Close Call

If I were to ask you, “how do you think God feels about you right now?”

What would your first response be?

There are times when we sense God’s presence and are overwhelmed by His great love for us. There are other times when we walk in that reality, step by step by faith alone. 

Oftentimes. in romantic relationships people believe it’s ”over” when “the feelings just aren’t there anymore.”  

In our relationship with Jesus, it’s just the opposite. In fact, I would venture to say that most of us (please don’t leave me out here on this one alone!) don’t always feel the depth of God’s love for us personally. Yet, no truth could be more real, more sincere or more powerful than the Father’s love for us which He proved by giving His only Son to die so that we could know true love.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16

I think what God wants for us is to KNOW His love for us.

Knowing far surpasses momentary feelings. It is solid and unshakable. Concrete reality.

Just look at how many “knows” there are in this passage that describes the distinctivenesss of the love His children experience.

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1-2

Do you KNOW how much the Father loves YOU today?

He sees every cry of your aching heart.

He knows the discouragement you feel when you try again (and again) and fail. 

He rejoices in your grandest triumphs and simple joys.

But best of all...He loves you. Right now.

I don’t know why we sometimes think God wants to keep us at arms length.

Perhaps we think He is too busy or there are way more important people and needs to attend to.

Don’ t believe it.

Jesus died to be close to you.

For, If not you,..... then who? Think about that. 

The LORD your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Zeph. 3:17

Praying we all have a day of knowing the closeness of God’s love for us!

“..let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,..” Hebrews 10:22

Beyond Words

Have you ever received a piece of news, perhaps from a close friend or family member that so strikes you that you are literally left speechless? At such a time, you may have even heard yourself uttering this familiar phrase,  “I have no words”.

The news can be either extremely joyful, sorrowful or just plain shocking,  but responses to some experiences in life simply seem to transcend verbal communication.

When I think about all that the Lord has done in my life I am left with this feeling.

I often resort to using the word amazing. He is so amazing. But that truly pales in comparison as a description of just Who He truly is and as a term worthy to describe Him.

You see, .....Jesus saved me.

What can you say to Someone who rescued you from a cesspool of sin? 

Jesus set me free.

What do you say to the One whose power changed the course of your life by releasing you from the chains of self destruction? 

Jesus has filled my life with a treasury of grace.

How do I thank Him for the wonderful family, and friends He has allowed me to walk with through the ups and downs of life? Whose care and love and quirks and craziness make the flavor of living just so sweet.

Jesus will never leave me.

How do I express my gratitude for a Faithful friend whose hand catches me when I  fall, gently guides my steps in HIs good path, and wipes away ever tear? A Mighty Saviour who lifts me up when I am weak and encourages my heart with His promise to work all things together for good in my life.

Jesus has prepared a place for me.

What words can you use to convey the joy that heaven is a reality? That one day I will forever live in a place with no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow and no more crying. Where all who have called on His name will live together in perfection. And when I will finally get to see this One who loves me so, face to face.

No words.

I was talking with a friend about this today. She said she wishes she had her own word like, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to describe her wonderment at His power, His love and His gift of new life. Agreed!

I think the Apostle Paul must have shared these same feelings when he was allowed a glimpse of heaven as he speaks of hearing things that were inexpressible and impossible for a human to even speak of, there in 2 Cor 12:4.

So, what do we do in response to His goodness in our lives?

The psalmist asks this question in Psalm 116:12 saying, 

“What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?”

 He answers in the next verse by stating:

“I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”

What could we possibly give to God that HE doesn't already have?

I mean, He made everything!

I think after the psalmist came to that conclusion, he declared that all he could do...and maybe more importantly all God really wanted him to do, was to continue to receive all that He had given him in Christ Jesus. To drink deeply from the cup of salvation.

A great price was paid for that wellspring of life. It would be a dishonor to not humbly partake of what He has afforded us, each and every single day.

And of all God’s benefits towards us, a relationship with Him outshines them all. 

The inexpressible privilege of calling on His name. 

Thank You, Jesus.

In response to that, this is one thing I can say.....Truly, my cup runneth over.

Here is the song that came to mind.:-)

“When I Think About the Lord” by Shane and Shane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdTT6rmkk9M

Listen and I think you’ll agree.

Here’s the lyrics:

When I Think About the Lord,
How He Saved Me, How He Raised Me,
How He Filled Me, With the Holy Ghost.
How He Healed Me, to the Uttermost.

When I Think About the Lord,
How He Picked Me Up and Turned Me Around,
How He Placed My Feet On Solid Ground

It Makes Me Wanna Shout,
Halleilujiah,
Thank You Jesus,
Lord, Your Worthy, of All the Glory, and All the Honor,
And All the Praise..

Dig in!

One of the interesting side effects that the anti-cancer medication I am on can produce is a change in taste. Things just don’t taste the way they are supposed to. An apple doesn’t  taste like an apple, and spicy things (which I love!) really have no taste, but just a very unpleasant, intense, sharp sensation in my mouth! (No Bueno)

This phenomenon has led me to develop a couple of new “habits.”

First, I have begun to do what what Robert calls “explosion cooking”. Now, I liked to cook ok before, but now it is like preparing for an art show for me. Trying to achieve a suitable “right” flavor takes a lot of space, time, ingredients and well, shall we call it...“creative energy”. 

When the inspiration hits me, he will walk in the door and say, “oh no explosion cooking again!“ ( I think he is just worried that he will have to clean up because I cooked! That’s fair, right?)

Sometimes, I get it all done and taste the newest culinary experiment and it’s pretty good!

Other times, after lengthy “creative sessions” , I will take a bite only to discover it tastes nothing like I thought it would. All that time and shopping only to be disappointed! Ugh!

The other thing is that I have come to thoroughly enjoy a certain show where a certain “Guy” visits restaurants all around the country and tastes their unique specialties. 

Now this is coming from a girl who NEVER liked to watch cooking shows before. In fact, they bugged me! 

But after analyzing my strange attraction, I realized it is twofold.

First it gives me ideas for my “explosion cooking.” 

Secondly, when the host of the show describes the food, I feel like I am trying to connect to what those words mean. To somehow jolt a memory of what those things taste like!

I like the way he uses adjectives that describe the different flavors and textures he is partaking of.

Now when I cook, I ask my family members to do the same thing. They have gotten really good at it , using such descriptive words and phrases as “this has layers of flavor “ or ” first you get a kick of spice, then you are hit with the mellowness of the avocado”

Even, “great crunch!” is a helpful and appreciated review.

(They really are sooo tolerant of me! haha!)

Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking...

There is a passage in Psalm 34:8  that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”
Interesting use of words. Obviously we don’t physically partake of Jesus.

I believe what the psalmist is saying here is, that we must have a personal experience with God, before we can join the club of those that can truly proclaim His goodness.

No matter how many shows I watch of “The Guy” eating and describing food. It will never replace my own tastebuds savoring those flavors, firsthand.

When I hear of someone that has no peace in their life, I want to tell them that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. That He gives peace that passes understanding. And the peace that He offers, is not the sort of temporary peace the experiences of the world provide , but rather a lasting, settled, abiding calm. A stick to your ribs....peace.

 But, no matter how many words I use to describe Him and this supernatural peace, unless one experiences it for themselves, they will never be able to understand what I am saying to be true.

For those that are constantly looking for a new “taste” to fill their empty hearts. Running here and there taking a bite out of this experience and that one, all in an attempt to satisfy an never ending craving. To you, I want to say, Jesus alone fills that emptiness and void, For truly, in His presence is FULLNESS of joy. ( Psalm 16:11)

But again, until one receives Him, these truths are just like the pictures and words on a diner menu. Colorful, illustrative..but meaningless until they are brought to the table in and savored in real life.

If you have been one who has heard about God. Believe in His existence and have even seen His hand perform undeniable and amazing things; yet, you realize that you lack a personal knowledge of Him, receive His invitation to dinner i

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Rev 3:20

May your hungry heart find full satisfaction in encountering the One who truly satisfies.

Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”

For those of you who are ready to open the door to God, below are some materials on beginning that life-changing relationship with Him today, by Pastor Greg Laurie:

How do you start a relationship with God?

1. Realize that you are a sinner. No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God's desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, "No one is good—not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. The Bible tells us, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.
3. Repent of your sin. The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19 NLT). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your life] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. . ." (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

Register your decision to follow Jesus Christ and receive free materials to help you grow.

To put your faith in action, and grow in your relationship with God, here are some important first steps:

• Read the Bible
• Pray to God
• Go to church
• Tell others about Christ   

Unseen

Hebrews 11:1 says:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Today, God showed me some “unseens” that I’ve been hoping for.

The PET scan that I had last Thursday reveals that of the three lymph nodes that I had that were cancerous, all three are today:

unseen 

The primary solid mass tumor in my right lung that originally measured 3.2 by 5.7 centimeters is today referred to as a “minimal hazy opacity”. 

Virtually unseen.

The metabolic “glow” that cancer tumors emit, has reduced from a level of 16.5 to 1.6 today. 1 is considered normal.

Unsure of what this all meant, the nurse at the Cancer Center told me to get on my dancin’ shoes..

So if you want to.,.please join me in a “Thank you Jesus happy dance” right where you are! 

Can I just say....

 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Faith is not power. God Almighty is THE Powerful One. 

Faith simply allows weak pilgrims who are passing through this imperfect world in imperfect bodies, easier passage, as we stretch our feeble hands up to His. As He firmly grasps hold, we are lifted above what we can see and inspired to trust in Him and all that He has promised.

God’s ways are not our ways.

He has different paths and promises for all HIs children

But He has promised all of those who are HIs own, that He would never leave. That He would love each unfailingly and complete the work He began in every one of us, until the day we meet HIm face to face. On the days we think are good and the days we days we think are bad, He is always good. You can trust in that.

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations. --Elton Trueblood

There are so many of you that have encouraged my faith during this time. You have dared to boldly ask God to heal me and you have assured me time and again of His unfailing perfect love that casts out fear. Thank you for leading the way in shining the light of faith that brightens the path to the Radiant One.

He is altogether LOVE-LY!

An unseen Hand now guides my days 

His touch is never far away .

Though trials may mock and tempt to fear .

This unseen Hand is always near

I’ve felt His touch and known His care

His love protects me everywhere.

Trust not my soul in what you see

But in pierced hands, who set you free.

Enjoy....How much ” HE loves us!”-( David Crowder)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzfPHnoT0-0

Who Am I?

A few years ago, a group of friends gave me a card and all signed it. One of them began her sentiment with, “Lisa, you are......

Well, that’s how it ended because she never completed her thought or that sentence.

I’m not sure what she intended to write there, (:-/ ) but it has become classic laugh line among us to say each other’s names and then say: ”you are...”  leaving it at that.

(We are obviously easily amused.)

It seems like we humans are constantly defining ourselves to others and ourselves doesn’t it?

If you’re like most people, you probably find yourself responding either inwardly with a thought, or verbally with a word or two, to the variety of stimuli that comes your way daily.

“I like candy, but I don’t like licorice. I am pretty good at parallel parking ( thats for the 1% of you) I stink at scrabble. I like my hair. I hate my hair. I can dance. I can’t sing. I am ugly. I feel pretty. I understand algebra. I’m not very smart.”

I think for many, much of this self-defining process takes the form of what we perceive we are not.

But, I like my friend’s approach....She was at least going to attempt to focus on what I was.

And that is good advice for all of us.

However, the definition of who we are is left up to ourselves or others, discouragement can quickly set in. We are flawed in even our best estimations, simply because neither of us have the right perspective or all the information. 

Nope. If we are gonna play this word game and win, we need to use Master’s dictionary. Only it provides the whole meaning of our identity.

Let’s listen to a few definitions of who He says we are in His Word:

1.Feeling like you just don’t belong? Reject that notion and join a club who only acceptance policy is knowing Jesus. It’s doors and His arms are always open to you, His child.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6

2.Are nagging thoughts that say, “you just don’t measure up”, leaving you lacking and puzzled? Find the missing piece to contentment by placing your life squarely in Jesus’ mighty hands. 

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10

3. Think you are never going to amount to anything? That your life just isn’t worth that much to anyone? Decline that worthless idea and value this priceless truth:

“....you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, “ 1 Peter 1:18

Today, continue to let God complete the sentences of who you are in Christ.

Which above all things is greatly loved!

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

Here’s some audio inspiration to go with these thoughts!

I really think you will be encouraged..:-)

Jason Gray “Remind Me Who I Am”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8

Who's Talking Now?

Remember when a few years ago everyone would make a statement and then say “Not!” after it? Like, “I just won a million dollars! Not!” or “I really like those jeans! Not!”

Well, I think when it comes to fear, God’s encouragement to us is Fear? Not!

Fear is the proverbial rain on the parade of faith.

And nothing busts a faith filled balloon quicker than a fiery dart of fear.

Joshua and the next gen. Israel were poised on the border of the land of Canaan, ready to conquer all that God had promised them some 500 years prior, in His promise to Abraham. 

Besides disobeying God, the only thing that could really stop them from moving forward and possessing all that the Lord had for them was fear.

Fear of the enemy that had to be conquered.

Fear of the fight. This land was taken through many battles, one city at a time. 

And lastly, fear of the people. The people he was leading and in company with.

Not that unlike us.

The good news is that Jesus has conquered our enemy, the devil and his spiritual army of darkness. They no longer can have dominion over those of us who cling to the cross.

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 

Colossians 2:13-15

As a defeated foe, his strategy against those that are now in the kingdom of light is to hinder our spiritual progress through such weapons as doubt, discouragement and fear.

Everyone has to face these enemies at one time or another in their lives. And they don’t place nice.

Doubt and discouragement are bully’s of the grandest sort! Like the mean girl in school that caused havoc, chaos and drama wherever she went....and she liked it! In fact, she fed off of it! Growing more and more full of herself with each wave of her tumult.

These enemies are bent on your destruction. 

They want to wipe you out spiritually by making you weak and introspective. 

Causing you to want run away from the battle.

Yes, Fear and her friends come to your front door bringing dark clouds of despair and self pity that threaten to hide the face of the One, Who has promised to never leave you and Who loves you unfailingly.

So what do we do to clear away the clouds?

We run all right.

We run to the One whose very Name is a fortress against the enemy. Speak it! Shout it! ”Jesus!”

We hide indeed, We hide in Him. Through prayer and clinging to the truths in His Word.

We proclaim loudly and boldly our own weakness signaling utter dependence in the One, Who is mighty to save and whose power and strength are made perfect in weakness.

We learn to listen and move to the sound of His voice alone.

Though often very well meaning, some can hold us back, “What? You can’t do that!”

Or push us too fast. “Go, Go, Go!”

EIther way, the results are battle fatigue and defeat, for we are fighting in our own strength.

And we lift our eyes off of ourselves and get them firmly onto Him.

As Keith Green said,  “It’s so hard to see when my eyes are on me.”

(True, and a rather boring landscape at that!)

Fear will come.

Courage is looking that bully “fear”, straight in the eyes knowing that Jesus is standing right behind you.

Then,  we can truly say Fear?...... Not!

Psalm 31:1-5

In You, O LORD, I put my trust;

Let me never be ashamed;

Deliver me in Your righteousness.

Bow down Your ear to me,

Deliver me speedily;

Be my rock of refuge,

A fortress of defense to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;

Therefore, for Your name’s sake,

Lead me and guide me.

Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,

For You are my strength.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit;

You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Loving the lyrics to this song..

Check it out!

“Battle” by Chris August

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4QOuGI3irI

Oh Yes, You Can!

Ever have one of those days (or weeks) that feels like you’re crawling through quicksand?

When accomplishing seemingly simple tasks seems insurmountable and your efforts to move forward are met with small annoyances and inconveniences that threaten to test  your stamina to the breaking point?

At times like this you may be tempted to throw up your hands and shout out  “I quit, I give up! I can’t do this! ”  Or elicit the primal scream, “aghhhhhhhhhh!”

I had a day like that last week. In an attempt to move forward physically in my life ..I was met with a sudden blow. 

No seriously.

Here’s the scenario....It was a cold and rainy day (no, really) I had gone to the gym and was carrying a water bottle with me. I had my hands full with other things and when I entered, the bottle slid out of my hand and I went chasing it like a dog after a duck.

Having retrieved it, I stood up...fast..( I mean c’mon I’m at the gym, we’re supposed to look cool right? ha ha!)

On doing so, I had completely forgot that there was a very solid wood counter under which I had ventured in my high speed water bottle chase.

But my head instantly reminded me ..

Now........I have hit my head a lot in my life (no comments, ok?)

But I have never heard it say “cruuunnccchhh”.

After a few dazed moments hand to head revealed the bloody truth.

Grabbing a wet paper towel, I headed out to my car to drive home and had a meltdown.

I mean seriously, all I need now is a cracked head!

After assessing the damage, Robert came home and drove me to the ER.

After triage, I was walked down the hallway and put in the very same room that I had been on Aug.29th. The day they discovered the mass in my lung.

I just looked at Robert and said, “well maybe that was the beginning and this is symbolic of end.”

After a normal CT scan, I was on my way home, battered and bruised, but otherwise in tact.

The next day, I just felt overwhelmed.

As I began to sink into the pit of despond, I had a thought..”Are you gonna fight or what?”

That thought energized me and I was reminded of a statement that Lenya Heitzg had made on her blogsite when she began to lose her hair due to chemo.

“I am not a victim, I am a victor!”

I believe this mentality is essential for us as Christians.

Beginning a study in the book of Joshua reminded me that though God GAVE Israel the land before them through His promise to Abraham, they had to go in and take it. Fight to get it and to keep it! Still to this very day.

Its the same with us. God has given us great and precious promises in His Word that are not for the chosen few, but for every single believer in Christ.

They are not trite notions simply meant to hang on a wall or a adorn a coffee mug. No. These promises are our ammunition as we wage war on fear, doubt or any other enemy that would keep us from having everything that God has freely granted us in Christ

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us”. 2 Cor. 1:20

When people used to talk about fighting cancer I was unsure what they meant, I mean beyond doing what is medically and physically available how do you ”fight” it? 

By mustering up a strong will or a positive attitude? By reciting “Yes I can, Yes I can” ?

Though these things may be helpful temporarily, they often fade with the circumstances into the shadows of our frail humanity.

No. I can’t do all things. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13

I have found that I fight by clinging to Him. By resting In His arms. By trusting in His Word and His power. He is a mighty Warrior and I’m proud to be in His army.

(Sorry Dad, I mean Marine Corp. My Dad is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines. Booyah!)

Today, whatever invader you are facing that tries to rob you of the joy, peace and all surpassing love and care of your Father God, fight back by refusing to believe those fear driven threats. Instead arm yourself with His arsenal of powerful promises.

Now, if you feel so led, help out your fellow comrades on the front lines by posting your favorite promise from the Bible.

Here’s one to get us started:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Joshua 1:9

• I saw my doctor yesterday. I am to continue on the medication, as I am currently.

I have another PET scan on Feb 9th. As always, I covet and am so very grateful  for you staying in the fight with me with your prayers!