All posts by heyjudeev5@gmail.com

Do You Love Me?

By Judy Villanueva

John 21:15 “Do you love Me?”

Stuck in the bathroom, I attempted to muster the courage to go back out into the party. It was a gathering of people with whom I felt out of place and misunderstood. Granted, they were just feelings and likely not even true, but it is how I felt. Overwhelmed, I slipped into this awkward space to pray. “Lord, I thought I would do better today! I prepared beforehand. I prayed, read the Word, determined to love well, and yet, here I am, stuck in the bathroom feeling so defeated. Help me to be strong!” What I heard in reply surprised me. “I am here. It’s ok. Return to love in weakness. I am with you.” This felt strangely freeing, mostly because the only place I could love from, at that moment, was from weakness. So, I returned to the party and loved…weak and a bit scrambled up inside, but freed to love!

The only thing that keeps me from loving on any given day is me.

For sure, many things threaten to box me in and block God’s flow of love. I might be tired, irritable, or anxious. I might be constrained by the pressure of feeling insecure, less than, or judged. It might even be that the person in front of me is just plain unloving! Each and every time, I have a decision to make to either step back from loving or, to pause and ask for God’s help to move forward. When I am in these situations, my first taste of freedom often comes from simply deciding to love, and the next ones from giving myself fully to this decision. In other words, as I act on believing that God is able to empower me to love beyond my fatigue, insecurity or dread, grace begins to flow!

Here is the incredible thing about any decision to love. When we love, we bless and honor Jesus! We answer His question, “Do you love Me?” with a resounding “Yes! I love You, Jesus!” whenever we avail ourselves to be filled and poured out for another.

Can you imagine that it is possible to bless the heart of God when and as we love?

That is quite a notion! And, thankfully, it counts even when we love imperfectly and in weakness. We must never forget what it means that the Spirit of God lives within us. We walk around with access to an inexhaustible spring of deep and bountiful love! We may feel boxed in and scrambled up, but when we find our way out of our awkward spaces and cry out for help, we discover that wide and rich waters of love await us. Come, drink and love Jesus!

“Lord, I bump into mini-crossroads every day where I am aware of my love-limitations. I am selfish and in need of Your well that is inexhaustible! I want You to hear my “Yes, I love you!” as I love others. I want to bless You! Fill me and free me to love. Amen.”

What about you?

Do you feel free to love others? Are you aware of what closes off your heart?

Have you considered that in loving others, you bless the heart of God? I

What do you think Jesus meant by asking “Do you love Me?” How would you respond?

Worship:

https://youtu.be/hPlOQk-Rr8U

Folding Socks

By Judy Villanueva

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1)

God, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. (St.Augustine of Hippo)

Surrounded by of pile of socks, I hunt for two brown ones with stripes, matching grey argyles, and strain to decipher the subtle differences in the solid blues! I suddenly feel a familiar pang that I recognize as my soul becoming restless. Existential angst. Does my existence have meaning? Does folding socks matter to God or is there something more important that I should be doing? It alerts me to beware of what I think, pray and do next. I’ve been here before and am learning that when my soul feels restless it wants to be fed (or medicated). Feed it with a cookie, a trip to the mall, a tv show, a glass of wine or with frenetic doing that will offer distraction. Instead, I decide to pray and bring my soul to Jesus.

My husband and I have been reading a book called “Soul Keeping” by John Ortberg and the last pages invite the reader to the deathbed of a remarkable man, Dallas Willard. Reading out loud, we find ourselves overhearing the last words he whispered to God, “Thank you. Thank you.” My brow furrows as I consider the implications of these words uttered in the midst of great suffering. I feel curious to know more about him and hungry to learn how to live so that when I breathe my final breath, my soul will exhale in gratitude. Dallas lived a life that cultivated a contented and grateful soul and when pressed hard, what flowed from the depths of him was gratefulness.

There is something about the finality of death that is focusing. It seems to clear the clutter that gets in the way of living well. At death, all chances to be kind end. Any and all opportunities to love are over. At life’s end, grudges feel ridiculous and time, too precious to waste on petty complaints.

In the clarity of death’s wake, worry about mattering yields to loving and being loved by God.

It invites a vision of generosity, grace and energy to bless others while there is time. It is a reminder that a life lived well is fed and formed by God, and that last breaths are exhaled from whatever has been shaped over a lifetime. Learning to love and be loved by God infuses all of life with meaning…it quiets the soul, plants seeds of gratitude and makes, even folding socks, yet another moment of His grace.

“Father, help me to find meaning in Your arms and let it calm and fuel my soul for blessing others. Help me to cultivate gratefulness and care for my soul so that in each day of my life I might give you glory, and upon my death, give thanks. Amen.”

What about you?

Do you ever struggle with restlessness of soul?

What do you tend to feed your soul to calm it? Food, tv, shopping, or something else?

Have you discovered that meaning comes from being loved by God? Have you felt the rest that happens in Him alone?

What do you think cultivating contentment and gratitude looks like?

Spend time with God. It will feed and bless your soul.

Worship

Wonder

By Judy Villanueva

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades,  you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8)

Covered in blankets with our faces pointed toward the sky, we watched for magic! “Glory!” our friend’s little daughter cried out, “I saw one!” Under a canopy of stars we laid out on the deck, shivering in the cool night air determined to witness wonder! “Glory!” another shouted, “Glory! Glory! Glory!” Shooting stars showered us with delight and time seemed to stop as we watched wide-eyed and awed by each brilliant starburst! It was the peak of the Perseid Meteor shower and there, gathered with family and dear friends, wonder gave way to worship and before we knew it, we were singing songs of joy in the middle of the mountains!

I am so grateful for wonder. It is different than knowing or understanding a thing….there is something about wonder that points us beyond the comprehensible to unique and magnificent possibilities!

Wonder confronts our finite natures and asks us to reach beyond our grasp and dare to imagine beauty beyond our disappointments. It signals us to hope!

It opens up soul-space and encourages us to watch for life. Wonder reminds us that there is a God…a good and wonderful God.

“Wonder-ing” becomes more natural as we practice noticing and tuning into its invitations to stand still and behold. Beholding helps us to see, feel and hear God in the midst of shooting stars, rainbows, and shimmering aspen trees…to name a few favorite wonders! To behold is to stop, move toward and then look closely with all of oneself. It is to allow wonder to speak and teach of God’s glory…glory found all around us, every day...in sunrises and sunsets, in wildflowers and waterfalls and, in sitting amongst friends with faces pointed upwards, singing songs of joy for each moment spent together watching for glory!

“Heavenly Father, help me to notice your invitations to be drawn into wonder. Life can be hard sometimes. Help me to trust You and stay open to whatever You will next for me. Thank you for lights in the sky, for dear friends, precious children, for beauty, wind and wonders too many to count that help me reach beyond disappointment and fear, to hope. Thank you for daily reminders that You are…and are good. Amen.”

What about you?

What fills you with wonder?

Are you aware of how beholding wonder moves your heart?

How are your hopes?

Do you need a reminder that there is a God…and that He is good?

Lay down, look up and watch for His wonders.

(Thank you, Tommy Walker, for leading worship that night and helping us lift up beautiful songs of joy!)

Worship

https://youtu.be/oscF-IBd5D8

Justice

May 9, 2014Character/Virtues, Knowing God, Spiritual Formationheyjudeev5@gmail.com

By Judy Villanueva

Jonah 3:10-4:4

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Aren’t you glad that judgment is in the hands of God…and not ours? If it had been up to Jonah, Nineveh would have gotten what it deserved and paid for its sins with death. He, personally, would rather have died than see this city receive grace. Justice. We are each born with a sense of it and naturally lean toward evening up scores, paying debts owed, and making sure evil is not rewarded. We feel better when justice is served! Right? Then, there is our just God who always seems ready to believe for the good in us…to be touched when we are sorry and turn toward Him…and, whose love keeps reaching for us with grace and second chances.

Have you ever thought about the heart of God? I read passages like this one and marvel! It is a glimpse into breath-taking glory! Time after time, God’s creation defies Him and goes its own way. Time after time, God creates magnificent scenarios to entice and rescue His beloved from their propensity to run away from His presence, jump out of boats, and get swallowed by large fish. It is almost amusing to “hear” Jonah scold God for being gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love! “Oh I just knew you would relent from sending calamity.” Amazing Grace. Glorious and heart-stopping Love! It convinces me afresh that God’s commitment to His creation is tenacious, unrelenting and more patient than we can fathom.

Sitting in the stench and slime of a whale’s belly gave Jonah the needed pause to reconsider God’s request to preach salvation to the Ninevites! Coughed up on the shore, he finally obeys, and God’s offer of grace is accepted by the people. But, Jonah is angry that God’s plan has worked! “Is it right for you to be angry?” God asks. A question designed to prompt Jonah to reflect, repent, and reorient. Had he gotten too big for his britches, thinking he knew better than God? Jonah’s story makes me all too aware of my own tendency to seek justice over mercy. I can feel God’s question offering a needed correction. In contrast, God’s patience and generosity with both Jonah and Nineveh invites me in close for a look at His beautiful heart. There is power in reflecting on God’s heart! Each peek is transformative, each glimpse giving new vision…each drip helping my heart to feel the beat of His, oh so amazing, Grace!

“Lord, I wish I could say that I cannot relate to Jonah. Help me remember that You are God and I am not! I want to be humble and pliable…ready to obey You. Touch my heart, Lord, and enlarge my capacity to love others more like You. Amen.”

What about you?

Is there a “whale belly” in your life that might be a pause, meant to help you obey something that God has asked of you?

Do you seek justice or mercy for others? Are you bothered when someone gets a second chance?

How are your britches fitting lately? Do you need to take time to reflect, repent and reorient?

Mercy, Lord. We pray for Your touch that creates Divine capacity to obey, forgive and seek mercy for ourselves AND others.

Worship

Like a Spring Rain, by Colporteur

Sacrificing Isaac

April 6, 2014Knowing God, Lenten Reflections, Spiritual Formation, Worshipheyjudeev5@gmail.com

By Judy Villanueva

Genesis 22: 1-2

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

It was an unimaginable ask!

After years of infertility and waiting…after finally giving birth and looking into the face of sweet joy…after cradling a heart’s desire, God asks what? Every mother’s heart stops beating at the thought of harm befalling her child but, to think of harm coming at the hand of his father is unthinkable!

Why does God ask Abraham for Isaac? I’ve always understood this passage as pertinent with regard to idols and placing anything or anyone higher than God. This makes sense, of course, but this story pushes us to an almost untenable limit. My child?

Take my dog. Take me. Take anything, but please don’t take my child! And yet, a child is what God gave…

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” It’s a familiar story and stories begin to have a fairy-tale quality to them once we’ve heard them a time or two. But, this story is real and invites us to the most beautiful act of love ever demonstrated.

Before Abraham knew a ram would be provided, he said “yes” to God.

This astounds me! It makes me curious about Abraham’s relationship with the Father. Over a lifetime he had come to know God intimately…through trials, long periods of waiting, personal failures and great acts of faith, he had learned to trust God. Obedience on the mountain of Moriah would require a deep and unwavering confidence.

Love held Abraham and Love held Isaac as the knife was raised! Love saved Isaac and provided for Abraham another sacrifice.

But, think of it!

Love let go of His most treasured Son—and held us as our Savior hung on the cross and died. Love spent all He had to have us!

It was an unimaginable gift!

“Father, I don’t know how to take in the wonder and beauty of the gift You gave on Calvary. Yours truly is a love beyond reason and invites me into its healing power. To think that I am loved with such vigor and might fills me with hope and deep, deep gratitude. Don’t let me forget this moment, not for one minute! Amen.”

What about you?

Is the story of the cross real to you? Or, has it become a fairy tale without any real impact on your life?

How does it change the way you think of yourself? Think of God?

Do you know that you are deeply and greatly loved?

Gethsemane

By Judy Villanueva

Matthew 26:26-36

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

It was dusk and the desert landscape was quickly changing from shadows to black night as we drove east toward the Colorado River. I was only twelve years old and had been invited to join a friend’s family on their spring break. In the light of day it seemed like an exciting opportunity, but as the sky darkened I held back tears and longed to be home with my family. When I read this passage and imagine Jesus in the garden, I am dumbstruck at what He must have felt lying on His face, overwhelmed to the point of death. I’d always thought that it was the anticipation of the cross that was the cause of His troubled heart, but I have come to believe that what Jesus smelled in the garden was far worse. I think it must have been the impending loss of home that stole His peace. Never, for even a millisecond, had He known existence apart from His beloved Father. They had forever shared a perfect, blessed, loving community of three… but a time was drawing near when Jesus would experience being torn from His Father.

It strikes me that this scene is the only one I can think of where Jesus is troubled and, literally, doubled over with sorrow. Can you picture our Lord with His face to the ground? Try. It isn’t how we are use to seeing Him, but there in the garden beneath the Mount of Olives, He bends over with a desperate plea! “Father, take this cup.”

He faces off with a moment of truth…a beautiful, terrorizing, extravagant, horrifying and holy moment!

Imprisonment, false accusations, a thorny crown, beatings, nails, a spear, mocking, humiliation, scorn and the full weight of man’s sin await Him. THEN, the loss of His most precious treasure, the Love that had been His smile since forever…His Abba, His Dad would turn away!

“Your will, not mine.” Alone in the garden, with his friends fast asleep, Jesus prays three times that this cup should pass and, each time, submits to His Father’s will. Finally, He wakes up His friends with what looks like refreshed strength and determination, “Rise! Let us go!” He is no longer bent over in sorrow with His face to the ground. No. Jesus has been with the Father, accepted His will and now moves with faith and hope to the cross! He knows what is coming but we don’t see Him hesitate anymore. I wonder what THEY talked about in the garden. Was it us they talked about?

Did their Love inspire a gift so great that the Godhead re-uped for being ripped a part in order to carry us home… so that They might become our warm and loving family for all eternity?

Oh beautiful love of God!

“I can’t even fathom this kind of Love, Lord! I am grateful! Help me, Jesus, to pray with a submitted heart…to ask for what I want, but trust in what You will! Thank You for making a way for me to come home someday and share forever with You. Amen.”

What about you?

Are you in a garden of Gethsemane? Are you struggling with God in prayer over something He is asking of you?

Is there a cup you would like to pass?

Where are you in terms of the crucifixion of your will? Are you able to say, “Your will, not mine”?

Have you received this gift of love, Christ’s death on the cross, that delivers us from sin?

Can you trust in the Father’s love to deliver you home safe and sound?

Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMX9CNgRJCM

Letting Go: A Prayer of Relinquishment

By Judy Villanueva

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was raise a child. The next hardest was letting each one go as they grew up and left the nest. It’s hard to let go… This is the prayer I prayed over my firstborn as she left for college.

Dear Jesus,

I’d like to bring my child to you.

I see me and my daughter walking … no actually I see me struggling to carry her on my back. She keeps slipping because I’m not strong enough to carry her, but I keep trying.

My back hurts.

I see you there by the river’s edge…so peaceful. You can see me…us, too. You have a warm smile on your face and you perceive the difficulty I am having bringing my daughter to you.

Finally, you say to me, “Put her down.”

I want to but I’m not sure…I have been carrying her for so long…she needs me…she’s wounded…I want to help…what will happen if I let go?

Knowing my thoughts you say, “I am here. She is mine. I can heal her wounds. It’s time for you to let go. Judy, she needs ME. Now trust Me…release your daughter.”

I pause and stare at you. I want to believe You. I know what You are saying is true and it gives me hope, but I’m afraid.

I let my grown daughter down and I look at her…words cannot convey the mix of emotion. I love her. I have failed her. I’m so tired.

“I would like to trust you Lord and I need your forgiveness for where I have failed…been selfish, immature, impatient and ignorant.”

I give my girl a big hug. I look at her face and tell her to go… “Go to Jesus!” She smiles at me and turns…she looks back and says, “It’s ok mom…I’ll be ok…I love you.” Then, she turns and runs to You and Your arms are open wide and she lets You hug her. You are whispering in her ear and I can see the comfort and relief on her face.

She is safe.

I see her begin to dance by the river and sing from her heart. She is free in your presence, accepted and loved.

You walk over to me before I go…You hold me and say, “I know, Judy…it’s ok…you are forgiven…I am here…you can trust Me. I love you. You can leave her here. I’ll never leave her. Thank you for loving her all these years…but remember, she is mine…and you were not meant to carry her forever. I am faithful, compassionate, kind and powerful beyond your imagination. I love your daughter…My daughter…with all My heart. She needs to learn to walk with Me now. You need to let go and trust Me.”

His Voice Down the Hallway

March 13, 2014Knowing God, Spiritual Formationheyjudeev5@gmail.com

By Judy Villanueva

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)

“Nana! Nana! Are you there?” my little grandson yelled down the hallway during some quiet playtime. “I’m here. You’re ok. Go ahead and play. You are fine.” I replied. He really was fine, but at that moment he needed reassurance that I had not left, he was not alone, and I was…just down the hallway. As I prayed this morning I heard myself echo a similar cry, “Father, are you there? Can You hear me? I feel alone. Are You still with me?”

Dark and narrow hallways must be walked one step at a time and as I look back on various trials, it is clear that God has been with me every step of the way. He has been faithful and I have experienced His strong hand of deliverance over and over again. Why then, when a new trial comes, do I find myself calling out again for reassurance that God is near? There is something about sensing God’s presence and hearing His voice down the hallway that calms my fears and strengthens me to wait…not just endure…but wait in peace and with great expectation.

Paul had learned the secret of contentment in every situation, and his “situations” were far more strenuous than anything I’ve ever encountered! He seemed to live with the reality of “Christ” always at play and brought His presence into every moment! He lived his life with God whether in prison or free, well fed or hungry, in plenty and in want. Jesus was his strength and his place of residing contentment! So, as the sun comes up, I am starting the day a little wobbly but also reminded that through Christ, I can do all things. I can give today to God, be weak, trust hard, and pray. I can watch for Jesus and listen for the sounds of His voice down the hallway that whisper to me, “I am here. You’re ok. Go ahead and live your life. Rest…I am with you.”

“Father, how I need to hear the sounds of You in my life. Your presence is everything I need and I’m not sure why I get nervous and lose hold the reality that You will never leave me, but sometimes I do. Help me today to rest in Your presence and trust in Your love. Amen.”

How about you?

Do you need to hear God’s voice down the hallway today? Do you need reassurance that he is near?

Have you learned the secret of being content in all situations?

Where do you need Christ’s help and strength today?

God is here. Always! He will not leave or forsake you.

Loving Like Mary

March 8, 2014Spiritual Formation, Worshipheyjudeev5@gmail.com

By Judy Villanueva

John 12:1-11

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

The first time I read this passage I was drawn to Mary on her knees pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair. I find myself staring at the scene as though I am in the room watching. The fragrance fills the air and the beauty of the moment starts to wash over me. This woman’s love for Jesus touches my heart with a deep yearning to learn how to love like Mary. She threw it all down, gave all she had to love Jesus. Spending a year’s wages on a pair of feet may have seemed a foolish extravagance, washing the toes of a guest was servant’s work and unbinding one’s hair in public was undignified. It’s as though she could not help but use everything at her disposal to love her dearest friend.

The second time I read this passage, I heard Jesus say “Leave her alone. It was intended that she save this perfume for the day of my burial.” A hundred thoughts go through my head as I let the power of these words speak! Jesus doesn’t say, “Oh no, Mary, it’s ok. Use the money on the poor. I’m good.” He lets her love Him! He receives her worship! Do my acts of love today become places of knelt adoration to Jesus? Do they matter and actually bless Him? Jesus understands that the best thing I can ever do is to love Him! It is what my soul most needs. And, that He protects and receives my gestures of love feels like an enfolding of grace and a sweet return of fragrant Love. Oh Lord, help me to love you like Mary.

“Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing grace! Forgive me for selfish wants and fill me with Holy power to love you well. I am awed by Your love and grateful for Your Word today that convicts and teaches me. Draw me to Your feet and receive my acts of worship today. Amen.”

What about you?

As you read this passage, what are you drawn to?

How do you love Jesus? How might you show Him love today?

God protects and receives our acts of love, and loving God is what our souls most need. Love God and others today!

Dusty Thoughts

By Judy Villanueva

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart you will not despise.

Psalm 103:14 As a father has compassion on his children,  so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed,  he remembers that we are dust.

As I sat down in the pew I could feel a deep sigh coming over me. My mind had been occupied with many things and it felt good to sit in a quiet sanctuary and slow down. I have many memories of Ash Wednesday services growing up, including the post-smudge contest where ashen forehead crosses were compared, the darkest ones the envy of all. It still makes me smile! Today, as I listened to the Word invite me to a broken and contrite heart, I felt the Holy Spirit moving through the room with light and grace. I became conscious of my dusty origins and aware that part of my preparation for the risen Christ involves taking inventory of my heart…and the secrets it likes to keep hidden from me.

What does it mean to remember that we are dust? It feels strangely relieving to not have to be perfect, to freely know that I am who I am…even if who I am struggles every day with pride, fear and a lack of faith.

It’s hard work to keep from knowing my failings but I suspect that it is in the knowing that my heart becomes contrite and freed to need Jesus.

Living conscious of God’s love gives me the courage to let go of my pride and acknowledge my sin. It makes me wonder if at the center of humility, where God is God and we are dust, our souls find a place to rest.

Aren’t you grateful that God remembers we are dust and is not thrown off course by our failures and fickle faith? Even when we cannot bear to know the dusty truth about ourselves, He always knows us as we are…and loves us.

Here is the amazing Grace our hearts long for, the Light that draws us out of our fears and the Power that beckons us to come!

There is no sweeter place of belonging, no kinder companion when looking into our hearts…and no One else who knows just how to form our dusty lives into beautiful and fragrant offerings.

“Father, thank you for knowing me as I am and loving me anyways! Give me the courage and humility to know the parts of my heart that need your love and grace. Help me to remember that I am dust and need You every, every day. Amen.”

What about you?

Do you know that God loves you?

What does it mean to remember you are dust?

Are you willing to sit with God and let Him show you the hidden places of your heart?

Are you free to need Jesus?

Take time with God to know your heart. Let His grace lead you to proper sorrow and to His love that covers and frees.

Worship

ListeningForLove

Learning to Hear God's Voice

All posts by heyjudeev5@gmail.com

Do You Love Me?

Folding Socks

Wonder

Justice

Sacrificing Isaac

Gethsemane

Letting Go: A Prayer of Relinquishment

His Voice Down the Hallway

Loving Like Mary

Dusty Thoughts