Have you ever known someone with eyes that were hauntingly beautiful? Perhaps one reason why the eyes have such power like that is because we bear the image of God. But imagine how much more utterly beautiful are the eyes of Jesus? They captivate our hearts with awe. There in that pure and holy gaze we behold a thousand universes and a vast love beyond comprehension. In these eyes are fire, and in these eyes are a deep knowing--both the knowing of you like no other does and the knowing of what you never knew and never wanted others to know. These eyes see so much grief and evil upon the earth, but they are also looking earnestly for those with a heart fully committed to Him. That's what he really wants from us.

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chr 16:9, NIV)

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:13, NIV)

You and I have to take a raw and honest look at what our lives are producing, specifically our words and our actions What is the overflow of our heart? Are we seeing a lot of good fruit--or bad? There's so much wonderful goodness that the Holy Spirit is able to bring forth in us when we abide in Jesus and remain connected to the life-giving Vine. He alone is the true and only Source of every virtue, every praiseworthy attribute that we could bear. As we ask Him to do that deep work in us, may we begin to see the beautiful fruit that brings Him delight. As He has charged us,

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned." (Joh 15:4-6)

When everything is going well and people praise us, it can be hard to stay low and not take the credit! No doubt, finding favor in the eyes of others can feel rewarding, but we must learn to redirect all the glory back to God. Let's not forget--Who created you? Who gave you that ability? Who caused the work of your hands to prosper? So cast that crown at His feet, because He's worthy! We're just fragile jars of clay in the hands of the Potter, but it's HIS glory shining through our vessel that makes us beautiful.

In the moments we're aware--and in the ones we're not--the Lord gazes upon his children with tender love. To think that God Almighty up there on His mighty throne actually thinks about me and you--yes, YOU--as you go about your ordinary day! He takes great interest in you, is concerned for your wellbeing, and is always looking for ways he can bless your soul. Oh the tenderness in His heart for us! 

The only natural response to this truth is to love our Abba Daddy back! 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11)

"But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Isa 43:1)

One thing common to all mankind is temptation, the sad reality of living in a fallen world. We've all encountered Folly more times than we'd like to admit. She has plagued us, hounded us. While the general experience of temptation is much the same, each person has control over their personal response. For many, this ongoing struggle is a very real battle being waged in their mind and soul. They feel the tugging of light and darkness, both sides determined to win them over. Thankfully, we are not left to win in our own strength. In fact, we simply cannot. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, whatever your battle is, you can overcome! 

No matter what your struggle may look like, you are not alone.  The question is, will you choose to do what is right?

There's so much God would like for us to experience in Him--but are we willing to go where He desires to leads us? Seasons change, but often we like to stay right where it's comfortable and familiar. We don't realize the vast gradeur we forfeit if we linger behind or the same that awaits us if we will dare to put our hand in Jesus' hand and venture forth to greater heights! Has He got surprises for you! 

"...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Eph 4:12-13)

As the Bride of Christ is ushered into maturity, Jesus begins to reveal himself as her divine Lover. The spring of 2020 marked a very special time in my walk with Jesus. Without any forewarning, I found myself entering a Song of songs encounter that became incredibly meaningful. 

I had been chosen, it was my time, and I didn’t want it to end.

Our God is no respecter of persons. Simply ask the Holy Spirit and He will graciously allow you also to experience the Romance of your life. Even now, you are beckoned toward the inner courts. "My beloved spoke and said to me, 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.'" (Song of Sol. 2:10)

I firmly believe that as we go about our daily routines and when we’re least aware, we are being spared from harm in a myriad of unseen ways. If not for God’s angelic protection, we could’ve lost our lives long ago.

An aspect of my own past has been woven into this special piece of poetry. When I was five or younger, my family and I were on vacation and we had parked outside a McDonalds. I have no recollection of this event, but for reasons unknown, I bolted out of the open van door and began crossing the street toward the building, stepping directly in the path of an oncoming car. I hadn’t seen them approaching, but they saw me just in the nick of time. If they had been going any faster, that would’ve been the day of a serious injury (at best) or else the day of my death (at worst). I’m so grateful when I hear this story of how the Lord spared me, His loving hand upon my life.

"For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways." (Psa 91:11)