Freedom is absolutely exquisite. It is the gradual rolling hills of the vast, golden meadow. The endless gravel path, winding through tunnels lush with canopies of exotic greenery. The dancing notes of a cheerful melody, synchronizing keys and strings, merrily uplifting and perfectly tuned.
As the eagle gallantly soars overhead, the wind glides beneath his wings. He is graceful as his feathers catch the cool breeze, carrying him across the translucent heavens. His flight pattern is unpredictable. He is free as he soars. He is beautiful as he effortlessly cuts across the clear sky. Soft, white clouds, like smudges on a canvas, set the perfect backdrop. He has no limits and no restricting boundaries. He has no concerns or worries; only inherent elegance.
Similarly to the eagle, God intended us to live in freedom. Within the boundaries of his incredible will, he desperately desires his children to experience Him fully, to know Him as Provider, Rock, and Salvation. Where your tender heart has been thrashed, He is your Healer. When overwhelmed by endless responsibility and hopeless doubts, He is your Sustainer. He is the wind that will gently carry you to solid ground.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Are you bombarded by the shame of past failures? Has your joy been stripped away and buried under agonizing years of intense and debilitating grief? Do not despair.
An unconceivable freedom subsists only within the love, protection, and guidance of the Lord. When this heavenly liberation is experienced, the absence of worry and guarantee of salvation inspire a new and robust confidence. With a simple invitation to become Lord of your life, you can know God’s perfect freedom.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
He adores you. He desires you. He destined your life at the time of conception. He is loyal. He is just. He is good. So good.
Come, take flight and reside in His everlasting , redeeming freedom.
Being a woman is a beautiful endeavor. Here, I, and a number of guest authors, will transparently tell our stories. I will also share Valor Strength & Wellness client stories. It is my hope you are encouraged and empowered as we discuss body image, womanhood, fitness, overcoming obstacles and so much more.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Longings
What do you long for?
To provide for your family? To be remembered for a great achievement? To be the most trusted and respected individual in your ministry?
What do you long for?
As the sun slowly wakes from its slumber and casts a sheet of light across the sleepy ground, do you earnestly desire to see God’s glorious face?
While you lazily sip a steaming mug of Seattle’s Best and catch up on the daily news, are your thoughts instantly directed toward fully knowing the King of the Universe?
In preparation for another day at the office and sifting through unorganized hangers loaded with tailored suits and brand new blouses, do you tell Him you simply crave more moments in His presence?
What do you long for?
While standing squished on the crowded city bus, strangers bumping into you with ever jarring pothole, are you fervently focused on unreservedly loving His people?
As your supervisor continues in pointless chatter, overlooking the time and assigning unexpected projects to be completed before days end, do you call out to Christ and lay your worries on His throne?
Who does your mind dwell on when your spouse misinterprets your gesture and impulsively reacts with cruel remarks?
He asks for love.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37
Simple?
Then why do we consistently choose worldly, temporary objects over the most perfect and sustaining love relationship?
Where is your zeal? Your passion?
What do you long for?
To provide for your family? To be remembered for a great achievement? To be the most trusted and respected individual in your ministry?
What do you long for?
As the sun slowly wakes from its slumber and casts a sheet of light across the sleepy ground, do you earnestly desire to see God’s glorious face?
While you lazily sip a steaming mug of Seattle’s Best and catch up on the daily news, are your thoughts instantly directed toward fully knowing the King of the Universe?
In preparation for another day at the office and sifting through unorganized hangers loaded with tailored suits and brand new blouses, do you tell Him you simply crave more moments in His presence?
What do you long for?
While standing squished on the crowded city bus, strangers bumping into you with ever jarring pothole, are you fervently focused on unreservedly loving His people?
As your supervisor continues in pointless chatter, overlooking the time and assigning unexpected projects to be completed before days end, do you call out to Christ and lay your worries on His throne?
Who does your mind dwell on when your spouse misinterprets your gesture and impulsively reacts with cruel remarks?
He asks for love.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37
Simple?
Then why do we consistently choose worldly, temporary objects over the most perfect and sustaining love relationship?
Where is your zeal? Your passion?
What do you long for?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My Heart's True Desire
To bask in Your presence,
See Your beauty,
Know You completely.
My heart’s true desire.
To recognize Your voice,
See Your face,
Relax in Your peace.
My heart’s true desire.
To dwell in Your house,
Appreciate Your goodness,
Feel Your embrace.
My heart’s true desire.
To serve Your kingdom,
Worship Your name,
Talk to You frequently.
My heart’s true desire.
To sense Your Spirit,
Comprehend Your plan,
Accept Your forgiveness.
My heart’s true desire.
To experience Your glory,
Rejoice in Your friendship,
Obey Your commands.
My heart’s true desire.
To breathe in Your breath,
Trust in Your ways,
Treasure each moment with You.
My heart’s true desire.
See Your beauty,
Know You completely.
My heart’s true desire.
To recognize Your voice,
See Your face,
Relax in Your peace.
My heart’s true desire.
To dwell in Your house,
Appreciate Your goodness,
Feel Your embrace.
My heart’s true desire.
To serve Your kingdom,
Worship Your name,
Talk to You frequently.
My heart’s true desire.
To sense Your Spirit,
Comprehend Your plan,
Accept Your forgiveness.
My heart’s true desire.
To experience Your glory,
Rejoice in Your friendship,
Obey Your commands.
My heart’s true desire.
To breathe in Your breath,
Trust in Your ways,
Treasure each moment with You.
My heart’s true desire.
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