Recently, I started going through boxes of memorabilia I’ve saved since childhood- pictures, old report cards from elementary school, art projects, letters from friends, and journals. It was bitter-sweet to stroll down memory lane. So many thoughts of the past flooded my mind.

When my husband and I moved to Kansas City with our three children over two decades ago, it was such a leap of faith- we barely knew one person. One thing we did know for sure was that God led us to come. 

Seasons of transition can be super challenging when we're letting go of what's familiar, but we can trust that God's plans are good and His love never fails.

A catchphrase stands out as I think of letting go and launching into something new: "I'll leave you to it!" 

To those who are called and remain, I'll leave you to it!

Continue running the race that God has set before you.

Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us and run the race set before us with endurance. (Hebrews 12:1)

I trust that Abba will complete His work in you until we see Jesus face to face.

And I am sure He who began a good work in you will complete it on the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

May you walk in unity and abide in God's love and peace.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for complete restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

–By Juliet Canha

The phrase "Little is Big to God" dropped in my spirit recently while wrestling through some mindsets and behavioral patterns that God has spoken to me about for a while. As I've continued to pray about it, I can see two sides to this coin of revelation that I want to share with you.

First and foremost, little is big refers to the seemingly small and ongoing areas of disobedience to God's revealed will, whether in Scripture or things spoken to our hearts. In other words, we are quick to acknowledge and even tell others about the things the Lord convicts us about but end up not consistently walking it out. The Holy Spirit tends not to speak as frequently as we'd like if we're not obeying what He's already asked.

Do you recall a tender moment in your walk with God when you heard Him speaking to you about an area of obedience to His will, and you said, "Yes, Jesus," but failed to follow through? In our broken humanity, it's something we've all wrestled with. 

Here's a good example in Matt. 21:28-31:

"But what do you think? A man had two sons and came to the first and said, 'Son, work today in the vineyard.' "And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he regretted it and went. "The man came to the second and said the same thing, and he answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did the will of his father?"

I've mentioned on other occasions that after becoming a mother several years ago, the Lord encouraged me to persevere with disciplining my children. He said that the areas where children learn to obey from the heart would be the areas of freedom in their adult lives, and the areas where they did not learn to obey would be areas of bondage as adults.

Obeying from the heart comes down to whether or not we're living to please God or ourselves. It's the heart of the gospel, whether we deny ourselves and seek that which God chooses because we trust that He always has our best interest at heart or resist His eternal plan for our lives.

I mention His eternal plan because not everything God asks us to do on this side of eternity makes sense. 

An example is what Jesus said to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22: 

"Go sell all you have, give to the poor, and come follow Me." Most of us would be tempted to say, "No, thank You, Jesus!" (Please note that's not to imply that everyone has to give all their earthly possessions away to follow Jesus- there are no such formulas. God deals with each person individually.)

I appreciate the promise that Jesus gave to His disciples in John 14:21:

Whoever knows and obeys My commandments is the person who loves Me. Those who love Me will have My Father's love, and I, too, will love them and show Myself to them.

If anyone sincerely desires to know the Truth, God will show them- as we know, Truth is a Person, and His name is Jesus. The big question is whether or not we are responding in obedience to the light we've already been given. 

I'm frequently reminded of the two key reasons why the children of Israel stayed in bondage for forty years, even though they were miraculously delivered from Egypt- it was their rebellion and unbelief(see Heb. 3:7-19). Similarly, we can remain in vicious cycles year after year when we don't fully believe from our hearts and obey the truth we were given.

A quote from Charles H. Brent:

Those who aim at anything short of the best according to their conception, as God gives the light, will sooner or later come to grief.

In other words, we will suffer unnecessary loss if we don't walk obediently in the light that God has given us because we desire to love and please Him.

Here are some other examples in the Bible: (I will weave in some more quotes as well.)

·         Our faith won't sustain us amid the storms of life and becomes inactive if we don't obey what the Lord tells us to do (see Lk. 6:46-49 & Ja. 2:20-26). 

·         Several Scripture passages tell us to express gratitude and thanksgiving in all things and patiently persevere and never complain (see Phil. 2:14 & 4:4-7, 1 Thes. 5:18, Ja. 1:2- 4, and 1 Pe. 1:6-7 & 4:13). 

Two quotes from Bill Johnson: "If God inhabits our praise, who inhabits our complaints?" & "Thankfulness takes things out of the hands of the enemy, and God makes something good." 

A quote from Rick Joyner: "If you've lost your joy, you've lost your awareness of God's presence."

·         Love is not irritable, touchy, hostile, or rude (see 1 Cor. 13:5). How often do we respond to those closest to us with an irritable tone?

·         Husbands and wives are to love and respect one another (see Eph. 5:21-33 & Coloss. 3:18). Not glorifying God in our marriage as our primary goal misrepresents our witness for Christ.

·         Love is not proud, overly showy, boastful, or self-promoting (see Prov. 27:2 & 1 Cor. 13:4). Are we trying too hard to prove ourselves to others?

·         Do we ever gossip about others to make ourselves look good? (See Prov. 11:13 & 17:9).

·         A lifestyle of entertaining negative thoughts of unbelief indicates a hardened heart (see Mark 16:14 & Hebrews 3:7- 12).

·         Big is little if not motivated by love (see 1 Cor. 13:3).

The other side of this coin is what I'll refer to as the widow's two little mites (Lk 21:1-4), which appeared in men's eyes as insignificant but significant to God.

Here's a quote from an unknown author:

Some of the most generous people have no money.

Some of the wisest people have no education.

Some of the kindest people were hurt the most.

The Lord has spoken to me clearly about how the seemingly little things done by faith behind the scenes are just as valuable in His sight as any platform ministry opportunities.

Some examples are the things we do behind the scenes that go mostly unnoticed by people, but God sees everything we do because of our love and obedience. (See Heb. 6:10)

Here is a quote from a nineteenth-century author, Edward Meyrick Goulburn:

The idea must be thoroughly worked into the mind and woven into the texture of our spiritual life that the minutest duties which God prescribes to us in the order of His Providence- a casual visit, a note of sympathy, an obligation of courtesy, are not by any means too humble (or little) to be made means of spiritual advancement if only the thing were done as unto the Lord, and not to men.

Important truths to remember and obey:

• Always be willing to take the lowest place and go the extra mile (see Matt. 5:41, Lk. 14:10-11, & Php. 2:8).

• Amid temptation, God's Word is the road map, and the Holy Spirit is our compass (see Ps. 119:130, Jn. 14:26, Gal. 5:18, Heb. 4:12,  1 Cor. 10:13 & 2 Tim. 3:16).

• As you draw near to God and resist the devil, you will perceive the truth and know God's will (see Jn. 8:31-32, Eph. 6:11-13, & Ja. 4:7-8).

• Choose gratitude and thanksgiving over grumbling and complaining (see 1 Cor. 10:10 & Php. 2:14).

• Never dwell on what you don't like- stay out of the dark valley of self (see Gal. 5:24-25 & Php. 4:8).

• Don't fret; trust God (see Matt. 6:25-34 & Jn. 14:27).

• Always seek to remain in a peaceful place (see Is. 26:3 & Php. 4:6-7).

• Wait patiently for God to guide your steps (see Prov. 3:5-6).

• Set your mind on the things above and focus on the good God is doing (see Rms. 8:27-28 & Col. 3:1- 3). 

Concluding Summary:

Beloved Ones, Our Lord Jesus is returning for a pure and spotless bride. 1 Chron. 16:9 states, "The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him." 

I want to be in that company. How about you? 

I exhort you on your journey of maturing in love and obedience to God to remember that little is big to God! 

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you say, "Yes, Jesus," when He asks you to do something and consistently not do it?

2. Read John 14:21 and reflect on the benefits of obeying the Lord.

3. What in your life might seem little but is Big to God?

4. What is God speaking to you personally from the list of "Important truths to remember and obey?"

By Juliet Canha

Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

The Lord has shown me I can love God and people regardless of circumstances. We are called to be a channel of God's love. (See Matt 5:13-16 & Phil 2:14-15)

As I was reading a devotional entry, the Holy Spirit strengthened my heart with the following quote by Edmond H. Sears:

How many burdens can I make lighter? 

How much heart shine can I shed about me?

How much can I increase the sum of human blessing in the circle where my lines have fallen?

How easily we slide into delusion that we should do a great deal more good if we had the means, overlooking the means that lie close about us!

Beloved ones, loving God, and loving people is not an option- it's the core component of following Jesus (see Luke 6:27-36). May we look around us and help shine the light of God's love to those who are hurting and in need.

Devotional Reflection Questions:

1. Read Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus said you are the salt of the earth. What does this mean?

2. How do our acts of love glorify God?

3. Read Philippians 2:14-15. How does complaining and disputing affect our witness for Christ?

4. Read Luke 6:27-36. What does it mean to turn the other cheek?

5. What is God's promise for those who love amid adversity?

6. What is the means that God's given you today to help lighten the load in someone's life?

–Juliet

When my two-year-old grandson is told it's nap time or bedtime, he often says, "No, thank you!" His matter-of-fact response is cute but never helps him get his way. Similarly, when God asks us to do something, and we don't want to, or to wait patiently for something we strongly desire, if we complain or strive against His timing, we indirectly say, "No, thank You, Jesus- I know better."  (The last time I checked, this response was disobedience.)  

We all know the story of King Saul when he pretended to listen but ended up doing his own thing, according to his way and timing (see 1 Samuel 15:1-22). One might ask, "How did that work for Saul?" Not good! 

I am in a season of waiting on the Lord, and I admit it's hard to trust in His timing patiently. So often, I am tempted to say, "No, thank You, Jesus; I prefer to do things my way!" The following Scripture and quote by Roy Lessin explains it well:

Psalm 27:14 NLT - Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

What should your faith do in response to what is yours today? Receive! What should your faith do in response to what will be yours another day? Rest!

As you wait upon the Lord, wait with a thankful heart, not a complaining one; with a peaceful heart, not a striving one; with a confident heart, not an uncertain one; with a patient heart, not a hasty one.

You do not need to try to manipulate your future. God can fulfill all that He has promised. As you wait, continue to pray, continue to trust, continue to believe, continue to hold hope in your heart, continue to obey, and continue to rejoice evermore.

You have a God who cannot and will not fail!

Devotional Reflection Questions:

1. Do you ever feel tempted to say, "No, thank You, Jesus," when He asks you to do something you don't want to do?

2. Read John 14:21 and reflect on the benefits of obeying the Lord.

3. What was the root cause of King Saul's demise in 1 Samuel 15?

4. Are you ever tempted to manipulate your future rather than patiently obey and remain in sync with God's timing?

By Juliet Canha

I recently watched a movie about Scottish runner Eric Liddell's remaining years after winning an Olympic gold medal in 1924. While serving as a missionary in China, Mr. Liddell ended up living and dying in a prison camp. Due to his renowned Olympian status worldwide, he was offered more and better food than the ordinary prisoners, which he gave away to benefit others in the prison camp. At one point, he was allowed to return home to Scotland to be with his wife and three children, and he insisted that a pregnant lady be released in his place while he remained in China to serve in the lowliest place among the other prisoners. 

Honestly, at times while watching the movie, I felt agitated with how Eric Liddell denied his own needs in such an extreme way. And yet, his example of taking the lowliest place was deeply convicting. In essence, one might say that Eric Liddell literally laid down his life as an intercessor for the people of China. I am confident that many received eternal salvation because of his godly example of selfless love and humility.

I remember reading Rick Joyner's book, The Final Quest, years ago when my kids were small. The book reveals many impressions about heaven and eternity that God gave to Rick. In one vision, he saw that many individuals who received great rewards in heaven were the mothers who laid down their lives in (intercession) and the abundant sacrifices they regularly made for their children. 

The nature of faithful intercession is selfless and lowly. Let's face it; continuing to pray for others is labor intensive when we see no evidence of change. Charles H. Brent once said, "Pray hardest when it is hardest to pray." 

I want to encourage those who are contending in prayer for prodigal sons and daughters and other unsaved people that God has put on your heart with the following prayer:

Abba, Open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus. (See Acts 26:18)

Jesus emphasized that we will find Him in the lowliest places:

• The first shall be last, and the last shall be first (Luke 13:22-30)

• Greatness is defined in humble and lowly places (Mark 9:33-37)

• Sacrifices in the here and now for an eternal sake (Matthew 19:23-30)

• Serving Jesus when serving others in low circumstances is the heart of the Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

• The good Samaritan's example of self-giving love (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus and the Apostle Paul, like Eric Liddell, are great examples to follow (see John 10:11, 15: 12-13, & Phil 2:17) of exalting the love of God through lives of sacrifice for others in the lowliest places.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there some lowly places where God invites you to serve and lay down your life for others in His name?

2. What areas of intercession is God calling you to at this time?

Mega blessings,

–Juliet

If you're like me, you seek ways to avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic. We commonly use the GPS feature in our smartphones to find an alternative route or a shortcut, to get to our destination. We all want to control our circumstances as much as possible, right?

I was driving on the highway last week, wrestling emotionally about circumstances outside my control. The Holy Spirit drew my attention to a truck with an advertisement on the vehicle's side, which said, "We take no shortcuts." Sometimes when we're stubbornly not listening, God speaks creatively.

In Mark 8:31-34, Peter unthinkingly rebuked Jesus for His message about having to face the Calvary Road:

And Jesus taught them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed after three days to rise again. As He stated the matter plainly, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." And He summoned the crowd with His disciples and said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Until this point, the concept of willingly taking up a cross that leads to death as a necessary part of obeying God was unfamiliar to the disciples of Christ. They just wanted Jesus to make things better, so they could go on living their lives comfortably. Am I preaching to the choir here?

The Lord is showing me that if I try to escape my uncomfortable circumstances outside of His will and timing, I will still have to face the cross wherever I go and whatever I do. In other words, there are no shortcuts in the lives of Christ's disciples (see Galatians 5:24).

In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul stated that he was "crucified with Christ" and that he no longer lived, but Christ lived in him. What does this mean? What can we learn from Paul's example that qualified him to make such a statement? (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without a number, and faced death repeatedly. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once, I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once, I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews and the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold without enough clothing to keep me warm.

Simply put, Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, surrendered his life to Jesus fully and put his faith in God's sovereign plan, even though Jesus revealed that he would suffer many things for His name's sake (see Acts 9:16). Paul would no longer live for himself or his comfort. Through suffering and resisting the temptation to take shortcuts (indulging the flesh) or moving away from his destiny of being conformed to the image of Christ, Paul learned the secret of contentment, no matter what (see Philippians 4:12-13).

Finding contentment and walking by faith, patience, and obedience to God's will becomes a significant challenge when our flesh operates in full strength and rules our lives. I am increasingly discovering the importance of weakening my flesh instead of strengthening it- in other words, taking up my cross daily means saying no to my fleshly cravings and desires by God's grace. We all know the drill- regular fasting, prayerfully listening to God, walking by faith in His Word, and rejoicing with hearts of gratitude are significant ways to weaken or deny our flesh. (See Galatians 5:16, Philippians 4:4-7, & Hebrews 6:11-12)

Beloved,  The Calvary Road is narrow, with no shortcuts, but it's the only road that leads to resurrection, life, and power. (See Matthew 7:13-14 & Romans 8:16-17)

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you feeling tempted to take any shortcuts on your spiritual journey?

2. Where might you be focusing on man's interests rather than God's?

3. What does the cross represent in your life's circumstances presently?

4. Why is taking the Calvary Road (living a crucified life) necessary to follow Christ?

5. What was Paul's secret to contentment?

–By Juliet Canha

I am in Florida on vacation, visiting my grandchildren for their birthdays. There is a lot of cuteness going on around here! My grandson, Caleb, is now two years old. One day, my daughter asked Caleb to come and let her put his pants on, and he said, "But, Mommy, I want to wear my legs." Now, how cute is that? 

My daughter and her family live across the street from a community pool and playground. Anytime little Emery and Caleb want to go and swim or play, one of the adults takes hold of their hands and carefully walks with them as they cross the street. We would never let them go and allow them to be in danger.

The Lord has been using that analogy to speak to me. He's reassuring me that although circumstances in life can be uncertain, He is holding my hand and will not let me stray off His path for my life as long as I humbly trust Him with all of my heart.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

I recently read a quote by Max Lucado along these lines: 

"Your goal is not to know every detail of the future but to hold the hand of the One who does- and to never let go."

I've been asking myself why I strive to know and understand the future. It has a lot to do with a false sense of security connected to feelings of staying in control. The problem is that my finite understanding is limited, and only God sees the eternal perspective of the big picture. The critical question is, "Will I surrender my fight for control, and trust God wholeheartedly, even when a life's circumstances are not what I would choose naturally?"

I want to paraphrase a quote from the late F.W. Faber:

God's will does not come to us in the whole picture but generally in small fragments necessary for the present moment.

The story of Jacob in Genesis 32 highlights the wrestling match many of us face with God. On the one hand, our will holds us steady as we refuse to let go of God's promises. On the other hand, we anxiously strive to make things happen in our timing and our way. Ultimately, this passage shows us that God is faithful to fulfill His promises- although we may end up suffering some consequences of not trusting that He's got us by the hand and will not let us go!

Questions for Reflection

1. Why is leaning on your own understanding not good when it comes to trusting God?

2. Are there circumstances outside of your control that you're striving to understand?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit what you may fear losing if you surrender control of your future to Jesus. 

4. What promises from God are you striving to make happen in your own strength?

5. How does holding the hand of Jesus apply to trusting where He's ultimately leading you in the future (see Phil 3:12)?

–By Juliet Canha

Happy Mother’s Day! I enjoy wearing my favorite T-shirt, which I often wear during this special time of year (it says, “I Love Mom”).

I have three adult children and two adorable grandchildren. I am so grateful for these gifts in my life.

My son Simeon was four years old. He came to me and said, “Mommy, you are the most beautiful mommy in the world, and I love you so much!” My love language is affirmation, and I must say that my son’s words melted my heart. I sensed it was the Lord loving me through my son that day.

My daughter, Alyssa, is a gifted writer, and she has written my husband and I some beautiful cards throughout the years. I’ve saved each one she’s given me, which are treasures to my heart.

My son, Nate, is a man of few words, but he said something I will always cherish when he was twelve. It was in the context of a challenging time I experienced as a mother. Nate was individuating, and I lost my temper with him often. We spoke to a counselor together, and she asked my son if he believed that I loved him, and his answer was a resounding “YES.” I was so relieved!

Relational dynamics are messy at times, but love covers a multitude of sins. I want to share with you some lessons I am learning about the beauty of meekness, which manifests God’s love.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me one day in the Prayer Room. He said, “It’s not a competition; you’re all on the same team.” I was comparing myself to other leaders that day and feeling insecure.

Unhealthy comparison started back in the beginning with Cain and Abel. Sibling Rivalry was a familiar dynamic between my sister and me while growing up because of the absence of the good things we needed from our earthly father. My struggle with comparison started in my childhood and is rooted in insecurity, leading to pride due to this love deficit. Over the years, other traumatic experiences compounded this dynamic in my life. 

What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don't they come from the passions at war within you?... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:1 & 6)

Selfish ambition, rivalries, jealousy, and envy are rooted in a broken identity which leads to pride. I no longer want God to have to oppose me because of it.

The Lord has faithfully worked for several decades to heal my broken identity. At times, I still see some of these old patterns affect my perceptions of myself and others.  

There is an excellent book by Nona Jones called Killing Comparison. Nona shares two types of comparison- Toxic and Healthy. She explains that Healthy Comparison leads to inspiration, and Toxic Comparison "sucks the life out of our vision. It does this by causing us to see another person's success as our failure." The lie is that we need to be like someone else to matter.

There are many servants of the Lord in the IHOPKC community who inspire me to be more like Jesus. A couple of examples are those on the weekend service team who faithfully show up each week to serve our spiritual family. I also admire those laying down their lives in intercession- especially for Israel during this critical season.

Here is the first lesson about meekness:

LESSON ONE
Feelings of insecurity and unhealthy competition in relationships are part of our broken humanity- what we do with those feelings when they first come determines whether or not we are meek.

I was worshipping the Lord one day at church and heard the Holy Spirit say, "Juliet, Will you take the lowest place?" 

His question to me was in the context of an inner struggle I was wrestling with about not being chosen for a particular assignment. The Lord had told me several years earlier that obtaining this opportunity would never fill the void in me that only He can fill.

Whenever our souls strive to find identity in something we think we can't live without, it's an idol. We can’t cling to idols and walk in meekness.

Have you noticed that our flesh often strives for more honor, recognition, and equality, rather than humbly taking the lowest place?

I am reminded of a dream I had a few years ago. In the dream, I was driving past some people I work with in ministry- they were all getting ready to go someplace together. In the dream, I was driving alone in my eight-seater SUV (vehicles in dreams generally represent ministry callings). I rolled down my window and offered to give them a ride, but they said they were covered. So, I parked and went inside a small building where they had just finished meeting together, and there was debris all over the floor. I ran outside to see if I could go with them, but they were gone. At first, I felt hurt and left out, but the Holy Spirit immediately spoke to me and said not to take it personally- that the others were fulfilling what God called them to go and do, and they did not need me to go with them at that time. It was more important for me to go back inside the building and serve the team by cleaning up the mess on the floor- even though no one would see or notice me except my Heavenly Father.

Mark 10:43-45 illustrates this well:

Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

LESSON TWO
We must not overemphasize greatness in God's kingdom by what we are "doing" as a ministry assignment but by taking opportunities to serve others in meekness- even behind the scenes where no one notices but the Lord. 

Let’s look at Psalm 131:1-2.

My heart is not proud, O LORD; my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me. Surely, I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

My grandson, Caleb, is almost two, and one thing is for sure, whenever he needs something, nothing but his mama will do. When he was an infant, I remember hearing his sigh of relief whenever my daughter would hold him close to her chest.

Jesus wants us to humble ourselves and trust that He and His provision for our lives are all we need to be fully satisfied. 

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. "Truly I tell you," He said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:2-4)

LESSON THREE
Child-like faith is a beautiful example of meekness. 

The definition of meekness is an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that the individual wisely sees as only part of a larger picture (of being conformed to the image of Christ).

I have another cute story to tell. When our oldest child, Alyssa, was almost two, she had a horrible, rotten, no good- very bad day. My husband lovingly took her into his arms to provide a consequence for her naughty behavior. Little Alyssa looked at her daddy and said, “Please be very gentle.” My husband had to compose himself to keep from laughing- it was so precious. 

Our Heavenly Father lovingly allows us to reap painful consequences for not quickly surrendering our will in meekness- even when we’re having a bad day. Why? Because Abba lovingly disciplines us to produce righteous fruits in our lives. (See Hebrews 12:11)

Unrighteous attitudes and actions come out when we don't intentionally embrace a lifestyle the meekness. 

God started honing in and emphasizing meekness a while ago when I missed out on a great opportunity because my internal reaction to disappointment was not meekness. When I cried out to Him in agony over my loss, He reminded me that He disciplines those He loves (see Hebrews 12:6).

Tests will come our way on our faith journeys, and we don't always pass them. The good news is that God uses them to show us what's happening inside our hearts. Subsequently, He allows painful consequences as a discipline to change us. 

Like Job, many of us consider ourselves well-meaning saints of God (outwardly). Job is an excellent example of Divine testing that exposes issues of one's heart. Before his refining process, Job was clueless about his desperate need for God's righteousness to permeate his inner being. 

We are often unaware of our daily choices based on independent self-will rather than meekness. Our Father's goal in discipline is for the image of His Son, Jesus, to shine through our lives. The areas where we embrace God's discipline will become areas of freedom.

Have you gone through moments when you regret the painful consequence of your sinful choices? 

If we repent and surrender in obedience to His loving discipline, although we may suffer some natural consequences, the Holy Spirit faithfully lifts us out of the dark valley of self and gives us His eternal perspective. 

LESSON FOUR
How we respond to disappointment and adverse circumstances is a test of meekness, and we will reap the consequences and miss out on the fullness of God's blessings when our response is self-centered.

We can't produce genuine meekness by trying harder or pretending to be humble. Have you ever pretended to be humble? It's exhausting and only goes so far.

A sincerely thankful heart flows from humility and gratitude rather than an entitlement mindset centered on pride. If we grumble and complain about things not going our way or getting what we think we deserve, we lose sight of enjoying God and His countless blessings.

I am preaching to the choir here because God recently highlighted some entitlement mindsets I was holding onto and couldn't see. When I'm focused on myself and complain about what I believe I deserve, it's impossible to reflect a heart of meekness genuinely. 

LESSON FIVE
Gratitude is the outflow of a meek and lowly heart. We become more Christ-like when we focus on the positive and remain grateful in all circumstances.

Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit along the lines of gentleness. As we decrease, the fruits of the Holy Spirit will increase through us. We must be emptied of ourselves for God's Spirit of meekness to fill our lives.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They oppose each other, so you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26)

What are some examples of unsurrendered places in our hearts revealed when circumstances don't go our way? 

• Reacting in anger for not being given the honor we deserve.

• Complaining when we're left serving behind the scenes without anyone acknowledging our hard work.

• Comparing ourselves with others.

• Feeling envious of those receiving more opportunities for recognition.

• Lacking contentment and grasping for more.  
  

LESSON SIX
When our will is surrendered, the beauty of His meekness and other fruits of the Spirit will shine through us, ultimately glorifying Jesus and not ourselves.

Jesus modeled meekness perfectly because His will was fully yielded to His Father's will. He invites us to deny ourselves daily by willingly taking on His yoke of meekness and lowliness of heart. Then, we will see Him as our resting place when we surrender and find ourselves in Him.

Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

I have found that striving to please people is often the source of my anxiety and inability to rest in God. Paul exhorts us in Galatians 1:10, saying that we can't please people and God at the same time. In other words, performing for the acceptance of people makes it impossible for the meekness of Jesus to shine through our lives.

I recently dreamed of being at a jewelry store with some of the team members I work with in ministry. I saw a stunning diamond ring- some rare jewels surrounded the larger diamond. I gave my credit card to purchase the ring. It was placed in a bag and set at the back of the store, waiting for me to pick it up. Suddenly, I noticed my team members were leaving the store, so I became distracted and started following them. Near the front of the store, an unkind saleslady said she could've given me a discount coupon, but she chose not to. Her mean comment hurt me, and I ran out of the store into the parking lot, crying hysterically. I said, "She thinks I'm not worth a discount coupon!" When I returned home without the ring, my husband said it was fully paid for, but I ran off without it.

Dream interpretation: The high price Jesus paid determines my value to Him and His love for me. When I allow the opinions of others to consume my soul and define my worth, I miss out on experiencing the beauty of what Jesus, my Bridegroom, paid for and wants me to enjoy daily.

LESSON SEVEN
Oversensitivity to what others think of us is pride rooted in the insecurity of not understanding our value in Christ and hinders us from walking in meekness.

Beloved ones, the price Jesus paid for us determines our value- inward meekness is the most beautiful characteristic.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment..., but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight. (1 Peter 3:3a & 4)

A primary way to display meekness is through the words we say or don't say. At the start of this new year, the Lord highlighted the passage in Proverbs.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:25-26)

I also want to draw your attention to Jesus as the Lamb of God (see John 1:29, Rev. 5:6, 12, & 12:11). Lambs are gentle animals by nature. If we were to refer to Jesus as the "wolf" of God, it would present a completely different picture. The point here is that Jesus modeled the meekness of a lamb.

Isaiah 53:7 parallels the nature of a lamb with Jesus at His crucifixion:

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

LESSON EIGHT
The words that flow out of our mouths during stress or our ability to remain silent in mistreatment are another test of meekness.

Psalm 45 is prophetically referred to as a bridal Psalm. It's my life verse that the Lord started using in my twenties when He called me to a life a consecration unto Him. Today, I want to draw your attention to Verses 2 & 4: 

You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever... In your majesty, ride out victoriously for the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness...

This passage depicts Jesus, our beloved Bridegroom, and King, who embodies the attributes of meekness and lowliness of heart, as the most handsome (or beautiful) among the sons of men. Interestingly, Isaiah 53:2 says that Jesus was not an attractive man outwardly. However, our Heavenly Father focuses on the inner beauty in the likeness of Jesus.

Jesus perfectly modeled what it is like to be a meek bondservant (see Phil 2:5-7)- "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men."

LESSON NINE
Meekness was displayed through the surrendered life and death of Jesus- there is no other perfect example of exultation throughout history. (See Col. 1:27 & Phil. 2:8-11)

Devotional Reflection Question

The beauty of meekness is an outflow of abiding in the love of Christ. Our Heavenly Father sees you as a uniquely beautiful and sparkling jewel in His kingdom. You are perfectly loved! Will you believe it today and stop defining yourself by anything less?

By Juliet Canha

I've shared the story multiple times about my younger son running up to me in his Bible Man cape at age four, informing me that he wanted to be a superhero when he grew up. Needleless to say, it wasn't in his wheelhouse of grace- although he'll always be a superhero in my eyes!

...walk in a manner worthy of the calling (or sphere of influence) you have received... Now to each one of us, grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1&7)

Grace is a gift or impartation from God- we can never earn it in our human strength.

Here is a definition of wheelhouse: One's area of interest or expertise. 

Example: the part of a batter's strike zone most likely to produce a home run.

Another definition to remember here is "sphere of influence"- The power to affect development (or progress) within a particular area. In other words, stay in the lane God's called you to, and trust in His grace to empower you to finish your race well. Earthly distractions or comparisons with the runners in other lanes around us will only hinder our ability to reach the finish line successfully. Our focus must stay on Jesus, who's running our race with us.

... let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith... (Hebrews 12:1-2; portions of the passage)

I can identify with Gideon in Judges, chapters six and seven, especially in the earlier years of my walk with God. In the natural realm, Gideon viewed himself as insignificant about ever accomplishing any mighty deeds of valor. In other words, his wheelhouse, from a biological standpoint, was very limited. However, when Gideon stepped out by faith in God's enabling grace, he discovered peace to quiet his soul and the anointing to fulfill his spiritual destiny.

Year after year, the Holy Spirit teaches me to walk confidently into ministry situations, expecting God's anointing (or wheelhouse of grace) to flow through me. Do I always hit the mark? No, sometimes I slip into a performance mindset or strive to make something happen out of season, which locks my heart in fear and anxiety, like when Gideon was hiding in the winepress from the Midianites (see Judges 6:11). 

God is working to help us understand how performance (striving to be someone we're not) keeps us in an unsettled and anxious state of mind and robs us of His grace and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

Beloved ones, I encourage you to step out in faith and expect the Holy Spirit's anointing to flow through you in your wheelhouse of His grace!

Questions for Reflection

1. What did you dream of becoming as a child when you grew up?

2. Are your desires about His glory or yours? 

3. Are anxiety and performance holding you back from flowing in God's anointing?

4. In what areas of ministry is God's wheelhouse of grace operating through you?

—By Juliet Canha

I would not be a bondservant of Christ if I were still trying to be popular with men. Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men or God? Or am I seeking to please people? (Galatians 1:10- paraphrased)

I was driving to one of my ministry assignments last week and heard the Lord whispering to my spirit that I am His servant. I sensed Him reminding me that the other roles in my life do not define me. Later that afternoon, the verse of the day on my Bible app was Galatians 1:10- which confirmed what He said to me earlier in the morning. 

It's helpful to see how the Apostle Paul contrasts the nature of people-pleasing with that of a bondservant. He clearly stated that we couldn't do both. The New Testament epistles reveal Paul's spiritual transformation from a performance-oriented pharisee to a surrendered servant of Christ. Paul refers to himself as a bondservant in the books of Romans, Philippians, and Titus. (See Rms 1:1, Phil 1:1, & Titus 1:1)

By nature, like Saul (before his conversion to the Apostle Paul), we may want to feel we're serving God by our zealous works of righteousness while we remain large and in charge and looked up to by others. However, God has a way of graciously knocking us off our horses and establishing His leadership over our lives (see Acts 9:1-19).

Jesus perfectly modeled what it is like to be a bondservant (see Phil 2:5-7)- "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men." 

Positionally, we are sons and daughters of God and joint heirs with Christ (see Rms 8:12-17). However, we must embrace a bondservant's attitude (like Jesus taught and modeled) and present ourselves as slaves of righteousness to fulfill our calling as bondservants of God (see Rms 6:16-22 & Mtt. 20:25-28)—a bond for life in representing the Master's will and desires as our source of identity.

"You are My friends if you do whatever I command you," is what Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:14. Becoming a bondservant or a friend has something significant in common- it's a voluntary choice. How would you feel if someone forced you to be their friend? The same principle is true with becoming God's bondservant- we each have the freedom to choose. However, if we resist, we indirectly choose to serve another master (see Luke 16:13 as an example). When we seek to please people as our primary focus, we become blinded by our ambitions and serve ourselves rather than our Heavenly Father.

Reflection Questions

1. Why is it impossible to please people and be a bondservant of Christ simultaneously?

2. How is it significant that Jesus emptied Himself and took on the form of a bondservant?

3. Read Romans 8:12-17. In what ways does this passage reflect the characteristics of a bondservant?

4. Meditate on Romans 6:16-22. What does it mean to be a slave of righteousness?

5. Have you voluntarily said "yes," to be Christ's bondservant rather than a people-pleaser?

-By Juliet Canha

The Excitement of Revelation

Defined, "revelation" is the act of revealing or disclosing; it is something revealed or disclosed, especially a striking disclosure, as of something not before realized. Here is my ranking of the two greatest revelations in my life. 

My eyes were opened as a twenty-one year old wandering soul, when I received the gospel message and made a commitment to following Christ. Striking disclosure is an apt description of my first time encountering Jesus. The second greatest revelation occurred a few years later when my prayers to find a wife were clearly answered. Married forty-one years now, I can say that we know each other very well but are still growing in that knowledge because we have both been changing along  the way.

"The revelation of marriage makes a sustainable excitement available because it's all about encountering the Spirit of Christ who lives within our individual hearts and thus in the heart of the marriage. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory!" Col. 1:27 (MSG)

Brighter Levels

The greatest facet of revelation from God is that it never ends. The initial unveiling is followed up by a life of discovery. This verse is a wonderful description.

"But the moment one turns to the Lord  with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit,  and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom. We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.  We are being transfigured  into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.  And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:16-18 (TPT)

In relationships, when one person is being changed by the glory of God, they will reflect or mirror that glory to others. Single friendships, married couples, thrive best when there is a partnership of discovery.

Revelation begets revealers. 

The Future You

Over forty years of ministry we have counseled hundreds of couples. The challenges in married life are often found in disclosures unplanned and unwanted. We often hear a facsimile of this: I thought I knew him (her) but what he (she) has become is causing major issues. Hence we strongly urge couples planning to marry, to not rush into making vows unto a life-long commitment. If you are in an intentional friendship, with strong marriage possibilities, take the time to evaluate the trajectory of your significant other. Who was this person before I met them and how is their journey unfolding? Remember, you are contemplating a level of trust based on their history.

Anyone can produce a resume from their past. But you need to create your own portfolio drawing from present interaction, which will take months, maybe even years. 

Of course there is also the flip side. How well do I know myself? Is my significant other getting to know the real me or only a facade?

Who you are at the core of your being is the person your spouse will come to know over decades.

Relationships Reveal

Sadly, I have watched many Christian couples collapse under the weight of what is called irreconcilable differences. Instead of brighter levels of glory it seems that the revelation of marriage has been the unveiling of darker valleys of weakness and discord. The initial excitement made its exit long ago. But if the disconnect is attended to early on, with authenticity and repentance, it can create the forward thrust towards maturity. Single or married, we need the vision of healthy community in order to perceive ourselves rightly.

Yes, marriage tends to surface the toxic burial ground of my soul. But isn't that the healthiest place for it to be? No longer hidden but in the light?

Another common phrase I've heard from couples over the years: We are unequally yoked. It actually may be the case, but it doesn't mean that it's a final state. Truth be told, we must navigate the same scenario in our relationship with Jesus. The solution is never to divorce ourselves from God or deconstruct our faith because it isn't working anymore. The revelation of marriage, the bride of Christ to her Bridegroom, is a directional force unto the cleansing of every impediment to holiness.

We all have spiritual experiences that find the highlight reel in our journals. Breakthroughs, new insights; they are wonderful. But the day to day living can be encapsulated in this facet of Christ's mission to His bride: "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Eph. 5:26-27 

The revelation of marriage includes taking ownership of where I need cleansing. This is the pathway to radiance.

No Remorse

They call it "buyer's remorse." A major purchase, such as a house, which a person later regrets. As I am soon to celebrate forty-eight years of taking up my cross to follow Jesus, I can absolutely say that I have no remorse. Sure, there are ebbs and flows to every life, and our faith will be tested, but I am always drawn back to the contentment that comes from discovering those brighter levels of glory.

I wonder if the Apostle John had some questions for Jesus when he found himself exiled to a prison island? Was he anticipating a different ending to his life? The revealing of Jesus on Patmos surely jogged his memory of another glorious experience on a mountain, described by Peter. "We saw his magnificence and splendor unveiled before our very eyes." 2 Pet. 1:16 This time around, when John saw the glory of Christ, he fainted. Rev. 1:17. After Jesus revived him, he was commanded to pay attention: "Write down what you have seen; both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.This is the meaning of the mystery..." Rev. 1:19-20

God's unveiling of Himself will always produce an unveiling of my own heart. At times it will feel like God is giving me a progress report of my personal life or my marriage. This is how I've seen you grow and it brings joy to My heart. Other times I feel undone and wonder, I'm not sure I know who I am right now. Lord, am I hearing you correctly?

Revelation takes time. God is setting the stage for a greater unveiling of Himself. Rest assured, there are brighter levels ahead.

---

Mike and Anne Rizzo, Directors of Marriage and Family Ministries
Mike and Anne Rizzo have been in pastoral ministry for over 35 years and currently serve as directors of Marriage and Family Ministries at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. They carry a passion for personal mentoring, teaching, and raising up marriages that exalt the name of Jesus. Mike and Anne have three grown children and two grandchildren, and are the authors of Vertical Marriage: A Godward Preparation for Life Together and Longing for Eden: Embracing God’s Vision in Your Marriage.

When I go to my massage therapist, at times the pain so intense. She's taught me to say, "It hurts so good- don't stop until your work is complete."

Similarly, our Heavenly Father's discipline is meant to produce good things inside our hearts, although the intensity of pain in those moments can seem overwhelming.

For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant but painful, yet to those trained by it, afterward, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:11)

Tests will come our way on our spiritual faith journey; we don't always pass them. The good news is that God uses them to show us what's happening inside our hearts. Subsequently, He allows painful consequences as a discipline to change us.

I've gone through moments when I regret the painful consequence of my sinful actions. Bad things spill out if I'm not yoked to Jesus and following His example of meekness. Whenever I repent and surrender in obedience to His loving discipline, the Holy Spirit faithfully lifts me out of the dark valley of self. It's helpful to see Abba's higher priority of producing the peaceful fruit of righteousness within me. (Meditate on Matt. 11:28-30, 16:24, & James 3:17-18)

Job is an excellent example of Divine testing that exposes issues of one's heart. Before his refining process, Job was clueless about his desperate need for God's righteousness to permeate his inner being. Like Job, many consider themselves well-meaning saints of God (outwardly). We are often unaware of our daily choices based on our independent self-will. Our Father's goal in discipline is for the image of His Son, Jesus, to shine through our lives. I am always encouraged by what James revealed about God's goodness in disciplining Job- "You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." (Meditate on Romans 8:28-29 & James 5:11)

Beloved, Please note that I am not saying that all suffering is a consequence of sin. I realize that innocent ones sometimes suffer much pain, but God is always good and just. We can always trust in His faithful leadership, for His love never fails!

As we move forward into the New Year, let's remember the goodness of God when experiencing His discipline.

Questions for Reflection

1. Can you think of a time on your faith journey when God's discipline hurt so good?

2. Why is it essential to pass God's tests of righteousness (see James 1:12)?

3. What is God's ultimate promise for obedience to His commands (see John 14:21)?

–By Juliet Canha

I love this time of year, especially on mild weather days. But what about bad weather days?

Every day, and each moment, are gifts from God. A sincerely thankful heart flows from humility and gratitude rather than an entitlement mindset centered on pride. If we grumble and complain about things not going our way or getting what we think we deserve, we lose sight of enjoying God and His countless blessings.

I am preaching to the choir here because God is honing in on some entitlement mindsets I was holding onto and couldn't see. When I'm focused on myself and complain about what I believe I deserve, it's impossible to genuinely reflect the light of God's love and serve others. I encourage you to meditate on Philippians 2:5-15, which is the opposite of an entitled mindset.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason, also, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach amid a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.

Christopher Reese writes, "Thanksgiving should be a way of life for God's people. Yet, gratitude is a spiritual habit developed over time and often doesn't come naturally." I'm sharing this quote because it's so incredibly accurate. In other words, don't beat yourself up if you struggle with gratitude. Make it a point daily to humble yourself by exercising a heart of gratitude and humility.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do gratitude and humility go hand in hand?

2. Are you willing to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden entitlement mindsets you may have?

3. How does grumbling keep us from being lights in the world?

—By Juliet Canha

I had a dream several years ago where I encountered Jesus. In the dream, I was sitting alone in the front row of a small meeting room. Suddenly, Jesus walked into the room. I immediately ran to Him and started pouring out my heart and making my requests before Him. Jesus reached down to where I was kneeling and gently touched my lips with His fingers, saying, "Shhh." Then, I woke up.

I once read that when Jesus said, "Peace; be still," and calmed the storm in Mark 4:39, the meaning of the words "be still" is to close the mouth with a muzzle, to stop the mouth, make speechless, reduce to silence. (Also see Ps. 46:10)

Sitting silently before the Lord is sometimes challenging if you're like me. My mind sometimes races with anxious thoughts, feelings, and desires.

• Anxious thoughts keep us from listening to God's still, small voice.

• Dwelling on negative emotions keeps us in the dark valley of self.

• Our human desires can become lusts of the flesh if discontentment remains uncontested.

Anxiety is a fight-flight response to unhealed soul wounds. The dichotomy is unless we become still and receive God's peace, we stay stuck in an anxious mindset; therefore, our soul wounds remain unhealed. (See Ps.23:2-3 & Phil. 4:6-7)

Negative emotions like fear, depression, offense, and unbelief are fertile ground for the enemy to erect his strongholds in our hearts and minds. These strongholds will not come down unless we resist the enemy, confess our sins, and trust God and His truth. (See James 4:7-10 & 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

I've noticed that whenever I forget to embrace God's abundant grace, lose sight of gratitude, and struggle with discontentment, my feelings and desires shift into a "grass is greener" escape mentality. Let me explain- amid difficult circumstances, it's easy to assume that life would be so much better if only...(you fill in the blank). The problem here is that giving into the lusts of the flesh will never fill the void inside our hearts that obedience and abandoned trust in God can fill. (See Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 2:1-10, & John 14:21)

Beloved, the good news is that if we keep anxiety, negative emotions, and discontentment in check and remain still and peaceful, our hearts will freely encounter God's abiding presence.

Devotional Reflection Questions

1. Are there unresolved soul wounds in your heart, making it difficult for you to hear from the Lord confidently? If so, take a deep breath, release your anxiety, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak God's truth and comfort to your inward parts and bind up your wounds (see 1 Peter 5:7).

2. If negative emotions persist, express your pain to the Lord, and pray from Psalm 139:23-24. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting." Expect the Holy Spirit to guide you as you forgive and nail your sins to the cross.

3. How are the lusts of the flesh and discontentment related to a "grass is greener" mentality? (if you struggle with this, repent of discontent, focus on gratitude, and ask God to unite your will to His will (see Philippians 2:13-15).

4. Are you willing to be still before Jesus today?

—By Juliet Canha

There once was a significant person in my life who stayed angry at God for many years and told Him that they preferred what the devil had to offer because God allowed adversity and didn't give them the life they wanted. Sadly, this person's life ended in defeat.

Job said, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this, Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:10b)

In challenging seasons, it's tempting to complain and question whether God is even listening to our cries for help. Days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years go by where trying circumstances don't seem to let up.

I've recently been studying the book of Job because my family and I are in one of those seasons. Don't get me wrong; I realize that all the suffering Job experienced is uncommonly over the top. However, Job's lessons on his journey of suffering are a plumbline for a better understanding of the ways of God.

Let's take a look at one of Job's cries for help:

Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat...I would know the words which He would answer me...Look, I go forward, but He's not there, and backward, but I can't perceive Him...But He knows the way I will take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:3,5, & 10)

The Apostle Paul is another example of one who endured much adversity for the sake of knowing Christ:

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2 Cor. 11:25-27)

Job and Paul were righteous followers of God, yet they endured much hardship to know the Lord and fulfill His sovereign plan for their lives. I am sure they experienced times when God seemed distant and unresponsive to their cry for their cries for help.

We know God is always with us, but there are times when we can't find Him- when the heavens seem as brass. Can you relate? I can. The late Dr. Larry Crabb once wrote, "God will not let me find Him if I regard Him as nothing more than a useful tool for obtaining my own desires." I realize this quote seems extreme- especially for those of us who consider ourselves lovers of God. However, the fire of testing reveals the motives of one's heart. Are we passionate about God purifying our hearts or just receiving His blessings?

In her book, First Love, Dana Candler writes, "The silence and the delay, and the painful circumstances along the path that test and wound, are all servants to His greater purpose. They are meant to purify us for the purpose of greater love." In other words, we must trust that the suffering God allows is for our good in the end, that we might come to know Him intimately, not just know about Him. (See Job 42:5)

Here is a reference to God's good intentions for Job's horrendous suffering:

My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:10-11)

Beloved, we must not lose sight of God's merciful compassion and primary purpose for taking us through the refiner's fire. Job stated in 13:15- "Though He slays me, yet I will trust Him."

Will we trust God amid suffering even when we don't understand why? In hard times, we face the challenge of believing that our God is good and incapable of anything less than goodness. It's also important to remember that trials are blessings in disguise for those who love God and are called according to His eternal purpose. (See Romans 8:28- 29)

Questions for Reflection

1. Can you thank God for His blessings and accept adversity simultaneously?

2. Do you relate to the temptation of wanting a quick fix to all of your problems rather than seeing trials as a pathway to knowing God more intimately?

3. What trials in your life might be blessings in disguise?

–By Juliet Canha

My daughter called recently to share the news that Emmy, my four-year-old granddaughter, invited Jesus into her heart. The story is so precious. I just have to share it with you!

My daughter told Emmy that Jesus is always here to protect us.Emmy said, "Mommy, I don't see Jesus. Where is He?"My daughter said, "Jesus is in heaven, but He will come to live inside us when we ask Him."Emmy said that she would like that, so her Mommy led her in a prayer to invite Jesus into her heart.Afterward, my daughter asked Emmy if she knew that Jesus was now living inside her heart. Emmy said, "Yes, I see Him; He tickled me and said He loves me." (This is such a beautiful picture of child-like faith!)

Have you sensed Jesus tickling you? I've been thinking about Emmy's experience with Jesus. I've asked the Lord for wisdom to understand this side of Him better.

When tickling a child, I think of the word "playfulness." The late Dr. Karyn Purvis once said playfulness is the way out of fear and shame. Sharing moments of enjoyment helps to bond hearts together. Example: Jesus is starting to form a secure attachment of joy with my granddaughter, Emmy, by tickling her on the inside.

Grandparenting is extremely enjoyable because we are not primarily responsible for raising our grandkids (in most cases). Therefore, it's easier just to hang out and play with them. One of my biggest regrets as a parent is that I could not freely enter my kid's world of play consistently when they were younger. Understanding the playful side of our Heavenly Father (and of Jesus) helps to redeem the wounds in our lives where our parents lacked the proper capacity to connect with us sacrificially, at a heart level.

Jesus modeled joy perfectly because He maintained an eternal perspective- "Because of the joy awaiting Jesus, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame." (Hebrews 12:2)

Psalm 45 is a prophecy about the coming Messiah, King Jesus. Verse 7 states that Father God would anoint Jesus more than His companions with the oil of gladness. In other words, true and lasting joy comes from an inner awareness of living closely attached to Jesus, our joy-filled King.

The paraphrased version of Psalm 16:11 describes it well- this Psalm also points prophetically to Jesus.

You have shown Me the path of life, and You make me glad by being near Me. Sitting at Your right side, I will always be joyful.

In a recent sermon, Isaac Bennett stated, "The greatest pleasures available to the human spirit are spiritual pleasures that come to us when God reveals Himself to our spirit."

To facilitate a time of connection with Jesus here is a helpful spiritual exercise that I want to recommend to you:

Ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart and imagine Jesus tickling and playing with a group of children.

Where do you see yourself in this picture?

If you see yourself disconnected, like you're on the outside looking in, ask God to show you what wounds from your past are holding you back.

If the Lord reveals a painful memory, invite Jesus into that memory and ask Him to heal your broken heart. (God might show more than one memory- if so, go with the flow and trust His Holy Spirit to guide you.)

It's important to ask God if you need to forgive anyone related to any painful memories revealed in this exercise.

Ask the Lord to exchange any lies you've believed related to these memories with His truth.
Could you look again at the picture of Jesus playing with children? Do you see yourself interacting with Jesus now in this picture? (If so, relax in His arms of love and enjoy it!)
Just so you know, if you try this exercise and feel stuck, you might consider reaching out to someone who can help to facilitate a time of inner healing prayer ministry.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have you ever felt the tickle of God inside your heart?

2. Read Zephaniah 3:17, and see if you can imagine this picture of God rejoicing over you with singing.

3. Read Mark 10:15. How does child-like faith help you receive God's kingdom?

By Juliet Canha

I'll never forget the first time my oldest child required discipline. My husband sat down with her and lovingly placed her over his knee. She turned her head, looked back at her daddy, and said, "Please be very gentle." My husband almost started laughing. He had to figure out at that moment how to be as gentle as possible without diminishing the intended effects of the discipline. Hmm, can you relate to the parent or the child in this picture?

Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10-11)

Seriously, discipline is not a laughing matter; it hurts the parent and child! Several years ago, the Lord said, "Remain consistent in disciplining your children. The areas where they learn discipline in childhood will be areas of freedom in their adult life and the areas where they do not learn discipline will be areas of bondage."

Sometimes our heavenly Father disciplines us by taking things away from us that He knows will keep us from loving Him and others with our whole hearts. Other times He may ask us to take a time out so we have the opportunity to reassess our motives for why we're doing what we do.

Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 12:7 to endure hardship as a discipline (several passages in Scripture tell us to rejoice and thank God amid our trials). Paul says that when our Heavenly Father allows difficulties in our lives, He's treating us as His children.

A late author from the twentieth century, T. Austin-Sparks, once wrote, "Suffering is a great purifying thing. It destroys selfishness. It destroys that self-interest that is the cause of so many of the troubles."

Beloved, are you in a hard season where you are keenly aware of God's discipline in your life? Hebrews 5:8 tells us that Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered. Now, that's a mind-blowing statement! Even Jesus endured the Father's discipline, and He never sinned. That tells me God's discipline in our lives is not necessarily because we did anything wrong. Sometimes it's because we need to grow in godly character and freedom.

Abba has often told me that He loves me too much to give me everything that I want (at least right away) if He sees that it will distract me from what's most important—loving God and loving people.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Is there an area of your life that needs Abba's loving discipline?

2. Is your will still in charge of your life? Or, have you surrendered to the will of the Father?

3. Do you consistently get angry when you don't get your way?

—By Juliet Canha

Jesus bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39)

While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus's decision to choose the will of His Father rather than His own was epic. In other words, He never would've endured the cross on our behalf without fully surrendering His will.

Is there a cross of suffering that you or a loved one must endure? (See Matthew 16:24)

I was emotionally struggling recently with a few painful circumstances out of my control, and I cried out to God, saying, "I would never have chosen this in a million years." I immediately heard Him say, "Yes, but I have chosen it."

At that moment, I realized that my anger and the resulting depression I was feeling were rooted in rebellion against God's will. Rebellion is rooted in prideful thinking, saying that what I want is more important than God's will.

When Peter exhorts us to cast all of our care on Jesus because He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5:7), it's given in a context of humility (see vs. 6)—casting our cares on the Lord and believing that He has our best interest at heart, postures us to receive more of His grace to choose His will humbly. (See James 4:6 & 1 Peter 4:19).

Beloved, When you let go, put everything in God's hands, and choose His will, you can bet He'll manage things and do what's right! (See Psalm 55:22)

Roy Lessin writes, "The best decision you ever made was to (choose God's will and) place your life into the hands of the One who made you—hands that worked with SKILL; hands that guided with WISDOM; hands that shaped with PURPOSE; hands that formed with LOVE.

God's hands are more capable than a great surgeon;
More compassionate than a caring nurse;
More precise than a fine diamond cutter;
More creative than a master craftsman;
More powerful than a mighty warrior;
More dependable than an honest man's handshake;
More reassuring than another's embrace.
Your life is in His hands.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you believe God has your and your loved ones' best interests at heart?

2. Are you willing to seek what God chooses rather than your own will?

3. How does Romans 12:1-2 apply to discovering and choosing God's will?

—By Juliet Canha

How would you answer God if He asked, "What do you want?" This happened to me recently while I was spending time in prayer. At that moment, I felt a little down emotionally due to some life challenges.

This question affected me in two ways. At first, my soul flooded with several desires- mostly centered on a life of comfort and self-fulfillment. However, my spirit knew intuitively that the best answer was to know God more intimately. (See Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Although seemingly simple, this question to me from the Lord was profound. Let me explain- when the rubber meets the road, we must determine our primary goal in this life. Is it living the dream of personal comfort and fulfillment, or is it the plumb-line of knowing God and loving Him and others with all our hearts? Truth be told, we can know God and love Him and others, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. (See John 17:3 & Mark 12:28-34)

A few weeks ago, I read in John 21:15-18, where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him (after Peter had succumbed to self-preservation rather than loving God). The tangible evidence of Peter's love for Jesus was for him to help shepherd God's people and count the cost of following Jesus wholeheartedly. This question to Peter by Jesus stood out to me because I also serve as a pastor-shepherd. Again, it's about accepting the cost of knowing God and obeying His calling in our lives.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ... (Philippians 3:7-8)

Beloved, Through surrender and knowing Jesus intimately, you won't lose yourself but find yourself in Him (see Luke 9:23-24). More opportunities to find satisfaction apart from knowing God will never fill the void inside that only He can fill. You can confidently expect that all pain and disappointment can lead you closer to God if you surrender to God's sovereign plan and trust Him.

Devotional Reflection Question:

Is there anything you want more than knowing Jesus?

By Juliet Canha

Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37- 38)

I was flying to Florida recently to visit my daughter and her family. My seat on the plane was in the center seat between my husband and my son. Before take-off, I refilled my water bottle that I always carry because I had to empty it thoroughly before going through the TSA security checkpoint.

About an hour after taking off, I was thirsty. Without thinking about the fact that there was a pressure change in the airplane, I flipped open the top of my water bottle, and a large stream of water was uncontrollably spewing out on the head of the poor guy who was sitting in one of the seats in the row in front of me.

The man's head was soaking wet, and water was all over his face and glasses. I was horrified and so embarrassed. I could tell that the man was not very happy, as I apologized profusely. It helped me know that my son could see the man's wife laughing from where he was sitting, making me feel a little better anyway.

We all need streams of God's living water to flow out, but maybe not like that, right?

Seriously, having a heart locked up in unbelief rather than a flowing heart is a spiritually unhealthy way to live. The context of this verse in John 7:37- 38 reveals what happens when we overthink things and allow unbelief to rule our hearts (see vs. 39-52). In this passage, there is a clear distinction between those who received the Spirit of revelation by faith versus those who were pridefully leaning on their uninformed opinions and not receiving the truth of God. Said another way, Jesus, the Truth of God, was standing right in front of them, and some couldn't recognize Him because of unbelief.

Last month, my husband and I were out one evening celebrating our wedding anniversary. A whole rainbow appeared in the sky on the heels of a hail and wind storm, which caught our attention while driving past a church building with a cross mounted on top of the roof. The living water of God's Spirit flowed from my innermost being, reminding me that "All the promises of God in Him are 'yes' and in Him are 'amen' to the glory of God through us" (see 2 Cor. 1:20).

Beloved, It wasn't a half rainbow but an entire rainbow arching over a cross. In my family, some of us are in a place of contending for God to fulfill His revealed promises. Because of the finished work of the cross, we have access to all of God's promises if we dare to believe. In contrast, walking in unbelief is a dry and miserable way to live.

Questions for Reflection

1. Is your heart locked up in unbelief?

2. Are you thirsty for more of God's Holy Spirit flowing in and through your life?

3. How does the finished work of the cross apply to God's promises to you?

–Juliet Canha