“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor...

...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Isaiah 61:1

What is God working on in you? Several times in the past couple of weeks, I have woken up in the morning with the words to a song titled, “King of Heaven (Isaiah 61)” by the Charlie Hall Band in my head. For me, it paints a tremendous picture of compassion and love flowing freely from God down to us and us back up to our Heavenly Father.

Oh, Oh, King of heaven come down

We’ll sing the gospel to the poor

We’ll go to comfort those who mourn

You’ll put together what’s been torn

King of Heaven

We come together in the wave of God

We stand together in Your great compassion

Pouring out our hearts and lives

Fill us up with an expectation

We’ll sing the news of all Your grace

We’ll help the broken-hearted praise

You’ll put Your glory on display

King of Heaven

You help the broken cities rise

Out of the wreckage You’ll bring life

Such power in those words. There’s grace, comfort, redemption, healing and joy for each of us. Our Bible study group recently began the study, “Breaking Free” by Beth Moore. It is based on the book of Isaiah. We’re only a couple weeks into the study, but oh man. I’m realizing more and more how desperately in need of grace and healing I am.

In a powerful video session, we were challenged to evaluate those areas in our own lives where we need to let go and let God. Let Him heal, let Him change, let Him recover the brokenness of our past mistakes and bind them up to use for His good purpose. As I heard the challenge and the examples that followed, I felt a wave come over me. It’s hard to describe it, but I can say that it left me shaking and full of goose bumps as my heart raced. God was clearly showing me some areas where He knows I need to release my brokenness to Him. Areas that repeatedly break me down because I haven’t allowed Him to take it from me and let healing begin.

I was so moved that I had to pull off the road and cry out in prayer before I could even focus to drive home that night. It is very clear that my tendencies for a harsh tongue, self-defeating attitude and judgment need to be dealt with. There’s no more ignoring it. I’ve vowed to journal specifically about these areas He has pointed out to me. My prayer is that with prayer and application, this study of His Word will continue to transform me from what was into what will be.

So, what is He working on in you? What are the areas of brokenness that need to be bound up and healed in your life? I challenge you to pray for revelation and His healing. He will rescue you.

Guest post from my daughter, Abby

My daughter was in the car with me yesterday and was very busy writing in her journal. When I asked her what she was working on, she told me she was writing a story about Jesus. She read these to me and asked if I'd ever put it on my website. "Of course," I said. I hope you can read them, she said there is an introduction and two chapters. These are precious to me. I pray she continues to grow in her relationship with Jesus and that she wants to keep telling the world about how much He loves us! Enjoy and be blessed.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Recently, I heard a message where the speaker challenged us to pay attention when God interrupts our schedule. I don’t know about you, but my typical response when things veer off course for me is a bit of angst. I’m pretty adaptable, but I rarely have a time cushion for interruptions, so they tend to throw me a little. So, this message rattled me and I’ve been praying that when God interrupts my schedule, I will have a heart that’s tuned in so I can learn what He’s working on in the situation.


So, when I was severely interrupted yesterday, I thought, “okay Lord, this must be big stuff.” You see, I was supposed to fly to California on a business trip. I arrived in plenty of time (2 hours ahead) and made my way into the first of the four garages to find a parking space. And I circled. And circled. And went to another garage. Then another. After about 30 minutes, I began to pray out loud. I always find a spot. After an hour, I felt a twinge of panic. I was now pushing it. Twenty minutes later, I had to give up – I missed the window needed to check my bag, clear security and catch the train to my gate. I was frustrated and embarrassed to call my associates to tell them I would not be making the trip after all.

As I drove home, I kept thinking, “Lord, this must be a biggie because this is a pretty hefty interruption.” When I got home, I fully expected to hear about an accident or mishap on the plane, or an earthquake in California. Nothing. Silence.

When I went inside the house, I noticed my daughter had left her homework folder. I didn’t think much about it, quickly grabbed it and ran it to her at school. She was stunned to see me. She thought I was on the trip, so my bringing her the folder was completely unexpected and relieving. I got a very big hug and thank you for the gesture. She could have missed recess for her error - a big deal in second grade. Also, of course, her grade would suffer.

I didn’t think much more about it, after returning to work for the afternoon. The evening was full of football practice, making dinner, cleaning up - the usual. But then it was bedtime.

As I tucked Abby in, we talked a little, prayed and after kissing her and telling her I love her, I started to leave.
“Mommy,” she said.
“Yes honey,” I replied.
“Thank you for bringing me my folder today. That was the best thing that happened all day,” she said.
“You’re welcome baby. I’m glad I was here to do it for you,” I said.
“Me, too,” she answered. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I sniffed (trying not to cry).

As I left her room, teary but thankful, I felt a tug on my heart. “You were her miracle today.” I thought, wow. Lord, thank you for interrupting me for her. A precious reminder for me to never underestimate the significance of the things you do for your kids. It may seem like nothing to you, but it could mean everything to them. And, that said, we should never stop seeking God in the everyday moments. What seems insignificant or small to us could mean everything.