Jehovah Mekadesh

I did it! I finished! And, so did almost 200 women here in San Antonio! I'm so proud of us. 

What did we finish you ask? Well I, along with approximately 200 of my closest friends, have completed a 13 week study on the names of God. That's right. We completed our study and we are celebrating. We are gathering this week to have a Mississippi pot luck celebration (That means lots of great food and fellowship.) We will share stories of what we have experienced during this study. We will laugh about some of the things God has taught us, and we will cry about others. One of the parts that thrills me most is that some of the women I'm celebrating with are celebrating the completion of their FIRST Bible study. I. Could. Just. Cry. With. Joy. Those women inspire me and make me smile.

What about you? Have you spent some time in a Bible study recently? Are you allowing Jehovah Mekadesh access to your life? Jehovah Mekadesh is one of the names of God which means, "The Lord who sanctifies you". Sanctification is also known as "growing in Christ" or "spiritually maturing". God doesn't just want us to believe in Him. He wants us to live an abundant life here on earth and that comes through sanctification. We will miss out on that abundant life if we miss out on sanctification.

I'm celebrating this week, but I'm also planning. I'm planning my next Bible study. I'm going to study Faith, Hope and Love this summer. What are you going to study?

Lord, Thank you for Your Word. Thank you that you not only sent Your Son to die for me, but You also gave me the Bible to learn how to be a better person and live an abundant life. You are a good, good Father. In the precious name of Jesus ~ AMEN.

For a deeper study read and journal/discuss what God teaches you in the following verses:

• Leviticus 20:7-8
• Isaiah 6: 1-8
• Matthew 23: 25-28
• Hebrews 12:14
• 2 Timothy 2: 20-21
• Hebrews 12: 1-2

Run Towards Your Giant!

If God is for us, who can be against us? Truly, if God, the Creator of the World, has your back, then what is there to worry about? Yet we worry. We spend our days worried about what we will say in conversations. We worry about if we will get the next super bug that hits earth. We worry about little things, right alongside of big things.

God directed me to 1 Samuel 17 today. I've sure you've read the story of David and Goliath. If you haven't, I double dog dare you to pull out your Bible and read it. David was a young man, actually a "boy" in the story. The Israelite soldiers did not want to take on Goliath, the Philistine giant. But David didn't mind. He asked to take on the Giant and did so without the armor that soldiers normally wear. He marched out towards Goliath and warned him.

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17: 45-47)

David was right. He did defeat Goliath. But you know what catches my eye the most in this story, is that David RAN towards Goliath. 

As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.

 (1 Samuel 17:48)

He ran at the giant. He didn't hide behind armor or a rock or anything. He ran at the giant and killed Him. He was confident God was on his side. 

What giant are you facing today that's got you worrying? Is there something that you need to remind Who's child you are? Maybe instead of running away from your giant, maybe you need to run towards your giant like David did.

I'm also reminded of these verses:

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 31-39)

Lord, thank You for having our backs. Your banner over us is love and I'm thankful for Your protection and the victory You won for us on the Cross. I love You. In Jesus Name - Amen!

For a deeper study read and discuss/journal the following:

• Exodus 17:14-16
• 1 Samuel 17

The Lord Who Heals

I was asked this week what it's really like to be a Women's Pastor. As I thought about my response tears filled my eyes. What an incredible honor it is for me, an imperfect woman, to serve Him. Some days I feel like I've got a back stage pass to see God working. It's incredible to watch God work in the lives of others. I don't doubt for one minute that He is still in the miracle business. I see His thumbprints on things all the time. He is indeed Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals.

I've seen marriages healed because of God; marriages that were facing divorce that are now better than they ever have been. To God be the glory!!

I've seen women overcome defeated lives through The Healer; lives that were once in jail, but now are walking in complete freedom - freedom in Christ and freedom from jail! Oh, Lord You amaze me!

I've prayed for babies and sick children thinking it was their time to go to heaven, but Jehovah Rapha had other plans. Praise to the Ultimate Physician!

I've seen family relationships that were broken become restored because God healed the hearts of those that were hurting. Lord, You are worthy of praise!

Are you in need of some sort of healing today? Maybe it's physical healing you seek. Maybe the healing you are after is healing of a broken heart. Or, maybe the healing you seek is with a relationship. He is able. He loves you! He is in the miracle business. Turn to Jehovah Rapha and ask for healing!

Lord, thank you for allowing me to have a back stage pass to watch You work. I'm constantly amazed at what You do in my life and in the lives of others. Oh, that our nation would turn to you and seek healing from The Healer. Help me never forgot what I have seen and experienced as I've walked with you on this great adventure. I give you all the glory and honor and praise! In the precious Name of Jesus ~ AMEN!

For a deeper study ready and discuss or journal about the following verses:

• Exodus 15:22-27
• Psalm 147:3
• Jeremiah 3:21-22
• Isaiah 26:3
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Psalm 41:3

Our Provider

I have had Bible studies in my home where I've also provided meals for the people attending. Many times I did not think we would have enough food, and yet there were leftovers at the end of the night.

There have been days in my life when I just knew I would not have enough money to pay the bills, and yet somehow I was able manage to stay out of the collections departments.

There have been many days where I've been ministering to someone hurting where I didn't have the words to say, and yet by God's grace I said just what was needed to bring comfort.

Most weeks I feel as if there is not enough time in the day to get what I need to get accomplished for my family, and yet somehow it all falls in place.

God is an amazing provider. He is indeed Jehovah Jireh, Provider. I believe all of the above circumstances above are examples of how He has provided in my life. He can multiple food right in front of our eyes without us ever seeing it. He can stretch our finances to cover all of our bills. He can even provide the words we speak when we are leaning into Him for His help.

I bet there are times when you can look back at your life and say without a doubt you made it through a financial crisis or a difficult situation because the Lord provided. And if we know how well He does provide, then why to we worry about the future or situations in the present? Hind sight is 20/20, and I think some days we need to just remember where we've come from and what we've walked through.

What if today instead of worrying about your needs you decided to just start thanking God for the provisions He has coming for you?

What if today instead of doubting you will be able to take the next step, that you starting looking for how God was providing?

Lord, thank you for your awesome provisions. You are an amazing provider in all ways and in all areas of our lives. Forgive us when we have missed giving You credit for what You have provided in our lives. You are loved and adored. You are a good, good Father. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN.

For a deeper study read the following and journal what God teaches you about how He provides:

• Luke 5: 1-11
• Genesis 22: 1-19

Being Naked is Not Appropriate

I have some GREAT news for you.  Satan has been defeated. Repeat - Satan HAS BEEN defeated. Not, Satan is going to be defeated, but Satan has been defeated (past tense). How do I know such things? Well, the Bible tells me so.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2: 13 - 15

Here's my question for you today: If Satan has been defeated (AND HE HAS!!), then why are we walking around in defeat? Why are we being overcome by the brokenness in this world? I think it's because we're walking around naked.

Please pick yourself off the floor.  I did say "naked" in this Christian blog, but please give me some time to explain myself. I think we walk around "spiritually" naked each day. I think we get up and go on with our busy lives without ever getting dressed spiritually. And, in doing so we are overcome by the world we live in. We get tired. We get scared. We feel rejected. We should never be overcome in this world because we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!! (Romans 8:37) 

How do you dress spiritually each day? I knew you would ask that question. Here's what the Bible says:

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6: 1-18

Please don't continue to walk around spiritually naked as a Christian. It's just not appropriate.

Jesus - Thank you for defeating and disarming the evil ones by dying on the Cross for us. Help us to walk in the victory You have already won for us.  - In Jesus' Name - AMEN.

For a deeper study read the books of Colossians and Ephesians.

It's YOUR Fault!!

I am and forever will be amazed by our God. Our God is so incredible. He made everything and is Lord over everything. He has more power that we can even imagine. Think about Creation. He put the moon and stars in place at the beginning of time, and He places them in their spots each day. He made all the animals in the world and all the flowers and plants as well. He causes the wind and rain to come by speaking. That's power beyond what we humans can even comprehend. So why in the world did a God, with so much power and authority, subject Himself to such a horrible death on The Cross?

In Matthew 8 we see Jesus calming the wind and waves. Could He not have taken Himself off The Cross?

In John 9 Jesus heals a blind man. If He could heal someone from blindness then surely He could have healed the wounds of the nails after taking Himself off The Cross.

In John 11 Jesus brings a man back from the dead! What power!! But yet, He leaves Himself on The Cross! WHY?

Why would an all powerful God allow Himself to be beaten beyond recognition and suffer death through crucifixion? The answer:  Because of YOU! It's your fault!

John 3:16 tells us that "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

God SO LOVED you that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you. And, in doing so He paid YOUR penalty for the sins YOU have committed and will commit. It was for you. It was because He SO LOVED YOU!

This weekend I celebrate Easter with my family because I'm so thankful God SO LOVED me. I was going to hell without Jesus dying for my sins. There would have been no way I could have stood before God on my judgment day and told Him I deserved heaven based on my life's works. I'm so thankful for the free gift of salvation I find in Jesus.

What about you? Have you accepted God's free gift of salvation? Here's what the Bible tells us about salvation:

Romans 3:23  "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 5:8 "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us."

Romans 10: 9-10 " because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Romans 10:13 "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Please, call on Him today! HE SO LOVES YOU!

And just so we're clear on the complete story. Death could not keep Jesus. With all the Power and Authority in the World, Jesus rose to life on the 3rd day. HE IS ALIVE!  HE LIVES! DEATH WAS DEFEATED!

Jesus - I am and forever will be thankful for You. I pray that others hear Your true story this weekend and their lives are forever changed because of Your Truth. - In Your Precious, Powerful and Almighty Name ~ AMEN.

Services at Community Bible Church this weekend here in San Antonio, Texas:

• Friday 7pm
• Saturday 5pm
• Sunday 9am, 10am, 11am, and 1pm

He Sees You

God sees. And, not only does He see, but He sees EVERYTHING! He knows when we are sleeping. He knows when we are awake. He knows when we've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! I know that sounds very close to a Christmas song for Santa Claus, but I do think that is how some of us view God's eyesight. I bet some of you view God the way I used to view God. I lived part of my Christian life thinking that God was sitting on His throne watching over us with His hand on the lightning bolt button ready to strike us when we get out of line. Boy was I wrong! That is NOT what the Bible teaches us about El Roi, The God Who Sees!!!

We can learn a lot about how God sees us from how Jesus lived. As I read God's Word I'm amazed at how Jesus, God With Us, saw things so very differently than the humans that walked right beside Him. For example, in Luke 19 we read of the story of Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector which meant he had lots of money and a bad reputation in the community. Yet, when Jesus came to his town He saw Zacchaeus and wanted to spend time with him. Why? Because Jesus didn't see a sinner. He saw the heart of the man and what he would be when he started following God's plan. Jesus looked upon Zacchaeus with the eyes of a loving Father.

Now let's think about the story in John 8 where a woman, caught in the act of adultery, was taken to Jesus. She apparently saw herself as guilty because she not once tried to explain her actions or take up for herself. She sat in silence waiting for her punishment. The religious leaders, well, they saw things differently, too. These guys (bless their hearts) didn't even know the woman's name because they weren't really concerned with her. They were simply trying to trap Jesus. Their eyesight of the situation was based on anger, judgement, fear, and arrogance. But, Jesus saw everyone in this scene differently. He loved the woman brought to Him. It was His daughter and He stood ready to forgive her. He didn't see in her what they saw in her.  He saw a wonderfully and fearfully made woman. He knew her name was written on the palm of His hands. And, amazingly enough, He even saw the religious leaders differently and that is evidenced by how He responded to them. He,with all power and authority in the world, could have zapped those religious leaders with a lightning bolt. But, He did not. He even showed them grace in the situation.

When God looks at us He is not looking at us with condemnation. He is looking at us in love. We are His children and no matter what we do to try to mess things up, He loves us. He wants ALL of us to love Him back and have a relationship with Him. He is forgiving and gracious to us.

No matter what your past looks like, you can sleep easy tonight knowing that when your Father looks at you, He looks at you through the eyes of love. He looks at you like a momma looks at her newborn baby in a crib. Yes, that baby might have cried and made some poopy diapers, but that momma loves her baby with an unconditional love.

I challenge you today to read Luke 18: 1-20 and also John 8: 1-11 and truly think about how God saw the situation and the people involved. I think you might see a little clearer if you do.

Lord - forgive me when I have not seen myself and others as You see us. We are Your people. You have created us and You love us with an everlasting love. I want to see myself and the world through Your eyes. Help me to do so in the name of Jesus. ~ Amen.

For a deeper study read the following verses and journal/discuss with others what God says to you:

• Psalm 139: 1 -16
• Isaiah 49: 15 - 16
• Ephesians 3: 18 - 91