Called to Call it Quits.

On and off. Years ago, he and I tried, but continued…in and out. Our relationship, flesh based and unfulfilling.

After many inconsistent months, we decided to try—again. Why? No idea besides being young and foolish.

This time, it seemed different. Maybe we’d be different.

I dreamed.

In the dream the guy and I entered into a white mansion. The estate and its furnishings were overwhelmingly beautiful.

We grabbed hands and began to walk together.

Immediately.

Massive hot coals crashed through the ceiling.

For safety, we instinctively released the grip of the other.

A simple message with a clear call; release one another.

Has the Lord been calling you away from a situation?

‘Thank you, Lord, for your great mercy and love. As a Shepherd to His sheep, where would we be without your guidance? Please correct every thought, deed, action, motive, or heart posture contrary to your Will for my life. Please remove every idol and falsehood. ‘

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Surrender & the Avengers

One night I had a dream. I arrived on assignment dressed as an avenger. I was ready to defend as if it were my job and was proud to serve. As I took position, the assignment somehow went awry and I knew I needed to get out quickly. There was no way I would win this battle. When I woke up, I instantly understood what God was saying to me, ‘[Beloved, Vengeance is Mine…not yours]’.

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord

Romans 12:19 ESV

As an avenger in the dream, it felt like my duty to repay those who were wronged. However, feelings can mislead. The Lord never calls us to avenge ourselves or others. Rather, the Lord tells us, “Vengeance is Mine.” When we try to bring about punishment to another, we then wrongfully assume the role of God by sitting on His throne. Assuming this authority is dangerous and only puts us at odds with our Heavenly Father, in proper position for His judgement against us.

“For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

Hebrews 10:30 ESV

If you feel like the Lord is not moving on your behalf or even cares about your pain, remember that God loves you without limits (see Romans 8:35-39). Our job is to trust in the Lord, not direct His hand towards biased judgement. God is a just God and desires justice. Have you ever been in need of mercy? Of course, you have likely received mercy in place of judgement multiple times. Oh, how great is our God! “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy”, Matthew 5:7, ESV.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”

Matthew 5:7 ESV

Feeling Lost?

Feeling Lost?

I walked through a beautiful neighborhood.

The sun, vividly bright & almost blinding.

A sweet little boy ran up to me and said,

“Hey! If you are lost, why don’t you just ask God?”

I nodded, receiving his advice in wonder.

It was a dream.

One I received when I didn’t necessarily feel lost in life.

As years go on, whenever I’m unsure I remember this dream.

Why don’t you Just ask God?

Just ask God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”

Proverbs 143:10

Ask God.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Proverbs 25:4

Deliverance, in time.

We often want a quick, cute, deliverance. We want miracles minus character, minus sweat equity; elevation minus effort, promotion minus prayer, & breakthroughs with not even the slightest break. We want easy, almost always. I get it, I’m not judging you. In pursuit of relationship with our supernatural Creator we cling to the natural, the familiar. What we see or what we get. We come up short, disappointed and asking, “Why God, when God, where God?”. Do not doubt. Lean in on faith.

I believe in miracles, I do. God can do all things. In God’s sovereignty (supreme headship) your deliverance (whatever you’ve been asking for) may not come when you prefer…like right now. It may seem like you have years in a struggle. You may wonder why God is allowing your hurts. Remember, there is no thing that God cannot do. Don’t lose hope.

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened…”

Luke 11:9-10 NKJV

Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance (Scripture)

Psalm 107 | Book Five

107 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.

25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.

28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.

41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.

42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Choose.

Sometimes we can’t choose what’s happened to us. But, with the power of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are able to choose how to respond. The response is ours. Choose to lay down the “right” to dwell in anger & offense. Choose to not stall your life by squandering time focused on what “they did”. Choose your destiny in Christ. Go forth in victory.

We’re All Unpacking

We’re all unpacking experiences that weren’t necessarily our fault. It’s time to lay down the burden(s)? After all, it’s burdening you, the receiver, not the giver. The destination won’t allow for excess weight. Was the lesson lost from the last missed flight? Entrance prohibited due to weight limits. Toting around exhibit ‘A’ to prove a case, just in case, but it’s only causing delays. It’s time to unpack.