Conversations with God

Almost 5 years ago, I began attending a new church. In fact, I moved 700 miles from home to do so. This church was focused on restoring the honor of God in a society sick with selfishness. One of the first things I was taught was: "It's not about you. It's all about Him." At first, this almost scared me: "I have so many needs; I'm so messed up - how will it all ever get fixed if I don't focus on me for a while?!" But God had brought me here, so I decided to throw myself into it. I decided it's His way, not my way, even if it's not always going to be how I planned or thought. So, almost 5 years later, here's what I've discovered - when I make my life all about Him, my needs get met after all. If I am in lack, I can go to God expecting provision. Why? Because He doesn't get glory when one of His own is in need. I can ask for healing because sickness doesn't bring Him honor. If I need favor, and I've given my li...

Life can be overwhelming at times. We are constantly bombarded with situations and people that demand attention: jobs and co-workers, marriages and family, homes and creditors. And that's just the basic stuff. Turn on the TV and you are hit with riots and wars, economic uncertainties, child abduction and enslavement. Go outside and you see the young mom or dad battling cancer, the foster children constantly looking over their shoulders, and the homeless digging through the dumpster trying to find something to eat or sell. How do you keep your focus amidst the chaos? Jesus gave us the key in Matthew 10:16: "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves." "Innocent" in that verse means unmixed, free from evil and guile, simple ( Thayer Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament ). There are many needy people and downright evil things in the world, and we are called...

Father, what joy it is to stand in Your light, seeing abundance and increase all around us. And what joy it is to be able to stand in utter darkness, calling our Your Name and watching the darkness shatter and flee. What joy it is to see others run to You, giving all they have for the glory of Your Name. And what joy is the grace to fall weeping before Your throne for those unwilling to yield. What joy it is to know one day all weeping and crying, all sorrow and pain, will cease and You will reign forevermore. And what joy it is knowing nothing on, above, or below this earth can separate us now from the love of Christ. What joy it is to stand surrounded by Your goodness, declaring Your love and faithfulness. And what joy it is to stand mired up to our necks in the world's filth and evil and still be able to worship, declaring Your mercy, justice and victory. What joy it is to run into battle, full of strength and life. And what joy is in falling at Your feet broken and...

I am so fascinated with Jesus - the One so simple in His devotion to the Father as He confronted the endlessly complicated religious system that kept people separated from Him. The One who weeps in fury at the walls of unbelief built by those calling themselves Christians that prevent people from simply seeing and trusting Him. The One who deliberately healed the sick and lame in front of those wanting to kill Him for challenging their corrupt ways. The Lamb who went willingly to slaughter. The King with eyes of fire, willing to consume all you are willing to offer to Him. The One who accepts those who know they are weak and faulted while rejecting those who celebrate that they've finally gotten it all together without Him. The One who will put no limits on how much of your time, energy, and strength you want to give Him; and who will put no limits on how much He pours back out on you in return. The One fierce in battle and fierce in mercy; fierce in judgment and fier...