I’m beginning to get comments and reviews on my new book, An Untroubled Heart. I can’t tell what an encouragement it is to read how God is using my words to minister to you. Then, again, why should I be surprised. He’s the real communicator who reaches out calming every anxious heart.

Here are some of what others are saying…

Janet shared, "Micca, I saw you back in Feb speak at Pursue the Passion @ Covenant. I recently began your book over my Easter vacation (I teach and I'm a mom so...finding free time to read is rare!)....I am LOVING it. It is a GREAT book and I am recommending it to the ladies in my bible study! Fabulous...I am just highlighting away in it!"

Carol wrote: Just finished your chapter on Family Matters. I'm with Lelia's group Yes to God. I loved it. It gave me so much encouragement. I even read the section on your daughter and her bff to my daughter, (she's 9) and she is so glad they are friends again. Plus we are going to go through Philippians 4:8 in detail to help her understand the verse in 9 year old terms."

Shari said, “Micca, started reading your book on the plane to Los Angeles and was laughing and crying out loud...your stories are hilarious and I can just hear you saying those things, too! Funny!!!!! People were looking at me strangely!”

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to share my journey with you. It is my greatest desire and prayers that through the pages of my book, you’ll find freedom fear too.

Tonight, I spoke live on the radio sharing with many some practical tips for overcoming fear: I’d like to share a few with you also.

1. Get Rid of Mistaken Thinking: When troubles hit our lives, misconceptions about God are often revealed. God doesn’t always cause the trouble, but He allows it so that we can come to really know Him as He is. Instead of looking at your situation as a frightening “set-back,” look at it as a “cut-back.” God is often cutting away our falsehoods so that truth can grow in its place.

I recall when my daughter was young and I was cutting back the rosebushes for the winter. Peyton loves flowers. She always has. When she saw me cutting back the rosebush, she was horrified. “Mom! Why did you kill it?” she questioned.

I explained to my sweet girl that I wasn’t killing the bush although it appeared like I was. Instead, I was cutting it back so that in the spring new roses would bud and grow bigger than before.

Likewise, when God uses troubles to cut away our misconceptions, there’s no need to fear. Although it may feel like we’re going to die, God is really making room for new growth—bigger and brighter than we’ve ever experienced before.

2. Be Strong and Courageous: Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage withstands fear. God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified.” Courage is being strong enough to push through our fear causing terror to flee.

God doesn’t want us to live life in a bubble. He wants us to live life to the fullest; to take risk; and be passionate about life. Still, fear is a powerful emotion. It can keep us up at night and shut us down during the day. Doubt can rob our faith and before we know it, we’re living life inside of a bubble. I’d rather walk on water.

Remember Peter? He walked on walk with Christ! I’ve often wondered about the other 11 who stayed in the boat. They missed an amazing opportunity to walk on water with Christ. Did they live with regrets having missed the chance? I don’t know, but I imagine doubt is what kept them in the boat. I can even hear them shouting doubt into the heart and mind of Peter as he threw on leg over the side of the boat.

“Hey, dude! What are you doing? Are you crazy? You can’t walk on water!”

Yet, while they were saying such things Peter was already doing it. He was walking on water!
Is someone putting doubt in your mind over something you may be already doing? Don’t listen. Don’t even look back. Keep looking forward and before you know it—you’ll be walking on water!

Go ahead and push through your fears. Dare to dream your God-given dreams; take risks and live passionately. For this is the way faith lives that is stronger than all our fear.

Don't forget to visit my friend Bonita's blog Encouraging Words for Writer's for a chance to win a free copy of my book!

Labels: According to Micca

I’m beginning to get comments and reviews on my new book, An Untroubled Heart. I can’t tell what an encouragement it is to read how God is using my words to minister to you. Then, again, why should I be surprised. He’s the real communicator who reachs out calming every anxious heart.

Here are some of what others are saying…

Janet shared, "Micca, I saw you back in Feb speak at Pursue the Passion @ Covenant. I recently began your book over my Easter vacation (I teach and I'm a mom so...finding free time to read is rare!)....I am LOVING it. It is a GREAT book and I am recommending it to the ladies in my bible study! Fabulous...I am just highlighting away in it!"

Carol wrote: Just finished your chapter on Family Matters. I'm with Lelia's group Yes to God. I loved it. It gave me so much encouragement. I even read the section on your daughter and her bff to my daughter, (she's 9) and she is so glad they are friends again. Plus we are going to go through Philippians 4:8 in detail to help her understand the verse in 9 year old terms."

Shari said, “Micca, started reading your book on the plane to Los Angeles and was laughing and crying out loud...your stories are hilarious and I can just hear you saying those things, too! Funny!!!!! People were looking at me strangely!”

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to share my journey with you. It is my greatest desire and prayers that through the pages of my book, you’ll find freedom fear too.

Tonight, I spoke live on the radio sharing with many some practical tips for overcoming fear: I’d like to share a few with you also.

1. Get Rid of Mistaken Thinking: When troubles hit our lives, misconceptions about God are often revealed. God doesn’t always cause the trouble, but He allows it so that we can come to really know Him as He is. Instead of looking at your situation as a frightening “set-back,” look at it as a “cut-back.” God is often cutting away our falsehoods so that truth can grow in its place.

I recall when my daughter was young and I was cutting back the rosebushes for the winter. Peyton loves flowers. She always has. When she saw me cutting back the rosebush, she was horrified. “Mom! Why did you kill it?” she questioned.

I explained to my sweet girl that I wasn’t killing the bush although it appeared like I was. Instead, I was cutting it back so that in the spring new roses would bud and grow bigger than before.

Likewise, when God uses troubles to cut away our misconceptions, there’s no need to fear. Although it may feel like we’re going to die, God is really making room for new growth—bigger and brighter than we’ve ever experienced before.

2. Be Strong and Courageous: Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage withstands fear. God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified.” Courage is being strong enough to push through our fear causing terror to flee.

God doesn’t want us to live life in a bubble. He wants us to live life to the fullest; to take risk; and be passionate about life. Still, fear is a powerful emotion. It can keep us up at night and shut us down during the day. Doubt can rob our faith and before we know it, we’re living life inside of a bubble. I’d rather walk on water.

Remember Peter? He walked on walk with Christ! I’ve often wondered about the other 11 who stayed in the boat. They missed an amazing opportunity to walk on water with Christ. Did they live with regrets having missed the chance? I don’t know, but I imagine doubt is what kept them in the boat. I can even hear them shouting doubt into the heart and mind of Peter as he threw on leg over the side of the boat.

“Hey, dude! What are you doing? Are you crazy? You can’t walk on water!”

Yet, while they were saying such things Peter was already doing it. He was walking on water!
Is someone putting doubt in your mind over something you may be already doing? Don’t listen. Don’t even look back. Keep looking forward and before you know it—you’ll be walking on water!

Go ahead and push through your fears. Dare to dream your God-given dreams; take risks and live passionately. For this is the way faith lives that is stronger than all our fear.

To start the week, allow me to offer you some words of encouragement ...

In the midst of a failing economy, declining morals, and a world under attack, it seems there is much to fear. It’s easy not to give into worry and despair. Perhaps that’s where you find yourself today. You can’t help but speculate if things will get better for your family and our world. On top of that you wonder if anybody understands your personal anxieties. God does.

God knows exactly what concerns you. He knows your pressures and your stress. That's why He given us His precious promises--to fill us with hope, strengthen our faith, and enable us to endure during difficult and worrisome times.

Just this past weekend I was encouraged by devotional written by Margaret Mitchell. She pointed out several of God's promises found in one Psalm.

"In Psalm 119, we see that God gives us hope through His promises (vs. 49). He preserves our lives through His promises (vs. 50). He supplies us with grace according to His promises (vs. 58). And we are to study and rejoice in His promises" (vs. 148, 162).

When you and I meditate on these truths, they assure us that God is not distant, too busy, or absorbed by other challenges. He’s aware of our anxieties and has given us His promised Presence to see us through.

Therefore, the next time panic tempts to stretch your faith beyond what you think you can bear, rely on God’s promises. His truths provide the strength and stability you need to do more than conquer your fears. It will empower your faith.

To further your encouragement for today, I'm excited to announce a give-away! Women love to win free stuff--right girls! This week you'll have two opportunities to win a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart!

FIRST: My witty and wonderfully gifted friend, Karen Ehman, is hosting a "Spring Has Sprung" Give-a-way on her blog! Karen is interviewing several authors this week. It should be both fun and inspirational! For your chance to win, pop over to Karen's blog, read a quick interview about my book, AND enter to win a copy by leaving a commitment! Karen will reveal the winner on her blog the following day.

SECONDLY, My fun and fabulous friend, Bonita Lillie, is also giving away a copy of my book on her new writing blog, Encouraging Words for Writers. Girls, if you love to write and have been looking for a mentor, Bonita's your girl. Her new blog features practical tips and inspiration for those who love to write. It's information I value as a writer! You will too. Stop by Bonita's blog and enter to win, An Untroubled Heart, on Wed--April 29th!

Good-luck!

Nobody likes to get older. My girlfriend and I were talking the other day about all the new signs of aging we were experiencing--loss of eye sight, more trips to the "potty," more gray hairs, and dropping body parts! It's depressing! Before we knew it, we were talking about our younger days and how nice they were! Then, she sent me this by email...

It gave me a chuckle. I hope you get one too!

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday.

'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster , everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure!

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being six again?' Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.

'I meant my dress size!"

The fact that God requires me to be holy has he is holy depresses me. No matter how hard I try, I eventually end up failing. Can you relate?

Discouraged, I often found myself wondering if I would ever meet God’s standard. Then one day, while studying God’s Word it all became clear. God never intended for me to be holy on my own. Why, because I can’t do it on my own. It’s through Christ alone we are made holy. God’s spirit, who is holy, lives within you and me so that we CAN be like Christ.
That’s good news!

This is the Holy Spirit’s job—to sanctify us. Sanctify means to separate and make holy. The work of God’s Spirit separates us from the world and makes us like Christ so that we are able to obey Him and grow to become like Christ.

Realizing this truth has made a huge impact on my life. I don’t have to promise God that I’m going to do better each time I mess up because I can’t. I no longer have to struggle or pretend to be holy either. I simply trust God’s Spirit to work in me. The secret to a holy live is not struggling to live for God, but allowing God to live through you. What freedom!

However, if all I desire is to be made somewhat better, I’m hindering God’s work. He wants much more for you and me. God wants us to realize that we can have His faith, His holiness, His patience, His godliness, His self-control, His power, His peace, His joy, and His loving-kindness! When you and I allow God too totally and completely posses us, then He exchanges His life for ours.

Sounds too wonderful to be true, but it is true. When you and I begin to BELIEVE this truth, it suddenly becomes a reality in our lives.

I challenge you today to mediate on this truth. To commit yourself wholly to Him, and then allow the Holy Spirit to impart to you the attributes of God. Now, think about how different your life will be. It will be the life you long for. The life promised to you and me by Christ. It’s real. Why not embrace it today.

Last night my husband and I attended a banquet held by Compassion International here in Nashville. It was more than an inspired night. It was life-changing for me.

My ministry, Proverbs 31, has been a partner of Compassion for about 3 years now. Compassion seeks to change poverty one life at a time. To achieve this important task, Compassion partners with Christian speakers and musicians whom God has given a platform in order to voice the needs of poor children.

When I think about God’s command to care for the poor, it overwhelms me. During the banquet, I realized that I was looking at the big picture and asking myself, “How can I change a whole country?” The truth is I can’t. What I can do is change one life who will then change another.

We were privileged to hear from a sponsored child at dinner last night. Michelle grew up in poverty both physical and spiritual poverty. Often sharing one egg for dinner with her entire family, her physical needs didn’t out weight her spiritual needs.

Michelle’s father, who eventually abandoned the family, told his daughter that she would always be poor. Because she was poor no one would like her or help her. She would be considered ugly in the eyes of others. He told her in order to survive she would have to give into a life of drugs and gambling.

Michele was hopeless.

One day, her aunt picked took her to a nearby church and register her as a Compassion child. Michele didn’t know it then, but her life was about to change. Two years later, a couple from Michigan chose her packet while attending a concert. They not only provided a way for Michele to have food, clothing and an education, but they provided for her spiritual poverty, too.

Michele’s sponsored family spoke words of life and love into the heart of Michele. She received those words along with those written in the bible that was given to her when she registered as a Compassion child.

Michele grew and became top in her class in Elementary and all the way through High School. She graduated with honors and now attends college in IL. As a student, she sponsors not one child but two.

Michele is no longer poor. She is rich with God’s love. She is “Living His dream for her life.” What’s that dream? It’s the same dream God has for all of His children—to know Him and make Him known to others.

Michele is taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. She is determined not to waste the life God has given her but to live it to the fullest for His glory. She inspired me to do the same.

I want to live God’s dream for me. In America we have plenty but we are poverty stricken when it comes to our relationship with God. I do not want to settle for a relationship that keeps God at arm's length. I do not want a relationship that expects little from him and experiences less. I want all that He has for me. I want His dream. I don’t want to close the gap between my smallness and his greatness, my sin and his holiness, my weakness and his power because nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible with God.

We are put here on earth to make our lives count. The couple in Michigan made a difference. Michele is making a difference. I’m going to allow God to use me to make a difference too. I’m going to live His dream for me so that through me others can find their dreams, too.

Lately, I’ve been dwelling on the Holy Spirit and His role in my life. He is a gift given to us by and through Christ as provision for everything we need. I admit it. I don’t always receive this gift. Most of the time, I live life by my own strength, wisdom, and ideas. The result is I fall flat. God never intended for His children to live in defeat. He provided us with a helper.

As I study about the gift of the Holy Spirit, I’ve become overwhelmed with thankfulness. As a woman whose spirit is willing but flesh is weak, I NEED the Holy Spirit every minute of every day. So I’ve been asking God to strengthen His spirit in me ripen His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23) I desired that the glory of God flow through my life like rivers of water. This is God’s desire too.

Through the Holy Spirit we are promised to be rivers of living water where blessings from Christ flow through us to others. In doing so, our Father is glorified and we live a life marked by love, joy, peace and power.

What do we need in order to experience streams of living water flowing through us? It takes an intimate, on-going, fully submitted live to Christ and FAITH that trusts the Holy Spirit to do in us what we can’t do ourselves!

This makes sense. If the water in your house is to flow from the reservoir into your home each day, the connection must be perfect. Then the water will flow through without effort. This is how the connection between us and Christ should be. When we stay connected to Him through a relationship of love, trust, and obedience, then rivers of living water will flow through us. These blessings—such as peace, joy, patience, and self-control—are for us and others. This is the life I want to live daily. It’s the life Christ lived and offers to us.

When someone presents you with a gift do you open it up, try it on, thank the person for it, and then use it? Of course you do. Then, why do we let the gift of God lie around unopened? In Him, our gift, is everything we need.

If you’re NOT planning to come to She Speaks this year then you’re going to miss it! Miss what you ask??

With Spring comes thunder storms. In Tennessee, we've been experiencing terrifying tornado's with our storms. Last Friday a large tornado ripped through the area destroying homes and lives. We were fortunate. The storm passed over us without any damage.

I'm learning that the storms of life are much like Spring storms. Some are more damaging than others, but most can be frightening.

When you’re in the midst of a raging storm whether it’s financial, relational or an unexpected illness, does Christ seem far away and unaware of your situation? While I know that’s not true, the weight of my own burdens can often make me feel as if I’m carrying them alone. Even in situations that seem reasonable for me to handle, I frequently find myself asking, “Where are you God? I need to know that you are near.”

While the disciples of Chrsit were experienced seamen, they found themselves in a desperate situation that only Jesus could overcome. Do you recall this story found in Mark chapter four?The angry sea was tossing the men about as water filled their boat. Surely they would drown. Where was Jesus? He was in the same place He always is when I’m in the midst of a storm. Jesus was asleep in the boat, unaware, or so it seems.

Defeated by their own efforts to save themselves, the disciples became afraid and anxiously cried out to Jesus. Responding to their cry, Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the storm. Then he asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?”

Good question. What comes to the surface when you’re in a raging storm—faith or fear? If Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us, then we have nothing to fear. In order to survive, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, who is in the boat, instead of the raging winds of our circumstance.

In doing so, we learn:

1.) Jesus is aware of our circumstances. Even though Jesus was asleep in the boat, he was aware of their situation. The storm didn’t wake him, but the cry of his disciple did and Jesus took immediate action. Isn’t that interesting? The howl of storm didn’t demand Jesus’ attention, only the cry of his child. Jesus is aware and in control of your situation.

2.) God will answer your cry for help. The disciples were experienced fishermen, yet with this storm, they were in over their heads. Sometimes we have to come to the end of our own self-effort before God can work. When we give up and cry out, Jesus will answer our call.

3.) With Jesus, you can make it through the storm. Every one of us is going to face hardship. Only the child of God has the promise of his presence with them in the midst of a storm. Although Jesus never promised us a life of smooth sailing, he did promise us a safe journey.

God will not leave you abandoned in the middle of your hardship. He will see you safely through. When the waves of trouble come crashing in on you, know that you are not alone. There’s no need to fear. Instead, have faith that Jesus is in the boat. With Him, you can survive the storm.

Sorry I’ve been absent from my blog. My children were on Spring Break last week and I promised to “work less.” That meant less time on the computer. I must confess. I enjoyed every moment without my computer! The kids and I shopped, went to the movies, and talked about everything from A-Z. Oh, yeah…one of the most exciting things that happened over Spring Break was my son broke the “home-run” record at the park! He hit 3 home-runs in one game! Whoo-Hoo!

As grand as that was, nothing can out do Christ’s resurrection. What a celebration! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Christ has risen, indeed!! I love this quote by Jim Cymbala…

“The blood of the Lamb of God is strong enough to break the chains of drugs and crime. It overwhelms bad habits, bad socioeconomics, and bad friendships. It is the Passover to fulfill all Passover meals, freeing us from the punishments we deserve. It is the center of our hope and faith in Christ. It is God's provision for all the messes we find ourselves in.”

Mr. Cymbala reminds me that Christ’s death and resurrection not only forgives sin and provides a free ticket to heaven, but it destroyed sin! You and I are no longer in bondage. We can be free because our God is strong enough to conquer our sin! That, my friend, is good-no-great news! Can I get a witness?!

Get ready. Sunday is Comin!!

Last Easter, our Pastor presented a video called "Sunday's Comin." This year, I want to share it with you.

The story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion is one of betrayal, brutality, despair, and pain. Yet we know even before His death that redemption was promised to be coming soon. We know that the story does not end at the cross. We know what many did not realize – that Sunday’s comin’.

Celebrating Easter means rejoicing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recognizing what each of those events can teach us about the character of God. Be reminded of this truth during Easter: God has worked, is working, and will work through all things, even now as we find ourselves awaiting his return.

Watch this power video and celebrate Sunday...Christ resurrection!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naajYZSbWdw

For thousands of years people have been asking the question, “Who is Jesus?” Skeptics first began inquiring about Jesus’ identity during His earthly ministry. As He traveled from town to town performing miracles and fulfilling prophecy, many would ask, “Is He a profit or a teacher?” Even though Christ clearly stated He was the Son of God, some still questioned His identity and still do today.

The Passover is one among the many times our Lord’s authority was questioned. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the citizens cried out, “Who is this?” Everyone noticed His arrival. Some were moved with joy by His presence, while others stood in wonder. The Pharisee’s were filled with envy and indignation. Those who knew Jesus laid their garments and palm branches on the ground in His honor. However, scripture tells us that though He was the King of Glory, Jerusalem knew Him not.

It began early on Sunday morning as Jesus and His disciples walked a mile from Bethany toward the city of Jerusalem. As they neared the city, Jesus said to two of his disciplines, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tired there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.”

Most bible teachers claim that Jesus rode the donkey through town in order to fulfill the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Not only was prophecy fulfilled, but we also see an example of Christ’s all-encompassing knowledge when He revealed where the donkey could be found. More so, we also catch a glimpse of Christ power over every living thing as the untamed donkey yields to his destiny.

Donkeys, as well as their colts, were known as mean, stubborn creatures, and yet, having never been ridden before, this wild donkey submits to the authority of Christ. In doing so, the donkey testifies that Jesus is Lord. In this truth lies a very important insight. Within the heart of every living soul, whether man or beast, is the knowledge of God. He put that knowledge there Himself. “This is the Covenant that I will make with them. After those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws upon their heart and upon their mind I will write them.” (Hebrews 9:16)

God uses every opportunity to show His majesty. Evidence of His character is not only written on every heart and displayed in nature, but it’s found throughout scripture as well. One proof of Christ authority is found in the donkey’s humble obedience to the power of Jesus’ command. You see, even the donkey knew who He was. Some may pretend there is no God. They may deny His authority like the Pharisees did, but still, the Pharisees knew Him. The poor knew Him; the tax collector’s knew Him; His followers knew Him, and even the donkey knew… Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

If an untamed donkey can recognize the Glory of the Lord, so can we. It’s better to acknowledge Him now than latter; for there is a day coming when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.”

Deep within you know, just as the donkey knew, that Jesus longs to enter your heart and take His rightful place as Lord of your life. You can invite Him in by praying the prayer below and joining in the celebration that sings, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”

Some people have trouble with all those 'shalls' and 'shall nots' listed in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the 'King James' into 'Jackson County' language.....no joke! Posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, Tennessee you'll find the Ten Commandments listed this way...

(1) Just one God

(2) Put nothin' before God

(3) Watch yer mouth

(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'

(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa

(6) No killin'

(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal

(8) Don't take what ain't yers

(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'

(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

Now that's plain an' simple. Y'all have a nice weekend now! Ye hear?

(Some of you have asked if you can post these on your blog. Yes, you can! I got them from my friend, Wendy, who received them through the Internet. So share away, friends!)

You overwhelm me. My heart is saddened by your stories of hardships, and at the same time, it rejoices to know that God is using me, my words, and my book to bring you peace in the midst of fearful times. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. More so thank you for allowing the Lover of your soul to comfort, encourage, and strengthen your faith.

I've found on our journey in life, we run into dead-ends and detours that can not only rob us of our peace but our joy. The reason most of us lose our joy in hard times is because we are looking for it in all the wrong places. For example: Have you ever lost your car keys and tore through your entire house looking everywhere for them? I think we all have. Finally, you look in your purse, and there they are! The only reason you couldn’t find them the first place you looked is because you were looking in the wrong place.

Often times we look for joy in the wrong places…in what makes us happy, in good health or basically when things are going our way.

Joy is not the absence of problems. Joy is the presence and the recognition of Christ and His power in the midst of those problems.

Joy is essential in life.

The kind of joy I’m speaking of isn’t something we fake or something we experience when things are going our way. It’s better than that. It’s Jesus’ joy. John 17:13 says, I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

When we have a full measure of joy, we can do what Phil 4:4 commands us to do, “Rejoice in the lord always. Again, I say rejoice.”

That doesn’t mean we never experience sadness or grief. What it does mean is at some point, joy is going to break through our sorrow. That happens when we look at things from God’s perspective instead of ours. It happens when we measure the good that he brings out through our circumstances.

Right now you might be in a bad place. Recall those times when God brought good out of a bad situation. Doing so will infuse you with hope while you wait for the good to come out of the present trial. And…all of the sudden joy will break through the sorrow.

Thanks for stopping by today. I don't mean to be a drag but there's a lot going on in our world today that can cause us to fear--not to mention what's going on in our private lives. My dad has a saying. It's simple and to the point. "Life's tough." Ain't it the truth!

During hard times, believer's should look to God for His provision. That sounds good, but why is it so hard to do when the pressure is on? Well, if you're like me it's because I sometimes doubt God. Even though we have this promise... "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). I still doubt.

While it's true that God never promised to make us happy, healthy middle class citizens, He did promise to meet our needs. I'm learning that God is my portion. If I need food, He supplies some. If I need comfort, He consoles me. If I need a job, eventually I find work.

The problem is God wants to bless you and me but we forfeit His blessings by failing to ask. That reminds me. My mother has a saying, too. "You have not because you ask not." I use to shrug that off, but now I'm beginning to believe there's a lot of truth in her statement.

What is it that you need today? Is it healing? Is it peace? Is it a home? Is it respect? Is it hope? Don't let your doubts keep you from God's blessing. Talk to Him about your needs, and then, let Him be your portion.



Don't Miss It!!! May 15-16, 2009
Join Micca at the GodGirls In Motion National Women's Conference with Chris Coppernoll, Erin Bunting, 321 Improv, and more!
Theme: On the Road Again"
Where: Kalahari Resort; Sandusky, Ohio
Fore tickets, click here

I'd love to see you there!