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“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

During the course of my spiritual journey, God has shown me that how I define words is not necessarily the same way He views them.

In Isaiah 55:8 God declares to us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

Now that verse certainly is true, but sometimes I think we take practical, everyday words and assume that God’s understanding of them are just the same as ours.

Words like provision, love, security, eternity, good and blessings.

Over the years, I can see how much of my frustration with God was due to the fact that I simply never acknowledged that God does not use a worldly dictionary.

I tended to let my earthly world around me define the meaning and value of words.

I was taking natural words and trying (really hard!) to fit them into a supernatural relationship with my Creator.

Think about trying to convey your heart to someone who understands the meaning of some words in a whole different way.

That leads to a disconnect resulting in frustration and discouragement!

In order to move forward in my relationship with God, He had to take me back to a very foundational place.

He had me focus on His true character…who He says He is, and not who the world tries to convince me He is.

Once I was able to perceive His true character, He taught me to view events and situations from His perspective as well as mine.

In doing that, I began to see how some of my natural words changed in their meaning when I defined them within God’s economy.

As I allowed His meanings of words to take precedent, much of my world fell into place.

It was as if I received different shaped puzzle pieces that easily fit together giving me a clearer picture of my situations.

My confusion and disappointment with circumstances fell away as the truth of God’s words renewed my mind.

The word blessed in Psalm 34:8 is a great example.

This verse does not tell us that blessed is attached to a tangible element of our world.

Now a blessing CAN BE manifested in something tangible, but here it is simply tied to the word trust.

Blessed is the man who trusts Him!

Not the man who is rich, or has perfect health, or has great wisdom, or has a great job, or has healthy children, or so many other tangible things we tie to blessing.

Blessed is the man who trusts Him!

This blessing comes from simply trusting the Lord.

This type of blessing takes us far beyond the circumstances of our earthy existence and right into the promise of our future heavenly home.

We might think we have nothing concrete to show the world for this type of blessing, but the blessing is felt as we reflect the image of our Creator with our trust.

Try changing the understanding of other words such as good, provision or love by truly meditating on how God uses them.

Use Scripture, the inspired Word of God, as your new dictionary.

Ask God what He wants you to understand about certain words, and use that as your standard.

Allow the Lord to give you a whole different meaning to your vocabulary that puts the focus on eternity.

Trust God to give you new revelations concerning the use of your language and be blessed by them!

“I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.” Ruth 1:21 (NIV)

In the past when I read this verse in the story of Ruth, I viewed it as a quick way to summarize the past and present of Naomi’s story in order to set up the heart message of the book of Ruth.

Remember, Naomi had a husband and two great sons when she left Judah for Moab in search of relief from a famine. Naomi also appeared to be prospering in Moab as she gained two daughters-in- law.

However, it is revealed rather early in the story that all the men in Naomi’s life died and her only choice for survival was to return back to her original land of Judah.

Ruth 1:21 speaks to us in Naomi’s own words which reflect her very heart.

In her mind, filled meant her family and bright future she had when she set out for Moab.

Empty reflected her state when she sulked back into Judah with all of her dreams and hope gone.

Perhaps a foundational truth of the story of Ruth is found right here, at the very beginning of the story.

I (Naomi) “went away full”.

The Lord “has brought me back empty.”

Naomi includes only herself in the first half of her declaration to her friends as the term “I” clearly can only mean her.

Her use of the term leaves no room for God.

How often are we also guilty of being very fond of the word “I”?

It seems “I” tends to come into play when life is flowing in a way that pleases us. The more good that comes into our lives somehow convinces us that we are at the center of it all.

“I” am making good decisions.

“I” am working hard and deserve to reap the benefits.

“I” am religious, so God must bless me.

It is interesting that when Naomi believes her life has taken a turn for the worse, she reveals God’s role in it.

“God has brought me back empty.”

In the course of a single sentence, Naomi reveals the type of relationship she has with the living God.

Good circumstances in life (full) = Me.

Bad circumstances in life (empty) = God.

Naomi’s view might have been different if she could have embraced the concepts of “filled” and “empty” from God’s perspective.

Starting very early in His plan of redemption, God gives us a glimpse of what He means by filled.

Exodus 31:3 describes how God “filled” men “with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” to build the wilderness tabernacle so He could dwell with His people.

After the death of Moses, Deuteronomy 34:9 tells us how “Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom” in preparation for his role as the new leader of the Israelite nation.

1 Kings speaks to the impartation (filling) of wisdom and understanding God gave men in order to build Solomon’s temple.

Through these examples, we can see that God does intend for us to make good decisions, to work hard and to follow His precepts, but it is in the filling of His Spirit that lays the foundation for all of this to take place.

It is this filling of His Spirit that our decisions, actions and prayers lead us to follow His will in our life so our efforts have eternal value.

Psalm 16:11 sums this up quite well, “You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.”

Naomi did leave Judah “filled” with her family and the dreams of her future intact, but what she did not recognize is that God had “filled” her future in a way she never could have imagined.

In her mind, she returned to Judah after the brutal turn of events in Moab believing God had made her life bitter and empty.

1 Peter 1:18 reminds us of “the empty way of life handed down to [us] from [our] ancestors” was redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

The story of Ruth and Naomi shows us God’s desire to fill our empty circumstances with new life and hope.

Through the redeeming work Jesus did on the cross, we are free to invite the fullness of God into any area of our life.

Jesus’ sacrifice fills our empty with the hope of eternal life.

I have experienced times when I can now see that God’s “empty” was best for me because it allowed room for me to be filled with His presence above everything else.

God did bring Naomi back empty, but it was done because God was preparing to bless her in ways she could never imagine.

Perhaps God has brought you to empty to allow for a filling of His Spirit in ways you cannot imagine!

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I spent the last few months reading, studying and meditating on the Biblical story of Jonah.

For some reason, it seems the main point people usually take away from this classic tale is the fact that a guy (Jonah) survived in the belly of a whale for three days.

Of course, that is not the main point God was trying to convey at all. But I can understand how a man getting swallowed by a big fish (it really was a big fish and not a whale) is high drama for humans to fixate on.

I have always been taught that the true point to this story is the importance of obedience to God.

The Book of Jonah is a great example that if God tells you to do something, you need to just do it the first time you are asked.

Obviously, that is great lesson to take to heart.

But during my time of studying this book once again, God laid a new truth on my heart that I never embraced before.

If we set the story up, we find Jonah being told by God to bring His Word to the city of Nineveh.

Jonah 1:1-2 tells us, “The Word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come before Me.’”

As the story goes, Jonah disregarded God’s instruction and ran in the opposite direction of the sinful city. Apparently, Jonah believed the city was so wicked that there was no way they would listen to what he was instructed to tell them.

I believe Jonah was not only afraid of the judgment he thought God would bring down on the city, but he was also afraid of what the people would think of him as he brought them the truth from God.

Here is the revelation that God wanted me to see.

Jonah’s fear was fueled by the fact that he did not take into account the work that God had already done in the hearts of the people of Nineveh.

Jonah literally saw Nineveh’s wickedness and allowed that visual to trump the supernatural work of God.

The truth is that God had already prepared the hearts of the Ninevites to receive His Word.

God just needed Jonah to deliver His message into newly receptive hearts.

God did not ask Jonah to prepare the people for the message, or to work in a way that would soften their hearts to the message.

All Jonah had to do was deliver the message from God.

Eventually, Jonah did obey the Lord.

“On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.’” 5 The Ninevites believed God.” (Jonah 3:4-5)

The Ninevites believed God.

On the surface it appears they believed Jonah, but remember he was just the messenger. The Bible tells us they believed God because He was the one who prepared hearts for belief.

Jonah’s trouble started when he believed the people did not have the mind or heart to receive his appointed message.

Jonah did not take into account that he was in partnership with God.

God did the part (preparing hearts to receive) that Jonah did not see.

Jonah determined the success or failure of his mission based on how he interpreted the situation instead of what God instructed him to do.

I think sometimes I hear what God wants me to do, but I seem to make the role I am to play bigger or smaller than it is intended to be.

I usually understand the instruction given to me on a practical level, but I just cannot see it working out unless I tweak it in some way.

Maybe add a little.

Maybe take a little away.

I am going to this new revelation from the story of Jonah to heart.

When God speaks into my heart, I am simply going to obey.

But I am not just going to obey because we are commanded to (and it always works out better when we do).

My obedience will also come from a place of understanding that God wants to partner with me and delights in my help.

God chooses me to play a vital part, but I also must remember that God also has a valuable part that I might not be able to comprehend.

I am determined not to alter the mission God gives me because I think He missed something.

Working alongside someone you love, both parties doing their ordained part, is what brings joy to the entire process.

Remember the revival in Nineveh that took place when Jonah finally did the part God instructed him to do at the very beginning.

Drama tends to happen when we fall out of sync with God’s voice and thus His intentions.

Hear His voice, obey His specific instructions and enjoy working in partnership with the One you love.

I love Christmas music!

I never get into those discussions that begin right around Thanksgiving about the proper timing for the beginning of Christmas music season.

I pretty much listen to Christmas music year round, so I really don’t know what all the fuss is about.

Singing Let It Snow on a hot August Texas day has a strangely cooling effect (just try it!). I often find myself unconsciously humming Oh Come Let Us Adore Him during times of stress in the course of the year. I find the words peaceful and grounding, so why should it only be allowed during one month of the year?!

It seems every year I hear one Christmas-themed song that just resonates in my heart and soul.

Several seasons ago, a song by Francesca Battistelli became very popular.

The song was titled “Be Born in Me”.

The first time I heard it was absolutely mesmerized by the lyrics. I just felt there was a message among that melody that held the key to clarity and movement in my spiritual journey—kind of like finding a clue while on a treasure hunt.

The song is rich in symbolism and truth in describing Mary’s part in the birth of Christ as well as the relationship she would soon share with Him.

Looking deeper, it is also a representation of each of us and our own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The phrase in the song “make my heart your Bethlehem” always stopped me in my tracks.

It got to the point that I would catch myself singing that phrase at the oddest times and in the strangest places.

I wanted to peel that phase back so I would not just hear the words, but would understand how to bring life to them.

How exactly does one “make their heart His Bethlehem?”

Surface imagery might possibly dictate that with Bethlehem being Jesus’ town of birth, we could also view our hearts as a symbolic birth place of Jesus as we come into relationship with Him.

As we discover who Jesus is as the Savior of the world, our hearts become prepared…softened…for Him to “birth” within us a new life as believers.

Perhaps what happens to those hearts is that they are forever marked by the “light of the world” in the same fashion that a huge star shone brightly over Bethlehem on that special night.

Luke 15:10 tells us that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” That sounds amazingly similar to the angels of the Christmas story who appeared as a heavenly host praising God as Jesus’ incarnation came to pass.

“Make my heart Your Bethlehem!” Perhaps we are not so far removed from that ancient town.

Maybe we, as believers, have a connection to Bethlehem that speaks to the very spirit of us. In many ways the story of Bethlehem grounds us in truth and God’s grace.

But then I remembered that not all of Bethlehem was so welcoming to Mary and Joseph and thus Jesus.

As the young couple searched for a place to rest that night, they were turned away by many for a variety of very practical reasons.

It sounds wonderful to strive to make our hearts “a Bethlehem”. But if we did, would that allow us room to be less than welcoming to Jesus for a variety of, what we could justify to be, practical reasons?

Does the busyness of Bethlehem on that Holy Night represent what the Christmas season has turned into even for many believers? Was it a foreshadowing of how difficult it would be for us today to find peace and rest during a season we celebrate as Holy?

So where does that leave a heart that is truly seeking…needing….a Savior?

What can I “make” my heart so that it is fully prepared to embrace the Christ Child?

I pondered this question seeking an answer that would move me beyond Bethlehem.

Ironically, my prayers and pondering brought me to the foot of the manger.

I resisted at first, wanting to go to something bigger and brighter and well…better smelling.

But God in His infinite wisdom kept bringing me back to the foot of the manger. He seemed to want me to focus on that manger, so I did.

For all practical purposes, I would think the moment Jesus was born He was laid in the manger.

Now some might want to say He went straight into this mother’s arms, but come on, if we think about it after the birth Joseph probably wrapped the Baby up and set Him in the manger if only for a short few minutes while he tended to Mary.

Through this, we see that it was the manger that first held the Redeemer of the world even if it was for a brief moment.

We all know God can do anything anyway He chooses, yet for some reason He chose a manger to play an unappreciated but vital role in the whole birth process.

God prepared a manger for His Son to spend the first few moments of His life on earth as one of us! The manger became foundational in the life of Baby Jesus.

“Make my heart Your MANGER!”

With our hearts as mangers, as opposed to Bethlehems, we find ourselves with a lot less wiggle room when receiving Jesus.

The manger couldn’t be part way in or part way out like Bethlehem distinguished itself to be.

During Mary’s birthing process, Bethlehem allowed a small, out-of-the-mainstream place for Jesus to reside. Jesus wasn’t given a prominent place in the town. Technically He was there, but Bethlehem and its people placed boundaries on Him.

Perhaps this foreshadowed the spiritual boundaries many placed on Him in the course of His earthly ministry.

But, the manger was ALL IN! The manger received and embraced the entire Christ Child!

Jesus filled it and forever left it as a symbol to us to open our lives and hearts to the gift that God so graciously bestowed to the world on that night.

So this Christmas season, I stand at the foot of the manger. Yes, to admire the child that it held, but also to acknowledge my responsibility to “make my heart His manger.”

But what might that look like?

We all might need to ponder that within the reality of our own circumstances.

Maybe a good place to start is with our words of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

As we challenge ourselves to line our hearts (mangers!) with these words, they truly begin to transcend the Advent season and lead us into a transformed heart-set.

A heart-set that is open, welcoming and seeking the Savior in such a way that our hearts are prepared to hold Jesus in a new, maybe unimaginable, way similar to the new role that old, messy manger in Bethlehem was given.

I now think the manger is the most important and best part of the Nativity scene!

Just think of what it represents…

If God trusted an old, messy, makeshift manger to hold His Son, just imagine how He will prepare our hearts if we allow Him too!

Here is a challenge for the coming year. Will the manger get packed away with the rest of our “Christmas Spirit” as the season comes to an end?

Or, can we somehow draw ourselves all the way back to the manger when difficult times come in the next year?
Will we invite Jesus into a prominent place in our hearts and lives?

In the midst of crisis, will we find a way to focus on “making our hearts His manger” so we are prepared to receive the peace and joy He promised us regardless of circumstances?

In the peaceful times of our lives, will we remember to enjoy the peace and rest only He can afford us?

Will we be a busy Bethlehem or a receiving manger?

As believers, I trust we are all called to be mangers, first to hold the precious gift of Jesus, then to provide a bit of a sanctuary to a hurting world.

If our hearts are full of the glory of that Holy night centuries ago in Bethlehem, then the light and praise of that night carries forth to this very day. How blessed we are that the God of the entire universe and the Savior of the world have chosen us to love and cherish forever!

He not only invites us to “make our Hearts His manger”, but He will fill us to overflowing with His Grace and Mercy!

Praying your Christmas is Joyful and Blessed beyond measure!

In the New Year, may your manger overflow in ways beyond what you could hope for or even imagine!

I have always loved the Book of Joshua.

It is my “be not afraid” go-to source. It is where I camp when I need a reminder that God is sovereign and understands the struggles I face.

If you are ever looking for instant confidence, read the book of Joshua.

Remember, Joshua was guy who was put in charge of the Israelite Nation after Moses’ passing.

God decided, because of previous faithfulness on Joshua’s part, he would be the chosen one to lead the new nation into the Promise land.

I am sure Joshua was honored, but I also have to believe he was a bit overwhelmed.

He was one of the 12 spies who went out originally to scout the land. He saw firsthand the challenges of the new land. The fierce warriors they would be facing, the heavily fortified cities that would need to be penetrated, but he believed it could be done by the grace of God.

A generation later as God was preparing His chosen people to enter into the land, He spoke with Joshua. God’s words to Joshua were foundational in their promise and instruction.

In Joshua 1:5 God promised, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:7 reveals God’s instruction: “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go,”

Armed with God’s promise and instruction, Joshua was successful in leading the Israelite nation into the inheritance promised to their forefathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

As the entire story unfolded, God’s faithfulness was very evident and never wavered. He always held true to what He promised.

Always.

The only time Israel ran into some rough spots is when they strayed from the precepts of God thinking they had a better way.

The pattern of conquering their enemies was this: obedience brought forth success and blessing; disobedience manifested itself as confusion and hardship.

What I find to be to interesting is that God never told the people there would not be enemies to battle and hardships to overcome.

Joshua had been in the land as a spy, so he knew firsthand what the enemy looked like and understood what they would be confronted with. Even with that that knowledge, he never questioned God’s plan of action.

Joshua simply obeyed the instructions God laid out before him to strategically overcome the enemy.

Joshua trusted God by allowing his fear to be overcome by God’s protection and provision.

The story of Joshua and how the Israelites came into their inheritance is really a timeless commentary highlighting the unfailing faithfulness of our Lord.

During my own struggles and battles in life, I can easily allow spirits of discouragement and disillusionment to seep deep into my soul.

Often times, I also catch myself fueling the struggle by challenging God’s timing or reasoning; putting just as much energy into questioning God than I do dealing with the actual struggle.

The Israelites were promised an inheritance, but they had to fight for it.

The same holds true for us.

God has promised us a glorious inheritance through His son, Jesus, but we have a part in fighting for it while here on earth.

God never promised us a trouble free life. In fact, as believers we understand that trouble oftentimes intensity as we grow and mature in our faith.

Jesus Himself reminds us of this in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We have an enemy in the spiritual realm that is just a real as the tangible adversaries Joshua faced.

Sometimes life brings circumstances that change the course of our life in a literal heartbeat. We are blindsided by events that shatter our dreams, leaving us shaken and disoriented. Cherished friends cause pain so deep we wonder how we will be able to trust again.

Our good news is those foundational words God spoke to Joshua centuries ago still carry the same message today.

A timeless and loving God allows His words of promise and instruction to indwell in the hearts and minds of every submitted believer.

In the midst of both crisis moments and prolonged struggles, I remind myself that the first reaction I must have is to keep myself aligned and attached to the vine (John 15:5).

When I do that, the promise, “I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” can be heard above the fray and begin to energize my faint heart.

The instruction, “only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you” will bring clarity to my roiled mind.

My battle remains to be fought, but the plan to overcome is in place:

A faithful God is ready to stand with me; His Word laying out the perfect strategy for me to forge ahead in confidence and peace.

The young Israelite nation did overcome all obstacles to tame the land they were promised. They fought for their inheritance and, by the grace of their ever-present God, prevailed.

They were battle-tested, shaken, frightened, plotted against, hated, beat up emotionally and physically, deceived and drained of energy yet, they eventually settled into their Promised Land – their inheritance as ordained by the Almighty.

In life, we will also be battled-tested, shaken, frightened, plotted against, hated, beat up emotionally and physically, deceived and drained of energy, yet we have the same opportunity to settle into our own personal inherence as ordained by the Almighty.

God never intended for our lives to be so full of trouble and turmoil when He originally planned mankind.

God grieves with us as we endure hardships and setbacks.

God knows the enemy we face, and the ruthless assaults we must battle through.

But God…these two words trump everything!

But God, tells us “to be strong and courageous.”

But God, tells us “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Be confident that the inheritance – the promised land – God ordained for you can be entered into.

Just follow the path of His promises and instructions, trust in His faithfulness and rest in His sovereign care.

I love reading through the Book of Exodus.

I truly believe it is one of the sweetest and most hopeful stories in the entire Bible.

Each time I read through it, I always see another level that just fills my heart with the love God has for us.

What struck me recently was how tangibly present God was during the entire redemption process of the Israelite nation.

Remember, it all started with God getting Moses’ attention by showing up in a burning bush. Once Moses recovered from the initial shock of encountering God Himself, he realized God wanted to use him for something really big…bringing God’s people out of captivity and into their Promised Land.

Moses’ response to God’s plan is recorded in Exodus 3:11, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

Honestly, how many of us would have responded in the exact same way! Moses didn’t believe he was qualified, and even reminded God at one point he wasn’t even a good speaker.

But the words of the Lord found in Exodus 3:12 gave Moses all he needed to fulfill his purpose.

God’s response to all of Moses’ questions and insecurities was just five words:

“I will be with you.”

God didn’t tell Moses He was rising up an army for him.

God didn’t give Moses the full, detailed plan all at once.

God didn’t waver in His choice for the man to do the job.

God knew His presence would be enough for Moses.

It was the mighty hand of God that brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt.

As the Exodus story progressed, God continued to make His presence known during their journey.

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way
and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by
day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night
left its place in front of the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22 NIV)

How amazing that must have been to see – the presence of the Lord right there in front of you day and night!

Remember, God was in the process of transforming this group of people, fresh from the bonds of slavery, into His chosen people once again.

As their history reveals, this would be no easy task.

They bumbled, stumbled and grumbled their way around the wilderness for 40 years. But through it all, God stayed faithful to them, and tangibly ever present among them.

The theme of God’s presence among believers is rich throughout His entire plan of redemption for mankind. God always has a deep desire to be in fellowship with His creation and He proves this by His willingness to be present with us.

A picture of this is seen in the brief glimpse of the relationship between God and Adam and Eve before the fall in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8 reminds us that God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden “in the cool of the day.”

Can you imagine that! Strolling with God in a beautiful garden in the cool of the day!

As the redemption story progressed, Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, physically dwelt among us, and ushered in the Kingdom of God to earth. How amazing is it to know that our God humbled Himself and lived as a human because He wanted to fellowship with us.

Shortly before Jesus was crucified, He made sure His disciples understood that God would always be with them. The Gospel of John records Jesus’ words as He promised, “I will not leave you as orphans”. The Holy Spirit was promised to dwell within all believers acting as an advocate and comforter.

All of this shows God’s immense, unconditional and everlasting love for us. He enjoys us and wants to be welcome in our lives. He is available!

Think about this…the Creator of the entire universe wants a relationship with us so much so that He always has been with us in some form.

All of this was reconfirmed to me during a beach walk I had a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful cool, sunny morning…perfect for praying and enjoying creation.

As I walked, I thanked God for such a serene setting. Prompted by a cool breeze on my face, the thought of walking with God “in the cool of the day” flooded my thoughts. In my mind was a brief picture of walking in a beautiful, peaceful garden with God walking beside me.

The image brought me great hope because I know as a believer there will come a time when we all will have the opportunity to walk with God just as Adam and Eve did.

Yet strangely, even with the thought fresh in my mind, I felt a bit…well…lonely.

I know God is always with me, but while I was walking I did wonder what it would be like to have a tangible sign of His presence with me at that moment.

As I was processing my thoughts I became very cognizant of the warmth of the sun on my left shoulder. Oddly, this caused me to turn my gaze to my right.

Then I saw it…

My Shadow.

It was moving right along side of me in perfect unison with my steps.

Just like two beings walking as one.

Of course, I have seen my shadow following me along all of my life, but I never viewed it in the way I saw it in that moment.

My shadow, appearing because of my posture in the light of the sun, reminded me that I never walk alone.

It was as if God was saying, “Joan, I am right here walking beside you just like I promised I always would.”

As believers today, we don’t have a tangible cloud or pillar of fire of God’s presence to bring us comfort.

We certainly don’t have the incarnate Jesus walking among us (but how cool would that be!).

We, of course, do have the Holy Spirit with us, but living in a fallen world it is easy to lose sight of that at times.

But the Word of God is rich with promises of His presence including Hebrews 13:5 which reminds us of God’s heart: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

With this knowledge we can rest in the fact that no matter how much we bumble, stumble and grumble our way through this life, God is always with us.

From the very moment mankind was created, and throughout every single moment following, God has been with us.

My tangible shadow produced by my posture in light reminded me that God walks with me…always.

As believers pressing into the Light, we can be assured we will never walk alone.

I love the 91st Psalm.

I have it memorized and recite it quite often during the course of a day.

It is the first words out of my mouth immediately after opening my eyes each morning.

My son and I use it to speak life into him before he heads out to encounter his day.

I declare it when I am feeling anxious, and even when I have an overwhelming sense of God’s peace around me.

The words of the entire Psalm paint the perfect picture of the protection God affords all of His children; however, my favorite part is verse 4:

“He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.”

I love the image of God as a protective mother bird ready to tuck her offspring under a warm and protective wing. I believe God purposely portrays His character to us in ways that we can relate to and physically see within His creation.

I have taken the image of God as that mother bird to heart. Now each time I see a bird feather on the ground, my soul smiles and my heart warms as I am reminded of His protection.

It often seems like feathers appear in my path just at the very moment I need them the most. They are gentle reminders that I am never out of the sight of God. They give me a sense of the supernatural protection that follows me as I press into Him.

This idea really hit home when I recently had the opportunity to spend some time at the Texas coast.

Having the chance to enjoy an extended time of rest and prayer was a true blessing because I sense I am in a time of wilderness in my spiritual walk. It is a time when I feel God molding and purifying me in preparation for what I am to do next.

During this time, I spent many hours walking along a beautiful beach serenaded by the sound of restless waves and embraced by a warm southern breeze.

During my beach walks I pondered, thought and prayed. I also spent the time alternating between asking questions of God and grumbling about the lack of His timely answers. However, I have come to understand that God really does knows best, so if He thinks I am not ready for full revelation concerning my future then I am okay with that.

However, early in my wilderness journey when I was yet to embrace that truth, I often felt my impatience begin turning into discouragement. During those times, I would ask God for His miraculous encouragement.

Encouragement that I knew could only be from Him.

Encouragement that would grant me the sense of His presence in the process as well as confirmation I was still on the appointed course.

Ask and you shall receive!

In the midst of my wilderness I have found miraculous encouragement almost as abundant as the daily manna provided to the Israelites!

The lesson here is God will give His answers in His timing (not ours!), but He always provides timely miraculous encouragement if we position ourselves to see, hear or feel it!

It was during one of my beach walks that God showered me with miraculous encouragement as only He could.

Obviously on the beach there are various species of birds. Part of the delight of a beach walk is watching God’s flying creations interact with the rest of His beach kingdom in amazing and amusing ways.

Now because wherever birds are, feathers follow – I always saw some feathers along my path.

One particular evening as I set out toward the beach for my walk, I was not in the mood for asking or pondering or reflecting. I just wanted to walk and…well…just be encouraged.

The days preceding had left me feeling like I was struck and maybe even a bit uninspired in my progress. I needed to feel I was on pace and on course before I could think about the next steps ahead.

As I reached the water’s edge and set out on my course parallel to the ocean, I knew God understood my heart because I was amazed at what I saw before me.

Feathers…feathers…everywhere!

Not just the usual few scattered here and there. Feathers were everywhere!

Small ones and large ones.

Dry fresh feathers and feathers that were wet from the surf.

Feathers from all types of birds.

Feathers were laid out, gracing my path as far as I could see. It was funny and amazing and something only God could have pulled off!

It was as if He whispered into the heart of every winged creature in the area and invited them into a moment of miraculous encouragement for one of His beloved daughters.

The birds, I believe, in gratitude for the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:26 were happy to help!

I laughed and danced a bit delighting in the warm, feathery and encouraging embrace from God.

Miraculous encouragement! Seriously…only God!

In the days that followed I never again saw that amount of feathers on the beach.

The feathers were gone, but the memory of the love and care of God that appeared in the form of those simple feathers still remains.

Through this experience, God has transformed my heart into a sweet nest filled with the promises of His tender care and gentle love.

God delights in providing miraculous encouragement to us all.

He understands our discouragement and despair as we walk out our faith.

He knows we grow tired and weary pushing through daily battles.

But God is an ever-present source of protection and provision.

He loves us and delights in encouraging us to stand on His promises and press on in faith.

Open your heart today and allow Him to encourage you in miraculous ways!

Have you ever felt like you were in a time in your life that really doesn’t qualify as a season, but more as a time ‘in between’ seasons?

You know in your spirit that you have come out of a season of life – whether good or bad – but you just haven’t quite stepped past the threshold leading to the next phase of your spiritual journey.

I have often heard this ‘in between’ time referred to as a wilderness time.

I was uncomfortable with that term the first time I heard it because the term wilderness reminded me of a desolate and unproductive place.

Isn’t it interesting how a perception of a place can change when you are living it instead of looking at it from the outside?!

I am able to embrace the term now because I am living a wilderness time at the moment and the experience of it has proven to be anything but desolate and unproductive.

The Bible gives many examples of wilderness times in the lives of faithful believers:

God brought His emerging Israelite nation into the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

The prophet Elijah was brought to a place of rest in the wilderness after one of his greatest victories.

Paul was brought into the wilderness of Arabia for three years after his Damascus Road experience.

It was a tough go for all of them; however, during their wilderness time they all realized it was a time of teaching and training. It was a time necessary to experience so they could be properly prepared for their next God-ordained season.

The common thread among them all was that God brought them into that desert experience because He had great plans for them. He needed time with them alone – way from the noise and influence of the world. He wanted them to learn and rest and gain confidence not only in themselves, but in whom they were in God.

Exodus 19:10 contains a key phrase that put into perspective this whole wilderness thing for me. In this verse, God is talking to Moses and He tells Moses how to prepare the people to be in His presence.

God said, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes.”

Seriously, God wanted His people to wash their clothes!

Remember the young Israelite nation had just come out of a season of slavery in Egypt. God, as He had promised, brought them out of the heavy yoke of bondage they were under for hundreds of years. But God didn’t immediately bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey; instead He brought them into the wilderness.

So, now we have a picture of them in the wilderness and all God wanted them to do at that point was for them to wash their clothes.

I have been told, the reason God requested them to wash was as preparation to meet their Holy God on Mount Sinai. They had 400 years of dirt…of a slavery mindset…of the heavy yoke of bondage…to rid themselves of. God required from them a tangible, yet highly symbolic gesture because the preparation for their next season was beginning.

As we apply this to our own wilderness experience – that often awkward period between leaving, yet not quite arriving – we need to embrace the lesson presented here.

It teaches before we can walk into the next season God has for us, we need to seek His presence in ways we never have before…we need to wash our clothes.

When I look back on previous wilderness times I have experienced, I realize that I always failed to wash my clothes.

I had no time for that! I was too busy trying to escape what seemed like an uncomfortable and unproductive time in my own strength. I sought whatever ‘spiritual opportunity’ that presented itself, and used it as a springboard to catapult myself far from wilderness and into comfort and accomplishment.

Why bother with wilderness times when there is so much to do for the Lord?!!

We ‘bother’ with wilderness times because it affords us the opportunity to wash our clothes and prepare ourselves to receive, at the proper time, our Holy God’s anointing. It is that anointing that will prepare us spiritually to cross the threshold of our new season.

We can, and often do, create our own “next season”, but without our submission to God’s will and His anointing on it, we have just created worldly busyness.

Wilderness time affords God the opportunity to press for our undivided attention. As we enter into His presence and submit to His plan for us, He is able to teach, stretch, grow and mold us into the person He created us to be.

The wilderness is a place of trial and transformation, of purging and purifying, and of groveling and growth.

In Psalm 32:8 God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

If our energy is focused on just enduring or escaping this precious and life-giving time, we will miss the opportunity for wisdom and blessings that will be needed to sustain us during our next God-honoring season.

Use your wilderness time to ‘wash your clothes’…

By heartfelt prayer

By reading and meditating on Scripture

By sharing a cup of coffee (and your ear) with a seasoned sister in faith

By worshiping throughout your ‘routine’ day

By journaling the nuggets of encouragement straight from the Father’s heart

By resting in and enjoying His presence

By being still and embracing that He is God

I have now learned that in order to truly discern the path God has ordained for my life, I need to embrace wilderness times. I no longer pray that they end quickly, but I pray God gives me divine encouragement when the enemy tries to whisper to me that I am in a desolate and unproductive place.

The wilderness is not desolate or unproductive.

It is a place that allows our damp clothes to dry as we sit still, soak in His presence, and allow ourselves to be refreshed.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)

A friend of mine recently pointed out an often overlooked fact concerning the death of Moses. Honestly, I had forgotten about this truly significant event of Moses’ last days until I went to Deuteronomy 34 to confirm it.

But first, it is within this chapter we are reminded of the close relationship Moses shared with his Maker. The Lord loved and trusted Moses so much that He appointed him to lead the chosen people of Israel out of slavery and toward their God-ordained destiny. Moses met with God, spoke to God and even questioned God during times of frustration.

Deuteronomy 34:10 tells us that “no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”

During Moses’ last days, the Lord was with Moses on the top of Mount Nebo to show him the land He had promised to His chosen people.

But remember, Moses himself did not enter into the land. He actually died in the land of Moab, just short of the Promised Land.

At first glance, it seems a bit cold that God would allow Moses to die without ever making it to the place he had dreamed about entering.

But, here is the part which might help put all of this in perspective. After describing the death of Moses, we are told in Deuteronomy 34:6 that, “He [God] buried him [Moses].”

Just ponder that concept for a few minutes.

God buried Moses.

As my friend so eloquently stated when relaying this story to me, “Isn’t that just so sweet. God buried Moses.”

Through these events, we can see that Moses obviously had fulfilled the plan God ordained for his life. Moses had served his purpose in advancing the Kingdom by being the earthly vessel used to bring the nation of Israel into reality.

Now God’s plan for Moses was done. Moses had faithfully served the purpose God needed him for.

I am sure the Israelites might have been a little more than surprised that their fearless earthly leader over the past 40 years was not going to complete the journey with them. No doubt they were concerned about this turn of events. Remember the nation of Israel had a bad habit of not trusting in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

But God is sovereign and faithful and gracious and He really does have a perfect plan for our lives. He even has a way of redeeming His plan when we take it off track and mess it up.

God knew in order for the destiny of His chosen people to move forward as He ordained it, something had to be left behind…something had to be buried.

I believe God understood how deeply the people felt about Moses. I also believe they knew God felt their pain in losing the person of Moses, and his leadership which they had grown accustomed too.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons God chose to bury Moses Himself. I believe God wanted to show His grieving people how engaged in their lives He was. It was an act of humility and love from God that showed not only respect for Moses, but also His willingness to get His hands dirty while involved in the lives of His beloved children.

In the midst of the grief over Moses’ death, I get a sense of a very special moment occurring – the bond being strengthened- between the emerging Israelite nation and their God.

I believe this event in their relationship…the act of God burying Moses…revealed a character trait of God that is often overlooked.

Our God proved not only to a young Israelite nation but to all believers’ what a sweet and tenderhearted God He is.

God’s final action toward Moses is so symbolic of the role He wants to play in our lives.
Our sweet and tenderhearted God stands ready to help us bury whatever is in our life that is stalling our progress toward our own personal promised land.

As we move along our spiritual paths there are things… sometimes seasons… that make us feel insignificant or stagnate. The journey might be good enough, but there becomes a sameness to it that leaves us uninspired or even apathetic.

I have learned over the course of my journey that those feelings usually indicate the something needs to be released…buried…in order of our steps to be renewed and redirected.

Without the ‘burial’, then our wilderness march is destined to continue.

Is there something you know really needs to die in your life, yet you are not sure you could move on without it?

Take heart in the fact that we serve a sweet and tenderhearted God who desperately desires to not only support us, but also work alongside of us to bury what needs to be laid to rest.

God wants us all to enter into the unique destiny – our own personal promised land – He has ordained for all of us.

Trust Him enough to ask for His help and direction believing He will move toward you with shovel in hand.

The 1981 British historical film Chariots of Fire tells the story of two British long distance runners who eventually competed in the 1924 Olympics. One of the men was Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born in China to Scottish missionary parents, who actually won a gold medal in those Olympic Games.

Eric was expected to follow in the footsteps of his parents by training to become a missionary in China. He knew he was called to be a missionary; however, he was also gifted by God to run very fast.

Eric sister’s felt the time he spent training for his running took away from the time he should have spent preparing to be a missionary. Eric responded to her concerns with these words:

“I believe God made me for a purpose. But he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Did you get that last part: “I feel His pleasure.” I just love that! That tells me God gifts us not just for our benefit or pleasure, but also for His pleasure!

Back in the day (which is code for when I was much younger!); I was a very natural athlete. It was my ‘talent’. I could play just about any sport fairly well, and I truly enjoyed every minute I was able to participate in anything athletic.

I loved being part of a team. I loved the way I felt when I was in good shape. I loved the competition. I loved the sense of satisfaction when diligent practices flowed into game-day victories. Again, having a talent for anything athletic gave me pleasure on many levels.

Over the course of several decades, I entered in different seasons of my life that just didn’t leave room for too many sporting activities. A back injury was one of the main culprits for my need to curtail my focus on athletic endeavors. I do still dabble in some sporting activities, but usually just to the extent that leave me very sore a few days later.

Let’s fast forward to this past spring…

One weekend, during announcement time at my church, the call went out for softball players as co-ed teams were forming for the Spring League.

For a brief second after hearing that, I remembered the days of playing softball and how much I enjoyed every aspect of the game. That thought was soon replaced with the memory of my age and the many years that had passed since I last attempted to play.

While leaving the building after service, I saw the softball sign-up table. I kept my eye on it as I attempted to walk by, but was actually shocked when I walked to it and found myself talking with these folks as if I was really going to play. They were very encouraging to me, so I took one of their information sheets and told them I would think about playing.

Over the course of the next several days during my prayer time with God, I brought the subject of softball up with Him. My thoughts on the matter ranged between remembering how I loved playing and how ridiculous it would be for a woman in her mid-fifties to even consider playing.

One morning, in a rather frustrated tone, I spoke out loud to God and said,

“Why didn’t you give me a talent that would be useful as I aged? Why could I never grasp anything musical or have been an artist? Those types of things I could have done until the day I die!”

God countered:

“You have a talent that has served you well and has given Me a great deal of pleasure.”

This exchange, along with the recent announcement of softball teams forming, was the catalyst for me to understand, embrace really, a new depth to the relationship God desires to have with me.

Now, I know the joy that I feel being in relationship with Him. I have felt His grace and love in amazing ways over the course of my faith journey. However, I never truly connected that the talents he gave me, or gives any of us, brings Him pleasure much in the same way significant people in our lives love to watch us engage in what God has gifted us to do.

Here is another part of the story to show how God weaves everything together so perfectly. A few years ago, during a healing service at my church, God did grant enough healing of my back issue to allow me to do many things I was previously unable to do.

Well, as you probably have figured out by now, I did play the co-ed softball season last spring.

I enjoyed every minute of it and for the most part was easily able to hold my own. But the most joyful part of the whole adventure was for the first time in my life I played just to give Him pleasure.

I felt His pleasure when I was playing.

I have been involved in athletic activities all my life, but it took until my mid-fifties before I learned to enjoy my talents just for His pleasure. No stats. No accolades. No worries about my performance.

Just for His pleasure.

Perhaps that is true freedom. Doing what we love and were gifted to do by our Creator, first and foremost, for His pleasure. Not as any type of pay back for His gracious gifts, but just because we really can give Him pleasure.

I believe as we allow His pleasure to be our primary focus in anything we do, we lay a solid foundation for success in all we do. God created us because He desired relationship with us. I believe he gave us all talents so we could interact and enjoy the world He created for us. I also believe it is those talents He bestowed on us that are meant to create a unique bond, a special place of meeting, between the Heavenly Father and His beloved child.

I played softball last spring partly out of gratitude for my back healing, but mostly because I love my Heavenly Dad and I understood my pleasure was His pleasure as well.

Do you play musical instrument? Play so He can take in your sweet melody.

Is your talent in gardening? Plant and grow a bouquet He can gaze down upon on a warm spring morning.

Do you love to sing? Sing out loud in the course of your day so He can enjoy the song in your heart.

Are you an artist? Draw, paint, sculpt or create that masterpiece He placed inside of you so He can hang it on His refrigerator.

Do you enjoy writing? Write from your heart each day and allow your words to touch His heart.

Dust off whatever talent you process that has become lost in the busyness of life.

Allow yourself to re-ignite the joy of your talent in the pureness of its original intent.

Allow God to feel pleasure in His gift to you.