ONLINE BIBLE STUDY (OBS) ... Holy Land Tour

You won’t want to miss

You Version (YV) has this sample plan

Kathie Lee Gifford (FB) and Rabbi Jason Sobel (FB) (and the tour guide: Ray Vander Laan) study "tour" dates: August 6 - September 16, 2018

Faith Gateway (FG) and Study Gateway (SG)
Invitation
This week's  TOUR STOP Bethlehem (chapter 5 & 6 in the book) Session 1 (in the study guide) [the study guide includes 3 days of study after the main one instead of one for every day of the week, which often makes it hard to do. This works better for me.]
Bethlehem is Day 2 in the You Version sample (the link on the places below is to the YV devo)

Lessons include: Session One: Bethlehem — Where It All Began (chapter 5 & 6) Caesarea, Herodium Session Two: Nazareth — The Early Years (chapter 7-8 & 10) Judean desert, Cana Session Three: Capernaum — Ministry Headquarters (chapter 11) FG link Session Four: Galilee — Ministry Grounds (chapter 14, 9 & 12) 7 Streams, Sea of Gal Session Five: Mount of Olives — The Triumphal Entry (chapter 18 & 21) Gethsemane Session Six: Jerusalem — Crucifixion and Resurrection (chapter 22-23) Golgotha

a six week tour with 6 sessions in the study guide but the actual *book has 29 chapters of places in the Holy Land
Kathie Lee has a Quiz on her website "How well do you REALLY know the Holy Land?"
Beginning the Journey Where It All Began  (chapter 5 & 6) Bethlehem, Caesarea, Herodium {this is actually how the Study Guide is done}
... even if you don't have time right now ... to join in this study and read/do it I encourage you to  please do yourself the blessing of registering so you can view the excellent videos of the Holy Land with Kathie Lee and Rabbi Jason (sometimes they allow a little more time at the end to view any missed)

"Now you can walk with Kathie Lee on a journey through the spiritual foundations of the Christian faith:

• THE ROCK (Jesus Christ): Hear directly from Kathie Lee about her life-changing and 
• ever-deepening connection with Jesus, the Lover of her soul.
• THE ROAD (Israel): Explore ancient landmarks and historical sites from Israel, 
• the promised land of God's covenant.
• THE RABBI (God's Word): Go deeper into the Bible by digging into the original 
• languages and meanings of the Holy Scriptures

I love Laurie McClure's prayer Faith Gateway's OBS Leader (hope she or they don't mind me 
posting it here): "Father, thank You for this study we're about to embark on and thank You 
for Kathie Lee and Rabbi Jason Sobel. Thank You that Your Word is so rich and deep, far more

than we'll ever be able to understand while on earth. Thank You that greater time we read and
 study it. the more brightly You light our pathand reveal Yourself to us. We want to know You 
and love You increasingly every day. Guide us as we study and pray by Your glorious Holy Spirit.

We love You, Jesus. Amen {and also each session has a closing prayer in the study guide, 
whereas the book gives more details on the background of the place}

* don't miss out on this Kindle special of the book (it may be just through today, August 5th)

AUGUST ...

I decided today, mid-August, to go back and add the 'prayer starters' I've prayed for each day of this month as I'm believing and "praying the promises of God"...

AUGUST

1 Wed.

"Jesus, as I continue to believe in You and trust You, fill me with Your peace and let me overflow with hope through the power of Your Holy Spirit... " Romans 15:13

2 Thurs.

"Father, I'm leaving You in charge of my situation... " 2 Chron.32:7-8

3 Fri.

"Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me... " Psalm 26:6-8 which isn't the Psalm that says this - that's Psalm 51.

4 Sat.

"Father, let Your gifts flow through me to those around me. Let me be reflective of Your generosity and Your selfless love... " 1 Cor.1:4-5

5 SONday

"Father, I respond to Your love ... " Ps. 27:8

6 Mon.

"Lord, alert me to Your provision so that I can walk daily in it... " 1Cor. 2:9-12

7 Tues.

"Light of the World, shine deep into the deep places of my heartand reveal those hidden motives that have kept me enslaved to fruitless behaviors ... " Prov.20:27

8 Weds.

"Lord, I want to live in Your power. Really live in it. I don't want to be all talk. Nudge me when I'm talking one way and living another..." 1 Cor. 4:20

9 Thurs.

"Lord, pull me from the traps my enemy sets for me. You are the only one who can. I entrust myself to You for safekeeping... "Ps.31:3-5

10 Fri.

"Father, I'm trusting my life today and all my tomorrows to You. As I put my future in Your hands, I thank You that I don't have to worry because Your plans for me can't be thwarted! ..." Ps.31:14-15

11 Sat.

"Father, I surrender ______to You. Please come into my life with Your restoring power, and hear my prayers as You did Nehemiah's. As You prove Yourself mighty, may You receive much glory..."Neh.2:4-5

... because I found that as I re-read and re-prayed each one from my journal, that each of these were significant for me this month; so far, on the very day, which showed me that even before - God knew and loves me so much, that He called forth these very prayers to remind me of the promises I've claimed to BELIEVE Him in His Word. Each prayer spurred me to pray more and even as I go back and reflect on this month of August, I find that these words, these prayers encompass much of what has been going on in my heart and in my life. I praise God and give thanks for His Promises and His Word that does not fail!   Perhaps one or more of these will encourage you and be a beginning of a prayer that the Holy Spirit will stir much more from your depths to meet with Him right then, right here, right now ... this One Year devotional has met me right where I'm at and so helped me and my spiritual growth and intimacy. Not so much the devotional part - as the reading and prayers that became personal in my life.  I've seen a movie on cable tv at least 3 times now that has delighted my heart so, called "August Rush" ... and actually that title is almost how I thought to title this post, because the Holy Spirit has made this August ... such a 'rush' ... and this has nothing to do with the movie, but everything to do with how great God is! [...rather than post one for each day, I decided to accumulate them all on this important day and maybe I will continue to add the rest of the month also right here each week ... for August. I'm thinking that probably every month has been like this, but it just finally made such a strong connection this past week and dawned on me that God is speaking through His Word and these prayers of His promises even before I realized it. I guess sometimes or lately, it takes me longer. I have spent much of these past few weeks with a couple other people digging out a yard full of crabgrass - an endless battle, yet it has given me much understanding of how 'weeds' take over in our lives.] I will be back to complete these squares with prayers. I guess declaring them publicly keeps me accountable and gives testimony to God at work for me. If only I could share more from my daily living on how these were just what I needed ... but you'll just have to believe me. These are not my own personal prayers, although I prayed them as if they were, nor can I share the personal details of each day, so you'll just have to trust me and believe when I say how perfect these prayers were orchestrated by God, before I even read them or knew what may transpire. But GOD did and He does ... never misses a beat of my heart and what's weighing on my mind or heart yet He promises He will carry me... (and you) 

12

"Father, You are the Giver of every good gift, especially the gift of forgiveness through the cross of Your Son, Jesus. May we not take for granted Your enormous mercy... " Ps.32:1,5

13

"Creator, breathe Your Word into me in this moment, made sacred by Your presence. As You breathe Your Word out, I breathe it in. May it flow into the deepest recesses of my heart, bringing life... "Ps 33:6 * (8/22/18)

14

"Lord, I rejoice in the grace You have poured out in my life..." Neh. 8:10-12

15

"Jesus, forgive me for getting sloppy and out of condition spiritually. I want to keep my eyes on You and run the race with courage. Grant me Your strength and endurance to finish well... " 1 Cor 9:25-26* (8/23)

16

"Thank You, Lord, that though we go through many trials in this life, You will sustain and comfort the brokenhearted. You hear us when we call You for help and are eternally faithful. To Him who was and is and is to come, I praise Your name... " Ps 34:17-18 (8/22-23/18)

17

"Lord, I choose praise. I choose to celebrate the victory that is in pro-cess rather than to wallow in sorrow and declare defeat..." Ps 35:9-10

18

"Father, in my famine, You are still Lord. Let my famine serve Your purpose... " Ps.33:18-19

19

"Jesus, I set my heart to seek You. Anything else is a lowered bar of expectation. I want You... " Prov.21:21

20

"Jesus, enable me to express Your self-giving love to those You have to put in my world. Show me ways to love extravagantly, seeking no benefits for myself... "1 Cor 13:4-7 {if I loved or was loved like this or capable of doing this long ago, I would not be in a relationship with a spouse that does not even accept You but uses the Bible and God against me and my poor behavior and choices - my sin but his too}

21

"Father, direct my steps. I am desperately dependent on (You  and) Your leading... Ps 37:23"

22

"Lord, I am helpless in this area of my life: __can you guess?__. I need Your empowering grace, healing, and health. We are inadequate, but You are more than adequate. We are weak, but You are strong. Hallelu-jah! ... Job 6:12-13 "

23

"Father, hear my sighs and groans as I turn my longings toward You... " Ps 38:9

[I dare not add ahead of the date, so as not to know ahead what God does]
24

" "

25

" "

26

" "

27

" "

28

" "

29

" "

30

" "

31

" "

I'LL BE BACK

I PROMISE

How is your

AUGUST

going?

* shared on this post at precisely the date I needed it again (in parentheses)

"UNBRIDLED FAITH: 100 Devotions from the Horse Farm" by Cara Whitney

"Unbridled Faith ... " by Cara Whitney was released on June 5, 2018 [so that is why I chose today a month later to review this, because I had not yet received it before this from BookLook Bloggers] So since I could not wait, I quickly did the YouVersion 5 day plan of "Unbridled Faith" and when it arrived I read it all. I don't usually post the book description in my book reviews, however, I could not agree more with every statement given as if these were my own words and a very true description. 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

"Explore the timeless wisdom of God's Word through this beautiful horse devotional. Horses nuzzle their way into our hearts and have a way of teaching us a lot about ourselves, about life, and even about God. Just ask horse enthusiast Cara Whitney, wife of comedian and actor Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy). Through years spent working with these majestic animals—Cara Whitney has learned countless spiritual lessons that have brought her closer to God. In 100 heartfelt devotions with stunning photography, you'll Learn about being flexible in your faith from a gangly legged colt. Discover the secret to overcoming temptation through a horse's "sneak and eat" game. From a pony with a sweet tooth, find out why we should be glad God doesn’t answer yes to all of our prayers. Be reminded that you are priceless to God from a one-eyed quarter horse named Roanie.   Unbridled Faith is the perfect daily devotional for horse lovers."

{I wonder how 'unbridled' my faith really is or should be. Not after reading this}

"Unbridled Faith ... " by Cara Whitney, indeed is the "perfect way for horse lovers to start the day" and even if you're not a horse lover, you too will be encouraged by this author. Cara Whitney is not a 'religious person' according to the forward written by her husband, Larry, the Cable Guy. {I, personally, never had heard of him, so he is not the reason I chose this book, but I appreciate his words in the forward like an introduction, which gives a good background into his wife's spiritual search and this book clearly shows a well-rounded, transformed woman to a well-versed Christian} Cara, writes, as he described as 'a detective' that has searched for Jesus Christ, she investigated in detail His Word, many resources and teachings, she interestingly applied what she's discovered with her life of horse knowledge and experiences for us with our own faith walk; because her big goal in life, as a result of her spiritual detective work, is 'to point everyone to the life she has found in Jesus Christ.' Cara has accomplished this in all she shares. I am amazed at her expertise both with horses and Christian truths that she found and worded so well and concisely.
Cara Whitney, has written a simple yet profound devotional that compares our faith being 'unbridled' with some aspect of horses and her life on a horse farm. 
When I received this beautiful, hard cover book, I immediately was drawn to the quality of the book and the photographs included with each two-page devotion and after every 20, there is a two page layout of a gorgeous horse scene, well-worth framing. Each devotion has a clever and catchy title, and begins with a Bible verse. The first paragraph or two focuses on the horse aspect and how it compares to us and our faith journey, then drawn out in the devotion and the concluding paragraph. Simple connections, followed by a one line prayer starter with the perfect, touching horse photo. To me, the every day devotion spoke a Godly truth and I easily could relate to my days with my horses ... and horse love, although I'm not as knowledgable as Cara, I could clearly understand the connection she made like those cited in the book description. 
I could go on and on about these 100 devotions ... and how each one seemed to 'unbridle' a new delight and something for me to treasure once again in my heart, memories and my mind that nuzzled their way in and taught me a bit more about myself and my walk, how very priceless we are to God, blended with the 'timeless wisdom' and humor shared by Cara, her horses and this perfect gift of a devotional (her husband is not the only one with a good sense of humor). This book unleases my faith and refreshes my love of horses and horsemanship as I flip open to any one of the devotions for the day and grow my trust and beliefs in a fresh way - perfect for a summer devotional read! Off to "Clean Out My Spiritual Tack Room" (#79) and find "A Big, Happy Neigh" (#33) This book has everything I love included!
But instead of going on, I will share one of my favorites #77 and you can see for yourself.

"The One True Thing" "Sometimes when we get around horse people, we find ourselves surrounded by all kinds of know-it-alls. And in some cases, they actually do. The equine educated can make us feel like inadequate equestrians at times. But that’s when we remind ourselves of what is most important: we love our horses, and our horses trust us. What’s more, it can be so tempting to compare ourselves to other riders. But we will never succeed at being ourselves if we are trying to be someone else. Our spiritual journey is our own too. When we are tempted to compare ourselves with other Christians, we should focus instead on the Lord. He is the One we are following. “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else” (Galatians 6:4). The truth is, we will meet other Christians along the trail who seem to know every Bible verse, have theology degrees, and speak eloquent prayers. And it’s easy to feel intimidated by a person with that kind of intellect. Remember: all that matters is that you know the one thing that is most important: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” If you know that, then you know the most important thing of all." Lord, help me to avoid the temptation of comparing myself with others. Help me to hold on to the one true thing: my relationship" Unbridled Faith...by Cara Whitney, YV plan day 1

 

Disclosure: I received this book free through BookLook Bloggers, from the publisher, in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

[additional personal note: I have owned horses, like the one in my last photo image in the background of one of my blankets (looks like my Arabian horse), the 2nd image is another blanket that I was lying on as I read, so I truly do love horses and yet I do not believe that I could have written a devotional book like this. Often when I prepare to review a book after reading it, I want to (over) analyze the book and try to express what I feel or read. Often I try to see if there are categories (like the 4 bullets in the book description). I tried to figure out if the reason that this devotional was divided somewhat into 20 devotionals and then that 2 page layout of a beautiful horse scene and perhaps those 20 devotionals pertained to some particular area of our faith and were being grouped together purposely. At the time, I am posting this, I have not found the category of each group ... however, I am sure that I will continue to search the titles and the 'horse' connection to our faith, whether it's 'bridled' or 'unbridled' with hopes of making a list (chart) of all 100 titles and the lesson that horses and we share ... because I am sure that all God's creation exemplify more of God's amazing character and that we can learn from them as it relates to our faith and our faith walk. You don't need to be a life-long Christian in church, versed and trained to know we all are connected to Our Supreme Creator, and have something to better another's person life and relationship with Jesus and others. I know every critter and every verse in God's Word shout another glorious facet of our Divine connection for me as I'm learning to be in-tune to listen, learn, love and BElieve.

"The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."

- Arabian Proverb -

"THE SPIRIT-LED HEART..." by Suzanne Eller

"The Spirit-Led Heart - Living a Life of Love and Faith without Borders"

by

Suzanne (Suzie) Eller

It was more than an unexpected, welcomed surprise when I received my complimentary copy from Bethany House of "The Spirit-Led Heart - Living a Life of Love and Faith without Borders" by Suzanne (Suzie) Eller, who definitely was Spirit-Led as she wrote this heart changing book. Suzie, once again, captures your heart, as she ignites your faith in a fresh awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit in you and challenges you to be a Spirit-filled person - without borders, through her 'gifted' teaching, truths and promises from God's Word with practical steps in her well-organized way. I enjoyed "unpacking" and unwrapping this gift, chapter after chapter of promises and teachings of Jesus and the early church, as Suzie shows us and walks us through the gift of His presence available inside each of us who've received Jesus. The true gift of this book for me, is reawakening His Spirit or reopening my eyes to all the Holy Spirit is ... and my heart so that I am Spirit-led. 

Most definitely, this is my favorite kind of book with the content I like best, including a Study Guide right in the back of the book following the Epilogue. Ten solid chapters that include the same format pattern of well-organized *sections as Suzie shares her heart about a Spirit-Led heart: beginning with a quote by a famous person/author that capsulizes the theme or gets you thinking, a personal devotional introduction, *The Early Church (relating them to us), *Your Promise, *Your Invitation (both with personal reminders from personal experiences to encourage and apply to our lives), question(s) with further expansion of her teaching points, summing up with *Spirit-Led ... without borders, then ending with a special box emphasizing: *The Word, *Your Spirit-Led Promise, *Your Spirit-Led Invitation, and a *Prayer (always my favorite part). 

[insert of photos of book pages of this]

In each chapter Suzie focuses us on our Spirit-Led hearts being: 1) Confident, 2) Empowered, 3) Defined by Truth, 4) Finds Direction, 5) Bold, 6) Advocated and Comforted, 7) Counseled, 8) Finds Discernment and Wisdom, 9) Marked by Conviction and 10) Gifted.  Suzie has the gift to inspire as she gives good, practical instruction with sound Biblical teaching of God's Word combined with keeping her writing personal, vulnerable, transparent yet powerful. Each chapter's Spirit-Led ... (fill in any of the 1-10 above) ...without borders, is the section that really personalized her point and God spoke more clearly to my heart. 

I was going to mention that my favorite chapter was Chapter 6  "We are Worth Fighting For" ... but that's because of where I am in my personal life, yet I'm sure that others would be my favorite in other seasons of my life. Over and over, I flip often to the different charts or tables that Suzie uses, like in Chapter 3 (pages 64 and 65) but the best one, is in the Study Guide, on page 189, "God's Truth Replaces Lies" {boy, do I need to do this frequently}. You can see this or get a copy at Suzie's blog plus some other wonderful freebies including the "Manifesto" and sample of chapters 1 & 2.

As I continued reading through "The Spirit-Led Heart", I sensed a renewed stirring of the Holy Spirit helping me to grasp that I am equipped with the power to live out my faith without borders and return to a Spirit filled life of love, or for me, love of life with my heart transformed by all that Suzie shares from God's Word, through the early church to me, the reader guided by His Spirit. 

I highly recommend this book and its teacher/author for individuals as well as small group church studies. I know that I will return to read this again and again, at a slower pace to reignite all Suzie Eller ties together about a Spirit-Led heart. I would love to lead a study of this book too since it is all given in the book copy. I have enjoyed other books by Suzie Eller dealing with the heart: "Unburdened" and "Mended", but this one stands out as I seek to be filled and refilled by His Holy Spirit, a recurring theme for me since last fall and so I invite you to read this as I invite the Holy Spirit to "Come with Me", once again ... and rekindle my Spirit, my belief of 3 in 1, Father, Spirit and Son, Jesus Christ. I need all 3(as 1) to help me live my faith better, without borders. 

"I'm worth fighting for. Just saying those words breaks something in me, Father. ... That one is worth fighting for Lord. I am not big enough to change the world on my own, but I can do my part. ...  " [parts of the Prayer for Chapter 6, page 114, "The Spirit-Led Heart"by S. Eller]

Spirit-Led Promise #1 [image credit:S.Eller]

Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House, the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

[This book was published on May 1st but I did not receive a copy til May 16th so sorry for not getting this review out earlier. I purposely chose today's date to honor my mother on her birthday as her spirit resides with His eternally. I love the artwork on the cover of Suzie's book and throughout in black and white, and other images I've seen, which remind me of the artwork my mother would do.]

"PRAYING for an UNBELIEVER"

It's been far too long since I shared a post (call it "blogger-phobia") and even longer since I have taken a "Walk On Weds." unless you count the "7 Mile Miracle" as a "walk" ...

(maybe it's because it looks like this again)

And this morning, I really needed a reminder from God ... so by 7 am He sent me out yet again with 2 of my fur babies and I gazed out the back and saw this ... 1 all alone ... (not usual because most often there are 6 to the group that I feed a little later in the day) and this spoke volumes to my heart and soul ... how I am not alone, how He cares even for one, "yes, that one", how He provides, how He protects ... and how I better get boots and clothes on and put some feed out for ...

"can you spot her?"

(... shortly the other 5 joined her, then around noon another blessing ... you know the saying of spotting your first "robin" being a sign of spring, well, it is up here in frigid, cold MN but I spotted a entire flock of over 13 robins, pecking seed on a tree, fluttering and flying up and down, and even in the snow and mud in the front ... so glorious with their orange colored bellies, yet another spring reminder and delight) 

<>

Back to the rest of my morning

...built around caring for 

my precious "Lucky" furbaby

with 3 meds

none of

which

she will readily take

and keeping my eyes and ears

watching that she's ok, not in pain

not messing with her stitches

along her right side mammary chain

really being a fighter and so good...

<>

As I had already finished my You Version plans of reading the Bible and had not yet gone to First 5, I opened my email and began sorting through when my eyes caught site of this (the title of this blog post "Praying for an unbeliever") in the subject line of Daily Hope with Pastor Rick Warren ... so I clicked over to the podcast and listened, knowing that I should have shared this much earlier today on here, so "whosoever ..." might also catch this broadcast for today - although the entire series is worth listening to ... perhaps you are like me and need to spend extra time in heavy duty prayer for a loved one that desperately needs Jesus, so I invite you to listen ... and join "40 days of Prayer", you can even download message outlines or purchase the series, and also other excellent resources (but right now you can listen to the messages for free and receive his devotionals in your email like I do). Most important, let's PRAY:

"... Here is a sample prayer for unbelieving friends: “Lord, I know there are people who don’t have a relationship with you. Perhaps they know about you; they have heard your name. They just don’t know you as their personal Savior. I pray that you would give them the courage to open their heart and mind and life to you. Lord, help them with their unbelief. May they learn to trust you and love you. Use me as a bridge to their belief. Keep me faithful in prayer.” " Pastor Rick Warren, devotional 4/18/18

Rick Warren’s study “Experience God’s Power Through Prayer,” available here[JW1] .

I encourage you to visit Daily Hope!' (And thank you for praying!!!)
I do BELIEVE in the power of prayer

RESURRECTION SONday

JESUS CHRIST is RISEN indeed

"...the stone was rolled away from the tomb..."
(Luke 24:2-9)
perhaps you have 'stones' that need to be rolled away in your life
what you need to realize is that
JESUS
is in the inside
ready to help you
roll it away
'cuz
HE'S ALIVE
Let Jesus open the 'tomb' and roll away
each stone in your way/life

"E" ...

{there's more of an explanation and links on "B" blog post}
MILE 7
"REUNION"
for me
"E"
is an
EVERLASTING
ETERNITY
because
of Jesus' Resurrection 
 Redemption
belongs to EVERY believer
Jesus Earthly Life Ended
"His ETERNAL reign in our lives is just the beginning."

Luke 23:44-49 Luke 24:13-35 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Jesus, You are powerful, loving, and faithful. I surrender my life to the daily process of following Your purposes. Take me from my old ways, bless me with Your grace, break me of anything holding me back from You, and give me to the world so that I may glorify Your name. You are the Resurrection, Jesus, and I am forever grateful for the life You have given me. I love You, Jesus. In Your name, Amen."

yes, EMBRACE ETERNITY through Jesus Christ!!!
we have been REUNITED with the one who is the RESURRECTION
our REDEEMER


"This I BELIEVE"

"V" ...

{there's more of an explanation and links on "B" blog post}

MILE 6
"TRIUMPH"
{yeah, it's about time}
so clearly my word for
"V"
VICTORY
{but Sunday's still coming}
even more
VICTORIOUS
however
the actual
VICTORY
over death
won on the
Cross
that we commerorate on this
GOOD FRIDAY

John 19:30 Isaiah 53:4-11 1 John 5:1-5

So many great insights in the devotional today linked to YV (You Version)
I've selected just two parts that stand out to me:

"... But what the enemy intended to be a cry of defeat, Jesus used to speak eternal victory over death. Once and for all, Jesus used His final words to issue us the victory of saying, "It's not what I can do; It's what He's already done."

"When you make this daily decision to surrender to God's greatest triumph, you enable yourself to experience His victory in every area of your life. Surrender your un-forgiveness. Resurrect love. Surrender your disobedience. Resurrect the purpose God has for you. Surrender your insecurities. Resurrect the security of your identity in Him. Open your eyes today to the obedience and victory of surrender. "

won't you pray this and surrender today?

"Jesus, I surrender to You. I know that You have overcome the world. The grave could not hold You down, Lord. You may have died on the cross, but You rose again. And today, Jesus, I receive the life You have made available to me through Your victory over death. Change me, Lord, and shape me into the person You died for me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen."

"I SURRENDER ALL"
and  the traditional hymn one

praying the promises for our prodigals  to surrender all and BELIEVING in the VICTORY

"E" ...

{there's more of an explanation and links on "B" blog post}
MILE 5
"DISTRESS"
extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain (definition of distress)
EXTREME
stress brings distress
and all these are synonymous:

anguish, suffering, pain, agony, torment, heartache, heartbreak

our LORD Jesus Christ felt all of this
there was no
ESCAPE
not even for the
Son of God
who became the
 Son of man
for our sake
HE SUFFERED, DIED and WAS BURIED
but ohhh, on that Third Day ... (we have to wait for SONday, for Sunday's Coming)
this is what iBELIEVE

John 19:28 John 4:1-26 Philippians 4:10-13

the 
ENEMY
wants us to thirst for ...
more of ...
(you name it)
"...when you face moments of distress the enemy will present an ENDLESS array of options for you to quench your thirst" ...
"God's not waiting for you to find another way to fill 
a void in your life.
He's waiting for you to receive the fulfillment 
He's already made available to you.
Embrace the unending satisfaction of His love." Steven Furtick

that's the "E"zy answer

"Jesus, I praise You for Your unending love. Even in Your greatest moment of distress, You fulfilled a purpose greater than anything I can ever imagine. Lord, I surrender every area of distress in my life to You. I receive the fulfillment that only Your love can bring. Everywhere I go today, give me the peace of knowing that I am complete in You. In Jesus' name, Amen. "

"I Thirst"

"Thirst No More"

video of Pastor Steven Furtick "The Thirst Trap" (the 5th on the playlist linked in the beginning "B" blog post)


It may be said to "thirst no more" but I thirst for more and more of Jesus!

"I" ...

{there's more of an explanation and links on "B" blog post}
MILE 4
"ABANDONMENT"

Matthew 27:46 Luke 22:39-44 Hebrews 12:1-3

I thought long and hard about "ABANDONMENT" for Jesus and for me (what it means or how it feels?) Because a long-time ago in my own life, it was stated that I had fear of "abandonment" (which to me, didn't make sense, back then) yet the first words that came to mind for me were words that start with "I" ...

INSECURITY

ISOLATION

Sad to say, I now know how both of these words occur in my life and I have to battle against feeling insecure and isolated but not like Jesus, from His Father ... I can't even imagine that empty feeling of separation. Back then, I could not think at all how I might have issues with abandonment ... I have a better picture of that now. Back then, I clearly knew that I had not experienced childhood losses or trauma that I associate with "abandonment". Thankfully, I have a strong belief that my Heavenly Father has not and will not abandon me, and this is what I cling to as I face any earthly moments that bring up fears related to this. Fortunately, I had not experienced divorce or a death of a parent as a child, as I have since then however. I still had fears, issues and perhaps even identity crisis based on my insecurities and in these aging years with hearing loss now, a real sense of isolation like never before. As you can tell, this MILE strikes too close to home ... the blessing for me, is I have never felt abandoned by God, even when I might have deserved it. He has been ever so faithful to me every MILE of my journey.

"Lord, I confess there are times in my life when I feel like everyone, even You, has abandoned me. Give me the faith to see that You have never left me. Help me to see that You were abandoned so I would never have to be. Let me focus on Your presence today. In Jesus' name, Amen."