Is My Heart Purified?

Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),

A Thought for the Day: “But God didn’t send the messengers out unprepared. He trained them as only He can do, and He always put them through a process to examine their own hearts… God doesn’t convict us of our sin to condemn us. He reveals our sin to clean us.” extracted from What’s Down in the Well will Come Up in the Bucket by Sharon Jaynes.

GiG, let’s take a brief moment and examine ourselves. Do we have words purified and hearts fortified so God can be properly glorified? OUCH or Amen!

Oh, this has been a world-wind of a week that has set my heart ablaze. And Sharon’s words have pierced the secret place in my heart. I sometimes wonder why God has chosen me for my very own, “Mission Impossible.” Only to recognize that no mission is impossible for God. So, though we may at times encounter duties, tasks, or be on mission bumbling, mumbling, grumbling, and stumbling our way through—God’s plans don’t fail.

On Tuesday, I facilitated a 2-hour on-line domestic violence offenders’ group like I’ve done since COVID-19 has led to all out quarantines. I had the privilege, if I can use that word, to have a public defender sit in my class. It could not have been better timed. The lesson I was teaching was explaining the difference between guilt and shame. After years of witnessing the misappropriation of material on this topic, I was honored to “set the record straight.” So, with power point ready, videoclip cued, and eager students, and a prayer heavenward that I could help these gentlemen transform their thinking, which could transform their behavior, and ultimately transform their lives. The inferences were clear as one group member, who happens to be a Christian, noted while sharing his transformation story. God left no doubt He was at work. The lesson went so well the guys asked for their own copy of the power point and the public defender put to rest any doubt that on-line court-mandated classes were changing lives.

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19 NLT

GiG, do you too need to turn a deaf ear to doubters and naysayers? Like Max Lucado says, “Some will pull us down, rather than let us pull them up. Oh, we must guard against this.

May we be encouraged to hold tight to the truth that God is a life-giving stream. So today, tomorrow, and forever let’s focus on counting lives not losses. Yes, step out in faith—trusting, learning, and depending on Him who has the power to save, instead of leaning on our own understanding. His way is the best way—ALL THE TIME!

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Just Be Joyful Life 2020: Laughing, Loving, and Living Life That Extends Far Beyond My Circumstances