John 6:44 says, “For no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them to Me…”

Look at that language – draws them to Me. While this definitely has an implied meaning to salvation, it also refers to the continual drawing into God’s presence. The same goodness, mercy and unfailing love that pursued us to save us follows us all the days of our lives. (Psalm 23:6) God is a pursuer, and He never stops pursuing us.

So you see, the very fact that we feel the drawing of God to spend time in prayer, or to read our Bible, or to worship Him in fact means that He is already there, waiting for us…calling us…drawing us to spend time with Him. We wouldn’t even be able feel that prompting unless He gave it to us!

This changed everything for me. Because now, when I feel that prompting, I know it’s not a sense of discipline nagging at me. Instead, it quickens my heart into deeper intimacy with Him knowing that He’s already there – waiting to spend time….with me.

I really feel it’s a trick of the enemy to get us to shift our focus and see what is intended to be the place of intimacy with God, as something this is a discipline. It’s an attempt to move us from a place of relationship, to a place of works. Don’t fall into the trap! Next time you feel that prompting, don’t let a sense of discipline take the joy out of it. Remember – you wouldn’t even be feeling that unless He was already there, waiting to spend time….with you!

LGR

Being such a key “muscle” in our spiritual strength, we must exercise integrity regularly, strengthening it in our everyday small decisions, so that we don’t let it slip or weaken – even if the standard seems to be lowering around us.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak on this topic, and thought I’d share it with you. This was only one message in a powerful series Pastor Kerri led us through this past Spring in Sisterhood: “The House That Wisdom Built”. I recommend listening to the whole series if you can. Life-changing!

> Listen : Integrity: The House That Wisdom Built.

In it’s simplest form, integrity means to be whole. In other words, we are the same person, no matter where we are, or who we are with. It means that what we believe is what we say, and what we say is what we do….and integrity is built over time, in everyday small decisions we make…

Hope this blesses you – enjoy!

LGR

For me personally, I’ve lately been exploring the various materials that are mentioned in the Bible – primarily metals. And I can hardly contain all the revelation that has brought and new light that has shed as I read the Bible.

Right now, I’m focusing on bronze. I’ve discovered that in the Bible, bronze is typically representative of judgment. Now, I don’t want to launch into a full on exposition of that here and now. But if you know me well enough to trust that I do my due diligence when it comes to homework, let me point this out:

Consider this: the Bible states that Goliath’s armor was made of bronze. (1 Samuel 17) In fact, the armor that Saul tried to put on David was also made of bronze, but David refused to wear it. (vs 39) Instead, he picked up 5 rocks (5 representing the number of grace) and rocks representative of The Church. For Jesus said to Peter, “on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

So think of it this way: Judgment (bronze) is defeated by The Church (rock) walking in Grace (5 rocks) because Jesus Himself said that He came not to judge, but to save. (John 3:17)

As The Church, it is ultimately our purpose NOT to judge, but to take up the cause of Christ, which is the salvation of souls. We do that through grace – not by being harsh or judgmental of others. Though we are given the ability to perceive evil, we must remember that ability is not given to us so that we can exercise judgment. It is given to us so that we can identify the evil, but then establish the love of Christ as the ultimate authority in that situation.

If not governed by love, our ability to perceive evil will result in judgment & condemnation. And instead of fighting the fight we’re here to fight in the way we’re here to fight it – we will end up wearing Saul’s armor and instead walking contrary to Christ – in judgment.

Let us determine to conquer with the weapons of love and grace. Rocks beats bronze every time!

Just food for thought.

LGR

God is a “pick-up-the-fragments-that-nothing-be-wasted” kind of God. (John 6:12) And even if you’ve made mistakes, or have gone through seasons that seemed meaningless – know that He will use ALL things to work together for your good. (Rom 8:28) What you may see as fragments, He will use to feed others.

Just remember, we are pre-destined for GOOD THINGS that He has planned for us long ago (Eph 10:10). God sees the end from the beginning (Rev 22:13) and already made allowance for all the things we may consider wasted in our lives.

He’s a God who purifies – extracting all the bad from any past experiences or seasons and preserving the best of it all to accomplish His purpose in our lives. (Prov 25:4; Rev 3:18)

So don’t despise your past mistakes, or past seasons. Instead, ask for eyes to see how those things contributed to the bigger picture. Having faith that sometimes, we will see it on this side of heaven, but knowing there will be things we will only have eyes to see on the other side of eternity.

In short, don’t de-value any part of your life. “Press on to take hold of that for which Chris Jesus took hold of us.” (Phil 3:10)

LGR

www.soniclight.com (expository)

This map is an illustration of what the kingdom of Israel started to looked like soon after King Solomon’s death. (Sorry about the quality of pic) You can read the full story of what happened in 1 Kings 11-12. But in short, due to King Solomon’s rebellion against God in the latter part of his life, God had declared that the kingdom of Israel would be torn from him (and his lineage).

Not long after his death, the process began. His son and successor, Rehoboam failed miserably as a leader and set the stage for pride, rebellion and tribal jealousy to infiltrate the nation. The kingdom quickly began to rip apart and rivalry stirred up from within. And what we are left with thousands of years later, is one of the most sad illustrations I’ve seen in a long time: A map of what God intended to be a unified, strong nation now graffitied with confusing lines, division, heavily armed borders, and an overall sense of weakening as a nation.

It then occurred to me that if we’re not careful this is what can happen to us internally, as well as within The Church. Whether it be due to offense, hurt, or unyielded strongholds in our lives, on the inside we can resemble this map – divided and at war within ourselves. Sad, when we consider we are created to be a strong, prevailing force both individually and together as The Church.

Christ died so that we could be whole, free, strong and a city on a hill. If there is an internal struggle of any kind, we must take it head-on IN LOVE and see it for what it really is: a threat to our strength as a whole and a blemish on the legacy we leave behind.

Let’s choose life and be a model for generations to come. Let’s dive all in and give Him every part of our being, and when necessary, have the courage to expose darkness and bring His light into every situation. Acting in love towards one another we can refuse and defeat any potential threats of division and walk in the strength Jesus died to give us.

“You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life…” Deuteronomy 30:20 (NLT)

LGR

Having compassion does not mean that we are just moved in emotion – but that we’re moved to action. But when we don’t know what the solution is, what do we do about the prompting? Here’s what I do:

• First, we must recognize it.

John 3:27 says, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.” The very fact we feel that jolt in our hearts to do something is because God has placed it there. That feeling of “Someone has to do something about this!” is literally faith, hope and love, all working together on the inside of us, trying to inspire, motivate and move us to action. This is how God works! We must learn how to hit the pause button on those moments because God is trying to tell us that we can make a difference.

• Secondly, we must capture it.

First you feel it, then you catch it. Reach out and grab it and pull it in towards your heart. Don’t let it pass you by. Jot it down if you have to. I know I’m at the point in life where if I don’t write things down – I’ll most likely forget them. The same applies here.

• Thirdly, we must cultivate it.

Feel it, catch it, and then plant it in your heart. Consider what you’ve just “caught” a seed that must take root in your heart and then be cultivated so that it will produce fruit. When God was speaking to Ezekiel He said, “let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people…” (Ezekiel 3:10-11a) We cultivate that seed by watering it with the Word of God and through prayer. God has the solution – we just have to tune in. He will show us what to do.

(Personally, I’ve set aside the 21st of each month for things just like this. Though I pray about them regularly, the 21st of each month is a day I pray, fast and tune into God specifically for what He would have me do in these areas. Sometimes, the answers come quickly and I begin acting on them immediately. Other times, I have to keep tuning in. Setting aside the 21st of each month is a way of keeping them at the forefront of my mind, stirring up my faith for them, and committing that I will be a part of His solution.)

• Lastly, we must act on it.

Spring into action, bring others along for the ride, and teach them to do the same. That’s The Church in all its beauty and power. There’s nothing like it.

Hope this helps. Have eyes to see in your world and ears to hear. Jesus is the answer – and together by serving Him, we can change our world!

LGR

Here are 3 things I’m currently praying about and feel like I’m a part of the solution for:
Florida School for the Deaf and Blind
A21 Campaign / Fast21
Riley Turner

Several years ago, when I walked away from the people who had hurt me the most, I felt released by God to not turn back. I had just given my life to Christ, and I felt Him calling me out and away so that He could do a healing work in me. That door had to be shut. For a season.

I had forgiven them. There was no more hate. No more anger. The unhealthy cord had been severed, and as I placed them in God’s hands and let go, I prayed that they would find the same hope I had found. I quietly prayed for restoration, but I also knew it would take time.

Several years have passed.

I’ve held on to a small thread of hope all this time, yet not much has changed on the landscape. And while the door of my heart has always remained open…there’s change coming. I can feel it.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

It’s time. And while His prompting takes me by surprise, I’m filled with a hope and joy I wasn’t expecting. I’ve discovered a new dimension of His love, and quite frankly – it’s overwhelming. And my faith has found it’s childlike innocence once again to believe for the seemingly impossible.

It’s time. Time to go back and reach out to the very people that hurt me the most. Time to live life on the offensive. Time to go back and pray for them like I’ve never prayed before. Time to believe for those who perhaps can’t believe for themselves. Time to hope for those who have no hope. And time to love those who can seem unlovable or even incapable of loving themselves.

[Oh God. That was us, wasn’t it? And not only did You come. You died....for us.]

My prayer is that God would continue to add another chapter to this wonderful story of my life. That it wouldn’t finish where it last left off. No. That souls wouldn’t be lost and left behind, but found. That they would come to know Him-the way I know Him. That they would be healed from all their sickness. That their purpose would be realized. And that their latter days would be even better than any they’ve ever known.

I honestly don’t know what the outcome will be. But I am called to faith. And I am determined to live by an active faith…..hoping for what I don’t yet see and believing God even if I don’t know the outcome.

“By faith Abraham….obeyed and went, even though….” Hebrews 11:8

The door may have been closed for a season. But now… “See I have set before you an open door that no man can shut.” Rev 3:8 And I will gladly, humbly, take a step through that door for the glory of His name, knowing He’s with me every step of the way.

I share this to encourage you – when it comes to souls, never ever give up. Live a life of faith, believing, hoping. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and always be ready, if necessary, to lovingly help them pick up the fragments of their lives. Let nothing be wasted or left behind.

LGR

Recently, I discovered a couple of things that have held me back to some extent from speaking to more people about Christ, and even inviting them to church. I want to share them with you.

First – By nature, I am not comfortable with the “direct ask”.
There are some people that are great at this. My husband, for example, is a great salesman. You can’t make it in sales if you are not comfortable with being direct. For me personally, I’ve learned that my strength is advising people, and getting to more of a one-on-one level with their their individual need. When I can speak to their heart, that’s when I am the most effective. Now of course, not everyone I meet is going to be able or willing to open up to a complete stranger. But you know what I’ve learned? There are SEVERAL who are. They don’t have people in their lives that will make time for them or give a care. Those are the ones God is calling me to, and the ones I keep my eyes open for. This may mean I won’t touch as many people as say, someone like my husband might. But that’s okay – I know who I am, and I know who God made me to reach. I have an obligation to God, them, and myself to be authentically….me.

Secondly – I’ve articulated what “the ask” sounds like for me.
While it’s much easier for me to be conversational vs. being direct – there’s a point in leading others to Christ or inviting them to church where my conversation will still eventually have to switch to “the ask”. Since this part is the most un-natural part of the conversation for me, I know it’s not going to slip right off the tip of my tongue very easily. So I’ve had to think through what I’m going to say ahead of time. It’s still sincere and authentic, but it’s clearly defined. Kind of like an altar call at the end of a message. I’ve noticed how several pastors and teachers will speak freely during their message, but when it comes time to close – they will typically say something along the same lines each time. Not so much of a script – they’re still sensitive to the crowd and who they’re talking to – but they’ve found a way to communicate “the ask” in a way that is moving, compelling and authentically them. This has been huge for me. I’m no longer hesitant for fear that I may not know what to say, or how to ask.

So how about you? Is anything holding you back from stepping outside of your comfort zone to reach others? Identify those things. Put words behind them, and then do the necessary so that you’re not held back. There’s a world in need waiting for you.

LGR

Luke had his first full week of school last week and is absolutely loving it. He’s already made lots of new friends, is enjoying the “good-star” reward system at the end of each day and has even stepped out of his food-preference shell to enjoy the “school-cafeteria” experience.

Luke loves structure (wonder where he got that from?) so the routine of each day really works well with him. I’m so proud of how he is doing and how I can already see he’s a light shining – a difference maker. His future is so so bright.

Some of my favorite things so far: the excitement I see in his face when he spots me in the parent pickup line…the enthusiasm with which he shares about the projects he worked on during the day…the way he comes home to play “school” with Skylar (he has to be the teacher, of course)…and the way trying new things at school has translated into trying new things in other areas of his life too-he’s more open to change now.

Thanks everyone for your texts/tweets/fb posts of encouragement. Really appreciated that – they were like warm hugs and high fives across the miles.

LGR

Luke playing music class w/Skylar

Luke, Born Christmas Day

Next week, our family will be entering a new season in life. Our oldest son Luke, starts Kindergarten. Yeesh.

As a family, we are all dealing with our own sets of emotions about it. For example Skylar, our 3 year old daughter asked yesterday what we were planning on naming our next baby. (Say What?!?!?!?!?) As we talked about it more, we realized that she’s going to miss having her brother around at daycare. So for her, the solution was quite simple: Just have another one to keep her company! When we finally told her we didn’t see that happening, she moved on from us, looked up to her ceiling and started praying to God instead that it would happen! It was pretty funny.

As parents, everyone faces new emotions and anxieties about this stage of life. Kids open up a deeper level of vulnerability within us unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. And it only took the emotions of buying his first backpack (yes, I cried) to quickly recognize that launching my kids out is going to take a whole-nutha-level of strength and trust in God.

I’m really excited for Luke, and I know he’s going to do incredible in school. And while my heart is still tender, what’s really helped me get through this time is knowing which feelings to accept and which ones to reject.

Waves of various emotions have come crashing in on the shorelines of my heart and mind. But once I took time to examine them, I found that a lot of my feelings and emotions were actually rooted in fear. Once I recognized that, it was easier to dismiss and reject them and the good feelings of excitement and anticipation came to the top and have allowed me to enjoy this time instead of being weighed down.

So here we go – heading into the big week. And in my mind I’m playing the following over and over: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8 MSG

I’m packing myself full of strength to draw from. If you have any additional words of wisdom or encouragement – I’d love to hear from you! I could use it right about now.

LGR

Here’s a look back at the last 5 years…

Luke, 2 years old

Luke, 3 years old

Luke, 4 years old

Luke, 5 years old

Luke, earlier this year

Meet The Teacher Day

Meet The Teacher Day