"Therefore, there is now no condemnation..."

There is always someone reminding me of what I lack. Has it happened to you? Do you know what I mean? Someone is bothered or threatened with something you say or do, and they feel the need to defend themselves by attacking your character. It's a low blow, but I get it. 

This thing called life is a journey. A journey to process and fulfill God's purpose for my life. A journey that will end when I reach my destination: Eternity. That being said, I am thrilled to say that I am NOT who I was yesterday, and I am YET to become who I will be tomorrow. I cannot change my past, but I am learning from every step I take today. I am being transformed day by day to the person God intended me to be. I am not asking for approval on my approach to life, but I do welcome your company on this journey and would love your friendship.

Chapter 8 of the book of Romans is one of my personal favorite. It begins with the statement: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." Wow, this is a relief! You hear negative things long enough, that you, not only begin to believe them, but also focus on them. Verse 31 says "If God is for us, who can be against us?" I'm focusing on the words "GOD IS FOR US:" God is on my side, He is for me, not against me! He is my emancipator, not my oppressor. He's cheering me on! He is for us! He is for me! He is for you!

It is the desire of the enemy of our souls to use our weaknesses and faults, to put guilt in our hearts and minds, so we may doubt the power of God's Love. God's Word tells me that NOTHING can separate me from His Love. God's Word reminds me of what I have, not what I lack! These are the words I need to read, I need to hear, and I need to be focusing on. Isn't THAT wonderful!

My song choice of the day is "Champions In The End" by the Latinos. It's an oldie, but goodie. 1981 baby! I picked it because it quotes the last part of Chapter 8 of the book of Romans. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

That's right, I just had a birthday. It was quiet, but special. My family and close friends went out of their way to show their appreciation and love. It was very emotional. We really never get a full picture of how God is working through us, through me. Every year that God grants me is an opportunity for his purpose to be fulfilled in my life. So if you are struggling with what you are going through, if you do not understand "why this" nor the "why now," I encourage you to find rest in Him. He has a plan, even with the "why this." His timing is perfect. He has a way of using every circumstance we go through.


"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28


This being said, its only appropriate to play one of my favortie songs. I pray you enjoy it!

All I Ever Have To Be

by Amy Grant

When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavy on my head,
And the thoughtful words of health and hope
Have all been nicely said.

But I'm still hurting,
Wondering if I'll ever be
The one I think I am.
I think I am.

Then you gently re-remind me
That you've made me from the first,
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst.

And I realize the good in me,
Is only there because of who you are.
Who you are...

And all I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.
Any more or less would be a step
Out of your plan.

As you daily recreate me,
Help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do
What I can find.

And all I ever have to be
All I have to be
All I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.

"...You are Mine!"

Why has it taken me so long to accept these word..."You are Mine!" Why is it so hard for us to accept God's love? Why is it so hard for us to trust Him? My guess is that we cannot accept the things that we cannot fully understand. This finite mind of our's cannot comprehend the magnitude of God's love. Therefore, finding it so hard to trust Him completely and to accept His unconditional love and forgiveness.

Yet look what God says to us in Isaiah 43:1-4:

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You are mine! When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you... That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you."

I see so much in these verses:

1. He's redeemed us (He's paid for our personal debt of sins--in full!)
2. He's called us (He's chosen us, He knows us by name)
3. He claims us (we are not orphans, we belong to Him)
4. He is with us always (there is no situation too stressful, too frightening, or too difficult for Him)
5. He is our personal God (He delights in supplying our every need)
6. He loves us (there's nothing He wouldn't do for us)
7. He will not give up on us (even if we have given up on ourselves)

Do I need to say more! As I read these verses I am reminded of the book of Hosea; how his (prostitute) wife kept leaving him. Maybe she couldn't believe it either...that a godly man would actually notice her, want her, choose her, purchase her, claim her as his, be with her, love her, forgive her, care for her, and not give up on her. Sounds familiar?

"Be still..."

Have you been to an Endodontis for a root canal? How about to an Ophthamologist for surgery of the eye? If you have been through a medical procedure that required your stillness, you can than relate to the stillness referred to in verse 10 of Psalm 46, when God says "Be still, and know that I am God." Only that at this time, the stillness required is the stillness of your spirit. Though the circumstances or trails may seem uncomfortable, and at times painful, he is performing something miraculous WITHIN you. Stop squirming!

I admit, no one cares to subject themselves to any type of medical procedure, especially when pain is involved. But nevertheless, we can all agree that if done well, we are much happier for it. Same goes with your inner being, your soul, your heart; where you shelter and hide everything that makes who you are. The good, the bad, the right, the wrong. It is there where God needs to perform his "operation." Do not postpone this much needed divine procedure. Do not try to avoid the inevitable. For you will only delay the process of healing and transformation that will bring you closer to your purpose. Instead, why don't you embrace it as an opportunity for God to show up!

"Be still and know that I am God" says the Lord. Be still and get to know him as your...whatever the need be...Healer, Deliverer, Redeemer, Savior, Protector, Provider, Peace Maker, Defender, etc. Be still, and know Him!

How to Fight the Battle

But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you! 
2 Chronicles 20:17

     Wow! I am completely overtaken by God's unique strategy on "How to Fight the Battle." Leave it to Him to devise a plan to grant us victory without fighting. Talk about the "element of surprise". I've broken the verse down by segments, hoping you can see the steps needed to obtain the victory in your battle:

1. Take your position: Know your place as God's creation, a child of Light!
2. Stand still: Have discipline, and complete trust in God's word for your life!
3. Watch the Lord's victory: Observe and learn from the Lord of Hosts!
4. Do not be afraid or discouraged: Have faith in your Heavenly Father!
5. Go out there!: Do what you were created to do!

     First thing is first: Do not mistaken not needing to fight, with not being needed. God wants us to get involved. His instructions are clear and precise; "Take your position" He commands. But in order for us to do that we need to know what our position is. Take our position, assume our role, know our place, fulfill the purpose for which we were created. As children of the Light, we are expected to shine, and show others the Way, no matter the circumstances; even in battle.

     I love it, when He says "Stand still". What? Standing still in the midst of a battle requires complete trust in the person that is commanding us to do so. It also requires discipline. It is very hard to stand still, when every logical brain cell you have is yelling "duck and cover". Our survival instinct wants to "run and hide" or "attack". But stand still, never.


     It gets better! The reason that we are instructed to "stand still" is so that we do not miss a single maneuver of the "Lord's victory". In other words, observe and learn from the Master in action. Pay attention to what the Lord is doing on your behalf..."Be still and know that I am God". Absolutely Amazing!


     We are not just going to stand and watch, but we are to do it with complete certainty. We will NOT be afraid or discouraged. Our attitude as we take our position, stand still and watch, should reflect our trust in the Lord. We will not be distracted by fear nor discouragement. We will not allow our faith and trust to waiver, for He is faithful!


     Lastly, "go out there tomorrow!" Let's do what we were created to do. Let's light up the world as we fulfill the Lord's purpose in our life. Let's show the world that our Lord is All, that our Lord is in control, that our Lord is with us!

The God who knows me fully, loves me still!

A few years ago, I read this sentence in a book by Angela Thomas. (I had to add the exclamation point because it shook the very foundation of my soul.) Well,  here we are in 2023 and bam! There's the statement again, "The God who knows me fully, loves me still."

I have to say something about this or I will burst. Do you know that feeling? I need to break it down.

1. God who is ALL KNOWING: The God I can't hide a single thing; not my actions, not my words, not even my thoughts.
2. God who KNOWS ME FULLY: The God that knows ME completely, in and out, every aspect of my life.
3. God who LOVES ME STILL: It is this same God that knowing everything there is to know about me, loves me still. What? I think I'm hyperventilating. (Breathe Lilly, breathe...) He loves me? Lilly? With all my imperfections, limitations, faults...sins? Its, almost, unbelievable. But its true! John 3:16 testifies to that. Wow!

I can sincerely say with a grateful heart and in awe: OH MY GOD! For He belongs to me as I belong to Him.  For it is His love for me that makes this relationship even possible. I stand amazed before His presence today. Will you join me?

"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:19 NLT)