Given Grace to Live for Him!

As I shared yesterday, the good news does not stop with realizing what Christ has done for us on the cross. It continues... We are not saved by the Law, but we are saved by Grace, and through Grace are thus enabled to keep the Law. 

"What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans 6:15

After that powerful thought from Ephesians about being "saved by grace through faith," which I shared yesterday, Ephesians continues: 

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10

Jesus tells us in John 15:14: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

The difference is, now we seek to keep the Law out of love, not out of fear. And we keep it only to the degree that we are willing to abide in Him. (Because it's already been determined that we can't keep it ourselves…that's why we need a Savior.) So while we may no longer be under the condemnation of the law, because Christ died for us on Calvary, we cannot do away with the law as God's law does not change. God never changes. But He has provided a remedy for our inability. 

Thus my confidence is not in my ability to keep God's law. My confidence is in Jesus.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God’s law, they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ." Great Controversy, p. 468

This has never been so clear to me as it is now. I just praise the Lord! We have to understand His Law in order to realize the significance of the Grace with which He has saved us. 

Extra: To listen to one of my favorite songs, "What about His Grace" click HERE!

Day 31 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Victorious to Live for Him
• Blessing: So thankful for Calvary…I cling to the Cross!
• Battles: To look at self instead of at Christ. If I look at myself I begin to sink, but when I cling to Him, I see hope and victory!

Should we forget the Law?

In today's emergent Christian culture there is a wide-spread tendency to do away with the "law." We've all heard it, "No longer under law, but under grace." In fact, I've seen many people use this very statement to justify breaking God's Law, because after all, "It doesn't apply to us anymore." Some of my friends call God's Law "legalism" and we all know that we are not saved by works but by grace. And so the "law," just like the baby, gets thrown out with bath water. 

But the more I study into the Word, the more I see that God's Law is just as valid today as it ever was. It has not changed and IT is not the problem. The problem is us! You see, God's Law is like a mirror…it shows us how unChristlike, how unHoly we are. Keeping the Law cannot save us. In fact, it is impossible to be saved by striving to keep the Law. One of my favorite promises is:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9

However, if we do away with God's Law, His perfect standard of righteousness, we would cease to truly value the Cross. God is Holy, His Law is Holy…neither changes. His perfect justice and perfect righteousness must stand true, else He would not be God, because He would be denying His own unchanging character. (Mal. 3:6, Ex. 3:14, Heb. 13:8) However, in the Cross, the penalty for our breaking His perfect Law is vindicated in the death of His perfect Son, who stands in our un-perfect place. We are unrighteous, we have broken His Law. He is righteous, He perfectly kept and fulfilled the Law. He paid the price! And this victory He has given to each one of us! 

Wow! Now that is goooooooood news!

However, the good news doesn't stop there… (To be continued tomorrow! :-)

Day 30 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: The Law drives me to the Cross - where I find salvation!
• Blessing: God is bringing healing to this household! PTL!
• Battle: To not trust my own righteousness (which I always want to do), and instead to keep my trust in His righteousness. 

The Terrifying Truth

Does the thought ever terrify you that God is good and we are not? This is a question that Paul Washer asked, and it has me really thinking. To be honest, it's never terrified me before, but maybe it should.

"But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness." Isa. 5:16

We know that holy and unholy, light and darkness, sinlessness and sinfulness do not mix. (2 Cor. 6:14) So what does a righteous God do with unrighteous people? Again, I may have felt like I wasn't really that bad, but in Romans 3 we are told: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:10,23

I, you, all of us have fallen short…ummmmm…..very short!!!!!

So what does this mean? In the devotional Faith and Works I am sobered:

"The day of God’s vengeance cometh—the day of the fierceness of His wrath. Who will abide the day of His coming? Men have hardened their hearts against the Spirit of God, but the arrows of His wrath will pierce where the arrows of conviction could not. God will not far hence arise to deal with the sinner. Will the false shepherd shield the transgressor in that day? Can he be excused who went with the multitude in the path of disobedience? Will popularity or numbers make any guiltless? These are questions which the careless and indifferent should consider and settle for themselves." Faith and Works, p. 33

Rather than sharing more encouragement from scripture or trying to answer this question myself (it really is quite deep and it's something we all need to study out for ourselves), I'd like to share a powerful short YouTube where Paul Washer beautifully answers the above question and challenge:

It's called the Terrifying and Exciting Reality of the Cross

This is my Morning Sonshine for today! And it's well worth the contemplation…So don't pass this by. You really gotta watch this! I've never seen it expressed so clearly!

Day 29 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Do we truly understand the TRUTH of the Cross?
• Blessing: God has sent the rain and our lake is full. PTL!
• My Battles: That I may know and understand the fullness of this GOSPEL! 

[Note: I have a huge writing project I need to finish, so I'm taking a few days away from my computer and it's constant distraction. So the next few posts I've prepared in advance over this topic that I've been studying. It's very fascinating and something we all need to study out for ourselves and not just leave to our parents and teachers. If anyone has input on anything that I've shared, I welcome comments. I've honestly only been sharing a few treasures from the surface of this vast and deep topic…a topic which we are told we will continue to study even throughout eternity!]

I nailed Him to that Cross!

I always thought I was a pretty good girl. I mean, yeah, I have had the normal selfish sinful tendencies like everyone else, but I didn't really do anything that bad. At least I never thought I did.

However, as time has gone by and as I study the cross of Christ more and more, the uglier and more despicable I and my sins become. And the awful truth hits me: I nailed Him to that Cross! 

It's down right disheartening, and sometimes I wonder how He could have even wanted to die for such a sinner like me. No, I may not have murdered my neighbor or bowed down before a golden image, but there are a thousand other sins I've committed that are much worse. Even my years of lukewarm Christian apathy and indifference towards the many that have been dying around me is a sin worthy of death. "Oh Lord, how much I must have broken your heart! Am I still breaking your heart today?" More and more these questions and realizations bring me to my knees in shame. And as I come to Him each day, the confessions of my heart grow deeper and more real.

"O wretched [woman] that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Rom. 7:24

However, once again, I'm so thankful that He came to save sinners such as I. And the promise continues:

"I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 7:25

The following passage I've seen before, but I just stumbled upon it again in my devotions. How encouraging…here we are told that the fact that we see ourselves more clearly shows that the Holy Spirit is getting through.   

"The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in distinct contrast with his perfect character. Be not discouraged; this is an evidence that Satan’s delusions are losing their power, that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you, and that your indifference and ignorance are passing away." Bible Echo, December 1, 1892

"Lord, please continue to wipe the cobwebs of sin from my eyes. May I understand what you have done for me, and may I not break your heart anymore."

EXTRA - to pray through a good heart challenge, read the "Beauty of Brokenness." I'm still working and praying over this one!

Day 28 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: The more sinful we seem, the more evidence that God is at work in our hearts! PTL!
• Blessing: I'm just praising the Lord that He came to save those like ME that nailed Him to that tree!
• Battles: I'm also praying I never loose sight of the Cross or of His sacrifice for ME! Because frankly, growing up and being immersed in the culture of "Christianity" the significance of the Cross easily gets lost. Intellectually I understand, but it doesn't touch my heart like it does for those that understand it for the very first time. I'm praying God will break my heart even MORE so that I can understand His LOVE even more!

Dare to ask for MORE

The cry of my heart for quite some time has been "Lord, I want MORE of you! I don't even know what to ask for, but I just know I need more!" 

One of my very favorite promises is Ephesians 3:20: 

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." Eph. 3:20 

So as I've been claiming this promise, it suddenly occurred to me recently that I should start asking for that "exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think" gift. I mean, I don't know what to ask for, but obviously God has more blessings that He could give, if I just believed and asked. So with that thought in mind, I have literally started praying, "God, I don't even know what that exceeding abundantly above blessing is…but I'm asking for it. I want the blessing that I don't even know how to ask for!"

Well, this morning I was crying out to God, literally in tears, for this blessing. As I pray, I often have my Bible in my hands, and I will thumb through it looking for different promises to claim in my prayers. (Praying the Word is such a powerful experience, and it has given me so much more strength and confidence in prayer!) Anyway, I hadn't opened my Bible yet, but I was just holding it and praying. Then, realizing I needed promises to stand upon, I opened my Bible. With no thought or intent on my part, it opened randomly to Jeremiah 32 and 33. Two promises that I had previously underlined just jumped out at me. Then the tears really started flowing as I realized what God was saying to me. He was telling me… "Some may think you are crazy…but what you are asking for really is possible, I can do it! See here, I've already promised it!"

So here's the promises He gave me:

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jer. 32:27

And if that wasn't enough, check out the next promise.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jer. 33:3

Did you catch that? He says if we call upon Him, He will show us great and mighty things which we do not know!

This verse I have read dozens of times. In fact, I like it so much I have it written in the walls of my home. And yet after reading it all these years, I just caught the significance. He's telling us… "I have so much MORE I want to give you, so much MORE than you can even imagine. But you have to ask for it! You have to ask for MORE!"

One of my favorite authors writes:

"We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 507, 508 

"God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach...There is opened before us a path of continual advancement. We have an object to reach, a standard to gain which includes everything good and pure and noble and elevated. There should be continual striving and constant progress onward and upward…" Heavenly Places, p. 141

"Lord, I continue to hold on asking you for MORE! I don't know what to ask for, but I know it's above anything that I can even think. So you must work and bless according to your will! All I ask is that you give me MORE then I even know how to ask for!"

Day 27 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: He really does promise MORE
• Blessing: My mom's health is improving. And God is continuing to answer some specific prayers I've been praying.
• Battles: To not settle, but to keep moving forward…onward and upward! As Eric Ludy says, "Never pitch your tent!" That is my challenge…I will not pitch my tent and set up camp. I will keep moving forward asking for exceeding abundantly MORE!

What Gold Mine are we sitting on?

In Haggai 2:8 we are told: "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts."

Have you ever wished that God would share just a little of that gold and silver with you? Well, He has actually! The problem is that sometimes it just takes a long time for us to discover it!

The Bible says: "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Ps. 12:6
However, what if God has not just given us a little gold and silver! What if He's given us a whole gold mine??

My friend Eric, brought this analogy home to my heart in a new way this past week with his inspiring message: "The Five Arts of Intimacy." He talked about the intimacy that we can have in marriage and more importantly the intimacy we should have in our relationship with Christ. It's a message that you really have to listen to, to get the full impact. But let me plant a couple thoughts in your mind that he shared which I have been meditating upon.

First, in Gen. 2:10-12 we are told: "And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasses the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good."

Here's how Eric applies it, with a personal letter from God!

The Gold Mine: It starts with a gift, a promise, and commission: 

My Son, Eric, 

Herein lies the deed to the Havilah Gold Mine. It’s yours. 100% yours. This mine is guaranteed to yield. Though at times it may appear to have run dry, I promise you that there will always be a fresh vein of gold to follow. You must look for it. Study it. Get to know it. And, never, and I mean never,

will you go without. If you seek gold, you shall find gold. This mine will certainly reward you if you diligently seek it’s riches.

You are penniless and unable to support the high calling you have received on your own earthly salary. I understand this, and therefore, have bequeathed you this mine as the means of financially supporting the gargantuan assignment I have given you. As your Father, I heartily exhort you, even command you, to not take this mine for granted, nor to forsake its great wealth. Mining is difficult work, and no doubt there will be times in which you desire to see if your own measly paycheck can sustain you. I assure you now, that it will not, and never will be able to. So, quit yourself like a man, Eric, and go to work. If you heed my directive and embrace this high calling, you will have riches to spare.

I’m eager to witness how you steward this grand gift I’ve entrusted you! 

Your beloved Father, Abba

The cool thing is that Eric isn't the only one that God gave a gold mine too! We may think it when we hear his messages. And as I've gotten to know he and Leslie personally, I sometimes have wondered if I could ever have rich discoveries like they do. But they are not alone. God has given this gift to each of us. The difference is, some of us are digging…and the rest of us are just sitting around watching. 

My prayer today:

"Lord, help me to dig and keep digging…and never give up digging in this amazing gold mine you've given me!"

God's reply:

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Prov. 2:3-6

Day 26 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Let's take advantage of this Gold Mine we've inherited from heaven!
• Blessing: God is continuing to surprise me with beautiful treasures in His Word!
• Battle: Praying that God will help me to encourage others to start digging…and not get frustrated because so many aren't!

Upheld in His Hands...

Victory day...How sweet it is! :-) Today God woke me up at again 3:00 am, and I was so thankful for another chance to get up to watch and pray. Thankfully today was not a struggle (as yesterday was) and my heart and mind were entirely devoted to the One I love!

What do we do though, when we miss the mark or don't do what God is asking us to do? From my experience, when this happens, the devil always tries to tempt me to despair, and he begins to remind me of all the other times I've failed. Earlier in my Christian experience, whenever I would find myself in this downtrodden state, I would wallow in my struggles bemoaning how far away I was from where I should be. And deeper I would sink. But I've learned that I cannot wallow, and I must NEVER listen to the devils voice or suggestions. As soon as I fall, I cry for help and run to my Savior! That's what I did yesterday, and that's what I will do again today if he tries to trip me up or get me down.

In Psalm 37:23,24 we are told:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."

Praise the Lord that He upholds us in His hands. (Isn't that a wonderful thought?)  However God's promises don't stop there. They don't just hold us when we fall. They go a step further. They promise that they are able to keep us from falling! Now that's a radical promise…especially if you have a past like mine. ;-)

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." Jude 1:24,25

God is able and more then able…and if He said it, He must have a way for it to happen. (I think some of that must have to do with learning to "watch and pray!") For now though, let's just remember…although sometimes we may get discouraged, the same God that started the work in our heart will complete it. That is good news!

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:6

So here's to another beautiful Sonshine (spelling intended to glorify the Son of Righteousness) day! :-)

Day 25 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Thankful to be held safely in His hands…even when I fall!
• Blessing: Today is my official adoption day…to my Holland family! I am very blessed to have such godly mentors in my life! 
• Battles Won: I'm still walking in the Lord despite many past failings… and today was a day of victory! PTL! 

Sleep or Pray?

I don't know about you…but I really do like my sleep! And although God wakes me up pretty early most of the time…I have to admit, it's not always easy making the decision to get up. 

Today was one of those days. God woke me up at 4:30 am, but I told him, "I just need a little more sleep. I'll make it up to you later during the morning." Well, I couldn't go back to sleep. Despite being sleepy, I kept tossing and turning and this verse kept coming to my mind, "Can you not watch one hour? Watch and pray! Watch and pray!" So, at 5 am, I stopped fighting the promptings of His Spirit, and I got up. "Lord, please help me!" I prayed. I washed my face in cold water and then knelt down by my window looking up at the stars as I began to pray. However, I have to admit, devotions were a struggle as I continued to battle sleepiness and my mind wasn't all there. (And part of the reason is that I allowed myself to stay up late last night…so of course today my body didn't want to cooperate with what God was calling me to do!) 

Because of the struggles this morning I intended to go back and take more time with God right after I'd completed my family duties. (At least that's what I intended.) However, something I didn't plan for happened. Suddenly two big unexpected challenges hit me square on. When they arrived, I hadn't had time yet to return to my time with God, and I wasn't prepared as I should have been. I found myself inadequate and feeble…realizing that I hadn't properly put His armor on. 

How many of us have often had this same experience? If we know that we have a test tomorrow, we prepare…but if we don't know, we think things are going to be ok, so we usually aren't as worried. However, most of the time during routine life…we don't know what test will lie ahead. We don't know what challenge the enemy is planning to bring our way. That's why we hear God's Spirit prompting us to "watch and pray."

Jesus and his disciples once were facing a great challenge…a challenge that would affect not just 12 men, but the whole world! Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray. Then he went a little bit away to pray himself, with great heaviness of heart. However, when He came back, He found them sleeping.

In Matthew 26:40-43 we are told: "And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy." 

So he let them sleep this time, and He continued to pray!

Well, the test did come! Jesus was falsely accused and carried away…and his disciples fled, all but Peter. He followed his Master to see what would happen. But then, when questioned if he was with Jesus, he denied it. Not once, but three times!

In the book Desire of Ages, Ellen White writes: "It was in sleeping when Jesus bade him watch and pray that Peter had prepared the way for his great sin. All the disciples, by sleeping in that critical hour, sustained great loss." pages 712-714

So…are we preparing for the greater trials ahead, or are we preparing for great loss? Are we watching and praying? Or are we just too sleepy?

Lord have mercy! Help us to stay awake and learn to pray!

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak!

Day 24 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Lord, Help us to watch and pray!
• Blessing: God is a God of mercy…and even in my weakness, He is proving Himself strong! 
• Battle Lost/Battle Won: I may have been caught unawares this morning, but thru the promptings of a friend that called to pray, God's reminded me if I listen to His voice, I can be victorious in the coming trials tomorrow and the rest of today. 

Truly there is an important reason when God says "watch and pray."

With wings as Eagles...

Today started at 3:30 am! It's just amazing to me how God works and how He keeps supplying divine strength. I've been sick for awhile with a terrible cough…still am actually. However, every time I allow God to wake me up early (rather than lazily sleeping in so that I can take care of my body), I really do feel like I am physically strengthened and enabled. Today was one of those days that Isaiah 40:31 really did come true.


"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:31

There's a lot I could share from this morning's 3 hours that I had with my Heavenly Sonshine, but I'd like to reflect on the Eagle for a moment. Why? Because not only did God give me eagle's strength today…but He allowed me to see not just one, but FOUR eagles close up not far from where we live - a RARE TREAT! (You can see one of those pictures to the left, taken just a few miles from our home!)

There is so much that we can learn from the eagle. One thing of significance is that it seeks to fly above the storms. We've all heard this, but let's pause and consider again.

"The eagle of the Alps is sometimes beaten down by the tempest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. Storm clouds shut in this mighty bird of the forest, their dark masses separating her from the sunny heights where she has made her home. Her efforts to escape seem fruitless. She dashes to and fro, beating the air with her strong wings, and waking the mountain echoes with her cries. At length, with a note of triumph, she darts upward, and, piercing the clouds, is once more in the clear sunlight, with the darkness and tempest far beneath. So we may be surrounded with difficulties, discouragement, and darkness. Falsehood, calamity, injustice, shut us in. There are clouds that we cannot dispel. We battle with circumstances in vain. There is one, and but one, way of escape. The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God’s light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith." Education, p. 118

"God, I'm asking today that you'd take me above the storms of life with wings of faith! Help me continue to rise up with wings as eagles, looking to you for my strength!"

Day 23 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Praying for wings like Eagles to rise above the storms in faith!
• Blessing: Mom is doing better after treatments
• Battle: To "watch and wait" and not run ahead of God's plans!

NOTE: For those interested, here's an EXTRA blurb and INSIDE PEEK into my devotional routine. Thought this might help explain why I do some things the way I do! :-)

How Could I possibly manage 3:30am???

I have a pretty strict policy about using my alarm clock. (Except when I have to be up for the airport!) I never set it as I want God to wake me up in the morning when He wants me to get up…so every night I go to sleep I pray that He will wake me up when He wants me up. Sometimes it's 3am, sometimes it's 4am, and sometimes He knows I need the extra sleep, which is a blessing, and He allows me to sleep in…which may mean 6am! However, when He gives me the extra sleep I know that it means He's wanting me to spend more time with Him during the day. So…if I sleep in (after I've taken care of my grandma and family needs) usually all morning will be spent having my devotions and time with Him…which will mean I may have less time for work, but I will end up being twice as productive with the afternoon. I just keep asking Him to direct my schedule, and whatever He asks me to do, He always gives me strength for! Supernaturally amazing!!!! ;-) 

Secondly, there's not really rhythm or reason to what I choose to share here!

My daily devotional thoughts may appear a bit random…and I guess they are to a certain extent. The reason is, I am doing a number of things all at once in my studies. I'm seeking to read thru the Bible along with the Revived By His Word initiative. (This is giving me great historical review of the Bible, and also bringing old stories from the Bible back to new life, and all the commentary that everyone shares is sooo enlightening and encouraging! If you need a daily Bible reading plan, try the "Revived By His Word" plan!!!!! It's awesome!) I'm also in the process of studying out different topics for different ministry purposes. So one day I'll be researching this topic, or another day, that topic. (And most of this work is not necessarily in my morning devotions, but just throughout the day as I work on projects, articles, e-mails, or more. But sometimes I do share "Morning Sonshine" devotional thoughts from these studies.) However, my first focus in my daily devotions is not for some new knowledge or insight, but that I may KNOW HIM! This is my prayer each morning… "God, please help me to get to know YOU better today!"As I do this, He brings different topics to my mind each day that I need to focus on…(like the "Cross" "His Glory" "Servanthood" "Forgiveness" "Wisdom" "Baptism by Fire" "End Time Preparation" etc) so I'll be jumping around in the Bible as He inspires me, doing cross-referencing, looking up quotes in inspired authors, and on. Usually I will spend hours in my devotions (both prayer and study), and as a result, I feel like I'm pulling up gold reservoirs quicker than I can share them. In fact, I've realized I can't possibly share everything that inspires me, so I've been picking and choosing here and there…and sometimes I'll have a whole week's worth of thoughts I want to share, just from one day's study. (That's kinda how the "Walking" series came about in the beginning - they were basically thoughts that God gave me during one days worth of study.) Anyway…while I do plan ahead a little here and there when I'm traveling and I know that I wont have good Internet access, or I plan ahead when I need a "God & I vacation time AWAY from my computer," most of my thoughts are just a few tidbits from different aspects of my studies as I go along day by day. I have no idea what I'll be sharing tomorrow… and I have no idea what will be next month. But that's the exciting adventure of it all! My Vit. B-3 challenge is to just keep sharing…CONSISTENTLY! 

And last…well, I guess I already told you…but whatever you are reading right now today probably happened yesterday! So don't get confused by my posting times! ;-) 

Hopefully this inside peek helps whoever is reading understanding these posts better, and also encourages you to keep digging for that gold that only God can bring!! It's worth it, even if you loose a little extra sleep and let Him get you up at 3am!!!! ;-) 

Where is my Faith?

I have a computer that is dying…so I cannot write much for todays post. But these are two things I am meditating on today… what kind of FAITH do I have? And where is my faith…in myself, circumstances, or in God's Word?????

"According to your faith be it unto you.” Matt. 9:29 

The quote below is one of my favorite on prayer:

“It was because Elijah was a man of large faith that God could use him in this grave crisis in the history of Israel. As he prayed, his faith reached out and grasped the promises of Heaven, and he persevered in prayer until his petitions were answered. He did not wait for the full evidence that God had heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their sphere of activity in God’s service… Faith such as this is needed in the world today—faith that will lay hold on the promises of God’s word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears.” Prayer, p. 138

Lord, please give me FAITH like Elijah! I will NOT let go until you answer!!!! 

Day 22 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

Bible Thought: Where is my Faith

Blessing: God is sending me money for a new computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Battle: Still need to trust Him for the bigger needs!

Task for today? Do my best!!

Each morning I pray about what God wants me to do that day. Of course, I have my agenda, and I have my plans, but sometimes He changes those things. Today as I look at the coming week, I'm overwhelmed at all that I need to get done, yet I'm reminded that all He asks is that I do my best in the work that lies nearest.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecl. 9:10

So often, we settle for the easy road…we settle for less then what God plans for us. But sometimes, we also seek the most prestigious road, because we want the status and acclaim. We need to be careful to avoid both these extremes.

Here's a motivation quote that I could imagine from the late Zig Ziglar, or someone like that:

"Many do not become what they might, because they do not put forth the power that is in them. They do not, as they might, lay hold on divine strength. Many are diverted from the line in which they might reach the truest success. Seeking greater honor or a more pleasing task, they attempt something for which they are not fitted. Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling, is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician. There are others, again, who might have filled a responsible calling, but who, for want of energy, application, or perseverance, content themselves with an easier place. We need to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for the indications of His providence…" Education, p. 267

These are what we are told, ensure the safe choice of life and occupation!

So today…let us do the best at the work that lies nearest, commit our ways to God, and watch for indications of His providence!

Happy Monday everyone!

Day 21 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: Do my BEST with what God gives me today!
• Blessing: God is opening some more doors in ministry! Prayers are being answered!!
• My Battle: To be temperate with my health and sleep. I'm a woman of extremes sometimes… I work hard, and I pray hard. But I've got to learn to take care of myself in the process… (This is my conscience speaking!… Wait, or was that my mother speaking?)

Behold what manner of love...

I wake up with a smile upon my face and a song upon my heart…

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [and daughters] of God." I John 3:1

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8

What wonderous love…it is literally like the warmth of the morning sunshine, flooding my heart with joy. But how can I keep such love to myself? I simply cannot. He pours upon us that we may pour upon others... 

From one of my favorite books, The Desire of Ages, which is a compilation on the life of Christ, I read:

"Divine love has been stirred to its unfathomable depths for the sake of men, and angels marvel to behold in the recipients of so great love a mere surface gratitude. Angels marvel at man’s shallow appreciation of the love of God. Heaven stands indignant at the neglect shown to the souls of men. Would we know how Christ regards it? How would a father and mother feel, did they know that their child, lost in the cold and the snow, had been passed by, and left to perish, by those who might have saved it? Would they not be terribly grieved, wildly indignant? Would they not denounce those murderers with wrath hot as their tears, intense as their love? The sufferings of every man are the sufferings of God’s child, and those who reach out no helping hand to their perishing fellow beings provoke His righteous anger." The Desire of Ages, p. 825

My prayer today… "Oh Father, help me to share this love that you have so richly poured upon me!"

Day 20 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: His love is amazing, and we are meant to share it!
• Blessing: God is continuing to provide for my daily needs in some very specific ways. (Can't share details here though.)
• Battles: God is giving me victory…but oh, I need so much more! It's a daily battle to allow Him to be my defender so that I can be His overcomer. When I try to fight the battles in my own strength, I loose every time. 

Will we stand in the gap for our brother?

I've recently started following the story of Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American/Iranian that is being held in prison because of his faith. He wasn't even doing anything illegal in Iran, but had gone back to visit his family and assist with an orphanage that he started a few years ago. However, without divine intervention, he could literally loose his life for his faith. His case has been transferred to a judge that is notorious for violating human rights and who has sent many to the gallows to hang. Right now things are very unsure about his future.  And his case is to be decided in court this January 21st, 2013.  (After being imprisoned for over 3 months, his attorney was just allowed access to his court details and charges this past week. Already justice has been abused, and he has admitted to being tortured during interrogation. However, he's also shared that his faith is stronger than ever, and He can feel the prayers of those that are praying.)

His story has made me think of the many times throughout the Bible when God's people have been falsely imprisoned and persecuted. It's kinda rare for us here in the Western world, but it's still very much a reality for many believers around the world. 

So how could we help this pastor, someone who we don't even know personally, and someone that is on the other side of the world outside practically of all human control? 

Well, many are signing petitions to give pressure to the Iranian government to release Him. (I signed as well!) But God has really laid it upon my heart to pray for him! I know that thousands of people are watching his case, and even the US State Department is starting to take some action on his behalf. I also believe there are many people praying…but I wonder, how many are REALLY praying for Him? It's much easier to be a spectator and gossiper then a true prayer warrior for someone in need. After all, what can we really do? Well, I don't think we can do anything… but I'm praying God will do something because we prayed!

Here's the verses I've been meditating on today:

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: "         Isa. 59:16

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."       Ezek. 22:30

Of course, we know that God does not want to destroy this man…but Satan does. So we are praying that the Lord will make up a hedge to deliver him from the destroyer. I keep thinking, what if this man were my father? What if he were my brother? How earnest would I be? 

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." II Chron. 16:9

Because Iran is ahead of us time wise, I'm going to take this Sunday (January 20th, 2013) for specific prayer and fasting on Pastor Saeed's behalf, and I invite you to join me.

To read more of the updates on his story, click HERE.

Day 19 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: We need to be more serious Intercessors for each other!
• Blessing: My Grandma is still well, and hasn't caught our sickness. PTL!
• Battles: Still praying to be a consistent blessing and a servant to my family. Mom still needs to regain health. I am doing better myself.  

He makes us White as Snow!

Remember those new layers of the "Onion of Sin" that God needs to peel away from our hearts?

Well, as I have been studying and praying over these last few days about what it means to "walk with God" in successful ministry, I've felt the "search light" of God's Word probing deeper and deeper. I have to admit, it hasn't been easy. Especially as He's shown me, it's not just about my actions and about appearing righteous before my fellow men (and women). It's about being righteous! Did you catch that? 

It matters not what we look like to the world around us! What matters to God is who we are, what is on the inside?

"For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." I Sam. 16:7

I keep asking myself (like I mentioned on January 4th),  what if God came to visit me in person, what if I knew He was coming to look over the records of Melody's life today? (Ummm… I start squirming just thinking about it!) 

We are told:

"The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin. A man may be a law-breaker in heart; yet if he commits no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the world as possessing great integrity. But God’s law looks into the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment." Christ Object Lessons, p. 316

As a result, all I can do is cry out: "Lord save me or I perish!"

Thankfully, He doesn't come to punish me…He comes to save me!

As I look out my window at the beautiful newly fallen snow, I'm reminded of all that Christ has done for me. And as I'm convicted afresh of my sins, I'm reminded of His promise which is fresh for me today: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18

Day 18 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: I have many sins, but He makes them white as snow!
• Blessings: He's answering my cry and taking me deeper!
• Battles Won: He's giving me strength today to get up early to spend time with Him!

Are we "Fans" or "Followers"?

A little while back a friend introduced me to this book called NOT a Fan, by Kyle Idleman.

The book talks about how many Christians while professing to be followers of Christ really are just FANS! They know the stories of Jesus. They know the facts of the Bible. They do the good works of the Bible, but they haven’t truly surrendered their ALL to the God of the Bible!!

The whole concept of Fan versus Follower has gotten me thinking a lot about my own walk with God. Where do I stand? Who am I truly living for? Have I truly surrendered my all?? I mean, God knows my heart…and He knows I'm sincere…but yet, as He keeps bringing new things to my attention, I feel like I keep discovering more and more layers of the "Onion of Sin" in my heart which keep emerging to be purified and peeled away. Sometimes this can be rather disheartening… and yet I know that God allows this because He wants to save me. And "sin" of any variety, size, shape, culture, or form cannot exist and live in the presence of God. So this means, pretty much all of us have got some serious house cleaning and soul searching to do!

When I began this blog, about 17 days ago, I titled it "Morning Sonshine" to reflect the warmth of God's Son-shine that He sends us each day in His Word. As one friend told me when he first stopped by, "Your blog looks like a happy place to visit!" And in my heart, I intended for it to be just that: a happy place to visit; a place where I could share encouragement and hope for those who came to read. However, as you've probably noticed by now, it's not just a "happy place to visit" but it's becoming a convicting place to visit. And this is because much of my daily journey is about being more deeply  convicted of my need for more of Jesus! 

Todays blog is a bit longer than most, but let's reflect on this Fan versus Follower a bit more!

So what did Jesus come to do for us anyway??

It seems much of Christianity today is targeted to entertain us and make us happy. But as I read through God's Word, I find that Jesus didn't just come to inspire us and make us His fans. He came to change us and remake us into true dedicated Followers.

• FANS don’t mind if Jesus makes some minor changes in our lives, but Jesus wants to turn our lives UPSIDE DOWN! (Ummm…. are we ready for this?)
• FANS don’t mind Jesus doing some touch-up work, but He wants to do complete renovation! (But wait…I don't know about you, but I kinda like the way my life is arranged right now!)
• FANS come to Jesus thinking tune-up, but Jesus is thinking complete overhaul! (Yeah, in my opinion… if He just "tuned-up" a few things…there's really not much more I need!)
• FANS think a little decorating is required, but Jesus wants to do complete REMODEL! (Really, this is a bit extreme, don't you think? I like the way I've learned to live my life…I'm pretty successful at it. Of course, I know I could improve, but Jesus…. you want to tear it all down and start completely over?)

But wait a second…is this just about being a "Jesus Fan" or am I willing to be a completely dedicated all-my-heart-in Follower??? This is a tough question, even for a seasoned dedicated Christian like myself? (Ouch! Looks like I've still got some pride and arrogance that need to be cleaned away!) 

So, what does it really mean to walk with Jesus?

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 16:25

I have to admit, I still don't think I know what it means to truly follow Jesus…but I'm asking Him to teach me. And even though it's not always comfortable, I know that His way is the better way. 

We are told in the inspiring book The Desire of Ages:

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the purpose they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. Of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." p. 224

So am I just a fan…or am I willing to take up my cross and Follow…no matter the cost? 

Day 17 - Vit. B-3 Challenge

• Bible Thought: I need to stop being a FAN and become a True Follower!
• Blessing: God is showing me things I need to surrender as He takes me deeper!
• My Battle: I need Him to help me keep focused so I don't get distracted. Even if I wake up late and can't take the time I need with Him before I go care for my grandma (which has been my struggle this week), I have to keep everything else (e-mails, text messages, ministry work) aside until I've gone and had that needed time with Him. It's not as easy after the day has started, and sometimes I feel like it takes me all morning to catch up…but God has been showing me, I cannot compromise! I must make my daily time with Him a priority! There are a thousand ways the devil tries to distract me, but I'm learning if I make Him first…He makes up the difference all throughout rest of the day!