Put it in my hands

While playing fetch with my brother's dog, Pouncer, I eventually got tired of playing "tug of war" with him. So, I thought, why not open my hands to him, in front of my lap. What would he do? I did it! Haha, mind you he's a beautiful and smart boxer with very expressive eyes. He looked at me with his tilted head like, "what am I supposed to do with that?" Then I told him put it in my hands. He initially thought I wanted to play keep away with his jerky gnawing at the toy. Slowly but surely, the more I said it (which was many many times) with my hands open to him, he got it! He brought the toy to my hands! Only thing is, initially he didn't want to leave it there. He would playfully grab it and try to play keep away again running away and right back again! After a while we established trust. He brought it to me, placed it in my hands, set it down and waited for me to throw it again. After a few more times of him going to get it and gently putting it into my hands, I decided to change it up a bit. When he brought it back and set it down ever so gingerly in my hands I told him to sit. He did! Why? He was learning that I would reward his obedience! He knew I would throw it again. 

Simple story right? Well, as I pondered this in my mind, the Lord spoke to my heart. I truly love it when He uses every day things to reach me where I'm at! 

He reminded me that often times our relationship with Him is just like this scenario of playing fetch! When we bring things to God, we want to have a hand in the outcome. We, like the dog, want to play (we want the attention, we want what we want- we want God's help), BUT we don't want to let go! We like the idea of bringing it (whatever it is in our lives at the time) to Him in prayer, but our humanness demands we play our part too. We try to play tug of war! 

A few things I'm reminded of in this snapshot are:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Just as Pouncer didn't understand why I put my hands out, or change the direction of his way verses mine, comparatively we don't necessarily understand what God Almighty is doing either. I read a meme earlier that stated something along the lines of "The devil had a plan, but God has a purpose." How true is that!? Often times we hold tight to our "wants" or "desires" not realizing what could come of us actually attaining these things, especially when we are relying upon our emotions, which are ever changing or fleshly desires that often self pleasing over that which God demands. 

Stew a bit on this truth, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 It is all about HIS purpose, not that of our own.

There are countless things this life holds, trials, temptations, pain, heartache, grief, sorrow, happiness, joy and the list goes on! One thing is for sure, the Scriptures keep us on track and they restore us to God's ways and His plans are far more prosperous than what we can imagine! 

Ok, so a bit more of the story. After playing with him, I washed up, made brunch and showered. We have a walk in shower and while I finished up, I looked down and to my surprise there was Pouncer! He had brought me his toy again, only this time he laid it by my feet and laid down by the shower entry. Wow, I was so surprised! He not only knew I was busy (which we know God is NEVER too busy), but he laid the toy down at my feet! He trusted me. He let go! He waited patiently...

"Put it in my hands" came back to my mind. Then I thought of "lay it at my feet". In both instances we are encouraged to bring all things to the Lord, without our input and without our holding on. We are to patiently trust Him, His wisdom, knowledge, discretion and timing. 

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13

Truth is, we are all faced with unknown situations. We live in a world of unknowns, but we have the God who knows all! This may seem like a strange year, filled with strange things, but there is nothing strange to the One who not only created us, but also sees us through. 

Consider your situation or maybe that of a family member or close friend maybe even a coworker or boss... are we learning reliance upon the King of kings and trusting Him with all things? Are we letting go and either placing it in God's hands or laying them at His feet? Are we allowing our humanness to play it's part or sweetly surrendering in full faith that He knows the full picture and the preplanned outcomes? Are we trusting His plan?

 

 

A Moment in the Mind

 

Memories... much can be said about what the mind retains.

Many know in my early 20's, that I've experienced a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI). As one who has gone through short term memory loss I've learned the value of writing... whether on a sticky note, a daily planner or in a journal book.

Think of the simple things we retain. For example, fire is hot so don't touch it. Or, ice is freezing! Don't hold it too long. On a more sophisticated note, we remember those we've loved, liked and those we had no problem letting go. We remember emotions associated with certain people in our lives too.

Truly the mind is an amazing thing! It captures moments in time. Sometimes we can put or experience in words and other times, there are no words to be found.

With all that said, let's consider the vast depths of the Word of God. There are 66 books written in great detail. Some people retain majority of what they read, whether in the Bible or anything else. Others, its held for a short time, maybe minutes or hours, possibly even a few days.

Is it really any wonder why we aren't to rely solely on our human minds to retain what is needed? For the believer, filled with the Holy Spirit we have a gift greater than any other. A memory beyond our comprehension! How? The Holy Spirit not only teaches us as we need, but also brings back what we might have forgotten.

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26

There's a massive difference between head knowledge and that which the heart holds. When we take the time to prayerfully ponder and study the Word of God, it not only saturates the mind for a time, it steeps deep within the heart!

Psalm 119:11 says, — Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The mind is an amazing thing and so is the heart. Its fascinating how they work together! Maybe you can relate to this kind of reliance? Whether pushing a pen to retain what's needed for a time or pushing in prayer, asking for the help of the One greater than our temporary minds can contain.

If you are one who finds writing boring, mindless and without point are you willing to consider that even the Almighty, the Living God has books written... consider the Scriptures and even detailed within He says, "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." Malachi 3:16

Pretty amazing isnt it!? That is only one account of many. Have you ever considered a moment in the mind or the heaps of help in regaining those precious and powerful restored memories?

A Walk with the King- A Devoted Walk

Hey everyone! I'm super excited to announce the website for my devotional book is live! 

You can read about the book, about the author (me) and even see a preview!!! 

Praise the Lord with me!!!

Watch a short video overview of the book here:

https://youtu.be/k2tb0dN3fbg

The website... Check it out!

https://www.awalkwiththeking.com/

As always, please share as the Lord leads!

Isaiah 55:11 is one of my ultimate favorites! I'm trusting the Lord and in His promises. His Word prospers where He sends it! BUT we must be obedient to His leading. 

Thank you for a moment of your time as well as your prayerful support! I'm thankful for this amazing journey with the King of kings!!!

Placed in leadership?

If the Lord has placed you in leadership, be mindful that it is not to puff you up (or to stir pride within), but rather so that you are in a position to show others Christ! 

It also doesn't promote or gain approval to gripe, complain, tear others down or give approval to dive into discontentment. Can you imagine how a grumbly Moses would sound!? We must remember, none are perfect but Christ! In this we must keep at the forefront of our minds His grace, His mercy and His compassion towards those who followed Him. What a crowd of characters that followed Him, right? People of all backgrounds and lifestyles. 

Listen whole heartedly to what He said to His disciples...

"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:13-17

So, the Lord has placed you in leadership... whether on the job or within your home, maybe even in the community or in your church. Someone is watching you, learning from you,and will absorb your example. Are you lifting up others above yourself or do you seize the moment to verbally put others down to lift yourself up? 

Are you showing them Jesus? Are we being His hands and feet to those He's placed in our care to lead?

Oh that blessed Divine vine!

Are you connected?

Jesus said,
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
John 15:4-8

I love gardening! It fascinates me to watch a tiny seed be placed in the soil and over time, after watering and weeding a plant grows and produces food! In essence, its amazing watching life happen!

As we are at the end of growing season and it's time to harvest, I've watched several of our vines grow, flourish and some wither! Those that shriveled and withered away are the ones that were stepped on or crushed. Once its cut off from the main part, it dies.

Now, looking at the in line with the words Jesus spoke here, if we aren't in Him and He in us, we have no true life source! Apart from Him, we can do nothing. In fact, we do just as these plants do and shrivel up!

Look at how the Strong's Concordance breaks this down.
μένω ménō, men'-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry

(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g3306)

That's pretty cool! Is it any wonder why we were fruitless apart from the life source?

May we consider this warning and heed wisely.

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:9

Consider your walk with Christ. How blessed we are to abide in that divine vine! Are you staying connected in Him or growing dry, dreary and crusty? Is your life producing fruit or have you become fruitless? 

Christ, the sin cure

WHAT IF people could see sin like Ebola, AIDS, Polio, or COVID? Difference here? Physical illnesses that lead to death verses spiritual death which is eternal... People fear sickness and disease yet not the God who grants life to the soul.

Jesus said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

Think of the many preventative measures taken for one who is transported with any of these ailments in effort to control or contain the spread... Yet sin is more catastrophic to the soul than any of these are to the human body.

What preventative measures are being taken against this destructive spiritual disease we are all born with, SIN?

Yes, we are all born with it.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Knowing we are a fallen humanity, God Himself provided the sin cure. Christ is the antidote!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:16-19

While there are many who seek to cure or treat human viruses and disease, people try to fix themselves apart from God. This is no different than sweeping a dusty floor in an enclosed room. Sure, there will be evidence of efforts, but when the dust settles once again there's proof not all was cleaned up!

While these diseases are terrible and can be deadly, our sin nature does carry eternal consequences... separation from God for eternity. Our efforts only carry so far. Which do you fear, that which kills the body or the One who grants life to the soul?

Are you struggling in your own efforts to do what only Christ can?

Center of the Centurion

Center of the Centurion

"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8:13

For the full story, read Matthew 8:5-13. I love this account. What was the at the center of the centurion? PURE FAITH!!!

He, being a military commander knew the power of authority... speak it and it's done! This man had no problem asking Jesus to speak healing over his servant. Jesus was amazed at his faith and granted his petition. Isnt that amazing!?

This story should resonate with every believer in Christ! Sure, we pray. We ask for deliverance and healing, for peace and protection. We ask even for the impossible! How often though are we asking in PURE FAITH? We need to take a serious look, not necessarily at what we are asking for, but more so at the level of our faith.

James reminds us, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7

Did you catch that KEY ingredient? "Nothing wavering"! What does that mean exactly? It means that we MUST cast away any doubt. Often times, we know God is able. We KNOW He can, but we 1/2 heartedly give it to Him.

In every petition, may we too have FAITH as the centurion. God knows, He sees. He knows the needs and He sees if we come to Him fully believing and trusting Him or if we kinda want to give it to Him, but allow doubts to excuse our holding on to the issue.

Heart check, can you see situations you've fully surrendered in faith? Now, consider the things you want to hold on to and in essence doubt God's ability, His timing and His authority. Can you see where doubt has won and where faith has had the victory?

The grave cost of backsliding

Have you ever known anyone beyond the Lord's deliverance? Isn't that a scary thought?

"O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee." Jeremiah 14:7

Here the prophet is pleading with the LORD for the backslidden state of the people. *Notice*, he included himself in this plea using "us", "we" and "our". He knew they were in desperate need of deliverance! He asked that the Lord do it for no other reason than for His own name's sake. Oh but here's the Lord's response... He was fed up! 

"Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good." (Verses 10-11)

The Lord didn't even want to hear it. His people had stomped on His heart so long in backsliding rebellion that He told Jeremiah, "Pray not for this people..." 

That's serious stuff! Wow! Woe to those whom the Lord has turned over to their own ways and granted a reprobate mind! Indeed, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31 Has the Lord ever stopped you from praying for good for anyone?

It's a DO IT day!

Wanna turn a manic or mundane Monday into a marvelous Monday?

Let go and let God!

"But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation." Psalm 69:13

"The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 15:29

May we not be self absorbed, but be mindful of the needs and trials of others...

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Focus on the King of kings. Seek Perfect Peace by seeking the Prince of Peace! You'll be astonished & amazed when you lay down the day, its tasks and the week ahead PLUS those around you, lay it ALL at the feet of Jesus!

Are you going at it alone or surrendering it all before it begins?

Calming waters due to other's chaos

When Jonah fled the presence of the Lord, others were severely affected. Have you ever experienced this?

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them." Jonah 1:11-13

Have you ever known someone that carried about their own stormy waters wherever they went? So much so that your life is or was affected by their choices? What did you do to bring peace to your world again? These men on the boat with him not only threw Jonah off the boat, but they also cried out unto the Lord God! 

Many of us have been on both sides of the Jonah experience, whether giving or receiving, however we can see that seeking the Lord and our obedience to Him is key to peace and reprieve! Can you see this 2-step solution? We must continually seek the Lord and willingly obey Him!

If you're going through tempestuous waters, are you seek the presence of the Lord with an obedient heart? 

Discernment is vital!

Notice too, after Jonah gave them instructions to cast him overboard, they refused? They did! They put more effort into rowing harder against the stormy waters. If the storm you're experiencing is due to someone else in your life, how long will you endure it before casting away the one who is responsible? There are times we have to heed the Lord, even when  we don't want to and walk away from these people. Are you willing to obey the Lord as He leads?

Praise, the Power to Stand

"For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;"   Psalm 149:4-6

With all that is corrupt in this world and the gross darkness that seemingly is darker and more destitute by the day, its been my pleasure to plea with the Almighty in what His beloved is to be doing. Over and over throughout the Scriptures I'm reminded there is great power both in prayer and in praise!

What are we to do in such tumultuous times? Stay focused on the King of kings by seeking Him in prayer and praising Him in and through it all! In this there is deliverance, the joy of our salvation, peace, hope and even contentment!

Was it not PRAISE that opened the jailers gates to free Silas and Paul in prison!? See Acts 16:16-23 for the full account. They weren't simply put in prison, they were 1st beaten an then placed in the INNER prison!

Today, what do we see under brutal attack by heavy handed governments across the country and likely around the world? That's it, demands to cease from singing! Why? The enemy knows the power within!

In Psalm 149:6, what do God's people possess? Not only do they have PRAISE IN THEIR MOUTH, but also a TWOEDGE SWORD in their hand! Believers! We know the greatest defense we have IS THE WORD OF GOD! Are you properly equipped for the battle? Are you focused on pain, problems and prison or upon the Problem solver, the Way Maker, and the prison Chain Breaker?

Has the enemy used governments, maybe your church leaders, or even friends, family or neighbors to steal your joy, focus and perfect peace? If so, its past time to get your praise on, to hit them knees in prayer and dig into that blessed Sword of the spirit (Read Ephesians 6:10-18), the Word of God!

We don't have to be defeated. Armor up friends, this battle isnt over yet. Are you doing all to stand in these last days?

There stood a man

Sometimes things aren't as bad as they appear. 

"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." Joshua 5:13-15

Isn't that an incredible portrait!? The initial thoughts when seeing this man would've been quite intimidating. Yet, Joshua didn't run or hide, he didn't even let his thoughts wonder. He went straight to him. 

I've been hit recently with a tidal wave of unexpected things. We know that this is a part of life, especially for a believer to be challenged and tried. I'm praising the Lord in these things, knowing like Joshua the Lord will use them for His good and His purpose!

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

When looking at life's challenges, are you allowing thoughts to intimidate and overpower or are you trusting in the Living God?

Contentious or Godly Counsel

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." Proverbs 13:10

Contention means 'literally quarrel, strife; properly, a readiness to quarrel (having a contentious spirit), affection for dispute.' ~ Strongs Concordance

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." Proverbs 21:2

Is it any wonder why God Almighty hates pride!? Look around y'all, its everywhere!

However, there's hope in the 2nd part of the 1st verse... "but with the well advised is wisdom." Where's the best place for advice, but by the Word of God!

If we are truly walking with Him, we will seek His advise and take counsel from Him. Its here hope is restored because we aren't focused through the lenses of self or pride!

I dont know about y'all but I sure find this refreshing! Where do you turn in the midst of adversity?