WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Phil 4:13

Today's WFW is especially for my eldest daughter. She had a morning filled with disappointment and struggled greatly with making the choice to rejoice in this day, even though her heart felt otherwise. I challenged her to focus on the Lord and His Word, reciting Scripture instead of dwelling on the matter that is making her sad. She asked if I would "do my thing" to this particular verse, so that she could have it with her when she arrives home this afternoon.

This WFW is for my daughter, but it is also for me, too. There is not a day, nor even a moment, when I have mastered the process of holding my thoughts captive unto Christ. I'm learning more and more that the battle of our emotions really does begin in our mind and hearts. The only thing that will win is God and His Word. I don't want to be ruled by my emotions. I want to be ruled by God and His Word.

This morning, watching my daughter battle the same tendency to give up her life to her feelings, reminded me how clearly that is not what God intends for us. It is a choice. It is the hard thing. But to live by truth -- Jesus -- and not emotional response to circumstances, is the better way to do this thing called life.

I pray that the truth that we can do everything in Him who gives us strength, will be just the reminder you need in your day today, too.

Blessings,

Swing by Amy's for more WFW verses!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ 2 Cor 5:17

In my random and haphazard method of reading through the Bible, I have found myself in 2 Corinthians this week. What a joy to see Biblical truths that I've heard and adjusted my life to, yet did not realize their significant location in Scripture or the context in which they were communicated. This verse, in particular, has been one that I've clung to for my entire Christian walk, so when I stumbled on it this morning, I was especially blessed. I pray that you, too, will be encouraged in the Word today and claim this very truth, that in Christ, you are a new creation--it is God's design for your life. May you take hold of it!

2 Corinithian 5:17-20

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconcilation."

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Wordfilled Wednesdays ~ John 8:36

This verse fits so well with the post I shared earlier this week. (Tricia thought so, too, and hadn't even known that I had already set up this graphic -- now that is cool!). I am thankful to have the computer and time to record the mighty lessons the Lord is teaching me. I pray that you will have the same opportunity to reflect on the glory and purpose of the Lord in your life today, and be reminded that in Christ, you are free indeed!

Thanks for stopping by WFW.

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WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Psalm 71:14-15

Psalm 71:14-15

14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.

For this week's WFW, I am inspired by the verse that Tricia selected for use her blog from Psalm 71. As I worked on her design, I kept thinking about this Scripture, which was very unfamiliar to me. The part that struck me was "though I will not know its measure." I've wondered if it is referring to righteousness or salvation, yet in either regard, it is true. In my little human mind, I can hardly fathom the righteousness of God nor the power of His salvation in it's fullest measure. This verse leaves me awed, of God. I am thankful to the Lord that He brought Tricia's blog into my life to work on, and left me with a new perspective of Himself.

Thanks for stopping by WFW.

Head over to Amy's to visit more posts about God's Word!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Phil 4:6

The theme at Extravagant Grace this week is all about prayer, in honor of The National Day of Prayer on Thursday. This verse from Philippians has been one my treasured verses, reminding me to pray, with a heart of thanksgiving, unto the Lord. It seemed appropriate to choose it for Wordfilled Wednesday today.

May you be blessed in your prayer life and find encouragement from the Word today.

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Romans 15:5-6

The Experiencing God study concluded yesterday, but the call to live out a Christian life of obedience to the Lord is ongoing. I am truly thankful to have had this opportunity not only to study EG a second time, but to do it with the body of Christ. I am more and more convinced that our spiritual walk must be in partnership with other believers -- it is Biblical and beneficial.

Yesterday, Chip Ingram, of Living on the Edge ministries, preached a great message unpacking some of up the benefits of being in fellowship, entitled, " Ancient Paths to Intimacy with God - Getting Hugs from an Invisible God, Part 1." Being intimately connected with the body of Christ is one way God outstretches is strong arms and wraps them around us. Yes, indeed, I have found that to be true, and after hearing this message at the conclusion of the study of EG, I am determined to give more attention and prayer to the body of Christ in my community and church. I pray you will do the same!

This particular verse is one that a special, dear, loving woman in my study committed to praying for our church. I'm joining her in that endeavor and I pray you will to -- for your own church and for the body of Christ in your community.

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Hebrews 10:24-25

The End! Can you believe it? I'm just beginning the last week of Henry Blackaby's, Experiencing God. Twelve weeks. Twelve units. Twelve verses to memorize. Each one looking at the dynamics of our individual relationship with the Lord, how we respond to God's calling on our lives, the dimensions of love and intimacy under the headship of Christ, with God and the body of believers.

This study has been a wild ride, even more so this second time through. I've come to understand another level of the love God is calling me to give to others and to receive from Him, which has confirmed the Live, Love, Laugh theme of this year. I've also been challenged in two different ways to trust God and obey in unlikely ways. One was with a health concern and the other was in the big decision that I'll be able to announce in few weeks. No it is not a book deal or speaking opportunity, and I'm okay with that, too!

As I reflected on this verse this morning, I realized I'm blessed to see this instruction from the Lord in action. I've witnessed both the benefit of meeting, and the risk of forsaking that, with the members of my Tuesday morning Bible study. I've also experienced great joy in fellowshipping over the long haul (now over three years) with my Friday night small group. The intimacy with these brothers and sisters in Christ is profound. And just yesterday, as I worked my way through reading 8 in 2008 participants (and continue to do so, please be patient with me!), I saw how our accountability to check in each month has become a sort of fellowship full of encouragement and of great benefit to one another. (If you haven't participated, I challenge you to jump right now! Read this post about 8 in 2008, pray about your list, share with us anytime this month, and be blessed beyond measure when you check-in on May 8th!)

God calls us to fellowship for our benefit. Let's take hold of this instruction wholeheartedly, and continue to use Wordfilled Wednesday in just this way, touching lives through out the blogosphere with His truth, love, and extravagant grace.

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

P.S. The illustration is originally from Crossmap.com, a great find for Christian desktop wallpapers.

Wordfilled Wednesday ~ 1 John 1:7

Purified from sin. Doesn't that sound wonderful. For me, personally, I seem to be more and more aware of my sin as I grow in my faith. I naively thought that as I matured in my Christian walk, I would eventually become less sinful. Hah! While the outward sin that marked my pre-Christ lifestyle is far removed from my everyday habits, the inward sin of my heart, thoughts, and even subtle actions, continues to be a daily struggle.

God is about the business of purifying our whole body, mind, and soul. He works in every way, from the inside out or the outside in. Through the blood of Jesus, we have redemption and cleansing from all our sin. How wonderful that as the body of Christ, walking in the light together and fellowshipping with one another, we share the purification from all our sins. To God be the glory and praise forever and ever!

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Romans 12:5

I am so warmed and comforted by this verse from Romans, which Henry Blackaby uses as the Scripture memory for Unit 10 of Experiencing God. Each time I reflect this verse, I'm reminded of the many other Scriptures that refer to the body of Christ having many members, each designed with a purpose and also dependency on the other parts of the body.

The implications are far reaching: We are not designed to be nomads wandering this earth searching for our own significance and satisfaction. We are made to be in relationship with one another, bringing our own gifts and talents to the table to share, and to have the distinct pleasure of partaking fully in what others have to offer. Paul often speaks of this truth in his epistles, as he refers to the gifts of teaching, encouraging, and serving, along with so many others, admonishing each to do as God gave them to do.

The challenge, I believe, is applying this verse personally. It requires humility, as we admit our limited abilities and need for others. In a world that advocates independence, implying that needing help is admitting weakness, it is hard to accept ourselves the way we are. We believe we ought to be all things to all people; to do everything that everyone else is doing. The truth, however, is that we won't ever be all things, because we weren't designed that way. We are a portion of the body, destined to need others, and only complete when we come under the headship of Christ, held together by the hand of God.

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ John 14:23

This is the ninth memory verse from the Experiencing God study by Henry Blackaby, which continues to echo the theme the Lord has put on my heart this year to Live, Love, and Laugh. It is the love part that I just can't get away from. God really wants me to learn this lesson, and I am thankful that He is gently leading me along step by step.

This morning, I am convicted by the Scriptural truth that our actions reflect what we believe. In this verse, Jesus is pointing out that if we say we love Him, we will demonstrate it by following His teaching. It is certainly causing me to think about whether I am a "doer" of the Word or just a preacher of it. It is making me consider how my words of love to my family and friends hold up to my actions of love.

I regularly tell my teen girlfriends that love isn't a feeling, it is a fact and a determined behavior of expression. Looks like I'm being called to action once again by the Lord, with plenty of opportunity to practice love today as I care for my good-spirited, but sick little girl. Will I be a doer of love today, as unto the Lord? Will I serve joyfully? Practice time now meets reality.

Yet in the front of my mind, I hope to keep the second part of this verse that promises that My Father will love me and will come to me, and make my home with Him, as I love Jesus and obey His teaching. I look forward to the opportunity of experiencing His love today as I submit to His call to love one another as He has loved us.

Heavenly Father, help us to understand your teaching and apply your Word with an obedient heart in our lives, that we may know your love fully and find our home in you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Luke 14:33

Have you ever done a Bible study that just feels like friction on your soul? This past week of Blackaby's Experiencing God has been just that for me. My husband says it is the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Yes, I'm sure the Spirit is at work. My Bible study group says it is because Blackaby is a man whose examples come from just one perspective, while those of us reading it are in an entirely different set of circumstances.

I've started week eight this morning with the attitude that both are correct, but that it is my responsibility to yield to God and allow Him to teach me through this study by focusing on the Scripture and refusing to allow my attitude to sabotage the lesson at hand. That being said, the memory verse for this week can stand alone, regardless of Blackaby's insightful and challenging points, like

"Everything had (of the Biblical examples) to be yielded to God and the entire life adjusted to Him....You will have to make major adjusts in your life to follow God....Until you are ready to make any adjustment necessary to follow and obey what God has said, you will be of little use to God." p. 128

These are hard concepts to grapple with as we evaluate our faith. This verse from Luke takes it even further, beckoning the question, "What, my dear Elisa, are you not willing to give up in order to be a disciple of Christ?" Asking, as well, "Is there something more important in your life than serving Jesus with all that you have and all that you are?"

In a way, these questions may be hard to find the answers to, especially if we already identify ourselves as Christians--as followers of Christ--and feel we are living wholly for Him. But the reality is, by our mouths we may be followers, yet by our actions we may be chasing after another God all together.

It is so much easier to see it in someone else's life. I have a friend that knows she ought to not _____ because God's word clearly says it is wrong. He point blank says over and over again in Scriptures, "Do not _____." Although she calls herself a Christian (and I believe she is!), and admits that we should obey God, she has decided on a few occasions that doing _____ just a little bit isn't so bad. Ultimately, I shared with her, that she is deciding that God doesn't really need to be in charge of her in this area of her life, and she'll just do what she wants to do instead. She is being her own God...she is following after something else, entirely opposite than Jesus, in that moment.

While this is a story about a friend, couldn't this be true about each one of us? The _____ can be filled in with all sorts of things: white lies, taking from our employer, gluttony, greed, drunkenness, addictions of any kind, lust, how we spend our money, how we use our time. The list goes on and on. When we choose something counter to what God says we ought to, we are, in essence, following after that and not being a disciple of Christ. We have not given up everything -- everything that feels good or bad, brings comfort or pain, seems just a little bit okay or terribly wrong -- in order for our faith to bring action and action obedience reflective of our life as a disciple of Christ.

What do we do when we realize we've forsaken our call to follow Christ? We repent. We ask for forgiveness, and we yield to Christ's authority in our lives. But it won't be a one time deal, will it?! There will be constant temptation to follow after something seemingly more alluring. Yet, if we can stay focused on the Lord in this way, imagine what God will do through us. Blackaby says it well,

"No one can sum up all God is able to accomplish through one solitary life, wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to Him!" p. 129

Heavenly Father, cause us to desire you most of all. Lord, impress on our hearts how our lives lack the action and obedience unto you, that we may be convicted by the Holy Spirit and yielded to you 100%! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

What areas do you need to yield to the Lord in? How can we encourage you or pray for you? I need to yield in the area of trusting God with all that is on my plate -- following His plans for my day instead of trying to work it all out myself. I covet your prayers in this way.

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WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Hebrews 11:6

This verse falls right in the middle of the Experiencing God study, at the turning point which Blackaby refers to called the "Crisis of Belief." This is the point in which our beliefs about God play out in our actions.

Blackaby has already established four of his seven key principles using Scriptures and Biblical examples.:

1. God is always at work around you.
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.

He then introduces this fifth principle:

God's invitation for you to work with Him always
leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

As Blackaby unpacked this concept through stories and illustrations, I honestly found myself overwhelmed (and this is the second time I've done this study!). His profound examples of faith and seeing God's provisions are far from familiar to my own spiritual journey, leading me to question whether I've ever truly had a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

Yes, there have been times where I stepped out in faith -- like making the decision with my husband to start a family, even though the finances and circumstances seemed questionable. But ultimately, was it faith that caused that next step or confidence in our ability to just figure it out one piece at a time?

I've spent most of my life fighting for survival, with little trust of others, all the while learning to be self-sufficient. It is counter to my nature to depend on anyone, much less walk down an unknown path. I always have a game plan, a method, or a formula to accomplish the purpose at hand. I am beginning to see, at a new level, how this habit of living has also shaped my relationship with God and ability to trust Him completely. While I step out in faith at times, I have to admit that I always have plan B in my back pocket in case "things" -- which really means "God" -- falls through.

Where do I go from here? Now that I see this truth -- that my faith has depended on my ability and not God's -- what needs to change? Well, I need to not get so caught up in Blackaby's principles that I begin to condemn myself or my faith, which is the tendency I've witnessed in most women (and maybe even men) doing this study. Instead, I need to take hold of this Scripture, by giving my FAITH to the Lord, BELIEVING that God will do what He says He can do...and that He is who He says He is (yes, hints of Beth Moore's Believing God study coming out here), and SEEK after the Lord in all things.

There is also another verse that brings me great comfort and instruction...

Romans 8:26-28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I know that I've been called according to God's purpose, so I certainly can put my faith in that and trust that in my own weakness, the Spirit will pray for me for those things I can not even fathom. Yes, I agree with Blackaby that our spiritual journey includes "crisis of belief" moments, but they are not the foundation of our faith. Belief that Jesus is truly the Savior is the rock on which we all must stand. I am sure that as I turn to know Him more and more, that my actions will reflect a growing trust and unwavering faith that leads to action.

Have you had "Crisis of Belief" moments that you can testify to God's provision and an increase in your faith? Share with me! I'd love to here!

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Wordfilled Wednesday ~ John 5:19

There are some verses that I just don't understand. This is one of them. I read it but do not comprehend it. I know it is refering to the power of the Trinity, which I completely accept as true, yet I cannot picture it. What exactly was it like for Jesus, to be fully man and fully God? Why did Jesus have to "see" what the Father was doing? Didn't He already know what His Father was up to?

The original Greek of "see" translates, "to look, see, take care, watch, be on the look out," and in this particular verse it means, "to see, observe, look at...literally the activity of the eyes."* That only confirms my bewilderment at the implications of this verse. Jesus not only did the Father's will, but He watched His Father closely to see what that will was. As the verse declares, Jesus could do nothing by himself, but only what the Father was doing.

How does this apply to us? According to Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, we need to follow Jesus' example by keeping our eyes and focus on God to watch for His work in our lives, and then join Him in that work. Blackaby says,

"You need to have your life radically oriented to God. The most difficult thing you will ever have to do is deny self, take up the will of God, and follow after Him. The most difficult part of your relationship with God is being God-centered. If you were to record a whole day in your life you might find that your prayers, your attitudes, your thoughts, everything about that day is radically self-centered. You may not be seeing things from God's perspective. You may try to explain to God what your perspective is. When He becomes the Lord of your life, He alone has the right to be...

--> the Focus in your life
--> the Initiator in your life
--> the Director of your life

This is what is means for Him to be Lord." (p. 99)

Even if I don't fully understand this verse from John 5, Blackaby offers application that is worth my attention. This week, I'm going to seriously consider what is my Focus, who is my Initiator, and who is sitting in the Director's chair.

Will you join me in looking at your life, too? I'd love to hear your thoughts about this verse, as we seek to understand and apply Scripture together.

Heavenly Father, I pray the Holy Spirit would open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the reality of what we are watching. Lord, fix our eyes on you alone! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

*Lexical Aids to the New Testament, S. Zodiates

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WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Jeremiah 18:5

I'm reading a chapter a day through Jeremiah. Nothing profound. Just doing it because God has been pressing on my heart that I need to be in His Word, and not just doing Bible study.

This verse, from my reading this morning, jumped off the page. I do feel like clay in the Potter's hand. Sometimes it just doesn't feel so wonderful, if you know what I mean. Yet other days, I catch a glimpse of His amazing technique, creativity, and purpose in this vessel He is forming and stand in awe.

What would happen if you took a minute to think about yourself in terms of clay in the Potter's hand? Are you yielding to His work? Being molded into His desired form? It may not be a place we're accustomed to, but it ought to be the one we get comfortable in!

Heavenly Father, you are the Master Potter. May we yield today to your marvelous work, as we become creations of your powerful, tender, merciful, and grace-filled hand. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Head over to Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesdays.

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ John 8:47

There is nothing like Scripture to stir the soul and convict the spirit. This verse from John 8:47, can do just that, when we pause long enough to consider it's meaning.

First we have to look at the context from which this verse is taken. It is found in a passage spoken by Jesus to the "Children of the Devil." Yes, that is the subject title in the NIV translation, within chapter 8 of John. This passage begins at verse 42, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here..." and continues (verse 44), "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire...".

The question we must ask is who is Jesus speaking to? If you back up to the previous passage (verses 31-41), it is clear that Jesus is talking to those declaring themselves to be Abraham's descendent's, but whom are ready to murder him for speaking the truth.

Doesn't looking at this Scripture in context shed much light on this verse? The original Greek of hear brings even further illumination, as it translates: to heed, hearken, obey. Therefore, from verse 31 through 47, Jesus is conveying a message that is extremely relevant to us....

If you love God, your actions will prove it by how you receive me...His son.

If you belong to God, you will hear--heed and obey--what God says...and you will respond in a way that demonstrates you know that He, Jesus, is the way, the truth, and the life.

Henry Blackaby selected this verse for Scripture memory in Unit 5 of Experiencing God, which is the first of a two parts on how God speaks. Blackaby draws from Scripture to prove that God continue to speaks to today by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church, to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. He uses this verse is to remind us that if we belong to God, we will indeed hear His voice.

The problem with hearing God is that most of us aren't listening carefully enough. We are caught up in doing things for the Lord, instead of being in relationship with God. Yes, I've been guilty of that on many occasions, so I appreciate Blackaby's candor and accountability, reminding me to turn into the arms of my Savior instead. What a refreshing perspective in our world of purpose-driven living. I'm all for missions and goal planning (hence my 8 in 2008 focus), but if that becomes more important than loving my God and spending time getting to know Him through His Word, I've missed out in an eternal way.

Blackaby sums it up best,

When God spoke, it was usually unique to that individual. For instance, Moses had no precedent for a burning bush experience. He could not say, "Oh, this is my burning bush experience. My fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had theirs, and this is mine." There were no other experiences of God speaking this way. It was unique, because God wants our experiences with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to look to Him in relationship rather than depend on some method or technique. If Moses had been around today, he would have been tempted to write a book about My Burning Bush Experience. The people all over our land would be out trying to find their burning bush. The key is not how God spoke, but that He spoke. That has not changed. He will speak to His people today.

I leave you with these questions, which I am grappling with myself:

• What method or technique have I been depending on to hear God speaking to me?
• What formula have a put before God as a means of confirming that I'm hearing from Him, instead of turning to the relationship with God and responding obediently when I hear Him speak by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the body of believers?

Lord, we confess that we have not heard you and responded to you because we've been planning and plotting and projecting how your voice should come to our ears. Forgive us, Lord. Cause us to obey your still small voice when you speaks uniquely into our souls. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



Isaiah 55:8
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

Romans 1:6
An you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ John 14:21

It certainly isn't coincidental that the Lord put it on my heart to focus on what it means to love as the Lord loves this year. Many of you know about my "Live, Love, Laugh" theme, and this particular unit from Experiencing God is taking that desire to the next level. The focus, however, isn't so much on how we love God, but how He loves us.

One of the blessings of doing this study a second time is that I am able to go back to my original workbook and review my answers. I continue to be blown away by how much my perspective and experience (no pun intended) of God has changed, all for the better. I truly see that the time I've spent with the Lord, His word, and laying many, many things at the cross over the past two years has increased my understanding of who God is and who I am in Christ. Yes, my love for the Lord has grown through this experience--over time. And I am seeing how He is equipping me to love others as He loves us.

One of the exercises was to read a list of names, titles, and descriptions of God, then circle the ways you've personal experienced Him in that way. I want to share that opportunity with you, so I've made this list. You can click on the graphic, and it should come up in a new window. Then print it out and spend time with the Lord talking to Him about Him! Stick it in your Bible and refer back to it from time to time. See if He is using the circumstances in your life to teach you something new about Himself and His love for you.

If you have the time, I'd love for you to share with us which name/description of the Lord means the most to you right now and why. Leave a comment below or a link to your blog!

Be sure to head over to Amy's to read more Wordfilled Wednesday posts.

Wordfilled Wednesday ~ Matthew 22:37-38

It is no coincidence that key verse about love, from the third unit of the Experiencing God study, ties into the theme the Lord put on my heart for this year. Live, Love, Laugh is not about living it up, loving a lot, and laughing all the time. No. This theme is rooted in Scriptures that I have struggled with in many ways over the past fifteen years of my Christian walk.

God knows that becoming a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), loving others (1 Cor 13:4-7), and not worrying about the days to come (Proverbs 31:25), will transform my walk with Him and enable me to glorify Him the way my heart desires. He is the one orchestrating the lesson, through Scriptures and experiences, so that I would know Him more intimately and be the women He created me to be.

Unit 3, entitled "God Pursues a Love Relationship," is about to kick this lesson on love into high gear. Here are just a few thoughts from Blackaby on the subject,

"The cross, the death of Jesus Christ, and His resurrection are God's final, total, and complete expression that He loves us...Settle it on the front end of your desiring to know Him and experience Him, that He loves you. He created you for that love relationship. He has been pursing you in that love relationship. Every dealing He has with you is an expression of His love for you. God would cease to be God if He expressed Himself in any way other than perfect love!" p. 42

What is most exciting to me is the transformation process underway in digesting this concept of God's love. It is, indeed, the starting point in learning to sincerely love others--more than self, more than things, more than achievements. Blackaby asks, "If you were standing before God, could you describe your relationship with Him by saying, 'I love You with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind and all my strength'?"

Yes No Why?

Much to my surprise and relief, I was able to confidently answer "YES" to the question. The timing is perfect, of course, because just yesterday a family member asked me to never say the name of God again in conversation, even if it was just referring to my personal experience and not putting it on them. I told them "No" -- I would not deny the name of my God when it is truly Him that I believe is at work in the details my life.

Seeing how confident and bold I was to defend God was a turning point. It made me realize that I must truly love God, if I was willing to lose the relationship with my loved one in order to continue to give God the credit for His work. It would have been just as easy to say concede and keep my tongue quiet. But, without a doubt, that was not the thing God would want me to do. I didn't even have to pause and question what to do.

Matt 10: 32-47

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'

37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

My newfound boldness for Christ is testimony to my love for Him. It is new. It is unusual. And it convinces me that I truly love God...and am continuing to learn how to more and more.

I went back to look at my notes from when I did this study two years ago. Last time I faced this question, my answer was "No." I had no explanation. It was just NO, I did not have love God with all my heart, soul, and mind.

God has done a work on my heart. In His extravagant grace, He has brought me through difficult circumstances and painful memories. As He has healed my soul;He has transformed my stony heart filled with burdens and pains into a heart of flesh. I am now able to love God, not because of who I am, but because of who He is. And as I experience this love relationship with my Creator, He is pouring Himself out through me to be able to learn how to love others, too. To God be all the glory!

Heavenly Father, I am so deeply grateful for your love and work in my life. Lord, I long to see others experience what I have. Jesus, resolve the cross for them, too. Help us all, Lord, to receive your love, to return it to you, and to give it to others as you have commanded. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What about you? Has God been revealing His love to you? What have you learned? How have you been able to share God's love with others? I'd love to hear your stories, too!

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Be sure to head over to The 160 Acre Woods to visit other Wordfilled Wednesday posts.

WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Psalm 20:7

What do we trust in? What do we turn to for comfort? Affirmation? Renewal?
Is it Jesus? Is it our Creator? Is it ourselves?

Lord God, show us the many ways we trust in chariots and horses instead of you. Turn us from those things and turn us into your open arms. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Be sure to swing by 160 Acre Woods for more Wordfilled Wednesday!

Wordfilled Wednesdays ~ John 15:5

Experiencing God. It is an interesting concept and intriguing title for a Bible study. The first time I studied this infamous series by Henry Blackaby in 2006, I was prepared to know God more intimately, but not be challenged in my faith. It was indeed a difficult study to complete, at a very emotionally and spiritually challenging time in my life.

I cringed when I learned this was one of the two studies being offered for women at my church this semester. But the Lord has worked one over on me, bringing me to a place of hope and insight as to the timing of doing this study again. This go around, I'll be able to actively look for God to stretch my faith and impress on my heart the lessons He's been bringing before me. It is no coincidence that the unit title brought to mind my theme for the year to Live, Love, and Laugh. These are just a few that struck me:

• Adjusting your Life to God
• God Pursues a Love Relationship
• Experiencing God Through Obedience

It is neat to see God lead me in His classroom of spiritual growth. I'm eagerly awaiting the lessons, one by one. Yes, according to this key verse for Unit 1 from John 15:5, my focus is to abide in Him and anticipate the fruit of His work.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom and privilege to study your Word and be instructed by teachers who have lived, loved, and learned to laugh at the days to come. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Head over to Amy's to join in Wordfilled Wednesday!

Wordfilled Wednesdays ~ Isaiah 55:12

This verse is becoming near and dear to my heart. It is the theme verse of a mom's group that I've been intimately involved with forming in my community. It is all because my sweet friend has joyfully answered a ginormous "yes" to the Lord in bringing together mothers of all ages and encouraging them in the Lord.

I've watched the process unfold over the past few months, and have been able to nudge her along here and there. God has woven me into the details of this group as He has used the gifts He's bestowed on me to complement the amazing ones of my dear friend. I am so thrilled to be used this way!

We covet your prayers as we continue to extend invitations to women of all ages and seasons, and seek the Lord's purpose for these gatherings. I will be teaching once a month on topics such as forming a personal mission statement based on Scripture, goal planning, study of prayer and Scripture. I would love your prayers for these preparations especially!

May you be filled with God's word and truth today. Yes, we shall all go out with joy and be led forth in peace--the peace of Christ!

Stop over Amy's for more Wordfilled Wednesdays!