faith

Consider Yourself Warned…

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. My mood matched the weather this morning as I stepped out onto the front porch for my first cup of coffee…a little cool…a little foggy…a little quiet…but with the potential to be incredible no matter what. As things get more and more stirred up in America as the battle against Good and evil unfolds, it’s MORE important than ever for me to remain Grounded in the Truth. Although the world is divided and filled with whitewashed truth, there is only ONE Truth and only ONE way to fight a Spiritual Battle. It’s when we forget that part that we end up in a mess every time! I Serve a God who doesn’t compromise the Truth because He WROTE the Rules, and He absolutely hates violence. Psalm 11:5 says, “The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, THOSE WHO LOVE VIOLENCE, He hates with a passion”. Every day I seek the Face of my Savior, and every day I dig into His Word looking for Peace, Comfort, Truth, and Marching Orders. My God is one to fear, and there is no limit to His Power. My God has the keys to Hell and death, and He has an Answer for all things. Why in the world would I look anywhere else for Truth, and why would I care about any opinion or approval other than His? If the side of the world professing to be Christian but choosing to spit out hate, celebrate death, and rely on social media for “truth,” would only turn to the Source and follow the Rules, the entire world would look different than it does today.

If there’s one thing that can set my hair on fire, it’s being around people who love to CLAIM they belong to the Family of God but who refuse to walk like it, talk like it, stand like it, or love like it. They support the same sins that God Almighty clearly condemns, and they attempt to put His Signature on their playbook that was Handwritten in Hell. They have their own version of truth that has been fueled by hate and spread by social media, and they’re sure (these days) to let you know what that looks like, whether you like it or not – worse yet, they demand you believe it “or else”. More and more, as these lost people “fight for justice” or defend things like abortion (for any reason), or they celebrate the death of someone they hate(d) for preaching the Word of God, it becomes painfully obvious that those self-professing “Christians” have no idea what God’s Truth looks like at all – and my guess is that they never did. I don’t think they’ll need to worry about having their Membership Card to the Christian Club revoked because it doesn’t look like it was ever Valid in the first place. Romans 1:25 Bible warns us about such things – “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen” – so their vile behavior isn’t a surprise to God…or me…BUT just in case they need a reminder straight from the Authentic Rule Book, “God will not be mocked,” and “It’s a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God”. Consider yourself warned.

There are only two Players in this Spiritual War, and it’s not Democrats or Republicans – liberals or conservatives – it’s God (and those standing for Him) and the Devil (and those who are doing his bidding). Sadly, those who have exchanged the Truth for a lie and who are willfully going against the Living God will pay an eternal price for being so willing to be Pawns of Satan…and no amount of denial or debating will change that Fact. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters”. In a sea of people PROFESSING to be card-carrying members of the family of God while they spit out hate and celebrate the death of the righteous ones…I pity you for sure, BUT I won’t fight with you here on this earth because the real Battle takes place in the Heavenly realm, and Victory will always be with those who are Faithful to the Creator of all. You don’t believe that? Just wait and see how fruitless your hate is with God on the Throne. Don’t you think it’s time for you to get sold out for Jesus like you proclaim to be before it’s too late? If only the scoffers could direct all that passion to the God of all Creation instead of to the enemy of this world, we could ignite a Fire that could not be contained…a fire of Revival.

If you’re busy politicking in the name of “democracy”, I’ll be praying for you and by the grace of my God, I’ll love you, BUT I WILL NOT forsake my God…or His commands…ever. I will fearlessly stand WITH HIM, and I’ll cling to the Truth all the days of my Life, and I am confident that “Greater is He (Jesus) who is in me, than he (the Devil) is in the world”.

I’m grounded in the Truth.

I Know Who wins.

I am a proud American who belongs to the King.

I’m unshakable.

I’m unstoppable.

How about you? Do you call yourself a Christian but you fight for things God hates? I would suggest that you put as much time into reading the Word of God as you do on social media and HE WILL reveal the real Truth to you whether you like it or not. Just sayin’.

What Was Intended to Harm, GOD Intended For Good

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. Fall is definitely in the air, and foliage around the farm is changing too fast for my own liking. The leaves are beginning to change color, and some are already dropping to the ground. When I looked over at this hydrangea planted next to the front porch, I had to smile. Right in the middle of all the other blooms that are turning pink and in the process of dying, there is one big beautiful white flower blooming as if it were Spring. This flower seems totally oblivious to the dangers of winter, and it looks determined to be beautiful for as long as it can be. Only God could bring forth this bloom in a sea of dead blooms, and it’s like a Gift to remind me of the Seasons of Life. This bloom will have a very short life because the cold weather will soon snuff it out. But the fact that the bloom won’t last long doesn’t take away the beauty it will bring while it’s here. That out-of-place, beautiful white bloom reminds me of the life of Charlie Kirk. Charlie didn’t bloom for as long as we would have liked him to, but the beauty he added to a world that is fading fast was priceless! I believe 2 Timothy 4:2 is the perfect Scripture for Charlie – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction”. I’m celebrating Charlie’s life today much more than I am mourning; a life that left a mark on this dark world, and a life that led Charlie to his ultimate Victory…Charlie is in the arms of Jesus. Isn’t that the way you see it, too?

Charlie didn’t care that he stood out like a sore thumb in a world of opposing views…Charlie loved Jesus. Charlie didn’t hesitate to defend the Truth in a sea of haters…Charlie loved Jesus. Charlie didn’t hesitate to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ because he understood Who is really in charge, and he never cowered away from giving Glory to the One Who gave him the platform. Charlie didn’t care that He (seemingly) was the only man standing in a pool of scoffers…Charlie loved Jesus. Charlie understood that the stakes were high and time was short, and he ran at full throttle regardless of the cost…Charlie loved Jesus. Charlie didn’t hide in fear in the face of adversity because he Trusted Jesus. I’m pretty sure Charlie wasn’t afraid to die in the name of the One Who died for him, and although I’m confident that Charlie would not have wanted to leave this earth now, he Understood that God’s timing is Perfect.

The world lost a champion yesterday when Charlie Kirk drew his last breath – but the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just the beginning for Charlie. The body God Designed for Charlie to use on earth expired at 31 years, but his Soul, which was SOLD OUT for Jesus Christ, will go on forever in the presence of God – and THAT should be our focus at such a time as this. Someone described Charlie as being like a combination of Billy Graham and Rush Limbaugh, and now, Praise God, Charlie is in the presence of both of them for all of Eternity. I can’t begin to imagine what it was like when they greeted one another! He fought the good fight, and he finished the race, and there is no doubt in my mind that Charlie heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant”! Of course, we mourn the loss of this champion and rightfully so, BUT we should be celebrating Charlie’s victory more than anything! We should be in awe of God’s Call on his life and all He accomplished for the Kingdom of God in just 31 years. We should be feeling stronger, NOT weaker, as we consider this world without him because of the Gift he gave to us all! It isn’t the time to stir up hate. It isn’t the time to place blame. It isn’t the time to fight this Spiritual Battle with weapons of the flesh like we saw yesterday – we ONLY fight this kind of Battle with Spiritual Weapons that are available to all who Believe. That’s what Charlie would want.

Genesis 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives”. We have no way of knowing how many lives were “saved” because of Charlie Kirk and His bold stand for Jesus Christ. In the shock wave of his life being snuffed out, it’s not easy to remember that NOBODY robs God. Charlie died precisely when God Called for him…no sooner and no later. Charlie was the CEO of Turning Point, but the Living God is the CEO of the Universe, and He’s STILL in control of this dark world and everything in it. His “power is made perfect in weakness”.

I don’t need to tell Charlie to “rest in peace” because I know the minute he drew his last breath, he was in the very presence of the Prince of Peace. This dark world is far behind him now, and He’s focused on the King! No doubt there will be a giant hole where Charlie Kirk used to be, especially for his precious wife and his children, but the best way for us to honor his life is for us to persevere against adversity in the name of Jesus Christ just like he did AND to NOT taint his memory with hate. One Day I’ll be able to thank Him personally for all he did for Kingdom in his 31 years and I’m praying you’ll be doing the same. There’s only one way to be sure and that is to be SOLD OUT for Jesus just like Charlie was. I am. Are you?

Stop Following The Crowd!

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cool and overcast, and although they’re not calling for rain, the sky looks like it’s preparing for it. There is a lot of preparation taking place this time of the year, and I marvel at how nature intuitively knows what to do to prepare for the winter. These deer are feasting on the acorns, just like they do every year. Although I’m pretty sure acorns taste good to them, they’re actually serving a purpose to fatten them up for the winter and to prepare them for a winter pregnancy. The squirrels are busy burying black walnuts that will feed them through the winter, and somehow they’ll know just where to go to find them when they’re hungry. The Canadian Geese no longer migrate, but the hummingbird does…something I never knew until recently, and I can’t stop thinking about. That tiny little bird that looks more like a dragonfly when it’s in motion will leave Virginia soon, and it will fly thousands of miles to Mexico for the warmer climate and an abundance of food. Before the hummingbird leaves Virginia, it will gain 25%-30% of its bodyweight to be sure that it has reserved “fuel” to fly up to 500 miles a day – even a non-stop flight over the Gulf of America. Look at God! As much as I marvel at the Hand of God and His Creation of things like the hummingbird, I Know that He has Equipped me and all the rest of mankind for even MORE. When the beast and the fowl intuitively trust the Hand of God far more than man, we’ve got big problems. As people of Faith, we’re already empowered with the Ultimate Helper ready to Guide us in our Preparation, too. If only we would Trust Him as much as a simple hummingbird does.

It can be so easy to follow the crowd, looking for treasures the same as the deer follow each other to the feast. Just like the herd of deer devouring the acorns, people gauge the feast based on how many others are congregated there, too. We believe a restaurant “must be good” if lots of people are lining up to get in, and we gauge the value of a church based on how many people attend. But good food is measured by the individual palate and not by how many people want to eat it. And yet, many people will go to a popular mediocre restaurant just because “everybody” else does. A good church isn’t gauged by how many people go there or by how good the music (and coffee) is. A good church is a church that disciples people to Holiness and isn’t afraid to teach hard Truths. And yet, many people will go to a popular church even if it means starving to death Spiritually because it “must be good” if so many people fill the seats. I’ve never been much of a follower, and popularity doesn’t impress me at all, so you won’t find me following the crowd. Instead, you’ll find me FOLLOWING Jesus with everything within me, and you’ll find me going in an unpopular Direction for His Name’s Sake every time. Never let it be said of me that I died Spiritually deprived all because I cared more about the opinion and popularity of man than I did about the One Who died for me.

Turns out, it’s true what they say, “Birds of a feather (really do) flock together”…at least most of the time. When the Canadian Geese are on the go, they always flock together in formation, and it’s a beautiful sight to see. When the buzzards are on the hunt, they always flock together searching for food. But that little hummingbird will fly on a strenuous journey from Virginia to Mexico for the winter all on its own. The journey from Virginia will take more than a week, with 18-24 hours just to cross the Gulf of America alone. It weighs slightly more than a US penny, and yet it is strong and resilient – a fearless as it makes the journey alone! The hummingbird doesn’t rely on what every other hummingbird is doing or which route the others are taking. It intuitively knows the Flight Plan, it knows where the flowers are blooming along the way, and it will find its nourishment without relying on a crowd. If only people were more like the hummingbirds – eager to make the long Journey toward Christ without relying on crowd pleasers and with no regard for popularity whatsoever – the world would look a whole lot Brighter than it does today.

I want to be like the hummingbird. I want to Intuitively Know how to Prepare for the Journey ahead, and I don’t want to rely on the crowd to get me there. I want to have confidence that the Lord will provide the Nourishment I need for the Journey, and I want to cling to the promise that “the righteous never grow hungry”. I want to take this long Journey of mine with Strength and stamina – relying solely on my God-given Guide. I want to “run and not grow weary” – I want to Persevere beyond anything I could imagine possible on my own, and I want to finish my race well. I won’t get there if I follow the crowd because the Gate I’m going through is a very narrow gate and the “crowd” won’t make it through. I won’t get there if I chase popularity because the One I Serve says, “They will hate you because of me,” and that kind of adversity doesn’t usually draw a crowd.

God gave me a herd of deer and a lone hummingbird to speak to my Heart today. As long as I keep my eyes on Him and not on the crowd, I know that all will be well with my soul.

How about you?

Only YOU Can Take Captive Every Thought!

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s a new day, I’m healthy, I have a sound mind, I have an amazing family and a roof over my head – even still, when I first woke up, it was obvious that I needed to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When my first thoughts are filled with a list of things to do, or doubt about my ability to accomplish them, instead of Gratitude for a Mighty God, gracious enough to Bless me with a new day to Serve Him, it’s time to get busy taking captive every thought! Being Mature in my Faith doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle with my thoughts; it means that I recognize a Heart Problem when I see it, and I set out to correct it with the King as fast as I can! To allow thoughts to take ME captive instead of me taking THEM captive would be to squander a new day and to miss out on an opportunity to Serve the One Who Created the heavens and the earth. That’s not an option for me…is it really an option for you?

The Journey of Faith is not always easy, and sometimes the trials can cause people to stop Growing. For some reason, people convince themselves that once they step into their Faith, that Life is going to be easier…but THAT’S NOT TRUE. Life is filled to the brim with trials and tribulations for all of us, the same as it was for all the Saints before us – as for me, they are my Encouragement to Finish the Race (and finish it well!) no matter what! Daniel didn’t avoid the lion’s den because he was a man of Faith. Instead, he took captive every thought, and his thoughts were inclined toward the One Who would deliver him. David didn’t avoid being hunted down like an animal because he was a man of Faith. Instead, he took captive every thought, and his thoughts were inclined toward the One Who would deliver him. Jonah didn’t avoid being swallowed up by a big fish just because he was a man of Faith. Instead, he took captive every thought, and his thoughts were inclined toward the One Who would deliver him. NOBODY avoids the Trials and Tribulations just because they’ve come to their Faith – They need just learn to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” and to Trust the One they Serve COMPLETELY. This is the Key to Perseverance through it all.

Self-pity, self-centeredness, fear, and pride are always what’s behind those thoughts that need to be taken captive – but there’s no place for any of these things in the Heart of a Child of the Living God. He’s more aware of my Circumstances than I am, and He’ll see me through as long as I “take captive every thought to make it obedient” to Him. I don’t have to worry about whether or not He’ll do His “part” – all I ever need to concern myself with is doing mine. When I “take captive every thought,” my fear subsides, my Heart rejoices, my Strength returns, my Hope is renewed, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” Then, AND ONLY THEN, can I be a Vessel that’s Ready, Willing, and Able to do the work of the King.

Let it be said of me, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”

How about you?

Majesty, Kingdom Authority!!!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the One who gives “orders to the morning and shows the dawn its place,” and I watched Him unfold this glorios new day. It’s reason enough to celebrate a new day when we stand in the Presence of the One who made it, but there is even more cause to celebrate when the morning comes into play right before my very eyes from this old farm. The One who Breathes life into each new day is the same One who Breathes Life into me, and I don’t want to ever lose sight of that… even for a second. This morning, His Majesty took my breath away, and just knowing that I was standing in the Presence of the Most High God moved every part of my soul. Majesty, worship His majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. The lyrics from one of my favorite hymns kept coming to mind – “Majesty, kingdom authority, flow from His throne unto His own; His anthem raise”. How is it possible NOT to worship the Majesty of the Creator of All? Isn’t that the way you see Him too?

It seems to be so easy for most people to overlook the Majesty of the Living God in the rush of everyday life, but I don’t think it’s possible to appreciate Who He is unless we do. It’s one thing to consider that He is the Force behind your life and to Believe that you’re Destined for Heaven One Day, but it’s an entirely different story to understand the Majesty of the God who Orchestrates every single piece of this life, every second, of every day, How could we NOT be overwhelmed by a God that “orders the morning and shows the dawn its place”? How could we NOT be overwhelmed by a God that “scattered the stars in the sky and knows them each by name”? How could we NOT be overwhelmed by a God who “shut up the sea behind doors to give it boundaries” and Who said, “Here is where your proud waves halt”? How could we NOT be overwhelmed by a God that “has the wisdom to count the clouds” and “who can tip over the water jars of the heavens to bring the rain”? How could we NOT be overwhelmed by a God who “laid the earth’s foundation” and who “stretched a measuring line across it while the morning stars sang together and all the angels should for joy”? Just thinking about His Majesty overwhelms me day after day, and my Heart is like those stars singing together and angels shouting for joy! When I consider all that He is, it’s impossible NOT to feel excited about my Life. God doesn’t Create anything “just because”…He Creates with Purpose…including me. Just like the heavens and the earth and everything in between that He planned with Purpose, He has a Purpose for my Life too! He’s Majestic and He’s my God…and I have the honor to stand in His Presence any time I want to! Excited? There aren’t even words for that kind of excitement!

His Majesty humbles me. His Majesty excites me. His Majesty brings me to my knees. His Majesty makes me shout for joy. His Majesty prompts me to surrender. His Majesty overwhelms me. The very same God who “showed the dawn its place” this morning, cares even MORE about me than He does all those stars He scattered in the sky, and He Knows my name, too! He’s Majestic. He’s the God above ALL Creation, and He’s MY God. He loves me. He has a Purpose for my Life. He has a place for me in Heaven. I’ll be worshiping His Majesty all day long…from the time I watched Him give “the dawn its place” this morning until He calls “the darkness to reside” tonight…and I’ll never stop as long as there is breath in my body.

My Majestic God has a Purpose for me, and I’ll be making sure to fulfill whatever it is until He calls me Home…BECAUSE HE’S WORTHY!

How about you?

“Thank You For The Food We Eat”?

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. Spending the first part of my day on the front porch never gets old to me, and it has nothing to do with the “view” as some people think. I wake up excited for what the Lord has up His Heavenly Sleeve, and I can’t wait to see what Role I’ll be playing today. My Time with the Living God doesn’t end when I leave the front porch…our Time together in the morning is Intended to “set my path straight” for what lies ahead on this New Day. My prayer time doesn’t end when I leave the front porch; I’ll be praying all day as I navigate this Journey called Life to Fulfill the Purpose He has for me. My God is the “same yesterday, today, and forevermore,” – He is the ONLY thing that never changes. From where I’m sitting on this cool September morning, the deer have found their way to fallen acorns, and I’m pretty sure they’re “celebrating” the change of seasons that causes their delicious food to fall to the ground. I wonder, if deer had the intellect that mankind has, would they pause to say “thanks for the food” when they find a feast of acorns, OR would they be giving thanks all day long as they nibble their way through the farm? It’s impossible to know what a deer thinks or feels, but it’s painfully obvious how people respond to a day overflowing when blessings when we see them, ONLY pause to give thanks before they fill their belly up with food. I don’t know the mind of God either, but I’m pretty sure that when we only pause to give thanks for what food we’re about to eat, we’re probably going to fall a little short of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Isn’t that the way you see the Journey of Faith, too?

It can be so easy for people to fool themselves about the Condition of the Heart when they’re content with ONLY pausing to pray over their food, and they think God is content with it too. They may not see how lame it is to give thanks for that single thing that brings pleasure to us in this Journey of Life, or how far they fall short in the Gratitude Category, BUT falling short is easily detectable by the Author and Perfector of Faith, and they’re not fooling anybody but themselves. It’s hard to believe that these professed Christians could think that the God of all Creation – the one who Provides every single thing – the One Who gave us Life – the One Who died for us could possibly be satisfied with ONLY being thanked for the food He Provides…just before it is devoured. “Well done” isn’t just how you describe how you want your steak cooked – it’s what people like me long to hear One Day IF (and only IF) the King is satisfied with the Condition of my Heart – a Heart that would need all of eternity just to thank Him for all the Blessings I’ve known. A quick prayer before we eat makes so many people feel satisfied with their Walk with Christ, but God isn’t satisfied, that’s for sure. Our God is a consuming fire, and when we Live for Him, it shows far and above and beyond a simple prayer over a morsel of food. Our God is a jealous God, and when we Live for Him, we’re sure to give ONLY Him Credit (Thanks) for everything, and we take no credit of our own for where we are or what we have. We take nothing for granted because we Understand everything is a gift. It’s when we accept that “there is no good thing apart from Him” that we become overwhelmed with Gratitude, and before you know it, we can’t shut up about His Goodness 24/7, and we can’t possibly thank Him enough for all that He is and all that He does for us…beyond the morsels.

They say that “a family that prays together stays together,” and while that’s true, it goes well beyond praying over a Big Mac before it’s consumed. The family that prays together knows that its Hope and their Future belong to Jesus Christ. A family that prays together takes all of its burdens to the Cross and the family Trusts Him with the Outcome. A family that prays together is Teaching the next generation about what Faith looks like when they pause to give thanks or to ask for help for no other reason than that they Know Him and they Trust Him, and it shows. A family that prays together doesn’t care much about geography or privacy, and that family will break out in prayer whenever they feel like approaching the Throne of God, no matter where they are or who’s watching. The family that prays together KNOWS that “all things are possible with God” and whatever “it” is, they Trust the Outcome to the God of all Creation. The family that prays together loves each other in ways that cannot be described by man. The family that prays together Understands that the Lord gives and takes away, so when life changes course, they have no fear because they Know that God has a Plan much bigger and better than their own. A family that prays together doesn’t find its strength inside a two-second prayer over a meal – they find their Strength through their Relationship with the King of all kings by way of a Spirit of Gratitude that cannot be defined by a fork or a knife.

I Know I’m stepping on toes, but for the sake of all that is Good, it’s important that you know that “Thank you for the food we eat” and “Now I lay me down to sleep” aren’t enough to satisfy the King, and they’ll never be enough to see you through the Journey. He gave everything for you and me, pausing to thank Him throughout the day (every day) is the least we can do to let Him Know how much we Love Him and how Grateful we are. There isn’t another relationship on the planet that could survive with the lame time and attention we attempt to get by with in our “relationship” with God – why would the Author and Perfector of Faith be satisfied with crumbs?

I’m chasing “Well done”. I’m Serving Him with all my Heart. I love Him enough to Live FOR Him…and if necessary, I die for my Faith too. If anything, I never seem to have enough prayer time to adequately express what my Heart feels. He already knows my needs…the important thing is that He knows my Heart…and that’s only possible by spending Time in His Presence. “Thank you for the food we eat” – I don’t think so. He died for me, I live for Him, and I don’t even come close to deserving all the Blessings He floods me with day after day.

How about you?

Stepping Into the Light…

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Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I headed to the front porch first thing this morning to watch the Master wake up the world, and what I saw was like the open arms of the Living God inviting me to join Him. The sun began to shine, the fog was starting to lift, and the deer were slowly making their way toward the light, just like I was. They didn’t have far to go, but they kept pausing to fill up on food that was much more appealing to them in the moment than the light was. As I watched the easily distracted deer, I realized there isn’t much of a difference between them and us when it comes to making our way to the Light. If we’re not Mature in our Faith, we can also become distracted, too. Turns out, slowing down the Journey toward the Light is as easy for us as it is for the deer. Stepping into the Light is the Most Important thing I do on any given day of any given year. It’s there where I am Strengthened for my Journey. It’s there where I receive my Wisdom. It’s there where I feel an indescribable Love that no human being has the capacity to show. It’s there where I find my Peace. I’ve “paid my dues” to have a Faith like mine; it doesn’t “just happen,” and it wasn’t always this way. It wasn’t until I realized that my Journey of Faith wouldn’t just cost me a little…it would cost me EVERYTHING that I began to Grow. I won’t reach Perfection until I make my way Home, but as surely as I am Strong today, I know that I’m inclined to fall if I DO NOT do what I NEED to do to remain Strong. Isn’t that the way you work on yourself through this Journey of Faith, too?

Faith is a process that takes a lot of work, and if we refuse to put in the Time and Effort, we CANNOT grow…period. No seed can be planted and then left alone to thrive or die…at least not if you planted the seed with the intent of seeing it bear fruit. Just like anything else we want to master in our lives, it takes lots of time and commitment to perfect. We try and we fail. We take a step forward, then three backward. We stand up, and then we stumble over and over again. If we want to “master” something, then we need to become an Expert…and it’s not humanly possible to become an Expert without putting in the time to Perfect. It takes having an Intimate Relationship with Jesus Christ to be able to Hear when the Holy Spirit speaks to the Heart…but we can’t have and hold an Intimate Relationship unless we’re willing to put in the Time. It takes Knowing Him VERY well to Transform our ways from how we used to be to how we need to be for Him. It’s the Most Important Relationship any of us will ever have, and it takes Time and Commitment to keep it sweet just the way it was in the Beginning. I think some people Believe that God is out of sight, so He can be out of mind too…at least until we need Him again. But if that strategy doesn’t work for human relationships, why would it work for the Living God either?

It’s easy to see how so many People of Faith are stuck in the past, and many of them haven’t grown much at all since they first Believed. Sometimes they continue to do the same things they did before they saw the Light because they never put in the Time to Grow. They say the Right Words most of the time, but their Lives don’t Reflect their professed Belief, and they never seem to get around to bearing fruit. Sometimes people are stuck because we fail to be there for them during the Growing Season. So often we leave them alone after we Guide them to the Truth, and then leave them on their own to sink or swim. Unless they learn to Build their Stamina and Strength to Swim, they’ll likely sink and stay there almost every time. We are quick to judge people of Faith who don’t Reflect their Belief, but instead of trying to Show them the way to Grow, we leave them to their own demise. People of Faith who have never learned to Grow don’t always know that what they’re doing or saying goes against the Living God, unless we Teach them with Truth and with Love. “Tough Love” has no place in the process, because it’s not “fair” to apply tough lessons to those who have not even matured enough to Understand the wrong. Does it make sense to stomp on a seed just because it isn’t growing? To Christ, there’s no such thing as a “big” sin or a “little” sin…it’s all the same to Him, so we need to spend more Time in His Presence to get the plank out of our eyes, so that instead of feeling contempt for the wayward, we feel Compassion instead. This is the Key to Maturity in Faith.

I’m an imperfect woman living an imperfect life, but I SERVE Perfection and I seek His Face every day, all day. Because I’m Mature in my Faith, I see my wrongs, and I can’t wait to ask for Forgiveness and to make my Peace with the One Who died for me when I do. As long as there is breath in my body, I won’t be leaving anyone in the dust if I can help it, and I’ll be a Reflection of what Faith should look like so that others see Him in me…and hopefully they’ll be Inspired to have the same kind of Life in their Faith too…that’s the Goal. I recently heard someone say that our Job (as Christians) is to disciple others toward Holiness. That pretty much sums it up!

Keep Pouring Until it Overflows….

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I woke up this morning excited about being an Unstoppable Vessel for the Living God, Called to pour into this dark world…a world that desperately needs to know the Truth before it’s too late. When I saw how the fog had blotted out the lower field where the creek flows this morning, it reminded me of how the world works hard to blot out any sign of Jesus these days, too, BUT He can’t be blotted out (even though it looks like it) no matter how hard the Darkness tries – AND absolutely nothing can blot out my Heart for Him. I know that “greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world,” and I have everything I need for Victory. So, off to my Commander in Chief I went with an Eager Heart to Serve, and He filled me up with everything I need to Fearlessly pour back out into the dark world today. My Life overflows with Blessings, that’s for sure, but it’s not about what I have, it’s about what I GIVE AWAY. The Living God Blesses me, and I pour it all right back to Him. He Called me to be one of His own before the foundations of the earth, and I give away all that I Know as I do my Part to “disciple others into holiness”. He gives me Wisdom, and I pour it out to the world in His Name. He gives me Compassion, and I pour it all out to the world in His Name. Everything I have I give to Him, and when we pour out the Blessings to Him, there are no limits to what we can do in His Name. Isn’t that the way you see your Journey of Faith, too?

I think it’s pretty easy for most people to accept Blessings from God…and they’re usually pretty good about thanking Him…at least most of the time. Giving Him credit for the Blessings is one thing, pouring them back out to Him is an entirely different story. I think the lack of humility is the leading cause of thanking Him without the Heart to pour it back. When we’re humble enough to accept the fact that we don’t “deserve” ANY of the Blessings He gives…when we realize that there is no good thing in us apart from Him…then it becomes easy to pour it right back out with Love. God does LOVE us and He DOES want good things for His children, but the Blessings aren’t a “given” and they’re certainly not ours to hoard – not our children, not our material things, and certainly not our Faith.

When we pour out our children as a “love offering” to the Lord, we see Miraculous results. When we live the Life He calls us to live and we pour it all back in His Name, we see Miraculous things. When we pour out the blessing of Faith as a love offering to Him instead of a headcount of conversions, we see Miraculous things. It’s not about the Blessings we receive out of Love, it’s about what we’re willing to pour back to Him that matters the most.

The world is a dark place, and it’s getting darker by the minute…just the way the Bible says it will. Unfortunately, many people are pouring back into the darkness with rants and opinions, and they’re doing their part to Divide in the process. Sometimes people believe they need to educate the world somehow or that their stand for “right” is making a difference – but that’s like pouring gasoline on fire instead. Darkness can only be blotted out with the Light. If only more people would pour out the Light instead of playing in the darkness, we’d begin to see Miracles in these times. If only more people would talk about the Healing Power of Jesus Christ instead of the odds of dying from this or that, we’d begin to see Miracles in these times. If only more people would sing His Praises instead of trying to hold court in Heaven (the way Job did), we’d begin to see Miracles in these times. If only more people would SPEAK the Name of Jesus Christ throughout the day, every day, regardless of “consequences”, we’d begin to see Miracles in these times. If every demon in Hell shudders at the mention of the name of Jesus, I can only imagine what this dark world would look like if we poured Him out into the world. It doesn’t matter what we have, or what He allows to be taken away – the ONLY thing that matters is what WE give away…or pour out…in His Name.

I’m blessed beyond measure to have been chosen to be the mother to my four children. They’re kind, compassionate, beautiful, funny, smart, and everything Good in between. I did my part out of love, but the end result of a family of Believers all comes down to me being willing to pour Jesus into them….four Blessings too wonderful for me to comprehend…blessings I did nothing to “deserve.” I’ve been Blessed beyond measure to steward this beautiful farm, but I did nothing to “deserve” it. Instead, I poured it all back to Him…a blessing too wonderful for me to comprehend…a blessing I didn’t “deserve.” A Saving Faith in Jesus Christ is a blessing too wonderful for me to comprehend too, so I pour it all back in His Name. I know my Destiny is secured ONLY by His blood (and nothing I do on my own), so when you hear me Sharing it with the world, you’ll be an eye-witness to what it looks like to pour it all back to Him…the Living Water…our only Hope. When you look at it that way, it’s hard to understand why people are hoarding their Faith as if it’s something they deserve, instead of pouring it out as a Love offering to the Living God.

Today will be like any other day for me in some ways. It won’t be about the Blessings I receive, it will be about what I’m willing to pour back to Him. He’s my everything so everything I have…everything I am…all gets poured out as a Love Offering to the Living Water…the One who died for me…AND THAT’S why my Life overflows with Blessings that I don’t deserve. I am, and I will always be, Victorious…no matter how dark this world gets before He calls me Home…as long as I pour it all out in His Name.

There is no place for lukewarm. Wake up Church!

Through the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The 2nd day of September has the feel of the Fall season, and it’s a reminder to me that things are destined to change around this old farm pretty soon. Before you know it, the days will be shorter and the air will be cooler. Next, the leaves will change color, and the wildlife will be preparing for the cold. It won’t be long before I’ll surrender to the cold myself, and I’ll be meeting with Living God INSIDE instead of outside on the front porch. No amount of wishing, or praying, or effort from man can change the course of these things because they’re Destined to be. When it comes to those things Destined by the Hand of the Living God…whether it’s the change of our seasons…good or bad circumstances…painful times or joyful times…I Trust Him. Isn’t that the way it is supposed to be for ALL who profess Jesus as Lord of their Lives?

It’s easy to sing Praises to the Living God when things are going well. It’s easy to give thanks when there is enough food on the table or when everybody is healthy and getting along. It’s easy to trust God when the family is in order and relationships are strong, and when we’ve got a roof over our heads. There’s no reason to be challenged by Trust issues when everything in life is smooth sailing, that’s for sure! But it’s an entirely different story when the Seasons in Life change for the “worse” and our world is temporarily turned upside-down. It’s during these challenging times that most of us don’t hesitate to run to the King and to dig into our Faith as we cry out to our God for mercy- but do we TRUST Him? Do we Trust His Plans when we lose our health or when we lose a loved one, or do we merely tolerate the pain and question the Living God about His Plans as if He must NOT Know what He’s doing if we’re feeling a little pain? Do we merely endure through the agony we experience in life sometimes, or do we consider that He has a Purpose in it all? Do we mourn for our loved ones when they leave this earth, and do we feel like we’ve “lost” them when He calls them Home to Himself, even though we (should) know that they wouldn’t leave Home now for anything in this world? Life is destined to be filled with heartbreak and trials mixed in with all the good. It’s a piece of cake to Trust Him when things are good, and we don’t hesitate to beg for mercy when things aren’t so good…but do we Trust Him?

I’m not sure why people get old and sick or why people die young. I don’t know why some people can have babies and some people can’t, or why some are snatched away into darkness. I don’t know why the poor exist in our world or why we have times of war. I don’t know where the plagues come from or what purpose they serve. I don’t know why some people are born black and some are born white. I don’t know why people stop loving each other, and I don’t understand how people can destroy the homes and businesses of total strangers all in the name of “justice.” What I DO KNOW is that He is a multi-faceted God and somehow all those bad things are threaded into ALL of those good things that we easily Trust Him with. If He’s good enough to Trust with the Good and worthy of our Thanks when things are smooth sailing, then He’s certainly Worthy of our Praise and our Thanks EVEN when the course of Life changes for Reasons we don’t understand. This is the Key to Trust.

I’m Trusting Him with the madness I see in this dark world and the hatred I see across America, and I’ll NEVER stop Praising Him through it all. I know that He says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” so it wouldn’t be very smart of me to try to figure out God with my simple human mind. I need to Trust Him with my Heart and my Life instead – through the good…through the bad…through the ugly…through the heartbreak….through the destruction…through death…through the poverty…through it ALL. Not only do I Trust Him, I surrender to Him…I Revere Him…I Serve Him…I Live for Him. He is my Loving and Compassionate God, and I TRUST Him WITH EVERYTHING, even though I don’t always understand His thoughts or His ways.

How about you?

Do you Trust Him?

Focused Through the Chaos…

/ www.LivingLarger.life / 1 Comment

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The house is filled with grandkids this week, and “chaos” is filling up my world that has been quiet for decades…and I love it! What a treasure it is to be Blessed with a “next generation” to love and to nurture…and to create memories with! Having the grandkids at the farm is a whole lot like watching these geese trying to find their formation; it may look a little scattered for a little while, but eventually everything falls into alignment, and before you know it, you wish the beautiful formation would never end. Because there is so much to do and so little time this morning, I was inclined to hit the ground running without taking the time to Share the Message that the Lord shared with me…but the Living God would have no part of it. In a matter of seconds, He set me straight to Remind me that what I do, I DO FOR HIM, and in a matter of seconds, I was asking for forgiveness for my selfish Heart that could so easily have put busyness ahead of my Savior. It’s not as simple as “not having time” when the King sets you on a Heavenly Mission, and the human sacrifices don’t always come easy. But if I don’t want to “lose” the Gift that’s been poured into me, then I need to be sure to Follow Directions. Paying it forward is what I do for the Most High God, and striving to Please Him is what keeps me going. As long as I Walk in the Spirit and not in my flesh, I can do anything! Isn’t that the way you see your Journey of Faith too?

It can be so easy for us to pick and choose for ourselves where we’ll spend our time, and we easily follow the heart even when it doesn’t always make sense. Some people have mastered the game of shuffling from one thing to another like a never-ending game of ping pong, and they’re so busy chasing their pleasures that they never really accomplish anything at all. Some people prefer to live on “Easy Street” and they would never consider taking on the tough things as long as they can avoid them. Some people live in limbo, never committing to anything just in case something better comes along. Some people are too afraid to step up, while others don’t even know what stepping up looks like. It’s human nature to migrate toward what brings us the most pleasure, and it’s the nature of man to justify why we’re not paying attention to the other details while we chase our own pleasures. We walk through this life looking for perpetual picnics and where we’ll have the most fun. But the only Genuine Pleasure to ever be had comes when we Walk in the Spirit, instead of in the flesh. It exhausts me to think about what it would be like to live a life driven by my own agenda and only for my own pleasure, and it breaks my heart to see so many lost in the web of selfishness. Living for ourselves and only for our own pleasure is an empty place, and it never ends up for Good when we do. It’s impossible to Serve the Living God while we’re busy serving ourselves – we only begin to Live for Him when we’re willing to die to ourselves. This is the key to fulfillment, contentment, and peace!

Some people have no idea about what it is to “walk in the Spirit” and it’s impossible to explain what it’s like to someone if they’ve never experienced the Journey for themselves. Some roll their eyes and consider it all nonsense. Some see the Fruit that comes by Walking in the Spirit and they are inclined to credit talent or theatrics…even the ones that should know better. Some see the Light of someone else Walking in the Spirit, and they get jealous because of the Benefits that come with the Job. Some are so critical that they’ll look for an underlying “agenda” because they don’t understand supernatural Gifts and talents when they see them. Some people are so selfish that they can’t digest the idea that anybody could ever really be selfless, OR why they would want to be. Some confuse the Light with limelight, and they can’t see the beauty while too busy judging the Purpose of the Light.

I understand what these people are like because I used to be one myself…UNTIL God called me out of my selfishness and Equipped me to Work just for Him. All those things I worried about giving up were overshadowed by Beauty, and all those things I fretted over wanting to accomplish just for myself were Out-shined by my Work for Jesus Christ instead. I’m serving Him even when it isn’t easy…even when it’s chaotic…even when it looks a little disheveled like the geese trying to find their way… and I’m loving every minute of the Journey.

How about you?