The Road

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

The community I live in is under construction. Roads are popping up everywhere. After several months of driving on a "new" road I came to a halt as I stared at a heap of dirt that could have been called a mountain in its own right. What happened to the road?

Isn't that like life? One day you are going down a road and all of a sudden there is a detour that diverts you down a new path.

Sometimes those new life trails leave us asking questions. Why am I here? Life was great before this life deviation. Why the turn Lord?

What I've learned is that the road was only temporary. It looked pretty permanent to me. There was blacktop, double yellow lines and plenty of traffic going in both directions. There was even grass growing on the side road. But, nevertheless it was short-lived.

Today this road no longer exist. That which had escaped my vision, now I clearly see. It's an entire new freeway that seemed to emerge right before my eyes! The diversion kept me focused on the temporary when in actuality there was a new way of travel, a brand new highway developing giving me easier access to places I need to get too.

The temporary distraction blinded me. My focus was blurred.

So where are you traveling to today? Has the road been changed? Perhaps the diversion is the loss of a job. Is the road filled with decisions that seem to have no answers? Often temporary roads are a "bumpy ride."

Mary and Joseph traveled such a road. Mary was young and pregnant. Joseph pledged to be married to Mary, but now she is pregnant and the child is not his. Now that's a road!

But as we follow the story of their lives, they were entrusted with the responsibility to care for another life. Not just any life, but God Incarnate! Yes God in the flesh, Immanuel - God with us. The Savior of the world emerging on earth bringing Salvation to all. For he loved the world, you & me and knew the sinful state and condition of our lives.

No matter what the road looks like we must trust the Way-Maker. He makes our paths straight and often allows situations to arise that seem like a bumpy road.

Looking back over the past year, I can see that God has always been with me. Even when we don't see it or perceive it at time, He is Faithful. Won't you trust him today to guide you?

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. (Psalm 37:23)

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. (Psalm 18:36)

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (Psalm 119:35)

God bless you!~Liz

It's Bright in Here!

I love the fact that I am never alone. 

This is a GREAT Truth that I cherish 

and embrace daily. God speaks!

I was getting ready this morning and as I looked in the mirror I kinda' said to myself, "what can I do to make my face look radiant?" And just that quickly, the Spirit of the Lord said, "get into the Word."

I put down my makeup brush and opened the Word!

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5)

A few minutes later my husband came in from outside. He had been cleaning the snow from the last two days.

As he is helping me unravel an item that I had in my hand he says, "wow I've been outside in the light so long that everything looks dark in here."

I smiled and said, "wow, that is truth." Those who stay in God's presence, who stay in His Word are more apt to recognize darkness quicker.

When we surround ourselves with the Truth of the Word of God, this "Measuring Stick" reveals to us our own inadequacies, our sin, rebellion, our actions that break the rules of God, and even cause our ears to hear better!

Just a small reminder my friends, stay in the Word! Allow yourselves to be enveloped in His Presence!

The Light has come!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

God bless you!~Liz

In Addition

"In addition to what you vow and your freewill offerings, offer these to the Lord at your appointed festivals: your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and fellowship offerings." (Numbers 29:39)

The words “in addition” sound very good when we are the recipients of something great, aren’t they?

I just finished reading chapter 29 of the Book of Numbers. Ironically, I began to count how often the words “in addition” are found in this chapter.

I am not an expert on the rules and guidelines of all the offering in the Bible, but I do know that God was always teaching something even through the rituals of the days of old.

God is holy and we are not. He wants us to understand our need for Him.

There were burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and guilt offerings all being overseen by the priest. A system to show mankind that sin had a cost.

I wonder how we would fare if that system was in place today? I can barely keep track of them as I read it!

I believe the heart being cultivated is to release what often we hold tight. It was about giving your best to a Holy God.

The law of Moses required many offerings. In this chapter the command was, “in addition” also bring these animals as an offering. The requirement was specific, and the animals presented had to be healthy free of blemishes. In other words, the best of the best.

In today's currency it would translate to our hard-earned money.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon would we say that our hearts are filled to overflowing with Thanksgiving? What if the Lord said, “in addition” to us? Those words mean above and beyond what you plan on doing. Do more! Stretch yourself. Trust in God. 

Would we feel inconvenienced or maybe just stingy and afraid to let go?

We give at the church but what about if additional offering are presented to us? Do we justify that we gave enough?

If someone needs a financial hand, do we keep our two hands in our pocket?

If we are familiar with the scriptures, we know that the money entrusted to us is actually on loan from the Lord. He instructs us on how to use it and even when to release it. He does this not only with money but with our time and the possessions that we have. He gently spurs us on to do more. If we are still, we can hear the words, “in addition.”

During this thanksgiving season often our hearts become a little bit more tender and our ears more receptive to hearing the words, “in addition.” Praise God!

Let's do this together and when we hear the words “in addition” let's bless the household of faith and our neighbors next door. Let out actions speak of the great work that God has done in us. He has saved us and blessed us richly. 

 Let's be like the little boy who gave up his lunch on the side of the mountain and Jesus was able to multiply it and feed the masses.

“In addition”, pass this message to encourage someone else. Let's learn to bless others during this Thanksgiving season.

God bless you!~Liz

In 60 days!

In 60 days! No, it's not my birthday. In just about 2 months the world will celebrate Christmas. Some celebrate the Son others just the gifts.

Do you remember what you got last year for Christmas? Often in the hype of Christmas we begin to exchange gifts which is a great thing but toward the end of the season when we are exhausted and the shopping frenzy has come to a lull, we pick up whatever is on sale, wrap it and say, “ Merry Christmas.” Don’t be making those grins, we’ve all done it!

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

I'm thinking about all those gifts that we get and often shove them in the closet or maybe some of us re-gift them (oh…another grin).

What about the gifts that God has given us? Maybe that gift that he showed us awhile back and we kind of pushed it down and haven't used it. Are they stored deep down in the recesses of our hearts? Have you wondered if God would ever use you?

Let's think about this. He gave us the gift, and he expected us to use it. But what did we do? We shoved it deep down and put it away. He gives the gifts that we may be co-laborers with him in his Kingdom.

He says we all like salt!  Or we should be!

Unfortunately, sometimes we look at others and we say things like, “you are a good teacher” or
“I wish I could sing like that.” In those very statements we negate what he has already given us.

Sometimes we don't know what to do with the gift because it hasn't been cultivated. Perhaps we never even looked at it long enough to open it. We wonder if we would fail to use it properly . We allow fear to hinder us, but fear was never part of the package.

Who took this great gift and re-wrapped it? Who took this great tool that would develop us and equip us to do the work the Master has sent us out to do? It's as if the Grinch came took all the gifts, re-wrapped them under the covering of fear, disappointment, inadequacy, anxiety and it goes on and on.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6b)

As I sat this morning reading his Word, I was reminded again of the calling he has given me. I know God has given me speaking gifts and the ability to teach. But I must cultivate the gift. God hands it to me and he says open it, use it and don’t be afraid!

The gift by itself would leave me a talking fool! Many can speak and many can write. The gifts that God gives are for the furtherance of his Kingdom and the equipping of the saints. He desires that we be a well-acquainted with his Word that is sharper than a two-edged sword.

I must wait on Him for his wisdom and revelation to bring His Word to life in me, first!

So, look. 
Look deep within and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the gifts that he has given you.

If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6b-8)

Jesus challenged those that were listening to him on the mountain, to be the salt of the earth. Salt is effective! Without it the human body dies. Without the gospel truth the soul shrivels and dies. It will continue to exist but forever be separated from God who loves us.

God the Father gave his Son Jesus as a gift to those he created in his image. Yet, without his insight, foresight and the leading of his Spirit we can’t see the need for this extravagant gift. A rebellious people wooed by his gentle Redemptive Spirit; He says, “come!”

This is the Gift that keeps on giving. Go sit with the Father, talk to him today and then be quiet long enough to listen. He is gentle, kind with clear directives to cause our lives to prosper in him. Unwrap his Word. Dust it off and dive into it.

No need to wait 60 days! Christmas arrived many years ago with a Gift for all! Will you receive it today?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

God bless you!~Liz

Taste & See!

On September 29th, most of you know I fell at church during a beautiful time of worship and

shattered my elbow. After an emergency visit, I was sent home in a cast.

My first encounter with the surgeon was that I needed elbow surgery. I heard the words, "full elbow replacement."  That same day I ended up at my primary physician who sent me for a second opinion at another surgeon's office. After seeing the surgeon that day he recommended that I go for an MRI followed up by another visit to a hand and arm specialist for a 3rd opinion.

I sought the Lord and he answered me; And he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

The surgeon left me in the cast and sent me home. He said let's reconvene in a couple of weeks and see what it looks like. He said surgery was the last thing he wanted to do, to which I exclaimed Hallelujah!

The following week the cast felt so heavy that it was hindering my shoulder from movement, so I visited the doctor again. I asked if he could remove the cast. He bandaged my arm and told me to rest and to “baby” my elbow.

The poor man called, and the Lord heard him; and he saved him out of all his troubles. (v.6)

It's been 25 days since the accident. My friend Jessica took me to the doctor today. I've been praying and asking all my friends and family to continue to petition God for me for full recovery without surgery.

I will glory in the Lord let the afflicted here and rejoice. (v. 2)

The doctor took x-rays. He looked at me and his exact words were, “I don't know what it is about you.” I began to tell him and show him that I can lift my arms over my head but there were certain things that I still could not do. He was amazed at my progress. He kept smiling and kind of shaking his head.

I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 16 years old. The doctor said it's amazing that sometimes people with rheumatoid arthritis can recover so well.

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (v.5)

Well, this is my story! My God hears me when I call. He is my Healer who is putting me back together day by day. All I can say is, "rejoice with me for my God is Amazing!!"

For the last 25 days this is the Psalm that I have read, Psalm 34. I continued to praise God and God continued to remind me that he hears me and he is my Healer. Today I testify of God's goodness and his great mercy and grace that he has poured on my life. I am a worshipper of the most high God! There is no one like you Lord Jesus!

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (v.9-10)

Looking to Jesus for full recovery! Rejoice with me!

God bless you!~Liz

In Everything Give Thanks

Oh, what a glorious day! What does it mean to give thanks to God in everything? This Sunday after great worship service, we went into what I would call an overflow time of worship, and it was beautiful.

One of my team members was leading worship and I went up to the platform to worship with her. Shortly after that others joined us and it became a glorious symphony of worship unto the Lord .

After about an hour I went to step down from the platform and in a blink of an eye I slipped and  flew two feet off the platform on to the sanctuary floor. It was like a slow motion dive except that there was no water.

Well to make a dramatic story short I was rushed to the hospital and they concluded that I shattered my elbow.

I want to go backwards instead of focusing on the ambulance trip and what happens to the flesh when it goes into trauma. 

As we waited for the emergency personnel, I was surrounded by the church’s nursing team, my son and slew of others. “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5)

Do you know that nothing can happen to a child of God without God knowing about it? (John 15)
You see not only am I in him he's in me and nothing can happen to me without God almighty giving an "OK."  Scripture says that he knitted me together in my mother's womb and he knows all things, the end from the beginning. So, this fall may have taken me by surprise, but it did not surprise my Father in heaven.

So, as I waited for the EMTs to arrive I continued to worship the Lord, battle in the spirit and praise him with all my soul.

I’m not saying that I'm some superwoman and should receive accolades of how strong I am. I've had my moments of tears.  I’ve re-lived the moment several times in my head. But I will not blame God,  instead I will thank him for preserving the rest of my body from injury. It could have been worse. This mouth, this tongue, this soul will magnify the Lord.

I write to you today to ask you to pray and intercede on my behalf. We are called to bear each other's burdens and to petition the Father in glory for one another. I covet your prayers and will update you and testify of all that God is doing and will do. To God be the glory.

God Bless You!~Liz

Aliens in Need of Change!

On such a beautiful day I decided to take a trip to an indoor mall. As I walked about, music was

playing in the background. I don’t go to the mall often and quite frankly never really notice music playing throughout this concrete city.

But, today not only did I notice the music, I also noted some of the lyrics. One song repeating over and over again, “I will never change”. I could not make out the rest of the lyrics. I shook my head, smiled, a cheeky gesture to myself. Lord, I’m glad I am not the same person I used to be. I’m thankful that you are not done with me yet. I am a broken mess and I do need a change!

As I continued to walk another song playing at an adjacent store caught my ear. “I feel like an alien.”

I’m like, “really?” Truly I have no idea what each writer had in mind and I don’t know the rest of the lyrics. This time I believed I giggled to myself.

After a few seconds, I began to agree with what I heard. I am an alien! 

Often when I’m in public I like to watch those around me. Often, I can see despair, pain, and a sense of need and brokenness. Not knowing what we really need we succumb to whatever this world has to offer.

But, the Word of God sings a different tune. It too speaks of pain, loss, and regret.  Its a people in need of change. We need a supernatural encounter!

The Bible reiterates the same story, the same theme from Genesis to Revelation. It speaks of the condition of our hearts, the core of our being. It describes the struggles we face and the illness that plagues us. Sin ravaging every part of who we are. But Jesus introduces a cure that indeed changes the essence of who we are. He is the remedy!

Once we were carefully intertwined with the Father. But Sin interrupted our relationship. Our disobedience broke the family.

Jesus calls and offers a way of escape from this broken corrupted flesh. As you read this Love Letter you can hear the Father call.

“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul."  (1 Peter 2:11)

See this world beckons us to participate in all it has to offer. It desires to keep us from the Father, bound in every activity to alienate us from the Good, Good Father.

We indeed are a people that need to be changed. As a believer in The Resurrection and the Life, Jesus himself, I know that I am an alien. I am passing through, sojourning until God calls me home.

Therefore, lets peruse the streets but be ready to share the Good News! There is deliverance from this sinful state. We are aliens passing through. We are in need of change and Jesus is the answer!

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

"For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the [a]sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do." (Galatians 5:17 Amplified Bible)

God Bless You!~Liz

An Invasion of my Privacy

The thoughts of a man are known by God. The outside of a man is looked upon by others. It's easy to see perfection on the outside even when the heart of man might be troubled on the inside.

But God who is merciful allows the heart to stop beating enough so that he could speak. Let the clamor and the noise of life stop.

In the midst of the silence we hear his voice. The tenderness yet authoritative instruction for us is to also look within and see the motive behind all our actions, thoughts, and even our pursuit of him. 

It's a great feeling to be on top of the mountain. Everything looks well. Everything feels good. 

But God knows how to invade my privacy!

Sometimes we don't even realize the error of our way, our complacency, or how we are slowly drifting. If the Lord does not intrude we will misrepresent him and find ourselves in disobedience.

No one likes to be confronted but I've learned when the Spirit of the Lord CHECKS ME, it is good.

We look within but often through a lens that we ourselves have manufactured. The lens is skewed. We go along with it and agree with the report, “all is well.”

I know I have nothing to offer except brokenness and emptiness.

I'd like to say, "but Lord look what I have done." But there is no “I” in this adventure. I have been purchased, redeemed, and become one who inherits the blessings of my Father in heaven.

Like a Good Father he knows his children well. He knows what to give us and what to keep from us.

All I have is an empty jar, a vessel crafted by his very hands in need of filling. This invasion is for my own good. He speaks and asks me to sit, close the door and wait. He reveals the things that are deeply hidden in my heart. He points them out and then asks if he could remove them.

In the struggle to keep the gates of my heart closed to keep my privacy to myself, he reminds me that he knows me well. Apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15)

I state my brokenness. I have nothing to offer. As I sit and meditate on his Good Name, he unveils the troubles in my heart. It's always an exchange, the brokenness for the refilling by his Spirit.

The intrusion is welcomed like a good surgeon invading a rotten wound to bring life again. Removing the diseased tissue and digging deep allows for healing to come.

”Rising to the surface of my heart came those little unspoken attitudes and thoughts that had passed by unnoticed and which I saw had offended the heart of God .” (“The Undone Worshiper” by Matt Redman)

Here is my heart God. Your daughter, one who worships you, one who desires to continue to mature, one who has been purchased by the blood of your son Jesus, one who gives you permission to intrude, search me out Lord and see if there be any wicked way in me. (Psalm 139)

Restoration can only come when I acknowledge I’m in need of renewal. Bring my heart back to its proper place. Restore in me a clean heart Oh God.

Sometimes we think that it's a major sin in our lives that keeps us distant from God. But, it is a slow transition of power we give up that creates a wandering. Unless God himself intrudes it would leave us drifting away from his presence.

God bless you!~Liz

Mercy & Kindness | I Stop for Chihuahuas!

Who said life is boring?

After a long day at church, glorious mind you, I began to drive home about 2:30 in the afternoon. I was tired and hungry.

I’m driving through back roads to avoid traffic. I come to a stop sign to cross a very busy road. The road in front of me is a hill and before I had an opportunity to cross this main intersection something caught my eye.

There are two chihuahuas running down the hill. This sounds like the beginning of a bad joke but trust me it was no funny matter.

One was wearing a green harness and the other a red one. It was as if two horses were racing down the hill. Sadly, they were heading right into oncoming traffic.

So, what do I do? What does anyone do who wants to save lives, man or beast? I put my car on park and began to wave down traffic. Cars from all four direction began to stop. These two tiny dogs, no bigger than my cat are playing in the middle of the road. The owner nowhere to be found!

A friend of mine that was a couple of cars behind me was wondering what the car pileup was? He recognized me in the middle of the road and he also joined the frenzy to try to stop these dogs from getting killed!

The entire time I am praying, “Lord please don’t let them get killed!” At one point I found myself squatting in the middle of Route 17M to coax this tiny creature to safety, but to no avail.

There were about 6 people that I could count trying to get this creatures to safety. One lady had a leash and was trying to grab him. One gentleman in a convertible opened his driver’s door and the dog jumped in. That was our opportunity to restrain him. The lady with the leash secured this tiny ball of hair while the man in the convertible held the dog by his chest. This little creature in his excitement and confusion bit the lady with the leash in the bizarre frenzy. No stitches I believe.

I volunteered and insisted that I would find the owner. The dog was placed in my car after a 15-minute ordeal on this busy road.

The second chihuahua was nowhere to be found. I was determined to find its owner.

Lord knows I could not bring a dog home to my four cats!

So how does the story end? How good is God!! I drove up the road slowly praying and hoping to encounter the other dog. I found the dog walking with its owner. She looked like she was searching for something. Most likely the little runt I had in my car.

I stopped and asked her if she was missing anything. She said, “yes.” I returned her dog alive and well. I was so thankful to God that blood was not spilled on that road today.

Who says life is boring?

Praise God the story ended well.

Total strangers on a busy road. Stopping traffic to save the lives of two little creatures.

How much more did God already do for us? He was willing to get in the middle of our sinful lives; visit us and walk with men. He purchased salvation at the cost of his own life; spilling his own blood for the redemption of mankind.

This story ends well too! On the third day he rose from the dead! He offers this gift of life and reconciliation, an expression of his grace to who so ever will receive it.

He placed himself in harms way to save you and I!

The gift is free. The cost was his blood!

Praise the Living God who reigns forever and ever! Amen

"Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

God bless you!~Liz

Urgent Care

Three o'clock in the morning and I'm still tossing and turning. It's not that I just can't sleep, but I am finding it difficult to breath deeply. In addition my chest feels heavy.

I've been here before. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has a way of appearing in the middle of the night without any special announcements.

I believe this is the issue so I get up early and call my doctor. First the operator encourages me to get medical attention by going to Urgent Care. All she heard was heaviness in the chest and difficult breathing. I assured her that this was most likely an RA issue. She continues to stress that I should hang up and go to an Urgent Care. We hang up. About 20 minutes later my doctor calls me. He has seen me in this condition before. But to my surprise he remarks, "no messing around with Prednisone, get yourself to a cardiologist ASAP!" He said, let's out-rule any issues with the heart.

Scripture likewise encourages us to examine ourselves and to guard our hearts. Heart issues can surface at any time without warning. Often, we bury emotions, pain and different matters and never go back to resolve them. We might find ourselves easily aggravated or having small scenarios become exasperated quickly all because our heart is off beat.

The Lord wants to get to the root of the issue so that we can become free & healthy in our thinking, emotions and just enjoy this beautiful life he has given us.  Whether its confrontation and resolutions we have avoided, God's Holy Spirit come along side us to settle the matter.  We don't have to be afraid.  We do however have to bring restoration for PEACE to continue to flourish.

So, I get to the Cardiologist and though he is aware of the RA disease that has destroyed many of my joints, he too pushes past the "obvious" and begins to conduct several studies. EKG, check! Heart sonogram, check!

The consensus is that if the heart has an issue, then RA flareups are now secondary. Well, praise the Lord, all test came back and I passed!! The last test, chest x-rays which actually checks the chest cavity and lung surroundings is pending. I'm looking forward to a good report. I took some medication to reduce inflammation and it has proven effective, praise God!

Check the heart first! "Above all else, guard your hear, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)

I was reminded again today that the heart is key to life, both physical and spiritual. Let's guard it and saturated it in the Word of God. He can keep it healthy and strong! Then, as life's situations come knocking, we will be better equipped to address them.

God knows how to get past the "obvious" and go deep to resolve what troubles us.

I've committed my heart and soul to the Lord.
Examine me Lord and heal anything that may be causing arrhythmia.  

God bless you!~Liz

Can He Deliver?

‘The Lord was not able to bring these people into the land he promised them on oath, so he slaughtered them in the wilderness.’ (Numbers 14:16)

Have you ever wondered if God can deliver?

In the true account of the deliverance of God's people into the Promise Land, this statement was uttered to God by Moses. "If you put all these people to death, leaving none alive, the nations who have heard this report about you will say, ‘The Lord was not able to bring these people into the land he promised them on oath, so he slaughtered them in the wilderness.’" (Numbers 14:15-16)

God's reputation, who he says he is, has always been interlaced in all the accounts of His Word. "God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

Can God deliver?

The people had grumbled against God because in their eyes the difficulties of their deliverance was intolerable in comparison to their enslaved lives in Egypt, an enemy now to God's people under the rule of Pharaoh.

Who are we under?

If we serve the Lord, why do we complain of life's difficulties? Is God able to deliver?

In God's mercy, he inclines his ear to his Moses as he pleads for God's hand to be held back. The Israelite's preferred to be enslaved instead of on the road to freedom, the promise of God!

God heard their grumbling hearts and was about to remove them from the face of the earth.

Moses pleads for his mercy to act!

What is it that we think that God can not do? Is he able to save? Can he bring us out of bondage into a place of freedom and liberty? Can he deliver on what he said he would do?

We struggle with doubt, perhaps are uncomfortable as God is moving us into freedom. We at times prefer to stay in chaos, sadness, depression and all sorts of bondage because we are familiar with it. We have become "one" with our infirmities and bondage. We speak death over ourselves like the Israelites, "If only we had died in Egypt! or in this wilderness!" (v2)

Change makes us feel like we are loosing control. We move with hesitation toward uncertainty. We don't want to let go of the past even if it has removed our joy, peace and well-being from us. We trust our bondage and not the road to freedom.

Who is our Master?

Is it "Pharaoh" the representative of bondage, or is it Jesus, "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah" who has come to set the captives free? He came in humility, surrendered to the cross, died but did not remain in the ground! "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

Can he deliver?

God's hand relented as Moses pleaded with his face to the ground. They were kept alive but those 20 years and older died in the wilderness for their disobedience.

"The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. " (v20-23)

He is able to set free! Trust his character! In the difficulties, trust his hand of change and deliverance!

Father, we fall on our face and ask that you forgive us for our rebellion. Help us and guide us Holy Spirit to see your mighty hand and strength as you deliver us from bondage into a place of freedom. Let our confidence in you rise up! May our dependence rest on You, Lord! Let your Kingdom come! We are moving according to your command and your great mercy toward us. Amen


God bless you!~Liz

Do it again...

A time of worship.

Elijah a Prophet of God calls together a time of reckoning as Ahab the king of Israel took Israel deeper and deeper away from the Lord and from worshiping the One True God!

Elijah commands Ahab to summon the people from all over Israel and to meet him on Mount Carmel. (1 Kings 18:19) He asks him to bring the fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.

Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. (v20)

This showdown was intense.

Elijah will not only make a spectacle of the prophets but will very methodically begin to give honor to God in front of the entire assembly.

Israel had failed to serve the God who delivered them from Egypt. The God who revealed himself to  repeatedly.

Look how the Lord uses Elijah to call their attention to the past and to the present.

Elijah says to the people “come to me.” He begins to repair the altar of the Lord which had been torn down. (v30)

Elijah is setting the stage for a worship service!

Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” (v31)

He reminds them where they came from. Twelve tribes scattered, with descendants looking at Elijah minister life to them again. A wake-up call! He reminds them they had an identity and repeats it to them. God knows your name. Actually, he gave you the name!

He takes the sacrifice, a bull cut into pieces and arranges it on the alter. (v33)

Here is the opportunity presented to them. Draw close to God!  With every stone placed I believe the reminder is clear.  God's people who had been called out of bondage and given the the land which they occupied had misrepresented God.

God’s people had become defiled by choosing to bow down to idols.

In our contemporary world, we enter sanctuaries and gather in our beautifully decorated buildings. But the call is the same.

Draw near to me. Come close my child whom I have called by name. Repent and turn back to me.

“Then the fire of the lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” (v38) 

And today, as the Holy Spirit makes his presence known and we allow our hearts to be convicted, restored and renewed we too will fall prostrate and cry, “The Lord he is God.” (v30)

When we have strayed and somehow feel like there is a chasm between us and the Lord, what must we do?

Cry out to God repent and let him remind us again that we are his. His mercy today reached us a long time ago and continues to draw us to himself today.

Nothing else can satisfy. This world will lure us and have us bow down to the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes and the pride of life that reaps destruction.

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.” (I John 2:20-25)

We repent. Restore us again.

“I know the night won't last . Your Word will come to pass. My heart will sing Your praise again/ 
Jesus, You're still enough. Keep me within Your love. My heart will sing Your praise again. 
Your promise still stands.  Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness. 
I'm still in Your hands. This is my confidence, You never failed me yet. 
I've seen You move, come move the mountains. And I believe, I'll see You do it again .
You made a way, where there was no way. And I believe, I'll see You do it again.”

(Lyrics by Elevation Worship, Do it Again)

God bless you!~Liz

Thorns & Thistles - Oh My!

Yesterday my friend took me to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
We walked and were able to observe,

touch and smell different types of flowers and plants in different environments from dessert to tropical settings.

When we traveled through the dessert plants, let’s say there was a lot less touching! The thorns kept my hands and fingers at a distance.

As we were leaving, I whispered to my friend, I wonder if thorns were around at the time of creation.

And that quickly the Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s Word that reads, “To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.”

Amazing! A product of the fall, the sin of man. God completed his creation and then rested. The sin of man brought a change to landscape of God’s creation and to us!

Death came along with every prickly plant.

It brings a different perspective to the thorn of crowns placed on the head of Jesus.

“They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.” (Matthew 27:28-31)

This is the Creator of the World who made everything perfect. He is crowned with the “sin” of man causing his very blood to be shed!

Can you feel that? Our worst condition placed upon him. It hits the very core of my soul!

Thorns and thistles the very image and product of our disobedience, always likened to separation from God, associated with sin in the Scriptures. This crown is placed on Jesus, and he took it!

They hurled insults at him. (2 Peter 2:23) He was despised and rejected by mankind. (Isaiah 53)

They taunted him. Mocked him. But as the blood drips from his forehead, this would be the way of redemption. He would make all things new again.

He did it because of us; our rebellion. Yet because of his unlimited love for us he will go to Calvary and give up his life.

A corrupted, sick world waiting for renewal.

“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21)

Without sin, there would be no need for redemption.

Without sin, thorns and thistles would not have been “produced.”

Redemption has come! He gladly took the thorns, the mocking, the beating because his love for us is grand, without limits!

Today, he offers this gift to you! Salvation is free!

The cost has already been paid by Jesus.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:12-3)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Come, smell the flowers again. He is bringing restoration soon! It’s already been paid for.

God bless you!~Liz

I stumbled over the light!

This past Saturday I was at a gathering with my husband. I arrived early because it was a surprise

party for my friend.

As I moved around the beautifully decorated tables I came around some chairs aiming toward the venue’s double doors to place my gift on the table.

In a blink of an eye my foot was caught, and I stumbled over a mood light that was placed on the floor behind one of the chairs. I thought I could catch myself and not fall. But like a slow-moving film I found my hand slipping off the chair and my knees hitting the hardwood floor. And hard indeed it was!

I quickly turned over and just sat on the floor holding my knees. Help quickly came to me as I requested that someone get ice. I was trying to alleviate any swelling on my knees. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I did not want to aggravate my body anymore.

Why tell you this story? I must admit that shortly after I was helped off the floor all I could think about was the scriptures. The Bible speaks about men stumbling over the cornerstone, men not recognizing the Light that has come into the world. “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:5)

Moses wondered what was happening to the bush that was on fire but not consumed. The Lord revealed himself to Moses and told him, tell them, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

Abraham chose to be uprooted from what was familiar. He held on to a promise that God would give him a son; the very one he told Abraham to sacrifice. The Lord revealed himself as JEHOVAH-JIRAH, the one who provides.

King David often stumbled and sinned against God but learn to quickly repent and restore his heart to the God he served. “Have mercy on me oh God according to your unfailing love according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.“ (Psalm 51:1-2)

Nicodemus, a pharisee who knew the law of God well wondered how he could see the Kingdom of God. Jesus responded to him that he must be born again, born of the Spirit of God.

Humanity has been tripping over the Light since the Fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. 

But from the beginning of time God has chosen to reveal himself, one man at a time. Every heart and soul precious to the creator of all things. “He was in the world and all the world was made through him the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:10-11)

The pride of humanity is deaf to the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He offered his life as a ransom. God himself providing his own son to pay for our own transgressions and iniquities, our own sin against God. But we have rejected him.

We are born and do not look for the Light. We are content walking around in darkness even enjoying our own sinful state. But God whose love is immeasurable continues to put before us this Light that can illuminate our own darkness.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Falling on a hardwood floor left me no recourse but to turn over and hold on to my throbbing knees. I asked for help and indeed the ice held off the swelling. Throughout the night my shoulder and wrist also began to reflect the hit that I had encountered. But I am so thankful to the Lord for keeping my bones from shattering or breaking. He has been merciful to me!

Salvation was similar. I indeed tripped over the Light that had come into the world. He found me broken on the floor and came to my aid. I began to recognize that the brokenness was an issue of my heart. Every part of me was affected. Every part of me in need of a healer, a deliver.

He came in his gentleness and saved me. Like a gentle breeze, I heard its sound. I heard the word and believed that God sent his son for me.

I have remnants of my past like the bruise on my knee from this weekend. But I know that the healer has come not only to protect my bones but to the secure my soul for eternity.

Thank you, Lord, for the reminder again that you have come into this dark world to be the Light, that we may no longer have to live in the darkness of sin.

God bless you!~Liz

When Trouble was Calling

The wind is blowing, and I can feel the mist of the ocean on my face. From a distance I hear screaming, a command to stop! The voice got my attention. A little boy about 2 years old running innocently after a blue ball that was bouncing openly into the waves. The ocean pulled at it as the little boy ran after it.

I began to yell myself, “no!”, “stop!”. I left my husband on the shoreline as I ran to intersect toward this little life before imminent danger arrived first.

Behind this little boy was a relative with fully loaded arms also running behind him. But this little boy was oblivious of the threat. She makes it to him before I arrive but not without a cost.

They must have been packing to leave the beach. In her arms she carried flip flops, clothing, and other valuable property including her cell phone. As she ran into the dangerous waters that was luring this little boy, she lost her footing. Her sandals are now floating in the water being rocked by every wave. She managed to keep most of her belongings in her arms, but the cell phone was forever lost!

The little boy is escorted back to family. I grabbed the flip flops and gave them to her along with the ball. But other family members just stared at the waves hitting the sand knowing that the cell phone was forever lost.

She would have given it all I’m sure just to secure these little boy's safety.

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:18) 

These were Jesus’ words.

Jesus knowing full well that it would cost him his life ran after me! He would lose it all! He set aside the privileges of deity and took on flesh. He walked with us, taught us and then died for us. (Philippians 2)

When life’s troubled waters lured me in, he did not hesitate but was willing to lose it all to save my life!

The girl stared at the water knowing that she would never be able to rescue the phone from the depths of the ocean. Nevertheless, her dearest possession was now safe by her side.

Jesus knew he had to finish the work. The anguish of the cross before him and the separation from his Father, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) could not keep him from rushing in to save me!

This girl, me, will stare at the cross knowing that he paid it all for me! Nothing could keep him from me, and nothing will ever separate me from him. (Romans 8)
Feel the wind of his Spirit!

WALKING ON WATER by Needtobreathe  Song Video

I was sinking like a stone again
I was halfway in the grave and then
I looked up and saw Your face again
You pulled me out of the water, water, water

There's no turning back
Nothing in the past
My eyes on You again
Can't see nothing at all
But Your outstretched arms
Help me believe it
Though I falter
You got me walking on water

Though I falter
You got me walking on water, water, water
You got me walking on water, water, water, water

God bless you!~Liz

Out of the Darkness

Going about 70 miles an hour on the highway last night I heard a faint buzzing sound in the distance.

At first, I second guessed what I heard. But I have keen hearing.

My body went into fight and flight mode. In my head something was in my car that I could not see it. The heartbeat in my chest now competing with the buzzing sound.

What do I do? I am in the dark without any idea where this sound is coming from. Worst yet, what its coming from!

What if this noise maker flies into my face? What if it gets tangled in my hair? What if, what if!

I know the statistics about people losing their lives over an insect flying into their vehicle.

I called on the Lord, “Lord, help me!” I began to talk to myself. Liz, calm down!

I rolled down all my windows and opened the sunroof. It was like a tornado in my car.

Its dark outside and I dare not pull to the side on the highway. That would have been more dangerous.

I began to take deep breaths and command my body not to panic.

Suddenly, the insect flew toward me, or perhaps this wind pulled it into the vortex I had created by the 70 mile per hour winds now in my car.

My peripheral vision and my skin alerted me that this bug had landed on my arm.

I began to swat like my life depended on it. It did!!

I know I hit it, but it came at me again. The devil is a liar!! I swatted again and again never taking my eyes of the road. I was determined to eliminate this threat that came at me in the dark.

Isn’t that just like the lives we live? We are minding our own business and out of the darkness here comes the enemy to cause chaos. We have choices. We either ignore it at the risk of getting stung by its poison. Or we call on the Name of the Lord and cry, “Lord, help me!”

Like a sheep in trouble, my cry gets the attention of the Shephard. “I will fear no evil for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The Book of Ephesians encourages the believer to “put on the armor of God.”

In the day of trouble. the Lord will instruct us what to do in that hour. Victory has already been won at the cross. These light and momentary troubles are but buzzing noise from the enemy.

I will call on my Father who has a Mighty hand!

Well, last night in the darkness as I battled, my weapon of choice was my arthritic afflicted hand. This flying creature had no chance of surviving!

Thank you, Lord for another victory and allowing me to get home safely.

Be prepared because out of the darkness trouble rises up. But my God is bigger!

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

That includes flying insects in my car!

God bless you!~Liz

When I am Afraid | FEAR

I'm usually a very stable, rational person. I would say that in the midst of chaos I am the one that is calm and can see beyond the situation. Chaos and confusion are often areas where I thrive.  I believe that's the way God has made me. I'm not saying I'd like chaos or areas of instability but that these situations don't paralyze me.

Yesterday from the corner of my eye I thought I saw something move on my shower curtain. At first I thought it was my own strand of hair through the side of my peripheral vision. When I got distracted again I took a second look to find out it was a fast moving long legged insect.

I don't know where this fear has come from. I do recall as a young girl my mom being afraid of certain insects and I believe that that fear became mine as well.

I decided to write about this today in an effort to confront this unrealistic paralyzing fear.  After all, I’m a pretty rational person!

As a life coach I can sit with anyone and bring them through step by step on how to achieve a certain goal. Today I am my own client.

This is a deep seated fear that I've had for decades; entomophobia, an abnormal and persistent fear of insects. It’s not all insects!  I can hold ladybugs, caterpillars, ants, butterflies, lightning bugs, but I can not handle insects that crawl fast have long legs and scurry.  Perhaps is the hiding part that really frightens me.  In my mind, I am afraid that they will surface again and so the cycle begins afresh.

The fear from these small insect caused me to stop all activity and left me unproductive for almost an hour yesterday. That's a wasted hour of life!

What else are we afraid off? 

There are hundreds and hundreds of known fears.  Alektorophobia, fear of chickens. Pogonophobia, fear of beards. Hypochondria, fear of illness.  Verminophobia, fear of germs.  Theophobia, an unhealthy fear of God or religion.  And on and on it goes!

It’s irrational but it feels real! 

I know that the Lord can help me.  The Scriptures speak about anxiety and all those things that grip us and cause us to be weighed down.  Often a phobia feels just as real as a true threat. 

I will cast my anxiety on the Lord, because he cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7)  I will present this fear to the Lord, ask him for direction and his peace.   I will remain in constant prayer to the one who is able to help me.  I will meditate on what is true.  

For me the anxiety is rooted in a false perception.  I know that these insects are not on me, chewing on me or causing me death.  The fear is the “what if?” 

Today,  I am asking myself, “what if, what?”

What are you afraid off?

The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. I have begun today with addressing the fear.  It already has lost some grip on me just by my confession.

So what are you afraid off?  Realistic or imagined.  God is able to help us.  Seek help, talk to someone who is qualified to help you overcome that which keeps us up at night. Confide in a friend.  Put it in your journal.  But, begin addressing it today!

Ironically I worked for an exterminating company for 10 years. Since my job was administrative I never really dealt with the insects themselves.

We can be in the midst of what we fear and yet never overcome it.  Today, I choose to face my fear one step at a time.

Chime in and let me know how you have overcome a phobia or how I can pray for you in your journey.

God bless you!~Liz

Safety Check!

The believer's complacency is a security or confidence we feel apart from God.
Our hearts say, “all is

well, we can rest now.” It’s a feeling of satisfaction and safety.

The Word of God says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

This warning was issued in the Book of Amos, “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!” (Amos 6:1)

When the wars of life seem to cease often, we can let our guard down. The rampart is left open for the enemy to drop in. Once inside he begins to bring confusion and we begin to feel unsettled.

We ask questions like, “why do I feel like this?” Often the emptiness settles in and our purpose is blurred. These feelings have come on the heels of thoughts we’ve entertained that speak “security, relax, all is well!”

Indeed, the Lord has drawn lines for us in pleasant places. “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:1)

In this fallen world our only security and trust is in the Lord. We must “Devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)

Pleasant times don’t equate safety. Our hearts must be thankful for the Lord’s, protection, provision and promises. But, keep in mind what happened in the middle of the perfect Garden; the enemy made his entrance. He deceived Eve and the walls came down. He entered the safe haven that God had created for his children. His brazen deceit came during a time of security. His deception was entertained, and sin resulted in the Fall.

We must stay alert and continually ask the Father to make his Holy Spirit known in our mist. Our rest is in God alone!

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing!”

Let’s examine our surroundings and take a deep look within. Stay alert! Let the Lord bring revival to us again. “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

Hem me in Lord! Let my life be fruitful. He says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)

My confidence is this, “He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Safety check!

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
(Psalm 91:1-4)

God bless you!~Liz