bible

Peace Isn’t Stolen…It’s Surrendered Instead

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. By the time God turned the Lights on this morning, the fog was beginning to lift and I watched it slowly make its way over the mountain. There’s something peaceful about fog to me…the way it lingers…the way it slowly reveals what it was “hiding”. I give thanks for many things when I meet with the Living God – morning or night – foggy or clear – but one of the most prevailing Requests I put before His Throne, and one that I boldly Proclaim for my life, is Peace. When I have Peace everything seems to flow easily. When I have Peace I can handle it all. Having Peace doesn’t mean that everything is smooth sailing around me, and my Peace doesn’t come without effort. I WORK hard to guard my Peace day after day and year after year and I refuse to allow it to be stolen from me by anyone or anything. Maintaining my own personal peace is necessary for my joy and contentment but it’s more than that. I Know that if I can be a Reflection of Peace amid a world in absolute turmoil, then I can be a living, breathing example of my Faith for all the world to see. Without it, I’m a poor Witness of the God of the “Peace that surpasses all understanding.” Peace is non-negotiable to me. Isn’t that the way you see it too?

We can see the Spiritual War being played out right before our very eyes in Living Color and it would be so easy to surrender my Peace and get sucked into the battle if I didn’t know how to Guard what belongs to me (as the Bible defines it). The Bible tells me not to worry…no matter what. The Bible tells me that I’m protected by the King of all kings and that I don’t have to battle on my own so I don’t worry about the “boogie man” coming to my door to cause harm. The Bible tells me that the “righteous will never go hungry” so I don’t worry about a day when there is no food (or toilet paper). The Bible tells me to take His hand and to lean on Him so why would I try to maneuver through the land mines on my own? The Bible tells me that there will be “wars and rumors of wars” so I’m not surprised to see what I see around the world today. The Bible tells me that there will be “scoffers” in the end, so I’m not surprised to be hated for boldly speaking up about my Savior. The Key to Peace in a world at war is to Know the promises of God and to cling to the only Truth we really have. We don’t “lose” our Peace…we surrender it instead.

We live in a hate-filled world that refuses to live in peace because the battle we see cannot be rationalized or negotiated – it is the battle between Good and evil. Sadly many are being deceived just like the Bible says they will so they don’t recognize it for what it is. It boggles my mind to see professed Christians jumping into the fight and being so willing to roll around in the mud with the best of the Evil ones as if their voice can make the difference in the battle between Good and evil. But what they’ve been convinced is the “right thing” to do, the Devil finds very pleasing because immature Christians are so easily manipulated to participate in his agenda. There’s nothing like being blind to the enemy and falling right into his hands. Evil is fighting so hard to instill fear and to rob us of peace…and evil is winning plenty of battles because the weaker ones don’t know how to Fight and they are surrendering their peace at will. It’s not possible to lose Peace UNLESS we surrender it on our own b because we CANNOT be robbed of the promises God has made to each who Belongs to Him…period.

The Peace around this old farm is so thick it’s almost tangible, but it isn’t that way by chance – or because of the beautiful view or the character of the front porch – or because I’m “lucky”. Peace can be felt by everyone at the farm because I GUARD MY PEACE and the spiritual realm knows I can’t be robbed! I Proclaim my Peace to the Prince of Peace every single day, and I refuse to surrender it to the Devil. It always comes down to choice. If you start talking defeat in my presence I’ll correct you every time because I won’t let you surrender your own peace in my presence if there is anything I can do to stop it. But if you refuse to stop talking against the Victory we have in Jesus, it won’t be long before we part company because I know that if I entertain conversation that goes against Good then I’ll be vulnerable to all the ways of the wicked one too. I’m an Expert Peace Guarder!

I Serve the Prince of Peace and it shows. Peace is the Source of the Brightest Light of my Faith and the fact that I Reflect it in a dark work is the greatest Witness to the One I serve. In a land that is in turmoil and a future unknown, I guard my Peace like the Warrior I am, and my Peace can be seen AND felt all around me because of it.

How about you?

The Heart to Please…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It was cold this morning but nothing that a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket couldn’t handle, so I ventured outside for a few minutes to say “good morning” to my God and to fill my lungs with fresh country air. One day soon it will be too cold for comfort and we’ll be doing all of our morning meetings inside. Until then, I’ll go to extremes to Meet with Him outside even if for just a few minutes. This morning I gave Him my Praise, I gave Him my Thanks, I gave Him my Requests and then I ventured into His Word to see what He has for me…and He was Full of Surprises. The same Words that I’ve read so many times before took on New Life today because that’s the way His Spirit speaks to my Soul! A willingness to Meet, coupled with a Heart to Please equates to Messages that nobody else on this planet could ever get across to my Heart. Isn’t that the way it is when you Seek what He has for you too?

It’s a Blessing to have a Life full of family and friends who have your best interests at heart, but nobody offers Advice and Direction t he way God does. He sometimes uses His people to Confirm what He has in mind, but He Speaks for Himself if we just ask Him to (and believe He will). He can Heal a hurt, Remove fear, Reveal the Truth, Mend a Broken Heart, and force us to make U-turns in the blink of an eye, and He’s Ready to do all these things when we are Willing to Meet with Him with a Heart to Please. There is no place for doubt in the Life of a person of Faith, but sometimes when we turn to people for the advice we should be getting from God, we can become consumed with doubt based on their man-made input. If we feel the need to ask family and friends for approval for what we “think” God wants us to do, then it’s time to go back to the Drawing Board and build a Stronger Relationship with Him to be SURE about what He wants. When we have the Heart to Please Him, He gets First Priority, and we’ll push against the flow of our family and friends regardless of how hard they push back. When we have the Order of Business right, and we have the Heart to Please, we can count on Him to send a Messenger to Help us in the Journey, and when that Messenger Speaks we know it came from God and not from the opinion of man. It’s pretty amazing how God Works the relationships out and how He uses everybody for His Purpose WHEN we’re willing to Meet with Him for Direction and we Have the Heart to Please.

It’s impossible to make everybody happy, and sometimes we find ourselves working hard to please the world around us instead of having the Heart to Please Him instead. We look for approval from everybody else and we easily forget what Pleases Him when we do. We strive to “keep the peace” but until He comes back there is no real Peace. We pick and choose what part of His Character we’re willing to take on, and we kick all the difficult pieces aside for comfort. We rub elbows with lost people every day and we keep our mouths shut about Hope all because we fear what they might think of us when we do…and they’ll often die before they find Hope because of it. As people of Faith, we WILL find ourselves working against the flow of the world if we’re doing the Work of the Lord, and we’re inclined to settle into “comfortable” when we do. But when we’re diligent about Meeting with Him and we have the Heart to Please…sitting back is never an option and the opinion of the world dims in comparison to what He Calls each one of His Children to do. When He gives us Marching Orders He will open doors and pave the way – He’ll give us the Help that we need to do His Work – He’ll surround us with Protection – He’ll give us the Right Words and the Strength to do whatever it is He’s called us to do…if we have the Heart to Please Him, that is.

I wish I could make everybody in my world happy but it is not possible. I live out my Faith with Love and Compassion and I’ll extend Kindness to everybody He sends my way…with no regard for their status in life and no matter what they might think of me when I do. It Pleases Him when I “love thy neighbor as thyself” and it Pleases Him when I go about my Father’s Work trying my hardest to do my Work reflecting His Character within me. The Willingness to Meet and the Heart to Please can produce the Miraculous in the Mighty and Merciful Name of Jesus. Imagine that.

Is there any other way for a child of the Living God to live?

There’s Only One Battle Plan…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s finally dipping into near-winter temperatures in the morning so I won’t spend as much time outside at daybreak until Spring. The bad news is that it’s too cold to linger – the good news is that the sunrises are magnificent in the Fall. I focus a lot on what goes on in the sky from the sunrise, to the harvest moon, to zillions of stars I can’t begin to count AND I’m looking out for Him in the sky every day. The “key” to all the disturbing things we see in this dark world today can be found in the heavens – NOT in a political party or a fit or unfit candidate. No amount of “reporting” can reflect the mind or the Will of my God and no amount of fighting will change the Outcome. I like to think that IF the warriors in this battle against good and evil could bleed, the sky might look something like this because my God can turn anything ugly into something Beautiful…and I already Know Who wins the War. More than ever before I am being Reminded (and comforted) that what the Bible tells us about our struggle is NOT (ever) against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms and that the Battle I have been forwarned about is being played out right before my very eyes. With my mind, it’s troubling to consider the future of America BUT with my Heart for the Living God and what He’s already warned us will come before He does…now THAT excites me!

From where I sit, there are only about eighteen inches between Heaven and Hell…the distance between the head and the heart. Knowing who Jesus is and being able to quote Chapter and Verse of the Bible is meaningless unless (or until) Faith is driven so deep into the Heart that it is Unshakable. At the first sign of trouble, the intellectual ones will begin to speak their own commentary on things they can’t begin to explain because they don’t know the Mind of God, and without realizing it they become pawns of the Devil when they do. When Daniel faced the lion’s den he didn’t waste his breath trying to talk his way out of his circumstances – instead, he trusted the outcome to God. When the disciples were beaten for preaching in the name of Jesus they considered it an HONOR to be found “worthy to suffer” in His Name. Unfortunately, far too many (professed) Christians are attempting to fight the Spiritual War based on their intellectual perspective and they’re falling right into the Devil’s schemes because of it. They seem to have no idea that they are powerless because they insist on “using” weapons that have absolutely no power over the battle in the spiritual realms. Intellectualizing what we see with our eyes doesn’t impress the One Who died for the Heart. He wants us to look toward the Heavens and not focus on the world ESPECIALLY when things are troubling. He wants us to Focus more on His Word than all the other words from all the other sources combined because what they say doesn’t hold a candle to what He says. He wants us to be Stronger (and braver) than ever before and to have “peace that surpasses understanding” at such a time as this so that the world will see where we place our Trust. He wants us to put on our Full Armor and Fight the way He taught us to. He wants us to face evil and to laugh in its face because the Power we have when we battle in the name of Jesus will send the evil one(s) running back to Hell. How can we feel threatened, scared, or weak when we are empowered at the mention of the name of Jesus?

As the world gets darker I spend much more time with Him than I do in this world to be sure that I’m Armed and Ready at all times. I know how to Fight in the name of Jesus Christ and, with Him, it’s not possible to lose. Although I have an opinion (and a preference) just like everybody else does in terms of this election, the winner will be who the God of all Creation allows to rule for a season…period. Nobody tricks Him, nobody steals from Him, nobody surprises Him, and nobody cheats or beats Him. He’s the ONLY Commander in Chief to hang your Heart on, that’s for sure. More than anything else at such a time as this, every professed Christian should be more Focused on God’s next move much more than the political moves designed to spin our circumstances. God holds the world in Palm of His Hands…He always has and He always will no matter who you vote for. Keep in mind that while recruiting people to vote in this critical election is a very good (and necessary) thing, it doesn’t hold a candle to Recruiting for Jesus Christ and the “results” go way beyond a few years of good or bad leadership…the Results are eternal.

How about you? Is your faith unshakeable?

I Refuse To Live a Mediocre Life!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s bright, beautiful, and so full of color this time of year as Fall prepares the earth for Winter in Virginia. Everybody blessed enough to experience four seasons has a favorite season and I’d be inclined to say my favorite is the Fall if I’m pushed to pick one over the other. But truth be told, I determine to see the Beauty in them all. From the grays of the Winter skies that (hopefully) lead to snow to all the colors of the rainbow when flowers bloom in the Spring…I love it all and I love the uncertainty that comes with each one. Nothing in life is consistently bright and beautiful and the Heart will sometimes follow outward circumstances surrounding it if we aren’t Careful. It all comes down to the Condition of the Heart and how we are inclined to rely on the warm and fuzzies to find our joy. If I dare to meet with the Living God with a Heart that isn’t sad but isn’t happy either, rest assured I will be given a firm Reminder straight from the Throne of a Mighty and Merciful God of the dangers of having a Heart that is somewhere between light and dark….a lukewarm heart. My God doesn’t make mediocre days and He doesn’t like a lukewarm Heart. After all, lives don’t get changed by lukewarm, and Compassion can’t be fueled by it either. If I want to be Instrumental in changing lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then I can’t “afford” to be lukewarm. Can you?

Sometimes I wonder how God tolerates watching so many of His people coasting through this Journey called Life in mediocre mode. As for me, I refuse to live a mediocre Life because I serve an Extraordinary God who Excites me beyond words and Blesses me beyond measure…how could I ever be content with mediocre? How in the world did it come to be that so many people are content for one day to just blur into the next without much excitement at all? Apparently, people enjoy getting stuck in routines because that’s where they settle and that’s where they stay and they’re influenced by everything from the weather to the world because of it. They get up…go to work…come home…eat dinner…watch TV….and go to bed…and then lather rinse repeat. They manage to get excited every once in a while when they experience pleasure of some kind, but that excitement dwindles away as quickly as it came, and before you know it they’re right back to lukewarm mode all over again. It boggles the mind how even a single day can be taken for granted – but those stuck in the rigidity of routine will take each one for granted if they aren’t careful. Each day was uniquely designed by the Hand of God, and every day we’re given is a precious Gift, but we take it for granted anyway, and we look at life as mediocre. It’s only when we choose to live FOR God instead of just WITH God that Life takes on an entirely different “look” and we aren’t content with lukewarm because we understand the risk of staying there. We’re no longer driven by routine. We’re no longer stuck in the mud. We are determined to fight against lukewarm and we are willing to do the hard work. It takes a daily Meeting with the King of kings and a daily dose of His Spirit to wash away the mediocre and Light the Heart on fire. This is the key to being a Vessel overflowing with Love that He can use to Represent Himself, and it’s the safeguard method to stay clear of lukewarm in every area of life.

There is no doubt that God wants us to have joy in this life. He surrounds us with beauty…He puts people in our lives to thread it with love… and He takes good care of His children. His Word says that there is nothing better for a man than to “eat, drink and be merry”. But mixed in there with all the pleasures we enjoy from pets to pizza, is also the expectation that if we’re eating, drinking, and being merry we need to be Living for Him while we’re at it. He IS the Purpose of Life and He gets the credit for every breath we take, and yet somehow people are satisfied with lukewarm…BUT God will never be satisfied with His people lounging around in lukewarm mode…as in the days of Noah. When He was addressing the condition of the Heart of the churches in Book of Revelation, He had this to say: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth”. Something has to be pretty vile to spit it out of your mouth, and the thought that God could possibly feel that way about me and my Heart sends chills down my spine and propels me toward having a Heart that He can use instead. This is the key to living FOR Him…not despite Him.

I’ve put in the Time and I’ve been Energized by my God and there will be absolutely NOTHING lukewarm about me today. When God sends me off in a New Direction, you can count on me to leave every routine imaginable behind. When the world sees me coming it will recognize that there is something Different about me, and when it gets a chance to feel my Love and Compassion it will be eager to Know more. A mediocre life with a lukewarm Heart has absolutely no attraction to the lost world at all, and it doesn’t have enough passion to make a difference. Today I’ll be making a difference for Him.

How about you?

Just Let It Go!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The morning temperatures are dropping and Fall is in the air, but I’ll endure the colder temperatures as long as I can just to be able to meet with my Master outside before winter shows up. Like ointment for my soul, I hovered in the Psalms this morning, confident that my Heart could be Strengthened by David’s Heart, and I was right. I was feeling as if life was “pressing down” on me and I KNOW David felt that way plenty of times too…that is UNTIL He surrendered it all to God. So with a Sweet Reminder from David, I laid it all down too. God is always just a prayer away and Peace is always found in Surrender. The great “I AM” is much more capable of Managing my Life than I am, and I only fool myself into thinking I’m actually in “control” when I’m not in control at all. After years in this Journey of Faith, I Know what Surrender looks like and I Know where to go for my Nourishment. This morning I went from feeling envious of the deer because they seemingly don’t have a care in the world to relating to them because I Know that with God…I don’t either. Isn’t that the way you see your Journey too?

Some days the load seems heavy and the burdens look big, but I Serve a God who’s ready to carry the weight if I just turn it all over to Him. Some days are laced with adversity, but I Serve a God who can bring Peace to any situation as long as I turn it all over to Him. Some days are filled with sorrow and sadness, but I Serve a God who will wipe every tear away One Day, and He is always “near to the brokenhearted.” I Serve a God who treasures each of my tears so much that He stores them up “in a jar” because He loves me. Some days are filled with doubt and uncertainty, but I Serve a God who will “keep my path straight” and give me wisdom any time I ask for it. Some days are overwhelming, but I Serve a God who isn’t overwhelmed (or surprised) by ANYTHING and He is the Source of Peace. Some days feel like they’re out of control, but I Serve a God who holds the whole world in the palm of His Hands and He Controls it all. No matter the burdens we “carry”, pain is self-inflicted when we attempt to do what only God can do. My God is bigger! What a great reminder straight from the Throne of my Mighty and Merciful God this morning that all I ever need to do is to Turn to His Word for Direction and to the Holy Spirit for Guidance. This is the secret to Peace and Strength no matter what.

I’m Refreshed, I’m Strengthened and I’m Restored this morning despite the long list of things needing to be done ONLY BECAUSE I turned to my Source. Thank you, God. Thank you, David. All the “pressing down” I was succumbing to was self-inflicted AND from the pit of Hell intended to discourage me. But the liar from Hell doesn’t stand a chance with someone like me because my soul pants for the King like a deer pants for water and as long as I’m chasing after Jesus, I’ll always be Victorious.

How about you?

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

He’s Mighty, Merciful, and Powerful…STILL

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s Sunday – the day I recognize the Sabbath – and I’ll be doing my best to “keep it holy” as I’m Instructed to do. Even though church time is just around the corner, Time with Him is the way I begin each day of the week Sunday or not. I met with the Living God outside where the air was cool and the fog was thick and I watched the Hand of God at work over this old farm. This time of year we can expect to see fog as the cool air meets the warm ground, and I never get tired of watching the fog lift off the farm in the Fall. Sometimes it remains low to the ground until it dissipates, and sometimes the fog covers the entire farm from low ground to high ground and beyond. As I sat there not only could I see the fog, but I could feel it all around me too and it reminded me of the Shekinah Glory (the manifested Glory of God) and what it will be like to see one day…and I will. Some people have closed their minds to the thought that God can still manifest today as He did in the Bible…but not me. I Believe in the Supernatural work of my Supernatural God. Isn’t that what your Journey of Faith looks like too?

Sometimes I wonder how it came to be that people decided that God belongs in a box. To some, the Bible is just a history book and all the things they read about are just entertaining stories from the past BUT not for today. If the Glory of God showed up they’d excuse Him away the same as they do for so many other miraculous things right before their very eyes. Is it that His Supernatural Works scare them because they can’t explain Him OR is there a conflict between the Supernatural and the intellectual faith that so many hang their hat on today? Either way, some have wiped away all the Supernatural works of God as if He’s a past-tense God even though the Word says that He’s the “same today, yesterday, and forever more.” It must make our Enemy very happy to see us “muting” the Works of a Mighty and Merciful God. It’s interesting (and sad) that some people have been taught NOT to believe in the Power of God at all, and if that’s the case, they might as well “worship” a statue. My God IS the same today, yesterday, and forever more, and I long to see His Glory…and I will. Who in the world would want to believe in a powerless God, and why would they want to keep Him in a box?

It’s painful for me to see so many “regular church attendees” walking around IN the fog when I know that all they need is a genuine Relationship with Jesus Christ, more time in His Word, and the Holy Spirit to Guide them. They laugh at people like me and they scoff at the Supernatural just the way the Bible says they will… and they settle into teaching that tickles their ears because they hunger to be entertained and to hear what they want to hear. Maybe they have a Bible app on their phone but it’s rarely opened or read outside of the church. Sometimes they might reach for a copy of the Bible in the pew ahead, but they can rarely find the verse in time to read along because they aren’t familiar yet. Jesus really does “love the little children of the world” but He expects them to grow up! In fact, He expects His Children to Learn and Grow every day. He expects His Children to hunger to be in His Presence every day all the days of their lives. He expects His Children to be so familiar with Him that they recognize the voice of their Shepherd without hesitation or doubt. He expects His Children to know His Word like the back of their hands, and He expects His Children to obey the “rules”. That’s what growing up (or maturing in Faith) looks like and it’s the ONLY way to be Confident and Capable when the fog settles in.

If it’s foggy today, that’s okay – I can see the beauty even with my eyes closed. If my Bible was taken from me today I’d be very sad because I love it so much and I love to spend Time in it with Him every day…but I wouldn’t be lost and I wouldn’t stumble around in a fog. I’ll always have the Holy Spirit to guide me and the Holy Spirit will illuminate the Words when I’m struggling if I ask Him to. My Heart knows what His Word says because I Know Him. I’m a grown-up Christian still in the works so I Work on getting Stronger and better every day. I appreciate the fog but I’ll never be walking in it…church or no church…Bible or no bible…I’ll always have His Spirit and I’ll always have His Word embedded in my Heart.

I’ve put in the Time and effort to Mature.

How about you?

Sweet and Simple…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. This day came to life with a sunrise that looked more like a dimmer switch slowing being turned up than a sunrise, BUT the birds around me made sure to spice things up as they rejoiced over this new day. Sometimes the simplest things breathe Perspective into my Life, thanks to the Author and Perfecter of my Faith. As I sat on the front porch seeking the face of the Living God and struggling to keep my thoughts on Him and my focus on our Time together, I was Reminded of His Words about the sweet sounds of the birds around me – “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”. So this morning God used something as small as the sound of the birds as a gentle reminder of how much He loves me, and when He did, I wept with joy all over again. Isn’t that the way the Journey of Faith should be?

Most of the time, we feel the greatest love through the simplest of things. A scribbled drawing from a child or a hand-picked weed from the yard can make a mother’s heart overflow with love. A simple smile at just the right time moment in time can send a message of hope and compassion without saying a word. “That look” that says it all without saying anything at all. A simple laugh can lessen the stress and ease the sting of our circumstances. A sincere hug doesn’t require a spoken word at all if the arms are attached to the Heart. A surprise cup of coffee by someone just wanting to please. A simple compliment or a heartfelt “everything’s going to be OK” can lift the spirit of discouragement faster than you can say “amen”. It’s the simple things that send the loudest message of Love every single time IF we’re Leading and Living with the right Heart instead of looking for the “proof” of Love.

When it comes to love, actions always speak louder than words. I can say “I love you” until I turn blue, but if my actions don’t back up my words, it’s all meaningless. I can sit with you and talk for hours about how wonderful I think you are, but if I don’t show you with heartfelt actions, it’s all meaningless. I can tell you “I’m sorry” for the wrongs I’ve committed against you, but if I continue to repeat the wrongs, it’s all meaningless. The message of Love is best delivered through those simple things that impact the Heart in profound ways. There once was a woman so desperate to get in the presence of Jesus because she Believed He could heal her that she crawled her way through a massive crowd. When she managed to reach through the chaos to touch the hem of His garment she was instantly healed. She didn’t need to “prove” anything to the One who died for me. She didn’t need to “sell” Jesus on her Worth and there was no need to beg. Without speaking a word at all, Jesus could feel His power leave Him as she was being healed AND I’m pretty sure He could feel that desperate woman’s Heart too. All Jesus ever wants for any of us to for us to seek His face with everything within us and when we do, all the other pieces of our Faith fall in line with the Heart.

I think people complicate Love especially when it comes to our Journey of Faith. Some set out to memorize Chapter and Verse but if all they do is brag about cramming all the words into the hard drive of their mind and never recall the Words with Love, it’s meaningless. Some jump through hoops to “perform” for God (and to be seen by man) and they can needlessly work themselves into exhaustion because of it. But if all their works were performed out of a false sense of obligation or as a means to make it to Heaven, it’s all meaningless too. The One we Serve (and aim to please) wants our full attention…He doesn’t care if we memorize the Bible word-for-word because He doesn’t care about the intellect, only the condition of the Heart, and He can see that for Himself anytime He wants to. The Living God wants to spend Time with His children and He wants our Relationship to grow stronger each day. Sound familiar? It should. Although man is forever looking for “proof” of love, Genuine Love needs to be Expressed far more than it needs to be voiced – why would it be any different for the Living God? “Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep”.

I have a Changed Heart this morning and I can give credit to the simple singing of the birds around me as I sat on the front porch at sunrise. The Living God used something that most of us take for granted each day…a simple thing…to remind me in a big way that HE LOVES ME and the smile that He put on my face will last all day…. thanks to the Living God and for the simple gesture from the birds. I’m a complex woman savoring the simple things in life that send the greatest Message of Love.

How about you?

Pick Your Battles Wisely…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I made my way onto the front porch before the sun came up this morning but I didn’t stay long because after the rain there wasn’t a dry seat on the porch. The flags were all tangled up and a few limbs had fallen to the ground, but all is well and beautiful at the farm rain or shine. This morning I prayed long and hard for all those people who have been devastated by the hurricane – lost homes, no electricity, some entire towns wiped out – many deaths – circumstances beyond my imagination – and my soaked front porch isn’t even “worthy of mention” compared to their agony. None of us are defined by the trials we endure, we’re defined by how we see them…how we face them….how we overcome them. The Bible says, “But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved” – so that’s the Ultimate Goal no matter what the storms look like. As for me, I know that no matter what kind of threat I face – a storm blanketing this old farm – or adversity – or persecution – or an attempt to rob me of my peace – the King of kings will shine no matter what because I’ll be focusing much more on Him than any “threats” that come up against me. I’m a Warrior for the King and I understand the source of Strength for ALL my battles…and I Know how to fight and Win. As long as I’m Readied for battle and confident of my Victory, how could I ever live in fear or turmoil? Isn’t that what your Journey of Faith looks like too?

When I take my eyes off the King to look at this dark world instead, I can become overwhelmed and I begin to feel hopeless. When I incline my ear toward what people say about the world…and each other…the darkness is blinding to me. When I see people of Faith attempting to use their voice as a Weapon instead of a Source of Praise for the Living God, I weep over lost opportunities. None of those things come from a Good Place, so whatever time I spend looking at the condition of the world, instead of looking at my Commander in Chief, I’ll weakened for the Journey and that’s NO PLACE for the Warrior I’m already Equipped to be. As surely as kryptonite robbed Superman of his strength, focusing on this dark world could rob me of mine too IF I let my guard down and quit Fighting the way I’ve been Taught to.

One time Jesus said to Peter “Get behind me Satan” when he recognized the enemy at work through him. Imagine how poor Peter felt when Jesus spoke those words! The Bible tells us that our battle is “not against flesh and blood” but plenty of people are fighting these days as if their enemy is running for political office. But politicians aren’t our enemies…it’s much worse than that. Our real enemy comes from the pit of Hell and there are no limits to what he’ll do to rob, kill, and destroy. If only we could all just remember to Focus on the Commander in Chief of the Universe – THE ONE WHO ORDAINS ALL OUR LEADERS – the world would look a whole lot different than it does today. This is the Key to Peace and the only way to find Victory in the dark world.

It’s election time for the United States of America (the “one nation under God”) but the Spiritual battle surrounding the race is far greater than the battle between two candidates and what we have to lose goes beyond the party. People of Faith on both sides of this election are praying for Victory – but lots of people of Faith aren’t fighting the battle of Victory at all…they’re fighting the battle on behalf of their enemy instead. They’re either overcome with fear because their eyes are on the dark world instead of the Light of the dark world OR they don’t understand the Words they read in our Instruction Manual at all. Either way, the more they fight like the world fights, the farther away from Victory we slip. Instead of putting on the “helmet of salvation” they’re busy filling their heads with hateful thoughts about people God LOVES, even if they don’t. Instead of whipping out the “sword of the Spirit”, which is the word of God”, they rely on rumors and ridiculous “theories” about the darkness and they give “power” to the enemy because of it. Instead of standing firm “with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” they surrender their peace and battle like wussies in a dark world instead of the spiritual Warriors they’re Instructed to be! It sure looks like they’re taking their lead from the enemy instead of the King of all kings…otherwise, they ought to know better. Sad but true.

Without Him, I’m powerless and without Him, I wouldn’t know how to battle my way through anything in this dark world. Without the Power He has already given to me (and you), the enemy could easily overtake me…but that will never happen because I know what it takes to Win. When I draw my last breath and I stand before the King, I won’t pay the price for all my sins because that price is Paid in Full…BUT I will answer for lost opportunities – for times I failed to be a Light in the dark world – those times when I may have chosen to spit out venom against another one of God’s creations instead of speaking Words of Hope and Truth….and Love. Now THAT’s a scary picture…especially at election time in America.

I’m not perfect, and I slip and fall almost every day, BUT I know how to do Battle and I know how to Win. When I get distracted by bad things it’s almost impossible to find the Good, so I’ll be working hard NOT to let those things that come from the pit of Hell distract or derail me along the way. I’m a Warrior and I ALREADY have all the Tools I need to Win…all I really need to do to live fearlessly is to be Wise enough to use them.

How about you?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:10-17

The Inclined Heart…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s another gray and rainy day in Virginia, but it’s a NEW day and a Gift from the Master to me. I understand that each day is a Precious Gift, but it’s more than that – each new day is another opportunity to Glorify my God…and THAT excites me! So, each day, rain or shine, I do my Part to Prepare for whatever He has for me. I am Confident that I can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me” but I also know that none of that is possible UNLESS my Heart is Inclined toward Him. So, with Bible in hand and a hot cup of coffee, I set out to enter into His Presence each day Ready to learn and Eager to Grow. It’s easy for me to comprehend how “the mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of His Name” when I witness His glory at the beginning of each new day. “I sing for Joy at the work of His hands” and everything within me is Inclined toward my King. Isn’t that the way it works for you too?

It amazes me when I hear people comment on how “it’s easier” for me to be Inclined toward Him at sunrise because of the view I’m blessed with. There are no words to describe my view that’s for sure, and it’s an Honor to have been chosen to Steward this beautiful place. But when you’re looking at the photos of the view from the front porch, you’re not just looking at the Work of His Hands, you’re looking at my Heart through the lens of a camera too. When you read the Words that describe where I am, you’re reading the words from a Heart that is Inclined toward a Mighty God. When you Walk my journey through photographs as I describe what’s going on in my world, you’re seeing it all after it’s filtered through a Heart that is Inclined toward Him with a Heart that knows that it doesn’t belong to me at all! The mountains aren’t the only things to bow down at the sound of His name…I do too. Sometimes I bow down in the physical sense but ALWAYS bow down in the Spiritual sense. I long to please Him and I long to Serve Him so being sure that my Heart is Inclined toward Him is even more important to me than air is, and THAT’S why you see the Work of His Hands through a photo and a few simple words.

When the Heart is Inclined toward Him it’s impossible NOT to see the beauty in everything around you. Of course, you see the beauty in His creation – that’s a piece of cake especially when the view is so spectacular. But with a Heart Inclined toward Him, you even see the beauty in the not-so-beautiful too. You can see the beauty in others when they aren’t so kind to you because you know that He loves them just the same as He loves you. You see the beauty in brokenness because you know that God has a beautiful Purpose behind the scenes IF the broken one is willing to be Inclined toward Him in all things and through all things. You can even see the Beauty in heartbreak and sickness because you know that He will Spin it into an opportunity to Glorify Himself no matter the outcome IF the Heart is Inclined toward Him. There’s no end to the beauty we can see if we look at Life through the lens of a Heart that’s Inclined toward Him! That’s the Key to being a Light in a dark world no matter what’s going on around us. One Day the King will come back, and when He does, my Heart will be Inclined and it will leap with Joy whether I’m on the front porch of this beautiful farm or not. That’s the Nature of the Heart Inclined toward the King of all kings!

My heart is Ready for this new day and I’m excited that He will find me Worthy to be of Service…even though I don’t Know the Details yet. With an Inclined Heart, anything is possible! Every moment, every encounter, every word, and every image will be filtered through my Inclined Heart and I’ll be Ready and Willing to be used by the King anytime He’s ready for me.

I was born for such a time as this!

How about you?

My God Doesn’t Make Mistakes…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. Last night God brought the rain we’ve been praying for and this morning everything is rich and green all over again. It’s amazing what a little nourishment can do when God opens up the heavens and how nature seems to appreciate the rain as much as we do. I watched this deer come out of hiding in the brush as she led her triplets to “greener pastures” for reasons I don’t understand. This mama deer is a rare creation – not only because she gave birth to triplets, but because she is what is known as a “Piebald” which means she has a very rare genetic mutation that causes her to have lots of patchy white fur. Her fawns still have spots, so it’s impossible to see if they’ll carry the same gene…only time will tell. Sad as it is, some people believe that Piebalds should be exterminated to stop the “bad” genes from continuing to “taint” future herds, but I am confident God doesn’t see it that way. After all, MY God doesn’t make mistakes and He sure doesn’t make decisions based on what the outside looks like. Isn’t that the way you see it too?

If only people could travel through the journey of life without a care in the world just like this Piebald does, the world would be a better place. This beautiful deer is oblivious to her genetic differences, and she doesn’t care if humans think she is “flawed” or not. She doesn’t have the intellect it takes to worry about bringing “imperfect” life into this world – she fills the world with God’s beautiful creations instead. If only people could (or would) stop trying to look like somebody else the world would be a better place. If only they could stop trying to remedy a “flaw” that actually adds to their beauty just the way it does for the Piebald the world would be a happier place. If only they could see aging as a Gift from God and stop ridiculous attempts to reverse the clock, the world would be filled with more content grandma’s and grandpa’s. If only they would stop mutating their bodies into something unrecognizable, the world would be filled with people who believe they’re actually worthy of Love. God knit each one of us together in our mother’s womb and, just like Mama Piebald, He thinks we’re beautiful just the way we are. To God, the outside is not of much importance at all because the outside is just the shell that houses the Soul (for now). If only the world would focus on the INSIDE more than it focuses on the outside, the world would be a godlier place to be.

I’m sick of life-altering decisions being made based on the outside because I Know only the inside matters at all. I’m sick of upheaval in my Country over the color of skin…and I’m really sick of the focus on skin color and gender as part of the selection process for the leader of the free world! Have we become so obsessed with the outside that the inside has become irrelevant? God help us. Who in their right mind casts their vote on what the candidate looks like instead of their ability to lead? I may not be the brightest bulb God ever Created but I’m wise enough to understand that brown skin, orange hair, and/or body parts have zero relevance whatsoever when it comes to casting a vote for ANY position in the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His site! If only people would TRY to love others the way He loves us…if only they would accept the fact that what we look like on the outside doesn’t hold a candle to what we look like on the inside! If only the world…including opinionated Christians…would actually believe what the Bible says – that God ordains the leaders based upon who He wants to lead and absolutely nothing can change His Plans- the world would be a wiser and more peaceful place to be. No doubt people are outraged to hear that some believe this beautiful “flawed” deer should be exterminated so as not to taint future generations AND YET it doesn’t phase them at all that life-altering decisions in America are being based on race and gender. Hmm…

My Country is in turmoil BUT my God is in Control and He doesn’t make mistakes. Absolutely nothing slips past Him and everything needs His Approval. Although He knit us together in our mother’s womb, He’s not looking at the outside for flaws…He’s examining the Inside of each one instead. He didn’t mess up when He created the Piebald and He won’t mess up when He Ordains NEXT leader of the United States. He is the great I AM. He IS all. He SEES all. He’s the Leader of the entire Universe and He has a Perfect Plan for the leader of the free world (and beyond) that I Trust with everything within me.

How about you?