Light Shines in the Darkness 12-19-16

“The light shines in the darkness.” Jn. 1:5

What unworthy commitments are filling up your mind and time?

When God is “little” in our lives, other things are simply more satisfying.

We become scattered, splintered, and weary from “running”. At some point our innovative planning and resourceful coping mechanisms eventually crack and fail us. Enter God.

Refusing to fit neatly into our “God time slots”, Jesus breaks through the darkness to shine light on our misguided perceptions and unwise commitments. And He’s very creative…

“Neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:38-39

God doesn’t overlook our poor choices, but He wants to redeem them. Although relationships and circumstances shape us, they don’t have to define us or keep us enslaved. We can be set free from the vices that ensnare us, small and large.

“In Jesus is life, and that life is the light of men.” Jn. 1:4

Let’s stop neglecting God’s presence, and start living for what truly matters. 

“God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 Jn. 1:5-9

Our Lord beseeches us to choose life…real life. (Deut. 30:19-20) May we choose “real life” in our hearts and time commitments this Christmas season, as we celebrate God coming to the world as a babe to save all of mankind.

Much love and big hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Prayers Heard 11-30-16

“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” Dan. 10:12

There is so much evil in this present world, it can feel overwhelming. As we persistently cry out to Abba Father, we can feel our prayers aren’t heard.

But, don’t be fooled, each one of our prayers are heard by our heavenly Father.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 Jn. 514

God hears every cry of His kids, but the Bible teaches that unseen forces often hinder our seeing God’s responses. Daniel 10:1-14 vividly describes one such encounter: An angel appears to Daniel and says, “Since the first day you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me 21 days. Then, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the prince of Persia. Now I have come…”

In 1 Thess. 2:18, Paul describes a similar struggle: “We wanted to come to you…certainly I, Paul, did, again and again…but Satan hindered us.” Paul goes on to teach that our struggle is against spiritual forces of evil, and our prayers are challenged by powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Describing this ongoing “war” in Eph. 6:10-18, Paul emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer: “pray in the Spirit, on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests…for all the saints.” Make no mistake; spiritual forces of evil have been unleashed over America and around the globe. Satan knows he was soundly defeated by Jesus at the cross and resurrection. The devil could not defeat God, so he goes after God’s treasure: us.

Praise God, we believers are “armed and dangerous”. The devil has no authority over believers. God has placed His Spirit within His kids. We believers simply have to recognize, believe and act upon this fact.

~For His glory, God longs to infuse our prayer lives with inconceivable power!

“Prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.” Jms. 5:16

~Will we believe His promises and diligently fight the good fight with audacious prayers? God ALWAYS proves Himself faithful to those who trust Him wholeheartedly.

We Cleary’s have experienced this divine power in ASTOUNDING ways this past month. From small “help me find my personal item” prayers, to “the seemingly impossible circumstances” prayed over years, to “prayers over nations”, GOD IS FAITHFULLY answering each one! Glory to God, the fulfiller of audacious prayers!!!

Time is cooking up for His return, may we live boldly, shining His light into every remaining dark crevice.

Much love and big hugs, ~Shaun and Betsy

Confused? Discern Truth 10-27-16

“See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matt. 24:25

“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Heb. 5:14 Jesus is our solid food; as we intentionally walk with Him, His essence is infused into us, helping us discern good from evil on evermore-subtle levels.

Case in point, the USA 2016 Election: There is so much corruption and deception, it’s tricky to discern truth from lie on any subject matter.

Thanks to God, we don’t have to reside in confusion!

Jesus tells us the Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth, and that God will fill us with the knowledge of His will through spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Jn. 16:12, Col. 1:9)

The catch?  God’s Word has to be our solid food…meaning, we daily choose to bathe ourselves in His Word, obey His promptings, and keep short accounts with Him as we sin.

God warns us in 1Tim. 4:1 and 2Tim. 4:3 “In later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons…men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” Lest we be fooled, false prophets of this world’s system aggressively pursue seducing Believers into both adopting unbiblical values and engaging ungodly aims.

Let’s explore.

Remember Gen. 11:5-9 when God confused the languages at Babel so the peoples of the world could not create a one-world order?  Flash forward to present day: Open boarder policies and globalism ideals are becoming popular once again. Principles of sovereignty are being demonized; and psychological pressure is systematically being imposed, with an agenda of shaming challengers to gain consent from the masses.

~Knowing God’s Word gives us a “truth plumb line” with which to discern deception surrounding present day scenarios, and foresight to navigate future days to which God has pre-warned. (E.g.: One world system of Rev. 13)                                                                                                                                                                                

You know what else the Word gives us? Peace. Indescribable peace knowing that nothing is catching our Lord by surprise.

If you are feeling anxious, please put into practice God’s promise:

“If you accept My Words, store up My commands within you, turn your ear to wisdom, apply your heart to understanding, call out for insight, cry aloud for understanding, (and search for her as for hidden treasure)…Then, you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” Prv. 2:1-8

Concluding with our 2016 election example: None of this election chaos is catching God off-guard. No matter which candidate is elected Nov. 8, God is wholly sovereign and His kingdom calendar is marching forth on schedule. ~One person may simply hasten The Day!

May we rest in Him as we “live large” in our walk with Him.

Much love and hugs, ~Shaun and Betsy

Revealed Heart 9-29-16

“Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Lk. 6:45

How we view God determines how we view ourselves. If we truly believe God is who He says He is, our thoughts, words and actions will appropriately follow. Authentic faith is verified in our actions.  

God tells us that faith without works is dead (Jms 2:26). If our identity is truly based in Jesus, our works are “an outpouring” of our love for Him. Yet, if our identity is based our own works and accomplishments, at our core, we view God as one who serves us (not visa versa).

This week we visited 4 college campuses and posed this question:

“If you are the only sober person at a party, how do you feel?”

With regard to Believing students, we found 2 responses particularly revealing:

1) One Christian exclaimed that he loves to be the only non-drunk person at a party because he can “run circles around people, intellectually”.

2) Another Christian answered that he enjoys being the only sober person at a party because he can help “protect his friends”, and “my drunk friends let down their guard, allowing us to communicate at a much deeper level”.

What do these 2 very different answers reveal about these 2 individuals hearts?

Only God knows for sure, but the first person seems to reveal insecurity, pride, and desire for control. The second person seems to reveal compassion, love for others and a desire to understand and protect.

In which of these 2 people's actions do you see more of Jesus?

...Yep, so do the many other hungry, thirsty, and hurting who are watching!

God beseeches us to love one another:

“People will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”( Jn. 13:35)   

And He warns us, “Those who oppress the “poor” show contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the “needy” honors God...knowledge puffs up, while love builds up.” (Prv. 14:31, 1 Cor. 8:1)

Jesus created people to be loved and He created knowledge and things to be used.

Our foolish world teaches us the opposite: knowledge and things are to be loved and people are to be used.  

Which value do your actions reflect?

Oh Lord, may we desire to know You more, find You insatiably irresistible, being filled to overflowing as You embrace and infuse us in Your astounding love. Amen.

Much love and big hugs,   ~Shaun and Betsy

“You have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Pet. 1:22

Coming Home 8-23-16

“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving,

even though we have rebelled against Him.” Dan. 9:9

An excerpt from David Redding in his book called Jesus Makes Me Laugh:

“A big black Scottish shepherd, Teddy was my dog, and he would do anything for me. He waited for me to come home from school. He slept beside me, and when I whistled he ran to me even if he was eating. At night no one would get within a half mile without Teddy’s permission. During those long summers in the fields I would only see the family at night, but Teddy was with me all the time. And so when I went away to war, I didn’t know how to leave him. How do you explain to someone who loves you that you’re leaving him?

So coming home that first time from the Navy (during WWII) was something I can scarcely describe. The last bus stop was 14 miles from the farm. I got off there that night about 11pm and walked the rest of the way home. It was 2 or 3am before I was within a half mile of the house. It was pitch dark, but I knew every step of the way. Suddenly Teddy heard me and began his warning barking. I whistled only once. The barking stopped. There was a yelp of recognition, and I knew that a big black form was hurtling toward me in the darkness. Almost immediately he was there in my arms. …What comes home to me now is the eloquence with which that unforgettable memory speaks to me of my God…

If my dog, without any explanation, would love me and take me back after all that time, wouldn’t my God?” 

Might you be in a dark space currently? Perhaps desiring to be in God’s loving embrace, yet you can’t fathom Him forgiving you of your sins and taking you back?

Recorded in Scripture is this beautiful pictorial of God’s forgiveness and love:

 “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am not worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him…bring the fatted calf …let us eat and be merry for this son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is now found.’” Lk. 15:11-32

God tells us that He rescues us from the dominion of darkness and brings is into His glorious kingdom, casting our sins from His remembrance (Col. 1:13-14, Is. 43:25, Ps. 103:12, Heb. 8:12). Jesus already paid the penalty for our transgressions, it’s our choice whether we choose to humble ourselves, believe He is Who He says He is, accept His free gift and become royal sons and daughters of the King.

“Repent, then and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19

He loves us each so very dearly.     

Much love and squeezes,  ~Shaun and Betsy

Walk, Stand and Sit with Who? 7-31-16

“How long, O men, will you turn My glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” 

Ps. 4:2

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.” Ps. 1:1-2

Does not walk “halak”: to live as a manner of life, continually, be conversant

In the counsel “etsah”: advice and purpose

Of the wicked “rasha”: hostile to God

Nor stand “amad”: be in a standing attitude

In the path “derek”: of course of life or moral character

Of sinners “chatta”: reckoned as offenders

Nor sit “yashab”: to have one’s abode, to dwell

In the seat “mowshab”: dwelling place

Of scoffers “luwts”: talk arrogantly, to be inflated, show oneself a mocker

Our world is going mad!

Isaiah warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Is. 5:20

In whose counsel are you and I choosing to walk (live as our manner of life)?

In whose path are you and I choosing to stand (be in a standing attitude)?

Where are we choosing to seat ourselves (make our dwelling place)?

There are only 2 teams. We either pick God and His Team, or the devil and his team.

(Remember, 2 Cor. 11:5 tells us that the devil and his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness…. so be very discerning when picking your team!)

For true Believers, our Almighty Loving God promises us:

“You have been born again, not of seed which is perishable but imperishable that is, through the living and enduring Word of God.” 1Pet. 1:23

We’ve been re-born imperishable “aphithartos”: not liable to corruption or decay

Through “dia”: by the means of, reason by which something is or is not done

The living “zao”: to be in full vigour, actively blessed, endless in the kingdom of God

And enduring “meno”: to remain in reference to place, time, state and condition

Word “logos”: the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God His minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.

Amidst this crazy confusion, may we live up to the blessings we’ve been promised, consistently choosing to walk, stand and sit with our forever faithful God and His team! 

Big hugs and much love as we eagerly await His return,  ~Shaun and Betsy

Trials-Worth Gold! 6-27-16

“The trial of your faith is much more precious than of gold that perishes…Walk by faith, not by sight.” 1Pet. 1:7; 2Cor. 5:7

 “The trial of your faith is much more precious than of gold that perishes.” 1Pet. 1:7

Grab hold of this truth: The “trial of my faith” is of itself abundantly more precious than gold. Gold is quite valuable (both on earth and in heaven) and God is telling us that the trials of our faith are more highly valued, honored and esteemed than gold? Crazy.

Fleshed out, what does this message indicate? We’re blessed and rewarded as we embrace trials.

Additionally, as we embrace our trial(s), God tells us we’re to walk through them. “Walk” (peripateo) means to make use of opportunities.

Further, we are to “make use of opportunities” by faith and not by sight.

(In exercising faith “pistis”, we are to rely on Christ and His promises, not on what we see “eidos”, the outward appearance of something.)

In other words, we are to rely on Christ and His promises (not on what we see and feel) as we “make use of” divinely ordained opportunities…and God abundantly blesses us for doing so!

Are you perhaps amidst a circumstantial or relational trial today?

Might you be willing to change your mindset and see this “trial” as an “opportunity”?

*An opportunity to forgive

*An opportunity not to fear

*An opportunity to navigate temptation

*An opportunity to “divinely shine” in the face of death

*An opportunity to be brutally honest with myself about myself

*An opportunity to proclaim Christ’s love amidst personal hardship

*An opportunity to adhere to tough-love boundaries with a loved one

*An opportunity to understand another, while standing on The Rock in love

*An opportunity to gain insights into intimate treasures of God through tough stuff

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (1Pet. 4:12, Jms. 1:2)

Be encouraged, God is keenly aware, loves us beyond our wildest imaginations, and deeply desires to guide us through. Let’s take His hand and hold on.

In His grip this week,

Much love and hugs    ~Shaun and Betsy

Nebuchadnezzar: An Interesting Lesson in Leadership

“The king ordered…young men in whom was no blemish, but well-favored and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace.”  Dan. 1:3-4

Nebuchadnezzar is considered the greatest king in the Babylonian Empire (605BC-562BC). After conquering and destroying Jerusalem, this exceedingly powerful, brutal and outrageously ambitious king issues and unusual order. Instead of killing or enslaving all Jewish captives, this king uncharacteristically sets forth qualifications to invite some of them into his innermost circle. (Picture a present day carnal dictator desiring to entrust himself and his kingdom to young men of Jehovah God! Crazy, huh? But this is God, Who was and is and is to come, directing the steps of kings, proving “Heaven rules” Dan. 4:26; Dan. 5:21.)

Now, the credentials for this king’s most trusted future advisers and servants are what we are going to observe below.  (Qualities young Jewish boys must possess, to serve the king):

Without any physical defect “m’uwm”: without physical defect or moral stain

Well-favored “towb”: pleasant, agreeable, of good understanding, ethically good; “mar’eh”: appearance, supernatural vision, power of seeing

Skillful in all wisdom “sakal”: to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, have insight, have comprehension, be prudent, act wisely, to cause to prosper; “chokmah”: skill in war, wisdom in administration, prudence in religious affairs, ethical shrewdness

Cunning in knowledge “yada’”: to know, be acquainted with, to perceive, see and discern, to have knowledge, to make known, to be skillful in, to reveal oneself; “da’ath”: perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom, and knowledge

Understanding science “biyn”: to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently, to give heed to, to have insight and understanding, to instruct/teach; “madda”: mind, thought, intelligence or consciousness

Such as had ability “koach”: human strength, strength of angels, power of God

In them to stand “’amad”: take a stand, become servant of, present oneself, be appointed, ordain

Look at the magnitude of these qualifications: Young Jewish men, set apart and found to possess no moral or physical stain. They were ethically good with supernatural insights, wise understanding, possessing wisdom and skill in practical affairs, war, and religion, and pleasant to the eye (handsome). They had the ability to discern truth and to teach these truths with the strength of angels and power of God. ~And Nebuchadnezzar appointed them for his personal service. Wow. A small spark in Neb’s heart understood the value of Truth.

If God influenced a man like Nebuchadnezzar, He can certainly influence evil leaders of our present day. ~May we faithful Believers call upon our God in Spirit and Truth, begging Him to show Himself real to our country’s leaders and kings of the world. Amen and amen.

We are in this together. Much love and hugs,     ~Shaun and Betsy

The Delusion 4-27-16

“They perish because they refuse to love the Truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so they will believe the lie.”

2 Thess. 2:10

A snare and trap is being set for believers of God today. God’s Word is becoming distasteful…God’s own kids are beginning to delude themselves into thinking that to love the way Jesus intends means to align themselves more with the way society “loves”, than what is in reality, best for a person from heaven’s perspective.

“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matt. 24:12

iniquity: “anomia” means the condition without law, violation of law; contempt

grow cold: “pycho” means to be made cold, grow cold; waning love

Embracing others no matter what, and at all costs is likened to your 2 yr old wanting to run across a busy street. Do you let him because that’s “his earnest desire”? Most likely, not. Facts are, he doesn’t comprehend the potential consequences. Yet from your vantage point, you do. From heaven’s vantage point: Many of us are rebellious 2 yr olds, desiring to run across a busy street, refusing to yield to God’s warning and protective hand, calling Him unloving and judgmental because we don’t get our way.

“They perish because they refuse to love the Truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so they will believe the lie.” 2 Thess. 2:10

delusion: “plane” means mental straying; error which shows itself in action, deceit and fraud

Many will refuse to believe what Jesus says about Himself, choosing instead to believe a politically correct version of God…(a similar “version of God” that the serpent successfully caused Eve to embrace in Genesis 3) All the while, many will mistakenly believe they are embracing love when in reality, they are separating themselves from Truth and Love.

How do we prepare for this delusion? Prv. 4:13 lays out a simple plan (not an easy plan, but simple):

“Hold onto instruction. Do not let it go. Guard it well. It is your life.”

Hold on: “chazaq” means to grow strong, prevail upon, be firm, be courageous

Let it go: “raphah” means to relax, withdrawal, sink down

Guard: “natsar” means to watch over, to keep close, blockade, guard

Life: “chay” means flowing (fresh water), reviving (of springtime), alive, active

In other words, “Grow strong, be courageous, be firm and prevail in God’s instruction. Do not relax, withdrawal or sink down. Watch over God’s Word and keep it close,

Guard it at all cost. For God’s Word is alive and active,

 flowing within you and reviving your soul.”

Job tells us a great truth: Submit to God and be complete, at peace, and safe with Him. In this way happiness and good things will come to you. (Job 22:21)

We’re all in this battle together!    Much love and hugs, ~Shaun and Betsy

Deny Truth and Love? 3-25-16

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” 

Heb. 11:6

Faith of the faithless says, “If God is not evident, apparent, and observable, then there must not be God.”

This Easter week we received one of the saddest phone calls ever.  After exchanging some pleasantries, it being Easter week, Betsy asked if we could send some children’s books about Jesus to this dear woman’s children. Her reply? She did not think this was a good idea.

Our seemingly joyful friend and former “on-fire-for-the-Lord-Believer”, was apparently harboring a lot of resentment, and we were now going to be the recipients of her misguided rage. ~Our phone went under a pillow (to avoid hearing all the blaspheme, and pray) as a 10-minute “response rant” full of hate ensued. We patiently waited for her to finish. After an awkward silence we asked her if we could ask her one question. She agreed. “Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is?” A long pause, then her answer: “NO”.

A popular author once said, “By God’s sovereign choice, there is no conclusive evidence to prove beyond a shadow of doubt to all mankind that God is THE God. God did this in order to force the issue of faith.”

Question:

Do you base your faith on what you “feel”, what you perceive God does/does not do, OR on Who He says He is? Faith based on who He is, is faith that is not easily moved.

“Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.” Jn. 3:21

Remember, we live amidst a cosmic war; our struggle is not against flesh and blood.  The demonic realm is very organized and comes at us using subtle, yet highly effective tactics.
“Stay alert and put on the full armor of God”! (1 Pet. 5:8 and Eph.6)  

Make no mistake; the devil is diligently studying us. Satan is identifying our vulnerable areas, amassing evidences contrary to God’s promises, and just at the right time, he will pounce like a roaring lion. “Stay alert and put on the full armor of God”! (1 Pet. 5:8 and Eph.6) 

This special Easter week, may we choose to see life through the eyes of faith, meditate upon His ultimate sacrifice of love, and allow Jesus to reveal Himself to us.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” Jn. 3:16-21

Much love and big hugs, ~Shaun and Betsy

Life Breath, What's Allowed in Mine? 2-17-16

“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” Ps 144:4

“You have made my life no linger than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime

is just a moment to You; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Ps 39:5

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Jms. 4:14

We as humans seem to put such a premium on this earthly experience, yet God tells us our lives on this planet are but a vapor. Have you ever contemplated the temporary nature a single breath in light of all of eternity? It’s minuscule.

In recent days, we Cleary’s have been using a simple breath as a measure for the things we are allowing to affect us. One of us will demonstratively breathe in and out (a breath symbolizing our entire life on earth), then ask, “In this representative life breath, where does (my angst) fit?” …Said differently, “What space, in this breath representing my entire life, does the thing that is bugging me fit?” ~Then, just to make this point more incisive, we’ll take a LONG “Methuselah 989yr breath” and ask the same question.

More often than not, we are finding that “the thing” we are angst about, has zero room in our symbolized life breath, even in the longest of breaths! With this “ah-ha moment” close at hand, we’ll then ask ourselves, “WHY am I choosing to concern myself with ‘this thing’?!”

Try it. Think about something that is really bugging you. Now, breathe in…and breathe out. Do it again. ~And again, but this time, slowly take in a gigantic breath, and hold, then release it out at a snail's pace. (A Methuselah 989yr breath). ~Question: Where, in this HUGE breath representing your entire life, does “the thing” that’s bugging you right now fit?

Certainly, there are times, situations and relational concerns that are very much part of our life breath; lessons learned and relationships fostered will carry on to eternity. It is both wise and important to embrace these particular types of concerns. To prayerfully trust God with the processes and outcomes, allowing Him to transform us in and through these types of challenges.

God tells us:      
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petitions,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace 
which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus” Phil. 4:6

Would you like this kind of peace? Ask Jesus.

When we ask Him to forgive us of our sins and be the Lord of our “life breath”, He promises:

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.” Is. 44:22

Remember, this life is but a vapor, a mist.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Ps. 150:6

Much love and big hugs, ~Shaun and Betsy

Life from His Vantage Point 1-13-16

“The Spirit of Truth will guide you into ALL truth…All that belongs to the Father in Mine…The Spirit will take what is Mine

and make it known to you.” Jn 16:13-15

Natural man has no need of God for he is sufficient within himself. Sure, he may have earthly wisdom, but he does not possess spiritual wisdom, the kind of wisdom that sees far beyond what is “being presented”.

Tragically, in society today, most Believers choose not to arm themselves in God’s infallible Standard. Culture and our “well-meaning-world-embracing friends and family” loudly proclaim advice based on what is seen … rarely considering what may actually be going on beneath the surface of things. Spiritual discernment is neglected or abandoned for personal feelings and political correctness. Unbiblical thinking and worldly attitudes are both the result and the norm.

Oh that we may seek to understand what is taking place from God’s vantage point.

(“actual reality” vs. what is being presented) Oh that we may choose today God’s direction for our thoughts and action, rather than our feelings. As God leads, may we then acknowledge, face, change, and forgive others, and ourselves as we move forward.

Jesus won the victory; Believers navigate life from a position of VICTORY!

(Incomparably great power of the indwelling Spirit for us who believe. Eph.1:19-20)

Bear in mind, in order to see from God’s vantage point, we have to know our Savior intimately. Intimacy with Jesus creates trust, and trust allows us to step out in faith.

Remember the Red Sea crossing? 
Parting the Red Sea took a faithful first step for the Israelites. 
~What is your "Red Sea" currently? (Seeming impossible situation or relationship)

With this area or relationship in mind, just perhaps, might we be basing our perceptions and decisions on “appearance”, not discerning what is “actually going on”?

Are we willing to turn to the Lord and trust God, not our feelings? 

~Like the fleeing Israelites at the Red Sea, as we draw near to God and step out in faith, we can expectantly rely on God to supply truth, guidance and miracles!

Look forward 5-10 years. What kind of person do we want to be? What do we want life to look like? Now, determine to make choices today in line with that picture.

~Shaun and I travel a lot. It may be warm and sunny in Santa Barbara, but cold and blustery in NYC. We have to resolve to dress for where we’re going, not where we are currently.

It takes intention and discipline to walk faithfully into the unseen!

God has a will, a purpose and a plan for each of His kids…so does the devil. Living in this time, we cannot afford not to have a discerning spirit. “Don’t be conformed to the PATTERN of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is! His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom. 12:2

Let's be brutally honest with ourselves about ourselves. Time is short. He's coming soon. May we be a bride ready for her Groom.

Much love and hugs,  Shaun and Betsy