Cross Path

Lord, I’ve reached the end of the road called My Way and can see no further beyond the last step I took. By the miracle of your grace that last step led to you.  Only you can bring about the change in course I desperately need to merge onto the road called Your Way.  I am here now accepting the fact God loves me so much that he gave You,  His only begotten Son, to die on the cross at Calvary.   He raised you up on the third day for one thing, to save my soul.  Thereby cleansing me with your blood. You removed me from the street called Dead End and placed me soundly on the Highway of Everlasting Life.  I am redeemed.  I am healed. I am set free. I am saved! I am a new creature embarking on a new journey.  My eyes are on you, Lord.  Wherever you lead me I will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Suggested reading John 3:16-17

I Demand a Recount or Who Pooed In My Pie?

One could guess by the title I had some difficulty choosing one.  If you have seen the movie or read the book, "The Help" you surely recognize the reference but more on that later.  These days my memory is a little fuzzy but I seem to recall a time not too long ago when Al Gore and George W. Bush were running for President of the United States.  Al Gore believed he had won the election but the victory went to George W. Bush.  My intention is not to discuss politics neither is it to debate the details of that particular election, I simply want to point out that expected victories can get taken away if we let them.

As believers we know that Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, was victorious over death.  1 Cor 15:22 states: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  And still, we walk around spiritually dead and defeated.  Well I demand a recount and want to know who poohed in my pie!

 Why is it that we accept and believe so many biblical truths and still struggle with sin and defeat? Jesus died on the cross for our sins and we constantly reclaim them and oftentimes wallow in them. What is it about us that makes it so easy to live a life of misery and despair, because that is what living in sin is,  and not cling to what we know to be true?

Why is it that something freely given, the gift of salvation, is so hard to receive?  Are we so proud?
It's like having a birthday and expecting all the attention and gifts that go along with the celebration and then hating yourself for wanting the attention and gifts.  Let's take it one step further and pretend you have a particular gift in mind that you are hoping to receive.  You drop hints about it. You have priced it and know how costly it is but it's your birthday and you are expectantly not expecting it.  The big day comes and, lucky you, someone purchases it for you and gives it to you for your special day.  Instead of accepting it graciously you tell the person "oh, you shouldn't have this is much too costly and I cannot accept this".  It does not change the fact that the gift was still purchased!

By dying on the cross Jesus purchased our salvation, our freedom; our victory. And here we are saying "oh, you shouldn't have, that's way too costly" and choose instead to live defeated lives.  The purchase was final.  There is no exchange or return.  One must either accept the gift or decline it.  The gift remains, for a limited time only, until you are ready to receive it.

I wonder who it was that coined the phrase "guilty pleasure".  If you enjoy chocolate pie then by all means enjoy it.  Do not start counting the calories and figuring out how you are going to work them off.  By the time you figure everything out there is no enjoyment to be had and there may as well be pooh in the pie!  

We should not feel guilty about the pleasure of knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is a gift we should accept graciously with humility and thanksgiving.  We should live victoriously and celebrate the priceless gift we have been given! How dare we let the circumstances and challenges of world be the pooh in our pie.  Now, ain't life sweet?

Suggested reading 1 Corinthians Chapter 15, Ephesians 2:8

Crease and Increase

How odd that today I woke up given the phrase "You're the crease and I am the increase".  What does that mean?  I somewhat understand increase.  Bring it on, right, but crease?  Crease is that razor sharp line I used to spend hours trying to put in all my pants without creating a double crease.  Emphasis on used to.  These days I just throw on a pair of pants hoping the wrinkles will fall out on their own. Most times it doesn't work.  But I digress.

 I decided to access a handy-dandy online dictionary.  Merriam-Webster.com is my go to website and it did not disappoint this time either.  The first definition listed for crease was exactly what I was looking for:  a line, mark, or ridge made by or as if by folding a pliable substance.  Perhaps I didn't know the definition of crease after all but lately I have been feeling like a pliable substance.  I am the pliable substance being folded to God's will.  Not just me but my faith too.  Hebrews 11:1 states Faith is the substance [pliable!] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Since I have started this journey there has been an unseen force shaping and molding me and my faith.  It is straightening out the wrinkles resistant to falling out on their own.  I and my faith are becoming razor sharp through the tutelage of the Holy Spirit and God's word.

 By no means is it an easy process, just a necessary one.  Quite frankly, I do not know what it means to complete this "process' or if there is an end to it.  Perhaps it's completion is the fulfillment of the purpose God has for me.  Then I'll be called home having finished a well done job.  What I know is that as I am being "creased" there are age appropriate assignments I am being given.  By age appropriate I mean based on my spiritual maturity.  When it's said that God meets you where you are He does just that and uses you accordingly as long as you're a willing vessel. He is using me while patiently (longsuffering) ironing out the wrinkles.

 It often feels like a steam press but it's all for his glory.  I can't wait to get to the finish line and hear my Father say "look what I've done with you and through you" after the crease has been set.  I want to thank Him even though, being His spiritual child, it feels like the whippings I used to get from my natural parents!  I pout but understand that it is all part of learning and the spiritual maturation process.  Besides, righteously dispensed discipline does wonders to increase knowledge, understanding , and wisdom.

There are days when I feel like I am literally getting the ego beat out of me.  Yet another necessity if I am to walk the walk of faith.  God is the increase therefore I must decrease.  So, if you are reading between the lines, yes, I have a propensity for being strong willed.  Being strong willed, self-willed, rather  is contrary to performing God's will.  Did I mention God being longsuffering?

What does any of this have to do with increase?  Good question.  I looked that up too!  As a transitive verb Merriam-Webster defines it as such  to become progressively greater (as in size, amount, number, or intensity).  As a transitive verb the definition is to make greater:augment.  If I could describe to you what it feels like when God reveals more of himself, or yourself, showing the intentions he has towards you and for you... I am going to check with Merriam-Webster to see if they exist because right now I am at a loss.

He is patiently working the pliable substance that is me and my faith forming a straight line, my path.  As He works his work in me my faith and I are progressively becoming greater.  He is constantly augmenting me; shaping me into His image. You're the crease. He is the increase! 

Suggested reading Hebrews 11:1, Malachi 3:3, Job 8:7, 12:23, Psalms 71:21, 105:24, Proverbs 1:5, 9:9, 9:11

How Great: Talking to Myself

Oh, great. I finally get a chance to sleep in and I awaken at 6:30a.m. on a Saturday morning!  It's been a long week and I am tired.  I was really looking forward to catching up on some much needed rest.  Some part of my brain was saying never mind the fact that you are lucky to be alive, blessed actually. 

The bigger part of my brain was pouting like a six year old demanding more sleep.  In the midst of the battle my brain was waging against itself, good to be awake so early versus not so good to be awake so doggone early, there was yet another, quieter, part of my brain that was thinking what to post in the prayer group this morning.  Why am I up so early?  You need to go to the farmer's market early and see if they have fresh beets.  You can use the NutriBullet you just got and start Terri Jordan's cleansing/juicing diet for real this time.  Which farmer's market, Pomona or the one at Mt.SAC? Pomona is much closer.  Got to go to the ATM remember you left cash in your lab coat pocket at work yesterday. Prayer group post.  When was the last time you posted for the blog? Why am I awake again?  Prayer group! Check on Facebook to see if anyone has posted yet... Shush brain, let me think!

(The still small voice: "count your blessings").  Alright,  I will post about blessings. I believe it will start like "In the midst of struggle or conflict we have the most difficulty counting blessings.  We tend to get overly consumed with fret and worry that we overlook the small signals God sends, blessings, to let us know that He is there but we still need to get through the particular circumstance we are going through." Well... ok but lame.  What scripture will you include? Why am I awake again?

(Joseph.) What? JOSEPH.  Talk about Joseph.  Joseph's brothers turned against him and sold him into slavery but his situation did not change him.  He stayed true to himself and faithful to the Lord while in captivity.  He rose above his circumstance and was given a position of authority in the realm of his captor. He endures and is blessed.  He then not only blesses his brothers but an entire nation all while, technically, being in bondage!  How in the world does that make sense?  How is my life like Joseph's?  Wow!  Thank you, Holy Spirit for your revelation and for bringing to remembrance the Word that is in me.  How great You are for waking me up this morning!

Suggested reading:The story of Joseph in Genesis, Genesis 39:5

Praiseworthy

How faithful we are patiently waiting for God to open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings.  We are patient and longsuffering to be overtaken with blessings.  Our expectations are great yet our offerings are meek and humble.  I understand the Bible speaks about being humble and the meek shall inhabit the earth but what has that to do with what we give God?  Have you not heard the Lord loves a cheerful giver or you will reap what you sow?  We serve a great God and He is worthy of great praise!

When the Israelites praised God they went all out and PRAISED God.  Some people go to church and barely clap their hands during worship service or hardly acknowledge when they do receive a blessing.  In James 1:17 it is written: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  WE OUGHT TO GIVE GOD PRAISE! He is surely praiseworthy.  Instead we are meek and humble when it comes to expressing our love towards God.  Perhaps it is the fear of letting people know how much we actually do love God lest we are labeled as a "Jesus Freak" or something when we are in public.  In church perhaps it is the fear of having someone think we are faking or clamoring for attention as the reason why we do not openly praise God as we should.  So we just stand there being cool.  What if God was meek and humble when it comes to blessing his people?  How chillax do you want God to be when you are in desperate need for healing?  Can you imagine a reserved God?  Our God works wonders and performs miracles! There's no subtlety in that so don't be subtle with your praise or your offerings for that matter.  PRAISE Him. WORSHIP Him. Honor Him, LOVE Him and by all means don't be meek about it.

Suggested reading: Ex 32:18, 1 Sam 4:6, 1 Chron 15:28, Psalms 33:3, 66:1, 81:1,
Psalms 95:1-2, 98: 4,6; Mal 3:10, Deut 28:2


1 Chron 5:13-14 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

It's In Your Prays

   I am hard pressed to think of anything more important than an open communication line between oneself and God.  As much as I'd like to think I have a good relationship with God I really do not.  There are moments when I feel genuinely connected to and inspired by the Holy Spirit, however,  they are but moments.  My goal is to have a David-type of relationship with God.  Moments are not enough; I want more and better.

   You know how someone can be described as being in the moment? Well I wish to stay in that [spiritual] moment.  Does that makes sense?  There is not a time when the Lord is not on my mind in some way, shape or form.  I usually wake up in the morning thinking of how I might I serve Him or wonder what situation will present itself that I can use for the advantage of God's kingdom to spread the Good News.  Yet I feel like something is missing.  It is too easy to be outside of those "moments".  I've just about narrowed it down to my prays.  (Miss-spelling intended!) 

   Prays is your praise.  Or praise is your prays.  However you want to say it they are interchangeable, I think, and you cannot have one without the other.  I use the word prays as opposed to prayers because, to me, prayers can easily become rote recitations whereas prays show action and relationship.  When one prays it is a form of praise that shows God's position in your life is one of importance.  It shows that you consider Him and you value your relationship with Him.  Prays builds trust.  Praise builds trust. 

As you trust Him more He will trust you more. Your "prayers' will no longer be recitations but praise and conversations.  As your prays grow and develop so, too, will your praise.  He is listening.   Prays develops your ear for God and causes you to act on His word. The revelations He has specifically for you enable you to live by His word through an activated indwelling Holy Spirit.  Oh, there is much to praise him for!  

  If you find yourself lacking in power or authority over your circumstances increase your praise.  If you find yourself lacking in power or authority over your circumstances increase your prays.  Stay in the moment!

Suggested reading: James 5:13, Phil 4:6, Col 4:2, 1 Thes 5:17, Isaiah 65:24, Psalms 150:6, 22:3, 32:6, Psalms 55:17, 66:19-20, 67:3-5, Luke 21:36

Spin City

It is not uncommon for a biblical principle to be given a worldly re-characterization or connotation.  For example "what goes around comes around" or "whatever you put into the universe will return to you", or karma. We as believers understand that there is power in the tongue.  With our words and through our faith in Christ Jesus we can speak healing and/or authority over certain situations.  But what happens when we are out of order and curse someone?  What about gossip?


 In the Bible there are many scriptures that warn against gossip.  Not only is it hurtful to the one it is perpetrated against but it but it can be detrimental to own soul.  Proverbs 21:23 succinctly states: "whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles".  That scripture alone should make those with a burning desire to "tell it like it is" reconsider.  And yes, I am preaching to myself with that one.  The need to gossip or, better yet,  attack another person's character is frequently nothing more than a ruse to cover up personal offenses.  It is a diversion.  Look at that person instead of me.  Let's point out that person's faults rather than seek the Lord to help me deal with our own. 
Join me in my misery; I could use the company.


Gossip is a sign of being out of order.  It is devilish and yet another gateway that leads to a downward spiral of sin lest you repent.  Many things done or said happen because they are thought to occur in secret.  Believe you me there are no secrets either worldly or spiritually.  God searches the heart: Psalms 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. Not to mention the devil who is constantly seeking whom to devour next.  Loose yourself from offenses and their propensity to lead to gossip.  Tell the devil you're not such easy pray and to keep it moving.


Suggested reading: 1 Cor 4:14, 1Peter 5:8, Job 1:7, Luke 17:1, Psa 101:5, Pro 10:18-20, Eccl 10:20, 1 Cor 4:14