Farwell, Goodby and Marriage Monday

I feel slightly melancholy as I wave farewell to our Mind of Christ Experiment. Wow, we spent only 30 days focused fully on Christ. Lives were changed. I have to echo what Dineen said on Friday, “If this is what God can do in us when we give him complete control for 30 days, imagine what our entire lives can be when we give him every day!”

AMEN!!

I know this journey is only the beginning. Please write me as the Lord moves you along in your journey. I want to share in the victories and give all honor and praise to Jesus. I want to thank Dineen Miller, my writing partner and our guest contributor, Angela Smith. I told them both about this experiment way back in August. They were enthusiastic about what the Lord was planning. The Lord placed inspired words in their hearts.

Thank you Dineen!

Thank you Angela!

So where do we go from here. I have so much to share. I need to tell you the Lord is moving in our house. I want to share with you some of the details but the Lord has asked me to wait until all of His plan comes to a pinnacle. So, I wait. I pray. I trust and I get to watch from my front row seat the miracle of the Almighty in my tiny, tiny life. I am undone by His grace and favor.

I ask you to wait with me and pray too. I promise the ending will blow your mind. Always does mine. Okay?

Until the Lord releases me to share and bring Him glory, I have a ton of things I am dying to tell you about. I have many new BFF’s I connected with at the Blogger’s Retreat. On Friday I will introduce you to one of them. Now get ready because we are going to really learn what it is like to see God’s word – living and active. If you have ever wondered about that scripture and what it truly means as well as the power behind it, then get on board because it’s gonna’ ROCK YOUR WORLD. By the way, it’s gonna’ rock satan’s world and he is terrified. That’s Friday.

Today I am feeling compelled however to join in with e-Mom at Chrysalis and everyone there as our Marriage Monday topic is; A Love Letter to My Husband. Here is mine.

Read more love notes or write your own over at Chrysalis and Marriage Monday.

 

More Praises

I haven't posted a lot of comments but this 'experiment' has had an incredible impact on me. I find that I have to keep my eyes and my mind and my heart on Jesus minute by minute because if I don't...the world and all its "stuff" tries to creep its way in. I only truly feel at peace when I focus on Jesus. Posted by Stacy

Hi all! Sorry I haven't commented in a while. No, I haven't run away. There was a big break through in my life at the end of the second week and I have just so enjoyed the fellowship and love of the Lord since then. Last night was an awesome experience. I can't stop thinking about it. You know, one of those BIG moments where you KNOW, that you KNOW, it was ONLY GOD'S PERFECT timing. EXACTLY the right place and time. Another few seconds one way or the other things could have been completely different outcome!! WOW! God is so good!! We must stay in HIS WILL at every moment. A few seconds either direction can impact another person's life in a dramatic way. I am so humbled that he would choose me to "assist" for a moment in time. Love to you all!

To Lynn, Dineen and Angela. THANK YOU to you all for submitting to the Lord during this study. Your willingness to put God in charge and to be used by Him, allowed many of us to grow. Lots of HUGS from the South! Posted by Anita M.

Sweet Lynn(Dineen and Angela too), this was such a precious time for all of us. I wish I could tatoo Finney's story on my brain and in my heart-for this is my cry-I want more of Him. I'm tired of looking at churches and men to fill our needs, it is high time we look to Jesus alone. He is where our focus should be. Thank you ladies for all that you have shared. Blessings, Noreen

Changed Lives - Read This!

The 30 Days -Mind of Christ Experiment has reached the end. However, truly this is only the beginning. Christ continually works in our lives to show us how to live.

TO LIVE!

So many of you shared your struggles and triumphs along the way.Change can be painful but when Christ is the silversmith, we know we will be gleaming when the dross is melted away.

Today is a day to celebrate and worship Jesus for what He has done in the lives of those on the journey. If I didn't include your triumph, please, please write it in the comments and I will post them tomorrow for all those who read SUM through a subscription service.

If you struggled and you find it difficult to read these, I truly understand and realize God may be working slowly in your life. Feel free to add what you DID get from this journey.

I love you all. I was deeply inspired by your heart for Jesus. Okay, so here we go:

Lynn, This has been an amazing journey!! I cannot believe it has been 30 days! With this experiment, I have grown so much and have seen God move in miraculous ways in His Sovereignty. I am looking forward to what else God will reveal to me and has in store for me beyond this 3O Day Mind of Christ Experiment. Thank you for your encouragement along this journey and I look forward to sharing the other victories God will do in my life in the future!! Praise God!!

Posted by: Chrystlyn

If this is what God can do in us when we give him complete control for 30 days, imagine what our entire lives can be when we give him every day!   Lord Jesus, you are our BLISS! We get it now. We want to walk in that bliss everyday. Please make this 30-day sampling a craving in our hearts and minds that directs every day of our lives. Jesus, we belong to YOU! In your holy name, amen! 

Posted by: Dineen Miller

Jesus died for me, Bonnie. It's not shivers down my back, it's my whole body quivers. How much is wrapped up in that little statement. There is much humility in that statement - it's not about me but it's about what Jesus was willing to do and give up because we matter so much to Him. My brain wants to wrap around it but still can't quite do it. Thank God He's brought my heart to a place that can. I would be lost without Him. Thank you for inviting me in to walk with you all this last month. I'm like you - I can't believe it's almost over, either. Amazing. Incredible. Transforming.Posted by: Bonnie

This 30th day journey Yes like you Dineen i also i want to shed tears and indeed shout HALLELUJAH for all He brought to the surface and let me persevere.....
PAIN YES alot......let go of things...giving up control WANT TO acknowledge and be depended on HIM and Him alone in EVERY DETAIL of my life.....
The more i see i cling to something is the thing i must let go and i can only let go by bringing it at His feet and He will carry me and learn me to let it stay there......
WOW i really am a work in progress..but i can shout hallelujah...He saves and raise me up ..every dead place in my life...bit by bit...  Thxs Dineen and each of you who who was on this journey and each of your prayers..... Blessings  Posted by: Bernice

Angela, I agree with all the ladies. I think we are all learning the "truths of the word". In this life WE WILL SUFFER.... we will be tested and tried....... but it all ends up being which city have we placed our eyes upon. Are we looking to the city with only one throne (GOD) or our own city (HEART) that is in bondage to all of our self centered desires.... So very good! I enjoyed this post. The refiner's fire is so very painful at times.... but when we come out on the other side - pure..... Oh... I can't wait. I think the truth is that for the rest of our lives we will have to crawl out of bed and drop to our knees praying " I release control of my life to you oh Lord and place you on the throne of my life............. You ladies have helped many of us get on the narrow path and BEGIN THE JOURNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Holly

Dear Angela, The Lord has anointed your writing indeed! I loved all that you have shared, you have such wisdom. I am thankful the good Lord hasn't just thrown up His hands at me but continues to refine, sometimes in gentleness and sometimes in fire. Thank you for sharing-you are a blessing.
Hugs, Noreen

I am so Thankful that I came across this site and this experiment, I also feel that the 30 days has gone so fast. I found myself often checking to see if the next post and been made and what the ladies had to say. Tonight at church I felt confirmation of everything I have journeying through both on here and between my husband and I. The Pastor Preached from the text Malachi 3:3. "Has man or Women Robbed God." At first I felt I knew where he was going but soon he began to reveal his message. When Christ died He Paid the Price in Full, if we give him anything less of "FALLING TO OUR KNEES EVERY MORNING AND GIVING OUR ALL TO HIM" then we have sinned! Our Praise Worship included a rendition of the Revelation Song. Everything I have journeying through summed up in an hour in a half of preaching AMAZING! Confirming that i smack dab in the middle of God's will for my life!  Thanks so much to all the contributors of these 30 days, I will never be the same!

Posted by: Leanne Collins

Lynn you know this has been an absolutely spectacular thing for me. I have been in this place the last few days of facing where I really am right now, and just... wow... I love that God loves honesty from His people, because if not... i just don't know. As He and I have been spending time together, He's impressed me that this journey for me isn't done yet. Even after the 30th day, I will continue on pursuing His heart in an ever deeper way, until He says I am ready to move forward. I have been praying daily that He reign and not I. This is really good stuff! I do believe there is so much power in what we've been doing here. Can't wait to hear what others have received from it all.Love you girl!
Ro

This is so awesome, God is my bliss.

Posted by: Denise

 

but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings(B) like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

this is on my bible cover. I never understood it like you wrote it Dineen ( or like Beth Moore wrote it ). thank you. this is a WOW moment. I have been discouraged and lonely when I pray and hope for our loved ones and they dont seem to want to change and I think...........this is getting so exhausting. The Lord promised me though:
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings(B) like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

So why am I so spiritually tired? and now....drum roll.....I understand. I kept looking the the events instead of the Lord. I will journal this and comment on FF in 1peter3. hugs and love, BB Tamara

Okay, again this post is already too long and there are many, may moor. When I read about your lived changed forever by Jesus I just get teary eyed and reach for the Kleenex. I can hardly stop adding more to the list.

What has Christ done for you? Leave your testimony and glorify Jesus. Hugs, Lynn

We Have The Power. Victory Is Ours!Mind of Christ Experiment... The Conclusion

Isaiah 43:19a For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I made a bold promise 30 days ago. I told you that if you were willing to place Jesus Christ on the throne of your life, you would discover the circumstances in your life lose their power over you.

Many of you joined in the journey, from all over the world. You were sick n’ tired of being sick n’ tired. You were seeking relief from unbearable burdens. You were in need of joy –bliss in your life.

Well the promise I made was not my promise. It was Jesus who offered you that promise. It is not just a promise but a guarantee. Strong statement I know, but it is trustworthy and true.

I want you to think about a few things. We learned we are utterly loved, we are chosen. Can you wrap your mind around this? WE ARE CHOSEN. We are daughters of the King. We are princes in the Kingdom. We are select among millions, living and dead. Whoa! Blows my mind.

The transformation into Christ likeness begins with grasping this truth. We are elevated and have power over this world because of Christ crucified. Oh how Satan is desperate to keep this knowledge from us. He knows what real power we have. He deceives us at every turn, making us believe we are weak.

Let me assure you, we are strong. We have everything we need to live victoriously. We have Jesus and we have the word of God. Period. The end.

Many of you experienced these moments; Christ on the throne, and you felt it. Bliss. Loving Jesus fills us with bliss. I spoke about this last Friday. I want to share with you an excerpt from a message my Pastor, Greg Sidders, shared one Sunday morning not long ago:

Hi Lynn, here's the excerpt from the sermon where I described Charles Finney's experience:

When we ask God to help us comprehend His love at a heart level, we are talking to a Father whose desire is to give us far more than we are asking for.

It happened to Charles Finney in 1821. This was before he became a famous evangelist.

On a Sunday evening in early October, he decided to seek God with focused intensity. Even though he was a committed church member, he didn’t think he was a Christian. And so he decided to pray until his salvation was no longer in doubt.

He prayed all that night, and the next day, and the next. Finally on Wednesday morning it dawned on him that salvation is a free gift, and he accepted it with all his heart. Then he wandered into the woods to continue praying, but there he couldn’t pray out loud because he was afraid someone would hear him and think he was a fanatic.

And then the Spirit of God reminded him of Jeremiah 29, where the Lord says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

That’s when he started to pray out loud. He returned home and continued to pray into the evening. And it was on that Wednesday night that he says he encountered the unmistakable presence of Jesus. He wept like a baby, and then, as this experience began to fade, he wrote in his journal, “the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love, for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God.”

And it continued until he begged God to stop. He cried out, “Lord, I cannot bear any more. I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.”

When a friend came to his home later that evening, he took one look at Charles Finney and thought he was sick. He said, “Are you in pain?”

And Finney said, “No, but I am so happy that I cannot live.”

____

This is where Jesus wants us to live. Waves and waves of happiness. We can’t earn it. We can’t “do” enough to deserve it. We can’t worship bigger, serve longer, give more money, pray harder.

We only need to love Jesus.

I have so much more to say about all of this and specifically praying aloud. I discovered how praying scriptures aloud immediately affects the spiritual realm. So, I think on Monday, I will share what the Lord has shared with me.

Although our journey is concluding, we never stop our transformation into the likeness of Jesus. If we are breathing, God is actively working to smooth our rough edges and teach us more about becoming Christ like.

How awesome is that?

Okay, this post is already too long. So over the weekend I am going to share some of the victories that came about through our Mind of Christ Experiment. Many of you wrote to me and shared about GIANT things God was doing. You can read those tomorrow and Sunday.

AND THEY ARE AWESOM. YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS WHAT GOD DOES IN AN ORDINARY LIFE!

Monday, we are going to talk more about the real power we have which can conquer darkness, change our lives, the lives of others and rescue a world in desperate need of salvation.

Girls and men, we have only begun…. Christ has promised us so much and has so much to give.

Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

He really means every word. I can’t wait to celebrate the victories in your life tomorrow. See you then. 

Be blessed, Lynn 

You Were Prayed For

Can you believe we're in the final week of our journey? Part of me wants to shed a few tears, sad to see it end already. But a bigger part of me wants to shout HALLELUJAH right along side all of you from the tallest rooftop nearby. What a month, yes?

I don't know about you, but God has brought me to some pretty difficult places these last few weeks and asked me to grow and stretch in ways I didn't think possible. He's used this journey, you precious readers, and my ongoing situation with my daughter's recovery to teach to trust him and wait on him in ways that hurt beyond belief! But I know they are so necessary to my future, my daughter's future, and especially to my husband's future. Lots of preparation going on in the Miller household!

God has designed my circumstances in this moment is such a way that I can only persevere so long as I keep my eyes on him. The moment my gaze falters, caught by the seemingly impossible situation we seem to be in, my hope wanes, my strength lags, and my heart despairs.

What do I do? I yank myself back, eyes uplifted again, and affirm that God is there working. And every good work he starts, he will complete. And not only that. There's another treasure I want to share with you that I hope will comfort you as deeply as it does me.

Do you know how much Jesus loves you? Do you realize how intimately he knows you, loves you, and cherishes every bit of you? We can say yes in our minds. Yes, I know. Jesus died for me. But do you really know it in your heart?

Let me tell you a little story before I share that treasure. At the beginning of our journey, I went for a walk one day. Just me and the pooch out in the sunshine. Shasta was über happy to be out, her tail wagging and her tongue hanging out. Me? I was listening to that song I posted at the beginning of the Mind of Christ journey, the Revelation Song. (You can go back to that post here.)

As I walked, I worshiped God from a place of heartache and despair. My hopes and expectations for a certain situation had to be let go. And in that moment of release, I heard Jesus speak to my heart.

"I died for you, Dineen. I died for you."

As I walked and listened, tears streamed down my face. I can only recall one other time in my life that I heard Jesus speak to me so directly. That first time brought healing in a much needed area, but this time transformed my heart. You see, I'd had no problem speaking to God, the Father and to God, the Holy Spirit. But to God, the Son? Somehow I'd put this barrier between Jesus and I. I even avoided using his name, because it didn't fit. I envied those who spoke his name in such intimacy.

That day changed me in a subtlely huge way. Yes, I use that oxymoron intentionally, because a seemingly small thing had literally transformed my heart in a huge way. Now I call him "my Jesus" and smile intimately, knowing he really is my Jesus!

So, here's that treasure I promised. Those of you who already "get it," bear with us slow-pokes. The nugget's in John 17:20:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."

Did you know before Jesus even died for you, he prayed for you? He prayed for me. He prayed for you—Lynn, Holly, Angela, Denise, Noreen, Tracy, Angie, Bernadine, Holly, Melanie, Debbie, Caroline, Rosheeda, Amy, Kelly, Linmayu, Stacy, Tamara, Robin, Stacey, Pia, Bonnie, Bernice, Helen, YOU...

I took several of your precious names off the last few posts to make a point. I know there are so many more of you out there. So, please, write this in your journal and put your name in the blank:

Jesus died for me—_______. Then say it out loud. Hear it with your ears and feel it with your heart. Let him speak to you like he's never done before. Let him show you how truly amazing your life can be when he sits on the throne of your life, showering you with his deep affection.

Perhaps this may seem like old hat to you, but to this perfectionist who thought she had to earn her way into Jesus' presence has found a whole new way to relate to our Savior, Jesus. 

He's my Jesus. And he's yours, too.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Where Did It Go?

I want to share a story with you. About four weeks ago my relationship with Christ was so on fire that I thought there were times when I was praying or singing worships song that I might explode from the sheer joy I felt.

I have heard of the joy of God flowing upon a person in such powerful waves they begged God to stop for fear they could bear no more. (I have much to share about this next Friday… You won’t want to miss it, stay tuned.)

Most days I feel the Lord is present, around me listening to my constant chatter. I never stop talking/praying with Him…. Sheesh! I bet He wishes I would take a break! *kiddin’*

But these few days were unique. The closeness the…., let’s see if I can describe what it was like, the intimacy and joy and contentment and happiness and the walking on pillows on clouds on air… doesn’t begin to describe this place but it was unique and I never want to live without what I would call……BLISS!

That’s it…… Absolute bliss.

This happened around the same time as my writer’s conference where the main speaker asked, What is your bliss. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

One afternoon as I was going about my normal routine, I made a quick decision and I sinned. Just a tiny, little sin. I didn’t feel bad or even think about my choice at the time. However, several hours later, as life slowed down and I sat on the couch, I noticed something. The vibrant and head spinning joy in which I was dwelling had significantly cooled.

Whoa! What happened. I wanted that joy back. As I sat there pondering, talking, praying, immediately this tiny decision I made earlier came back to me. Immediately, God impressed on me this, “I don’t ever want you to do that again.”

Does this sound harsh? Don’t we serve a forgiving God? He knows we are all sinners and imperfect.

Yes, but for me specifically this day, God had chosen to dwell deeply with me and then I grieved Him. I know there is a scripture verse for this. Who knows it?

I grieved the Holy Spirit because I had a sin in my life I continue keep around. This isn’t the first time the Lord brought this particular sin to my attention.

Why am I sharing this story? Because part of the transformation into Christ likeness is allowing Him to remove our sin. God desperately wants to live in deep intimacy with us. Every mundane moment and the fantastic times as well. Everything –

What is it that is keeping you from …. Bliss? Sometimes it is sin in our life. Sometimes it is something else like trust and faith. Sometimes it is just allowing the Lord to love us fully. Sometimes it’s because we threw God off the throne of our heart and sat down in His place.

Truly it is actually simple to live in the bliss of the presence of God. Christ on the throne, every day. Transforming our mind and heart by dwelling on what whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

I know that many of your were called early on in this journey to deal with exactly this subject of sin in your life. Many of you have written to say God did some amazing work in your character and heart. So, today as we approach the last week of our journey, take out your journal. Ask the Lord to reveal His bliss and reveal what He may be asking you to remove from your life. In my years walking with the Lord I have discovered, He wants to remove stuff (sin) to make room for better things. Good things. Amazing things. Life-altering things.

Are you still falling on your knees in the morning? If you have, share with me what this has done in you. If you haven’t, start today. It is an experience that will change you forever if you make it a regular practice to pray first everyday and invite God to be King of your life.

I love you. I have prayed for you. The Lord is absolutely delighted that you are seeking Him with all of your heart.

Be blessed, Lynn

Thankful Thursday - Things that make you go hmmmmm?

Welcome to Thankful Thursday. It is a privilege to give thanks to the Lord and to host this awesome event in October.

Next month we will meet at Grace Alone. December we will return to Women Taking A Stand.

If you have stopped in to participate in Thankful Thursday, I am so glad you are here. I am hosting this event even as I am on an airplane flying across America to Sneads, Florida for the:

BLOGGER'S RETREAT!

I know many of you wanted to attend but were unable. Well know this ~I have taken you with me. You hold a place in my heart. I hope to share some photos here at S.U.M. on Saturday and Sunday so stop back and get a glimpse of what some of your blogging friends actually look like. I never imagine anyone the way they actually look after knowing them on-line for years. I think that is a good thing... perhaps... I am filled with anticipation and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned. I pray He is honored by every moment of the weekend.

-----

Well this week I am thankful for things that make you go hmmmm.

Like Airplanes: I am not a rocket scientist so just thinking about a 20+ ton airplane floating through the air gives my blond brain a spin.

How about God's unfailing love and grace: Okay, need I say more. Blows my mind to even start to go there.

For a real brain fry: The universe. ~Period. The End. I can't even get started thinking about the vast expanse.

Another One: God has always existed. ~Bzzzzzz, did you just hear the cranium short circuit?

One more to ponder and put you in a twist: 

This is an algebra problem from my daughter's 8th grade class. Ahem, good thing Dad helps her with homework. Both of them are brainiacs. ~It's an Quadradic Equation.  Okie dokie... I knew that one.... NOT

And finally, the question of the ages.... Which came first, the chicken or the egg. *grin* (I bet you know)

What is it that makes you go hmmmm and what are you thankful for this week?

Be blessed, Lynn

PS. My friends who are traveling on our Mind of Christ Journey. I have one more piece of the puzzle that is crucial to understand. Stop in tomorrow and I will share a personal story and what I learned about the Lord, His Holy Spirit and what He taught me. Hugs~  

God’s Transformation Process – Part 3

As a new Christian, one of my favorite books to read was “Jesus Freak” by DC Talk. The book is a collection of true stories about individuals who have stood for and given their lives for Jesus. It is amazing and inspiring to read these stories. These are people who have lived out Jesus’ instructions to us:

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ~ Matthew 22:36-39

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ~ Luke 6:27-28

These people have died standing for Jesus and the most inspiring thing is they do so while praying for and loving those who persecuted and killed them and their families. I remember reading these stories in awe and asking the Lord to strengthen my faith so that if I was ever placed in a similar situation I would be able to stand for Him like that and love my enemies.

However, recently the Lord has brought another scripture to mind for me.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ~ Luke 16:10

Along with this scripture I hear the Lord whispering to me: “Beloved, can I trust you in the little things?”

Wow, talk about cutting deep. I start to remember that email I received from a co-worker the other day, the one where she threw me under the bus for something I did not do. I remember how as I read it I could feel the heat of anger literally start at the top of my head and pour down over me, leaving me trembling and having to walk away from my desk so I did not respond in an ungracious manner. Instead of praying for my enemy, all I wanted to do was blast her back and defend myself. I did not in the end, but I did let that anger fester and affect my future interactions with her. I did not pray for her or ask for blessings for her.

You see, loving our enemies is a grand and noble idea – until we actually have to put it into practice. Then we realize how very much we need the Lord to transform our hearts because we are not even capable of truly loving our family and friends, let alone our enemies. Our natural tendency is to defend ourselves, to feel entitled to be offended, hurt or angry. Only through God’s transformation process can we face these situations in our lives with a focus first on God and then on loving others, instead of focusing on ourselves.

A few months back, my husband and I got into a disagreement. I honestly don’t even remember what it was about. I do know I was angry and even though I knew the Lord wanted me to let it go, I was determined to wallow in my anger and hurt because I deserved it! (Oh, how we love to wallow in self-pity!) I had to go run some errands and I took my son (then 4 years old) with me. As we left he wanted to sing. I told him Mommy was not in the mood to sing but he could if he wanted. He started to sing a tune that I had taught him. It is called “Be Careful Little Eyes”. We’ve added other verses such as “be careful little hands, feet and ears”. But this day he added his own verse which we had never talked about before. As I drove down the road, blissfully wallowing in my self-pity and anger, my son’s sweet precious voice began to sing:

“Be careful little heart what you feel,

Be careful little heart what you feel,

Because the Father up above is looking down with love,

So be careful little heart what you feel.”

Amazing how God can speak to us through our children, the very ones we are supposed to be raising up and teaching the ways of the Lord to!

In our anger, we need to make sure we are turning our ears to the whisper of the Lord. He usually will not shout at us. He leaves it up to us to listen and follow His voice. We need to listen for His whisper telling us to love those around us instead of the world’s shout that says we are entitled to our anger. No matter how “right” we are in being angry at someone else’s actions or words, the Lord calls us to love. We have to decide what to focus on, what to obey and follow – the world’s view of what we are entitled to or the Lord’s whisper to deny ourselves and love as He loves us.

Over the past months I’ve been struggling with a question which I now believe the Lord put on my heart. How do you stand for God’s Truth in Love?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ~ 1 Peter 3:15-16

I’ve compared this to us walking a very narrow path with two very wide and deep ditches on each side. On one side is the Ditch of God’s Truth. This is where we fall when we focus on God’s Truth, His Righteousness and His Holiness. The other side is the Ditch of God’s Love. This is where we fall when we focus on God’s Love, Grace and Mercy. Neither appears to be a bad place to walk and they are easier to walk in because they are so wide! But the true character of our God is made up of both His Righteousness and His Grace. Our human nature has a very hard time combining these two characteristics. It is difficult for us to separate the sin from the sinner. We forget that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against things that are unseen to our natural eyes. The only way we can walk this narrow path is to focus on Jesus in front of us, leading us. We must open our hearts and minds to Him and Him alone.

As with my other prayers, God is answering this one as well. I tend to be a hands-on learner, and the Lord is teaching in the same way. He is showing me how to stand for His Truth in Love by having me do it in my daily life, in the little things - at work, at home, with my husband, my children, my friends, even strangers. I stumble and fall into one ditch or another more often than I can count. But I know that as soon as I’m done feeling sorry for myself and look to Him, He’ll be there holding out His hand, ready to pull me back up on the path and dust off the muck and mire.

Are you on the narrow path, focused on Jesus right now? Or are you walking in one of those wide ditches? In your anger, are you able to hear the whisper of the Lord and do you heed it? Are you able to separate the sin from the sinner? Are you able to stand for God’s Truth in Love? No? Then, are you ready to ask Him to give you the strength and wisdom to do so? Are you ready for some hands-on learning?

Dear Lord, We ask that you transform our minds and hearts to love the way you love. Please keep us from anger and offense. Please help us to learn to hear your whisper in these times and to yield to You and Your desires for us. Give us wisdom to remember our battle is not against others, but forces and human nature which is unseen. Help us to separate the sin from the sinner. To stand in Your Truth against the sin, but to love the sinner as You love them. Give us Your Mind, Your Eyes, Your Heart!

In Jesus’ Precious Name, AMEN!!!

What is the Lord calling you to journal about? Angela

Romans 12:1-2 What Does it Mean?

Do you remember the first day we started this journey? October 2nd and I wrote: In about three weeks, you will grow tired of this journey. So I am giving you a heads up now to watch for your discontent. Satan absolutely will do everything possible to keep you firmly seated in power. Have none of it.

Today I am reminding you not to allow the enemy to steal away your efforts as we head into week three. In the first two weeks I have received emails and comments from many you. You shared how you have overcome major road blocks and struggles you have contended with for years.

Miracles!

I want to encourage those of you who aren’t seeing progress as of yet. I want to spur you on because God has promised us something new. We need only to place Him on the throne of our lives.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV Living Sacrifices 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How many different times in your life have you read or heard a message about this tiny little passage? Many times I suspect. In fact, for many of us, scripture becomes so familiar we lose the power behind the truth.

Our entire journey thus far is based upon this passage. But let’s take a fresh look. What does it mean? A living sacrifice. What does this look like in 2009?

It is a mindset that comes over time. It is a daily sacrifice of doing the right thing over and over. It begins with that simple prayer as you fall from your bed to your knees. It is offering God your entire body, mind, heart and placing Him firmly as commander of your life. It is the highest form of worship you can give. Your entire self – every moment.

As you begin to fill your mind with things of God, your brain begins to reprogram. Fill up on God’s word. Music, teaching, and think about good things and leave the dwelling on the negative behind. What happens? You discover you are walking smack in the middle of God’s will.

How many of us have made decisions which brought us pain? I know I am in that boat. We charge ahead and then find ourselves broken and lost. In our pain we fall before God, seeking His rescue. And He rescues.

Our kind and loving Lord would truly prefer that we seek His will before we make a decision which will cause pain. Why is it so difficult to understand the Lord’s will? Why doesn’t He call us on the phone and say, “Lynn, tomorrow I want you to meet with so and so. Then get off on Highway 78 because I have a wonderful surprise waiting.”

In fact, I believe in certain circumstances we can hear instructions just like this. But, how do we move our mind and relationship to this place? How can we make a great decision that is in God’s will and won’t bring pain? It starts with walking with God before you need wisdom.

Again a daily sacrifice. Taking time to read His word and to study His precepts. Log time in listening prayer. It is often in the silence, in the middle of the night, that I hear words from God.

It takes waiting. I am a control freak like the rest of you. I am constantly wanting to push God’s agenda forward. Okay perhaps my agenda forward. When I wait for His timing, however, I have been privileged to witness and be part of some of the most astounding works of God in the lives of those around me and in my own life. When I wait my decision comes easier and without reservations. God does amazing things in the waiting. Wait on God and receive this promise:

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Did you really read this? Do you want this promise? He is standing waiting to do a new thing in your life.

So many of you have written to me to tell my about the life-changing things have already happened. Trust God in this. The best thing YOU WILL EVER DO is to transform you. It is a process that when finished will be the new you forever and others will absolutely notice. When you are in love with Jesus from your head to your toes, inside and out, it is irresistible. You will be shocked how it draws others.  

I can’t wait to talk about the promise of Psalm 37:4. I have much to tell you about how fantastic our God is. How His plan and purpose for our lives pales when compared with even our wildest dreams.

This week to prepare to receive this promise, it is time to ask God. Am I transforming my life to become Christ minded? Is my heart and life in line with your will? Write these questions out and offer them to the Lord.

Be blessed, Lynn

PS. If you have fallen behind in our journey or actually never got started, The Lord has prompted me to ask you again. He called you and has big plans ahead. Start today. Just yesterday, my friend Patricia wrote and told me she was away from her computer but was starting the journey. You can too. It’s not too late and travel at your own speed. Jesus is desperate to show you the bliss that waits when you live in His presence. Write me if you need instructions on how to begin.

Please email me

How full is your net?

"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
     
"No," they answered.

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!"

The disciples spent three amazing years with Jesus. And then one nightmarish day, he was gone. At least in their eyes He was.

Imagine for a moment how they felt. They’d lived with clear purpose and guidance for three years. Now their leader was gone. That had to have felt lost, unguided, and most likely abandoned.

What did they do? They went fishing. Literally.

In John 21:1-14 this rag-tag group of men is lead by Peter. He’s just betrayed his Jesus in a way he never imagined he would. Life as he had known it had spiraled so out of control, he did what came natural. In typical boldness for this man whose name means “rock,” he took charge. He had to do something, so he took back control of his life, got in the boat, and cast his nets. But his nets kept coming back empty.

Peter and the disciples’ story is our story, too. We strain for control of our lives in a world so out of control. We find comfort in the known, in the predictable. Yet, like Peter, our nets keep coming up empty. 

What Peter didn’t understand and we can KNOW is that Jesus never leaves us. At Jesus’ bidding from the shore, Peter relinquished control and cast net on the other side. It came back so full they couldn’t even lift their catch into the boat. And not only that, the net didn’t break.

This was the moment that Peter’s eyes were opened, and he knew only his Jesus could do such a miracle. His focus was shifted long enough off himself and his need for control to recognize the One who truly is I AM.

Our natural tendency is to try to be in control of our lives. Especially in times of trial. Yet when we do this we keep our Savior Jesus on the shore when He wants to bring us to safety and provision.

And those times when we are called to let go, our faith is tested. Can we let go long enough to see that we’re casting our nets on the wrong side of the boat? We are called to relinquish our control and attempts to fix our lives and trust Jesus to do what we cannot.

When we do, our nets come up full of his blessings. And the beauty of this, of our precious Savior, is that whenever we look over the bough of our boats of discouragement, we will find Jesus waiting on the shore of hope with open arms.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

For Journaling:

1. What area of your life do you see yourself trying to control? What would happen if you let go?
2. Read John 21:1-14 slowly and prayerfully. Journal what God reveals to you.
3. Write down a prayer of commitment, handing over one area of your life completely to God’s control. Then sign it. When you find you’ve taken control back or are worrying, go back and read your prayer commitment.