Presidential Elections: Kingdom Thinking

I originally posted the below article in July of 2016. I removed it when I was engaged with a ministry in which it was inappropriate to post articles referencing political themes. I am no longer involved with this ministry, and I was compelled to re-post it in light of the political climate of great division among believers regarding the near November presidential election. This article was originally titled this, and I would like to state the title at the beginning of your reading to set the focus on the invitation I believe He is extending to us in His heart and passion for us to be prepared for the future regardless of who is instated as President of the United States:

“WILL WE TRUST IN CHARIOTS & HORSES, OR WILL WE TRUST & BOAST IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD?”

Couple of weeks ago a friend asked me to reconsider my stance of not voting for either of the candidates. This was my response to his request. It is long, but I hope it explains why I believe as followers of Jesus we cannot vote for either. What will we do, will we trust in chariots and horses, or will we trust and boast in the name of our Lord, our God? (Psalm 1):

"I have thought once again about your position as I have heard many of my friends espouse the same view when I share about not being able to put my approval stamp on either Clinton or Trump. I need to remain consistent to how Jesus calls me to be as a witness to the world. Jesus never talks about being about this world’s kingdoms, but to be out and about engaging His Kingdom in the world, to be a light of Him in the world.

How can I state to an unbeliever that I approve of either? This whole idea about voting for the lesser evil is of man’s thinking and of this world’s thinking. It is not of our Lord’s thinking or of His Kingdom principles. When I say to an unbeliever that I cannot endorse either candidate because each so move in ways contrary to Christ, it is a beautiful witness to the unbeliever that God offers something different than what the world is offering. All unbelievers know in their hearts that the corrupted ways we are seeing and living in America is not a good way to live –they know this deep in their hearts because they were made in His image, and the Holy Spirit is always revealing this truth to their hearts. As a witness of Jesus I must pronounce the same to the world as a light unto our Lord, that He is the only source of rescue from the world’s darkness and madness.

The other issue that I strongly believe is this:
Jesus never talks to His followers about being at the king’s business, only about our Father’s business and about our Jesus’ passion to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10, Matt 4:19, Mark 1:17, Matt. 28:18-20) and He is the real King. We are to bring His Kingdom to others as true ambassadors of Christ who represent Him well. The disciples, after Jesus resurrected, and the early church never engaged in the politics of their time. Jesus asked them (and us today) to submit to the kings, to give them what is theirs, and we are commanded to love Him with all of our heart, to intimately know Him (“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” John 17:3) ,and to love others in how He defines what love IS.

If every person who professed they were a Christian would just engage the two greatest commandments (love Him and others) faithfully in each day, the world would look more like you refer to wanting. Government is never the answer to these needs and wants. We are to be about God’s Kingdom’s business, not at man’s kingdoms business. The enemy has distracted God’s people by getting them to think that they must engage mans’ kingdoms and be involved in man’s and king’s politics and governments, getting them to think that these man’s institutions are the answer. God never mentions in the NT anything about engaging the kings and governments except to honor them, submit to them, and that He has ordained kings (governments) to be His ministers of His justice (Rom 13:1-7). Many governments do not heed to His ordained call nor to His command to rule in His ways. All we have to do is look at Israel in the OT, and the judges in the Book of Judges to see how fickle man’s devotion to God is. They are not the answer, and never have been, or will be.

American politics have become so corrupt because the majority in this country have rejected God’s ways of living (even many who profess being followers of Jesus reject and refuse to live steadfast obedient lives to Christ). The only answer and rescue is Jesus and being about (engaging) His Kingdom business and principles and commandments. Voting for Clinton or Trump is NOT the answer. We can use this time to be an incredible witness to our unbelieving neighbors by sharing why we can’t vote for either, and sharing that Jesus and His ways are the Answer to all things.

I am not going to vote for either – and I am praying that God will extend His mercy to us -the church- in our failings unto Him, asking for His forgiveness that we have been a poor witness of Him to the world. That He would have mercy upon us (the church) and helps us to repent, and live lives that are steadfast obedient to Christ in every arena of our lives so that we will shine brighter and purer as His witnesses unto Him, unto His perfect love, justice, and ways; and unto His invitation that He truly is the only Source for all people, for all of their-our needs. No government, no person, no man solutions is the Answer, only He and His ways are! And He tells us many will turn away from Him, but there remains a remnant or the elect who will persevere – so let’s be praying that God will help us and help His elect to persevere, to remain true to Him and to His ways in all that we do.

I need to remain true to Him even regarding voting for candidates – and I cannot justify in any way (as I stand before Him as His ambassador on earth) by putting a stamp of approval (by voting) for either of the candidates. I must remain true to Him and to His ways.

These below Scriptural exhortations encourage us to not look to government or politics for His answers during this era of the end times which is unfolding before our eyes. There is no mention in these passages to engage the world with man’s kings and governments, but instead to engage the world in Christ and through His ways: 

2 Timothy 4:1-5
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Aren’t these above Scriptural verses such a lovely way to respond to what is going on? (I cannot and will not do anything willingly that will not glorify my Father - I believe in my heart: to condone my support for the lesser evil candidate is contrary to my precious Jesus, and does not bring glory to my dear Papa in heaven.) And again, the other ways to engage is to be steadfast faithful to Him regarding His two greatest commandments in each day (love Him and others in the ways He commands us).

For me, these behaviors of being obedient to our Jesus which are exhorted in these Scriptural passages brings much peace and comfort to my heart – the thought of voting for Clinton or Trump brings great unsettling and havoc to my heart.

What will you do, will you trust in chariots and horses, or will you trust and boast in the name of our Lord, our God? (Psalm 1)

Thanks for reading and considering all of what I wrote – I know I am repetitive with a couple of my stances, and that is probably to make clear where I stand in my commitment to the word of God, and in my passion to remain true to our Jesus and Father in heaven, in all that I do and say."

I welcome your responses to my thoughts.  You can post your responses below in the comment section, or email directly by going to our Contact link.

God bless you,

Lo

The Torn Veil

Today, I was in Mark, Chapters 14-16.  I was, once again, deeply touched when I read that the veil in the temple was torn upon the Lord’s death on the cross (Mark 15:8).  The idea and the reality that Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection reconciled the condition of humanity’s separation from God for eternity, and allowing for the capacity for humanity to bask in the full communion of and with God, always brings me to tears of great gratitude, praising Him!

I was also struck once again, how the disciples struggled with belief in who He says He is.  We watch throughout the four gospels how the disciples often moved in and out of belief, and how He never left them or rejected them in their unbelief.  In fact, He encouraged them and loved them back into believing that He truly is the One True God, the real Messiah, Whom they had been waiting for generations to come. 

We see how patient Jesus was with them in Mark 16. The disciples did not believe that He resurrected when Mary Magdalene (vs 9-11) and when two of them who were walking on a road (vs 12), told the others that Jesus appeared to them, that they had seen Him and He was alive.  In verse 14, He then appeared to all of them and reproached them for not believing the 3 who had told them that He had risen and was alive.

I then heard our Lord ask me, “Do you believe, wholeheartedly?” Before I could answer quickly, “Well, of course, I do, Lord,” He compelled me to think seriously about His question before responding without giving His question some thought.  So, I settled down with Him, and then asked Him to reveal the places in my heart and faith, where I really do not believe Him, for whom He really IS? 

Well, my goodness, I was quite taken back by His showing me several places in my heart and in my thinking and in my actions that reveal how much I do not believe Who He Says He Is.  I spent some time with Him, so that He could have His way in His desire to redeem these areas of unbelief, as I repented and allowed for Him to have His way. 

Our Lord is always wanting to bring more freedom in how we experience Him, know Him, how we engage with Him, and how we represent Him to the world in our daily lives, as His ambassadors of Christ on earth.  In fact, He longs for us to know Him more, and desires for us to acknowledge and engage with His Presence and Intimate Fellowship. 

There are many verses that speak to His desire to continue to sanctify us, so that we look more like Him to greater measures in our faith walks with God.  One verse that was illuminated this morning is 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

How would you answer His question, “Do you believe, wholeheartedly?”  Before you answer quickly like I wanted to, may I encourage you to sit with Him, and allow for Him to speak to your heart, too?  He loves to talk with you/us about these things.

You might be wonderfully surprised by spending time with Him, as you and He talk about His question, as I was this morning.

My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:1-11

If you decide to sit with Him for a bit, to talk with Him about this question He asks, and would like to share about what transpired, I would love to hear. You can comment below.

 With love in Him,

Lo

“Will We Trust in Chariots & Horses, or Will We Trust & Boast in The Name of Our Lord?”

Couple of weeks ago a friend asked me to reconsider my stance of not voting for the lesser of two evils (Clinton & Trump). This was my response to his request. It is long, but I hope it explains why I believe as followers of Jesus we cannot vote for either. What will we do, will we trust in chariots and horses, or will we trust and boast in the name of our Lord, our God? (Psalm 1):

"I have thought once again about your position as I have heard many of my friends espouse the same view when I share about not being able to put my approval stamp on either Clinton or Trump. I need to remain consistent to how Jesus calls me to be as a witness to the world. Jesus never talks about being about this world’s kingdoms, but to be out and about engaging His Kingdom in the world, to be a light of Him in the world.

How can I state to an unbeliever that I approve of either? This whole idea about voting for the lesser evil is of man’s thinking and of this world’s thinking. It is not of our Lord’s thinking or of His Kingdom principles. When I say to an unbeliever that I cannot endorse either candidate because each so move in ways contrary to Christ, it is a beautiful witness to the unbeliever that God offers something different than what the world is offering. All unbelievers know in their hearts that the corrupted ways we are seeing and living in America is not a good way to live –they know this deep in their hearts because they were made in His image, and the Holy Spirit is always revealing this truth to their hearts. As a witness of Jesus I must pronounce the same to the world as a light unto our Lord, that He is the only source of rescue from the world’s darkness and madness.

The other issue that I strongly believe is this:
Jesus never talks to His followers about being at the king’s business, only about our Father’s business and about our Jesus’ passion to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10, Matt 4:19, Mark 1:17, Matt. 28:18-20) and He is the real King. We are to bring His Kingdom to others as true ambassadors of Christ who represent Him well. The disciples, after Jesus resurrected, and the early church never engaged in the politics of their time. Jesus asked them (and us today) to submit to the kings, to give them what is theirs, and we are commanded to love Him with all of our heart, to intimately know Him (“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” John 17:3) ,and to love others in how He defines what love IS.

If every person who professed they were a Christian would just engage the two greatest commandments (love Him and others) faithfully in each day, the world would look more like you refer to wanting. Government is never the answer to these needs and wants. We are to be about God’s Kingdom’s business, not at man’s kingdoms business. The enemy has distracted God’s people by getting them to think that they must engage mans’ kingdoms and be involved in man’s and king’s politics and governments, getting them to think that these man’s institutions are the answer. God never mentions in the NT anything about engaging the kings and governments except to honor them, submit to them, and that He has ordained kings (governments) to be His ministers of His justice (Rom 13:1-7). Many governments do not heed to His ordained call nor to His command to rule in His ways. All we have to do is look at Israel in the OT, and the judges in the Book of Judges to see how fickle man’s devotion to God is. They are not the answer, and never have been, or will be.

American politics have become so corrupt because the majority in this country have rejected God’s ways of living (even many who profess being followers of Jesus reject and refuse to live steadfast obedient lives to Christ). The only answer and rescue is Jesus and being about (engaging) His Kingdom business and principles and commandments. Voting for Clinton or Trump is NOT the answer. We can use this time to be an incredible witness to our unbelieving neighbors by sharing why we can’t vote for either, and sharing that Jesus and His ways are the Answer to all things.

I am not going to vote for either – and I am praying that God will extend His mercy to us -the church- in our failings unto Him, asking for His forgiveness that we have been a poor witness of Him to the world. That He would have mercy upon us (the church) and helps us to repent, and live lives that are steadfast obedient to Christ in every arena of our lives so that we will shine brighter and purer as His witnesses unto Him, unto His perfect love, justice, and ways; and unto His invitation that He truly is the only Source for all people, for all of their-our needs. No government, no person, no man solutions is the Answer, only He and His ways are! And He tells us many will turn away from Him, but there remains a remnant or the elect who will persevere – so let’s be praying that God will help us and help His elect to persevere, to remain true to Him and to His ways in all that we do.

I need to remain true to Him even regarding voting for candidates – and I cannot justify in any way (as I stand before Him as His ambassador on earth) by putting a stamp of approval (by voting) for either of the candidates. I must remain true to Him and to His ways.

I end with these last Scriptural exhortations for a time such as this, where God does not call us to look to government or politics for His answers during this era of the end times which is unfolding before our eyes. There is no mention in these passages to engage the world with man’s kings and governments, but instead to engage the world in Christ and through His ways: 
2 Timothy 4:1-5
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Isn’t that such a lovely way to respond to what is going on? (I cannot and will not do anything willingly that will not glorify my Father - I believe in my heart: to condone my support for the lesser evil candidate is contrary to my precious Jesus, and does not bring glory to my dear Papa in heaven.) And again the other ways to engage is to be steadfast faithful to Him regarding His two greatest commandments (love Him and others through His ways) in each day…

For me, these behaviors of being obedient to our Jesus which are exhorted in these Scriptural passages brings much peace and comfort to my heart – the thought of voting for Clinton or Trump brings great unsettling and havoc to my heart.

What will you do, will you trust in chariots and horses, or will you trust and boast in the name of our Lord, our God? (Psalm 1)

Thanks for reading and considering all of what I wrote – I know I am repetitive with a couple of my stances, and that is probably to make clear where I stand in my commitment to the word of God, and in my passion to remain true to our Jesus and Father in heaven, in all that I do and say."

I welcome your responses to my thoughts.  You can post your responses below in the comment section, or email directly by going to our Contact Website by clicking on this link. 

God bless you,

Lo

Be Attentive to the Jackasses You Encounter - You Never Know What God Is Revealing Through the Barriers That Arise

 My today's reading in the Scriptures was about the story of Balaam, the donkey, and the Angel of the Lord (Numbers 22).One morning God had given instruction to Balaam to begin down a road to a certain destination with the leaders of Moab - Balaam faithfully hopped on his donkey to begin the journey the Lord had instructed him to take when suddenly down the road his donkey stopped.  Balaam struck his donkey and demanded for the donkey to continue.  Balaam did this three times, each time the donkey stopped.  Finally God in His mercy for the donkey and for Balaam, opened the mouth of the donkey to help Balaam see and hear the Angel of the Lord, and what God was revealing through his donkey.  Numbers 22:30-33 states:  

“So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?”
And he said, “No.”
Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live.”

This struck my heart today with our Lord’s encouragement and reminder to pay attention when we have been going down a road which we believe He has given us to walk, and suddenly a hindrance arises. Sometimes I have assumed in the past that this road would take me to a certain destination which I believe He stated we were to go, when God all along knew that He would divert me down another road to another end destination or just take me to a diversion path along the way returning at some point to the path to the original destination; or possibly with a different purpose for the journey than I assumed or thought He had given ….. When we are hindered along the road journey we believe God has called for us to pursue, I think we sometimes default to the thinking that it must be the Enemy thwarting or coming against us (which can and is true at times) and we begin to insist on barreling down that road at all cost thinking we are going to take the victory over Satan and get to our destinations regardless of the enemy’s schemes– I believe His encouragement to my heart this morning is this:

Sometimes when we are hindered it is not the Enemy – it is instead God trying to get our attention that He desires to take us on a side-trip along the journey for whatever reason He may have or that He wants to share something with us about a different intention of purpose that He has for the journey – I think we can assume the change is for a very Good reason in His heart to bless us and to bless all those along the road and journey He has for us to encounter other hearts and lives. 

This story reminds me to Not always assume one reason why and when I am hindered along the way although I believe God started me on a road to a certain destination. When there arises a hindrance in the road, it is time to stop and inquire of Him what is He doing and what does He want me to see and hear from Him, and where does He want me to go with the great anticipation that He may be taking me on a wonderful side trip along the way. 

Have fun today with our Lord on the road He and you are traveling today - embracing any and every hindrance along the way with an anticipation of God, inquiring of Him what He might be saying or doing as the hindrances that arise to your plans may be one of His surprise, of a blessing He has for you and for the others you will encounter along today’s journey with your life with Christ.

God bless you!

Lo

Whose Fool Are You?

As April Fools’ Day was nearing I heard the Lord ask me a question, “Whose fool are you?”  I found it to be an intriguing question.  I wasn’t sure what the Lord was stirring in my heart, but I took some time to consider His Question and to begin to inquire of Him these things, and this is what unfolded:

I went online to google April Fools’ Day.  There were lots of links - I clicked on the first one.  One of the explanations of the history of April Fools’ Day stated:

“Another explanation of the origins of April Fools' Day was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event."  Article Reference Link              

Although the article stated this was a false historical explanation, it was interesting and applicable to what the Lord was stirring in my heart: “a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day..”  It made me realize that I too think (too often) that I could do a better job than others …. Then the Lord added, “or even better than Me.” As He illuminated this thought, I thought, “no way, Lord. I know I can never do a better job than You.”  I heard Him smile at me, which caused me to reflect and examine my heart a little more resulting in my awareness that He was right. 

I had to confess and ask for His forgiveness for all of the times that I have doubted Him during trials and during times that were confusing to me regarding His allowing certain life events and hardships to unfold….that I would certainly make different choices than the Lord and different choices than what He would allow to happen to me or happen to others, in my thinking that my ways would certainly be better than His. 

I had to chuckle at myself as the Lord illuminated all of this and as He revealed even more about how I can get distracted by what’s unfolding in our country, our culture, our media; distracted by my and many people’s propensity to spend time in front of our computer, TV, IPad, and phone screens as we try to make sense of how to fix the problems of our culture, even trying to fix everything we deem as wrong in our daily lives.  The impact of what He was showing me was daunting when I saw once again how I can get so derailed; how my heart, time, and energy gets off track from the path of my Father’s Kingdom business.  I realized that these distractions can guide me down paths which are dead-ends or paths which take me away from His passion for my life and from His passion for others who are in my life, and from the Father’s will for my life to be at the Father’s business on earth instead of at the world’s business on earth.

Then I heard the words, “Fools for Christ’s sake.” These words are stated in 1 Corinthians 10, so I went to the Scriptures and read the passage from vs. 8-13 (I post this passage at the end of this article if you want to refer to it).  Although Paul is correcting the Corinthians, I was so touched when I was reminded by the dramatic description of what it is to be a fool for Christ and at our Father’s business on earth.  Paul describes a bit of what it is to be a follower of Christ in this passage:  men/women condemned to death because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men; that we look to the world as weak when we obey Christ and are obedient to how He calls us to live, such as to love those who persecute us, to love our enemies, to not pursue after the worldly acceptable pursuits of wealth, power, fame, glory, or even the cultural norms like the American Dream of the Pursuit of Happiness.

And then I was flooded with all of the numerous Scriptures and truths that proclaim that God’s ways are so very contrary to the world’s ways.  I began to weep knowing and finding Peace in His presence and Truths as His Presence and Truths filled and consumed my heart.  That although life on earth as a follower of Jesus can look to the world as foolish, it is so fully satisfying in the fullness of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.  I was reminded that as we abide in Him His Joy is truly in us and that our joy is made full causing us to exude His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness to others (John 15, Galatians 5). 

Whose fool do I want to be – mine, someone else’s, the world’s, or Jesus’?  I want to be Jesus’ fool, a radical follower of Jesus and a fool for Christ’s sake.  Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief - I pray for You to help me to relentlessly submit to your Holy Spirit’s prompting and convictions when I get derailed and when I begin to believe I should follow something or someone else other than You.  Lord, help me to be only at our Father’s business each day, to walk by Your Precious Spirit and in the Spirit’s fruit of Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness as Your ambassador on earth.  Lord may my aroma be of Christ’s sweet aroma, not of my stench and stink, I pray, Amen.

 As I leave you now, I'd like to ask if you would consider His question too, “Whose fool are you?"  I believe if you spend some time with Him regarding His question, you will be blessed in some way as I was.  If you would like to share your experience, I would like to hear.  You can respond below.  I am praying for you to have fun with Him and to have His blessing as you and He talk and pray together about His question.  

With love in Christ,

Lo  

Scripture Passage 1 Corinthians 10:8-13

"You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.  For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”  

Something New

Yesterday when hiking I came around a corner of the trail and I saw the sun shining on this little seedling sprout of a pine tree that was growing right out of the rock, literally from the rock – there was no dirt or anything of what seemed possible for this little tree to be nurtured in and to be able to flourish and live as it is.

I immediately thought of how God, our Jesus, the Creator can birth life from nothing or from such harsh desert type conditions because He creates and holds all things together (Colossians 1:15-17). My heart skipped with such joy as I looked with wonder at this little tree, knowing that our Jesus was literally birthing and breathing life in an impossible environment, especially with the drought conditions we are experiencing, and He reminded me to remain in the present with Him, not to assume things by looking at the ‘natural conditions’ of what seems impossible, but to fix my heart’s gaze upon Him always with an anticipation of Him to believe that all things are possible in, with, and through Christ because He is the Creator, the Messiah!

Jesus says to us this day,
“Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

Jesus' Love Can Not Be Contained

There are no barriers that can stand before Jesus - His Love can Not be Contained...

I went down the mountain today, and on my travels the Lord diverted my road destinations with several beautiful divine appointments. One of the diversions took me to a Stater Bros Grocery Store in a very poor portion of San Bernardino. The shoppers were all Black American with a few Latino Americans. I was the only white gal in the store. As I am walking down one of the aisles I see a very tall lean elderly black woman ahead of me. As I walk by her I hear the Lord whisper in my ear, "Pray for her, I want to bless her today." I passed by her to see what kind of yogurt they had and on my way back down the aisle I stopped and asked if I could pray for her.

If looks could kill I would not be sitting here presently, nor sharing this with you. Her immediate hatred towards me was extremely evident. The Lord whispered in my ear, “Not to worry, nor respond to her disdain of you,” and then He said to ask her again.

I said, “I love Jesus and He loves you too, and as I was walking by you He said He wants to bless you – can I pray for you?”

She shook her head NO, and after a long silence reluctantly said, “Yes,” and started to walk away from me.  I said, “I mean, can I pray for you right now, right here?” Again her repulsion of me was so evident, that I am thinking to the Lord, “Are you sure, Lord? I think she is going to kill me.” Jesus said, “No, she just hates white people, her heart has been very injured by many events in her lifetime.” I thought to the Lord, “Okay, but I am counting on You if we proceed because she really disdains me, Lord.”

I then asked her if I could lay my hand upon her. She repulsed backwards away from me, and I said, “That’s okay, I will just pray.”

As she stood away from me and as rigid as any human could be, I bowed my head, closed my eyes as to not threaten her, and just began to pray listening towards the Spirit and Jesus to lead the prayer in Jesus’ heart for her.  He really wanted to encourage her as I saw His passion for her!  He gave me many unique and specific words for her in the prayer, and I used His Name a few times, with her once saying in agreement, “Yes, in Jesus’ Name, ahh umm,” in her heart’s agreement to Him.

When I opened my eyes I saw her eyes were wide open as in awe, mouth dropped open, and her face was still revealing how much she disdained me as she stood there for a few moments … as she began to walk away from me as she kept shaking her head in unbelief, she turned her head and face towards me over her shoulder and said to me as she continued to shake her head in unbelief, “You are a Seer.”

I said, “Yes, Jesus loves you, and wanted to bless and encourage you today.” She was outwardly impacted by Jesus words of love towards her through the prayer but the messenger was not the right color and her disdain for me was still worn on her facial expression and on her entire physical demeanor.

As I walked down the aisle away from her Jesus’ and the Father’s love and passion for her consumed my heart - Jesus began to reveal to me many things and one of those things was that He is shaking her worldview and perspective of white folks….that it rocked her heart, mind, and her world because she knew Jesus was speaking specifically and intimately to her in His heart to encourage her through this white despicable homey.

There are no barriers with Jesus; His Perfect Love can Not be contained.
He loves all colors of races, ethnic groups, and all societal and economical groups of people!

I don’t think I will ever forget her – her name and face is imprinted on my mind and heart of intercession - I do look forward to meeting her in heaven and just smiling at her when she is freely able to see me as I am, even as a white homey, and not through her white lens of prejudice nor through her broken heart because I know without a doubt He is going to heal her heart. I know her heart will be free to love me and that she will smile at me with a real big smile that envelopes her whole face. The disdain will be exchanged with great love, beauty for ashes, indeed! ... Isaiah 61 will be fulfilled in her heart and brought forth in His majesty and beauty and glory in His great love of her!!

BELIEVE

 BELIEVE

Your Heart  & Life are Precious to Jesus - You are God's Beloved Child!

Please watch this 47 second video clip at this link before reading the article!  Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152714701351661

When I saw this clip my heart was deeply touched by this little girls’ abandoned faith.  She saw that the end of the rainbow was upon her grandma’s house which would, of course, mean that the treasure was at her grandma’s home because at the end of each rainbow there is a treasure.  This little girl’s heart wholeheartedly BELIEVES - she called her grandma to receive her part of that treasure which is promised at the end of the rainbow.  

I thought about our Father in heaven and His promise of a treasure, and how Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God as like a treasure to be found (Matthew 13:44, 45-46).  I thought about there are times which I do not trust our Lord with this kind of child-like faith for those things Jesus refers to as being tangibly attainable of God’s promises.  The God Father promises many glorious things –  He is unable to lie.  Hebrews 6:18 says, “It is impossible for God to lie.” God’s promises are true and real.  We can learn of the promises in God's Word, the Scriptures.  

When the video clip finished, I immediately heard these questions rise in my heart, questions which Jesus was asking of me:

How does your heart respond to this video clip?  What does this little girl’s demonstrative child-like faith reveal to you?  about yourself? about God? about God’s promises of the treasure being like the Kingdom of God? Do you know what the treasure of the kingdom of God is? Do you believe Jesus has a treasure in the Kingdom of God for you and others as this little girl does?  Do you know where to find His treasure which He promises?  Do you believe all that God promises you?  Do you believe God truly desires for you to have Jesus, to intimately know His perfect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22).  Jesus says in John 15:11 after He talks about what abiding in Christ is:  “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”  

DO YOU BELIEVE?

This little girl’s faith and the questions which rose in my heart compelled me to seek God about these things.  I went to the Scriptures and began to do a study on the kingdom of God, treasure, and His promises.  I was deeply moved.  If you decide to seek His Word about these things I pray for you to be as blessed as you seek God to inquire of all of what God might have to say uniquely to your heart.  I am and will be holding you in prayer, for us all to Believe, and to have a child-like faith as this little girl does.  God speed, and have fun as you seek God’s heart regarding these things. 

I would enjoy hearing your thoughts and how you might answer these questions which Jesus asked me, if you would like to share.  God bless you! 

The Miracle Cross

The Miracle Cross

         20 Foot Cross of Two Steel Beams Found in Debris 

Today I saw the above photo parallel to a second photo of the American Flag posted on Facebook with this statement headline:

“It was a symbol of hope during the darkest days following the September 11th attacks. The miracle cross is set to be displayed in the 9/11 Museum, but an atheist group is protesting."

When I saw this post my heart was not moved by the political agenda in the headline; or by the patriotic idea which was being promoted with the American Flag on July 4th Eve - what I am in awe of is that this cross was found in the rubble as you see it in the photo and was named the ‘Miracle Cross’ because it so impacted every human heart throughout the world who either  saw it in person on the war zone grounds or who saw the photos of this cross as they went viral on the internet - I am deeply moved by this ‘Miracle Cross’ because I believe it was a divine sign from God with His invitation of Jesus' Hope, Love, and Salvation to all people of all nations in the midst of the horrific mayhem which was caused by ‘men’ who were driven by hatred and judgment of others. 

I was clear across the country from New York on the west coast of California and was watching the horror of what had been unfolding on TV with several of my Christian friends, with the entire Nation and with most of the Nations of the world. Our Country and most Nations across the globe came to a stand still that day with our hearts united as we watched the horror of the second Tower falling and collapsing.   My friends began to express hatred towards the Islam Extremist Terrorists out of their fear and overwhelming amazement of what was happening before their eyes – as I was listening to their comments of reaction to the evil they could not bear to behold I heard Jesus say to my heart:

"I love them, Lo (meaning the Islam terrorists), I came to save them too - pray for them."

Jesus’ words rocked my world and heart that day; and I began to pray for Islam extremist terrorists, for the people groups in the Middle East, for all those who do not know Him, and for those who do not know of His love - I have seen and heard of amazing miraculous events unfolding regarding Islam extremists terrorists, other groups of terrorists, and of those who have not known Him as Jesus and the Father have answered these prayers He put on my heart to pray (and which I am sure He has spoken to others to pray too) in His Great Love and Passion for the lost and broken.  Many have come to a saving faith in Christ! 

We all need a Savior, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) ....I am deeply grateful for Jesus' Love, Compassion, Grace, and Mercy which is beyond our finite capacity to grasp the fullness of how Perfect His Infinite Divine Love IS...“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  John 3:16 & Luke 19:10

On January 1 of this year, 2014, Jesus put on my heart to pray the Lord’s Prayer over all things which rise daily and are in need of His prayer; and to pray over this nation and over all peoples of all nations; and to pray over each circumstance of which each one is facing during the present day in God’s Great Love of all men and women. 

Would you like to pray Jesus’ Prayer with me for your loved ones, for yours and their circumstances, and for all peoples of all nations and for each of their circumstances?  Jesus, and His and the  Father’s Love are truly the only Answer to each present petition and to each circumstance that we and all peoples of all nations endure, suffer, and face:

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom Come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen

“God is Love.” 1 John 4:8, 6

“Love covers all transgressions.” Proverbs 10:12

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.”  1 John 4:18

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1Pe4:8

Jesus' Passion to Save & Redeem

I spent the night in the Sheriff Coroner’s Department and in the Lock Up Prison Detention Center during one of our Chaplain Training Sessions.  Isaiah 61 was radically illuminated as I sat through the Coroner’s presentation and as I heard the prison hallway doors open and close as we entered each cell block and each of the many segregated areas of the prison.

At the Sheriff Coroner’s they showed us very graphic photos of the impact of crime, murder, auto accidents, suicides, and etc has on the glorious bodies our Lord Jesus gave us, and then they took us into the back where they do autopsies and store deceased bodies - the smell of mayhem, violence, and of death is overwhelming.

It was such a graphic in my face reminder to stop texting, using my cell phone, and speeding while driving – to slow down and pay attention to the road and enjoy my ride to each destination of the day.

At the Detention Prison Center they showed us the entire prison grounds inclusive of the occupied cells - I saw in each cell the barren desert land of the hearts of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, father and mothers.

As I looked at a short distance into the faces and eyes of those behind the prison bars it was such an overwhelming reminder from our Lord to my heart to slow down during my day when He and I are out in the world together and of His desire for me to be aware of and attentive to the hearts around me – He reminded me that maybe our precious Jesus will compel me to say hello, or smile, or give a hug to a stranger’s heart, or bless us with a sweet conversation with those who are contemplating suicide or whose hearts are parched of love - He reminded me of the truth that our simple acts of kindness bring forth the flow of our Lord’s living waters of love unto the barren parched land of a heart, bringing His drink of sweet waters to a heart which is so thirsty for love.  

I heard in the Spirit our Father say over me and Jesus’ Church:

"Slow Down & Enjoy the Intimacy of Jesus’ heart & the hearts of those I bring into your daily path."

Who knows what He will do for ours and their hearts along our journey of each day – at least we can count on that we will walk away filled and consumed by and with His joy of LOVE over sweet fellowship amongst hearts; for sure we will, indeed…

Jesus’ passion for the captives & broken-hearted is tangibly demonstrated & revealed in Isaiah 61; and His passion reigns as tangible today as when He was walking on earth amongst the living then.  He invites us today and each day we live on earth to continue His mission and to partake in His passion to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).  It is a priceless gift and privilege to participate with Him in His radical heart of love to touch each heart on earth with the good news of His Hope, Salvation, Love, and Redemption!               

Jesus says in Isaiah 61:

 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

 And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
And the sons of the foreigner
Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
 But you shall be named the priests of the Lord,
They shall call you the servants of our God.
You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
And in their glory you shall boast.
 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

 “For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offering;
I will direct their work in truth,
And will make with them an everlasting covenant.
 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles,
And their offspring among the people.
All who see them shall acknowledge them,
That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.”

 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
 For as the earth brings forth its bud,
As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness & praise to spring forth before all the nations.”

GOD IS WITH YOU

The Lord has been speaking to me about His capacity to tend to every detail in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones in His faithfulness to us and to them …and out of His response to the cries of our hearts which stirs His burning compassion to move towards us in His radical love of us.

When we are facing challenges, trials, hardships, losses, illnesses, death of loved ones, disappointments, desires of our hearts which we know He specifically placed in our hearts decades ago which we have yet to see come to fruition, relationship betrayals and fall outs, and unanswered prayers we can trust that our Father is working behind the scenes although we cannot or may not be able to see any movement or feel that He is even Present.  He has not forgotten us or the details of each day in our situations.   

He encourages us to not lean on our own understanding, and to trust Him as we acknowledge Him and acknowledge what He says about who He is and who we are to Him as His beloved children – as we grapple with doubt and struggle with believing Him for the goodness of our hearts and lives on earth when we do not understand our circumstances He will be faithful to His promises –  He has the divine capacity to direct our steps and hearts back to believing Him for the resolutions of our situations regardless of the finite outcome here on earth in His passion for our hearts to know His eternal peace and love in all circumstances as we walk with Jesus in His desire for us to know that He and our Father are truly Good, that They are with us, and that They are for us (Proverbs 3:5-6 & 16:9; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 28: 20, Romans 8). 

I have come to realize that Jesus encourages us to wrestle with Him as we work out our salvations with fear and trembling just as Jacob did.  Jacob was afraid of his brother Esau and did not trust that God’s plan for his situation would be what he would want or would choose, and he did not know what God would do for him or not do for him.  Philippians 2: 12-13 states it in this way, “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  What I continually see in and throughout Scripture is that our Father is passionate about our hearts and lives and only has the best for us (Matthew 7:11).  I have wrestled with myself internally knowing that I cannot trust myself because I know I am a finite being…this conscious existential awareness of my finite limitations so vividly ‘in my face’ used to scare me.  The fear propelled my mind to think if I can take charge and control of the details in my life and of the details in other people’s lives which I was in relationship with – believing this effort to control and manage will somehow create and cause the outcome I think I want –  as I have wrestled with Jesus not trusting Him with my life I have noticed by hindsight that I cannot see the awesome Eternal Plan He has for me down the road just as He had for Jacob because I am so busy creating, controlling each detail at all cost sometimes to my own destruction and to the destruction of others by dismissing, dishonoring them, and trampling over them as I so desperately need to hold onto my control and hold onto the managing of all the details truly thinking that my attempts to control the details of life will bear the outcome I want.  I have come to realize that this ‘outcome’ is only at best a pseudo-false sense of safety and security (Matthew 7:9-11 & Genesis 32: 24-30).

Wrestling with Jesus for years I have come to realize that Jesus never tires and it is impossible to exhaust Him; and that He is relentlessly trustworthy.  I can truly trust that Jesus is walking right beside me (us), shoulder to shoulder, sometimes even picking us up and carrying us for a bit of the journey when we can no longer endure the path which is before us or when there is danger before us that we cannot see in His intent to protect us from ourselves in our schemes to manage our lives and from any scheme of attack which is looming ahead of us in Satan’s desire to destroy us.  He has been reiterating to my heart that we truly are conquerors in Christ – that He will help us to be victorious in Him as He walks with us to the other side of victory through the seasons of the valleys of darkness which we face along the journey of life (Psalm 23:4; Habakkuk 3:16-19; Psalm 107:10 -16; Psalm 139; Isaiah 55, 61).  He is always looking after us – sometimes redirecting the paths which I construct in my ignorance which would always take me to places which were not good for me, which were dangerous, and which would raise barriers between He and I, and between my brethren and I in my faith walk with God.  I have come to know that my plan and its outcome always pales to the grandeur of His plans for my life which are in His will and in His pleasure for my life in His extravagance. 

As I continue to see and experience Him being faithful in each increasing measure of letting go of the need to control in my finite understanding He establishes an increasing trust in Him bringing me into the measure of faith that will bestow the peace and stillness of Christ, and into the greater increasing measure of knowing the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge, that we may be filled up to all the fullness of God, which our hearts ache for, indeed (Ephesians 3:19). 

There have been numerous seasons in my life with Him which I have felt like He has vanished!  ….thinking what happened to the God who says He is with us, never leaves us, and will never forsake us….shaking my fists toward the heavens and shouting with all of the bravado I can muster, “Where are You?!!”  Although I may not hear, see, feel, smell, or taste His steadfast presence I can know that He truly Is Present and uniquely tending to my life’s details just as He was when He appeared to the disciples in their loss, despair, disappointment, hopelessness, and thoughts that He abandon them and did not do or fulfill what He promised to them that He would do.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us, nor leaves us alone to our selves and in the places of darkness which we take ourselves, or which life circumstances of the fallen state take us to (Psalm 139)….

He cannot leave us because He loves us (Matthew 28:20b).  He is the God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega who knows all things – we can trust that He has good plans for our lives which are neither for calamity nor of evil (Jeremiah 29:11).  He will be faithful to tend to our hearts along the way as He redirects the paths of our hearts into the measure of faith Jesus desires to give to each of us so that we can remain steadfast to Him regardless of what we face on the road of our journey of life with Jesus and others along the way (Proverbs 3:5-6 & 16:9).

If you would like to please read Luke 24:13-35, you will be blessed, and for those of you who want to read it now I have copied and pasted it here.  Here are some verses of the passage which speak specifically about His passion to make known to us that He is Intimately Present, indeed!

Luke 24:16: The disciples could not see Jesus although He was walking right there with them shoulder to should and talking to them.

Luke 24:31: The disciples were finally able to see Him as He ministered to their fears while He listened to their concerns on the road…press on and persevere in your wrestling with Him, He will make a way for you to eventually hear and see Him.

Luke 24:36-39: He is present and tending to our hearts and lives even when we are so afraid that we cannot recognize Him, or hear that it is He who is tending to our hearts and lives in His radical passion of love for us.

John 20:24-28; Hebrews 4:14-16: Our doubt does not turn Him away, in fact it compels Him towards us in His compassion for us –  He understands in His affection and love of us.

Here is the Luke passage:  Bask and Enjoy your Jesus and His Heart for you as you read this story and how it demonstrates His great love and affection towards you!

“And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.”  Luke 24:13-35

The Mastered Art & Joy of Listening

How would you define Listening? Do You Think You Listen Well?  Have You Experienced Being Heard Very Often?

What do you normally feel when you leave a conversation with another person?  Have you felt like you had been truly heard and understood – and do you think you gave the other person the impression that she/he had been truly heard and understood by you?

The other day I had many interactions with people while I was running errands.  I was struck by noticing just how often we (people) interrupt others.  I noticed how often we tend to not hear what the other person is saying, and assume what the other person believes before the person finishes speaking their idea or thought - I noticed that it seems we have a propensity to jump in with our own thoughts, opinions, or answers before the other person is finished talking or sharing what they have to say.  Have you experienced this -experienced your self interrupting others often, or being interrupted often by others?

It made me want to be more attentive to how I communicate with others - to be a better listener, and to honor and get to know the heart of others by truly being present with them and listening to each word they speak.  I may need my friends' help with this.....

There is an elegant divine wondrous beauty in the simplicity of being with another person - to listening to and getting to hear their unique heart beat through communication which honors hearts.  When I have experience someone who has listened well I have felt acknowledged and seen by them.  I left my time with them feeling like I had been known by them.  It is always a rich experience.  I desire to give others the same kind of experience of my interactions with them.  I believe this kind of listening allows for a relational connection which is fostered and life giving to us and to others.  God created our hearts for love, to receive and give love.  When we allow for this purpose of God's intention for our hearts to be known by others and for their hearts to be known by us, we are truly blessed, indeed - we always leave that kind of interaction with such joy, contentment, and peace.  I believe we do because this kind of honoring another person joins our hearts with God's Intention for us to be intimately known by others and by God.  In Psalm 139, God says each of our thoughts matters to Him and that He knows our thoughts before we even speak them.  That is some radical listening, indeed!  When we truly allow for others to know us, and are willing to know others I believe it joins our hearts with God’s heart of intimacy.  

As I thought about these things I thought I would like ask you how do you define listening?  Do you think you listen well?  Have you experienced being heard very often in your interactions?  What do you normally feel when you leave a conversation?  Have you felt like you have been truly heard and understood - and do you think you gave the other person the impression that she/he had been truly heard and understood by you?

WHAT SAY YOU

Hi!

I will be regularly posting life questions for us to discuss and to share our thoughts and ideas with each other in the hope we may encourage one another in areas which we find challenging.  Those of you who find a specific topic more easily to walk out in your lives can maybe encourage us who find it challenging.  We welcome your participation.  I will be participating too and will be sharing my answers and thoughts with you as we begin the discussion.  Have fun sharing and encouraging one another!!  Our first question topic will be coming soon (see below topic).

                I look forward to hearing your stories, thoughts, and answers. 

                                                             Lolita 

The Mastered Skill and Joy of Listening