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Read All About It!

Read All About It!


God is in the news. Sometimes we may not see Him...or the story. Maybe it was just a neighbor up the street who did something amazing for the local school. Maybe it was an outreach group who fixed an elderly man's fence. Whatever it may be, we know God is working all around us! 

 This week, we're going to share with you a cool story or two of where we see God working in our communities. Let us know where you have seen an example of God working in your local news recently!



Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Sunday, July 27, 2014 | Read more...
One Way

One Way


Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

When I was fifteen, a friend and I were selected to be the two students from our high school to study under an artist in Washington,DC. I love art, still do. But what blows my mind away to this day is that my teacher nominated me AND that my protective parents let me miss a day of school a week, join a group of twelve ragamuffin teens and go into the city. What?!  This was no field trip. No bus took us downtown. It was my responsibility to navigate the metro bus and metro rail system on my own to get to my class and back home again. It is an experience I will always remember.

However, there is one detail over those weeks that still sits in my mind today and I think of it often. My friend's artwork was selected by our artist "rabbi" to be presented at the Corcoran Gallery of Art with other works of art created by students.  She ended up winning and receiving a scholarship for her entry.

Her artwork? A One Way sign going in all different directions. Arrows pointed this way and that but the words stared back at you "ONE WAY".  I thought it was brilliant irregardless of the chaos and confusion it communicated. The image is burned into my memory.

I am utterly thankful Jesus didn't say, "Follow me to the way" or "I know which way you should go". He said "I am the Way".  God the Father loves us so much that He chose to make getting to Him simple. He doesn't want us confused in the chaos of the screaming voices and opinions in life. He chose to make it clear, plain.  The only way to the Father is through Jesus.

God is Love. He would never make it so difficult to find Him. Follow Jesus. Period. Not one of us will get lost with that navigational direction.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16




Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.


Tuesday, July 01, 2014 | Read more...
Traveling Long Roads

Traveling Long Roads


Traveling. We need directions. We need to plan and prepare. Sometimes we get lost. We need a map! Or to get with the times -- GPS! Have you ever taken a wrong turn in life? (Ummmmm...I sure have!) How did you get back on track with God's purpose for your life? What lessons if any did you learn? We gals at Daily Fast Fuel will be putting our best together to serve you this week. Join us!



Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.


Tuesday, July 01, 2014 | Read more...
Outta Here -- GONE FISHING!

Outta Here -- GONE FISHING!



"Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit?
    to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
    If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
    to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
    you’re already there waiting!" Psalm 139 MSG

It seems crazy to think we could go on vacation and leave God behind, that He wouldn't be right there with us. But that is the case with many of us when we leave for our long anticipated break from the "real world". Or maybe it's just been me?

Routine is simplest when we are in our day to day. It is when we stop the cycle of the mundane when we see where we lay our bibles and pick them up again. Or maybe it's just me?

For my family's vacations we like to go camping in the cool of the mountains or visit my parents at the beach. We enjoy nature through and through but to steal a moment of quiet time with The Lord can be a challenge, especially if your children are young.

For me, I have found great pleasure in having scripture laid out ahead of time which may relate to our location and possible weather. Can you imagine meeting our Creator God outdoors while reciting the very verses which were used to encourage those who would hear the Word?

God is IN all He created.

I challenge you to find some key verses about trees or water or the very earth you walk on and take them with you on vacation. Even if you plan to stay home, meet God in your yard and praise Him with glorious verses of Scripture.


"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19 NIV


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014 | Read more...
It's Vacation Time

It's Vacation Time

We continue our word association with the month of June. This week: Vacation

Our gals will reflect on the time our families need to get away. She’ll tell you how she escapes from the hustle and bustle of life -- whether she travels to the beach, the mountains or her back yard. Join us every day and discover how to go on vacation without leaving God behind. You’ll hear stories of her favorite place and ways to connect to our Creator. We’d love for you to join in and tell us about your favorite ways too!

Sit back, relax, enjoy. It’s vacation time!


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Sunday, June 22, 2014 | Read more...
To the Best Dad Ever

To the Best Dad Ever


"For those he foreknew he also predestined" Rm 8:29


Hi Papa, just this morning I was remembering all those times I choose to pierce your heart. Those times you knew were coming and yet still loved me. It amazes me to think that in your knowing, you prepared ahead of time. You prepared my reconciliation to you, my redemption story. Reclaimed me.

I can look back and see how you meticulously laid out points along my path that would bring healing and wholeness. I can look back on those times when I was heading to my complete demise, all by my own choosing, and you shut down everything around me. You cut me off from my perceived momentary destination so I could keep on track to my eternal destiny. You save me from me.

I can also look back on those times you left me to suffer the natural consequences of my actions, because I wanted what was mine. I messed up. I thought you would never love me again. So I lived as a slave in a far off land. I never knew you spent your days looking over the horizon, waiting for the day you would see me coming while I was still a far way off. (Luke 15:11-32)

I look back on that day you ran to me, clothed me with new purpose. I'm amazed at your wisdom, your patience, your persistence.

Father, "You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I’d even lived one day." (Psalm 139:13-16))

You call me the apple of your eye. And you love my brothers and sisters the same. I am the luckiest girl alive. I love you.

Happy Father's Day Daddy God.  


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 | Read more...
If Only...

If Only...

If only I had a new car.

Or a new job, new house, new boss, new clothes, new school.

If only…

It is our human nature to want more, the new, the improved, the better-than-I-have-it-now. We were created that way. Perhaps Augustine said it best, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

When we pursue earthly things, we remain thirsty. Day after day, we maintain the same pace getting the same results while only hoping for an end to the mundane.

What if we were told we didn't have to work so hard at achieving status in things but instead were given Someone we could draw from every single waking moment of our lives? 

Do you remember the account of the Samaritan woman who came to the well in the heat of the day to avoid the judgmental glances of others?
“Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” (John 4:15)
Jesus could have had mercy on her and made her life easier by showing His servant’s heart and dug a well near her home. But He didn't because He knows this world is temporary. We need to tap into Him in our everyday so the well of eternity springs up in our souls and overflows into our daily lives and we can be who He calls us to be.

Perhaps God has you waiting and you find yourself tired and useless and wondering how can something old or familiar become new with purpose? Hear my heart my friend, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that can bring LIFE into your everyday. He knows you thirst and He has plans to prosper you.

No matter if you’re planning to travel the world to be a missionary or you go to work to pay the bills or are knee deep in dirty dishes and laundry, draw from Him. His well is deep. He is the better-than-I-have-it-now. He is the A-Z of every single breath of every single day.

Cast off the “if only” and put on a garment of praise. Hold your head up high and hear Him exclaim over you, “Behold, I make all things new”


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 | Read more...
What's New!

What's New!

School is over for most of us but that doesn't mean life lessons are finished. The same is true when we study and meditate over God's Word. His instructions don't end with familiarity. There is a mysterious and miraculous newness to every turn we take in our lives.  God is ready, willing and able to help us tackle every new adventure we face, no matter how big or small.

 This week we'll share what the Lord has taught us about stepping into the new. New homes, new jobs, new roles, new states, new journeys. Perhaps you need a little encouragement for something new you've stepped into and would love to read how God might meet or lead you along the way? 

 Join us every day this week. I know I'll be here soaking up every blessing poured out in words penned by my sisters at Daily Fast Fuel!


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Sunday, May 25, 2014 | Read more...
I Heard a Bird Say Shalom

I Heard a Bird Say Shalom

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)

For me personally, peace is a matter of trust. If I do not feel peace, I know I am not trusting God. As a matter of fact, I will be so bold as to say I am calling Him a liar.

 “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sownor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Do not worry says Papa God. 

But, but, but, but...?

We’re human, so anxious feelings bubble to the surface and we begin to take note and make lists. Here’s a sampling of mine recently:
  • “Will the new-to-us van be reliable?”
  • "Will the school nurse call again?"
  • "Will my husband ever be able to quit smoking?"
  • "What if I lose my part time job?"
Anxiety is a complete absence of peace. The sooner I let these festering thoughts go, peace can rush in.

Hear me out. There is a difference between fear which causes anxiety and concern which causes action. God's truth is not a reason to live carelessly. I should never worry about what or when God will provide because Scripture says birds “neither sow nor reap”. But you have never seen a bird sit idly by and decide Papa God would do the nest building. God provides resources and we must do the work when able.

What I’m talking about is when bad news looms and we have actual cause for concern.  Some time ago our daughter was tested for Cystic Fibrosis and the days we had to wait for an answer could have been very painful. However, I chose to lean in on the God who formed her in my womb and knows her appointed time on this temporary home called Earth.  I had to make a decision to trust God, that He would place every resource available in our path to keep our daughter well.

It was only then that the peace which transcends all understanding, made our wait bearable.  Thankfully, our little girl’s story is continuing to unfold without a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis.

I know not all stories have great news, but all have a great God. Somehow in His mysterious perfection, He is always able to take a cross and ultimately change lives.


May the Peace of Christ be with you my friend.


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 | Read more...
Joy after Mourning

Joy after Mourning

Look up the word joy in a bible concordance and you literally will find hundreds of references. What I find the most fascinating is that in most cases, Joy, comes after a time of deep trial or waiting on the Lord.

I have a friend who, for whatever reason, God answered her pleas for her own child with a “no”. My sweet friend (I’ll call her Sharna) and her husband began the long and difficult road to adoption.  If you've ever been close to a person who is going through the draining process of paperwork, interviews, lawyers, searching, waiting...etc, etc, etc…then you can imagine what this couple was going through.

A little over a year ago Sharna and her husband received news of a potential match.  As time went on they were elated to have been chosen and began the preparations to welcome their precious new baby girl.  Plans were made, the nursery set, blessing after blessing was poured out during the baby shower. Everything was coming into place.

Then the very thing most feared by all adoptive couples, happened.  One week before this precious gift of life was due to arrive, the birth mother rescinded. It was a devastating blow to my friend and her husband, and to all of us.   To make matters worse, well intentioned individuals would say “It’s ok. God has a plan. There will be another baby.”

I cannot even explain to you how crushing those words are to hear when your arms ache to hold a child.  In a quiet stolen moment, I told Sharna I loved her and would mourn her loss with her. I told her to give herself permission to grieve and to give her anger to God. He is wise enough to know how to make something beautiful out of our broken pieces.

This past Sunday, on Mother’s Day, I had the privilege to watch my friend Sharna and her husband hold their six week old baby boy during a baby dedication at our church.  I couldn't have been happier. I was filled with unspeakable Joy!

It is good to share our troubles with those we trust because when we allow others to walk with us during our most difficult trials, we get to share in the joy after and God is rightfully glorified!

My dear, you may be going through a hard time right now. Tell a trusted friend. Walk together.  Grieve together. But also give thanks to God today because, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Pslam 30:5)




Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 | Read more...
Tired and Cranky?

Tired and Cranky?

I am exhausted.  Maybe you are too? When we reach this level of fatigue we can get cranky and it’s not only our body that feels the stress but our families can taste the bitterness in the air. We can be downright sour.

The important thing for me to remember is, (even though I may have had every reason to be annoyed by whomever is doing the disrespecting), I need to get a handle on it. Can you imagine if God snapped at us? “I’m too tired to deal with you today. I really have had it with your lack of appreciation for all I have done.”

Yikes.

That whole forgive-me-as-I-forgive-others come to mind!

When I find myself drowning in perceived or very real stressors I can begin to feel hopeless, so I force myself to take a break and worship God. I use a list Stormie Omartian put together in her book The Prayer That Changes Everything.  Let me share it with you.

I have hope because…

  • He is my Creator
  • He is my Heavenly Father
  • He loves me
  • He laid down His life for me
  • He has forgiven me
  • He has given me His Holy Spirit
  • He gave me His Word
  • He is a good God
  • He is Holy
  • He is all powerful
  • He is with me
  • He has a purpose for my life
  • He redeems all things
  • He is the Light of the world
  • He is.

Because He is. He is here with me. He is there with you. He is everything I have ever needed, or will need. He is strong. He is patient. He is understanding. He is just. He is merciful. He is compassionate. He is wise. He is yours. He is mine. The list goes on and on. Praise Him because He is. Period.

There is no better medicine for a tired bitter heart than to recognize the One who sees it and understands why. 


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, May 06, 2014 | Read more...
More Precious Than Gold

More Precious Than Gold

I’ve had four funerals in the past couple of months, not all of which I could attend but mourned and reflected nonetheless. Three of them where significant “firsts” in my family’s close knit community. The forth was a stillbirth.

Grief hits hard but death is a part of life.

Funerals always get us talking. We hear encouraging words from friends, stories from families and comfort from pastors. We start thinking about our own mortality.  Many grab a hold of what time they have and “live” again. Many begin to ask about streets of gold and wonder if the reality is for them. Is there a Heaven? Will they enter it? And if so, is it really a golden city? Why?

Gold.

It is a common description for intangible worth in Scripture.  Ancient people knew in an instant that gold was only for a select few. It was not meant for every day folk. So to hear they could be heirs to a throne and their faith was far greater than what was only attainable to kings, was of great encouragement!

This got me thinking about many today.  Many who do not know Christ and have become trapped by their sin may not understand when I tell them they are worth more than gold. Sometimes in our failures and subsequent sadness we forget what our Jesus did for us. Sometimes we think we are too far gone and can never enter the Kingdom of God. Why would God want to rescue us and redeem our stories? But Scripture has the power to cut through that lie.  This is what one psalmist wrote,
 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me;   he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy,  from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster,   but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place;   he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16-19)

I needed this reminder today. Perhaps you did too. You were made worthy by the blood of Jesus Christ because He delights in you.


You are worthy to walk into the City of Gold. Turn to Him today. And if for some divine reason you fell upon this blog and have forgotten your worth…turn back to Him. 

He has never left you.


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, April 29, 2014 | Read more...
Basileus Basileon!

Basileus Basileon!

Kings come and kings go. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. But One King I know abdicated His rightful throne to save His people -- the sick, the blind, the dying.

He entered this fleshly world full of kings who demand and force and imprison with works. Where the self-righteous bathed in judgmental pride, this King's compassion soaked His Spirit.

Because He knew. 

He knew wrongs had to be righted. He knew debts were to be paid. But the debt was too high. Nobody, not one, had the ability to pay what was owed on his own.

So one day when the time had come, this King made an entrance into the heaviest populated city during a time of celebration, not on a noble white horse adorned with jewels but on a lowly donkey and her colt. Those who loved Him, worshiped. Those who hated seethed with jealousy.

This King gathered His friends to celebrate what only He knew to be His last meal but instead of being served, He turned and washed His companions' feet.

That night He was betrayed and arrested and beat. He was then dressed with a purple robe, crowned with thorns and mocked as “King of the Jews!”

He died that day, much to the delight of many. The King’s enemies sensed victory and relief over a crucifixion well done. Hope had vanished from the grasp of those who loved the King and now the agony of grief was their new companion.

Nobodywas ready for Sunday.

Sunday came with a death shattering victory. The KING rose from the depths and raised His banner.  Wailing turned into dancing and sackcloth into garments of joy. 

The King, OUR KING, has taken His rightful place. He showed His worth of the purple robe, He has spared no expense. He has paid the debt in full. He gave His life and shown the grave couldn't hold him.

Rejoice! I say it again, REJOICE! This King is King of kings and Lord of lords! His Name is Jesus and calls us to be heirs in His Kingdom!


Answer Him with a resounding YES!


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014 | Read more...
Colors of Spring: Purple

Colors of Spring: Purple

Purple.

Look up the meaning and you will uncover an abundance of words to describe the intermediate color between the coolest blue and fieriest red.

You’ll find purple linked to royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. You’ll also discover it represents wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic.

In Ancient Rome, purple was known as a position of rank, authority, or privilege. But Jesus was mocked when He was dressed in a purple robe. 

Why?

This week Sara, Katie, Lezlie, Debbie and I will be meditating on how the color purple Jesus now wears in victory is so important for our King of Kings. Would you kindly join us every day this week and read what God has placed on our hearts to share with you?


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Monday, April 21, 2014 | Read more...
Light for All

Light for All

 (May 2005 DC Comics). 
I have loved super heroes for as long as I could remember.  I watched the original Superman (yes, the one starring George Reeves),  read Spiderman comics, and made believe I was Wonder Woman.

Our theme this week is Green. Could I really write a post using a comic book hero and relate it to this Holy Week leading up to Easter?

Let's give it a try!

As a child I was fascinated by the thought of imagining an object into reality and the super heroes known as Green Lanterns had this power!  Any weapon needed to fight the bad guy was at his disposal. All he ever had to do was think it and BAM! There it was. His options were limitless!

It was an exciting prospect to be called to be a Green Lantern but you had to be deemed worthy. Once you accepted your call you would be granted a ring which needed to be connected to the source of power (known as Will) and pledge your oath,

"...and I shall shed my light over dark evil.
For the dark things cannot stand the light,
The light of the Green Lantern!"
 
Oh to be called because you are found worthy and to wear the mark of your power, to be known by your light!

But that is just a comic book and the dreams of a child.
Today I have a book filled with accounts of heroes and heroines whose worth came from the One who called. This book tells me of a Man who came into darkness to bring Light for all to see.  This book tells me there is a Man who made me worthy by shedding His blood and dying on a Cross. This book tells me this Man called me and the same power that raised Him from the dead is the same power available to me.

This Man’s name is Jesus. HE is Light and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1).
He has called me and you. He has made us worthy. Plug into His Will and discover the limitless possibilities He has laid out...all of which far surpass any dreams we may have ever had.

 


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 | Read more...
When "Good Enough" is not Enough

When "Good Enough" is not Enough

One of the more difficult teachings to communicate to those trying to understand Christianity is God’s complete Holiness and our need for sanctification. A common response is usually “but I’m a good person” and then proceed to compare themselves to Hitler or Stalin. “At least I’m not as bad as them!”

Yes, I am thankful you’re not.

The problem with this line of thinking is that the frame of reference is off. We tend to look at the world from our vantage point. And why not? After all, that is our default position. But it’s not God’s perspective.

I love how my pastor once described a story of a farmer who painted his massive barn white. During the Summer months, the white paint stood out in stark contrast to the lush green of the sprawling farm. Driving through the countryside you could see this beauty from a distance. Spectacular sight indeed.

Oh, and the Fall? Wow. The white would stand as an impressive backdrop for the changing colors that brushed the landscape. You would have a difficult challenge finding a more beautiful scene.

Now imagine the Winter and the first snow to lay against the barn walls. Nobody ever noticed the barn had many places that weren't so white until the purity from heavenly skies brought proper perspective.  The white of the barn didn't look so white anymore.

Isn't that the same for us and Jesus?

When an individual stops comparing themselves to what or who surrounds them and starts comparing themselves to Jesus, only then do we have proper viewpoint. God’s perspective.  A person’s “good enough” is not enough when placed against the perfect standard. Yes, the white we see is not truly white.

How then will one ever measure up to perfection?

The gift is this: When we accept that Christ stands in for us, God sees righteousness.

Because...while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)
 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." (Rom 3:23-24 NLT)

...Please put down that paintbrush. Jesus said "It is finished".


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, April 08, 2014 | Read more...
Wait...What? I Can't Hear You!

Wait...What? I Can't Hear You!

Ever been to a large social gathering where the volume in the room reaches such a crescendo that the decibel level is that of a jet airplane? You can't even hear the person you're speaking with and you find yourself needing to find a quieter spot simply to focus on the conversation.

Isn't that how life is too? We walk through our day where distractions are so loud they threaten our hearing.

It is critical to step away from the noise and check in with the One who knows what lies ahead. Through particularly difficult times that could mean on an hourly basis...sometimes even minute by minute.

I know that if I don't make it a practice to tune in to Gods voice, to step away from the noise, it can be the same as missing my exit on a highway. I may still get to my destination but with a lot more hassle and unnecessarily wasted time.

Remember the man after God’s own heart? Yes, David himself neglected to turn to his first Love on one crucial night. If someone completely in tune with God’s heart fell, we can too.

So if you're in the middle of the trials of life which are making your ears ring or simply strolling along through the mundane, make sure you set precious time aside for your Lover. Let Him take that slow walk with you, or let Him be the one Who sweeps you off your feet and carries you over what is trying to drag you down. He is your coffee break Friend and your 911 Responder.
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.  (Proverbs 3:6 TLB)

Life gets too loud sometimes. I don’t want to miss anything God is trying to tell me. I know I can’t afford wasted time by not being in sync with my Love. 

Can you? 


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Tuesday, April 01, 2014 | Read more...