Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. No attempt on my part could possibly measure-up when it comes to describing the beauty of this new day. Sometimes there are no words for what my heart sees and sometimes it’s nearly impossible to put words to the gratitude my heart feels. So, instead of forcing against the flow of my heart; I sat in silence before my God this morning. He knows what my heart feels and He doesn’t need to hear my words to feel my love. And although there is no way to measure my overwhelming feeling of gratitude this morning; He knows that I am. Isn’t that the way that it is for your sometimes too?
Working against the flow is something that some people of Faith know a lot about. Some of us work against the flow of this dark world day in and day out and sometimes we’re persecuted for our Faith because of it. Some of us are willing to “take one for the Team” when we’re ridiculed and we’re called vile names just because of Who we Serve. Some of us have learned to love the sinner even while we hate the sin and we’re ready, willing and able to share our Faith at every opportunity presented by God. Some of us kick fear to the curb and we’ll stand up for Righteousness every time and in any audience, and if we do it accordingly to Instructions by God; not only are we unshakable but we’re kind and gentle too. Some of us value Forgiveness and we’ve learned to turn the other cheek to those who wrong us…even if it happens over and over again. Some of us have learned not to judge others because we hold on to the Truth and we never forget about who and what we are without Him… and we treasure our Redemption above all. Some of us have learned to love ourselves a whole lot less while we Serve somebody else in His Name, because we know that what we do for them; we do for Him. Some of us get weary as we work against the flow day in and day out and if we’re not careful; we could easily get discouraged. But some of us understand that we aren’t the Source of our own Strength, so we run to the One Who is over and over again. Going against the flow is the key to living out our Faith with excellence.
Most people of Faith don’t know what it is to go against the flow and they’ve convinced themselves that their roll is to mind their own business, to live peacefully and to fill-up a seat on their favorite pew each Sunday morning. They think they’re doing well to be polite to the world and they think if they wear a cross around their neck for all the world to see; that they’ll be recognized as people of Faith without saying a word. Sometimes when I see how some of the cross-wearers behave, I wish they’d remove their symbol before they open their mouth so they don’t make a mockery of what we really believe or how we’re really called to live our lives. Some of these people of Faith believe that if you are living “the right way” you won’t have big problems in life and that the rest of the world just needs to behave to stop the suffering. Some of them somehow believe that they ARE the judge and jury in this life, as if God needs their help to balance the scales. Some of them justify their words and their actions as they set out for vengeance, even though they know that their God says “vengeance is mine”. But what these people really want is to hear the echo of their own hateful words. They want to inflict pain in the name of righteousness and they set out to demand justice because they’ve convinced themselves that they’re worthy of more. Unfortunately, some of the best opportunities to be a good Witness of our Faith is in how we react when we’ve been wronged…. but most of these will never know what that means at all. It’s sad to see so many people of Faith refusing to go against the flow while they busy themselves being sure to “fit in” with all of the rest.
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the beauty of this new day and for all that He is and all that He does for me. My heart has been prepared to live out my Faith with excellence, and I’ll be going against the flow of this dark world today no matter the consequences to me. I won’t need a cross around my neck to convince someone else that I’m a woman of Faith; they’ll see my Faith in my words and my actions and through my heart without any symbol at all. How about you? Do you go against the flow in this dark world or are you so busy trying to fit-in that you refuse to be “different” while you’re too scared to speak up for Righteousness at all? IF so, reach out to me. It sounds like you might need a good reminder of what God really expects of you and how going against the flow is what He looks for in His people and how being a “spiritual slug” just might have eternal consequences for you, and when I’m done with you; you’ll equip yourself to go against the flow in His Name too and this dark world will have a little more Light to deal with.
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. As I sat in silence before the presence of the Living God, this young deer passed by and it was obvious that she was anxious about being alone. She’s young enough to still need protection and nourishment from her mother but her mother was nowhere to be found. This little creature reminded me of how even though life feels a little empty sometimes and my house no longer overflows with my own young ones; I’m never really alone. My dependency is on the Living God and my protection comes from Him, and when I’m feeling lonely; I go to the source of it All. It’s amazing how focusing on all those blessings in life…present, past and future can make the soul overflow with gratitude and the emptiness fade. Isn’t that the way it is for too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I woke up at 3:00 a.m.with no hope of going back to sleep and it seemed like forever before the sun showed itself in the morning sky. By the time the Master woke up the world I’d already spent hours in His presence and my soul overflowed. I’d already approached His Throne with all of my praise and my requests and I’d already absorbed His Words… so, I just sat in silence and watched the “lights” come on all around me. Today isn’t a good day to be running on little sleep but God had reason for me to lose some slumber in exchange for time with Him instead, and since He calls-the-shots in my Life; whatever sleep I get will always be enough. Isn’t that the way it is for you too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I spent my time with the Living God this morning to strengthen myself for the Journey, and I dug into my Instruction Manual to find wisdom for the ride. It’s true what they say… when you’re a willing Vessel for the King and you boldly proclaim your Faith for all the world to see; you’ll be facing adversity. I’m no stranger to adversity in all kinds of shapes and sizes. After all, I’m a Force to be reckoned with in the Spiritual World and I’m a threat to the darkness. If I were the enemy I’d try to stop me too! But my enemy doesn’t stand a chance if I’m prepared to do the biggest kind of Battle of all…the Battle against Good and evil…that invisible one that goes on 24/7 in the heavenly realms. Isn’t that the way you look at the battle too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s one of those clear and cool perfect mornings so I took my time in the presence of my Mighty God and I’m savoring it all from the inside-out. The brightness of the sunrise reminded me of the darkness of the eclipse yesterday, and I couldn’t help but wonder how many people miss out on the miracle of each new day without the benefit of an historic solar event. Today is just another day to most of the world, but it’s just as miraculous to me and it’s getting my undivided attention on this extraordinary day because I know that one day soon I’ll look up and see the the Son of God. Isn’t that the way you look at each new day too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The front porch was overflowing with conversation and laughter just a few short hours ago and now; it’s just me and my God. No matter who shows up or how enjoyable the time is, there is no comparison to one-on-one time with the Master as he wakes up the world. No joy can match the Joy I feel in His presence and no conversation can compare to our Talks. No amount of wisdom that is shared with me can hold a candle to the Wisdom He is ready Share any time I ask for it. I’m so grateful for a family more precious than gold and for love that’s bigger than life, but nothing on the planet is as important to me as my God. Isn’t that the way you love Him too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Living God at the break of dawn and as the sun made its way over the farm; the fog burned off the fields and it became pretty clear that it is destined to be a hot day in Virginia. The sun was burning on my face while God was burning in my heart, and the combination took my breath away. My life is overflowing with projects right now and if I’m not careful I’d be doing more leading than I am Following. So, no matter what’s on my plate for this new day or how busy I know I’ll be, my first priority is always going to be getting ME prepared to take care of my part according to His Will. Isn’t that the way you prioritize your busy life too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. These rockers lined-up are a reminder to me that the porch and the fields will soon be filled with people that are coming from far and wide to visit this old farm. Whether it’s work or it’s play, my Faith is NEVER hidden and it’s when I’m being the boldest for Him that I face the most adversity. I know how this Battle rolls, and I know how easily I could be tempted to throw-in-the-towel in my weakness. So, these days my time with the Living God is more about securing my Armor for the Battle than anything else. I may be a Warrior, but I’m a woman too, and I can be so easy to fall into discouragement. But as long as I do the most important part…as long as I’m spiritually strong..as long as I understand where adversity REALLY comes from; I won’t just endure the battle; I’ll be Victorious instead. Isn’t that the way you deal with battles too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Living God and I took in His Creation with a cup of coffee in hand and a willing heart to learn. I’ll never be old enough or smart enough to stop searching for what God has for me or for ways that I can become more of what He Plans for me to be. A Light in a dark world and a willing vessel is one thing. To have the mind and the heart of a child, excited to learn and eager to spiritually “grow up” is another. So, I meet with Him with humility and I search His Word with no agenda of my own except to hear what He has for me today and to stay on course with His Plans that were set in place before the foundations of the earth. Isn’t that the way you see your walk too?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I was away from the farm for just a few nights but it sure feels good to be back on the front porch to meet with the Master at daybreak. Stepping into His presence each morning from this old farm isn’t my habit or my “routine”. It isn’t what I do because it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. It isn’t what I do out of a sense of obligation or legalism. It’s what I do out of love for Him. He’s my Father and I’m His child and there aren’t words to describe the richness that comes to my heart because of our time together. I miss my family and I miss my friends when we’re apart, but nothing compares to how much I miss the Living God when I don’t have my time with Him. Isn’t that the way it is for you too?
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