Tag Archives: confidence

Savor the wait!

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As I write this, it’s a cool 93 degrees.  Yes, cool…. later it will be 113!  Summer in Phoenix.  Just where you want to be.  Normally we visit in the winter or early spring.  Not summer.

So, why are we here now?

Because grandbaby #9 is due!  Actually he is overdue by more than a week!

It’s an interesting thing waiting for a baby to be born.  As we all wait, we and our grandkids have been having fun swimming together, playing games, talking, thoroughly enjoying each others’ presence.  And at the same time, part of the joy of being together is waiting together.

Each day we wonder… will it be today?  Each night we go to sleep wondering… will it be tonight?    We all know that he is in there.  We can see him moving.  We can feel him.  Our daughter-in-law is all too aware!  She is so ready.

And while he is her body, we are joined in the experience of waiting for a joyful gift from God.  It’s almost as if the waiting is making the gift that much more precious and sweet.  We all have been tempted to say, “Is he ever going to come out?!”

But it has struck me, that we can savor the waiting knowing what is to come, will come.

Today I ask you, is there a promise of God for which you are sure and for which you are waiting?
Maybe you can savor the richness of the waiting, enjoying life and your relations, as you do.

Just a thought.

Powerful stuff!

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What is it that can cause a tribal woman to decide to not eat her children today or any day? (yes, you read that right!)

What is it that can grow limbs, open deaf ears, even produce pupils and irises when eyeballs are completely white?

What is it that can feed 12,000 people bread and have baskets and baskets full leftover… just like Jesus did?

And what can cause a ministry to grow to care for 10,000 children and plant thousands of churches, even when government forces repeatedly shut you down?

Well, according to Heidi Baker, founder of Iris Ministries in Mozambique, the answer is the most powerful force on the earth, something we all crave whether we recognize it or not … the love of the Father. … and boy, does she exude it.

Some of you have read my book, “Have I Ever Told You, You’re My Favorite” and may have noticed her name.

I regularly quote her love-filled words, “We are the crowning achievement of all God’s creative power.” What a way to look at ourselves and each other!

For a number of years now, I have wanted to meet this petite powerhouse. In fact, just a few weeks ago I was asked if I knew her.

I replied, “No, but I would love to! That would be a dream come true.”

I didn’t even pray that… I just said it… but the Father was listening because today, here in San Juan Capistrano,CA. sort of out of the blue, my dream came true! What a thrill!

One of the interesting things about Heidi speaking to this fairly small church was this was the first time in 31 years she had ever spoken in her hometown area!

And I just “happened” to be here? FAVOR? Ya think?

Well, not only did I get to hear her speak, but actually talk with her, and as I did, she did something surprising…. she took her almost childlike hands, put it to my face, drew me close, and then hugged me like she had known me since birth, giving me an awesome word from God. I cried. Genuine love… pure and sweet.

May I encourage you today? 1 John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

And 1 John 4:18… “perfect love casts out fear”… “there is no dread in love.” God has perfect love for you.

I would encourage you today… if you know God loves you, but you don’t feel it, go to Him, and ask Him to lavish His love on you today. Keep at Him, until you feel it.

He loves you and wants to show you.

Thank you for letting me into your life!
Maryann

Contrary to Popular Belief, You Deserve It!

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Lately my husband and I have been visiting churches and enjoying meeting so many new people in our area.

One church we visited recently had the friendliest group, stirring worship, and an invigorating guest speaker.  Almost every church we go to has something favorable to recommend, and this church was no exception.

As I listened intently to the speaker, agreeing and nodding with his encouragement to us all, my heart and mind came to a screeching halt.

There it was again… every time I hear it, it’s literally like nails on the chalkboard.  I can’t even remember what was said before or after… all I heard was those blaring words we often hear in many churches… “Though we don’t deserve it … ” followed by some benefit bestowed upon us.

Ok, it’s true.  I get a little riled up about this.

Maybe it’s because through 25 years of counseling and coaching people, I have seen how this subtly deceptive belief of being undeserving lies at the heart of so many problems. It undermines confidence like few things can.  It anchors our feet to the ground when we are supposed to be soaring.

I also get riled up because God has done so much to make us worthy and deserving, but we continue to buy and spread the lie.

To feel we don’t deserve God’s blessings and abundance does not make us humble, it makes us impotent. And when we are impotent, we are not empowered or at peace.

And if we are not empowered or at peace, then we are child’s play for the enemy who wants to wipe our faces on the floor.

Now, I don’t know if this is an issue for you, but if it is, may I be a strong encouragement to you?
You are worthy and you do deserve the blessings of God.

Maybe an argument can be made that you did not deserve salvation and forgiveness and redemption before you received Him.

But if He died for you so you could have eternal life and kingdom living, then don’t you deserve it?

To deserve something is to be entitled to it, to have it coming. Jesus said He came so that we would have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows. (Jn 10:10 AMP)

If He came to give this to you, are you not to claim ownership of it? Are you not to expect it to come to you?  Was this a cruel joke?

Yes, I understand.  To say we are not worthy or we don’t deserve it often means, “I did not earn this great thing myself, therefore I don’t deserve it.”

Well folks, that is worldly thinking.  It is the world, not God, that says we only deserve what we earn ourselves.

Set your minds and keep them set on what is above, not the things that are on the earth.  (Col 3:2)

Think about it … Adam and Eve deserved to be in the Garden – because God put them there. They did not build it, pay for it, or work for it.  The fact that God GAVE it to them was all that was necessary for them to be entitled to it.

One final question:  for those of you who have little children, do you want them feeling like they don’t deserve a meal when you offer it to them? Or would rather they just come to the table happy and accepting and leave grateful and satisfied?

In Mt 18:2-6 we are encouraged to be as little children.  Receive in freedom and gratitude all that God has for you.

Please say with me today, and every day… “I deserve all that God has given to me.  I deserve all that He has won and all that He has done.”

Believe me it will give our Lord great pleasure and also open the door to even more of what He wants for you.

Please, please, please… purpose in your hearts to be done with this debilitating notion.  It is not of God.  Agree with Him.  He has made you worthy and you deserve His best.

Shout it from the rooftops!

In your corner,
Maryann

What is your view of God?

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New USA Today article discusses new book…  Well, it’s confirmed… how we view God determines how we approach life! No kidding!

Americans’ views of God shape attitudes on key issues

“If you pray to God, to whom — or what — are you praying?

When you sing God Bless America, whose blessing are you seeking?

In the USA, God — or the idea of a God — permeates daily life. Our views of God have been fundamental to the nation’s past, help explain many of the conflicts in our society and worldwide, and could offer a hint of what the future holds. Is God by our side, or beyond the stars? Wrathful or forgiving? Judging us every moment, someday or never?”

Click here to read rest of article and take the quiz.  Which of the 4 views of God do you have?


Amazing new study on prayer!

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I wanted to share with you today an exciting new study on prayer which will be published in a medical journal… specifically, the September 2010 issue of the Southern Medical Journal.

“The study ….. measured surprising improvements in vision and hearing in economically disadvantaged areas where eyeglasses and hearing aids are not readily available…”

Candy Brown, an associate professor at Indiana University,  and her colleagues studied the activities of the healing groups Iris Ministries and Global Awakening in Mozambique and Brazil because of their reputation as hotspots of specialized prayer for those with hearing and vision impairments.”  To read more, click here.

Besides the obvious significance of having the work of God be documented in a medical journal and just generally being “out there” in the world, there is another aspect of this study that is particularly exciting to us.

We love Iris Ministries, headed by Heidi and Rolland Baker!  Our first encounter with them was through our son, Joe.  The Bakers were frequent guest speakers at the ministry school he attended.  Joe related that besides their very relaxed attitudes, the single most impressive quality that surrounded them was LOVE. In fact, the love was so strong that merely standing next to Heidi, he could tangibly feel the strength of it.

This prompted me to read the Bakers’ book, “Expecting Miracles,” a intimate journal of their daily lives… accounting the miracles, yes, but also the hardships, the governmental and spiritual forces that come against them regularly, the unavoidable discouragement they victoriously battle.  I pondered before the Lord… how do they have such love … how do they think… what makes them able to go on, to stand fast in the grace and love You have given to them?

The Lord revealed this from their book  (and I write about it in mine, p.66-68):

  • COMPLETE trust in Him and in His love and power to heal through them
  • REFUSAL to allow self-condemnation or any weakness to diminish their fiery love
  • Hard-core BELIEF that they are the crowning achievement of all His creative power

The Bakers are convinced they have the Father’s approval, esteem, and favor… and they refuse self-condemnation! Indeed being convinced allows them complete trust in Him, and complete trust in Him solidifies the nature of their relationship.  No where in their writing did I see any connection between their performance and God’s approval. Without the clutter of trying to earn God’s favor, the way is clear to Him and His power to heal.

This is what I want.  I am convinced that God has vividly shown me His favor because it is such an effective force in dissolving fear and any barriers to Him.  The more I apprehend His favor, the more I walk in freedom, fulfillment, and fruitfulness.  I am committed to share this powerful gift with others.  In fact, it is my main mission at this time.

Remember…because of who you are to Him… YOU have His favor!!

DAMN THE TORPEDOS! FULL STEAM AHEAD

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In an earlier issue of Java, Jammies, and Jesus, I wrote about that sneaky, deceptive, and often debilitating thing called DOUBT. As I said, I was unaware that it was doubt that I was battling. But yay, the Lord who knows me best, brought it to light with his laser like revelation, and so, armed with that warfare intelligence, I could give it the boot!

I was amazed to see that ridding myself of doubt, at least in this particular area, was not so much like hand to hand combat, as it was simply drawing a line in the sand and shouting to my old nemesis, “You shall not cross!”

Since then it has been such a pleasure to live life without the added weight and fogginess of doubt! I love the increased clarity, energy, and focus!

So, would you like to hear God’s solution to doubt? I asked Him one day, and He gave it to me straight:

“Have faith in Me. Confidence is your key.”

Whoa. That’s it? Ah, yes. That’s it.
Every have one of those I should have had a V-8 moments?

Now, I don’t know about you, but when someone tells me to “Just have faith,” when I’m struggling with an issue, I am quite tempted to smack them. The words feel like platitudes, and not very helpful ones either.

But when God says it, there’s an accompanying ray of light, an elevation in my soul, a breath of fresh air that seems to come upon me. Is it that way with you, too?

So when He said, “Have faith in Me. Confidence is your key,” I felt immediately soothed and encouraged. I was reminded of a time in the past when I was stressing about one of my kids.

She had this thing she did that often got her in trouble with people and work against her and her desire for strong, close friendships. I would see her frustrated and upset on many occasions, and so, being the good mom that I tried to be, I would “help” her not do that thing. I would attempt to teach her better, more productive ways to respond and react.

And yet, here she was, in her teens, after years of my careful instruction, and STILL!!

In my anxiety, frustration, and deep sense of helplessness, I projected out a lonely, unhappy life for my dear child. (By the way, as understandable as that is, and I know you do it, too… it is definitely NOT FAITH!)

Eventually, I quit my stewing and made the wise decision to go to the Lord. “Lord, what more do you want me to do???” I whined.

Quietly, calmly, He simply stated, “Have faith in Me.”

Sigh. “Yes, Lord, I know and I do. BUT….. what do you want me to DO???”

To which He responded, with a cheerful smile on His face, “Maryann, the BEST thing you can DO, is have faith in Me.”

In a flash, I realized that having faith in Him, is a DOING. This was a pivotal point in my relationship with God and my relationship with my daughter. At once, I made a quality, wholehearted decision to do just that, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.

This decision thus opened the door to CONFIDENCE!

I became confident, rather than doubtful, about many things, especially as it relates to all my children. I am confident that He loves them more than I. I am confident that He is indeed working in them, even when I don’t see it, and even when I see evidence to the contrary.

I am confident that His plan for them is good and prosperous. I am confident that He is able to get through to them in ways I cannot. I am confident about that for which He has created them – love, acceptance, significance, purpose and meaning, success.

I am confident that they are sons and daughters of a King and will reign in life with Him. I am confident that He will protect them, even during times when they make mistakes and are choosing to not walk in concert with Him. (Yes, I know this is an especially hard one.)

Does that mean I am always confident? Heck, no! But when I fall off the rock of assurance, I know where to go and what to do…. Climb back on.

Since then I have had great peace about my children. I try and control them less (old habit die hard), and I enjoy them more.

When I see they are in a pickle, the Lord has taught me to speak favor, blessing, righteousness, love and honor over them instead of fret.

I have desired to see them with His eyes rather than through eyes of fear and worry, and the Father has honored my desire. It’s a much better way for us all to live together.

On top of that, I have even seen supernatural occurrences from doing so!

And yet, as confident as I am about our kids, I am not so confident in other areas. But like with my kids, I must decide to have faith in Him about these other things as well.

Listen, if you are struggling – there is a simple, yet powerful solution: Ask God. (You are spending quality time being with and seeking Him, right?) He will be more than happy to reveal a block for you. He’s all about your freedom!

Once you see it, toss it! Say NO! Stomp your foot and give it the boot!

Then embrace the truth (find out what it is if you don’t know!!), whether it is about God, yourself, or your circumstances. And remember, view all of life through the filter of Love!

In closing, I want to share with you a famous quote that the Lord gave me through my husband. This has definitely aided me in my commitment to have faith and doubt not and stand strong in the face of opposition. Here it is, a gift to you:

“DAMN THE TORPEDOS! FULL SPEED AHEAD!”

With great pleasure and cheer,

Maryann

PS

In our journey through this life, there is much we still do not know with certainty about God, His love for us, and what it means. Of some things, we are still ignorant. But there is much each of us does know, and yet, we still do not believe.

We may know that God is a healer, that He has the power to heal, and the word says that by His stripes we are healed. However, we may not think that healing is for US, for NOW, or in this situation or that.

We judge the word of God by our experiences or whatever the teaching is we are currently listening to. In my coaching practice, of the many reasons why a person may be stalled or hindered in their various callings, businesses, ministries, confusion as to what they can expect from God is one of the biggies.

But we must not be confused about this: We are meant to reign in this life, with Christ! And what does it take to reign? Rom 5:17 says we need to RECEIVE an abundance of grace AND the gift of righteousness. Grace is God’s enabling power, divine favor, and His divine influence in our hearts. Righteousness gives us the RIGHT to go before Him, ask of Him, and receive all He has for us. We need to know that, agree with it, believe it, and then say, “Yes! This is mine! You said it, Lord. I receive it!”

We may be confused about what we should be doing in life, about which direction to go, or how to handle a particular situation, but we need not be unsure that we are to reign in this life with Christ!

This belief and attitude carries great confidence. From that place we can go out and approach our lives with clarity, focus, and assurance, regardless of evidence to the contrary, people opposing you, or fiery darts thrown by the enemy. Raise us that shield of faith!

My husband and I were recently talking about famous quotes by war heroes that displayed greatness in the face of immense and terrible obstacles. One I particularly liked and has become my new mantra, “DAMN THE TORPEDOS! FULL STEAM AHEAD.”

I leave you with that!

Have an awesome day!