Summer Mission Trip

This summer I'm excited to have an opportunity to go on two mission trips. One will encompass me teaching at a Church Conference while the other will involve me singing at a camp in Alabama
Although I obviously have the means to support myself on both trips, I'd be remiss if I didn't extend an opportunity to you, to join in on the work God desires to do in the hearts of those we come in contact with. Supporting others financially allows you to meet the needs without physically attending.

My first mission trip will last from June 12-16 in St. Marteen and cost around $800 for flight and around $700 for room/board.

My second trip will begin June 19 through 22 on Alabama at no cost to me.

I'd love to include you in the support raising process by extending an opportunity to you to donate to this mission. You can quickly and easily give via my PayPal link: paypal.me/StMaartenMission

I'd also solicit your prayers as I prepare my classes and heart to meet and share with those I come in contact with!

 Thanks!
Kim

Grace for the Road

Exiting 610 today in my normal hasty manner (gracing people with my courteous signal) yet impatiently wanting those in my way to JUST MOVE and let me drive! Nothing new. I know my way around town and therefore when I'm ready to switch lanes and exit. I know which directions I will turn and what the speed limits are in various areas around town. So if people will just do their driving foolishness behind me or when I'm not around, leaving me to be the road "demon" that I can be at times; then I will be fine. However, that isn't the case. It seems that every Molasses-driving human, every "I'm-not-quite-sure-this-is-the-turn-i-want-to-take Driver" and every "I-must-keep-my-hands-at-10-and-2-whilst-keeping-my-foot-on-the-brake Driver" plans to get on the road and locate me where ever I am! And it drives me nuts!

Now the sweet Kimmie within bites her bottom lip mentally screaming "TURN ALREADY!!!" trying her hardest not to lay on the horn. She tries with everything inside of her not to roll down the window and mean-mug the driver as she passes them up. Some days she might annoyingly swerve her wheel in a swift movement to go around them and with petty intentions jump back in front of them so as to prove to them that she isn't the one to jump out in front of and drive slowly. After all, she's got somewhere to be...even it means she's just going home! How can someone really drive 30 MPH anyways? Seriously?

Well, here's the deal. When I'm out of town, in unfamiliar territory I can honestly admit that I'm not quite the "demon" I described above. I typically google map my destination and spend a few minutes studying the route before leaving my hotel room/getting on the road so as to familiarize myself with my surroundings, exits, etc. But generally, I'm still not as versed in the details of the roads as I am in my home town. Whether streets only run one direction or have those silly 'roundabouts'; that kind of stuff.

But no matter how 'prepared' I try to be, I'm still at a grave disadvantage. I can easily be the person some native [insert city of your choice here] honks at, shakes the middle finger at or speeds around to prove that i'm in their way. I find myself at the mercy of those drivers. Now I could care less about the obscenities they shout at me or the rude gestures (after all road rage-rs ought to be able to be served the very things they dish right? It's only fair); but I'd like to be shown a little grace seeing that I didn't know that this was a turn-only lane. Or that this lane means you MUST exit NOW! How was I supposed to know that you CAN turn on red at this specific light? Give me a friggin' break!!!!

So I say all of that to say that today, before I got ready to let some guy who was hesitant to move over into my lane as I was trying to exit, have it; instead I thought about my first-time-in-a-new-city woes. And instead of banging my hands angrily on the steering wheel and mumbling "what are you doing?" under my breathe, I extended grace to him. The exact same grace I remembered that I would need had that been me in unfamiliar territory. Not long after I exited the freeway, God reminded me that it is with that type of reciprocity that we should seek to give grace to others.

Ephesians 2 talks about the grace extended to us. Grace that overlooks the filthy rags Isaiah (64:6) describes us to be. It's a slap in the face when compared to how unworthy of God's forgiveness we all are. But Romans 5:8 breaks down the immediacy of His grace:

"He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him." (The Message)

Having understood and received that grace, it is pertinent we extend that same measure of grace to others. We need it daily, as do those who interact with us. The person who gets on our last nerve at work, needs grace in the same way we need it from our spouse because we may be getting on theirs at home. The family member or close friend who did us wrong needs grace extended to them in the same way we need it from a loving Holy God who remains in relationship with us despite our sin that breaks fellowship with Him daily. 

Bottom line: be careful not to walk around as if you are always driving in your native city. Because YOU'RE NOT!!!!

"The Lord has told you, ·what ·he wants [the Lord requires] from you:
to do what is ·right to other people [just],
    love ·being kind to others [mercy; lovingkindness],
and ·live humbly, obeying [walk humbly with] your God." (Micah 6:8 Expanded Bible)

When He pursues...

Fourteen years ago, I went on a date with a guy. It was no ordinary date. We were taken to a midtown upscale restaurant (where there are no prices on the menu- just to indicate how expensive this place was). We were escorted around town in a limo and ended the night with a carriage ride downtown. All of this took place with a camera man who followed us around and later turned our night into a videography compilation. It was quite a night! On the way home, I remember my date asking me if I'd like to see him again, on a less "high-profile" scene...bowling. I declined.

Years later, this same guy sent me a series of text messages and asked me to small brunch places, jazz spots and the like every now and then. Although I accepted, when he tried to continue his advances, I abruptly put a stop to it.

Years went by and I received yet another text, asking to accompany him to a basketball game (I love basketball) and I did. But when he exposed his intentions, I drew back and shut him off.

Months later, I even went so far as to send a text to the guy I was in fact seeing/courting explaining to him how repulsed and agitated I was about this guy who seemed to be 'stalking' me. Yet, on accident I sent the text to THE GUY himself. Yes, he received this nasty text that was intended for someone else and I felt about a half inch tall. I was super embarrassed. So much so that I had to call him and apologize for my rude behavior...and yet still found a way to tell him LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Here's the kicker...the next time I saw him- he treated me with such kindness I felt as if I was being punked. Surely he should have flicked me off or ignored me after what I had done, but no! He treated me as if my rude behavior and pushing him away didn't offend him at all.

A year or two went by and I received a surprise delivery at my job. It was a large order of chocolate covered strawberries (and other fruit) along with a bouquet of chocolate covered fruit. After sharing some with my office staff, I sent a text thanking ...yes HIM...for this random yet sweet gift. I was told that wasn't it. I was being given two complimentary tickets to see Brian McKnight (my favorite singer) in concert and could take whomever I wanted. Smitten, yet unwilling to lead him on, I declined. But later I was talked into conceding and we attended the concert together. However, I did my best to let him know this wasn't headed anywhere so he needed to back off.

Now by this point you may be thinking, "Kim are you crazy?" or "What is wrong with you girl!?"
Honestly, I can't answer that. I would have starred at you with deer-in-headlights-eyes because I didn't know what was wrong with myself either. All I knew was that this sweet guy, who has a huge heart and is quite attractive...well...I just wasn't interested in him. I had no good excuse as to why, I just wasn't. For fourteen years, I pushed him away as he seemingly relentlessly pursued me.

Not long ago, this same guy kept crossing my mind and somehow I wasn't compelled to dismiss the thoughts of him. Out of no where it seemed, he began to hang around in my thoughts and for whatever reason, I didn't find the thoughts dismissive nor was I repelled by the thought of him. I actually found myself intrigued; eager to see him and curious of his "goings-on". I was actually more appalled by this new train of thought and attitude than anything else. Where did this come from? Why now? How did I go from 'cold-turkey' to 'fire and desire' it seemed?

I'm still not sure what the answer to those questions are, but I do know that it taught me a valuable object lesson about the mannerisms and nature of our Savior.

Psalm 139 is a great layout of how intentionally God pursues us! Yes you! Do you know He is chasing you? He is putting people in your path to talk about Him; He is strategically placing loving people in your life to demonstrate His love for you; He is blessing you when you don't deserve it. He is ready and willing to forgive your sins and remember them no more! He is in tune with your thoughts, your fears, your joys and whereabouts (vs 1-4).

Then much like this guy seemed to be there every time I turned around, asking for a chance to be around me, so is God- so very near (vs 7-8). You might think He is disgusted by your actions or thoughts, but He's there regardless of you. It's like He's looking past all of YOU and waiting for...well...you!

Verses 15-18 go on to talk about how He thinks of us, so intimately and intricately. And it ends with such a smitten undertone by saying "how precious are your thoughts about me...".

Who can't be drawn to such a pursuit? Yet Romans 3:10-11 says we aren't even seeking God. As a matter of fact, we are running in the opposite direction, shunning His every advance! Sound familiar? Yea, my actions weren't much different from how we treat a God who woes us, daily. Quite honestly, my actions personified how we treat Him. With disdain, offense, repulsed by His presence and constantly pushing Him away.

May His Spirit draw us as it says in John 6:44. Much like that day when those thoughts crossed my mind in a new way- I was awaken to his pursuit. May we wake up to the Lord's pursuit of us and find ourselves not only un-bothered by His presence but desiring it.

Take a look around, then take a deeper look into your life. What evidence of His pursuit of you do you see? Will you continue to ignore it or tell Him to leave you alone- desiring to stay put in your comfort of singleness (not needing Him, afraid of "religion" or unbelief)? Or will you accept His advances and engage in a relationship with Him by trusting His Son Jesus as your pardon for sin? He's knocking on the door of your heart (Rev 3:20)- will you let Him in?

What about YOU, my friend- who HAS accepted Jesus as Savior? He's still pursuing you- now He desires Lordship in your life. Yes, He still chases your heart too. Desiring you to frequently seek forgiveness and repentance for the times we fall prey to our flesh daily. He's woo-ing us to spend consistent time with Him in His love letter (the bible) (Psalm 5:3). Are you smitten by His pursuit!?

What a beautiful challenge for both you and I! To know the Creator of the World, intentionally and intimately pursues us. Let's not push Him away!

When He pursues...

Fourteen years ago, I went on a date with a guy. It was no ordinary date. We were taken to a midtown upscale restaurant (where there are no prices on the menu- just to indicate how expensive this place was). We were escorted around town in a limo and ended the night with a carriage ride downtown. All of this took place with a camera man who followed us around and later turned our night into a videography compilation. It was quite a night! On the way home, I remember my date asking me if I'd like to see him again, on a less "high-profile" scene...bowling. I declined.

Years later, this same guy sent me a series of text messages and asked me to small brunch places, jazz spots and the like every now and then. Although I accepted, when he tried to continue his advances, I abruptly put a stop to it.

Years went by and I received yet another text, asking to accompany him to a basketball game (I love basketball) and I did. But when he exposed his intentions, I drew back and shut him off.

Months later, I even went so far as to send a text to the guy I was in fact seeing/courting explaining to him how repulsed and agitated I was about this guy who seemed to be 'stalking' me. Yet, on accident I sent the text to THE GUY himself. Yes, he received this nasty text that was intended for someone else and I felt about a half inch tall. I was super embarrassed. So much so that I had to call him and apologize for my rude behavior...and yet still found a way to tell him LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Here's the kicker...the next time I saw him- he treated me with such kindness I felt as if I was being punked. Surely he should have flicked me off or ignored me after what I had done, but no! He treated me as if my rude behavior and pushing him away didn't offend him at all.

A year or two went by and I received a surprise delivery at my job. It was a large order of chocolate covered strawberries (and other fruit) along with a bouquet of chocolate covered fruit. After sharing some with my office staff, I sent a text thanking ...yes HIM...for this random yet sweet gift. I was told that wasn't it. I was being given two complimentary tickets to see Brian McKnight (my favorite singer) in concert and could take whomever I wanted. Smitten, yet unwilling to lead him on, I declined. But later I was talked into conceding and we attended the concert together. However, I did my best to let him know this wasn't headed anywhere so he needed to back off.

Now by this point you may be thinking, "Kim are you crazy?" or "What is wrong with you girl!?"
Honestly, I can't answer that. I would have starred at you with deer-in-headlights-eyes because I didn't know what was wrong with myself either. All I knew was that this sweet guy, who has a huge heart and is quite attractive...well...I just wasn't interested in him. I had no good excuse as to why, I just wasn't. For fourteen years, I pushed him away as he seemingly relentlessly pursued me.

Not long ago, this same guy kept crossing my mind and somehow I wasn't compelled to dismiss the thoughts of him. Out of no where it seemed, he began to hang around in my thoughts and for whatever reason, I didn't find the thoughts dismissive nor was I repelled by the thought of him. I actually found myself intrigued; eager to see him and curious of his "goings-on". I was actually more appalled by this new train of thought and attitude than anything else. Where did this come from? Why now? How did I go from 'cold-turkey' to 'fire and desire' it seemed?

I'm still not sure what the answer to those questions are, but I do know that it taught me a valuable object lesson about the mannerisms and nature of our Savior.

Psalm 139 is a great layout of how intentionally God pursues us! Yes you! Do you know He is chasing you? He is putting people in your path to talk about Him; He is strategically placing loving people in your life to demonstrate His love for you; He is blessing you when you don't deserve it. He is ready and willing to forgive your sins and remember them no more! He is in tune with your thoughts, your fears, your joys and whereabouts (vs 1-4).

Then much like this guy seemed to be there every time I turned around, asking for a chance to be around me, so is God- so very near (vs 7-8). You might think He is disgusted by your actions or thoughts, but He's there regardless of you. It's like He's looking past all of YOU and waiting for...well...you!

Verses 15-18 go on to talk about how He thinks of us, so intimately and intricately. And it ends with such a smitten undertone by saying "how precious are your thoughts about me...".

Who can't be drawn to such a pursuit? Yet Romans 3:10-11 says we aren't even seeking God. As a matter of fact, we are running in the opposite direction, shunning His every advance! Sound familiar? Yea, my actions weren't much different from how we treat a God who woes us, daily. Quite honestly, my actions personified how we treat Him. With disdain, offense, repulsed by His presence and constantly pushing Him away.

May His Spirit draw us as it says in John 6:44. Much like that day when those thoughts crossed my mind in a new way- I was awaken to his pursuit. May we wake up to the Lord's pursuit of us and find ourselves not only un-bothered by His presence but desiring it.

Take a look around, then take a deeper look into your life. What evidence of His pursuit of you do you see? Will you continue to ignore it or tell Him to leave you alone- desiring to stay put in your comfort of singleness (not needing Him, afraid of "religion" or unbelief)? Or will you accept His advances and engage in a relationship with Him by trusting His Son Jesus as your pardon for sin? He's knocking on the door of your heart (Rev 3:20)- will you let Him in?

What about YOU, my friend- who HAS accepted Jesus as Savior? He's still pursuing you- now He desires Lordship in your life. Yes, He still chases your heart too. Desiring you to frequently seek forgiveness and repentance for the times we fall prey to our flesh daily. He's woo-ing us to spend consistent time with Him in His love letter (the bible) (Psalm 5:3). Are you smitten by His pursuit!?

What a beautiful challenge for both you and I! To know the Creator of the World, intentionally and intimately pursues us. Let's not push Him away!

Our Tell-Tale Hearts

Many of you are familiar with Edgar Allen Poe's "A Tell-Tale Heart" short story. Perhaps it was a mandatory read in high school as it was for me. The story tells of a murder committed that one feels good about until he realizes his guilt beating heavy like a heart within him. A guilt that reveals his secret.

I'm saddened by the results of this election. However the results I'm mournfully reflecting on aren't those produced by electoral or popular votes; by results what I'm referring to is the heart of Believers that has been revealed by the words shared on social media during this time. This heart has beat loudly up and down my timeline for months. And finally last night and this morning, the beating got so loud, I could barely take it. [Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks]

We are the Ones chosen by God, redeemed to not only look LIKE Him but to reflect Him so much that we sound and react differently than the world does. So what did non believers say of this election? What were their responses during the debates? Did we agree and add to their thoughts? Could they tell us apart from them? Or were we like the man in Tell-Tale heart, proudly compiling our thoughts and profoundly composing words to articulate those thoughts in hopes to be heard and deemed "woke"!?

I understand the need to "stay woke"; in today's society that's highly esteemed and I'm sure to some degree God even advices we not be naive but where does our carnal knowledge ("wokeness" if your will) submit to our Spiritual understanding? Should our hearts (full of Christs love, overflowing with compassion and hope) beat like theirs (ones searching for hope and yet lacking it)?

Months ago I was led to study 1 & 2 Kings. Not from a cerebral standpoint but just because I tend to find nuggets to apply to my life in the New Testament and I was curious as to what the Old had to offer. I was amazed daily as I read chunk by chunk of Kings who "did what was evil in Gods sight..." and learned several subtle yet relevant truths hidden in those enticing stories. I was floored at the applicable lessons I could learn and apply to my life today, from ancient history. One of the biggest themes was how God allowed so much (that He didn't agree with) in efforts to teach His prophets and people who HE is and what He's capable of.

Book/chapter      King                                           Prophet
1 Kings 11          King Rehoboam (vs 15) ...        Shemaiah
1 Kings 16          King Ahab (17:1)...   Elijah, Elisha & Micaiah

2 Kings 3            King Joram (vs 2) ...                  Elijah
2 Kings 8            King Jehoram (vs 19)...             Elisha

Each one of these Kings (and countless more...seriously there's a separate book of accounts of all the Kings that reigned over Israel and Judah for hundreds of years) were notorious for their evil and yet in the verses listed in parenthesis, it was noted that God allowed their reign for His purpose! Furthermore what other purposes surrounded both chapters? The notion that God sent His messengers to look, sound and act differently than those who didn't respect God and He purposes for them to speak of Him and for Him in the midst of these rulers.

Regardless of how you feel about the candidates, the stories/evidence shared about them or even what you may know to be true...doesn't negate that anyone elected (whether in time past or future) was (and will be) within Gods knowledge and will (perfect or permissive). Scripture was written to teach us that.

This realization should comfort us and cause us to speak both encouragement and hope rather than negative (albeit truths) about parties. The truths nations (Gods people) were subjected to for years and often with back to back reigns of harsh rulers, didn't change the purpose God had for His people. Who God allows to reign over us is in His hands and for His purpose. This too was illustrated thousands of years ago, for our example-for nothing new exists under the sun.

[The Kings heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases]

Seek Him for that purpose. May the Lord extend grace to us as we learn to extend it towards others. May He empower us to be a light in His calculated darkness. May this be an opportunity for the lost to see a difference in us, so they find Him!

References: Prov 21:1
Isaiah 10:5-8
Luke 6:45

No lotion needed-keeping my knees dirty!

When I tell you, I'm learning to just stay down on my knees? Yal it's too real in these streets. I find myself needing to pray about everything! And I do mean EVERY.THING!!!!

For those who are old southern baptist. Yal remember deacons' devotion during church service? It was the time when the deacons gathered at the front of the church in those 4-5 chairs and sang hymns that no one really knew the words to like "Guide me oh Thy great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land" (some of yal didn't even know THAT'S what they were saying)

And the response back sounded something like "I-iiii-iiiiiiiiiii, meeeeeeeee----oooooo-vahhhhhh" (They were actually repeating what was said in the first phrase). Anywho, then after that song and another one, one deacon would slightly get out of his chair and easily lean into a kneeling position with his hand on his forehead and belt out this prayer as if from no where. Leaving you like "oh, we praying now? When did the song end?"

Well then he'd conclude his prayer (where he generally prayed the exact same prayer as last Sunday in the exact same format, but no shade) and sit back in his chair as we collectively entered another song.

My point is this, his prayer ended, he got up and sat back in his chair and service went on. I am realizing that my life is a lot like that. I may pray in the shower or on the way to work, for my day. I close my eyes momentarily to bless my food; I might even possibly pray for someone as I'm going through my day if I happen to see they're having a rough one. Then of course I say a sort of "good-night" flirty prayer to the Lord as I lay down just thanking Him for the day and sharing with him some of my woes. And when 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "Pray without ceasing", I can feel a super size check off on that scripture because I feel as if I have done just that! I have prayed about as much as my mind can stop to do so or can focus long enough to engage in a conversation with God.

But check this recent reality out...I have uncovered that THAT much prayer is way too little. Now i'm not telling you that your prayer life is falling short of God's expectations; I'm saying that I'm realizing I'm more focused on whether I've talked to God than the fact that I need Him (which evokes random unplanned conversations with Him).

Back in college, I had this mundane job that its safe to say I "hated'. But work was work. I had no problem finding something to complain to my boyfriend, at the time, about as I was headed back to my dorm. Possibly the worst place I've ever worked. But as I look back some 16 years later over the jobs I've had, I can probably say that I've always found SOMETHING wrong with each and every one of them. I'd even venture to say the same thing about every relationship I've been in, every person I've either befriended or maintained an 'associate' relationship with. I'm certain each car I've had gave me some issue, each bill I've acquired was a nuisance, and so on and so on.

Here's my point. Every situation, job, relationship, child, material possession we obtain presents opportunities for us to pray. Each and every one (no matter how "good" they are), will have something complain-worthy. While venting is often necessary, it errors on the side of negative energy and falls in the category of "Philippians 2:14's 'Do everything without complaining and grumbling'" if it's not coupled with and covered in prayer.

If we ever (like the deacon) "Get up" from praying, the posture of our hearts becomes prideful and presents the opportunity for evil (hate, bitterness, spiteful actions and more). I've witnessed all of these things lay hold to my heart. Now I see that:
>for each concern-pray
>for every "I can't believe this is happening..."-pray
>for every complaint that bubbles up- pray
>every time I'd rather quit-pray
>every time I wanna confront (or retreat)- pray

You get the picture. Nothing is 100% peachy. No job is the perfect job...no relationship is the perfect relationship, no situation will be perfect--prayer is needed to keep a peaceful heart and proper perspective. Perhaps the deacons were onto something when they sang "...guide me, Lord, I'm passing through this BARREN land..."
PRAYER will in fact keep us moving when situations tempt/cause us to pause.

God's promises can shape our posture

Years ago, I visited a local, Cajun Restaurant that had a high profile for it's alligator and various seafood platters. It was my first time, so you can imagine I was a bit excited mixed with some hesitations (as I am not easily inclined to step outside of my routines to try new things). I remember my friends pressuring me to not only try crawfish (which is a huge thing in the south), but to also 'suck the head' of the crawfish for it's renowned juices!!

As my platter was delivered, my glands filled with its own juices and I began my first "adventure" with crawfish. Being a crawfish peeling virgin, I slowly took away the hard exterior and with feeble hands pulled away the tail, breaking it into pieces (as impossible as that is). The meat was tasty and by my third or fourth crawfish, I got a tad bit quicker. It wasn't long before my friends had reminded me that I needed to suck the head as "that was the BEST part".

So I accepted the challenge (sidenote: I'm not sure what got into me that night, because I'm not that easily persuaded when it comes to new food). But I remember staring the crawfish in its beady eyes (as if to prep him for my attack and plead for him to be forgiving) and finally turned his head around to the exposed portion. I, in fear, stared into the cave like head and thought "how am I supposed to get juice out of this thing without ingesting what looked like brains to me?". I snapped out of my fearful trance by a friend saying "Kim, just do it!" And so I did. I closed my eyes, raised the head to my mouth, stuck my tongue into the cavity and inhaled its juices. I'm sure my putrid face told it all as I coughed and frowned and coughed some more. My friends must have had the time of their lives at my expense that night, because they were laughing HARD!

Well as harrowing as that experience was for me, I had to admit the juices were everything they promised it would be! However, less than 5 hours later, I found myself bent over the toilet in the comfort of my own apartment and unable to peel myself away from it to return to sleep. For hours, I sat on the rug that hugged my toilet, and I myself, hugged the seat prepared for the next unexpected rounds of regurgitation. A series of episodes that occurred for at least the next few hours.

Something I ingested, took into my system was able to control and cripple my posture. What I welcomed into me, shaped how I moved (or didn't move) for a period of time in my life.

Let me say this, spending time in church might help us know "of" God's Word, it might even aid in keeping us in awe of how 'sacred' His Word is. Spending time listening to church songs (contemporary Christian and even gospel) may lift you in difficult times and feel 'good' for some time while you're behind pews swaying along with the audience and praise team. Hanging around "Christian" people or church people is no doubt healthy for the growing Believer (1 Corinthians 15:33 7 Psalm 1) and listening to audio sermons or podcasts absolutely have their place in reminding our souls of the truths we know.

But, dear sisters and brothers in Christ, nothing compares to studying the Word of God for ourselves. Knowing God's promises in an intimate way most assuredly comes from intentionally making time to read His Word, digest it, rehearse it, memorize it and pondering upon it when necessary! His sweet, compassionate, gentle and yet stern, correcting and redeeming words and promises are the key to His heart!

Yes, a direct result of ingesting God's Word, taking it into our minds and letting it stew and marinate there causes it to trickle into our hearts. This ingesting has the same affect on us, that the crawfish had on me; meaning the act of taking in His Word can't help but affect our posture before Him. A posture in our lives, that reflects His truths.

Here are three POSTURES, right off the top of my head, that I've witnessed in my own life be affected directly by God's Word:

1. Pride to Humility
Many people can recite God's Word; but a person who is convicted by it and and willingly allows it to change them, will be someone who speaks phrases laced in humility. Their lives won't be about themselves, but increasingly and overwhelmingly about others. Their lives request no praise or spotlight; they're satisfied never being acknowledged for what they lovingly do for others.

2. Condemning to Forgiving
It's completely hypocritical to verbally admit Christ as your Savior and yet hold grudges, demean and purposefully condemn others or not be willing to forgive. This is no overnight quality, but one who is proactively learning of God's thoughts, actions and posture before us as it relates to OUR SINS, can't help but be so humbled by His forgiveness and mercy. This truth and reality bleeds and seeps through our pores when we interact with others. We look for chances to show others mercy and are quick to forgive understanding that our debt was too large to be canceled, yet it was!!!!

3. Stingy to Generous
God's Word is bursting with not only His generosity to us in His qualities like grace and love, but His generosity abounds for us in blessings! He willingly gives to us without us knowing that we even needed it. A person taken aback by this revelation is the same way with his/her time, material possessions and realizes nothing is given to them without a purpose to assist others lying somewhere in that blessing!

What does your posture reveal about your daily intake of God's Word? We can bend over for many external things: bowing, tying our shoes, reaching for something, sneezing, etc. But only what we allow inside of us has the ability to keep us in a bowed posture; I submit we continually feast on God's Word and watch what it does to your life posture!