Have you ever heard the old adage, ‘Your life is God’s gift to you. What you do with your life is your gift to God.” Life is too precious to piddle it away on things we don’t even care about. But if we don’t make plans and live with intention, that is a likely outcome.
Free will is our ‘super power.’ When our will is surrendered to Jesus, He helps us use our life for others’ good and His glory! I love to spend time at the end of each year evaluating what’s worked and what hasn’t. And then I set a course for the coming year. Goals simply give direction and keep us from wandering aimlessly. If we don’t know what we’re aiming for, we won’t even know if we hit it.
So, all that said, if you want more than another round of ‘resolutions’ the video below is for you! May you enjoy this little ‘work’-shop that guides you through plans for your future. Grab a piece of paper, find a quiet spot, ask God for His presence and direction–and have FUN! Feel free to reach out for clarification or even a ‘talk through’ on points. We’re all in this life together, and we need one another.
I’d love to pray along side you as you work on your goals in the coming weeks.
God intends for His children to grow. Salvation is only the beginning of the journey. Embracing the transformation that increases our likeness to Christ requires intention and effort. In the 1500s, there was a man called St. John of the Cross – and he outlined common hindrances to growth. Humanity remains much the same from then till now – can you see pits you’ve fallen into? I sure can.
Complacency born out of pride in personal fervor, performance, and diligence.
Spiritual hunger for knowledge that does not lead to obedient action.
Un-holy attitudes of superiority and criticism towards others in name of faith.
Spiritual greediness for signs and enjoyment in religion experience.
Focus on personal satisfaction rather than humble reverence for God.
A longing for honor revealed in constant measuring of usefulness & productivity.
Weariness and a lack of perseverance that lead to despair and quitting.
Around the same era, there was a faith-filled woman known as St. Theresa of Aquila. She offers another tool for growth–she called it the ‘interior castle.’ Look at the ‘rooms’ she describes and consider where you are in building your castle. Make plans to invest in your spiritual growth in the coming year, and watch what God will do! That’s the most wonderful Christmas gift you can give to Jesus, Others, and Yourself. The key to real joy!
Feel like there’s more to life but stay busy with everyday tasks.
Seeking God through praying, sermons, books and faith friendships.
Sporadic sense of God’s presence. Efforts of kindness (that don’t require self-less love or self-surrender) become more natural.
Understand the need for the Spirit of God and His faithful love inspires greater faith–and faith-based action.
Intentional nurturing the life of God within–and intentionally surrendering self.
Intimacy with God increases and your heart shares His sufferings and concerns.
The pinnacle of the castle is oneness with God – earthly concerns are swallowed by eternal. It is living on earth while seated in heavenly places.
Discipleship is a pathway toward greater intimacy with God. You are His idea, His design, and He will help you every step of the day. Be intentional and enjoy your journey!
My apologies for the delay in sharing this – I don’t why it didn’t occur to me to do so. But it’s always the right time to focus on Jesus! Recently, the busy-ness of this world was on my heart. I felt the Lord nudge me to use video to give folks ‘short’ glimpses of Immanuel to focus hearts. So, in obedience, I’ve given it a try. The tool that frames this effort is an old tradition called the Jesse Tree.
It is a beautiful Advent-type activity that helps one follow Jesus from before time began. The videos are called ‘shorts’ which means their length is capped at three minutes. Eventually, I will develop more in-depth entries for those who desire to know more of the story. The videos are ‘kid-friendly’ but not ‘kid-designed.’ The depth of each will bless adults and can be easily distilled for children.
My prayer is that you will enjoy these–and pray for those who watch and utilize them. Merry Christmas, my friends.
Here is the Youtube channel – the Jesse Tree videos are on a playlist you can access. Below is a sample from a couple days ago.
My prayer is that you will enjoy these–and pray for those who watch and utilize them. Merry Christmas, my friends.
All relationships need communication. Many struggle to enter into conversation with God. A prayer journal offers a ‘structure’ to help you develop time with the Lord. I have used a variety of journals over the years to help me track prayer requests–and answers, dig deeper into Scripture, and find healing in the Word of God.
One of the things I love to do is help others create a prayer time structure that will help them grow in their connection to the Lord. In fact, Jesus IS life. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so we might have an abundant life. Time with Him is the only way to step into that life. He lives within anyone who asks Him to do so … the power and purpose of HIS life becomes ours for the taking.
But it doesn’t just happen. We must invest in getting to know Him — in releasing our individual opinions and demands because we PREFER HIM to ourselves. We must nurture Christ’s life within us if we ever expect it to grow.
Jesus devoted Himself to prayer – to communication with the Father. His followers asked Him how to do the same, and He responded by teaching the model prayer, “Our Father who art in heaven…” (see Matthew 6:9-13). This is often referred to as a ‘pattern prayer’ – the words are not ‘magical,’ they are outlining how to approach our heavenly Father. Using this pattern, you find that Jesus began with reverence for the Father – ‘hallowed be thy name.’ This was followed by humble confession, recognizing need for His help – ‘forgive us–feed us.’ Requesting the Father’s leading and protection in the ‘stuff of life’ comes next, and the prayer closes with the understanding that our GOOD GOD is sovereign over all.
With these concepts I mind, I often structure my prayer journals with an acrostic such as PRAY (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) or ACTS (Adore, Confess, Think/Thank, Seek). Over the years, I have compiled many resources that guide my thoughts during my time with the Lord. If you would like to build your Prayer Journal in a similar way, you will find numerous resources at this Google Drive link. May God richly bless your efforts to grow closer to Him.
For more information on deepening your prayer-life, check out the Fit Faith Prayer Workshop PDF. It provides as outline you can use personally or present at a gathering. Alternatively, please feel free to contact me to schedule a workshop for your group if you prefer. It is my joy to do so.
Frustration gave birth to my desire to try mountain climbing. In the midst of fighting to overcome the painful debilitation of bursitis in both hips, exercise was reduced to millimeter movements. It so annoyed me that I set a (ridiculous) goal of mountain climbing by my 60th birthday. It didn’t happen…but the desire didn’t leave. And finally at 61.5 I made it to the mountain! In my usual way, I had gathered some other friends of like age to join me in a goal most called foolish and unrealistic.
We met our courageous and encouraging guide with both laughter and prayers. When Tito was told we had prayed for him—and for God to use him for our adventure—he replied, “I hope God uses me every day.” And God did! May a glimpse of our mountain lessons bless you, too.
Learn to Trust Your Guide
From the first moment we met Tito, he began to encourage and reassure us. He celebrated the “courage” to try mountain climbing at an age when many experienced climbers stop climbing. On the hike to the mountain, he intentionally built our confidence. He assured us of his experience and commitment to a safe, enjoyable adventure for us. Tito conversationally shared the details that have been given attention. We learned about the strength of the rocks we would climb upon. He spoke of monitoring of the weather forecast and explained the testing of the equipment. With every word, he purposefully built the secure foundation we needed to face the mountain.
The one mile hike to the mountain offered the first challenge…and Tito attentively and patiently counseled rests as needed. He offered suggestions on how to help our bodies meet the challenge: Step on flat spots. Stop on level areas, rest tired muscles by changing angles. When we reached the side-trail that led us to the mountain, Tito instructed us to put on our helmets. A hiker passing by on the roadway called out, “I’ve hiked here twenty years and wouldn’t go up that trail.” We chuckled and took a breath and followed our guide up the steep trail with its loose rocks. Reaching the top of the trail, we had a clear view of the looming mountain.
Realize Your Guide Goes Before You
Tito led us to the place we would climb. He told us to rest as he climbed the mountain (without safety ropes) to prepare it for our safe ascent. Once the lines were in place, he explained how the equipment worked. Then he showed us how to put on our own climbing harnesses. At last, it was time to climb.
The harness was hooked to the belay device (a grigri I believe) that our guide would manage at all times. That little device saved every one of us at some point in our climb. When we lost our footing on the mountain, the device prevented a fall. We began the climb by putting our weight on it while still able to stand on a solid ledge. It gave us confidence that let us climb without fear.
Rely on the Encouragement From Another View
A community of encouragers is more powerful than we often realize. While the guide gave instructions (“move your foot to the left, there’s a toe hold there”), the encouragement from other climbers gave hope. “You’re almost there. You’re doing great.” The words mattered. You can’t see the toe holds, you can’t see how far you’ve come. You’re looking at a mountain that seems smooth and impossible. But what you see isn’t the whole story.
Life’s Mountains Need a Guide
God is our guide. He has looked at all the angles and is committed to restoring us to Himself. Rely on Him. He provides the equipment we need, and He’s tested it. Listen to his instructions and enjoy the adventure.
It could go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Without Tito as our guide we would never have made it to the mountain, let alone up the mountain. We would have given up. Choose the right guide for your adventures — but be sure to choose Jesus as your guide through this life. He will lead you to an adventurous journey to the heart of the Father. Follow Him without fear!
One of the greatest joys in serving God is watching Him grow another believer. When someone steps out of their comfort zone and into an opportunity God presents, it is a beautiful thing! The piece below touched my heart as Michelle Willson transparently shares how she responded to God’s invitation. She offers wise words of hope and wisdom that will bless you. Perhaps she will encourage you, too, to be brave and step out! God is already ahead of you – ready to use YOU to help others.
When Nancy first messaged me and asked if I might be able to do a little speaking thing for this secret sister reveal, my eyes welled up with tears, and not tears of joy… (though they should have been because it is an opportunity for Christ to show when we are weak, He makes us strong). I prefer to be a “wallflower”; I’d love nothing better than to be seated in a corner of this room, soaking in whatever wisdom someone other than myself has to share.
In fact, I was sure I had managed to successfully live my life with this aura that screams, “Do not approach this woman to speak. Ever. “Maybe it was because the request came as a text message and somehow it just felt easy to be a brave keyboard warrior and respond ummm maybe, but mostly it is because I know better than to tell God ‘no’ and it is best to Trust and Obey, so here I am.
For weeks, I’ve pondered, wondered, and prayed, asking God to show me what it is I should say. I wanted it to be something that would encourage all of you in your walk with God. But I also feel like my brain is that giant bowl of cooked spaghetti noodles twisted all up in a crazy mess of so many different directions of thought. I wonder how on earth my husband does this multiple times per week.
As I was reading my Bible this morning, a side note about PERSPECTIVE popped out at me. It says, “God’s Word will change your life. It will! And one of those changes will be in your perspective on life issues. When you focus on the Word, you will view the world and your decisions the way God views them. You will be more sensitive to the choices you are making because Scripture “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
I struggle with anxious thoughts. I struggle with negative thoughts. I struggle with fearful thoughts. I struggle mostly with looking at things through the wrong perspective. More a worldly one than a Godly one. Praise God, He’s still working on me, and I’m learning to reign in the stinkin thinkin by looking at His word:
(Philippians 4:6-8) tells us Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, WITH Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
When we put into practice looking at things as we focus on God’s Word, it makes a real difference.I have seen the difference firsthand. The days I intentionally surrender it all to Him go so much better.
When I remember we have a God who tells us to “Cast our cares on Him because He cares for us” 1Peter 5:7 (my favorite verse that got me through some hard times as a teenager).
When we look at things through an eternal perspective, we realize it is not necessary to “sweat the small stuff.“ Everything is going to be okay, because His word tells us in Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Don’t fill your mind with things that lead to nothing. Set your mind on the right things, good things. Write them down, speak the verse out loud again and again….Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
We do not need to be anxious. Philippians 4:6 & 7 tells us Be anxious for nothing.
We do not have to have that negative thinking, Romans 8:28, and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
We do not need to be fearful, 2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 13:5 He will never leave you nor forsake you Amazing, exciting, hopeful things are happening in our world. What perspective are you using to see? Praise God, we have the Hope of Heaven.
I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.
Everything in the Old Testament is for our learning. When we understand it, there is greater beauty in our present-day reality. Hebrews 9 and 10 are necessary reads to grasp ALL Jesus has done for us, but let’s start here.
In the book of Numbers, God explains how His people are to camp around the Tabernacle. Jesus at the Center of It All! Every tribe of Israel encamped around the presence of God. Their tents opened toward God. Natural life tends to close in on us — compelling us to look at the dusty details. We need to walk into each day looking at — looking for — God.
Just in case you’ve never considered the Tabernacle as a picture of Jesus, let’s do a quick walk through. But first–know that in the days of the Tabernacle, average folks didn’t do a walk through. Only the Priests walked on this Holy Ground–more on that later.
The Tabernacle proclaims Jesus from the Gate to the Holy Place. The outer court shows us The Way. The Holy Place — with the shewbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense reveals The Truth. And the Most Holy Place is true, lasting Life.
The Tabernacle had only One Entrance–a Gate. Jesus is the one and only way to the presence of God. We cannot get there on our own merits, with our own efforts. In John 6, there are several “I am…” statements of Jesus. “I am the Gate” is one.
Worshipers of God entered the Gate and encountered the Bronze Altar. Every sacrifice discussed in Scripture reveals God’s heart for relationship–with Him and with others. The two required sacrifices involve acknowledging our sin and its cost.
Sin at its core is rejecting God’s sovereignty–His right to rule. His love for us pursues our best. Sin takes us away from His love, away from what is best. In the Tabernacle days, God-seekers could only come this far into His presence. But praise Jesus:
You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.
Our privilege as believers under the new covenant–the blood of Jesus is so blessed. But let’s keep walking through the Tabernacle. The priests used the laver for cleansing themselves–preparation for serving God. We walk on Holy Ground when we seek to serve the Most High God. Psalm 24 says clean hands and a pure heart are the only way to see Jesus.
A veil separated the Holy Place…we move into that through ‘The Way‘ to learn more Truth. More of the “I am … ” statements appear here. Jesus is our sustenance – the Bread of Life. He is the Light of the World. The Word of God gives us nourishment and strength as we seek to live it in this broken world. It gives us light to walk by–and light to share.
The Lampstand gave light and heat from bowls of olive oil not candles. The wicks are said to have been the remnants of the High Priest’s holy garments worn on Yom Kippur. Revelation 19:8 says the saints have linen garments from righteous acts. Jesus calls us to an active faith in Him and guides us in our steps.
The Altar of Incense – the place of prayer. It is in prayer where we seek the presence of God. An interesting note is that the sacrificial altar was first lit by fire from God. Only God lights the fire of repentance. But it’s important to know that it was coals from that altar that were used at the altar of incense. We can’t bypass repentance and offer up prayers to a Holy God. He’s not a vending machine where we pop in a prayer and get what we want. It’s our best He desires. We can’t have the best till we allow Him to guide.
Then finally we come to the glorious presence of God Himself. As C.S. Lewis says God is not a tame lion. It is dangerous to be presumptuous with God. We are not entitled to anything from Him. Scripture tells us of people who pressed into His presence irreverently — and died. We are not to trifle with God. But He wants us to know His goodness and His power.
Jesus’ death opened the way to the presence of God. We enter into His presence only in Christ. In this portion of the Tabernacle we find the Tablets of God’s commands. Instructions on how to relate to Him and to others. Instructions for living the best life. We find Aaron’s rod – a dead piece of wood that sprouted life. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. We find manna–the miraculous provision of God.
Best of all–we come to the mercy seat. Oh, friend, how we need mercy. We’re not nearly as amazing as we’re tempted to think. Celebrate Jesus with me today, won’t you? This is a skimming of beautiful truth. It’s a topic so deep, so transforming, our whole lives are needed to begin to unpack its treasures. Here’s some links of folks who know so much more than me. And don’t forget to read about today’s reality in Hebrews 9 and 10.
This Youtube channel provides in-depth commentary on the Tabernacle, the priests and so much more.
A.W. Pink offers in-depth analysis of Scripture. His insights into the construction of the Tabernacle will deepen your understanding immensely.
Share the revelations God gives you! There is so much more than I have breezed through here. The priesthood of believers is an incredible privilege and challenge. We need each other. Let’s glorify God more today than we did yesterday–and more tomorrow than we will today.
It’s sage, old advice I’ve not heard in awhile – ‘don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.’ We all have a tendency to do that, don’t we? When our eyes focus in on the problems before us, soon the problems are all we can see.
And problems do abound. With 24-hour “news” services and social media that spouts opinion as fact, the problem load is enough to crush anyone. As believers in Christ, that is not the reality we should live in! Our belief in the Sovereignty of God eliminates the crushing and lifts us to the mountaintop.
Nothing can come into our lives without the permission of our all-powerful, all-wise, loving God. Sometimes that’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Would a good God allow a bullet to take the life of a faithful believer? Would a good God allow a drunk driver to crash into a car and kill an innocent baby? The honest, hard answer is yes. But never can life’s horrors stop God’s miraculous, over-coming victories for those who walk forward in faith.
Just like the promises to captive Israel in Jeremiah 29:11, God’s good plans for those broken by tragedy stand firm. He will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28) as His followers walk in His ways. That doesn’t mean He cancels the pain. It isn’t a promise of ease. Remember, ‘for the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross.’ The horror Jesus endured opens the way to victory for you and me. God calls His children to, like Christ, focus beyond the moment and live for eternity.
Our view is so limited here on earth – God sees from a perspective far beyond ours. His good plans from eternity past are moving to fulfillment. Don’t let the horrors of today stall your progress toward eternal victory.
The more years I live, the more I understand just how hard life is … and that tells me that eternity has more treasures than I can comprehend. There are mountains in our lives–real problems that are not just mole hills to us. God understands we are frail and made of earth’s elements. His compassion extends down, calling us to freedom–just as He did the Israelites.
God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” Exodus 3:12 NLT
Be encouraged, friend. God is in the mix of all we see! Look for Him, rely on Him. Shine His light for others to follow as you climb toward His perspective.
Does life ever discourage you? Challenges, failures, disappointments – they are part of every life. We can do our best and still end up empty. But there is an answer. There is hope.
Knowledge and effort are good things…but they don’t necessarily produce lasting results. As one who loves doing, loves work and loves learning, I can attest to the deficiencies in both. There’s only one way to a life of joy and fullness…it’s doing life with wisdom.
Only wisdom works—because wisdom starts by honoring God.
Only wisdom knows what to do—and when to do it because God directs.
So many things (in us and others) short-circuit our good intentions: pride, broken-ness, and fear to name a few. But the book of Proverbs (the wisdom literature) describes one of the greatest pitfalls of life as being a sluggard. It is Jesus who delivers us from all of these.
As I contemplate the ways of the sluggard, I sadly glimpse them in my life over the years. Check this out.
Sluggards:
Often don’t get started (Proverbs 26:14). Faith doesn’t just dream – it steps out!
Fail to finish what they do start (Proverbs 12:27). The Spirit faithfully perseveres.
Don’t face reality (Proverbs 22:18). Practicalities are factors to bring to God.
Think they know everything (Proverbs 26:16). Humility realizes human limits.
Never attain desires (Proverbs 13:14). God-given desires bring contentment.
Can you relate – procrastination, giving up, failed dreams? Every trial can move us closer to the answer if we let it. The answer isn’t trying harder, doing better–although that will happen when we invite wisdom into our lives.
Wisdom realizes everything is in God’s hands and seeks direction from God. Jesus came to give us abundant life, but we must give our all to Him to receive all He offers. This little chart helped me pull all this together, maybe it will help you too:
Eyes on Jesus – desire to please Father
Eyes on Self – desire to please YOU
Courage to face problems
Run and hide
Reach out to others
Self-isolate
Persevere
Get stuck
Generous with time, money, skills
Stingy – afraid of losing something
Give self to others
Protect yourself from hurt
That list clarifies things for me – I know how I want to live in this brief life. And I can’t do it on my own. I need Jesus – and you do too. He’s our way back to the source of life and love. And when we receive the life He offers, we live our best life here. He is present and reaching out to you. Don’t settle for a theoretical belief in Him—that’s knowledge that won’t produce lasting good. Give your all to know Him intimately.
For a simple goal sheet to set you on your way, email me at billiejoyoumans@gmail.com. And if you need a walking partner, reach out. That’s what Cross-life Coaching is all about.
Near the end of Isaiah 53, the description of the Suffering Savior, we glimpse God’s intended outcome. But first, we encounter some hard truths.
Despite His miracles, compassion, and vibrant teaching, Jesus was rejected by the world. He healed many and never harmed or deceived anyone. Yet, Jesus was numbered with the criminals by the religious and buried like a rich man by others. This world didn’t know what to do with Jesus — and still doesn’t.
Even more shocking is “God’s good plan.” Despite living life focused on His Father’s will, God’s plan was to ‘crush Him and cause Him grief.’ Now, that’s not what we expect for doing our best, is it.
Jesus trusted God to produce the BEST outcome – even in an unjust, horrific situation. He knew His perfect life was the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. Jesus willingly gave His life for you and me…and pours life into us if we’re willing to receive it.
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord ‘s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord ‘s good plan will prosper in his hands. Isaiah 53:9-10
Jesus simply lived His life to reveal to all who He was, is, and always will be. We who have accepted Him as our Savior have the privilege of being vessels of His life to our world. We are given the joy of living out God’s good plan in our small dot of time.
Salvation is the Gift OF GOD -- Does the life of Christ reside in you?
If it does not or you’re not sure, take time to reach out. I’d love to talk with you about it. If you are a believer:
Is the will of God prospering in your life?
How does your life reveal Jesus to a confused world?
This is the fifth article in a series on Isaiah 53. Previous posts include:
