My God My Everything

I read this post the other day and it made me think of so many people. Your calling is going to crush you. If you’re called to mend the brokenhearted, you’re going to wrestle with broken-heartedness. If you’re called to prophesy, you’re going to struggle to control your mouth. If you’re called to lay hands, you will battle spiritual viruses. If you are called to preach and to teach the gospel, you will be sifted for the wisdom that anoints your message. If you are called to empower, your self-esteem will be attacked, your successes will be hard fought. Your calling will come with cups, thorns and sifting that are…

We have a friend that will often comment that we are his people. It always makes me smile because I know that he means it and we feel the same way about him. He and his wife are friends that we connect with and enjoy spending time with. We all know that in a moment’s notice we would be there for each other. In my studies the other day I came across a verse that reads, “For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.” (1 Samuel 12:22) God calls us “His people,” and I’m sure it’s for the same reasons; that He…

Did you know that you have Ebenezer stones? That might surprise you and make you wonder what they are. The name Ebenezer means stone of help and it was the name Samuel gave to a stone as a memorial to help the people remember what God had done for them. Samuel used stones as a memorial when God’s people wanted to remember His goodness and faithfulness. First Samuel 7:12 says that when God enabled the Israelites to defeat the Philistines, the Prophet Samuel “took a stone and … named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the Lord helped us.’” I was speaking with a lady the other day and she…

The other day I was having a conversation with a well known client. We discussed family, work and the usual topics. Then the conversation took a turn and we found ourselves talking and commenting about some drama issues that involved people we knew. Plain and simple, we were gossiping. Most of the time when I’m communicating with someone I ask myself, “If the person I’m discussing was present, would I be having this conversation?” In this situation the answer was no and I felt very convicted about things I said. The next morning in my quiet time I was reading 1 Samuel 3:19, “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and He…

Security; we all like to feel safe and secure. There is peace in knowing the details and what to expect. In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah offers a prayer where she mentions “The Lord is my horn.” The meaning is that the Lord is her strength. She could hold on to Him and His promises. She goes on to say, “There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” That is where she found her security, her confidence and the ability to move forward. She had learned to be completely dependent upon Him and rest in Him. Isn’t that what we want? To be at peace with…

Think about how nice it is to hear from someone that you haven’t heard from in a long time. The sound of their voice makes you smile and your mind fills with memories of how they look and sound. I have a short video on Brock’s website of him singing. It is precious to me because I can hear his voice. That is a fear I have; that over time I will forget what he sounds like. In 1 Samuel 3 is says that the word of the Lord was rare. The nation had been wandering further and further from God and because they were out of relationship with Him,…

This week was the first time I was able to spend my morning quiet time on the deck. The weather is just perfect, not to cold and yet just right for a comfy sweater and hot cup of coffee. Birds are singing and a grass was just freshly mowed the night before. A hanging basket of flowers added a colorful touch and beautiful scent. Thank you Lord for this place. I began a new study of 1 & 2 Samuel this week and the timing is spot on. The first chapter is about a woman named Hannah whose example teaches about praying with zeal and intention. As I read the…

What a beautiful day! Gorgeous weather, colorful flowers, sunshine and time with our families. That’s what Mother’s Day is all about. A time to celebrate family. This holiday is a tough one for many people. Some have been praying for children and are still waiting. Others have their children all around them while some haven’t seen their children in years. Still others are missing loved ones due to many different circumstances. I have some sweet friends who will be experiencing this holiday for the first time without one of their kids. It is such a difficult play on your emotions. On one hand you are excited to be with your…