Frustration

Fit to be tied,
I want to run.
Ready to ride
Into the setting sun
Far, far away
Anywhere but here
Somewhere else
As long as it's not near
I want to feel
The cool breeze blow through my hair
I want to feel
Something other than eyeballs that stare
Why are people full of complaint
Why are people so full of hate
If only something could be done
But wait it has
You gave Your only Son.
Yet they reject even Him
They'd rather live and die in sin.
So what am I left to do
Share the Gospel anyway
and leave them without excuse.

Recaptured Vision

God's sweet, soft voice once called my name
so many years ago.
I responded with "Yes, my dear Lord"
Though His question I did not know.

As He embraced me in His strong, gentle arms
My heart released it's joyful praise
"I will serve you, O Lord. I will go where you lead.
I will proclaim Your name all my days!"

My heart was so intertwined with His
It mattered not what he'd implore.
My answer would never be withdrawn or be swayed
I was ready for whatever He had in store.

Or was I?
I dare not speak in vain.
What's this He's asking of me?
This is impossible! I'm going insane.

You've called me to witness
You've called me to shine
You've called me to speak out saying
"you'll open the eyes of the blind"

You've showered me with blessings
Taught me to play and sing
You've set my feet on this winding path
telling me you will lead.

I'm trying hard to follow
I'm trying hard to keep up
Sometimes I try to jump ahead
and sometimes I want to give up

This is impossible for me, Lord
This is so out of my league
I'm not strong enough for this, Lord
I beginning to feel fatigue

The way is sometimes clouded
Perhaps I've gone astray
No wait, I think I hear you
Keep talking, please don't delay.

Your voice brings me comfort
It's the security I need
Cause when I can't see Your hand at work
Your voice safely guides me.

I've stumbled several times now, Lord
I've fallen and skint my knees
I never realized, way back when,
How difficult this would be

But I won't turn back
No I didn't speak in vain
I'm proud to be a Christian
I want to proclaim your name.

I'm a soldier in Your army, Lord
My battle scars are old and new
My vision has been impaired at times
Cause I took my eyes off You.

Now I'm firmly rooted and grounded
I know in whom I believe
I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus
I will not be deceived

You called my name then and I answered
Today my answer is still the same
The vision is recaptured
My heart cries "yes!" over and over again!

Written By: Kimberly Waters
Date: August 26, 2009

Trust & Obey

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT


This morning I woke up to Jeremiah 29:11 repeating in my heart. Sometimes, I believe, we ask to know God's Will to feel that the sense of purpose for our lives. One we know our calling, we want to know the next step to take, the next plan of action and while all this is fine and dandy, the next thing we do seriously messes us up. God speaks. He tells us where to go, what to do and you know what we do? We begin to try to logic His reasons, His motives and how all this is going to work in our favor. We are such "me, me, me" driven people. We want to know how His plan is going to benefit our lives. Guess what. It's not about us! That's the first lesson we've got to learn. His plan, His purpose, His Will it's all about Him! He is the alpha and omega. The beginning and the end. The author and finisher of our faith. Everything revolves around Him -- not us. The second lesson to learn is to trust and obey.

I home-schooled my son for preschool. I started out desiring to teach him the basics, but what I found more often then not, God was teaching me the basics. It never failed almost ever lesson I prepared for my son, God prepared a lesson for me too. One such lesson was when I presented my son with a connect-the-dots worksheet. He's first questions was, "What is it, mommy?" I said, "You'll find out by connecting the dots." This worksheet was designed to help teach him to count, if it were numbers and the alphabet if the dots were marked with letters. This also taught him how do draw lines from one point to another, how to hold his pencil and the educational reasons keep going. For me, I learned that we are just like my four year old son. We want to know the purpose behind the design and we connect the dots we begin to get frustrated, feel confused, lost even because, unlike the worksheet, we don't always see the next dot to go to. This is where we learn to trust and just obey.

When I rededicated my life to God in 1998, I had so many questions. "Lord, what is Your will for me? Have I messed up Your perfect plan for my life? Oh God please use me! Don't allow me to mess up again. Show me Your Will and help me to follow you." It didn't take long for God to answer me. He guided my heart with these words, "Daughter, I love you. You will marry a preacher. Don't date anyone who is not a preacher." No those weren't His exact words but that pretty much sums it up. He let me know what to stay away from and what to focus my attention on... His Word! His desire was to be my companion and, in His time, He'd send me the man He created for me and in 2000 He did just that. Our journey together hasn't always been easy. We've faced many hard trials together in the ministry and in our personal lives, yet through it all, we're learning the art of surrender, trust and obedience! God asks us all to surrender ourselves to His purpose and to trust Him. Our vision is impared by all that we can't see, but He sees the finished product, the final masterpiece. He knows all things, sees all things and instructs us accordingly.

Now, I have a huge problem. Maybe you do too. When God points me in a direction, tells me what to do, where to go and what to say, I instantly begin pondering the reasons. I want to know why, how, how long, what is this leading to and let's not forget the "how does this benefit me". I'll admit it. I'm guilty. I'm an -over- analytical person. I love to study people and why we do what we do. I'm bad about listening to someone speak, but reading their body lanuage and facial expressions more. I read "between the lines" more than I hear what they're actually saying. This is impossible to do with God. First of all, just to state the obvious, we can't see him. Secondly, because we can not comprehend His ways. Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend." Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, "God’s ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother’s womb." We can read and study God's Word until we can quote it back and forth, but we'll never fully understand and comprehend God. It's impossible. God reveals Himself in small doses through out His Word and I'm convinced He does the same in our lives.

I have many friends, but only two best friends. It takes time to get to know someone, to trust someone and to find that special something that sets them above the rest. Building such a relationship requires time, effort and the "want to". The relationship grows with time and experiences, until one day you look back and find that with each experience you've learned to trust them more. The same can be said for our relationship with God. Our relationship with God will determine how well we trust Him. As we spend more time with Him, He reveals Himself more and more and allows us insight into His heart, His purpose and His plan.

Today you may be trying to connect the dots. You feel confused, lost and wondering what's next. Let me encourage you. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by those things you're not meant to understand and focus your attention on God. We're not meant to live life like a giant scavenger hunt looking for clues to paste the pieces together. We know our mission (Matthew 28:19-20). We know our final destination (John 14:2) and we know that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Now let us trust Him to lead us and guide us according to His divine plan, knowing that He has it all planned out and can and will sustain us in our journey.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord,
We praise you and magnify your name. Thank you for being patient with us, for allowing us to be apart of your perfect plan despite our many shortcomings. Thank you for helping us to realign ourselves through Your Word. Father, we don't understand Your ways, nor do we understand your reasons. Please forgive us for being selfish and wanting everything to make sense to us. Please help us to accept the plate you set before us and be satisfied with your plan for our lives today, for we know you will take care of tomorrow. Touch our hearts, open our eyes and ears and fill us with your peace and joy. Encamp Your angels angels around us and keep us with your mighty power. We desire to please you and you alone, O Lord, to give you glory and honor and praises. We surrender ourselves to your Will today. Use us as you please. In Jesus name, Amen.

Just Say the Word!

This morning, I woke up bright and early with a lot on my mind. I needed to go for a walk and just spend some time with God. I wanted to hurry and get out the door before anyone woke up, but that didn't happen. As soon as I was dressed, had Rockie on his leash and had walked out the door, I heard my little girl ask, "Mommy, can I walk with you." I couldn't resist. I saw her smile and just couldn't help myself. I knew I needed the alone time but couldn't find it in my heart to tell her no, so she came with me.

As we walked, I began releasing all that was on my heart. Though outwardly it was unnoticeable, God heard everything I was thinking. Later, when we got back, I took out my Bible for my morning devotion. God had definitely heard my cry for help and He responded with this story found in Matthew chapter 8.


Matthew 8:5-10, 13 NASB
"...when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.


When I read this story today, the words "Just say the word" captivated my heart. What faith! What amazing, unwaivering faith! The centurion recognized Jesus authority and knows that with just a spoken word from Jesus, his servant will be healed. What a lesson we can take from this.

What's going on in your life right now? What do you have need of? Are you searching for answers? Are you searching for peace? Perhaps you're battling with your health, finances, direction or maybe you're just seeking a closer walk with God. First, remember this. We need to recognize and remember Jesus' authority, then surrender our needs and caste all our cares on Him and then just begin to rejoice knowing that when God speaks His Word will make the difference! He knows where you are today. He knows what you're going through and He's right there with you. Don't give up! Don't give in! Keep trusting Him and like I heard someone say recently, "When you can't hear God, read God!" His Word is faithful! His Word is sure! His Word is Powerful! His Word is all that you need! Amen! Amen! and Amen!

Worship Him today!


Hebrews 11:3a NASB
"By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God."

Isaiah 55:11 NASB
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Hold On, Holdfast and Have Faith!

Today as I read, a passage of Scripture that's not new to me, spoke volumes to me. Though I've heard it preached, taught and have even taught lessons on the subject, today while reading, it was like a light switch was flipped on in my head.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB), "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"

Let's stop right there for a moment, shall we? Jesus tells us not to worry about our life. He gives beautiful examples of how God cares for the birds of the air. Have you ever watched a bird early in the morning, while the ground is still soft and wet with dew? The bird conveniently snatches up a worm that came up to enjoy the cool breeze of the morning air.

I enjoy watching birds. I love to hear them sing their clear, crisp melodies of praise. They seemingly have not a care in the world. In moments they can flap their wings, reach the heights and see the all the beautiful sights that you and I would have to hop in an airplane or climb a mountain to see and even then our view would pale in comparison to theirs. What a life, but wait, notice what Jesus says in Matthew 6:26b NASB "Are you not worth much more than they?"

Psalms 8:3-4 NASB says, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained (created); what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?"Who are we in comparison to other creatures God has made? I'll tell you. In no other creature has God breathed His breath of life, no other creature was created in His image and no other creature has ever been ransomed by the blood of His only Son, Jesus. Think about it! God loves us! He created us for the sole purpose to be His companion. He enjoys are company. He loves to embrace us in His arms and caress us with His gentle hand of mercy. Everything else was created for our pleasure, for us to enjoy as a gift of love. Has your spouse ever given you the whole world? Neither has mine, but God did. Only He can.

Jesus goes on to speak of the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30) and shares that not even King Solomon with all His wisdom and wealth was ever clothed with such beauty as that of a single lily, and shares that if God so clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe us. Wait a second, I hear a rebuke coming... "You of little Faith!" Watch out, where's my umbrella, it's raining conviction right now! I'm so guilty! I've worried so much over so little in the grand scheme of things. I've allowed the cares of this life to captivate my attention when I should have stayed focused on Him. He is God! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. He's trustworthy and faithful!

Jesus continues to exhort us in Matthew 6:33 NASB saying, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Oh my! The end of this verse sends chills down my spine, causing me to cringe, but it's true. Job 14:1 NLT says, "How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!" What a word of truth, but here's more truth...

John 16:33 NLT, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

2 Corinthians 12:19 NKJV, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

John 14:1-4,6 NASB, "Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.

John 14:27 NASB, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.


What a comfort and a joy to know that through all the toils and trials of this life, God is with us and His grace is sufficient to keep us! As the song says, "Though all hell asails me, I shall not be moved."

Today you probably feel like you've been lost at sea. You may feel if one more wave crashes against you, it's all over. Your strength is gone, your heart is breaking. You feel alone and seemingly no ones sees and no one cares. Let me encourage you today. God sees and God cares! He has already prepared the way before you. You may feel you can't see, hear or feel Him, but He's there! He's parting the seas in front of you. Just keep holding on, keep trusting Him! In the darkest of nights there's a lesson to learn. A seed has been planted and it's breaking out of the mold and shell. It's growing! Pretty soon you'll blossom as His beauty radiates through you and His fragrance fills the atmosphere around you. Hold on, holdfast and have Faith!

All Things Work Together For Good

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Every time I read this passage of Scripture, I wonder why God called me. For the most part, in a crowd of people, I’m least likely to be noticed. Perhaps it’s because I’m the one who enters a room and looks for the corner. I’m not one to demand attention. I’m quiet and shy. So why would God call me? I’ll share a secret with you, because He has a plan!

I’m always encouraged when I read how much God loves and forgives the people of Israel. Even with all their drama, He remains faithful to His promise. He promised them peace and prosperity for as long as they served Him, worshiped Him and put any other god away and they did and they had peace and prosperity. On the other side, He told them that at any time they turned away from Him, their enemies would overtake them. We see throughout Scripture where God’s words became reality. We see and hear it on the news even today, but the fact remains, they want peace but peace won't come because of that covenant. God still loves His people and has a plan for His people. Whether we trust and obey or if we turn away, He still has a plan. It’s up to us to fulfill our purpose. We can choose our own path, be led astray and we’ll face hard times alone, or we can choose to surrender to His call and walk this road of life with all its mountains and valley’s but with assurance knowing God has paved the way before us.

Worth It!

In a day filled with insurmountable pressures, it’s no wonder discouragement and disappointments run rampant. Just when you think you’ve got life figured out, here come the many loops on this grand roller coaster ride of life. You’re up one day, smelling the roses, and the next, something or someone comes along and mows right over them – and you. Thank God, He remains in control during the midst of our confusion and turmoil. Without Him, we’d be as a good friend of mine use to say, “As lost as a ball in tall weeds.”

Sometimes I feel lost. Sometimes I feel like it’s, one more blow and I’m knocked out for good. Sometimes I ask God, “How much more of this can I take?” I get discouraged and, Lord knows, I’ve had many disappointments. Gazing from the outside in, some would say, I’ve endured more defeats then I’ve celebrated victories. Though it may appear that way a lot of the time, deep inside, I know that though I can’t always see the outcome and though I don’t always understand the how’s and why’s, I can rest assure of this truth, God is doing a work in me.He’s molding me and fashioning me into a vessel He can use. That makes it all worth it!