Glory

Nathan said to the king, “Go and do what you really want to do, because the Lord is with you.” 2 Samuel 7:3

If the Lord is with you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

So many characters in the Bible did amazing and courageous things only because of one thing-The Lord was with them.

Moses said “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”  Exodus 33:15

It’s not so much about the men or women that God chose and called for such a time as this, they were imperfect, flawed and weak at best, but they had a quality of heart that God desired and He used them to do amazing things, but it was never about them.  It was the God in them that brought the Glory.

In that day we will not be boasting in the Prophets, Apostles, or Women of God.  In that day, we will all fall down and behold the only one who deserves the Glory-the Holy one of Israel, Jesus Christ, the perfect, flawless, Son of God.

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”  Romans 8:22

To God Be the Glory!

Cast Away

“They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.” Acts 28:10

Have you ever felt like a Cast Away on a deserted island?  If you Google the word, Cast Away you will find the definition to be: a person who has been shipwrecked and stranded in an isolated place.

Remember the movie, Cast Away starring Tom Hanks in which he survived by talking to a volley ball, until he was rescued and lived to tell his remarkable story. 

I think of the Apostle, Paul who was shipwrecked on the Island of Malta.  At first no one wanted to listen to him, and they suffered loss because of it, but by the Grace of God all the men were saved, and Paul did many healings on the Island of Malta, and he was received well there.  He even said He was honored and the Islanders furnished their supplies so they were able to sail to Rome where Paul was also needed.  What a blessing to see the relationship wasn’t one sided, but Paul, His Crew and the Islanders were used to supply each other’s needs.  What a testimony!

I also think of John on the Island of Patmos.  He was banished there because of His testimony of Jesus.  But even through such difficulty and I’m sure feelings of isolation and loneliness, God in his amazing love and grace drew near to him and revealed the Revelatory story of the end times.

Maybe you feel like a Cast Away today, alone, needing to survive, feeling unheard, wondering what the rescue plan is? I want to tell you that God sees you and hears you, and you will serve His purpose.  He can use you wherever you are to bring healing, to speak revelation, and He will use others you minister to-to bless you and supply your needs.

Keep your eyes on the horizon; another ship is coming soon!

Cathy

Noonday

We always want to run ahead of God,
but he whispers, Just wait, Just rest,
Just be still.

Let me turn your mourning into dancing.
Let me place a rainbow in your clouds.
Let me bring you Joy in the morning.

"Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness
shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun."
Psalm 37:5

Rise Again

You can’t cut down what was made to live!

I love to sit on my couch and look out the window.  I am a nature and people watcher.  I love to observe the environment in which I live because there’s always a lesson that the Spirit of God is trying to teach me.  It often comes through people and nature.  God’s creation is the greatest teacher if you are open to receive it. 

So, there was a tree that grew on the corner of my block and every Spring it would bloom with pink blossoms.  This brought me hope.  The winter was leaving and Spring was here.  In my neighborhood it’s mostly on-street parking, so this makes winter months very difficult. We are always so happy when Spring comes.  So, anyway this Tree always brought me hope for brighter days.  But a couple of years ago, the owners cut it down.  I was so sad about it.  I told my husband, it was sign that we had to leave our neighborhood. 

Amazingly, after a couple of years I noticed that the tree began to grow back again.  I was astounded and so happy to see a baby tree grow up and turn green.  It felt triumphant to me, and reminded me of a Christian song that my mother use to play when my sisters and I were kids.  It was called, “Rise Again.”  The Lyrics point to Jesus, our Lord and Savior and to all of us who hope for eternal life through Christ, God’s Son.

“'Cause I'll rise, again,
Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down!
Yes, I'll rise, again,
Death can't keep Me in the ground.”

If you stay in your neighborhood long enough, it’s amazing what you will see and what you will learn.  Those people and things you thought would be here long after you are gone, actually may go before you.

Stick around and watch what the Lord will do through you if you are patient in knowing that seasons will come and go and people will come and go but the Everlasting Love of our Savior is forever.

My Neighbor

And Who, is my neighbor?  (Luke 10:29)

Dave was my neighbor.  I met him some years back because he decided to be neighborly and take out everyone’s trash on Fridays for the houses adjacent to his.  I thanked him many times and told him he didn’t have to do it, but he did it with honor and dignity every week.  He took pride in being a good neighbor.  I remember asking him his name, “Dave” and telling him my name, “Cathy.”

I started giving him a Christmas present every year to thank him for his humble work, but even that waned off after some years. 

Dave was present in our neighborhood.  He was a fixture to our neighborhood.  You could often see him sitting outside and saying hello to those passing by.  He would sit on the steps or in the chair resting and catching sun.  Often when he saw me he would cross the street to tell me some headline news of the area. 

He talked to me about his mom passing away and his sister he would visit nearby.  He had a contagious laugh and would light up when talking about something he found funny.

He was difficult to understand.  He had some sort of developmental disability that effected his speech and his gait, from what I could tell.

He recently told me he turned 70 something. He didn’t look more that 60.  He was a beloved neighbor and community member. He lived in a group home across the street.  We have seen another die in that home, but it was difficult to find out Dave was the one to die this past week.

Dave had a lot to teach us about being a good neighbor.  He was friendly, humble, and self-less in serving us for many years, doing something nobody else wanted to do, and yet he did with pride and with a smile on his face.

You always wonder when someone dies, “Could I have done more?” “Could I have said more?” 

“Could I have been a better friend?”  I remember once inviting him to church, but he declined.  I remember once getting an impulse to help him take out everyone’s garbage that day, but I declined. 

Who was a better neighbor?  Dave, by far.  Thanks Dave for showing me how.  I honor your memory, today.  You will be missed.  You hold a special place in our hearts. I'm glad to have met you and happy that you were my neighbor for eight years.

Settle My Heart

Oh Love of God

Settle my heart

From fear and anxiety.

Oh Love of God

Give me the peace

To know you are

With me.

Oh Love of God

Awaken me

To the Life

Poured out for me.

Oh Love of God

Come to my

Aide quickly,

And settle

My heart.

Before the Grand Plie...

Before the Grand Plie;

I stepped across a tethered bridge,
and spoke of times not understood,
the set purpose in which I live.

I rolled the rocks of Old Hebron,
And in the waves of Oceans' Mime
I finally understood...

Footprints

A long walk towards forgiveness;

I place my feet in the sand,
my footprints are scattered here.

There's only one way to Surrender,
the other way says, "Do Not Enter!"

I lift my shaky hands,
And look upon the washed sand;
As a survivor!

A Fiery Emotion

Where does anger come from?  When I was growing up anger felt very unsafe to me.  I have always been more of a people-pleaser, and wanting to keep the peace.  But I realize in being a peace-maker, sometimes you can suppress the anger that is hidden within you and it will come out when you least expect it. 

But what do you do with anger?  Many psychologists think anger can mask more of the tender feelings of hurt and pain.  Anger can become like a wall or a defense.  But Anger can also be a response to fear, frustration, and stress as well. 

When you realize you feel angry, it’s always good and healthy to explore reasons behind your anger. Make a list of things in your life that feel difficult right now.  Maybe it’s relational, or vocational, or financial.

There can be legitimate needs in your life not being met.   The Bible says, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."  Ephesians 4:26 

I think it’s important to note, that feeling anger is not sin.  But lashing out to others when you are angry is, and this is very easy to do, because anger is a fiery emotion. 

It’s best when feeling angry to take time to be alone and process why you are feeling angry and then give it to God.  Don’t hold on to anger.  I think this can be devastating to your heart and physical health.  Anger needs to be released in healthy ways. 

Exercise, sing, dance, worship God, pray, paint or do something creative and expressive like writing.  We all need an outlet to our emotions to keep us healthy and strong.

God bless and take care of yourself,

Cathy

Hallelujah Song

You meet me in the

Greenness of your trees,

You meet me

In your Hallelujah song

 Rising over me,

Sure I can run real fast,

But only these Eagle’s

 Wings will last.

It’s in your Hallelujah

Song I find My Joy-

High above the treetops,

I explore.

True-this Hallelujah song

will soar.

Oh My Soul will rise
once more!

The Wilderness

 The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. (Deuteronomy 2:7)

The wilderness can be a painful place, because you are hungry and thirsty for more than just manna.  Though, the Lord is teaching you in these lean years. “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) Even Jesus was tested in the wilderness.

The thing about the wilderness is that we really have no idea where we are going.  We desperately need good leadership and the Holy Word spoken through the prophets of long ago.

But the good news is God knows where we are going, and if we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd he will lead us besides quiet waters, refreshing our souls. (Psalm 23)

God will make a way for you in the wilderness and provide springs in the wastelands if you let him. (Isaiah 43:19)

It takes waiting, listening, seeing and responding to the Holy Spirit.  It takes gratitude for God’s daily provision.  It takes trust that the Lord is with us, and acknowledgment that we have not lacked anything. 

God is a Good God and His Mercy is new every morning!  Great is His Faithfulness from generation to generation. (Lamentations 3:23)

The Battleground

"And the dagger is to defend yourself at great need. For you also are not to be in the battle."

― Father Christmas (Chapter 10) Given to Lucy from Chronicles of Narnia

Do you ever feel like life is a battle?  A battle to see good days.  A battle to experience God’s blessing.  A battle to rise up in Jesus name.  A battle to experience fulfilling work. 

Yes, life is a battle ground, but we don’t fight with weapons of natural warfare.  Our weapons are Supernatural. 

The Bible Says, Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 ⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:14-18

 I can’t emphasize enough the need to pray and to enlist others in God’s service to pray with you and for you over your day, and in the morning before you begin again.  “Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

 When you pray over your day this invites God’s presence and Authority to be with you and to cover you.

 Never underestimate the power of prayer.  Prayer can move mountains in your life and your loved ones lives.

The Bible also says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s.   You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15-17

The Battle truly is not ours, but God’s.  The position we take up is one of prayer, we stand firm with the full armor of God, and we choose to not be afraid or discouraged, but trust that if we just show up and do our part, God will honor that and do His part which is defend, protect, empower and provide for us.

Small Beginnings

Let God meet you in smallness.  When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he embraced his smallness even as the crowds cried, “Hosanna!”  He would not let them make him big before His time.

In Scripture, when they talk about the kingdom it begins very small as a mustard seed or some yeast, hardly noticeable at first.

I think Jesus loves small beginnings.  “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”  Zechariah 4:10

God is in the small things. Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

We need to only be faithful to plant and water the seed. Don’t focus on the growth.  It’s God’s job to provide growth in His time and His way. 

Be Small, Be Faithful in the small things.  Allow God to meet you in smallness.  When He desires growth- it will happen.  Wait! Just be who you are and where you are right now.   

A Fruitful Vineyard

If we are able to be fully present to our friends when we are with them, our absence too will bear many fruits. Our friends will say: “He visited me” or “She visited me,” and discover in our absence the lasting grace of our presence.  Henri Nouwen

In life, in our travels, places we have worshiped, places we have visited, places we have lived, places we have worked and after we have left; it’s the fruit of our presence that remains.

Wherever we have offered our gentle and humble presence, the fruits of our presence will remain long after we are gone. 

People, who have offered us their presence in ways that have shaped, molded, mentored and encouraged us we remember with a fondness even though they are no longer present in our lives.  Though, the seeds they have planted remain.

It’s a mystery of the spiritual life.  Jesus says “It’s better for you that I go away.”  John 16:7.  When the physical body of Jesus left, His Holy Spirit (presence) remained with us. 

God works in our presence and in our absence.  What we need to do is remain faithful to the call to be present to those around us, and plant seeds of faith, so long after we are gone the seeds of our presence will remain and grow into a fruitful vine.

His Cup

The greatest treasure we will ever have on the earth, is to truly know another.  Another's sorrows and joys.  Another's hurts and victories.   Another's struggles and grace.  Another's hopes and dreams.

People are the gift.  We can't shy away from that, and in this life there will be a few others who will truly let you into their stories.

Jesus is one of those...

Henri Nouwen reminds us that Jesus asks us, "Can you drink this cup?"  Jesus invites us to drink from the same cup He drank from, to experience the same Joy, the same sorrow, the same life, the same death.

When we drink from His cup we become friends on a similar journey, walking together on the road to Emmaeus urging one other to "Stay with us.  For it is nearly evening.  The day is almost over." (Luke 24:28)

The Path

Follow the path,
not to any destination,
but through every season.

A place for you to walk,
A place for you to be,
A place near me.

At the end of the path
you'll find an altar,
You can lay it all down there.

And wait for God
to provide an answer,
a sacrifice for a better life..

Neap tides

I stand on a piece of driftwood

Out to sea-

Nothing but Nothing but

You and me.

My arms outstretched-

I close my eyes,

And cast myself

On Oceans’ neap tides.

I wonder where you’ll

Take me. I wonder

How I’ll survive.

The current fiercely

 Leads Me;

Across to the other side.

The moon in my back pocket,

A cover overhead.

I lay my head,

And listen to words he gently said…

“I drew him out of water.”  Exodus 2:10

Chains and Liberty

“Some birds aren’t meant to be caged.  Their feathers are just too bright and when they fly away the part of you that knows that it was a sin to lock them up, does rejoice but still the place that you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone.  I, guess I just miss my friend.” Red-from Shawshank Redemption

You were meant to fly,

You were born to soar!

Majestic Eyes; Bright design.

The Spirit bathed you in

Beauty; emeralds, diamonds, and

Rubies. 

Speak my name, friend.

Walk on by…

These chains have taught

Me that chains and

Liberty live side by side.

But the Love of Jesus,

Is where I must abide.

 Paul replied, "Short time or long-I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."  Acts 26:29

The Spirit of Hope

The Spirit of Jesus is the Spirit of Hope.  If Jesus lives inside your heart-he will always be infusing your daily life of work, service, prayer, worship, and whatever gifts he has equipped you with-with hope, with joy, with peace, with encouragement. 

Don’t wait for others to encourage you, or to bring you hope.  Encourage yourselves; bring yourselves hope with the Spirit of Jesus who is alive in you.  Find out what He has gifted you to do, and do it!  Don’t hold back, or give in to what is not life. 

A piece of heaven lives inside you- God didn’t leave us alone, to death and despair, and to what is dark and evil.  He brought us the “light of life" to dwell among men. 

Jesus will always point you to love, hope, faith, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness because that is His Way.  That was the life he lived on earth, and the life he gave as an example for us to follow. 

Be Encouraged- You worshiper of God.  “Worship Him in the Splendor of Holiness.”  Psalm 96:9

A Wonderful Life!

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Where did compassion lead Jesus?  It led him to His disciples, to individuals, to the multitudes.  Ultimately compassion led Him to the Cross.  He gave his life as a ransom for the many.

When thinking of Joseph; his long wait had to do with the saving of many lives.

When considering David, he wrote much of the book of psalms in his waiting.  If he was anointed King right away we may not have had all the beautiful psalms of lament and praise that David provided for generations to come. 

As we are waiting, and wondering does my life really count?  Consider Jesus, Joseph and David.  Their lives counted not for themselves but for the many.

It’s amazing to think how one life can touch so many.  I love the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life!”  It’s a story about a man who never got to fulfill his earthly dream, but he was given a gift from an angel of the Lord.  He got to see what his life would have been like if he was never born. 

When he was given back his life- he was filled with extreme Joy and Gratitude for the gifts God provided him in His wife, his children, his hometown, his family business. 

Sometimes we may be waiting, because God wants to use us to touch someone else’s life in a special way.  That someone may be in our neighborhood, on our job, or in our family. 

Our lives are truly a wonderful mystery.  We may never know the impact we have had here on earth until we reach heaven, but we have to trust that our lives count in the here and now for eternity. 

Afloat

When we keep our eyes on our circumstances we can easily sink into depression and despair with questions like, “What value does my life have?” and “Who have I become?”

But when we keep our eyes on Jesus, who always brings us hope, we find that our boat stays afloat even in the deepest water.

We must fight to not give into self-pity, depression and despair.  We must be grateful for whatever morsel comes our way to remind us that we live a life of Faith.

“Take Courage it is I.  Do not be afraid!’  Matthew 14:27

Summer Beckoning...

The rain gifts us with its greenery-

Sometimes we need to wait for beauty…

The meadows beckoning through birds

Melody.

The rabbits skipping, the chipmunks

Charity.

The horses may neigh, the children

Will play.

Look out Summer-

 Just a hop, skip,

And Jump Away!

To have and to hold...

God doesn’t want us to cling to anything other than Himself.

Whatever revelation we receive, whatever gift, whatever promise- We dare to speak it, We dare to live it, We dare to give it- It doesn’t belong to us.  It belongs to the World and if we let it go…Maybe after a while it will return to us full-grown in stature and wisdom-Let it grow its own legs.

Let it walk away from us.

For God is constantly giving birth though us to a new freedom.  Let the bride-groom release Himself to us- To have and to hold from this day forward.

Marvelous Gift!

"I am silent in My love because I love beyond the power of words to express, or of human hearts to understand, and also for your sakes that you may learn to love and trust Me in Spirit-taught, spontaneous response to My love, without the spur of anything outward to call it forth."

He "will do marvels" if you will learn the mystery of His silence, and praise Him, for every time He withdraws His gifts that you may better know and love the Giver. (From the Devotional: Streams in the Desert-February 9th)

Giver of Love,

Beyond any

Human words

Or human

Hearts of

Understanding.

You eclipse

Me with wonder,

With fire in my

Belly.  I reach out

In Worship and

Adoration to

The one who

Made me.

Marvel of Marvels,

Silent or Praise,

Trust me, and Teach

Me- To love you always…

King of Dreams

“For you know better than I

You know the way

I’ve let go, the need to know why

Cause you know better than I” (From Joseph, King of Dreams)

When Jesus hung from the Cross, what do you think the Father felt?  It’s truly a mystery.  I don’t think we will ever understand why the redemption of mankind had to be that way; the death of God’s perfect son.  In our heads we know that God required a sacrifice of blood for sin, but in our hearts we can’t comprehend it.  We do know that God, the Father is a good father.  He’s loving.  He’s merciful.  He’s compassionate.  He’s just. God always sees the big picture-Jesus conquered death once and for all and made a way for eternal redemption for all Mankind. 

So, in thinking of Jesus and looking at the life of Joseph we understand that God doesn’t always rescue us right away; He doesn’t always prohibit difficult journeys, and bumpy terrain.  Sometimes He allows us to struggle and find our way.  But there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel if we have the courage to walk through it.

We all wish life was easier, we all wish life was carefree, we all wish life was bright sunny days.  Though, that’s not entirely His way-here on earth.  We want to know why shadows, darkness, and trauma have shaded our lives, but in the end we have to let go of our need to know why.  Because God knows better than I; He ultimately sees the big picture of our lives. 

Another Bible Character who knew difficult terrain was King David.  He was a Shepherd, A Psalmist, A Warrior, A poet, a prophet, a worshiper, and the anointed King over Israel.  When David was first anointed King he still had a very long and treacherous journey before He actually became King of Israel.  He experienced hardship, ridicule, rejection and heartache and yet He was anointed by God.

“Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed one”

“Consider Jesus who did not consider equality with man as something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant and He humbled himself to death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

Joseph and David both knew what it was like to be a servant, to be considered as nothing, to take the lowest place. Sure there may have been resistance in them, but it took a long time before he gave them the job he anointed them to do.  Why?  I think God cares more about humble hearts than anything else.  Humility is God’s ultimate plan.  That’s why he doesn’t always choose people born into privilege.  God loves the underdog; the one people least expect.  The one people have underestimated probably all their lives. 

The coat of many colors...

“Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”  Genesis 50:20

When reviewing Joseph’s life many would say, (as I have heard before) “I want the character but not the curriculum.” 

Joseph’s story is truly amazing- born as the favorite child of his father he was lavished with love and affection and a coat of many colors that he flaunted before his brothers.  Naturally, as any child born to a parent that feels another child is favored, his brothers grew jealous but it was to the point of wanting to murder Joseph; though they ended up selling him into slavery.  Joseph, who was once the favored son, was now an indentured servant. 

But God remembered Joseph and granted him favor in the eyes of his master wherever he went.  He ended up in jail because his master’s wife also favored Joseph, but even there God would prosper him.

Many people wonder why God allows innocent people to suffer.  But we have to look at the suffering of Jesus to prove God’s point.  Suffering produces merciful servants of the living Christ.  Suffering when consecrated to Christ produces Mercy that touches the heart of God and enables him to hear our prayers and even change the destiny of a nation. 

After Jesus died he went to the right hand of the Father where he lives to intercede on our behalf. (Romans 8:34) Jesus is our ultimate intercessor. 

Joseph, through the course of his life also became a righteous merciful intercessor.  Joseph went from slave to prisoner to 2nd in command to Pharaoh.  It was quite a journey for this young man. There was heartache, pain, and great loss for Joseph but it didn’t end there. There would also be great restoration. Eventually God would raise him up over the entire land of Egypt.  He would provide food for the multitudes and save the land of Egypt from a great famine.

In the end, the mercy of God extended even to Joseph’s elderly father, Jacob.  He would get to see Joseph again before he died.  Joseph’s love, mercy and forgiveness extended to his once jealous brothers.  In the end, He would provide for them and their families.

“So then, don’t be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”  Genesis 50:21

Mighty Warrior

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.  Am I not sending you?”  “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” Judges 6:14-18

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”

How often we feel weak, inadequate, and incapable of being used by God in any significant way.  God often uses the weakest, and most inadequate people to bring him Glory.  He does it with characters throughout the Bible and Gideon just happens to be one of those.

When the angel of the Lord first appears to Gideon, he is hiding food from the Midianites who were terrorizing the Israelites. The angel of the Lord, affirms Gideon as a “Mighty Warrior”.  Probably the last thing Gideon thought of himself- He probably felt more like a coward hiding out in clefts, caves and strongholds.  But the Lord saw something more valuable in Him.

When the Lord calls him out to save Israel, all his excuses followed with him being from the weakest clan, and being the least in his family.  He probably could think of a lot of other more capable, smarter, stronger, qualified individuals for the Job- but God didn’t want those qualified men.  He wanted the least; He wanted the weakest- to make his power, presence and glory known. 

                                                                       

                                                           “I will be with you.”

God’s famous last words to every prophet, apostle, disciple, and host of other men and women He used in the Bible.  “If God is for you who can be against you?” (Romans 8:31) This promise of God being with us is the most valuable treasure we have.  If God is with us we can accomplish much for His Glory. 

Sure Gideon was afraid, and even after he heard from the angel of the Lord he still tested God and asked for a sign and a fleece to know that God was indeed with him and promised to save Israel through him. 

And God so graciously obliged Gideon’s request three times and Gideon obeyed God and got the victory with a small army of 300 men. 

God knows how weak, inadequate and incapable we think we are.  And He still delights in using us.  He wants us to rise to the occasion, take up the challenge and be the “mighty” men and women that He knows we are capable of becoming.  

We need to trust him.  We need to listen to him.  We need to obey him.  We need to keep our eyes on Him.  We need to write his Holy affirmation on the tablets of our hearts.

“The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior!”