Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places! 
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets.  Look ‘em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.

It’s opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,
don’t worry.  Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes, you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.

You’ll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you’ll be in a Slump.

And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted.  But mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out?  Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you go in, should you turn left or right…
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…

…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That’s not for you!

Somehow you’ll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored.  there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame!  You’ll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don’t.
Because, sometimes, they won’t.

I’m afraid that some times
you’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win
’cause you’ll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you’ll be quite a lot.

And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance
you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike
and I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!

On the night before Christmas every girl and boy is tucked into bed eagerly anticipating the coming of a man clothed in red and white. Some will sneak out of bed to catch a glimpse. Many newscasts even have a “Santa Watch” charting his course across the sky.

We are watching. Why? We believe in Santa Claus.

There is another Man clothed in red and white. He is described as white and ruddy (Song 5:10). We celebrate His birth on this day called Christmas. He came first as a humble Child, but He will come again as a mighty King wearing a robe dipped in blood. His name is the Word of God (Rev 19:13). Are we watching for His procession from heaven to earth? Soon Jesus will split the sky with His return, not on a sleigh led by reindeer, but on the clouds of heaven surrounded by a host of angels (Matt. 26:64; 16:27).

It’s true, He has a list and He’s checking it twice, and He’s going to find out whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. When He evaluates your life will He find you’ve been naughty or nice? The Father has treasures in store for His children. His Son will come bearing these gifts. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matt. 16:27). When Jesus returns He will judge the earth. Those who despise the Word of God will be destroyed, but the righteous will be rewarded (Prov. 13:13; Psalm 58:11). For this reason He says, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches” (Rev. 16:15). Are we eagerly anticipating His coming?

Let us watch. Why? We believe in Jesus Christ.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” – Revelation 22:12

Merry CHRISTmas!

Chérie Blair

As we approach the time our culture celebrates the birth of Jesus I am reminded of many who did not recognize the hour of the Lord’s first coming (Luke 19:44).

I recall another occasion when the multitudes did not head the Word of the Lord. In Noah’s day God warned of a coming flood. As Noah labored for a hundred years building a boat to protect all those who would enter from the coming storm, the people laughed. I can imagine them saying, “Noah, you’re wasting your time! Where is this rain of yours?” Even those who did not outwardly mock did so by the way they lived, going about life as usual, oblivious of the impending doom.

Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be with the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:36-39). Many scoffers will arise in that day saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Just as it was in the days of Noah they will say, “Where is this so called Reign?” Some will openly scorn and ridicule those who prepare for the Lord’s return; others will do so by their actions. They will eat, drink, and be merry, mindful of earthly circumstances but asleep to urgency of the hour.

Elijah also prophesied the sound of heavy rain. He told his servant to look toward the sea, but six times he went and came back saying, “There is nothing.” The seventh time he reported a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea. Soon the sky grew black with clouds, the wind stirred, and heavy rain came (1 King 18:41-45).

Beloved, Jesus’ Reign is coming! Lift up your eyes. He is returning soon. Storm clouds are gathering on the horizon. For a long while we could not see them, and even now they may only seem like the size of a man’s hand, but the sky will grow black quickly. Jesus told us to discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3). He tells us to watch and pray, to stand in the counsel of the Lord, to mark and perceive His words. We must not to be like the foolish virgins but like the wise and buy oil now while our Bridegroom is delayed. Only those who are ready will go in with Him to the wedding. If we wait until we hear His call it will be too late. Therefore, since we do not know when Jesus is returning, He tells us to watch (Matthew 25:1-13).

The Lord told Isaiah to prophecy. He asked, “What shall I cry?” The Lord replied, “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it … The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8). God’s word is true. Jesus is coming. Are we ready? Are we spending our time on things of eternal purpose or things that fade away like the flowers of the field?

Beloved, when the Son of Man returns will He find faith in our hearts? Do we believe He is coming again? What are we doing to prepare the way for His return? I don’t want to be like those who did not recognize His first coming. I don’t want to be like those who fall asleep. I don’t want to walk according to my own ways. I don’t want to waste my time. This life only lasts a moment. It is but a vapor. I don’t want to waste it. I want to watch and pray with Him. I believe He is coming to shake the heavens and the earth. I need His grace to watch and pray. I want to be a voice. I want to be a messenger. I want to be a voice preparing the way of the Lord. I believe that He is coming again. I don’t want to be like the scoffers. I want to hasten the day of His coming. I want to be found with oil in my lamp. I want to be found watching and waiting, ready to go out to meet our Bridegroom. I don’t want to waste my time as I wait here in this wilderness. I want to be a voice like John the Baptist crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

Let us not sleep. Let us be sober. Let us be watchful and alert. The day of the Lord is at hand. He will come just as He promised. When the Son of Man returns, let us be found watching, eagerly awaiting His appearing. Surely He will come like a thief, taking many by surprise. Let us be wise and prepare the way of the Lord.

Beware of the scoffing spirit. It comes upon us subtly. We may not laugh out loud, but in our hearts we do not believe. We do not recognize the signs. We squander our time. So many hours wasted. What vanity! So much time spent on things that have no eternal significance. Who will be found wise and faithful on that day? Watch therefore and be ready for the Lord is coming at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:42-45).

Do you believe He is coming? What are you doing to prepare the way for His return?

Chérie Blair

Do you ever feel like a little pawn on a giant chessboard in this game of life?

The good news is that God is the ultimate Chess King! He knows how to play on multiple dimensions simultaneously at least a thousand moves ahead. His divine strategy causes us to move our pieces into the right spaces at the right time to accomplish His purposes without violating our free will. Of course we must submit to play according to His rules in order for everything to work out in our favor!

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 NKJV

I had just been writing about this chess revelation and thanking the Lord for the way He strategically orchestrates every detail of our lives when I was suddenly faced with a potentially frustrating situation. My tire was flat! Monday was coming to a close and I still had an evening meeting to attend but I was stranded at work. Believe it or not, my response reflected my earlier meditation. I remained completely unshaken as I evaluated my options:

1. Call AAA (and wait 45 min for help to arrive)
2. Do it myself

I had never actually changed a flat tire by myself, but I had helped (or rather watched) someone else change one before. I considered the fact that I would be participating in a disaster simulation with CRI (Crisis Response International) at the end of the week and thought, “If I can’t change a flat tire, how can I respond to a real crisis?” Since I was in a parking lot rather than the side of a freeway and wearing pants with comfortable shoes instead of a skirt and high heels, I said to the Lord, “Let’s change this tire together. Show me how!” I got the jack properly placed but my vehicle did not come equipped with a suitable tool to turn the crank. I was also having trouble unlocking the spare from the back of my KIA … sooooo, I asked a gentleman getting into his car just to help me figure out the lock on the spare tire.

Long story short, the guy stayed to help, we changed the flat, and I got a lead for some possible graphic design work. I then drove to Sam’s Club, got my flat repaired along with all my tires rotated and balanced for free, and was able to encourage a friend not to look at any circumstance as inconvenient. While waiting I read some of Joyce Meyer’s book “Battlefield of the Mind”. The subheading posed a question, “Trial or Inconvenience?” Fortunately, I managed to keep the right perspective. The whole affair only put me an hour behind schedule and I still made it to my meeting on time. Not to mention I had the opportunity to “work with the Holy Spirit” as Joyce described. Well, I’m glad I passed this test of patient endurance.

My response to a situation the previous week was not so glorious. I was just going along adoring the Lord when all of a sudden it hit like a nuclear bomb dropped by an enemy aircraft flying under radar … DESPAIR … that wicked foe of my soul! I was just rising up from the rubble of a previous explosion when I came crashing down again, this time because a potential prospect graciously informed me he was “not interested.” I barely knew what hit me. Wow! Entering the Promise Land requires victory on multiple fronts in numerous battles with heavy opposition. But though a righteous woman falls seven times she gets back up. So moving right along, I picked myself up out of that ash heap of despair by focusing my thoughts once again on adoring God. That’s when I began to see Him as the Divine Chess Champion.

God is intricately involved in every detail of our lives. There is no such thing as coincidence. I am trusting in His perfect leadership to guide me into the right position at the right time with the right people to fulfill His Kingdom purposes. I will not lose heart because I believe I will see the Lord’s goodness.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. – Psalm 27:13 NKJV

I am confident that Jesus will get this little “pawn” across the chess board of life and turn me into a beautiful queen. After all, our Beloved is the King of all kings!

– Chérie Blair

Reach for the stars. Climb the ladder of success. Be all that you can be!

Every day we reach for something: money, success, fulfillment, recognition, relationships, health, comfort, whatever. In all our reaching do we reach for a prize worth winning?

Jesus says, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life…” (John 6:27). Paul shows us the “most excellent way” explaining that without love we are nothing and gain nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3).

Loving God fully is the only prize worth winning!

Are we reaching to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are we seeking to bring every area of life – our thoughts, our emotions, our time, our struggles, our desires, our activities, our finances, etc. – entirely under the perfect leadership of Jesus Christ? If this is truly the prize of life are we running in such a way that we might attain it? Are we consciously pursuing a life of 100% obedience to the Lord?

In session ten of a twelve part teaching series on the First Commandment Mike Bickle says, “The main reason we are on the earth is to decide to be in God’s family.” He goes on to explain that the next purpose for our existence is to determine the quality of love we will offer the Lord. God gives us extended years on the earth as an opportunity for each of us to receive a testimony of being complete in love through every area of life.

Is loving God our primary focus?

We contend for breakthrough in many areas, especially money, relationships, and healing, but God’s first concern is this issue of love. If we would focus most of our attention on getting a breakthrough in the arena of loving God I am quite sure everything else would follow. After all Jesus did instruct His disciples, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

The Lord started shifting my priorities in 2000. After three brief years pursuing a career in graphic design I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Within the next two years God healed me, but at the time my identity had become wrapped up in being a designer until God graciously stripped me of that idol. I redirected my focus to pursuing other passions such as teaching, travel, missions, dancing, singing, painting, writing, finding a spouse, etc. One by one, the Lord pruned each of the areas of my life that were distracting me from loving Him wholeheartedly. Like the wayward wife of Hosea my Beloved allured me into the wilderness where He spoke tenderly to me. I still struggle with running toward the ultimate prize of loving God and frequently wander off course, but during the past decade I have learned to return to my First Love more quickly each time He highlights an area of compromise.

Misty Edwards captured the essence of life’s purpose in her song “Let Me Love You More.” Consider these lyrics, “You could give to me the gift of walking on water. And maybe, maybe I will raise the dead. But I have one life to live and all I have to give to You is love.” This brief life is all about a love offering to Jesus. Even if we never see a breakthrough in temporary circumstances are we willing to become so consumed with the ultimate goal of pressing on for the prize of loving Jesus that this is all that really matters?

If we really believe that love is the “most excellent way” how can we possibly press on for any lesser prize?

Let’s run for the Prize of LOVE!

Cherie Blair

Are you facing giants in your life?

You can take ’em!

Is Goliath towering over you with a spirit of intimidation? Don’t lose heart. Go and fight! Do your weapons seem puny and inadequate? Use whatever you got. You’ll knock that uncircumcised Philistine off his feet and use his own sword to cut of his head. What gave David such confidence when the Israelites were wallowing in despair over the challenge delivered by their undefeated foe?

Hope! David remembered his previous victories. Though this battle seemed impossible he decide to face the taunting giant rather than cower in fear like the rest of the army. David, a humble shepherd boy chose hope. He dared to believe and expect great things from God in the midst of a hopeless situation (1 Sam 17).

When Hope comes up against Goliath, Hope wins every time!

We each have our own daunting adversary to confront. A friend had several pregnancies that ended in miscarriages. Hoping became more difficult with each disappointment. Other friends desperately want to have their own children but can’t get pregnant. Then there are those of us (age 30+) who have never married. Finding a potential spouse seems like it’s becoming increasingly difficult as the years drag on.

What is your Goliath? Marital strife? Cancer? Unemployment? A desire unfulfilled? Listen. It’s our Beloved! Look. Here He comes leaping on the mountains.

“The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.” – Song of Solomon 2:8

There is no problem too enormous for God. He is the Conquering Lion. Jesus has already overcome every obstacle in our path. He is the God of Hope. All we have to do is believe.

Now may the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:3 

If your battle seems unbeatable, expect a miracle! One of our greatest enemies is despair. It’s time to turn the tables. The Lord longs to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). Are we anticipating good from him in every area of life?

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

We must have faith and diligently seek Him. Have we wrestled with the Almighty like Jacob or pleaded with Him like Hannah? Are we willing to hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises even when it’s beyond all human reason to do so? Abraham was impotent and Sarah barren but they chose to have faith in what they could not see (Hebrews 11:11-12, Romans 4:18-20).

Beyond all hope, we must believe! God is able. He is willing. Even when it seems His answer is delayed well beyond the point of any possibility we must continue to hope. Better things are yet to come. He does work out everything for our good. Don’t let that enemy called “Despair” steal your joy any longer.

Hope! This is the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19). Who dares to defy the armies of the Living God? The Lord will be with you (1 Sam 17:26). He will empower you to advance against an entire troop (Psalm 18:29).

HOPE conquers GOLIATH!

- Chérie Blair

There are things we want so desperately in life.

Minutes turn to hours –
Hours turn to days –
Days to weeks –
then years and decades …

Tick tock. Tick tock. Still, we wait!

Will the desires of our hearts ever be fulfilled? We ask the agonizing question again and again, “How long?” We believe that no one else has endured so long for promises and dreams to be fulfilled. Have we forgotten that Someone has been waiting over 2,000 years? Jesus is longing, yearning, even aching for the day when we will be one with Him.

“Father, I desire that they … may be with Me where I am …”  – John 17: 24

We haven’t begun to touch the depth of pain our Bridegroom feels as He eagerly anticipates returning to claim His Bride! This ache in our hearts will only be quenched once we are united with God for all eternity. This is why we must loose our grasp on the temporary pleasures of this earthly life: the ideal job, that big promotion, our dream vacation, the perfect spouse, a legacy imparted to the next generation, whatever the desire may be. Out of everything you ever think you want in life you’ll find that God is the only One that ever really satisfies. Jesus is ALL. He’s everything. He is the Desire of Nations, and He is our Jealous Husband.

“For jealousy is a husband’s fury …” – Proverbs 6:34

Every time I try to chase after another “lover” the Lord hedges me in and blocks my path so that I cannot find my way. We can pursue other pleasures, but we will not find satisfaction. When other things in life become idols, He destroys them. Our Beloved removes everything that hinders love, including anything that competes with our affections for Him! In doing all kinds of things to fashion the life we want, somehow we end up forgetting the Lord. And so, He lovingly allures us into the wilderness. In this place of barrenness we discover that the intimacy we had with Him at first was better than our current striving to attain earthly desires. But it is in the midst of this troublesome valley that He speaks comfort and gives us a door of hope (Hos. 2:5-19). When we reach this place – when we forsake every other longing and return to our “first husband” – we enter into fullness of joy and eternal pleasure in His presence (Ps. 16:11).

Why do we struggle with our Maker? How can the clay say to the Potter, “What are you making?” (Is. 45:9). We can’t always make sense of our circumstances, but His ways are higher and wiser than ours (Is. 55:9). His leadership is perfect.

God does want us to dream, hope, and plan, but He commands that we love Him first and most, that we don’t chase after everything the pagans run after, and that we seek first His kingdom by returning to our first love (Matt. 22:37-38; 6:32-33, Rev. 2:4, Hos. 2:7).

I so easily obsess about my heart’s desires and attempt arranging however I can to fulfill them (Journey of Desire by John Eldridge). I have to constantly remind myself to put God first as I make my declaration to Him, “Earth has nothing I desire besides You” (Ps. 75:23). My constant confession is becoming, “Jesus, I love You more than the desires of my heart.”

I may get temporarily sidetracked, but I am lovesick for God and longing for Eden – the day when He will make all things new as it was when He created the Garden, restoring heaven and earth to His original design. Truly, I am homesick for eternity. I am just a stranger wandering about. This earth is not my home. I am on a pilgrimage to a heavenly home, the eternal city whose builder and Maker is God (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). This is my destiny. I know it well though my heart and flesh may fail. Whenever I get preoccupied with the minute details of this brief journey my Beloved reminds me that He is the strength of my life and my portion forever (Ps. 73:26). His grace is sufficient for me. His power is perfected in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Nothing else in this life brings true satisfaction. The Lord is my exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1). God alone can fill my heart with eternal joy!

Our Father loves to give good gifts to His children, and He will give us the desires of our hearts, but we must first delight ourselves in Him.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Think about the things you are longing for in business, finances, relationships, and other arenas of life. Now consider your desire for Jesus. Which is more important? For real!

“Your love is better than wine.” – Song of Solomon 1:2

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” – Psalm 63:3

If you wish for temporary fulfillment more than eternal, take a moment to repent and invite the Lord to transform your heart. Through the power of His Spirit you will be able to say to your Beloved, “I love You more!” Even if you are not convinced keep professing this and it will become so. Regardless of how the events of our lives play out, let us delight in Jesus. His love is better than life.

When our Bridegroom comes, may He find us longing for Eternity!

– Chérie Blair

For the Lord delights in his people;
he crowns the humble with victory.
– Psalm 149:4 NLT

He will yet fill your mouth with laughing…
– Job 8:21 NKJV

We’ve all had our humbling moments, but I’m convinced there are some things in life that can only happen to me.

I was so excited about my new part-time job at a law firm that when I got the monthly list of birthdays and anniversaries I decided to send out cards. I immediately sent my heartfelt sentiments to the gentleman who hired me congratulating him and his wife on 27 years of marriage. He thanked me but explained that I sent a wedding anniversary card and he was single. It was his service anniversary with the company. He rolled with laughter while thanking me for marrying him off so quickly. I kidded him back that he could just take that one to the bank, but I was mortified!

Then one day my car needed maintenance so my mechanic brought me to work early. I ate my lunch at a picnic table outside and determined to take advantage of the extra time by touching up my toenails before writing another blog. Just as I started, the bottle slipped out of my hands and exploded on the concrete splattering hot pink nail polish in a zig zag pattern all over my foot. The design complimented the crisscross straps of my high heals creating a beautiful abstract painting on the canvas of my skin. Of course, I had no way to drive anywhere to buy nail polish remover so I went on to work where I sat at a front reception desk and delivered mail to attorneys looking like I just walked out of my art studio. How humiliating!

I thought to myself, “There has to be a lesson in this!” Well, a joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Maybe that’s the point. I had been so stressed out. One month into a new job my supervisor had a “talk” with me about not discussing religion or politics at work and asked me to stop sending notes. The call about the card lightened up the situation. The next week I was having car trouble and spent several days deliberating about whether to repair my SUV or buy a different car. I could barely think straight. That’s when I decided to start a new fad with my Picasso foot. Ironically these blunders filled my heart with laughter, which helped relieve the built-up tension.

My sister thought the nail polish incident topped my list of bloopers and assured me that she intends to keep me around for entertainment value. In fact, I think that really is the whole purpose of every hilarious yet humiliating circumstance. God likes to laugh! It works out much better if we laugh with Him. Every once in a while, as I’m going about my mundane routine, the Lord reminds me of some silly situation. I giggle to myself a bit and keep going, but I think it delights Dad’s heart to see us laughing.

And maybe, just maybe, this is how we get the victory. When the enemy condemns us we can take up our crown of humility and laugh. Is it a coincidence that the nail polish made a fun design all over my foot? God has given each of us beautiful feet to bring good news and to crush Satan (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15; 16:20).

How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter!
– Song of Solomon 7:1

So next time you encounter a hilariously humiliating situation at work just LOL and pick up your humble crown as you rejoice in victory knowing that Jesus is laughing with you!

– Chérie Blair

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters … Why spend … your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen … eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare … come to me … that your soul may live.” – Isaiah 55:1-3 NIV

Remember the story of the Samaritan woman? Jesus asked her for a drink then said if she knew who He was she would have asked Him for a drink and He would have given her Living Water. Jesus went on to tell her that everyone who drinks this water would never thirst again because the water He gives becomes a spring welling up to eternal life (John 4:7-14).

That’s the well I want to drink from! Don’t you?

Sitting on a park bench in front of a picturesque fountain in the Rose Garden at Loose Park, I was minding my own business making up a melody about this desire when a gentleman walked by and said, “Nice little tune you got going there!” I told him I was singing about the Fountain of Eternal Pleasure and asked if he knew about it.

He inquired, “Where is it?”

I replied, “His name is Jesus Christ,” and asked if he knew the Lord? He gave the typical response, “Sure,” leaving me no clue as to the extent of his relationship.

I prodded, “As your Savior?”
“Yes.”
“As your Friend?”
“Yes.”
“As your Beloved?”
“Yes.”

Although I’m sure he had no idea what I meant by that last question. I remarked, “Jesus is the Fountain of Eternal Pleasure,” and proceeded with the parable of the woman at the well to explain how God is the only One who satisfies. I also mentioned David’s declaration to the Lord from Psalm 73:25, “Earth has nothing I desire besides you.” Our conversation was cut short when my sister called to find me, but I’m sure my new acquaintance got a taste of true spiritual passion.

This is the kind of thing Jesus was talking about when He said, “Out of your heart will flow streams of living water” (John 7:38). When we drink from the River that flows from the Sanctuary, we can’t help but bubble over and splash the water of life on anyone who comes near (Ezekiel 47:12).

So where exactly do we find this Eternal Fountain?

Our souls may well thirst, but we work in a “dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). How on earth do we drink from the River of Life in the marketplace?

We contain this Fountain in our earthen vessel. God is in the midst of us (Psalm 46:4-5). We drink from His River of pleasures by cultivating ongoing communion with the indwelling Spirit (Psalm 63:8-9). I was listening to a song by Katie Bennett with the lyrics, “As the body dies without the water, my soul dies without communion … Jesus I thirst!” In order to continually drink, whether in the midst of a mundane routine or a high-stress job, we must be intentional.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Press mute!
Our world is filled with noise: television, radio, cell phones, internet, movies, and so much more. These may seem harmless enough but the multitude of sounds merge into a cacophony that deafens our ears to the still small voice of the Lord. Have you ever considered just shutting it all off and listening to NOTHING for a while? You’d be amazed at what you hear!

2. Make the Word visible
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. – Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV

We are bombarded with advertisements constantly competing for our thoughts. What if we were to make our own ads of things we want to bring to mind? Try it. Choose some encouraging verses, write them on 3×5 cards, and put them in observable places: your bathroom mirror, your dashboard, your desk at work, your pocket, etc. Read and ponder these truths as you get ready, drive to and from work, and all through the day. You may even want to work toward memorizing some and starting with new Scriptures each week.

3. Take breaks for spiritual refreshment
Daniel regularly stopped what he was doing 3x a day to pray (Daniel 6:10). It’s acceptable for employees to take periodic smoke breaks, so why not step out of the office for some fresh air and breath in the fragrance of Christ? You might find this habit rather addictive and begin looking forward to getting a “fix” from God that will help you make it through the day.

4. Interact with God in everything
Develop unceasing dialogue with the Living God by talking to Him like He’s by your side in every activity. When you can’t find something, ask Him. Inquire about His thoughts when you’re trying to make a decision or figure something out. I frequently ask the Lord to give me a front row parking spot and to stop the rain so I can walk to or from my car without getting wet. When a co-worker expresses a need, pray for them as you go about your tasks. If you pray in the Spirit, do so while you go about your work.

5. Wash yourself in the Word
If you are permitted to play music at your desk you can subscribe to the 24/7 Prayer Room Webcast or the Limited Edition CD Club. If using headphones you could always listen to music, teachings, or the Bible on CD permitting it does not distract from your responsibilities. At times I keep something playing even as I sleep. The point is to do whatever you can to continually wash yourself with the water of God’s Word!

… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word. – Ephesians 5:25-26

6. Start a Bible study
You can usually find other believers in your office who would welcome the opportunity to connect for mutual encouragement and edification. Why not lead a weekly Bible Study? You could read and discuss passages of Scripture, pray for one another, share testimonies of answers, and develop community. If meeting at work is a problem you can always find an offsite location. Start off small by inviting a few Christian colleagues to lunch. Just let it grow via word of mouth.

Do something … Just DRINK!

These are some practical suggestions on how to drink continually and maintain a spiritual oasis in the midst of a corporate desert. Of course, this is in addition to setting aside regular time to meet with God, pray, and study His Word. If it seems overwhelming to implement all these practices into your routine, pick one or develop your own strategy … just do something deliberate to help yourself drink from the Fountain of Life wherever you are!

- Chérie Blair

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth … Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. – Psalm 34:1, 3 NKJV

When we praise the Lord our perspective changes. Magnifying the Lord actually de-magnifies the issues of our lives turning our mountains into molehills. Waiting on Him results in the transformation of our souls and deliverance from despair.

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He … brought me up out of a horrible pit … He has put a new song in my mouth— praise to our God. – Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV

My KIA Sportage, affectionately called “Makia”, hit 120,000 miles and my parents insisted that I take it in for a timing belt change. $500 later I encountered difficulty accelerating and discovered that 65 mph was my maximum speed on the interstate. Assuming it was a problem with the recent timing belt installation I returned to my mechanic. He checked it out and informed me that the upper chamber of the catalytic converter was “melted” causing interference with the exhaust. Roughly translated that meant another $500! I started car shopping. My criteria:

- Reliable vehicle
- Under 70,000 miles
- Great gas mileage
- In my price range

I found a gold Toyota Camry that fit the bill. A dealership quoted a $1,000 trade in value and came down quite a bit from the listed price offering me a bargain I could hardly refuse.

The problem?

I didn’t “love” the car! Makia was paid off and I had been working diligently to get out of debt. Another loan would only prolong the process. I listed Makia for sale. No takers. A wholesale company offered me $1,000 cash. After spending that much on repairs it would simply serve as reimbursement. I was left with two options:

1. Keep the KIA that I already owned with NO payments.
2. “Give” Makia away and start over with five more years of payments.

My perspective change?

I “bought” the car … Makia that is … for $1,000!

Instead of seeing the repairs as an unwelcome expense I chose to view the situation as getting a great deal on the “purchase” of a purple SUV that I already love! The dealer had said my KIA was going to “nickel and dime” me. It felt that way having to spend so much on maintenance, but then again, it was already over 120,000 miles and I had never spent anything significant on repairs. A new car would have cost much more. I concluded that nickels and dimes add up to much less than quarters and dollars.

Everything made more sense when a friend shared a story about finding dimes in the most unusual places, meeting two ladies with the last name Nickel, and sensing the Lord speaking, “Grace, grace,” through the number five, which symbolizes grace. The light bulb finally went on in regards to my own situation:

- Two sets of fives ($500 for each repair)
- Comment that KIA would “nickle and dime” me
- Story about dimes and two ladies named Nickle
- Clock showing 5:55pm while trying to decide

In the midst of my vehicle predicament I began to clearly see how the Lord was speaking, “Grace, grace!” You might even say I got a new pair-a-dime”. Amazing how perspective changes everything! Adoring God gives us hope and great confidence as we declare, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6 NIV). Next time you’re faced with a crisis at work, start praising the Lord. You’ll begin to see the glass as half full!

- Chérie Blair

My dad lost his job … again!

Layoffs have become par for the course during his career as a mechanical engineer. Eleven years here, six there, two years here, four and a half there, and so on. It gets to be predictable after a while – especially in times of economic turmoil – so he was not the least bit surprised when his boss delivered the news. He had already begun his next job search two months prior when billable hours became scarce and other co-workers were let go. Still, the reality of unemployment brings with it the financial stress of uncertainty. Day after day he does his part to research job possibilities, pursue leads, and wait for the phone to never ring while circling around in a seemingly endless holding pattern hoping to land somewhere before running out of gas.

In a brief phone conversation I was encouraging my dad that the Lord’s plans and timing are perfect when he remarked, “Well, I’m glad you have such a positive outlook!” Of course, he knows just like we all do that God has a greater purpose, but that’s far easier to see in hindsight. Visibility is usually zero when flying through the thickest fog of a journey that’s unpredictable. I can’t say I have such faith for my own struggles.

Most of us can readily quote the all-time favorite verses, “… all things work together for good to those who love God,” and, “I know the plans I have for you … to prosper you and not to harm you … to give you hope and a future” (Romans 8:28 NKJV; Jeremiah 29:11 NIV), and yet, when the rubber meets the road we are hard-pressed to truly believe these Scriptures. Sure, we can comfort others with such godly wisdom but often doubt their validity for our own lives.

How do we resolve this dilemma? We hope!

David spoke to his desperate soul, “Why are you downcast? Hope in God!” Instead of wallowing in despair he proclaimed to the Lord, “I will remember You” (Psalm 42:5).

So how do we hope? We remember!

In times when we face the greatest pressures of life our memory is most severely taxed. Our future seems so bleak that we think there is no possible way God could come through. Oddly enough, our recollection of hopeless circumstances is nearly photographic while the files containing God’s miraculous intervention have disappeared from the databases of our minds. The only way through the dark valleys we traverse today is to illuminate our pathways with the torch of yesterday’s victories.

The Lord says of us, “O my love, you are … awesome as an army with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:4). Imagine a mighty army striding forth with high-flying flags declaring every battle won. The enemy trembles at such a sight. We appear as a victorious army by proclaiming all the times we have triumphed over our adversary.

Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge for us to start searching the archives of our past to find those answered prayers. I encouraged my dad to think of other impossible situations and how God answered, then we prayed. A few days later – still no responses from potential employers – he was full of anticipation for the next season. I listened as he quoted Proverbs 16:9 recounting numerous times when “his heart devised his way, but the Lord directed his steps.” Remembering gave him more fuel to dream again as he planned his next course of action and prayed for God to determine each step.

This is how we make it through times of great difficulty, by remembering. Even if you can’t recall the mighty acts God has performed in your life, you can discover countless stories in the Old and New Testaments to remember His miracles of long ago. We must not forget His benefits. He is the God who forgives, heals, and acts on behalf of those who love Him. We can’t begin to comprehend what great things He has in store for us!

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. – Psalm 77:11 NIV

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. – Psalm 103:2-3 NIV

… You did awesome things that we did not expect … Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. – Isaiah 64:3-4 NIV

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You. – Psalm 31:19 NKJV

I was reading a story about a small village whose inhabitants were losing their memory. One man began labeling everything. After studying the long term effects loss of memory could have on his community he decided to include the purpose of each item. One inscription read, “This is the cow. She must be milked every morning so that she will produce milk, and the milk must be boiled in order to be mixed with coffee …” (One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Marquez). Another sign simply stated, “God exists.”

Perhaps this is what we need to do.

God told the Israelites to keep His commands in their hearts, to teach them diligently to their children, to talk about them everywhere, to tie them on their hands, to wear them on their foreheads as reminders, and to write them on their doorposts so they would not forget (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). That’s why David meditated on God’s righteous law and committed His word to memory (Psalm 119).

What if we were to write down every hopeless situation, record God’s answers, and then look back on these the next time we encounter obstacles in our path? If we would consider the events of our lives and remember the great things God has done for us we would be filled with joy and say with confidence each time we hit a bump in the road, “The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever.” That’s how Jehoshaphat’s army won. The Lord said, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s,” so he put singers in front of the army to praise the Lord and God set ambushes to defeat the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:14-22).

If we would simply REMEMBER the past we would have HOPE for the future! Let us remember and praise the Lord for His goodness. Today, we win!

How has the Lord acted on your behalf? Do you remember?

- Chérie Blair
(Written: Monday 08.24.09 … Five weeks later to the day my dad accepted a job offer for a better position and he didn’t even have to relocate!)

“Running on reserve battery!”

This is my least favorite Mac message … but it is a great reminder to stop and recharge. Usually, I keep going until the computer automatically shuts down; occasionally, I take the hint and scroll down to “sleep” before putting myself to bed.

This is life. So often we push ourselves well beyond our limit ignoring all signs that we are “running on reserve”, masking our true fatigue with coffee and energy drinks, burning the candle at both ends, and wondering why we hit a wall.

Can you relate?

What we really need is a little R&R. If the gas tank is empty we’ve got to fill it up!
Rest actually increases productivity. There is a good reason why the Lord mandated the Sabbath. Even God took a break after six days of creating. He commanded the Israelites to let the land lay fallow every seventh year. Ever wonder why farmers rotate their crops?

Do you plan for regular times to relax, replenish, refresh, refuel, rejuvenate, or whatever you like to call it? In other words … Do you REST? If it’s been a while – time to revamp that schedule. What time do you go to bed? Does that allow you eight hours of sleep before you have to get up? Do you take naps? What day of the week do you get to “cease from all your striving”? Does it actually revive you enough to start into the next week? When was the last time you took a vacation (even a short weekend excursion)?

I’ve been craving a trip to the beach I frequented when I lived in California … but time and $ only permitted a two-day escape to Branson, Missouri. Didn’t see any shows this time … just relaxed with my “sis” at our preferred “resort”. I enjoyed floating in the u-shaped Whirlpool while staring up at the clouds, watching a spectacular fire and water display at the Landing, rollerblading with ice cream sundaes-to-go in hand, listening to the winner of the annual fiddle fest, savoring ribs, steak, shrimp, sweet potatoes, trout, asparagus, and fancy cheeses at our favorite restaurants, sleeping in and watching a cute dog movie, etc.

Brief but refreshing!

Dialing down, taking our minds off the swirl of daily activities, and changing our scenery are just tangible means that direct our souls to the true Source of refreshment. Jesus said, “Come to Me, you who labor. I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Here’s a novel idea … this “Labor Day” how about celebrating a day of rest from your labor? Why not just “be”? Bob Fraser, director of the Joseph Company, likes to say, “God created human beings not human doings.” We sure like to do a lot, but as we stop to “wait upon the Lord” He promises to renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Would you rather scurry along the ground like a rat in a race to nowhere or “mount up with wings as eagles” and soar over the mountains? Personally, I’d like to fly!

Let’s take time to recharge our batteries.

- Chérie Blair

Have you ever wondered, “What’s the point?”

You go to work, come home, have dinner, and somehow manage to cram in a myriad of activities before crashing on your pillow only to be alerted all too soon that it’s time to do it all over again. Don’t you ever wonder, “Why?”

So why do you do what you do anyway? Is it for a paycheck or because you just love your job? Are you after money, success, and recognition, or do you go to work for the sheer pleasure it brings? Even if we find a measure of enjoyment in our daily activities most marketplace Christians are simply doing what is necessary to make a living.

But consider with me for a moment …

What if we were to do what we do for one purpose: Love! What if we were to endure temporary hardships in the workplace with the same goal Jesus had when He endured the cross: Joy!

What if for the reward of eternal joy we would run the race set before us, press on for the prize, fix our eyes on Jesus, and fulfill every responsibility as an act of loving Him?

Just what if we were to adore God at work through our actions, not just our words? I tell you – if every believer went to work with this kind of focus every day there would be revival in the corporate world!

Well why not?

Jesus told us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Loving God with all our emotions, personality, thoughts, and abilities is the first and greatest commandment. We love God with our strength by working with excellence as unto Him.

So what do you do?

Think about all of your skills, gifts, talents, and resources. Are you using them as a means of loving God? Even if they seem to have no obvious relation to the Lord you can love Him simply by working as if He were the only One watching, evaluating, and taking pleasure in you. So today as you work, imagine God smiling at you and do every task as an expression of your loving devotion to Him.

Who knows, you may even experience His joy as you work.