got trouble?

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

- Psalm 34:19

Brace yourself – the next few words you read may just freak you out!

Life. Is. Not. Perfect.

That’s it.

We all have troubles, but for real – you can let your troubles define you, or you can stand in the face of adversity and say “not today, satan!!”

Song reference!

I lost my keys in the great unknown

And call me please 'cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

Forty-five in a thirty-five

Sirens and fines while I'm running behind

Whoa

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

To break me of impatience

Conquer my frustrations

I've got a new appreciation

It's not the end of the world

Oh Oh Oh

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff

Someone save me

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

Oh oh oh oh

This is the stuff You use

Some of the most devout people I know have troubles.

Some people have lived every minute of their life, breathed every breath for Jesus, yet they have trouble.

If those people have trouble why on earth would you think that you would not?

Let God define you, be built up by His words, and know that you are loved by a King.

A King protects His people, and God will protect you.

finish the race

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

- Acts 20:24

Over the years, I have heard many variations of the term “rat race”, from joining the rat race to escaping the rat race.

I always thought it just meant getting up and going to work every day until retirement, but when I googled it I found it to be a little deeper.

Wikipedia says A rat race is an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit. The phrase equates humans to rats attempting to earn a reward such as cheese, in vain. It may also refer to a competitive struggle to get ahead financially or routinely.

Urban dictionary defines rat race as a term used to describe a frustrating, hard-to-break financial lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that is lived by countless people, oblivious to the very nature of it, to a degree that even when called upon, vehemently deny it.

Have you ever wondered if we are in a rat race to find salvation?

Earlier in Acts chapter 20, Paul is telling us that he is going to Jerusalem, knowing that he may go to prison.

In fact, Paul went to several prisons over the course of his life, because he was testifying about his God.

What is your life, if you don’t share the Gospel?

What might come of you if you don’t stand for what you believe?

Someday, someone may look at all these words I write since I started sharing my email/blog, and I may be arrested – it happens in other countries and I fear it will happen here someday too.

But . . .

If my words, caused one life to turn to Jesus, than it was worth it.

Jesus gave His life for you, would you give your life for Him?

don't give up

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Sometimes life is overwhelming.

It often feels like everything that can go wrong will.

I have some friends that are facing crazy challenges right now, challenges that have the possibility of tearing them down completely.

But they are not letting the challenges stop them, their faith is inspiring.

One friend just keeps pushing back, every time something tries to pull her down, she fights back.

I want to be as strong as these friends.

The strength they get from their faith in the Father.

I’m telling my friends that they’ve got this, but in reality, it’s God who has this – He is the one helping them fight.

I don’t know about you, but when I need someone in my corner, I want it to be Him.  

uplifting

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.

- Psalm 40:2-3

When you hit rock bottom the only place you can go is up.

That is a very old saying, I tried to Google the origins, but there are a lot of people that claim it is one variation or another.

I’ve been in some pretty low places in my life, some were worse than others, but one thing held firm through everything – God.

Even when I didn’t want Him to, He was holding me.

Even when I didn’t acknowledge Him, He was there.

When I was scared.

When I was alone.

When I had no where to turn, my God was always there.

The other day, a sweet friend was having a pretty yucky day, she posted on facebook that she was so grumpy that she was grumpy about being grumpy.

Things were going pretty badly that day, even her computer refused to cooperate.

In an effort to cheer her, I told her that it could be worse, she could have dumped coffee on her keyboard and fried the computer, or she could have dropped the computer and shattered the screen.

Or, she could have been sleepwalking and shaved half her head (she has gorgeous hair).

After reading that, she laughed and thanked me for keeping things in perspective.

But for real – rock bottom is rock bottom, and God can and will help you find your way back up.

Let me know if I can help you find Him.

I’ve stumbled

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

- Psalm 37: 23-24

I am not perfect, and if my children happen to be reading this, then yes, I just admitted out loud and in public – I am far from perfect.

I have fallen so many times, I have broken God’s rules more often than I care to admit.

But you know what?

He always welcomes me back with open arms.

Here is an oldie but goodie song reference:

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

What if I stumble?
What if I fall?

Is this one for the people?
Is this one for the Lord?
Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains
Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame

Cause I see the trust in their eyes
Though the sky is falling
They need Your love in their lives
Compromise is calling

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?

Father please forgive me for I can not compose
The fear that lives within me
Or the rate at which it grows
If struggle has a purpose
On the narrow road you've carved
Why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar

Do they see the fear in my eyes?
Are they so revealing?
This time I cannot disguise
All the doubt I'm feeling

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble?
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that
You're up against a wall, it's about to fall
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that (2x)

I hear You whispering my name [You say]
"My love for You will never change" [never change]

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You are my comfort, and my God

Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?

Even if you did not recognize the song, you can still pull the meaning from the words.

In a world where we have so much adversity, it is good to know that God is on our side, even when we fail.

chains

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

- Titus 3:5

We are supposed to do good things, to care about others and lift each other up, not tear each other down.

When push comes to shove, it isn’t about what we do, because I guarantee you that each and every one of us fall short.

It is about God, it is always about God.

He is the One true King, the One that loves us so much that He forgives us when we are just plain dumb.

He takes away our pain because He has mercy for His children.

He is a chain breaker.

Song reference!

If you've been walking the same old road for miles and miles

If you've been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies

If you're trying to feel the same old holes inside

There's a better life

There's a better life

If you've got pain

He's a pain taker

If you feel lost

He's a way maker

If you need freedom or saving

He's a prison-shaking Savior

If you've got chains

He's a chain breaker

We've all search for the light of day in the dead of night

We've all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight

We've all run to things we know just ain't right

And there's a better life

There's a better life

If you've got pain

He's a pain taker

If you feel lost

He's a way maker

If you need freedom or saving

He's a prison-shaking Savior

If you've got chains

He's a chain breaker

If you believe it

If you receive it

If you can feel it

Somebody testify, testify

How can someone loves us that much?

He is willing to break your chains, to take away your pain and to set your feet on the right path.

Won’t you turn to Him?  

where do you turn?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

– Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength.

Those are pretty powerful words, and of course the come with a song reference!

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name

Taking my sin my cross my shame
Rising again I bless your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down you pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name

The world today is full of hate and anger.

People are fighting with people they don’t even know because they have a difference of opinion.

Humanity is giving way to evil, and God is our only hope.

Don’t turn your back on the One that will save you.

renewal

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

First, I apologize to my readers for being absent last week.  I was really good about posting to my blog every day while I was on vacation and when I came back from vacation WHOOSH – the real world came crashing in.

Vacation is supposed to be about relaxing, resting, regenerating.

Sometimes, the stress of every day life can be too much, work, home, kids, and we just need to get away.

We need to get back to the real Church.

Song reference – this one is newer, I heard it for the first time last week and it hit me in the feels.

There was a time that I swore I would never go back

I was blind to the truth, didn't know what I had

I was running, I was searching

But every place I turned for healing

Left me more broken than the last

Take me back

To the place that feels like home

To the people I can depend on

To the faith that's in my bones

Take me back

To a preacher and a verse

Where they've seen me at my worst

To the love I had at first

Oh, I want to go to church

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost

Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross

It's not a trophy for the winners

It's a shelter for the sinners

And it's right where I belong

Take me back

To the place that feels like home

To the people I can depend on

To the faith that's in my bones

Take me back

To a preacher and a verse

Where they've seen me at my worst

To the love I had at first

Oh, I want to go to church

I want to go to church

Oh, more than an obligation

It's our foundation

The family of God

I know it's hard

But we need each other

We're sisters and brothers

Oh, take me back

To the place that feels like home

To the people I can depend on

To the faith that's in my bones

Take me back

To a preacher and a verse

Where they've seen me at my worst

To the love I had at first

Oh, I want to go to church

Yeah, I want to go to church

Oh, I want to go, want to go, I want to go

Oh, I want to go to church

Oh, I want to go to church

In reality, the only renewal we need is that which we are given from the Father.

Everything that we deal with on a day to day basis is temporary, these things will go away.

God is eternal.

Rest in Him.

Lyrics are to the song “Church” by Cochran & Co. I encourage you to find the official video on youtube and give it a listen.

do you have an idol?

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them

- Exodus 20:4-5

I’d like to say that I don’t put anything before God. 

But I’m ashamed to say that I’m not sure that is 100% true.

I certainly don’t have a golden calf (or cat) that I pray to daily, current idols are quiet a bit more subtle than they were in the days of Exodus. 

The definition of “idol” is a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.

People, possessions, status, these are all examples of idolatry today. 

Be careful about worshipping these things, they are false gods. 

Instead focus on the one true God. 

Seek Him in all situations, happy or sad. 

When you seek God over the world’s idols, His peace will fill you. 

Those other things may come in time, but even then they are temporary. 

God’s love is forever. 

It’s not a secret

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
- Matthew 5:15

When something good happens, do you keep it to yourself, or do you post it on Facebook for the world to see? 
You want everyone to know so they can share your joy, right? 
Song reference!!
You're everything we could ever want
You're everything we could ever need
You're the reason we're coming here 
You're the reason we're gonna sing
We'll shout it out loud
From a rooftop
We won't be quiet
We've fallen for You hard 
And we can't stop
We won't deny it
I won’t be quiet - God is amazing!!! 

who is my friend?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
- John 15:13-15

Friendship takes on many forms. 
There are the passing friendships you create when you meet someone a few times, but you wouldn’t ask those friends to help you in a serious situation. 
There are the friends from long ago, the ones that have moved away or you’ve just lost contact, but when you find each other on social media it’s a happy reunion. 
There are the friends that you talk with regularly, make plans and enjoy each other’s company.
There are the deep friendships, those that you would not think of making a life changing decision without first consulting them, hopefully your spouse is in this category and if not, make it happen!
There is no friendship greater than the friendship you have with God. 
He is the One you should turn to with all you life happenings- the good, the bad, the ugly. 
He will never turn from you in disgust, He will hold you when you cry and rejoice with you in your triumphs. 
I am a friend of God. 
Are you? 

Separation

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 8:38-39

There are so many things we can take from this verse.
Today, I want to focus on two things: thankfulness and trust.  
Thankfulness: always, no matter what your circumstances, be thankful.
No matter how down you feel, things could be worse, and there is always someone that is facing more difficultly, more trials. 
You are not alone, ever. 
Be thankful. 
Trust: you will never be in control of your life circumstances, but if you fully trust in Him you will find yourself more relaxed, more at peace. 
Oddly enough, this verse says nothing about thankfulness or trust. 
Read it again. 
Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. 
In this be thankful and trust that He will keep you safe. 

Comfort

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- John 14:27

Life can be pretty stressful at times, problems can be many and overwhelming. 
Where do you turn? 
On whom do you lean? 
Some people look for peace in their friends or family, they immerse themselves in their work. 
But they don’t find peace there. 
Jesus is the peace you seek.
Song reference!

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world

Just give me Jesus

When I am alone

When I am alone

Oh, when I am alone

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world

Just give me Jesus

Jesus

Give me Jesus

When I come to die

When I come to die

Oh, when I come to die

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world

Just give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world

You can have all this world

You can have all this world

Just give me Jesus

Jesus

All you have to do is trust Him. 

Only Jesus can give real pace and comfort.

Only Jesus can take away fear. 

What are you waiting for?

Turn to Jesus. 

Time to rest

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- Matthew 11:28

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been going pretty much non-stop for about three months now.
Between work, board meetings, volunteer events, raising money for charity (CMNH), church events and family fun, I haven’t had a day to just be. 
Song reference!!
Alarm clock screaming bare feet hit the floor
It's off to the races everybody out the door
I'm feeling like I'm falling behind, it's a crazy life
Ninety miles an hour going fast as I can
Trying to push a little harder trying to get the upper hand
So much to do in so little time, it's a crazy life
It’s ready, set, go it's another wild day
When the stress is on the rise in my heart I feel you say just
Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to just breathe
Third cup of joe just to get me through the day
Want to make the most of time but I feel it slip away
I wonder if there's something more to this crazy life
I’m busy, busy, busy, and it's no surprise to see
That I only have time for me, me, me
There’s gotta be something more to this crazy life
I’m hanging on tight to another wild day
When it starts to fall apart in my heart I hear you say just
Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe (just breathe)
let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what's good and find what's best
Just breathe (just breathe)
Just breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to just breathe
Just breathe
I’m ready for a break, to just be. 
I’m so thankful that the Father gives me the rest I need. 
Have a blessed day. 

Happy Independence Day!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

- John 8:36

Another song reference, and it may not make sense at first but as you read through it (or sing it in your head), it will all come together:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love,
Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love,
Amazing grace

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love,
Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine

I am not sure how much clearer this can be – through His amazing grace, all of our chains are broken, we are free.

The chains of sin, the chains of slavery to “things”, the chains of hate, the chains of despair, the chains of sorrow.

We come broken to Him, shackled and held back by our chains (that is another song), but His love, His sacrifice has set us free.

Let me say that once more:

Through His amazing grace, all of our chains are broken, we are free.

freedom does not cover evil

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom to cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

- 1 Peter 2:16

Just because you have a voice, does not mean that you should speak.

Just because you have arms, does not mean that you should fight.

Just because you have ears, does not mean you can hear.

Just because you have eyes, does not mean that you truly see.  

Just because you have been given freedom, does not mean that you have the right to take freedom away from others.

We are given freedom, but we are expected to live as servants of God.

This means speaking His word, and standing up for those who cannot speak.

This means not fighting against each other, but fighting for those who cannot fight, fighting with those who struggle against the evils of this world.

This means listening to His word, and hearing others cry for help.

This means seeing when He shows you where you can make a difference.

Live free, live as a servant to the one true King.

free & confident

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

- Ephesians 3:12

I simply cannot let this week go without this song reference:

Through You the blind will see
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise
Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart screams
You are free
I am free to run
(I am free to run)
I am free to dance
(I am free to dance)
I am free to live for You
(I am free to live for You)
I am free
(I am free)

Everywhere we go, we need permission to do certain things, we do not, however, need permission to enter the throne room of our King.

We are free to bring Him every worry, every fear, every joy that we have, and all He asks in return is that we serve Him.

I am not talking serve Him like the wait staff at your favorite restaurant, I am talking about serving Him by putting aside your own wants and needs and truly doing His work.

This week as we celebrate the freedom of being in the good ol’ USA, remember that true freedom starts with Him.