WINGS...

Hi, precious friend -

Today I enjoyed an infinitely beautiful walk along one of my favorite rivers. The Colorado sun shined brightly as it danced upon the waters and was tossed from rock to random rock.

Adding to the beauty of sights and sounds, cotton puffs rode along the spring breezes, reminding me of a devotion I had written just under a year ago. I felt led to share it again; I pray it truly blesses you and meets you right where you are AT THIS MOMENT...

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Isaiah 63:7 (NIV)

Have you ever longed for a special touch from God? Have you yearned lately for a very specific sign to know He is there...listening and responding to your unique prayers? I found myself in that very place just a few days ago.

God certainly does work in mysterious ways, but He also makes His Presence clearly known when He wants to. Allow me to explain - it had been a long, hard day and I had driven to one of my favorite spots to get away and just cry out to my Father. There, in the quiet oasis of my car, I poured out my heart to Him – every drop. I talked and talked until there wasn’t an hint of breath left in my lungs and then I waited...

As I sat in that quiet space, windows rolled down, summer breezes dancing about, something extraordinary happened; a sudden dollop of cotton rode upon a gust of wind into my presence. To my utter shock, this tiny fluff looked just like a clump of down feathers from a beautiful bird’s wings. It was a surreal moment; I looked to my left, wide-eyed, and watched as yet another puff flew into my car. Others like them mingled together just outside. As I laid my head upon the backrest and watched those feathers dance around before me, I couldn’t stop thanking my Father for sending me such a sweet, tangible sign of His presence.

 You see, in the few days leading up to that day in the car, I had come across scriptures in the Bible making mention of God’s wings and the shelter they provide. Thinking back, I even remember praying several times that the Lord would cover me beneath His glorious spans, and I thanked Him for allowing me to reside in such an incredible place.

 Surely it is common for those summer puffs to ride around on the wind, but back in that moment I knew my Heavenly Daddy was letting me know He was right there with me. He was showing me that He perfectly hears and acts upon my specific heart’s cry. As I watched those fluffy feathers fly on by, I could literally envision my frame beneath His breathtaking wings. It was a beautiful sight...

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8 (NIV)

Only God could have known that I had been pondering that place and proclaiming my safety within His mighty shadow. Only He could have orchestrated the perfect currents that would send those cotton puffs my way, and only He could have known I’d have my eyes open to recognize His hand. He knew I needed a touch, and He saw I was watching...God faithfully responded.

I am sharing this special, Divine moment between my Creator and me simply to remind you that you also reside beneath the shadow of the Almighty’s wings. If you proclaim Jesus as your Savior, He has made you righteous in the eyes of God and He, Himself, has opened those majestic wings to you. At this very moment, God has you held securely beneath their eternal shade and shelter.

“I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalm 61:4 (NIV)

Never forget this beautiful place in which you are privileged to reside. Call upon His wings to cover you and thank Him for such a gift. Thank Jesus for making a way where once there was no way. And keep your eyes open – you never know when God may send a sweet little feather across your path to remind you just how surely He is there...

"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7 (NLT)

STAR*STRUCK

Hi, my friend,

Just the other night I just spent some of the sweetest, yet simple moments with God. After a long, blessed week of ministry, I was drawn to my double window, beaming with light from the fiery stars above. With electric toothbrush buzzing in hand, I settled at the edge of my bed and gazed up at those twinkling lights hanging high above. In that moment, I was again struck with the reminder that the mighty One who formed each and every nighttime jewel I was staring at, also created me and was engaging me.

I sat and wondered, “How could this possibly be? He is the Most High God, Creator of the Heavens and Earth, Savior of the World, my precious Daddy in Heaven, Weaver of my beating heart, and Lover of my very soul. My God is all of these things and so much more at the very same time!”

My friend, I ask you to ponder, “Who is this God? Who is this magnificent Lord who can be all things to all people?” He is the One capable and compassionate to listen to each prayer, catch and bottle every tear, hold and mend all broken hearts, deliver the oppressed, beckon and save lost souls, AND meet with us as we brush our teeth?

When I dive in deep, I find myself feeling so unworthy to receive and handle such affections. I am simply baffled at the majesty of His awesomeness. I find myself fumbling with the weight of God’s glory, and all I can do in response is love Him with all I have and worship with my whole life.

Friend, when you and I take a few priceless moments on the daily to stop and simply revel in the character and epic magnificence of God, how can we not become overtaken by Him? When we seek Him who loved us enough to give up His greatest gift to redeem us, doesn’t it seem impossible NOT to draw closer to God...to remain a bit longer in worship? Perhaps spend a few more moments talking with Him?  Offer a few more loving gestures to one another in response to the love we have been so lavishly given?

Whatever you do or wherever you go to connect with God and marvel at His grandeur, do it today. After all, what’s holding you back? Take some precious time to rendezvous with your personal Savior. Linger a titch longer with Him, breathe Him in...allow His mercy, goodness, truth, and love to wash over you and CHANGE you.

No matter when or where you two meet, you will be blessed. No matter what you are doing, even brushing your teeth, I guarantee that when you seek Him with all you have, He will touch your heart. Just get away and enjoy Him today, remembering it is the God of the Universe with which you are keeping company...

“’When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed...’” Jeremiah 29:13

Star*Struck~

Katie Marie