IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE

For the past six months, I've been on a boat in the middle of the sea....with Jesus, Son of the Living God.

He invited me there. I stepped out in faith, out of my comfort zone, into uncharted waters. Reluctantly. In submission to His will. Not my choice but His. Surrounded by uncertainty (to some degree). Waiting....

My sea has not been one of glass just yet. Still some waves crashing on the sides now and then. The wind was still, quiet sometimes, leaving us a drift which left me wondering a bit. Nonetheless, I remained in the boat as I know it is not time to get out of the boat just yet.

God has been faithful, during this quiet time, in providing blessings along the way to bring me peace and focus while I wait. He has given me an abundance of opportunity to spend time with Him in prayer, in fasting, in study and in fellowship.

Sailing was relatively smooth until January. Then I was hit by a very unexpected storm. It built slowly but, in a matter of days, it became a hurricane!

I came down with pneumonia. A very serious case of pneumonia. So much so that I became hospitalized. First time ever!

At first, the doctors weren't sure it was pneumonia. The antibiotics didn't appear to be effective. I was poked with way too many needles, hooked up to a symphony of noisy machines, exposed to too many gamma rays (my husband tells me I don't yet glow in the dark) and had a thermometer stuck in my mouth more times in a week than I did a fork! A good night's sleep was reduced to multiple catnaps during the course of a 24 hour period. A shower consisted of dry soap used in the important areas; the rest of me had to wait for a week for the kind of soap you use with water. Not the hotel of my choosing!

My heart missed my family. I missed my own bed, my own pillow, my shower and my kitchen. The thought of death did cross my mind (as people do die from pneumonia)......

......but only for a moment! All those weeks of abiding in Him were beginning to bear fruit! From the first moment in the doctor's office, into the ER, and once admitted. In an instant. I did not recognize myself.......because it wasn't me, it was the power of His Spirit.

My normal questioning, anticipating-the-worst self took a hiatus! No feelings of stress or panic. I surrendered to His will at that moment and became transformed. I had peace, I was calm. My eyes were on Him. I was truly in the eye of the storm! I heard Him speaking to me in chaos and through circumstances, saw Him in the people who came to visit me, those who helped with meals for my family, and helped out with home schooling. I sensed His love and saw His provision.

   It is not that I am looking for a gift. 

No, I want to see that you receive the fruit that increases to your benefit.  

 I have been paid in full and have more than enough. 

I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.   

And my God will fully supply your every need 

according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus.   

Glory belongs to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. 

Phillipians 4:17-20

And, I became empowered through His Spirit to minister to others. I took my focus off of my pain and struggle, focusing instead upon others in the hospital. I took personal interest in almost everyone who I came in contact with during my stay. Even when they were sticking me with needles, giving me treatments, or taking me to the X-ray lab in a wheelchair. Despite my illness, my mind and heart had the energy to touch the lives of others. By His provision. By His grace.

The joy it brought me to be used in this way by God is indescribable. The sense of purpose in Him was magnified in me. Through it all, He was glorified!

Our gracious Lord took a stressful, unpleasant experience and truly used it for good and for His glory. I am healed physically by His hand as I did most of my recovery at home without antibiotics. I am healed spiritually by His power within me as I yielded to His sovereignty, His authority, and died a spiritual death to self in that moment. Thy will be done.

 Jeremiah said, “They won’t turn you over. Obey the Lord 

in what I’m telling you, and it will go well for you and you will live.   

But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the Lord has shown me:  

Look, all the women who are left in the house of the king of Judah 

will be brought out to the officers of the king of Babylon, and will say,

‘These friends of yours have mislead you
    and overcome you.
Your feet have sunk down into the mire,
    but they have turned away.’

Jeremiah 38:20-22

No struggle, no questioning, just obedience. In turn, He empowered me to touch lives, to bring light, to speak life into others. To be a light in a dark world, in a place filled with stress and suffering. Even when my own circumstances had dark possibilities. Therein lies the beauty of His provision. He knew the hurricane was coming and He prepared me for it during those months of quiet. He prepared me to survive it, to overcome, and to serve Him.  Not just through submission. Through surrender. This time it was my choice! He showed me the way....

I'm still in the boat riding the wind and the waves with my Savior. It is still not time to step out onto the water just yet. My hospital experience was a test run. My strength comes from my God alone. And, the victory belongs to Jesus!

CAVE DWELLER

The cave. Cool. Dark. Sheltered. Protected.

Are you a cave dweller?  I've been known to be.

I go there when I need to unplug. I go there to decompress. I go there when I don't know where else to go. When I am fearful or discouraged. I go there to meditate. I go there in times of trouble--to self medicate, to lick my wounds, take time to heal.

Even Elijah fled from those who thought wrongly of him and sought to kill him.  Even Elijah, an ordinary man yet extraordinarily used by God, was discouraged, cried out to God and hid when he felt persecuted, uncertain and afraid.

"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,  while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”  Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep." 

1 Kings 19:3-5

Even Elijah, a true man of God, took shelter in a cave.

^"The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.  There he went into a cave and spent the night." 1 Kings 19:6-8

The beauty of it is that God is in the cave. God hears our cry. He knows our heart. God understands our need to be a cave dweller sometimes.  To go somewhere cool, quiet, and safe. He knows we will run, hide and seek solace. He knows we need that time to pray, ponder and regroup. And, He is there waiting to provide.

 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  1 Kings 19:9-13

It is there in the cave that we find Him. It is there in the cave we draw close. Then He comes to refresh, restore and renew. He breathes His life back into us as we seek His face, listen for His still small voice. He reassures us of His presence, His purpose and ours in Him. Just as Elijah.

The cave serves a purpose but only for awhile. Eventually we must emerge. With Him, His mercies are new every morning; He makes ALL things new. He is a God of second chances.

"They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,  but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen! " Luke 24:2-7

He goes before us. We emerge from the cave with a renewed sense of His grace, His strength and His mercy. We emerge with a new sense of life, vision and purpose. The world and our walk with Him look a little different.  We look a little different. Our spirit is nourished and healed. Our confidence is restored. There is understanding, surrender and peace.

The cave is there when we need it. When we need to be transformed. We will visit it as often as He guides us there. For a time. And, He is always there waiting........

Flex Those Muscles!

The Physical

Exercise... Ugh!  Most of us dread it, few of us love it, even fewer of us are exercise enthusiasts.

I have several reason for wanting/needing to exercise at least three to four times per week: 1) overall health and well being; 2) weight maintenance; and, more importantly,  3) my muscular disability. So, yes, like it or not I struggle with the daily debate as to whether or not to exercise. Conflicted? Admittedly so! 

Nonetheless, I walk for exercise with occasional light weightlifting. It gives me good toning and cardio with minimum stress on my bones and muscles. Most days, I do so on my treadmill as it is safer with my disability. Occasionally, I will wander outdoors for a walk in the neighborhood.

Walking is different now, without my medication, as I have to be much more agile, alert, and aware.  Agile enough to step lightly and fairly quickly especially crossing streets. (I am anything but quick with stiff, contracted muscles.)  Alert enough to be aware of dogs, obstacles and traffic. Aware of my surroundings in order to navigate the best route on streets and sidewalks. Constant vigilance.

The Spiritual

 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 physical struggle got me thinking about the spiritual struggle. The seen and the unseen. I can hear cars coming. I can see obstacles in my way. The sidewalk beneath my feet guides me along the way.  I stop, look and listen. I take care, I prepare.

But, do I recognize the signs of danger in my spiritual walk or notice 

the obstacles distancing me from God?

Do I take care in being vigilant in preparation to face the spiritual battle that is swirling around me? The battle for my thoughts, my heart, my future? Do I recognize temptations when they are staring at me, the lies of the evil one trying to discourage me from my purpose,  the discord being sewn in my relationships that are impeding my relationship with Him? Do I put my armor on every moment of every day to fight the battle of the unseen?

Agile, Alert, Aware.

Prepared.

Exercise is certainly not my first choice in how to spend those precious moments each day.  I set aside time to eat, work, play and, sometimes, exercise this hunk of flesh. But do I exercise my physical AND spiritual muscles each day? Do I offer a sacrifice of time to Him Who has given me the gift of life eternal?

I am versed in His Word? Is it a priority for me?

Do I know where to look for the true source of strength, peace, love, help, encouragement, 

reassurance and hope when I need it? 

Do I get on my knees, humble myself and spend time with Him 

every day seeking His wisdom as my own? Is it a necessity to me?

Am I truly aware of my own weaknesses and gaps in my armor and how to heal the wounds?

Do I recognize where or when attacks may happen and how to act by the power of His Spirit?

Do I know how to recognize and deflect slings, arrows, and fiery darts of the enemy 

through His Word?

Do I listen to His voice to guide and look for His light 

on my path rather than rely on my own wisdom?

Do I exercise my spiritual muscles every day or just wait until there is a crisis?

Agile, Alert, Aware.

Prepared.

Constant vigilance. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

I definitely want those tools in my tool box!  They impart wisdom, discernment and action (rather than reaction) in times of confusion, discouragement, and tragedy. He is my strength and my shield. My armor. My guide. 

 

He is worth the time and so am I because I am His.  I will continue to give Him the sacrifice in time for the maintenance of this physical tabernacle as it is home to His Spirit as He lives in me.  And, I will give more sacrifice in time to those spiritual muscles as He also lives through me!

 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11

 

Exactly Where He Wants Me

I have a muscular disorder. Unfortunate but true. I was born with it. My voluntary muscles contract involuntarily at various times, from head to toe, and stay contracted for extended periods of time causing stiffness, tightness, and some pain and discomfort.  I also experience muscle spasms, charlie horses, and occasional panic attacks when in open spaces.

Medication was prescribed when I was nine years old after multiple visits to various specialists to ascertain exactly what was wrong.  Once discovered, my parents eagerly rushed off to fill the prescription to alleviate their anxieties and free me from my physical bondage. The medication served me well until I stopped taking it due to pregnancy. I subsequently found out about the damage it was doing to some of my internal systems--adrenals, thyroid, liver--as well as my night vision and my heart.  Needless to say, the meds went 'out the window'.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

So, I've 'stepped out' in faith. Spiritually and physically.

Been med free for six and half years now. I pray for His healing every day, crying out "Abba, Father". I won't lie to you.... It isn't easy.  I often long for the bygone days of running up a flight of stairs like a 'normal' person, going hiking up hills and down ravines, and attempting to pick up a pen or coffee cup without my hand being unable to grip until the muscles warm up a bit. Just walking across a shopping center parking lot is a challenge.

But, that is exactly where He wants me.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I know what your thinking... These verses apply primarily to spiritual bondage and weakness. And, you are right. However, I know that these physical symptoms can manifest themselves in spiritual ways.  I must remember that I can do all things, that He has set me free, and He is magnified each day as He gives me strength and confidence.  As He provides assistance, reassurance and encouragement through people. It becomes an intense spiritual struggle if I focus on my limitations and take my eyes off of Christ Who strengthens me. If I focus on the 'cannot', I am in spiritual bondage. If I only give credence to my perceived areas of strength, I am limiting my relationship with Him and His ability to do a work in and through me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Because of Him, I am not fearful of the challenges I face physically each day thus breaking any chains and snares that lie in wait. He truly gives me what I need for that day. I am confident He will provide. I am fully dependent upon Him for my strength to push through each day thus He is magnified in my weakness.  If He calls me to do more, I know He will equip me! I am EXACTLY where He wants me to be. Fully surrendered!

In fact, all of us who struggle with infirmities of any sort, challenges, and/or differences that interfere or impede a 'normal' course of living are at an advantage. Of course, the rest of the world doesn't see it as such; we are weak, inferior, and/or incapable. Yet, WE step out of 'the comfort zone.' We become stronger, braver, more confident in who we are in Him because of our perceived inferiority. We gain a greater understanding of His love for us and His suffering.  There we find power. We conquer. We break the ties that bind. Again, we have the victory! And, to Him be ALL the glory!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

PROVIDENCE, PROVISION , POWER and PRAYER

One of my top ten stories in His Word is the story of King Hezekiah and Jerusalem's triumph over the Assyrians! Though it is full of kings, armies, contenders and mighty men of valor, I stand in awe of just one thing.  The power behind the heart and prayer of Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah as they prayed for his kingdom and his people!

Making a very eloquent, pointed and wicked speech delivered in Hebrew outside the walls of Jerusalem via his commander, the king of Assyria made it clear they were about to destroy everything Hezekiah held dear. (2 Kings 18:28-35)  Yet, rather than assemble his armies and fortify his walls as would most in his position, Hezekiah sought counsel from the man of God and bowed low before his Creator.

Annals of Sennacherib

King Hezekiah sought the Lord through wise counsel:

So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah.  And Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”’” 2 Kings 19:5-7

King Hezekiah sought the Lord through prayer and humility:

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: “O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.  Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.  Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.” 2 Kings 19:14-19

And God answered:

“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria:

‘He shall not come into this city,
Nor shoot an arrow there,
Nor come before it with shield,
Nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came,
By the same shall he return;
And he shall not come into this city,’
Says the Lord.‘For I will defend this city, to save itFor My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’” 2 Kings 19:32-34

Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven.  Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. And when he had gone into the temple of his god, some of his own offspring struck him down with the sword there.  Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.  And many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter. 2 Chron 32:20-23

 

Hezekiah sought the Lord with all his mind, heart, soul and strength.

God answered.

I am deeply moved by the humility and surrender Hezekiah displayed as he petitioned the King of the Universe. I amazed at his unfailing trust in the Lord as he faced what seemed impossible to overcome. Unlike so many others before him, Hezekiah looked up and remained steadfast in the face of tremendous obstacles. And, he knew that his people were looking to him.  And, God was watching.

Hezekiah sought the Lord for wisdom, with humility, surrender, trust, and faith. On bended knee.

Was there power in the prayer?  No, not in the prayer itself but in the heart and character behind it. Was there purpose in the prayer? Yes, by His will and His providence, God elected to deliver Judah for His name's sake. He provided a way out of a hopeless situation to bring glory to Him alone. In front of all nations, in witness to all those that called themselves by His name.

God answered Hezekiah with favor, love and deliverance.

Is there power in your prayers....?  As we pray, may we remember to come to Him penitent, to humble ourselves and bring ourselves in line with His perfect will.  May we seek wise counsel and His counsel most of all. May we give testimony through every answered prayer as to His providence, provision and power.

To Him be the glory!

SING A NEW SONG

Brutus, our sweet canary, had a bit of a mishap about three months ago. As is customary every few months, we took him to the bird boutique to get his toe nails clipped. The woman behind the counter was a bit rough in handling him; she tweaked his wing. Brutus was very still and quiet all the way home and upon being returned to his cage. We discovered he couldn't fly, only hop and flutter a bit. In short, Brutus had a dislocated wing. So, a week and half and a couple of vet visits later, Brutus can fly a bit but mostly sits alone in his cage, taking it day by day, just waiting. Waiting to get better, waiting to heal. With no song in his heart or on his tongue. I missed his songs. (We had quite the morning repertoire going, he and I.) That is what canaries do best. They sing the most beautiful songs…

I've had much spiritual growth over the years but, in recent months, times have been most difficult. A lot of dying to self and unlearning habits, confronting my past and the hurts that lie there, seeking to understand, accept and live His love and grace more fully and trying to find myself for who He made me to be. A LOT of pain, some darkness. A LOT of wrestling with my flesh. A LOT of being alone in my cage waiting to get better, to be healed. Trying to find the joy despite the circumstance with no fear. Waiting on Him. Praying for wisdom and revelation. Waiting for my song, my true song, to find its way back into my heart so I can fly again.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor 5:17

It has been worth the wait! I've turned the corner and am becoming a conqueror by Christ Who strengthens me.  I am once again becoming a new creation in Him.  I am healing. I am seeing things with new eyes, His eyes, and thinking more with the mind of Christ. I am singing a new song: a song of joy in the suffering, a song of hope in the waiting, and song of thanksgiving to the One Who is Faithful and True and the blessings He provides to those who seek Him diligently.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

Hebrews 11:6

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. Psalm 98:1

He IS there. He is listening. He is watching. He is waiting. He is Love. He is Light. He is Life. He makes all things new including you. If you are yielded, He can truly do a marvelous work in YOU.

He has increased my faith. He has been victorious! Certainly He has yet more work to do in this heart; however, I face whatever comes stronger than before. By the way, Brutus is singing a new song again, too.  Beautiful as ever. And, he is a new creation learning to cope with limited flying abilities and he is doing just fine.....

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

STAND OUT IN THE CROWD

When circumstances allow, I love to take walks around my little neighborhood to feel the sun on my face, the wind swirling around me, stretch my limbs and get my heart pumping a bit.  (It also serves to remind me of the endlessness and timelessness of our Creator.) The neighborhood overlooks a deep, wide canyon and maintains glorious views of the surrounding hills mountains.  These walks often refresh and strengthen my mind, body and spirit as I use them as exercise in a spiritual sense as well as  physically.


One winter's day not too long ago, I decided to venture out for a few minutes to recharge my batteries (which often need recharging!). On this particularly bright day, I was struck as to how barren the trees were that lined my path.  Though it was getting close to the first day of spring, not a bud was sprouting on most of the limbs.  They appeared strangely stark (you know, that dullish brown twiggy look) against the clear brilliant blue of the sky.  It was almost as if they didn't realize what time of year was approaching and needed a jump start.

Then I saw it. In the distance, a flash of color caught my eye. I kept walking. I kept gazing through the dullness of the other branches looking for the source of the bright color.  Slowly it came into view.  It was a tree that was fully in bloom!  It had buds, it had blossoms, it had leaves!  The sunlight played off of the fuchsia colored blossoms making it look as though the tree were almost on fire!

It stood out in the crowd. This tree didn't blend in like the others. And, it was beautiful. It was spectacular. Somehow, out of the hard ground and with the scarcity of sunlight in winter, this tree found its inward beauty and displayed it for all to see. It dug its roots deep into the earth and found the nutrients it needed for that moment.  It stretched its limbs upward as far as it could gathering as much daylight as was available to fuel its wonderful colors. It took what it could find and used them gloriously. The other trees and bushes simply blended into the landscape in a monotone of color and shape.

It occurred to me that as I walk this journey through life, I should be as vibrant as the tree. I should stand out in the crowd. I should be different than all the others. Not because of the external but the internal. Not of the flesh but of the spirit. Not because of the world but because of Christ living in me and the power of His Spirit!

1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

How we strive to be different in our society yet all end up being the same! Same clothes, same jewelry, same homes, same cars.  Same schools, same sports, same careers. We all 'want' what the other has already and continually strive to make it so. We busy ourselves with comparing ourselves with others.  We define our success in terms of the tangible, worldly standards even though they are temporary, fading, and change moment by moment.

Our loving God did not create us all the same; He created us with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose in the life to glorify Him.  Yet we squelch our uniqueness and Him in an attempt to 'fit in', to be 'accepted', to be 'popular', to be 'cool', to be 'rich' and define ourselves in comparison to others. And, we always seem to fall short of the mark, don't we? We use worldly standards rather than the divine with which there is no limit.  We prefer the comfort of measuring our 'success' in terms of what we have, what we wear and what we do rather than who we are and what we can do for others and for Him

Romans 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We should glow with His light and His glory from within. We should seize the opportunity to be unique in our purpose in order to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us seeking it in all its fullness. We should dig our roots deep into His Word daily and bathe in His life-giving water.  We should stretch our limbs upward in praise, in prayer, and in meditation continually seeking to know Him more and to bask in His life-giving light. We should find strength and hope in our dependance upon Him as He is unwavering. We should shine knowing our completeness and peace comes only from knowing Him and following where He leads.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

And, people should notice. People will notice.  They may not always like the difference or understand the difference but they will notice.  You may not be popular because of the difference.  You may not become famous or wealthy or be 'in style' because of the difference. Others may make fun of you because of the difference, not include you in their social circle, or invite you to go on vacation with them.  Your modesty, manners and unselfishness may be considered unbelievable or old fashioned!

John 15:19
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

And, alleluia! Your life will make sense.  You'll stop striving and start living. You will see things in a new light bringing new meaning for yourself and others.  Your success will be measured and stored for an eternal purpose. That purpose will mean more than anything in this world ever could.  You will dine with Him at His table. Oh, what a feast it will be!

And, someone will take notice of you, in the here and now.  Someone will notice the difference. You will stand out in the crowd.  That someone just might ask you why you are so different.  And, to Him, that someone makes all the difference!

I don't know about you, but I want to be just like that tree.....  Be radiant!



Psalm 20:4
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,And fulfill all your purpose.

Luke 4:43
but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”


Acts 26:16
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.