god

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow…Do You?

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It was too cold to spend much time outside on the porch at daybreak, but what I could see from my kitchen window was enough to stir my Soul. As I stood there watching the sky, I didn’t even notice the break in the clouds for the longest time. All I could see was color so beautiful that I didn’t want to take my eyes off it long enough to look at anything else. It’s Election Day in America and it makes me sad to see the majority of (professed) Christians a whole lot more focused on the break than they are on the Beauty and I fear for them because of it. There will never be another day like this one, that much I know for sure – not another sunrise or sunset and certainly not an Election. But no matter what the results look like at the end of this Election day, America will remain divided UNLESS (and by some miracle) God’s people begin to focus MORE on the Beauty than the break. Our Instructions from the One who still sits on the Throne is to turn our eyes upon HIM and not on this mess of a world. It’s only when we do that we can Focus on (and Celebrate) the Beauty and not the break. Isn’t it just like my God to use a magnificent sunrise to drive a Message to my Heart today. I’m listening. Are you?

I Serve a God that can calm a storm at the sound of His voice. I Serve a God who can part the sea to save millions of His people and who can rain down manna from Heaven to feed them. I Serve a God who plants the seed of life inside a mother’s womb and I serve a God who can raise the dead on Command. I Serve a God who can still heal the sick and raise the dead. I Serve a God who set the Plans for the day we were born and the day we will die and every day in between. I Serve a God who sent His one and only son to die for me so that I might have Hope and a Future. I Serve a God who gives AND takes away. I Serve a God who has GIVEN authority to good kings AND bad kings and I serve a God who sends calamity when His children get too out of line. I Serve a God who is already in tomorrow and the Election results were already made known to Him before the foundations of the earth. I Serve a God who will stop at absolutely nothing to turn His people away from the break and back to the Beauty because He loves us. My God can do anything. But even though my God is able, far too many (professed) Christians who claim to be His people are focused on the break a whole lot more than the Beauty. What kind of results can they expect?

I’m no expert, but I believe that God LOVES it when His children surrender it all to Him….from life to family to country…and yes, even to Election results. I believe it pleases my God when we choose to hide in the “shadow of His wings” and when we Trust Him with the outcome of an Election no matter what the outcome looks like. I believe it pleases my God when we confess that we have no strength of our own (only His to sustain us) and when we Acknowledge that “there is no good thing apart from Him”. I believe it pleases my God when we’re Bold and Courageous in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ and when we care MUCH more about lost Souls than we do about lost Elections. To some, that might sound impossible based on the state of the Nation we claim to love – to others still making noise and shaking their fists, the fact that I lay it all down at the foot of the Cross and I trust Him with the results is “lame”. Many have tried and failed to entice me to focus more on the break than the Beauty but that’s never going to happen. I Know that with God all things are possible and that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. I know that my God can use anything and anybody to bring Glory to Himself and I know that I don’t have the power to change what God has already ordained AND I have the “peace that surpasses all understanding” because of it. Unless God’s people STOP focusing on the break and START focusing on the Beauty there is no hope for America because God will not be mocked.

I don’t know who the future President of the United States will be when I wake up tomorrow but I DO KNOW Who will always be King and I DO KNOW that He has the future in the palm of His Hands. He already Knows the Election results because He “certified” them before the foundations of the earth. My God already Knows the Plans He has for His Children and, although He promises to be our Provider and our Protector, He never promised Easy Street. There is no way to Welcome in the Future we’re promised without experiencing the perilous times the Bible warns us about. No matter what – no matter how good or bad – no matter how difficult – no matter left or right, male or female, conservative or liberal, you will find me focusing on the Beauty as I watch my God unfold the breaks to draw His people closer to Him again. It’s all for His Purpose and His Glory, America. Once you get that part right, you’ll have the “peace that surpasses all understanding” for such a time as this too!

God bless America.

1 I don’t know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

I don’t borrow from its sunshine,

For its skies may turn to gray.

I don’t worry o’er the future,

For I know what Jesus said,

And today I’ll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,

I don’t seem to understand;

But I know who holds tomorrow,

And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter,

As the golden stairs I climb;

Every burden’s getting lighter;

Every cloud is silver-lined.

There the sun is always shining,

There no tear will dim the eye,

At the end of the rainbow,

Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don’t know about tomorrow,

It may bring me poverty;

But the one who feeds the sparrow,

Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that be my portion,

Maybe through the flame or flood,

But His presence goes before me,

And I’m covered with His blood.

There’s No Other Way…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The beauty of the Fall in Virginia defies words and it’s my favorite season, for sure. It’s almost as if God uses colors to lift my spirits to tide me over before everything becomes brown and bare for the Winter. I met with the Auther and Perfecter of my Faith this morning with an agenda of my own, and I flipped through the pages of my Instruction Manual looking for direction. But my agenda was not His Agenda, and in no time at all, He changed the Course of our Time. His Agenda opened my eyes. His Agenda penetrated my Heart. His Agenda revealed much more than I was looking for. His Agenda brought me to tears and His Agenda restored my soul. Even though I sometimes go before His Throne with an agenda of my own, as long as I’m just willing to meet with Him, He will bring His Agenda into focus every time. Isn’t that the way it works for you too?

As a Child of the Living God, I know that my life is not my own… and that’s okay with me. He has an Agenda for my Life and my agenda will always take the backseat to His. As a child of the Living God, I know that He knit me together in my mother’s womb and that He continues to breathe life into my body for His Purpose and not merely for my pleasure. As a child of the Living God, I know that I have the ability to bring Him pleasure too IF I’m doing what He Created me to do to fulfill the Purpose of my Life – but my existence without obedience can’t bring Him pleasure at all. Just the thought that I can bring pleasure to the One who died for me, the One who gave me Life, the One who Created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, brings Joy to my life that I would NEVER know if my Life belonged to me. You might have trouble considering what it would be like for you to live a Life that’s not your own and to trade your agenda for His, but it’s a beautiful thing to be living out the Purpose of your Life and it’s the most fulfilling of all.,

As a child of the Living God my past, my present, and my Future are not my own either and they are intended to be an open book for all the world to see. Each time something amazing comes my way it’s a chance to give Him praise for His Goodness and His Faithfulness and His Provisions for all the world to see. For those times that I stumbled and I fell and I managed to make a huge mess out of my life, it’s a chance to give Him Praise, NOT ONLY for seeing me through but for giving me a stronger Testimony of the Power of my God and a tenderized heart willing to share with the world about His Greatness and His Forgiveness through it all. My pain and my trials have Prepared me to tell others about how I’ve “been there and done that” and how He has used each transgression to transform me into a better version of me…a stronger Vessel for Him…ready, willing, and ABLE to Serve. My Future belongs to Him from this life and all the way to Forever. I know what Plans He has for me and I know that in my Future, there will be no more pain, tears, sickness, death, heartbreak, or anything that causes me to suffer here on this earth…and the best part is that I’ll be with Him for Eternity. Now THAT’s a Future to look forward to! With the Promise of a Future like that, how could I NOT Share it with the world?

Each piece of my past, my present and my Future has a tremendous Purpose in His Plans and only I can fulfill them. I know how special I am to the Living God…He sent His one and only Son to die for me…He Created me for His Purpose…He provides for all of my needs…He’s my Father…my God..my Savior and my King. He’s turned up the heat in my life more times than I care to count to REFINE ME into something Precious…His Treasure…His Vessel…His Child…more precious than gold to Him AND one so eager to Serve because of it. No, my Life is not my own and I wouldn’t have it any other way! My past, my present, AND MY FUTURE all belong to Him and they are an open book to share with the world…they are ALL part of my Purpose for living…and they are all Preparing me for my Forever.

How about you?

Are You Settling?

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It was warm enough on this first day of November to spend time outside so I settled into my favorite seat on the porch to meet with Jesus before the sun came up. It won’t be long before settling in outside isn’t an option so I’m savoring every minute I can before Winter sets in. At first, I sat there in the dark and I prayed. Then I read His Word and I contemplated my Purpose, but I wasn’t feeling anything in my Soul at all! I could have given up but didn’t. Instead, I turned my Eyes toward the eastern sky where I know He’ll be coming back for me One Day and I watched as He unfolded this New Day. Just looking at His Magnificence in the morning sky, and thinking about how His Beauty will surpass what I see with my eyes this morning, SET MY SOUL ON FIRE, and before you know it, I was weeping with Joy and Overwhelmed by my God all over again. I could easily have “done my time” this morning while chalking it up to “just one of those days” but that wasn’t good enough for me. I sought Him out the way He Sought me out years ago and I wasn’t giving up until my Spirit was filled with Him on this new day. Isn’t that the way you determine to spend your Time in His Presence too?

It’s amazing how people are inclined to “settle” in this life, but they lose out on genuine Joy when they do. They’ll “settle” for allowing their relationships to go stale while never looking for more as if not being alone is the only thing that matters – and when they do… there’s a train wreck around the corner just waiting to happen. They’ll “settle” for 3 square meals and an iPad for their kids as if that defines a family, and before you know it there’s a train wreck around the corner just waiting to happen there too. They’ll settle for bland (and meaningless) time with the Living God and they’ll check it off their list as if it’s a duty they fulfilled instead of a missed Opportunity to feel the Presence of a Mighty and Merciful God. Living a fulfilled life in all these areas takes determination and a Commitment to Excellence…every single day. It takes Persistence and Perseverance and a whole lot of Love. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even possible for people to understand what kind of Relationship with the Living God is possible for them as long as they’re willing to settle for less in every other area of life. When we’re okay with the status quo in Life not only do we miss out on an Extraordinary Journey with the Living God, but we’re already dead…we just haven’t been buried yet.

I’ve learned to be content in this life (not easy to understand because of my journey) but contentment should never be confused with a willingness to “settle.” The Apostle Paul said ” I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul learned to be content no matter his circumstances but he NEVER settled and he NEVER gave up. He never quit Striving for More. He never quit Trusting. He never stopped Seeking the face of his Savior. He never got in a rut and he never threw in the towel. He never lost His excitement for the Living God. He never “settled.” Instead, He determined to be Persistent and to Persevere and to make the most out of His Journey while He had time to Serve the One who Sought Him and Bought Him too. There is Joy beyond measure when we determine to Live that way too. Never “settling”…not with our Relationship with the King of Kings or anybody else in our lives.

I began this new day with a beautiful view and a numb Heart, but I’m Energized and Ready for this New Day now, and I’m overwhelmed with Love – all because I refused to settle for anything less than Excellence with the Love of my Life. I’m not settling for less in ANY area of my Life and I’ll never be content with following in the footsteps of all the others who are already dead but not buried.

He’s worth it…I’m worth it…every relationship I have is worth it…the Journey is worth it…Life is worth it and Love is worth 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?

Seasons of the Heart…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The Fall is my favorite time of year and it’s impossible for me not to shout for Joy for all that He is and all He does for me while I take in the crisp, cool air and the vivid colors surrounding me in the Fall. The Bible says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” and the longer I live the harder it is to understand why everybody doesn’t see God in everything the way I do. I marvel at the Hand of God and how He has a Purpose and a Perfect Plan for each of the Seasons – from Spring to Summer to Fall and then to Winter with each one bringing beauty and blessings of its own. No two days are alike and no two Seasons are the same. To me, they just keep getting better and better while God Himself orchestrates the crescendo of Life that builds upon each new Season along the way. Wow! Isn’t that the way the Journey of Life is supposed to be for all of us?

I’m in the Fall season of my life and often joke with family and friends about being “old”, but I’m not old. I’ve been Seasoned by the King for such a time as this and I’m just getting revved up in my Journey. My Heart has been softened over time through the Trials and the Tribulations of Life, and my mind is filled with Wisdom that has been given to me abundantly every time I’ve asked for it… just the way God promises to do. I have Fire in my belly for the Living God and a Passion for my Journey and it shows in my eyes and it can be heard in my laughter. No amount of wrinkles or saggy skin can take away from the ME inside because of it.

My Priorities have been put into Perspective in the Fall season of my life and my Workload has increased as God finds me fit to do more and more work for Him. I’ve learned more about who my real enemy is in this Life, and I’ve put in the time to learn how to fight the fight that leads me to Victory every single time. I’ve never struggled with being Grateful for the Blessings in my Life, but the Fall season adds clarity to the Bigger Picture and I see well beyond my own life and far into Eternity…and for that, there are no words for my Gratitude.

The Spring of my life was filled with turmoil and uncertainty and I spent that Season living on the edge, hungry for success and thirsty for money. I managed to overlook good things in the Spring, and I made some mistakes that led to lifelong consequences. But the sweetest Gifts came to me in the Spring of my life despite myself – God gave me 4 children and it was through those children that I came to Know, to Love, and to Trust Him. I was softened in the Spring season of Life.

The Summer season was spent holding on tight to raise a family on my own and struggling to find the balance between my family and my work. My Faith was made stronger through the Summer as I held tight to the only Hope I had to see me through. I was “forced” to seek the Hand of God to help me lead my children to a Faith of their own…a legacy of Faith that will last for generations to come and with an Eternal Blessing that I can’t begin to imagine. I was strengthened in the Summer season of Life.

I don’t know what the Winter will bring for me. I don’t think about it a whole lot because I’m too busy savoring the Fall, but I DO know that if God has a Winter season planned for me, it won’t be wasted ON me. I’ll keep striving to be all the best that I can be for the Living God and I won’t squander even a single day. I’m pretty sure that you’ll see the Holy Spirit fire in my eyes and you’ll hear the belly laughter of Joy all the days of my life, and you can BET that I’ll be doing the Work of the King until He takes me Home. When I get to Heaven, I’ll be doing more of what He’s Prepared me for here! My Job Description has already been written, and My Name is written in the Lambs Book of Life! The Seasons so far are just a Dress Rehearsal for what’s in store for me One Day and THAT excites me. I was born for such a time as this and I’m in the “right” season and the Perfect moment in Time!

How about you?

The Best Part Of Me (and you)….

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I stepped out onto a cold front porch this morning with a hot cup of coffee, a hunger for His Word, and a desire to be Taught by the Author and Perfecter of my Faith. It’s a new day of a new week in this Journey called “life” and if I want to be ALL that He Created me to be, then I need to put my Relationship with the King of all kings above all else. It’s almost as if I could hear the voice of my Father as the world around me scurried around looking for sustenance. The birds need food for each new day – they can’t store provisions away like the squirrels can and they always seem happy to find what they find as they continually search for more. I think we stand to learn a few things from the birds when it comes to living each new day for what it is without a focus on what we’ll have tomorrow. Undoubtedly we’ll find a whole lot more Peace in the process when we rely on the Living God for it all.

Humans are much more capable than our feathered friends but our lives are similar in many ways when you think about it. We have a sense of security as we approach each new day even though there are very few things that we can actually bank on. We know that the sun will come up and the sun will go down and if we’re still breathing, we’ll enjoy them both…at least one more time. We know that we’ll experience a lot of happy days throughout the journey of life and we know that we’ll experience some sorrow. Most of us know that we’ll have food on the table and a roof over our heads today, but there are no guarantees that we’ll have these things tomorrow. We can store up our food for the winter the same way the squirrels do around the farm, but there is no guarantee that it will be there for us tomorrow when we need it. We are loved and we love back, and it’s those things of the Heart that bring the greatest joy in this life…but there are no guarantees that the ones we love will be there tomorrow for us to love so we need to Treasure the time we have today. It’s only when we consider how frail (and how brief) our lives really are that we learn to live each day to its fullest and we learn to appreciate what we have today without much worry about tomorrow…just like the birds.

We know for sure that one day life on this earth will cease to exist for each of us and that our days are Determined by the One who gave us this life to live. Life could cease on this very day, or it could cease decades from now, but it will cease for all. One day we’ll be here, and the next day we won’t, and if we live our lives with any Depth at all there will be a void when we cease to exist here on earth. But the part of us that will die is the LEAST of us, and although it will get buried or burned one day, THE BEST OF US will go on forever. We know for sure that the Choice we make for the Best of us will determine where we’ll spend our Forever. Some people see their lives like the birds of the air – here today, gone tomorrow and when it’s over it’s over…and even though that makes no sense at all, it makes me sad to see how shallow their perspective is. Some people live on the edge, and even though they know that the choice they make for the Best of them needs to be made, they’d rather take their chances and roll the dice that they’ll be able to make the Decision to Surrender before they draw their last breath. Some of us Understand what this life on this earth is really all about, and we Know with absolute Certainty what Life will look like for us for all of Eternity based on our Choice for the Best of us. We look at Life a whole lot differently than the rest of the world does, and we Understand that what we have today may be gone tomorrow because “the Lord gives and takes away”. We Live out our lives like those carefree birds at the farm…we give it all we’ve got to give on each new day and we don’t try to plan too far ahead. We Understand where our Sustenance really comes from, and we don’t fret about our provisions because we Know that “the righteous will never go hungry”. We have “Peace that surpasses all understanding”, we have Joy no matter the circumstances, and we have a Lifetime Guarantee that will be honored for all of Eternity. When you look at it that way, how could anybody NOT make a choice for the Best of them?

I will enjoy every second of this new day and I’ll do my best to make it my best. I am confident about the Best part of me and I’ll be ready and waiting to explain my Lifetime Guarantee to anybody He puts in my path today. Some of them may fly away and they won’t give a second thought about the Best part of themselves BUT there will always be some that want what I have, and when I tell them about the Master Plan, they’ll make the Best Choice for the Best of them too. I’m just a soul wrapped in a package. Although the outside of me will weather and age and one day it will wear out for good, my Soul aka known as the Best Part of me will live on for Eternity.

How about you?

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?

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

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