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, be we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces; perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:1-5

Life is a journey filled with sorrow and joy, chaos and peace, times that are difficult and times that are easy. Sometimes the road moves gently along shaded paths, where other times it climbs steeply or descends suddenly while the storm rages against us, or the heat threatens to parch our soul.

It is during the difficult patches where we experience the testing of our faith as God refines us more completely into His likeness. It is in these moments that it is most important to define our journey rather than being defined by it.

But what exactly does that mean?

It has been my experience that, too often, when difficulty would hinder my walk, that I would begin to feel stuck as I allowed my circumstances to define me rather than defining my circumstances. Instead of viewing the difficulty as a tool God was using to grow me in His grace and the knowledge of His faithfulness, I would fuss and fume about the situation.

It didn't make things any better.  In fact, the more I complained to Him (and occasionally others) about how frustrated I was because things weren't going according to my plan, the more miserable I became. Blessedly, there came the "Aha" moment when I recognized I had wandered down the path of discontentment and mistrust.  Instead of relaxing in God's plan for my life and allowing Him  

complete control, I realized I had been wrestling with Him over the details.

The more I wrestled, the more weary I became.

But God in His compassion as a loving Father graciously swept me up into His embrace and gently reminded me that He saw the whole, while I only see in part. He told me, again, that He will never leave or forsake me, and that nothing comes into my life without His knowledge or permission. No matter how difficult a situation may appear, He is still in control and I can trust Him completely.

And suddenly like the child that is comforted by the one they love, I found myself seeking His face again and finding grace and love shining from His eyes. There is nothing I can do to earn His love, and nothing that will make Him quit loving me.  I am much more than a sinner saved by grace. Although I may still experience trials and temptations along the way, I am His beloved child and He is leading me home, one step at a time. He will faithfully walk with me the entire way and I can experience His peace and presence throughout the journey.

May you find same true for your journey as well.

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"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is perfected in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Seeing things from God's perspective

"For now we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." 2 Corinthians 13:12

Do you ever wish that you could pull back far enough from life's circumstances to view things as God views them? You know, the whole parade from the sky view, rather than just the band that is playing loudly right in front of you.

As I watch world events unfold, I find I am more prone to wanting to see things from His perspective  The close up view often appears to be chaotic and without purpose or plan. But then I step back and try to take in the broader view.

Our college group Bible study has been studying the book of  Revelations and it helps me keep the wide angle lens on the world's events. It makes me more eager to share the gospel with those around me, and causes me to keep my heart prepared.

A day of reckoning is coming.

Recent conversations with others who have studied Revelations only affirm that view.

One day, whether it be tonight, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now, we will all stand before our Creator and give account for our lives.  All the questions will be answered and there will be no more time to make amends, forgive someone we need to forgive, or embrace the truth of the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ. Time as we know it will have come to an end and we will enter into the realm of eternity.  There we will either joyously be invited into the kingdom of God or be cast away to eternal separation and sorrow.

The questions arise: do you know where you'll be? Are you sure of your salvation? Don't be among those to whom Jesus will say "Depart from Me I never knew you."

God is patient and kind and desires that none will be lost. He sees the whole parade, every soul in it, and their hearts.

There's a storm brewing, and He knows exactly when it's time to for the parade to end.

Finding the blessings

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

I don't know about you, but I am especially thankful these days whenever I am able to find a bit of shade to avoid the heat from the sun. The temperature has been over 100 degrees for some time now, and combined with the severe drought, it feels especially hot. Adding to the tension that comes from being hot and thirsty, there are several wild fires in the area, making the air quality nearly unbearable. The desire to grumble and complain parades itself boldly before me, taunting me with the "if only's" and the "should have's." There's nothing like feeling uncomfortable to make one want to pull out the list of wrongs that make our life seem miserable.

But don't!

Life is filled with difficulties and unpleasantness, and rehearsing them only makes us feel that much more miserable. Grumbling comes naturally to most human beings, and when you can get someone to acknowledge your complaint, then you might even have the opportunity to play the "whose life is more miserable" game. (Sarcasm intended).

Yet, what's the gain?

Do you feel better or worse about your situation?

Now don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that there is never any reason to feel frustrated with life. We are, after all, human beings working our way through this maze called life. There are dead ends and false leads, and numerous difficulties that can easily distract us from our purpose...which is to give God glory. But press on with courage and hope. He has never forsaken His children, nor will He ever. We can rest confidently in the knowledge that nothing comes to us that hasn't already been filtered through His very loving hands. We may feel uncomfortable in a current situation, but He has a purpose and plan in everything He does.  (If you've never read the book of JOB I highly recommend it. You will see that Satan had to have God's permission to pester Job).

Look for the blessings and offer God thanks for each one you find.  If you can't see any, ask Him to open your eyes to the numerous ways He has blessed you. Stay true to the path He's placed before you, no matter how difficult it might seem at the moment.

Trust Him to see you through, because once you've passed through the narrow place, having had to release some of the baggage that was hindering your progress, you will find you are walking more upright and with greater strength.  The burden was heavy for a moment, but it made you stronger. It may have seemed like the passageway into the future became more narrow, but it caused you to let go of things that kept you from moving forward. You wouldn't turn around and pick up the things you discarded along the way because you discovered they're useless, and they made traveling difficult.
It's that same with our attitude about the difficulties we encounter in life.

Philippians 4:8-10 reminds us to think on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue and anything praiseworthy. And with good reason.  These are the things that take our eyes and mind off the negative, and help us to focus on the blessings God has lavished on us each and every day.

And doesn't that just make you want to dance?

So be careful my friends.  Remember we are on a journey, we have been given a task, and given everything we need to complete that task with joy.
May God grant you the eyes see what you need to see so that you may always give Him the praise and glory He's due.


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"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield o:12-18f faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword o the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Sprit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6

The Unseen

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Although I love a grand adventure, I am not a thrill seeker by nature.
Anyone who knows me well, knows I like a plan, or at the very least, a vague idea of how things are going to go. I call myself "Let's plan it Paula".  Of course as life would have it I am married to "Spontaneous Sam". To say this hasn't created some interesting situations in our marriage would be an understatement. Early on in our relationship I recognized that the need for me to be more flexible would be paramount in the survival of our marriage. As aggravating as it was to give up my very controlled sense of well being, and move forward into a greater walk of faith, I am grateful God paired me with my husband who has taught me to trust God on a deeper level.
It hasn't always been an easy journey though.
Learning to surrender my plans for God's plans has been a process which I must submit to every day. I still tend to think things will continue heading a certain direction and find myself surprised when there is a sudden turn or redirect on the path. Embracing the moments I live in, rather than projecting where I think we're headed is a moment by moment decision.
It's the long curves in the road that seem to frustrate me the most. I can see just far enough that I think I know which direction we're going, only to discover it's not always as I thought. Learning to sit back and enjoy the ride is difficult for one who wants to drive.
But faith is a journey and grows with each curve and turn as I trust the outcome to the Lord.
As much as I think I know what is best, or what I really, really want, time and again God has graciously shown me how much greater His plans are than mine.
I have discovered He is always faithful and knows me better than I know myself. In addition He has given me a long view of life, and when I trust Him, I am able to better see things from His perspective and rest in His sufficiency. Every time I have walked boldly into the unseen, even with my knees shaking and my faith feeling feeble and unsteady, He has met me and shown me the greater plan and purpose. It makes walking into the curve easier every day.
Do I know what the future holds? No; but I do know who holds the future and I am confident I can trust Him completely. I know He is able to get me there safely.
My prayer is that you too may you find His faithfulness and love incentive to trust Him and to walk with Him in assurance and peace.
To Him be all honor and glory.

Focus on Truth

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever for in YAH, the LORD is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3

Sometimes the world can be a very noisy and distracting place. As one who struggles to stay focused, I find noise a difficult barrier to overcome at times. That is one of the reasons I am so grateful the Lord moved me out of town and up into the canyon eight years ago. The quiet in the canyon helps me to stay focused when I need to do so.

Even so, the canyons has sounds that can momentarily pull my attention away from the task at hand.  This morning when I was settling in to begin working on my latest project (a 365 day devotional) my prayer was that I would have the ability to focus on what I needed to write and not become distracted.

The house was beautifully quiet, and even the puppies had stopped their bantering with one another in the back yard. Blissful, peaceful quiet.

And then I heard the dove.

Immediately my mind raced back to my childhood home and the peaceful sound of the mourning doves on summer days. Although temporarily distracted by their sound, a deep sense of peace washed over my soul.  Doves are shy birds and apparently felt safe enough to share their song with me.

It lasted only a moment, but it was enough to spark a myriad of thoughts, some to be used here, and others for the devotional.

The first thought was how peaceful their song made me feel. I have only heard them sing in the quiet places where they feel their safety isn't threatened. Unlike the noisy jays and crows who raucously announce their presence throughout the day, doves are quiet and cautious.    

My second thought was how easy it is to become distracted even in this place of quiet. It made me even more determined to created guidelines for myself so that I can effectively work to complete the tasks before me.

Distraction is a major problem in this world, but it doesn't have to be the victor.

Each of us has the ability to choose where we let our minds go. No one has the power to force us to think anything other than what we choose to think. That is why it is so imperative to fill our minds with truth. Truth is the light that chases away the darkness and hushes the lies.

There is a story behind the picture I used in this piece. We were traveling through Nevada and a major lightning storm raged over head. There were times the rain pelted our windshield so ferociously that our wipers had a hard time keeping it clear, making it nearly impossible to see the road. But as quickly as the storm came up, it passed.  

And so it is with life.  Sometimes the storms of adversity will come up suddenly and rage against us, making us feel as though every attempt to see the pathway clearly is being hidden. Don't despair. God is still in control. Take a breath and fix Your focus firmly on Him.  He will guide you safely through.

Don't let the distractions keep you from completing the task He has for you.

His plans are perfect.

His timing is impeccable.

He is trustworthy.

Press on in confidence.

Living water

Lately I have been feeling the strain of living in an area where rain is scarce. The irrigated dessert just doesn't have as many rivers and lakes as I would like, and the ocean is two plus hours away. The heat of summer and the dry conditions make me feel cranky and agitated.  I love being around water and seeing how green it makes things in the summer in the areas where it is allowed to flow freely. Being on a well, or in an area where there are water restrictions limits one though.
How grateful I am that God has supplied living water for my soul through Jesus Christ.
Before I sat to write this I had to take time with my Savior to refresh my parched spirit. Things of this world and the  summer heat had begun to dedehydrate me spiritually and I could feel the drying wind blow on my soul. I quickly ran to the place where I knew I would find comfort and refreshment.
The river of grace is a continual stream flowing freely from the throne of God and always restores the one who seeks refuge there.
The world's system is a constant drain on the people who dwell here. We must remember to take adequate time in the waterfall of grace so that we can effectively minister to those who thirst for truth.
May each of us drink deeply of the living water that Jesus supplies and look for those who are dying of thirst so we might show them the way to the place of eternal refreshment.

"Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water syringing up into everlasting life." ~Jesus as recorded in John 4:14

Be steadfast in faith

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." 1 Peter 5:8,9

The enemy knew it was only a matter of time, and his time was short.  He didn't mind waiting for the right moment though; the children were becoming complacent.

He had watched as the littlest among them had been trying to keep the others awake and watchful, but her efforts were beginning to seem futile. He would prowl the perimeters and wait.

A low growl escaped one of his helpers.

"Silence!"  he hissed. "They mustn't hear. They must not suspect our presence."

The children yawned and stretched. The sun was warm and their bellies were full. Life seemed complete.

The littlest started to whimper again, something about feeling danger. She thought she'd heard a growl. The others gazed in her direction lazily.

"Don't be such a silly, frightened little thing."  the oldest and laziest chided her. "It's probably just your stomach. You've hardly eaten a thing.  Isn't it to your liking?" he teased her sarcastically while reaching for another handful.

"No! No, it's not that" she argued. "It's not my stomach.  I've eaten, although I won't take more. It makes me tired.  I heard something though.  Listen!!" she implored the others, leaning forward, straining to hear.

But her warning fell on ears that refused to hear.

On the fringes, the enemy lay low.

Silent.

Waiting.

Ready to devour his prey.

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I wrote the piece above several years ago, but it seems even more appropriate today as I watch the world unravel into greater images of insanity of man's inhumanity to man. It makes my heart sad and deepens my commitment to pray for the young people of this generation.

What a sweet blessing to receive a picture from my dear friend Rhonda Stoppe ( #noregretswoman #momsraisingsonstobeen ) that she'd taken at the camp where she and her husband spoke this past weekend. In it there are six young boys on their knees praying for their families, their friends, their future.

Our future.

I cannot begin to express to you the pure joy and comfort her picture brought to my soul. It speaks volumes.

Not only are these boys praying, but they are young boys.  None of them are yet in their teens, yet their hearts are already burdened to pray for others. 

What a beautiful sight and so desperately needed for this generation.

I am so glad to know there are young men and young women who are taking up the banner for Christ and interceding in prayer on behalf of others.  As the world continues its spiral into the future, they are going to need to be well versed in God's word and fully equipped with the full armor.

Each of us need to take the battle seriously. This world is not our home.

Have you girded yourself for battle?

Are you steadfastly and diligently watching for signs of the enemy and fervently resisting him?

Don't become complacent.

The battle is real.

And the best place to fight it is on our knees in prayer seeking God's will.

May He guide, guard and protect us all.  To Him be all glory and praise.