Simple…. yet so Complicated

This morning as I browsed the latest Facebook posts by friends and family, one stood out to me like a beacon.  With so many people getting caught up in their flesh when fame, fortune, and success come into their lives, there is one young man who is choosing to stand strong and not allow the world to mold him into their image.  Tim Tebow has a great amount of success in his football career and continues to do well in spite of the fact that there are always plenty of critics primed and ready to create drama and pick him apart.  But then again, who in the ‘limelight’ doesn’t get picked apart?  It kind of goes with the territory because adveristy sells.  Selling means money, money means better glitz and glamour, more fame and fortune, more ‘worldly’ power, and ways to fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Money and fame are tricky, tricky things.  Peace seems to be too boring to most people, yet it is that Peace that every soul on the face of the planet longs for, yet fights against.  I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ reigns and Satan is put in his place, unable to toy with us any longer.  That will truly be a heavenly day, indeed.  But until then, we who do Believe are called to stand strong again the wiles of the enemy.  And Tim Tebow is standing strong…. Here’s the article that was shared:

If there is one thing that is positive about the ‘being picked apart’ part… it’s the fact that attention is being drawn to Jesus Christ, and the amazing, strong faith of someone in the spotlight that is not ashamed of Him.  How I praise God for his strength and courage to stay true to the One who gave him his gift of athleticism, the opportunity to play big, and the platform for which to share his faith in the only One who truly saves and gives life…. eternally.  How I long for that type of courageous faith, yet I faulter so often.  The fear of man, and the insecurity that creeps up at times is horrible.  It’s as if there is a constant battle of spirit v. flesh…. Oh wait, but God shared that with us… in Gal. 5:17.  But, He also assured us that If we are in Christ, we are a new creation, the old has passed away, the new has come as we are told in 2 Cor. 5:17.  But we must choose with each new day who we are going to serve…. for the enemy of our souls entices us at our weakest points and is constantly lurking around trying to trip us up, instill doubt, discouragement, dispair, and a desire to quit because it’s so much easier….. even if only for the moment.  The enemy of Christ wants us to be weak but appear strong, he wants us to question and doubt God and what He has done for us, and he definitely wants us to never fully realize the power and person God has placed within every true Believer of Christ.  The power that gets stronger and stronger as we walk closer and closer to Him. Feeding on the Bread of Life and Living Water that is so freely available, yet so quickly overlooked.  It’s like choosing a McDonald Happy Meal over an all natural, wholesome fish and broccoli meal with no preservatives or stuff with adverse effects.  The easy way, that is what our flesh desires.  The precepts of God seem to simple in some ways… the Grace that pours out in our time of need, in our time of confessing Christ as our Lord and Savior, yet so complicated when we actually get into the ‘meat and potatoes’ of walking out our faith.

After reading this article on Tim Tebow, obviously several thoughts came to mind.  One of my own challenges is that so very many thoughts start stirring in me, then when I go to write them down, they just get all jumbled… So, I hope and pray that somehow, someway this article with make a little bit of sense.  However, when I read this article, I was so proud of Tim T, but then my heart aches for Jake Plummer.  He may be doing what he feels is ‘politically correct’, but when he takes his last breath, that won’t mean a hill ‘o beans.  Politics and man’s acceptance mean absolutely nothing when we stand before the judgement seat of Christ.  Only what we do for Him will remain, and that will determine more than any of us can fathom at this point.  As for me, I hope to have many jewels and crowns when I get there so that I may lay them back down at His feet and thank Him for loving me when I was most unlovable.  None of us know when that last breath will be, but… it will be, someday.  Here are a few things the Word of God says that could apply to this situation (and many others):

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Matthew 10:31-33

New Living Translation (NLT)

31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

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Hebrews 10:26-39

New Living Translation (NLT)

26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. 27 There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. 28 For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. 30For we know the one who said,

“I will take revenge.
I will pay them back.”[a]

He also said,

“The Lord will judge his own people.”[b]

31It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ.[c] Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

37 “For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.[d]
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”[e]

39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

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Galatians 5:19-23

New Living Translation (NLT)

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

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I emplore you, beloved… chose the Way of Life today.  Yes, Grace is sufficient and is why we are able to be saved.  But we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, not taking that grace for granted.  Not taking our cake, then eating too.  Don’t take God for granted, beloved.  Please.  His love is deep and wide, but if we deliberately walk the sinful way of our flesh when we know better, there are consequences.  Be strong, be courageous, be full of Love for one another.  (Jn. 15)

Shared with a heart of love and devotion to Christ, and a deep desire to share His love and truths with others for a prosperous, fruitful life for all, here and beyond.  For a tree shall be known by it’s fruit…. Fruit that will last.

Be blessed, shana <3

The Desires of Your Heart…

As many young girls are, I was smitten with horses at a young age.  Our neighbors had horses, one of which was a beautiful little paint they purchased from a family friend of ours.  I never got over feeling like that pony was really suppose to be mine. ha. But it never was, and that’s okay.  We also lived in an area where we were around a lot of rodeos, cuttings, reinings, and all types of horse show events.  The sights, sounds, smells, and atmosphere produced a great longing in me to be a part of that world someday.  However, that longing would not be fulfilled until much later in life.  As a matter of fact, the story continues to unfold with each new day.   Unfortunately as a young person, I was never able to have horses of my own.  So, imagine my delight when our young daughter began showing an interest and desire to begin riding!  She began official english riding lessons at age 5 which began breathing new life and longing into my own life.  Our own personal version of a ‘Road to the Horse’ challenge was filled with steps and leaps of faith with each decision to purchase our first horse, then a new horse, and another, and another…. There is the decision to train and show, or just casually own, ride and enjoy.  Then of course, there is much to know in the area of care and mainenance.  If you are a horseman, you realize there is much to know and be aware of in that department as well.  All in all, my life with horses is an ever-learning experience.  Kind of like Paul says in Ph. 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”  Now, that has it’s own meaning that I embrace on a deeply spiritual level, however, I also attribute it to my journey with horses as well.  There is still much to learn and improve on, but we’re getting there, and that fills my heart and life with incomprehensible joy.

Recently, as I finished up feeding, the sun was painting a beautiful sunset just above the treetops, the weather was amazing, the grass still has a shade of green, and life at that moment was absolutely surreal, as it so often is, and it hit me…..

Now, I had also recently been reading through some old journals from several years back when the horse bug began to come alive again.  Being married to a ‘non-horsey’ husband, and being a stay-at-home mom, well… it took some serious praying and miracle believing to get him on board.  As a matter of fact, I remember vividly praying and begging God at one point to take the passion and longing for the horses out of me because it was just too painful and distracting to want something so badly and still not be able to have it.   During that time, we were heavily involved with our church and the many activities therewith.  At that time, I had been teaching in the Youth Group, I worked in the church office, began our church’s Women’s Ministry which included carrying many of our ladies to Women of Faith conferences, taught several Bible Studies, had regular prayer meetings with a small but power-packed group of ladies….  All that to say, Jesus Christ was (and is) the focus and delight of my life at the core of my being.  My heart’s cry was similar to the Apostle Paul’s…. “Lord, pour me out as a drink offering for you….”  I couldn’t get enough of the Word, of Worship, of deeper and deeper prayer times and ministry, and a desire to not live for me, but for Him.  Through that time life, as it so often does, would throw a curve ball, or two, or three.  Situations change, circumstances change, we go with the flow, make the best choices possible, and believe all will be well.  There are times we simply walk by faith, not by sight.  And things did begin changing.  As a matter of fact, life has changed quite a bit since that time.  There is much I could share regarding the years in between, but for the sake of this story, I will fast-forward a few years to today…

Today, we own 5 amazing AQHA quarter horses, horses that carry the blood of the top champions in the western pleasure and reining world today.  Horses I never dreamt I would have the opportunity to own.  Now,… I do not share this information in any way, shape, or form with a boastful heart…. To the contrary, I share this to solidify my point and testimony…. What hit me between the eyes and deep in the heart that beautiful evening was that glorious little verse found in a power-packed chapter of Psalm 37:4, ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  Wow.  As that verse hit me, and as I stood there looking at all the pretty horses eating so peacefully, I was utterly humbled at the goodness and faithfulness of God to me personally.  He blesses in so many different ways, but this was a very personal gift that spoke volumes to my heart.  A blessing that I still am amazed and humbled at getting to be a part of.  Now I must clarify, this story is focused on my personal love and passion for horses, but it applies to so very much more in my life that I am so thankful for.  Namely my husband, kids, parents, family, friends, provision, health, and on, and on, and on.  :)   The blessings truly never cease.

Sometimes life gets busy, we get distracted, forget to truly Abide in His Word, in His presence, in His Worship, and we begin to forget and doubt…. We may begin to wonder if God is really out there somewhere….  were we dreaming?  We wonder if He really even knows we exists, much less does He care?  Well, I am here to assure you and promise you with everything in me…. when we press in and seek Him with a pure and hungry heart…. God shows up as only He can.  He never moves from us… that is our doing.  We are the one’s who pull away and distance ourselves.  He is always there, ready and waiting to scoop us up in His arms again and again.  Beloved, you are the apple of His eye, and He is so beyond crazy about you.  When life makes the Cross grow dim, let your light of love for Christ shine through the darkness.  Dive into the Word, and fall on your knees…. it’s only a matter of time before you feel and hear that still small voice whisper in your heart to tell you of His amazing love for you.

Lord, I pray your presence and your love will be felt in the hearts of those reading these words.  I pray your hedge of protection, provision, healing, and amazing love to cover them and their families completely today and every day.  Draw them closer to you Lord, and set them ablaze as a testimony of your love and faithfulness to your children.  In Christ’s name, amen.

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Psalm 37

A Psalm of David

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.[b]

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.

   Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed[c];
the offspring of the wicked will perish.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.[d]
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future[e]for the wicked.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Risky Faith

Jesus said to her,
“Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole.
Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”  Mk. 5:34 MSG
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Father God, in this crazy world we live in, it is easy to get lost wandering around struggling to believe that something will help us in dire situations.  We often struggle with half hearted hope that You may show up someday and do something great to help in our times of need…. please forgive us for our unbelief.  For we live in a place that is often very hesitant to really believe You for something that may be called ‘miraculous.’  Maybe someone would think we’re weird or too radical.  Those who do not know you or believe you at your Word are all around us.  On the streets, in our communities, in our schools, our workplace, and sadly, even some in our churches!  We call ourselves ‘Christians’ and ’Believers’ yet we still do not risk ‘really believing.’  We are still afraid of ‘man’s opinion’.  You have given us your amazing, powerful Word to feed on, hide in our hearts, and live by.  You have shown us that you do indeed know all things and that even in the midst of the crowds, when one desperate, hungry heart reaches out in faith, believing ’if only I can get to Jesus, I will be healed,’ you see that one.  You honor the one who does not care what others think, and who shuts out the doubters all around, and reach out to you… you see that one.  Oh Lord, that you may grant me faith such as this.  Let me live with risky, life changing, healing faith.  In spite of what other think or say who choose not to trust you in such a way or who may try to plant seeds of doubt, I choose to walk in Risky Faith.  I choose to fall on my knees with a desperate heart and believe You.  You are Jehovah Rapha, You are our Healer.  

Thank you Lord for seeing the faith of everyday, unseen people who love you and cry out to you, the precious ones who depend on You alone in the midst of trial and incomprehensible challenges… for you hear them…. every one of them. Every prayer, every tear, every heart’s cry, every praise and rejoice.  You hear it all.   In your precious name, Jesus, amen.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalms 34:17-19

“You is Kind,… You is Smart,… You is Important.”

Okay, true confession time…. I am a movie addict.  I love many differenct kinds of movies, (except scary ones), and especially ones that tug on the heart strings.  One of the greatest movies I have seen this year by far is “The Help.”  In this movie, one of the maids, Aibileene, sows a very important message into the hearts and minds of the children she tends to, namely this little girl, Mae Mobley.

This movie was such a joy as it appealed to my natural tendancy to root for the underdog.  Seeing someone overcome adversity, obstacles, and disappointments in their lives, receive healing for discouragement and heartache, and rise to a better place is one of the greatest blessings to me.  That is exactly what God wants for us as well.  We all get knocked around a bit in our lifetime at one point or another, whether from our own choosing or someone else’s.  We all have disappointments and challenges to varying degrees and very unique to our individual lives.  But God sees each one, and desires to heal and fill with abundant life and joy for every single person who would call on Him, love Him, accept Him, trust and Believe Him at His Word.   That is not neccessarily easy though.  It takes a lot of courage to make that journey sometimes.   A precious part of this clip is that although sweet Miss Aibileene is sowing great love and assurances into this little girl, she herself has dealt with and continues to deal with great challenges.  Challenges of heartache, loss, slavery, belittlement, being treated as an unclean ‘object’ instead of a person of worth and value, the choice to believe God has a greater plan than what is going on, and so much more.  But she keeps smiling, serving faithfully, and building others up….. Enjoy this little clip and once again, hide it in your heart for when the world tries to tell you otherwise.

be blessed,  shana

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.  2 Cor. 2:14-15 MSG

 

p.s.  Now, for those who have seen this movie…. I realize that maybe I shouldn’t, but I kind of get a kick out of Minny’s choice of how she ’blesses’ her former boss, Ms. Hilly.  Cracks me up every time.  heehee.  Chocolate Pie, anyone?  ;)   We’ll talk about that point on another blog entry.   Meanwhile, be blessed!  <3

Alive to Thrive

As believers, we enter into a relationship with Christ, not to spend our entire lives struggling and striving, but thriving and living life abundantly, as an Heir of God, Co-heir with Christ.  The brokenness of this world and the enemy of our souls wants us to be full of despair, discouraged, beaten down, confused, and existing with lost hope.  We must be aware of the enemy’s tactics, disarm them over our lives, stand firm on the promises of God, and Live according to who God says we are.  Be blessed.  ♥

I Am…..

Identity is such a powerful, albeit often ‘subconcious’ consideration.  It is important to our self-worth and sense of belonging to understand who we really are and to whom we belong.  If you are a human being and are reading this blog, it is possible that every once in a while, you may find yourself wondering, like many of us do occasionally, ‘Who am I… really?’  In light of the ‘Pay It Forward’ principle, I am going to share this simple, yet power-packed little list, with the hope that you may hide these truths in your heart.  A dear woman of God shared these with my daughter a few years back, and they have been a great source of strength, assurance, and courage in times of trial and triumph.  Although this is not ‘everything’ God says about His children, they are 40 precious little jewels of wisdom and truths to stand on as we navigate through this journey called life.   

These are Stable Words God says about each and every Believer….

IN CHRIST, I AM….

A child of God
Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy
Forgiven
Saved by Grace through Faith
Justified
Sanctified
A New Creature
Partaker of His Divine Nature
Redeemed from the Curse of the Law
Delivered from the Powers of Darkness
Led by the Spirit of God
A Son/Daughter of God
Kept in Safety Wherever I Go
Getting All My Needs Met by Jesus
Casting All My Cares on Jesus
Strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might
Doing All things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me
An Heir of God and a Joint Heir With Jesus
Heir to the Blessings of Abraham
Observing and Doing the Lord’s Commandments
Blessed Coming In and Going Out
An Inheritor of Eternal Life
Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings
Healed by His Stripes
Exercising My Authority over the Enemy
Above Only and Not Beneath
More Than A Conquereor
Establishing God’s Word Here on Earth
An Overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of my Testimony
Daily Overcoming the Devil
Not Moved by What I See
Walking by Faith and Not by Sight
Casting Down Vain Imaginations
Bringing Every Thought into Captivity
Being Transformed by a Renewed Mind
A Laborer Together With God
The Righteousness of God in Christ
An Imitator of Jesus
The Light of the World
Continuing to Praise the Lord with My Mouth.

MythBuster: ‘Being a Christian is Boring’….. NOT!

Some people may steer clear of living a life sold out for Christ because maybe it seems so boring, stuffy, no fun, not cool, etc. Well, this is yet another one of those lies the enemy throws our way to keep us repelled from pressing into God, and keep us doing things that may not be quite so respectable and call it ‘more fun.’ Although the after-effect is often additional weight of shame, guilt, regret, anxiety, difficult consequences, isolation, yada, yada.

The truth is, my friend, when we are truly, wholeheartedly, with every ounce of our being sold out to God, completely and utterly in love with the Lord Jesus Christ, empowered by His Word, His Worship, and His Anointing,…. the powerful Holy Spirit will fill us up to way overflowing and lead us down roads we never would of, or could of gone down on our own. Yes, that powerful fresh wind & fire of the Holy Spirit will absolutely blow our limiting human nature away if we put ourselves in the position to receive it. For now, go ahead and have some fun, get your groove on, burn some calories, sing and dance your heart out in worship with this song by Israel Houghton and New Breed from Lakewood Church….

Psalm 91:9-16 NIV…

“If you make the Most High your dwelling-
even the Lord, who is my refuge-
“then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
“For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
“they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
“You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
“He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
“With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

May the Peace of this truth rest in your hearts and minds today and always. May you know that no matter what comes your way, with Jesus in your heart, invited into your life, you are God’s precious child – forever. Nothing can take that away from you. He will always go before you, protect you, and He’s always got your back.

Jesus tells us in Jn. 16:33 (after much teaching on some pretty deep stuff)…
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”
The battle is already won, including every challenge you face on any given day. It has already been won in Christ. Stick with Him, He’ll get you through it. And with long life, (eternal life) He will satisfy you and reward you for your faithfulness to trust Him, even when the going got tough.

love and blessings,
shana

[p.s. coming soon: dedicated site for http://stablewords.com! See you over there soon!]
[p.s.s.: if you want more worship like this, go to http://shanashack.com, pick up a great new ipod, then head on over to itunes.com to download this great Israel Houghton & New Breed CD, A Deeper Level!]

The Scenic Route


Do you ever wonder if you missed God? At one point you had life mapped out, a vision burning in your heart, clear as day…. Then, real life set in, that clear day became cloudy, busy, hustle, go, go, go…. All the while trying to hold on to that vision, that passion, ‘don’t let it go!’ you whisper to yourself. But, after a while it becomes more and more faint, more distant, feeling as though it will never again reappear. Similar to the seed sown among the thorns as told in Luke 8:14, choked out by the cares, riches and pleasures of this world. Often the dreams and visions God gives us must compete with the countless cares of our world… which can have tremendous power at times.  Life can throw some tough curve balls at us, but it ain’t over til it’s over.

Whatever tragedy, challenge, or detour that may come up in your life, take heart, there’s hope! Scripture is chock full of promises, stories, guidance, and absolute truth of a loving, patient, and faithful God and Father who restores our hope time and again. Through our relationship with Christ, Hope is alive in us no matter what. We may get off track and go through life’s boot camp for awhile. Yet, no matter where you are today, no matter the state of that dream in your heart, as we turn our hearts, passions, and focus back to Jesus, those dreams and visions begin to become clear once again. God alone is the One who breaths life into us and all that we are.

So, the big Q.: What is the substance of our dream? Is it solely for our own glory? If so, that is the pleasure we will get from it,… only what our own strength can bring. Or, is the substance of our dream for His Glory and for Loving on others, showing them His Heart? Therein lies the secret and the power. Dreaming God sized dreams brings forth God sized strength, power, and anointing beyond our own human comprehension.

The challenge: Love God, Love others, Listen to His whisper in your spirit, and dare to Dream those God given dreams and see what He will do.

love and blessings,
shana

 

Dream Big and Aim High…. you just might get there.

How often do we hear and witness the media deliver ‘breaking news’ which is often bad, depressing, of poor value, or anxiety driven in nature? It’s the unfortunate tragedy, doom & gloom, and sex sells rut our world is sadly in.

But then, there is the occassional breath of fresh air that passes through. That event that brings hope and warm fuzzies to countless people around the world who long for a hint of inspiration and encouragement for those hidden dreams buried deep inside themselves. A living testimony that great things do indeed still happen to regular people like you and me.

That is exactly what Susan Boyles did. A 47 year old, single, never been kissed, unemployeed, humble, yet humorous scottish woman. She took a leap of faith, and in one event, touched the hearts of thousands and thousands of people around the globe. An event that will change her life forever. See for yourself right here….

If you struggle to find the courage to take some leap of faith yourself, I hereby encourage you to try. You’ll never know until you do. Now understandably, not all of us will shine in front of Simon Cowell and the American Idol crew, but you never know what God will do in His own unique way. Like the saying goes, “you can’t walk on water unless you get out of the boat!”

Be blessed!,
shana ;)

Listen to Susan’s interview with America’s Newsroom Hosts, Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly on Fox News Channel.

Keepin’ the Main thing the Main Thing

In these initial stages of the Stable Words blog, I have found myself challenged as to what to write and what to post. Should I try my best to be ‘socially acceptable’ or ‘politically correct?’ Or, is that even a possibility when delving into the things of God? In truth, it could be my own aversion to confrontation, harsh words, and the possibility of ruffling some feathers that holds me back from truly sharing what God has stirred up inside of me.

A good study of the heart of God and Jesus Christ and that mysterious Holy Spirit and one may quickly understand that the more we know of the Word, the less we really understand of the big picture of life, God, and this incredibly complex creation. For instance, Christians easily refer to the Holy Spirit in reference to the ‘Trinity’ yet get a bit glassy eyed and/or defensive when feeling the need or pressure to humanize, justify, or explain this part of God. How can any of us, truly, explain the ‘Spirit’ of the God of the Universe? Any human being that has ever existed, in the height of their intelligence could never fully or adequately explain in human terms the fullness and activity of the Holy Spirit. And, for those who assure they can… that is pride my friend, nothing but pride in one’s own presumed ability. But, it is that Holy Spirit that brings alive the life of Christ in those who long for it, wisdom in those who whole-heartedly desire it. Yet even that desire can take us to the ends of ourselves. Requiring us to put aside our safe ‘religious’ thinking in order to actually experience in a fresh, new and powerful way, God’s presence in our lives by the Holy Spirit. If we press in to God enough, He’s going to blow the top off the box we have Him in. He’s God, he’s not the neighbor next door.

The presence of God through the Holy Spirit is not something that can be explained, it must be experienced. And, it is still in keeping the Main thing the Main thing. What is the Main thing?…. Simple, Jesus. It is my belief, from studying the Bible, that Jesus Christ is the One True Son of the Living God who came to save mankind; Immanuel, God with us, God in the Flesh. Fully God, fully man… and a complete mystery to the human brain, but the sweetest honey to the depth of our soul. I believe Jesus took our sins upon himself at the Cross so we could be forgiven, making available to us, the option of believing in Him as our Lord and Saviour, securing our place in Heaven when our time is finished, and knowing we are never alone in this broken world we live in. That is my belief, that there is Oneway to eternal life, through the Main thing… Jesus Christ.

I do understand that many do not share this belief, and that is ok. If everyone in the world already believed in Jesus in a correct way, that means the world would have already gone through the end times. For now, we live in a pretty messed up place. This world is a very broken, yet passionate place. So many people with so many passionate belief systems. And the Word says, ‘there is a way that seems right to man, but the end thereof is death.’ Yikes, if I did not know Jesus, I’d be pretty darn scared. I do not believe there is any other way to eternal life in Heaven because a ‘human’ wants there to be. Our choice to believe what we do does not change the Ultimate Truth of God and who He is and how He has chosen to work out His plans and purposes. Yet I wholeheartedly believe in His Sovereignty and unconditional love for mankind. God already knows all our struggles, deceptions, confusion, internal and external battles, etc. And, He cares about each and everyone of them. His Word tells us that His Grace is sufficient and His love is greater than anything we could ever imagine. God is big enough to handle all the struggles we face, and cares about His kids who get so distraught and confused over technicalities, bickering as the Pharisees did over the law, and a barrage of mixed messages…. sadly even in the ‘christian’ camp. The most important thing to do in my own personal opinion is, ‘Keep the Main thing the Main thing.’ The Holy Spirit is all about working its fruit out in our lives, (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) it’s up to us to let it happen, and there’s great power in that. God will work out all the other details. Learning to love others without judgement is the hard part for us humans.

love and blessings in Christ,
shana