"His Sojourners" - 07/13/17 - Psalms 86-89

 "What You say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.

Your Word and Truth are dependable as ever; that's what You ordered - You set the earth going.

                        
If Your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came.                            

But I'll never forget the advice You gave me; You saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I'm all Yours. I look high and low for Your words of Wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with Your plans for me.  
                          
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain Your commands!                            

Oh, how I love all You've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long."(89-97)

 

 

 

His reminder.  His comfort.  His Truth. 

 

Right there - first Words I read this morning. 


He is I AM.

 

 

Comparing myself to how I was in my yesterdays, I have improved greatly.  There are still moments when I fail and fall back into an old habit.  When I allow the whispers coming from the enemy to draw my attention off of our ABBA.

My g'ma Dorothy used to tell me, "it's like a rocking chair.  Even though you rock and rock, you're never getting anywhere".

 

She was referring to "worry". 

 

I have been striving to eradicate it from my life by depending and believing in all - all - He has written to me in our Love Letter from Him - His Word.  I have been striving to lean on The Holy Spirit and draw from His Wisdom, which I receive from digging into His Word.  I continually strive in becoming more intimate with our ABBA, desiring more than just a superficial relationship. 

 

And for the most part, He has helped me overcome the noise of the whispers.

 

There is much on our plates and it seems time just slips on by rather quickly.  My heart is saddened by the news of loved ones who are fighting for, or have lost the fight, for their lives.  There have been raging battles fought against the evil of cancer.  My uncle has been given some very positive news after receiving treatments.  A dear sister of ABBA's family has just been placed on hospice and I fight back the tears when thinking of the steps her family is taking right now.  So many prayers I lift up throughout my days for those who have been in accidents, taken ill.  

It has been bittersweet having our sons become grown men and leave the "nest".  There have been, and most likely will be more of those moments when my heart physically aches from the days which accumulate between all of us being together.  How I delight in Adam being back and living here with our Ashley, Charlie and Ella.   To spend time with them.  Just to hear their voice in person and see their faces on a regular basis. 

Nichalas and Amber have been on their hike of the Pacific Crest Trail since the Monday after Easter.  I have asked Nichalas if he could see The Hand of God with them in certain situations they have gotten caught in and he replied, "Mom, we shouldn't have made it through.  He is here". 

 

I find keeping busy and focusing on our ABBA helps keep the worry away.  ABBA reassures me everything will work out.  It always does. And yes.  I am also trying to squelch the imagination of "what could happen"  during the journey each of our loved ones' steps are taking them on. 

One of my greatest joys has become just sitting and looking, watching our kids. 
His beauty within and outside of them, continually takes my breath away. 

"Marvelous are His works". 

 

If we allowed ourselves, it could be very easy to allow the things of this world overtake our counting of the many blessings our ABBA rains down upon us in all of our steps. 

 

And again, as He reassures us during the attack of satan's arrows, the whispers trying to get into our head, we are but sojourners here on this earth.  Picking up and journeying through the dangers and potholes of this world, towards our place at "Home" in which our Christ has went and prepared for us. 

He continually reassures us the all of our ABBA is as permanent as the heavens. 
In Him, He is as the air we breathe, surrounding us and within.  No matter where we journey.   

 

Every moment, He knows  we need to "hear" He is in complete control. 

 

"What You say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.

Your Word and Truth are dependable as ever; that's what You ordered - You set the earth going.

                        
If Your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came.                            

But I'll never forget the advice You gave me; You saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I'm all Yours. I look high and low for Your words of Wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with Your plans for me.  
                          
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain Your commands!                            

Oh, how I love all You've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long."

 

 

"He Is Our Security" - 07/12/17 - Psalm 80-85

^"And how blessed all those in whom You live,
    whose lives become roads You travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
    discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
    at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!"  (84:5-7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I love "whose lives become roads You travel". 

Knowing because of our choice to walk with our ABBA, no longer do we walk alone.  Not that we ever did, it is just now we recognize Him. 

I hate surprises.  The suspense of not knowing.  When I go to a movie, I like to know the ending beforehand.  Otherwise, the suspense ruins it for me. 

How He has taken that from us who are His......becoming our security, our leader, our road map.  No longer are we wandering down the road of life - lost.  Exposed to the elements, the dangers - hidden and seen.  He is our protector.  Our shield. 

He has told us the "ending" of our journey  - it is with Him - eternally.  No longer do we wander, we can walk with "Godfidence".   Knowing each step we take is a step taken with and "In" Him.  Even when we take a wrong turn, because we have let go of His Hand, taking our focus off of Him and decided to take our own lead, He is still there.  Sometimes gently, sometimes with a push or pull, setting us back on the right path. 

He has taken the suspense of "not knowing" from our journey.  No longer should the "surprises" which pop up, frighten us or cause doubt.  Much of the time, they need to delight us, because we are focusing on Him, no longer on the fear of the unknown.  We need to be seeing our journey through His eyes and celebrating life "In" Him.  Trusting and resting "In" Him.

Knowing - all things are for His glory - sharing "our journey" with Him. 

Headed towards "the last turn—Zion! God in full view!"  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Hope" - 07/11/17 - Psalms 78-79

^"For He established a testimony in Jacob
And appointed a law in Israel,

Which He commanded our fathers
That they should teach them to their children,

 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,
That they may arise and tell them to their children,

That they should put their confidence in God
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments"(78:5-7)

Our Hope for tomorrows. No matter if the children in our lives are of our own blood or not, through our ABBA we are of His Blood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"His Love Flows From Others" - 07/10/17 - Psalms 74-77

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near"(75:1)

I have never loved in the way I love our Adam and Ashley, Nichalas and Amber. Charlie and Ella and all the other "kids" He has placed in my heart.

I never knew what it meant to watch part of your heart live outside of your body - until them.
I never knew what it meant to be rich.  to be overwhelmed.  to be full.  until them.

It was and is through them I know how much our ABBA loves each one of us.  The love I have for them is just an inkling of how He feels about us.  About how much He sacrificed - for us.

It is because of them I know the desire to draw near.  To hold their name near and dear to my heart.  To have my heart swell near to bursting upon hearing their voice, seeing their face, just being - with them.

For the past 32 years I have given thanks to my ABBA for the honor, the pleasure, the gift of  celebrating being a mom and in the past year and a half, grandma.  

How I have given thanks. 

These parts of my heart are the best of me.  And they are His.

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near"

"Our Refuge" - 07/09/17 - Psalms 70-73

"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.
With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. 

My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made The Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works."(73:23-28)

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Only Then" - 07/08/17 - Psalms 66-69

"I love You more than I can say.
Because I'm madly in love with You,
They blame me for everything they dislike about You. (69:6)


 Words.  How inadequate are mine in trying to express to our ABBA my love for Him. 
Actions.  How often they fail to convey what is in my heart for Him.
Thoughts.  How often they slip away from their focus on Him and onto myself.

Loved.  By Him.  More than we can ever love Him back. 
Covered.  By Him.  Unconditionally He covers our repentive heart.
Lead.  His.  To be less of "me" and more of Him.
Held.  Forever.  Eternally. 
In the palm of His Hand.

For the all of "me".
To be at this place. 
To be at this point. 
To be so madly in love with ABBA. 
For Him to be our only Idol. 

For Him to be our ALL.

To be all we worship. Adore. Desire.


It is only then, are we able to see the Spiritual warfare raging all about us. 
It is only then, are we able to stand firm and not take attacks personal. 

To see beyond the persons, their actions, and see their souls. 
Crying out for Him.  And pray.  For them. 

Only then, are we able to Love as He loves.

"Embrace Him With All That You Are" - 07/07/17 - Psalms 58-65

God - You're my God!
I can't get enough of You!

I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.   So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in Your strength and glory.

In Your generous Love I am really living at last!

My lips brim praises like fountains.   I bless You every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to You.  
I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips.

It's time to shout praises!  

If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. 

Because You've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. 
I hold on to You for dear life, and You hold me steady as a post." (63:1-8)

"It was 20 years ago that I enjoyed the privilege of portraying Jesus in the film The Gospel of Matthew.  The experience was life-changing as I came to understand The Lord in ways I'd never imagined.  I discovered His joy, His heartbreak, and the fire of His passion. 

I also discovered how remarkably alone Jesus was when He walked the earth.


After all, who could possibly understand a man whose thoughts and ways were so astoundingly removed from those of any other person?  Even His closest companions never "got it" until after He'd ascended to His Father. 

How alone does that leave a man - especially that Golgotha day? 


When we filmed the crucifixion scenes of Matthew, I arrived on the set after a three-hour make-up job that was so authentic none of the film crew could bear to look at me.  I recall thinking of that scripture, "He was....like one from whom men hid their face" (Isa. 53:3), and realizing it was very real.


Then the filming began and the brutality was remarkable.  We were just "faking it," and the awfulness was indescribable.  I remember hanging there and seeing the faces all around me, just staring.  A little girl from the local village where we were filming just cried and cried.  They all would have loved to help me somehow.  But it was something I had to go through alone.


I thought of Jesus looking out and seeing His mother, John, and others.  As much as they loved Him, there was no way they could understand His motivations that day. 

As much as they'd have loved to somehow help Him, it was something He had to do - alone.


Then came the moment of alone beyond alone. 

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). 

And you and I could be born again.


Today is a day to shed all our wanting and live as The Lord desires:  thankful.  We have the privilege of understanding Him as those who walked by His side never could, and our response can be nothing other than to fall on our faces in profound gratitude.  Glory to Jesus!!!!!" - Bruce Marchiano

"Heart Shattered Lives" - 07/06/17 - Psalms 51-57

"Going through the motions doesn’t please You,
    a flawless performance is nothing to You.
I learned God-worship
    when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
    don’t for a moment escape God’s notice." (Psalm 51:16-17)

She stood at one of the three sinks in the public bathroom.  The one in the corner.  Her stuff was piled on the floor beside her, level with the counter top.  In one hand were the remains of a dirty rag and the other held a small sample bottle of hand sanitizer.  Over and over she continued to wipe down the counter.  Wringing the remnant of the rag under the full force of the water.  When the bottle of "sanitizer" was empty, she held it under the water, until it was filled up.  At times, she would rest her weary head in her hands as she viewed what she was doing as a never ending job. 

Nichalas once said, "Chicago is a place where you can never be alone, but is one of the loneliest cities in the world". 

She stood there with women surrounding her, the line snaked around and out the door, yet she was in her own world.  Talking to herself, mumbling words I could only pick up here and there.  The anxiousness and anxiety poured out of her eyes like the water pouring out of the faucet. 

Her actions brought to mind these verses.  Her “flawless performance” in cleaning the sink, was only smearing the unseen germs around on the counter top.  Over and over she was going through the motions, all the while using improper tools.  And when she was done, she let go a breath of relief.  Her pride in her work was momentary for in her mind, she still saw the filth and would begin the futile process over again. 

Just as God sees us when we are living outside of Christ, trying to cleanse sin in our hearts by doing things "our" way.  There is only one way to our ABBA and that is our Savior.  Jesus Christ. 

The all of our life - it has to be all about Him.  
 
It has to be from a changed heart, not just lip service.  Just as sitting in a garage doesn't make us a car, neither does just going through the motions bring us into an intimacy with Him.
 
Looking at my life I see many “heart-shattered” moments as He has/is growing me.  Cleansing my heart with The Blood of our Savior.  Shattered from the life of "self", of just going through the motions, as my relationship with Him has moved from superficial to intimate.

Although those "heart-shattered" moments cause us great pain, it is only then we are ready for Love.

The Love of our Savior.  Jesus Christ. 

                                                   

"The Freedom" - 07/05/17 - Psalms 46-50

^"The God of gods—it’s God!—speaks out, shouts, “Earth!”

    welcomes the sun in the east,
    farewells the disappearing sun in the west.

From the dazzle of Zion,
    God blazes into view.
Our God makes His entrance,
    He’s not shy in His coming.
Starbursts of fireworks precede Him.(50:1-2)



They could be seen up and down the river, bursting through the darkness, flying high over the tops of the trees, as I sat in the car listening to worship music.  It seemed a fitting way to end my day before heading down our drive into the little valley we call home.

I wondered who it was that thought fireworks would be such a fitting way to celebrate our countries freedom.  How just a bit a sparkle and booms is able to bring about a whole country in celebration for our freedom.  Our freedom bought at the cost of great sacrifices by men and women, their families, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

Freedom.

It is a gift I have never lived without in this place called the USofA.  I have lived without it in the spiritual sense while I walked outside the covenant with my ABBA. 

Living in a place of darkness, tethered to the bands of sin, trying to find my way, to have the Godvoid filled within. 

And just like the fireworks over the treetops, His Glory caught my eye.  Caught up my heart, my soul, my mind. 

Our ABBA. 
"From the dazzle of Zion,
    God blazes into view.
Our God makes His entrance,
    He’s not shy in His coming.
Starbursts of fireworks precede Him."

I am praying for all to know The Freedom of living intimately with our ABBA.  The Freedom bought at the cost of His only begotten Son. 

There is no greater gift.  No greater way to live our lives.  Freedom in Him. 

 

"Cheek To Cheek" - 07/04/17 - Psalms 40-45

"You know me inside and out,
You hold me together,
You never fail to stand me tall in Your presence so I can look You in the eye. 
Blessed is God, Israel's God, always, always, always.
Yes. Yes. Yes." (41:12,13)


I always enjoy watching the dancers at weddings, admiring their ability to let loose and have fun.  The way they don't care about how they look, how they move.  They are just enjoying the music as they are enjoying life. 


Even though I am perfectly content to sit and watch, listening to the music, I do wish for their confidence.  The confidence to be and do, without the inhibitions of doubt, guilt, fear, and shame.  It isn't to be the life of the party in why I want this confidence, it isn't even confidence I really want - it is "God"fidence. 

It is by having "God"fidence, we are able to be whom and how, He designed us to be.


So, I am reminded when reading this verse, He is why we are able to stand tall and look Him in the eye.  He created each one of us to be in His company, to share and live life face to face with Him.  He knows us inside and out - He knows what we are capable of and sets us in the places we need to be.

Nothing is by coincidence. 


It is while growing in our intimacy with our ABBA we begin growing in "God"fidence.   Each of our steps leading toward Home.  The place where we are able to be totally free and let loose.  To totally enjoy His Wedding in Heaven without any of the world's lies.
                            
We will dancing with our Groom.       

"But You'll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to You.
Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration.  
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight." (5:11-12)

"Living In His Light" - 07/03/17 - Psalm 36-39

God’s Love is meteoric,
   His loyalty astronomic,

His purpose titanic,
    His verdicts oceanic.

Yet in His largeness
    nothing gets lost;

Not a man, not a mouse,
    slips through the cracks.

How exquisite Your Love, O God!

    How eager we are to run under Your wings,
To eat our fill at the banquet You spread
    as You fill our tankards with Eden spring water.

You’re a fountain of cascading light,
    and You open our eyes to Light.(36:5-9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Psalm 34" - 07/02/17 - Psalms 32-35

I bless God every chance I get;
my lungs expand with His praise.

 

I live and breathe God;
if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:

 

Join me in spreading the news;
together let’s get the word out.

God met me more than halfway,

He freed me from my anxious fears.

 

Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from Him.

 

When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.

 

God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.

 

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to Him.

 

Worship God if you want the best;
worship opens doors to all His goodness.

 

Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
but God-seekers are full of God.

Come, children, listen closely;
I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.

 

Who out there has a lust for life?
Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?

 

Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.

Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!

 

 God keeps an eye on His friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.

 

God won’t put up with rebels;
He’ll cull them from the pack.

 

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.

 

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, He’ll help you catch your breath.

 

Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.

 

He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.

 

The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.

 

God pays for each slave’s freedom;
no one who runs to Him loses out.

 

"Sticking Like Gum On My Shoe" - 07/01/17 - Psalms 26-31

Light, space, zest—
    that’s God!

So, with Him on my side I’m fearless,
    afraid of no one and nothing.

When vandal hordes ride down
    ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
    fall flat on their faces.

 

When besieged,
    I’m calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
    I’m collected and cool.

 

I’m asking God for one thing,
    only one thing:

To live with Him in His House
    my whole life long.

I’ll contemplate His beauty;
    I’ll study at His feet.

 

That’s the only quiet, secure place
    in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
    far from the buzz of traffic.

 

God holds me head and shoulders
    above all who try to pull me down.

I’m headed for His place to offer anthems
    that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God-songs;
    I’m making music to God.

 

Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs:
    “Be good to me! Answer me!”
When my heart whispered, “Seek God,”
    my whole being replied,
“I’m seeking Him!”
    Don’t hide from me now!

 

You’ve always been right there for me;
    don’t turn Your back on me now.
Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me;
    You’ve always kept the door open.

My father and mother walked out and left me,
    but God took me in.

 

Point me down Your highway, God;
    direct me along a well-lighted street;
    show my enemies whose side You’re on.
Don’t throw me to the dogs,
    those liars who are out to get me,
    filling the air with their threats.

 

I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.

I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God. (Psalm 27)

 

 

 

 

 

"We - Whom He Chases After" - 06/30/17 - Psalm 21-25

"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.  
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life."(Psalm 23:6)

When I was seventeen, I moved from a town of maybe 100 people to Chicago.  The very naïve farm girl was in the middle of the big city - very big city.  Some ago when Nichalas and Amber were living there, while visiting them we went downtown.  On a whim we walked through the old building I used to work in.  It amazed me after 33 years much of it was the same.  I worked for a freelance logo designer.  It was a very fun job, but the hours weren't 9-5.  "Back then" we would take different pictures in stores for ideas, presentations to the clients were done throughout the regular working hours and at night we would do the layouts, drawing, etc.  There wasn't photo shop back then - everything was pretty much from scratch and by hand.  I really enjoyed the work and the hours didn't bother me. 

At the time, I lived in a suburb and would take the train home.  Many, many times to save money, I would walk across downtown to catch the last train home - usually after midnight.  To save time - I would cut through alleys, side streets, etc. 

I was so naïve - it didn't occur to me the dangers I was walking though. 
Today - I miss looking at the world through those innocent eyes.

Many, many times over the years when I think about how many, many, many times I walked through "dangerous places" - it is without a doubt I know His hedge of protection was about me. 

It still is. 
I often say my guardian angels probably have gray hair or no hair from all the stress I have put them through. 

When I think about the darkness of the alley's I cut through, I can see how His light was always around  me. Even though at the time I was totally unaware of Him, in my minds eye, I can actually see His bright light following me through my memories.  I once heard there is no such thing as darkness, only the void of light.  

His light is always there.

Is always here. 

No matter how dark we feel it is - His light is there - somewhere - we just need to "focus" on it.  Be it through His Word, His family, His nature.  He is all about us.  Always.  In all ways.

My heart is overwhelmed to see "He always chased after me." 
My heart is so thankful I came to my senses and let Him capture me.

 My heart is so secure in knowing " I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

Don't you just love knowing His Promise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We - His So Loved" - 06/29/17 - Psalm 17-20

 

^"But me He caught—reached all the way
    from sky to sea; He pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
    the void in which I was drowning.

They hit me when I was down,
    but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;

    I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!

God made my life complete
    when I placed all the pieces before Him.
When I got my act together,
    He gave me a fresh start.

Now I’m alert to God’s ways;
    I don’t take God for granted.

Every day I review the ways He works;

    I try not to miss a trick.

I feel put back together,
    and I’m watching my step.

God rewrote the text of my life
    when I opened the book of my heart to His Eyes.

 

The good people taste Your goodness,
The whole people taste Your health,
The true people taste Your Truth,(18:16-25)

 

So "in" love with His Word - our own personal love letter from our ABBA!