Divine Timing

I have told the story of a vision I had of myself inside brick walls. Tall, thick, high, complex, castle-like fortress walls. Built to protect myself and keep others out. More of a self made dungeon. Brick on the sides, cement on the bottom, open air top, 1 door in or out. I envisioned myself huddled in the corner, hugging my knees, head down. But then I envisioned Jesus running to me...but so was a demonic being dressed as a man. Both competing to get to me first. Both wanting to be my "savior". 

That vision was symbolic of my life at that moment. 2 paths to take: 1 very real evil or 1 very real path to safety. Pastor said recently in a sermon that your head can be a prison or a deliverance. What you allow your mind to tell yourself is what makes the difference. So fill it with God's Word. In fact, God shows us in His Word exactly how to think. He tells us "Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things". (Philippians 4:8). He also warns of the dangers of not thinking healthy thoughts. You've heard it said you are what you eat? The Bible says we are what we think. "As someone thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7). What you choose to see determines your reality. You have the power to change your reality by shifting your focus.

This pattern of unhealthy thinking can affect our KIDS too! In Exodus, God says "I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents up on their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations". (Exodus 34:7) While this verse can seem haunting and punishment laden, this should simply be a reminder that what takes root in our minds can echo far beyond us, shaping not just our lives but generations to come. 

Let me remind you that right before the line in Exodus 34:7, God describes Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” The “thousand generations” language is intentional—it shows that His mercy is vast and enduring. Compared to that, “third and fourth generations” is actually small. The emphasis is: mercy outweighs judgment. We can be held captive by the sins of our past. Thinking that's why God has said no or that's why things aren't working out. I didn't do this right or got that wrong. But listen: we have the power to change it! Paul says in his letter to the church at Corinth "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Prayer changes things. Meditating on the Word of God changes things. Recognizing wrong thoughts and saying to that thought: "no, that's not reality" or "that's not what the Word says" or even just changing the subject and turning to worship. God gave me a new vision last night as I was praying against a very real struggle that I had allowed to take hold in my mind. As I prayed He showed me the cloudy darkness that had settled over the atmosphere, affecting my mood and changing my emotions, simply because of things I'd said and thought. As I continued to pray, God showed me His holy warring angels. Fighting on my behalf. Pushing back the darkness and bring light and freedom in the wake of the fight. 

Friends, Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It's that serious! Remember the childhood Bible school song? "Oh be careful little mouth what you say, oh be careful little mind what you think..." But here's the good news. The rest of the song says "...there's a Father up above, He is looking down with love..." and scripture says in Exodus 14:14 "the Lord will fight for you: you need only be still." 

4 words that have changed my life (and I'm still learning to practice): Give It To Jesus. And now, also, this: Not Mine But Thine (not my will but Yours, Lord). Isaiah 60:22 says "When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen".  You cannot change the outcome except by thinking and speaking negatively/fearfully against it. So give it to the One who can. The One who knows. The One who is taking care of it all. And the One who loves you more than anything or anyone. 

Be blessed today all!

For more on this subject: https://medium.com/baysidechurch/7-verses-about-the-power-of-your-thoughts-8a50b8e1910f

God Uses It All

There was a time in my life not too terribly long ago that my mom and I didn't talk. She shared with me recently that talking to me was like talking to a stranger and like everything she said was wrong in my eyes. At that same time, my older kids walked away from me and I had nobody to blame but myself. I was the person Paul spoke about to Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 3: self-focused, greedy, ungrateful, unholy, profane, calloused, immoral, "holding to a form of godliness but denying it's power."  You see, I had allowed the enemy of my soul to make me believe that my way was best. In so doing. I entered a long season of wandering and trying to fix everything myself, having knowledge of God from the foundation of faith my parents tried to help me build, but not really allowing Him Lordship over my life. Had I allowed Him Lordship, I probably would not have entered into 2 extremely abusive marriages, allowing these men to not only harm me but my children. I didn't know the fullness of their harm until I left and was in my right mind. But by that time the damage was done and I had a very hard road back. In fact, 1 of my children is still not interested in repairing the relationship, but I pray and give him to Jesus as often as he comes to my mind. In doing so, I have fully relinquished any control I tried to have over my son and given Jesus what is due: my love and control over my life. My mom and I are able to talk about those years of distance in a way that is now allowing her to mentor me into believing for my son's return not only to me, but to the Father. 

What's the point, you might ask? Romans 8:28 says that "God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." This tells me that: 1. Our God loves us. 2. He requires us to love Him back. 3. When we do that, He takes all our junk and makes it work out for our good. I've told you the badness now let me tell you the goodness. When I was coming out of my dark years, God gave me back to my mom and sister. He gave me friends to rescue me from myself and point me to Jesus. He helped me build a new life in a new town. He showed me that He's all I truly need. I had come to that conclusion long ago and had begun to build a life on that knowledge, but I never fully allowed that knowledge to test and try me. Proverbs 3:5-7 says "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him. And He will make your paths straight and smooth. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil."

Today, I am married to a man that loves me, loves Jesus, leads me, loves my children and grandchildren, and supports our family in every way. We have a home that we prayed for. Our children feel safe and secure. We have a church and church family that we adore and who adores us. We are leaning into the knowledge and love of God and growing daily. We are available for God to use in whatever way He sees fit. We have everything we need and much of what we want. We are growing spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Not just me, we. My husband has his own story to tell, but I can tell you that He is also allowing Jesus to change him. He is leaning into the parental love being offered, trusting it and allowing it because God is showing us he CAN trust it and allow it. 

So I leave you with this, a question my husband asked me the other day about 1 of his children's struggles: when giving God control, does that mean we just sit on our hands and wait or do we try to do things that will help?  

And the answer came to him as if from God Himself: "I guess I need to put myself in the shoes of a parent and our kids asking me for help or giving it to me to be in charge because they don't have the answers. But instead of letting me take care of things in the proper timing they feel I am not moving or doing things the way they think it should be done so they just get in the way and do things the best way they know how which just makes a mess of everything and then I not only have to fix the original problem but also have to fix the new one too...so I guess I answered my own question, eh."

Just give it to Jesus. It's so much simpler. Trust Him. Rely on Him. Believe in Him. Listen to Him. Let Him love you. Love Him. Live for Him. I promise you, it's worth it.

Crying for a King

Today as I sat to spend time with Jesus I felt anxious. Unable to relax. Unfocused. My mind was a whir of activity. So I started to pay attention to the things that were whirling around in my mind. Thoughts of my past. Things I did wrong. Messages from preachers that highlighted my errors. My ever growing task list. Things I am hoping for. So 1 by 1 I started to give those things to the Lord. As they came to mind, I gave them to Him. Focus and peace came and I began to read a scripture the Lord had led me to a few days ago in 1 Samuel 3. I read all the way from 1 Samuel 3:1 to 1 Samuel 10:8. It talks about Samuel's calling and his judgement over the people of the land that were worshiping idols, committing lawlessness. How the Philistines destroyed the people of Israel and stole the Ark of the Covenant. And how the Ark was returned to the people of Israel once the Philistines realized God's power and judgement on them for stealing it. 

Then, God dealt with His own people. Making them clean. Showing them the requirements of holiness. And finally finding favor and rest with them once they obeyed. For a time, there was peace. The ark rested back in the hands of Israel. But then...the people got restless again. They begged for a king to rule them...instead of desiring to walk with the Lord and letting Him guide them. God even showed them through Samuel what it would look like to have a king. He will use their children as servants. He will appoint captains over armies. He will force them to plant and reap his harvests. Make instruments of war and chariots. He'll take your land and hard earned money. But they didn't care. They begged and cried for their own way until God gave it to them. He gave them Saul. 

Upon reflection, I realized that I was just like the people of Israel. Setting up my own desires as idols. Demanding my own way until God gave it to me. Then when He did, I realized what a terrible error it was. When I tried to do right, it was too late. I fell into despair. Trying everything I could except full surrender to God to feel better. But God had other plans and man am I glad He did. Because when we fully surrender our lives to Him, He changes everything about us in the best ways possible. 

So back to the beginning where my mind was a whir. The Lord helped me realize that I was grieving my past. Grieving time lost. Grieving my choices and outcomes. What could have been vs what was. And He showed me that He too grieves when we make these choices...knowing that things could have been so much different had we chosen Him instead of the kings we set up for our lives. He longs for His people to choose Him and walk with Him and has since the Garden. But we stray time and time again. 

But oh what a difference Jesus makes!! I now sit crying happy tears because He has changed me. What people see now bears no resemblance to the treacherous person of the past. My husband has the best version of me. My kids have seen the change Jesus has made. My mom has watched miracle after miracle take place in my life and my heart in such a short amount of time. My family is coming together to worship at the church we love. God is moving in all of our lives. And we love every second. Every refinement. Every lesson we have to learn. Every message we hear from our pastor. Every time we get to experience something new with Jesus. 

So what's the point? The point is stop crying for a King and start recognizing all you need is King Jesus! You need NOTHING of what the world has to offer. Nothing. It only creates a bigger hole in your soul and a bigger gap between you and the One who made you. But here's the good news. It's never too late. You can always come back. He is always waiting. And the Bible tells us that if we call out to Him, He will listen and deliver us (Matthew 14:30, Psalm 34:17, Psalm 18:6). If we take a step of faith towards Him, He will take a step towards us (James 4:8). A call to repentance but also to Grace. 

That's the best news I've heard ever...try it, friends. In the words of the song "Cry out to Jesus" (Third Day). 

Be blessed, all!

Love, Natalie

Stop Asking God To Change It

Have you ever had such a silly thought come to your mind that changed everything? (And you kinda feel dumb but glad at the same time)? I had this very profound experience at church the other day (link to the message below) that really changed my spiritual life in an incredible yet simple way. In about 5 minutes' time, the entire weight of everything I didn't realize I had been carrying lifted and I was free. The difference? A very simple mindset change. Stop holding onto things and asking God to change it. Instead, give it to Jesus. Even now I almost typed "ask Him to take it from you" and even that's not right. You have to release your grip on it and give it away. 

Is this Biblical? It sure is! Let me show you. Matthew 11:29-30 AMP, Jesus Himself says to His beloved 12 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light." You might say "well, see? Jesus wants us to carry HIS burden." No, no, no...it's a divine exchange. You give Him your stuff, He gives You what He knows you can handle. That's I believe where the well intentioned mantra "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" comes from. That's true...but...you have to give Him your stuff first. Otherwise you're taking on more and that was never the intention

Let me explain it another way. In one of Peter's messages he encourages the crowd to 1st humble themselves then release their burdens to Jesus (1 Peter 5: 6-7 AMP) v7: "casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." Why would He do that? Why would He want to take your worries and anxieties and cares? Why would He give you His peace instead? The answer is twofold. First, it's in the verse I just quoted: He cares. Deeply. More than anyone has ever cared. Second, the next verse in this passage says "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5: 8). He wants us to be strong because He doesn't want us to be taken in by the enemy. Which really is the same point...He cares deeply! What a God we serve!! Everything He does is for us...everything...

Let me give you an example: 

I simply prayed "Lord, I give You my health and my children. I give you control over my finances. I give you...." and the list goes on and on and on. I literally knelt and prayed for 5 minutes straight everything I didn't realize I was holding onto and not giving away to Jesus. The truth is, I can't even remember everything it was I gave Him because He took it! And in it's place I have this incredible joy and peace. And that's a promise kept, folks. Our God loves us and He cares. And He promised peace if we would just give all our worries, cares, burdens, anxieties to Him. 

My prayer for you is that you would make that simple mindset change also. It's so profound! Scripture is full of places where we're told not to hold onto worry and strife. Go see for yourself! 

Be blessed all

Love, 

Natalie

https://youtu.be/-AAClnPAEyw?si=5hqmD5vM7Nqa-pvd

Mountain? What mountain?

"‭Deuteronomy 1:6 KJV‬

[6] The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:"

I keep coming back to this scripture over and over. Apparently there's something I'm supposed to be getting past. Have you ever had that thing that is like a thorn in your side? A nagging problem? Or a mistake you keep repeating? A habit you just can't break? Is there something that seems completely impossible happening in your life? What mountain are you dwelling in? Are you hiding or taking refuge? Are you staying in the high place and it's time to face your valleys? 

Let's go to the Word. Paul talks about a thorn in his flesh in this verse:

‭2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV‬

[7] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

Paul is talking here about how greatly he was being used in ministry. But to keep him humble, God gave him a constant reminder of his humanity. Maybe what you're facing is there to teach you. To mold you. To remind you of who you are, Whose you are and why you're here: for the great pleasure of an Almighty God that loves the heck out of us and wants our best. In turn He wants to give us HIS best. Not a fair trade at all. Because our best is rarely achieved and most often we give the One who loves us most our leftovers. Our spares. And our worst.  We cry out when we need something. Or when we've messed up. We pray superficial prayers and read His abundant love letter to us when we have time...instead of making time.

Again to the Word:

‭Proverbs 26:9 AMP‬

[9] Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom].

We can beat ourselves up all day long trying to figure out what where when how and why. But ultimately, no matter what, Jesus is the answer. Go to Him. He loves you. He will fight for you and with you. He just wants your yes. So give it to Him! It's the least we can do. 

‭James 4:8 KJV‬

[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

‭Exodus 14:14 KJV‬

[14] The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

‭Joshua 1:9 KJV‬

[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

‭James 1:5 KJV‬

[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The Ingredients for Change

As so often God does, I was moved by the words of a song today. And as a song often does, it spoke to current life circumstances. I have often said over the years "well, so and so will never do anything unless forced." Or "you know that person will never change unless God makes them." Well, you know what? Turns out I should stop pointing fingers because I, too, am guilty of such stubborness. Sometimes life lines up changes like an arrow on a bow. Sometimes the changes make sense and sometimes they leave you scratching your head. Have you had this experience? But every time a change is right, God gives peace. This has been the hard lesson for me. Many times I have made a change in my own strength, my own timing, my own way. But not this time. This time God will lead and guide every step of the way. 

Let me give you those precious lyrics:

Just for me, many doors you've closed

Just for me, Sometimes you will say no

So I'll be tested in your fire to purify my desires

So my blesssings won't be just for me. 

So caught up in myself I couldn't see

The world did not revolve around me

So storms are in your will

So I can feel what others feel 

Their needs, if I could speak honestly

It don't feel good. But growing never does

It don't seem fair for you to call this love

But if necessary pain is the ingredient for change

Even when life may be bittersweet...it's working

Just for me. All the moments I missed

That were just for me. Because I chose not to wait patiently

Before every mistake was the same amount of grace

That kept my blessing waiting just for me

But trust in your timing is not easy

And what I want's not always what I need

Somewhere I forgot You are God and I am not

("Just for Me" Kirk Franklin)

See, God knows what it's going to take to make us move. Sometimes it's the unfathomable loss of a loved one. Or maybe a humbling so strong you will never forget. Perhaps you just had enough of a certain behavior and learned to stand up for yourself. God has used finances and struggles to get my attention at times. And several times an unmistakeable wave of "aha" has washed over me so big it was like Jesus Himself was giving me a heart hug. Whatever the case is, lean in. Listen to Jesus. He loves us. He knows us. And there is growing in the waiting. In the listening. In the doing. Be blessed today all.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power. Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 AMP

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7 AMP

I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

Psalms 27:13‭-‬14 AMP

Can I get an amen?

Sometimes the words to a song can trigger such a response in me. Have you been there? Sorta like somebody reached inside you and grabbed ahold of something deep inside your heart. I have been struggling lately with the outlook of the church as a whole on certain subjects. Insert song lyrics:

Can't nobody count nobody else's sins

Don't nobody know nobody else's role

Can't nobody say where noone else has been

Don't nobody own nobody else's soul

Can't nobody see nobody else's heart

Can't nobody tell nobody else's story

Can't nobody hold nobody else's scars

Don't nobody know nobody else's glory

Let the people say (Amen)

Let the world say (Amen)

Let the CHURCH say (Amen)

Let us all say (Amen)

Can't nobody steal nobody else's shine

Can't nobody make nobody else's sound

Don't nobody kill nobody else's vibe

Can't nobody snatch nobody else's crown

Somebody can, somebody can, somebody can love you where you are. Love you right where you are.

Somebody can, somebody can, somebody can love you where you are. Love you right where you are.

(Blessing Offor "Amen")

I recently told somebody dear to me that until somebody walks a mile in my shoes I don't want to hear it. And I mean that. Until we try to understand each other. Until we try to see where another person is coming from. Until we offer love. We have ZERO business judging. Judgment and using scripture as a tool to thump people over the head with should never. EVER be our first place to start. I offer you these scripture for your own study and interpretation. Please. PLEASE!!! For the love of God (and I mean that too) love others FIRST!! Because until you do, they will never see the Jesus in you. And if you can't love others first, I question if Jesus IS in you. I said what I said.

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself

John 8:1‭-‬11

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Philippians 2:12‭-‬15

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

John 4:5‭-‬27

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

1 John 4:7‭-‬13

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.