​     An idea rolled around in my head. It had festered for days, even weeks. But I hadn’t prayed about it yet. Only when a friend voiced a mutual thought did it stir me to action. So to the Lord I went, seeking and asking. Not my Wil but thine be done, I prayed.
     But as a few days passed without strong leading, I wondered. Do you want me to do this, Lord? I queried, I will do it… if You want me too. Then it hit me. Swift and fleeting but strong and true. The question was not whether I was willing to do what HE asked me. The true question was whether I wanted to praise Him. The eyes of my heart opened in understanding. Conviction rolled over me.
     Sometimes we agree to follow God’s Will with an almost reluctant heart. But what God wants is an overflowing heart of uncontainable eagerness. What brings God honor and glory is not our begrudging attitude, but a spirit of joy which radiates praise. Afterall, when we bring an offering of worship to our King, it should be done with all the praise and honor we can muster. Overflowing joy and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit should spring in glorious praises.
     Coming out of a season of trial, it is exciting yet a little scary to step in new ways. I am stretched and challenged. But if I drink from these new springs of living water, rich reward and fruit will follow.
     Last week, a wise friend reminded me of Isaiah 43:19. “See! I am doing a new thing.” When I heard this Scripture, God spoke to my heart. The encouragement of God’s promise to do something new, filled my parched places. For days, this Scripture ministered over me. But later, the rest of the verse penetrated my soul. “Now it springs up, will you not receive it?” God was telling me that new springs of life are pouring out before me…now did I have the courage and trust to step in faith to receive it?
     With the potential opportunity laid before me, two questions stared me in the face. First, was I willing to receive the new things God might be placing before me and step out in faith. But of equal importance is the next question. When I step out in faith, will I be doing it out of begrudging obedience or an uncontainable eagerness of praise. Will my spirit thirst to worship God for the good things HE has done? If my spirit balks and resists, then how can this reflect a heart of worship? Afterall, God doesn’t beg us to come to Him. Instead, we are the ones who must willingly choose to come.
    With a new song in my heart, fresh commitment firmed my resolve. If the doors open for me to walk through, I will do it with a heart of praise. For You have done marvelous things and my praise bubbles over. Praise and worship should not be coaxed or begged to be given but should come out of an overflowing and irresistible spirit of uncontainable joy of the goodness of our God. And God, You have been good to me.7
     Lord, I will willingly go where You want me to go. I ask You cover me with peace and steady my footsteps. Make all my plans succeed and let me shout for joy over Your victory. May Your praise guard my mind and crowd out any fears or anxieties. Now it springs forth, will I not receive it. Yes, Lord, I will. Will you?

The day had been…interesting. Time with a friend morphed into a half day event while new acquaintances unexpectedly made. The afternoon evolved and reinvented itself with me reeling in the wake. Plus, my usual cheery husband was down. His teasing smile and mischievous nature was lacking. It was like the life had been snuffed out of him.

     My thoughts worried over him. Though I asked him what was wrong or what I could do, no response answered. All I could do was seek the Lord and ask Him to minister to his heart.

     But despite his downcast spirit, dinner needed preparing and evening activities still loomed. Chopping vegetables and throwing them into a pot, I rushed to ready for dinner. Dishes slammed into cupboards while laundry flew from the washing machine into the dryer. I grabbed for a spoon to stir the pot on the range when… Ding-Dong!

      “Who is that?” Sweet Pea asked, eyeing the front door. Curiosity reared as I randown the hallway. I threw open the door. surprise flickered. A dear friend stood on the stoop with her daughter and husband.

     My friend beamed. Joy radiated from her every pore.

     “I wanted to share the news with you in person.” She rubbed a hand on her protruding belly. Three weeks from giving birth, she was about to burst. Our friends had asked us to pray for a specific issue pertaining to the pregnancy. From Sweet Pea to my husband and me, all three of us prayed earnestly throughout her term and interceded for the family.

     This very afternoon, there had been an ultrasound. The smiles on their faces sparked hoe in my chest. Eagerness peaked high. I held my breath and waited.

     “God answered our prayers!” She announced. A huge grin spread over my lips.

     “Hallelujah   !” I whooped, hurtling out of the front door to bear hug my friend, “Praise the Lord!”

     Discouraging news had been given them two weeks ago. But a report last week infused new hope. To see God part the seas and make miracles happen, spread joy through me like wildfire. And on a day where worries and dampened spirits ran amuck, such joy ignited fresh hope. It was a gift not to keep to oneself but to share.

     “Sweetheart, come out here!” I called into the house. As we waited for him, our friends, Sweet Pea, and I rejoiced. To experience and share the goodness of the Lord with fellow believers ministered such life-giving joy. By the time my husband appeared at the doorway, laughter and hugs had made their rounds.

     “God answered our prayers!” I heralded. My heart overflowed. Just to see God work miracles and answer prayers reinfused new life. For it is in these small and large details where we see God at work.

     God is always working, always moving, and constantly watching over his children. Even in those small, uttered prayers beneath our breath, God hears us. And He cares…especially for the fine details.

     I have often found God amid the minute details. Just as God crafted every infinite detail of our bodies, HE also delights in working out the small and large details of our lives. And on a day where I needed reminded of God’s miraculous working power, His answer to our prayers, spoke deep assurances and love over me.
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     God delights to answer the prayers of His children. to witness Him parting seas, increases faith and garners greater love. Give me the desire of my heart and make all my plans succeed, prays the psalmist in Psalm 20, “Let me shout for joy over your victory and raise the banners of the Lord our God high.” May it be so for each one of us this day. May He grant all your requests and anoint you with favor. Amen.
 
Prayer
Thank You God for these small and large reminders of Your goodness. Thank You God for reminding me who is in charge and whose power intercedes and covers us. Thank You God for giving me what I needed when I needed it most. I praise Your Name and sing to You a new song. All praise and honor to Your holy Name.

     My husband and I gathered to pray. The night was upon us and bedtime soon approached. A specific prayer request sat on my heart. One of which revolved around a new desire to grow in faith.

     Coming through a trying season, the desire for new steps in faith was a treasure. Yet with new faith also must come the courage and trust to step out. I needed assurance and peace from the Lord. I needed to hear His still, soft voice. And as my husband prayed, a silent whisper filled my heart.

     I will go with you, the Holy Spirit whispered, I will go with you. Gratitude and relief flooded my soul. For though I had faith, His assurance undergirded my steps. Just like Moses refused to go without God, I also sought the Lord’s presence. To know God would go with me was all I needed.

         The next day dawned early. A flurry of activity commenced. By the time we pulled out of the driveway, fatigue settled deep. But I called out to God and He heard my cry. An idea popped into my head. Silly as it seemed, I jumped to follow through. By the time we arrived at our destination, peace, joy, energy, and strength refreshed me. Thank You, Lord, I silently whispered, a smile in my heart and on my face.

     As the day progressed, the sun disappeared behind clouds. A mixture of mist and gentle rain anointed our time. The cooler temperatures refreshed our bodies while the misty rain baptized our skin.

     “Well, if it’s going to be cloudy and rainy, then this is the best way for us to spend it….outside and having fun!” My face lifted to the sky. Raindrops splashed against my skin. I will go with you, once more whispered the still, soft voice. Bible passages flashed through my mind in illuminating succession. I remembered how God led the Israelites with a cloud by day. His presence also descended as a cloud into Solomon’s temple. Then, came the memory of   how God’s presence overshadowed the Mount of Transfiguration.

     Tears welled. This cloud which settled over our day and refreshed our spirits was a tangible reminder of God’s promise. He truly was with me. This realization of His presence in the cloud which blanketed our day, overwhelmed my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving.
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     It takes courage to step out in faith…to trust God. But God sees our hearts and He blesses us no matter how faltering the steps. But as we continue to walk, His strength undergirds and strengthens. And on this monumental day, I praise God for how He did exactly this. He firmed my step and strengthened my foothold. He went before me and was with me. He parted the waters and pushed back the seas. He did more than what I asked or imagined. Hallelujah and Amen!

      After a string of sweltering weeks, the low eighty-degree weather felt glorious. The sun shone but did not burn. The air warmed our skin without causing sweat to pool.

Cool salt breezes ruffled our hair and kissed our cheeks. It was a beautiful afternoon.

     “Can we go in the water?” asked Sweet Pea, her eyes eager. The ocean stretched for miles. Sea gulls hovered on the water’s edge. With boats skimming the horizon. Families and little children splashed and played.

     I grabbed Sweet Pea’s hand, and we ran. White foam swirled around our toes. Slowly, we edged in. We squealed as waves lapped at our feet.

     “Can we go in deeper?” I hesitated. The water called my name. But alone with Sweet Pea, I wanted to ensure her safety. But the answer was easy.

     “Just a little deeper.” Sweet Pea whooped. The sand beneath our feet crumbled like fine crushed stone as we surged forward. We aimed to get beyond the breakers where the surf would not be as rough. Crests foamed. Waves crashed. Surf hurled me against the sandy shore, toppling and twisting me. My limbs scraped against the crushed shells and rough sand. Ouch!

     “Are you okay?” Sweet Pea watched me with a smile. Her eyes twinkled. What fun to watch her mother tumble in the waves. I shook water from my ears and prepared for the next assault.

     “If I get tossed one more time, we are getting out.” Waves hammering me down was not my idea of fun. Several scrapes now bruised my legs and arms. Sweet Pea nodded.

     “Let’s get beyond the breakers,” urged my little girl. I agreed. Surely, it would be better beyond the rough surf. But as we pushed through the breakers, something caught my attention. The sand transitioned from grit to a smooth, silky surface. Sharp shells and stones no longer dug at my feet but massaged them with powdery softness. Even the waves were gentle and calm.

     “Let’s bob!” exclaimed Sweet Pea, squatting to her knees. Dubious, I lowered myself into the waves, girding myself for another hit. But to my surprise, not once did the waves hurl me. Instead, they picked me up and carried me.  They surrounded and lifted.

There we bobbed, two peas in a pod. Huge smiles etched our faces. And it was good. The Sun shone a benediction over us, filling our hearts with light. White clouds dotted the bright blue horizon. Laughter bubbled and poured out. God was with us.

     Even as I type this, it strikes me how life often mimics nature. For in life, rough waters toss us. They pound, tearing at our feet. Waves crash, pulling us under. But it is when we persevere through the waves with the strength of Christ Jesus when we are then able to stand. Though the waves still surround us, it is HE who carries us and gives us strength.

     He is the one who quiets the storms. He is the one who carries us and rocks us in His arms. And before we know it, the stones beneath our feet turn into the smooth and solid foundation of the Rock of Jesus. NO longer do our feet slip and fall for Jesus firms our foothold.

HE has set our feet on a Rock and given us a firm place on which to stand.
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     In the valley of shadows, He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters. Just as waves tossed me, with Christ enabling me to persevere and endure, He is with me. He helps me to quieter waters where HE carries me in His arms. Like pushing through the breakers, we sometimes need to push through the storms with Christ carrying and lifting us up. For though the storms of life crash against us, with Christ, we can push through the breakers to the quiet waters and find rest.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
 
      Disappointment riddled Sweet Pea. Her dance camp was cancelled.
     “I was looking forward to it!” she mourned. Her little mouth drooped. I looked down at my little girl.
     “I’m sorry,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “But we can pray God will provide an even better alternative.” Sweet Pea nodded her head in agreement. But discouraged lines painted her face. At bedtime prayers, Sweet Pea voiced her plea.

     “…And please God, will You provide a better option than dance camp.” My heart went out to her. The ballet shoes and tights had been purchased the prior day. Even a light blue leotard hung on a hanger in her closet. Its flouncy skirt thrilled my little girl to no end. Her dreams of dancing like a ballerina were crushed.
     Monday dawned with disappointment. Sweet Pea moped.

     “Mommy, I wish the dance camp wasn’t cancelled.” Her brown eyes worried. “Do you think God will provide something else?” Her small hand tugged at my own.

     “I hope so,” I pointed at my husband. His fingers tapped on a keyboard. “Daddy is looking for other camps or classes.” But despite an extensive search, nothing materialized. We muddled through the day, finding things to do. But when Tuesday rolled along, Sweet Pea still voiced her hope.

     “I don’t know, Sweetheart…” I had looked into pottery painting studios as a potential, even kayaking and paddle boarding. But before exploring this potential, I had a friend to visit in the neighborhood.

     Two months prior, my paths crossed with a woman at our neighborhood. With a daughter one year older than my own along with the discovery of our shared faith, we had been excited to get to know each other. Our girls enjoyed playing together and shared similar interests. We, moms, likewise did as well.

     But when Sweet Pea and I arrived, we learned my friend’s daughter was not home as hoped. Instead, she was attending a baking camp. I had looked into the same camp for Sweet Pea. The camp would have been ideal for Sweet Pea and an area of great interest for her,  but it had been full with a long wait list. So I had disregarded it from my thoughts…until now.

     As we left my friend’s house, I pulled out my phone on a whim.
     “What are you doing, Mommy?” inquired Sweet Pea. Her curious eyes watched me.
     “It never hurts to ask,” I answered, ascertaining a phone number from the web. Sweet Pea’s eyes widened.

          “Hello, do you have any last-minute openings for the camp this week?” I was certain of the answer. Afterall, today was day two of the coveted baking camp. The woman paused on the other side of the line.

     “Actually, yes.” My mouth dropped open. Incredulity intermingled with hope.

     “Really,” My voice scaled. Sweet Pea tightened her grip on me. She bounced impatiently for the news.

     “A little girl didn’t feel well yesterday. Her parents hoped she would feel better to attend today,” explained the woman, “but she woke up with a fever. So yes, if you want the spot, it is yours.”

     “Thank you!” I gushed, “Yes! We’ll have her here tomorrow!” Then a thought flashed. It was not yet eleven o’clock…Could I? I gathered my courage.

     “Can my daughter attend what is left of today’s class?” Sweet Pea hopped up and down. She could not contain her excitement. Thoughtful silence filled the phone line. I held my breath. How nice it would be for Sweet Pea to join and learn the routine on the second day as opposed to halfway through the week.

     “She can be dropped off at noon,” came the answer, “then she can finish out the rest of the week.”
     I thanked the voice on the other line profusely. But one more thing first needed done.

     “Let me check with my husband. I’ll call you right back.” I hung up and Sweet Pea squealed. A huge smile split her face. She bounced with every step.

     “Can I go? Can I go? This is so much better than dance camp!” Laughter bubbled from my insides. My own grin stretched wide.

     “I hope so! Let’s get home to Daddy.” With sweat dripping, we raced home with the exciting news.
     Sweet Pea burst through the door with me at her heels. Breathless, we shared the news.

     “Can I go?” Sweet Pea asked, jumping up and down. My husband smiled.
    “Yes!” Sweet Pea thew up her arms and yelled, “Thank You, God!”

     She danced around the room. Joy radiated from every pore. My husband and I grinned at each other. We soaked in her exuberance and basked in the delight of God’s goodness.

     “Praise God,” shouted my little girl. And praise God, indeed! For this had already been a week of seeking, waiting, and inquiring of the Lord. My spirit needed refreshed and encouraged. And to see Him care about a child’s heartfelt plea, filled me with the deep assurance of God’s faithful care. Yet to witness God moving beyond answered prayer to an answer far above what we hoped or imagined, ministered to my parched places. we asked or imagined. Witnessing God and His goodness work In my little girl’s life gave a tangible reminder of God’s faithful care over his precious children. It reminded me of the Hope we have in Jesus Christ. I needed to know He cared. I needed to know we were not forgotten. And to see God care for my sparrow of a little girl confirmed His watched care and love over me.

     In a season where I’ve needed to cling to Jesus, this answer to prayer testified of His goodness, faithfulness, and love. Its re-infused hope and ministered joy. For God delights in giving good things. But most of all, when we encounter the God of love, we are filled to overflowing. Dear friends and fellow parents, hold tight to the promise that He can do more than what we ask or imagine in His power and strength. Fear not, for God cares for each one far more than the sparrows of the fields. His love for us is higher, deeper, or wider than anything we could imagine. For God is love and He is with you.

​“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him and He will keep your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
 
     This has been a season of trust. My faith has been challenged like none other. Yet through the valleys, God has illuminated the darkness. He has showered me with love in ways I have never known.

     I sat alone in Sunday School. Orchestrating the morning without my husband had been challenging. Yet, how blessed I had been by the body of Christ. A friend picked up Sweet Pea and me while another was poised to drive us home. Still another was at the ready to help me pick Sweet Pea up from Sunday School.

     Conversations buzzed as I checked phone messages and waited for class to begin. But class was delayed due to a mix-up. Our fearless leader would not be present as initially anticipated.

     I sighed. How I yearned to hear a message packed with wisdom and meaty application. But as the class continued with announcements and prayer requests, a woman was called up to speak. Asked to give her testimony at the last minute, she stood at the front. As her story unfolded, I listened mesmerized.

     Her story spoke of her father. She shared how despite a disability, he chose to live a full life. She testified of his impact upon his children, to his diagnosis of a rare brain cancer. What she shared next caught my attention.

     She told of the supernatural way the Lord interceded and spoke to her need. At a time she needed it most, she heard the silent whisper of the Holy Spirit. Trust, came the whisper over her shoulder, Trust. But what happened next stole my breath. In her locked car, a sign appeared on her driver’s seat. On it was written one word. Trust.  

     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” she shared, her voice thick with emotion. A shiver ran down my spine. Only that morning had my devotional held this same verse with this very message. Lean not on your own understanding but on God. I knew this message of trust was for me.

     In a season of unchartered territory, I need daily even hourly reminders of this truth. For it is when I lean on my own understanding and try to figure things out in my own strength that I fail. When I try to be in control, I veer off the path.
     As the day progressed with fun fellowship at our Sunday School pool party, the message of trust continued resonating. Even the evening devotion reinforced how leaning upon on our own understanding often tears us apart from God. But when we trust and submit to Him, we encounter God’s presence.

     Even as I type this, I need this reminder. God often asks us to obey. Yet if we let our own need for understanding prevent us from following, we miss the blessing. As humans, we often possess a need to understand before acting. If Noah waited to build the ark until God revealed His plan, who knows when the ark would have been built? For God does not owe any of us an explanation. After all, He is God and we are not. We simply need to trust and obey.

    Trust needs to be built God’s way. Not in our own strength but in God and His ways. For His ways are perfect. His ways are best. The question arises, “Do I trust Him enough to let go control? Do I trust Him to know best? Do I trust Him to redirect my steps if I go the wrong way?

     If I am honest, I struggle. I want to lean on my own understanding. I want control. With my tainted lenses, it can appear easier and is often more tangible for me to grasp. But this is a lie. It is a deception. For we humans are fallible. Yet if we allow God to guide our steps, our path is made straight because we are led by a perfect, all-knowing, loving God.
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     Here I submit to You, Lord. Help me to trust You. Help my faith grow from that of a mustard seed to one which moves mountains. Help me trust and obey. Make Your voice in my life unmistakable and clear. Oh Lord, I want to know You more. Make me steadfast, oh God. Drive away all fear and doubt with the power of Your Holy Spirit. This day and here forward, make peace, joy, and assurance my inheritance.

​“Send me Your light and faithful care, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. Then, I will go to the altar of the Lord, to God, my joy and delight…” Psalm 43:3-4 (NIV)
 
My husband and I sat on the couch. Engaged in a deep discussion, we were answerless.

     “Do you know what I should do?” The question hung between us.

     “No,” My husband shook his head. A large decision needed to be made. I was clueless. Yet I did not want to move before the Lord nor hang behind. Give wisdom, I prayed.

     The weekend had been a busy one. Non-stop running and activities filled the day. Fatigue settled deep. Earlier complications also muddied the waters. Arguments bantered back in forth in my mind. The circumstances aren’t ideal, I reasoned. But if I wait for the perfect moment, it may never happen. Torn, I waivered.

     Early in the morning I had sought the Lord for guidance. A quick thought had surfaced which I pushed aside. If it thunders tonight, it will be a sign. But not wanting to test the Lord or base my decision upon the weather, I had disregarded the thought as quickly as it surfaced. Yet hours later, when rolls of thunder permeated the air, I wondered if God might be speaking to me. But when the clouds cleared and the sun peeked out, I once more shoved the thought away.

     As the night progressed, indecision tore at me. Please give me unmistakable clarity, I prayed. But even as my husband and I prayed for discernment, no obvious choice presented itself. Frustrated, I flung my hands up.

     “Well, if it thunders tonight,” I shrugged, half serious yet half joking, “I’ll know what God wants me to do.” But just as these words left my mouth, a soft rumble permeated the air. At first gentle, the roll grew louder and more intense. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the thunder ceased.

     My heart pounded. I could not believe my ears. Pure incredulity intermingled with overflowing gratitude. God’s voice had answered me in the thunder. And to know He loved me enough to speak in a way which I would clearly understand, overflowed me with awe. Absolute certainty now filled my every pore.

     “That was clear.” With wide eyes, I looked at my husband. He grinned back at me.

     “Hello, Gideon,” he quipped. I laughed. Peace flooded my heart. For to know the Will of God brings assurance and rest. But to know the heart of the Father brings thanksgiving and joy.

     Often, it is in the details, where God’s heart is revealed. And it is also in the workings out of these details where God’s love can shine the brightest. love and compassion stand illuminated through His watched care over us. And for me, His timely voice in the thunder ministered love over me.
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     May God’s love be a rich covering over you this day. May He flood your heart with a confidant assurance of His power and watched care. May He fill you with joy and peace. And may you rest in the knowledge of His goodness. Amen.

        The day started out a bit rocky. Pride and a know-it-all attitude stood front and center in Sweet Pea. On top of this, a busy day with planned activities stretched before us. From a movie with friends and a playdate at a pool, I eyed the weather report. Thunderstorms and heat advisories threatened to spoil the afternoon.  Please push back the thunderstorms, I silently prayed. An afternoon in 100-degree weather would be more enjoyable in the water than staying cramped inside. But I lay all these before the Lord as I pounded the treadmill.
     As muscles strained and sweat poured, verses from my morning devotionals popped into my mind. Victory, whispered the Holy Spirit, Victory. A thrill shivered down my spine. Understanding dawned. God was speaking to me through the Scriptures. The victory was already won. All I had to do was believe it.      And I did. Amidst my panting breaths and clenched fists, I claimed victory over the day. Strength and confident assurance washed over me, fortifying and Suring my step.
     So when the battle with Sweet Pea’s attitude flared, I was prepared and ready. And by the time the movie theatre rolled around, my shield of faith raised high. A morning matinee, the movie was fun and delightful. Everyone enjoyed it. Even me. And though my heart swelled with thanksgiving by the movie’s end, weariness snagged a toehold. Yet, armed with the Word of God, I still claimed the victory.
     As we drove home, wayward thoughts intermingled with my praises. War waged in my mind. But God in His infinite love and kindness interceded. A song came over the radio. At first, I was lost in my mental mire, but the words penetrated the chatter.
     “Your Name is power, Your name is healing, Your Name is Light…” I froze. My heart stood still  as the words washed over me. Only twice had I heard this song, I Speak Jesus. Each time, it’s powerful words and soaring melody penetrated my soul. But today, it held even greater significance. Today, it spoke victory. Today, it loosed freedom.
     “Break every stronghold, shine in the shadows, burn like a fire…” the song continued.
 A love so deep washed over me. Tears streaked down my cheeks. Victory blared in triumph through the power, healing, and light proclaimed in this song. And in this moment, God revealed His heart to me. For at a time where I needed Him, God spoke Jesus over me. And all I could do in response was bow low in absolute gratitude and humble thanksgiving.
     “Shout Jesus from the mountain, Jesus in the street, Jesus in the darkness over every enemy,” continued the song. My heart swelled with emotion. Words caught in my throat as I struggled to sing. But no matter how strangled my choked voice sounded through my tears, I was determined to proclaim God’s triumph.
  “Jesus for my family, I speak the holy name of Jesus!” I sang with the radio, “Your Name is Power, Your Name is Healing, Your Name is Light.”
     By the time we pulled into our development, streams of water streaked down my cheeks. And with no tissues at hand, my shirt substituted instead. But though my nose sniffled and ran,
The presence of the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me. His love washed over me in waterfalls. For the playing of this song at this exact moment reflected how much God cared for me. The God of this universe knew my struggles in advance and loved me enough to orchestrate the playing of a meaningful song for my encouragement. Awe and thanksgiving spread from the very recesses of my soul. That a God who is so big would love a woman who is so small with her insignificant battles, flooded me with gratitude. Then, to be loved by a love which I do not deserve caused my already full cup to overflow.
     God’s love is deeper than the ocean and higher than the heavens. His love cannot be quenched. His love is lasting and eternal. And He loves me and you. Dear friends and fellow parents, may you know the deep love of God this day. And may He fill you to overflowing with His Spirit and His presence.

Watch "I Speak Jesus" performed by Charity Gale

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ , the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” Ephesians 1:17
 
This verse speaks to the love story between God and us. He desires us to know him intimately. It is for this reason which Paul prays we will be given a spirit of wisdom and revelation. For the more we learn about God, the more we are drawn to Him.

     It reminds me of what it was like to fall in love with my husband. As I learned more about who He was, his character, his likes, and dislikes, the deeper I fell in love. As my eyes became enlightened to my husband, the more drawn to him I became.
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     Similarly, the more we learn about God,  the more wisdom and insight we gained about Him. And the more we learn about God, the more our love grows for Him. This is why we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes of understanding…that we may use this insight not for our own personal gain but that we might use it to grow closer to our God…to know Him better.

Please listen to this audio devotional as well: https://soundcloud.com/user-638982649/ephesians-117​

When the alarm clock beeped, I was already awake. ”What kind of day would this be?” I wondered. The night had resulted in fitful sleep…but enough. Though I felt tired, I was not exhausted. Grateful for the sleep I did get, I arose.

     But my usual routine would be interrupted. My laptop refused to connect to the Internet. And I lacked the motivation to go to the gym. “Lord, be in charge of this day. Guide and direct my steps,” I Prayed.

     Even the typical morning routine acquiesced to Sunday morning church. Sweet Pea overslept and I somehow found myself serving breakfast in bed for the family. Yet even beyond these alterations, this day would be set apart and different. Today, I would be taking a new step of faith.

     Having endured months of trial and tribulation, a new chapter seemed to be unfolding. One of fresh courage to trust and walk in faith. “Lord, You will need to give me peace,” I silently prayed, “I want to do this, I feel ready to step but I need Your help with the details. Hear my heart oh God.”.

     As the morning progressed, God worked, answering my heart’s cry. detail after detail unfolded, allowing me to honor my desire to step in faith and trust. Not only did He bless my eyes with bright light but He even solved my greatest concern. A friend approached me at church. She unwittingly shared a solution. This information made the follow through of my faith-walk possible. “Thank You Lord,” I praised. Who else but God to solve my biggest worry?

     As I sat in church and the message rolled over me, my heart raised in worship. Communion Sunday, I bowed my head in remembrance of what God had done for us. Lord, You suffered more than what I have endured. And as the message unfolded, I was reminded from Psalm 91 how God fulfills His promises while He also covers us with His wings. Our pastor even spoke to the pain we experience through trials. Though pain hurts, we can welcome it because it causes us to draw closer to God and know Him more intimately.

     Memories of these past months flooded my brain, speaking to my heart. Tears stung my eyes. My head bent low. “Jesus, what I have suffered does not compare to what You did for me,” I prayed, ”May my pain result in Your glory and majesty.” With a full heart, I surrendered the past, present, and future to Him.

     God continued to pour out His love and peace over me throughout the day. After church, as I walked on the treadmill, intimate time with Him abounded. Just to pray and seek His presence was a gift and blessing. “Do what is best for us, “I prayed, stepping with vigor. Relinquishing control, peace flooded deep. Refreshed and renewed from time in God’s presence, I left the gym with thanksgiving and joy.

     The sun blazed hot as I walked home. into the pool I jumped. The water felt good against my hot skin while the sun watered the soul of my heart. With the knowledge thunderstorms might arise, I lifted a silent plea. “Just twenty minutes,” I begged. And as friends and I talked and splashed at the pool, laughter and conversation abounded.
     Crash! Startled, we looked up. A dark cloud hovered. Out of the pool we scrambled. Rain was imminent. To our homes we all headed, hoping to beat the rain.

     But A surprise awaited me when I entered my home. Sweet Pea who had been droopy earlier, now met me with bounce and cheer. Uncertain as to whether our activity would still proceed due to how she had been feeling, we were now back on for tonight. But it wasn’t until I was changing into dry clothes when I realized God had given me the twenty minutes plus which I had hoped to enjoy in the pool. “God, You are so good. So rich in Your abundance,” I praised.

     The brightness of the day continued. Playing with my Sweet Pea and teasing my husband pervaded  the afternoon. But rolls of thunder continued filling the air, threatening to cancel our evening hopes.

     “Will we be able to still go?” worried Sweet Pea.
     “I hope so,” I responded. And it was true. I was eager to try out this new step of faith. Scanning the radar, we spotted the storm cells. My husband stood up and opened the front door.
     “Look outside,” my husband said to Sweet Pea, “See? Blue sky. There’s just a dark cloud hovering over our house.”

     In this moment, I knew God was speaking to me through the thunder. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness in a cloud by day and filled Solomon’s temple with His presence as a cloud, I knew God inhabited the rain cloud hovering our home with His voice in the thunder. God was with me and over me. He was speaking to me through the thunder.

    His voice reassured and spoke to my deepest places. Even as I type, I hear His voice through the thunder. A beautiful reminder of His power and absolute majesty. His voice of assurance and love rumbles through the crashes and rolls. His fingertips reach  through the splashes of rain. A blessing and benediction of what is to come.
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     God has often spoken to me through the thunder. And to hear His voice blessing a new step of faith towards restoration and healing makes my heart overflow. How kind you are to me God. And as I listened to His voice in the thunder, the day played back in my head. It had been a day of answered prayers. A day of abundance.
 
God, I thank You. I do not deserve Your goodness. Orchestrate all the details and make my path straight. Prepare the way, oh God. Go with me and bless me. Let me hear your voice and know Your Will, Lord. Amen.