I’m thrilled to announce my latest release is now available on Amazon. As my first-fruit offering to the Lord, the e-Book version will be free through 6/22/22. If you are looking for encouragement, peace, and hope, stop by and pick up a copy and share with friends! https://amzn.to/3HOPXbP

Float by Faith

I would love to float in clear skies, serene, carefree, and untethered from life’s difficulties. However, the problems of this world often weigh me down.

This quote challenged me, “It is a sign of weakness to always worry and fret, question everything, and mistrust everyone. Can anything be gained by it? Don’t we only make ourselves unfit for action, and separate our minds from the ability to make wise decisions? We simply sink in our struggles when we could float by faith.” ~ Lettie Cowman

Doesn’t floating by faith sound wonderful? Yet, how do we float by faith in a world filled with anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, health issues, negative news reports, unending distractions, and other life issues?

Join me as we explore ways to be fueled by God’s joyful peace and empowered with His power to Float by Faith through the obstacles and storms of life.

In 1876 a plant known as Kudzu was imported to help with erosion. Those few plants spread like wildfire, their roots shoot out, gripping the ground, crawling, covering trees, houses, and practically envelops anything that stands in its way. The Kudzu root system and interlocking vines become almost impossible to eradicate.

During the early 1980’s, I worked for a man who often traveled for his upper-management sales position. George* enjoyed his job and life. After each trip, he returned to the office with fun stories. One of his meetings took place in the deep south. Hungry and tried, George arrived late at night at his hotel. Room service was unavailable and he didn’t have keys to a car since his business partner had rented the automobile.

George looked out his window from the hilltop and noticed a fast-food restaurant. From where he stood, the fastest and easiest route seemed to be across a field. Dressed in his polyester, tan business suit, he made his way across the parking lot and began his journey. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize that green field was covered in Kudzu.

Sometime in the night, George’s business partner stood on his balcony and heard a plaintive cry for help. In the distance, he noticed a little tan spot in a sea of dark green. Kudzu had intertwined around George’s legs and body and he was unable to move. A rescue team was called to help eradicate him from the grips of the clinging vine.

The way had looked good and seemed to be an easy short cut for George, but he found out the hard way he should have taken the clear road.

Sin often looks like the easy way, a better way, a different way, to get what is wanted, but sin clings, claws, and envelops, sticking the sinner with negative consequences. The sinner is stuck and trapped, helpless without a rescuer and Savior.

I have good news,  no matter how stuck your sin situation may seem, Jesus Christ is the rescuer, redeemer, and Savior.

“My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. He is the one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s.” ~ 1 John 2:1-2 (TLB)

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” ~  Psalm 32:1-2 (TLB)

*The name has been changed to protect the identity of my very entertaining boss  (*George, thank you for the fun times).

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe

During World War II, the 6th Ranger Battalion, assisted by Filipino guerrillas, penetrated deep into enemy territory to free prisoners of war at Cabanatuan.

One of the primary concerns was the flatness of the countryside. The terrain had been cleared of vegetation. The Rangers would have to crawl through a long, open field on their bellies, right under the eyes of the guards. There would only be an hour of full darkness as the sun set below the horizon and the moon rose.

As a distraction, a P-61 Black Widow flew over the prison camp. The pilot cut the power to the left engine at 1,500 feet, restarted it, creating a loud backfire, and repeated the procedure twice more, losing altitude to 200 feet. Pretending the plane was crippled, the pilot headed toward low hills, clearing them by a mere thirty feet. The ruse continued for twenty minutes, creating a diversion for the Rangers inching their way toward the camp on their bellies. After crawling more than a mile, the soldiers attacked the prison and freed 500 POW’s.

Reading this amazing story, I wonder where are today’s spiritual soldiers? Are we willing to spend time in the heavenlies for spiritual cover to assist those battling on the front lines? Are we willing to crawl forward into enemy territory?

The need is great. The workers are few.

Oh, but what amazing rewards await those who enlist in God’s army. Prison doors are opened, chains fall away, and captives are set free. The battles rage, but victory is eminent, because all things are possible with God.

Let’s get on our knees and raid the enemy’s POW camps!

“…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” ~ James 5:16 (NIV)

From Living Joyfully Free by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2ujraLj

We live in crazy times. Common sense, hard-work, and Christian ethics seem to have flown out the window and crashed to the ground. People are angry about all sorts of things, and I don’t think many are really sure why they are so angry. False reports, fake news, slander, and innuendo is common place in every form of media. It’s nasty out there!

Satan wants to silence, shame, and keep Christians afraid and fearful. The devil is an accuser, a liar who is out to steal, kill, and destroy. Godly people are persecuted and attacked. While we are on this earth, we will have battles. Hunkering down and hiding doesn’t make us victorious or grant victory.

If we remember who we are in Christ, the power we have in Christ, the inheritance in Christ, a glorious, wonderful, unending, beautiful inheritance, we would stand tall and stand firm. We are here, now, in these crazy times for an amazing purpose. We are not left defenseless.

I picture myself standing in front of an angry mob, my knees are knocking, and I want to run and hide. But then, the crowd is silenced, their eyes grow wide with fear. Not because of me, but He who is inside of me and stands with me. God has given His power through Christ to fight every battle. I don’t have to be brave and strong to fight; my help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Satan is getting louder, but his volume has no effect on our all-powerful God.

Our God who is greater than all, lives within us. Nothing, and no one, can stand against our God. The enemy roars, but our Savior is THE LION!

Be strong in the power of Christ. Speak truth. Live in love. Your future is secure and no one, not anyone, can ever take away your eternal security. You are a child of the King, are given His wisdom, and everything you need for these crazy times. Be fearless. Stand firm in ALL-MIGHTY GOD.

“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’” ~ Isaiah 35:4 (NIV)

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord … continue to preach regardless of the circumstances, in accordance with the power of God for His power is invincible ~ 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (AMP)

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” ~ Psalm 144:1-2 (NIV)

“Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants. Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord; rust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans. Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked person will be no more; though you look for him, he will not be there. But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity.” ~ Psalm 37:1-11 (HCSB)

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” ~ 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” ~2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT),  Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

“…O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” ~ 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NASB)

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2l3GBmf

It’s giveaway time!

I am thrilled to announce my book, Open Lens, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 5/16 through 5/21, and the prize consists of twelve Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all twelve books (authors’ choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors’ choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

You can enter to win here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfce54d32/?

When I was a teenager, our family adopted a little dog someone had dumped on our country road. One morning we offered him leftover biscuits. He took one look, scooped them in his mouth, walked around the house, dug a hole, and promptly buried the food. Even though those biscuits were great, I’m not sure they were ever retrieved.

I wonder how often we read God’s word, or listen to a good sermon, and do nothing more than bury the truths? Growth as Christians won’t come unless we apply and digest what we learn. James warns us not to be only hearers and not doers. We aren’t saved to only sit in church services; we are saved to carry God’s truth to a lost and hurting world.

When we feast on God’s truth, we are given the opportunity to feed others. We are blessed to be a blessing. What is given is to be shared with others. Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and rose again to give us new life. For those of us who have received the salvation of Jesus Christ, let’s make sure we share the truth that couldn’t be buried – the beautiful, amazing, blessings of God’s grace!

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).

If you are blessed with salvation, share the good news with others! 

From Unfailing Treasures  by Lisa Buffaloe, Amazon  — https://amzn.to/3laaLzH

2 Kings 5 records a young Israeli girl was taken captive by Naaman, the army commander of Aram. Naaman was highly regarded by his king, yet Naaman had a skin disease. Although enslaved as a servant girl to Naaman’s wife, the young girl sought the best for him by remarking, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”

Naaman went to Israel and stood outside the prophet Elisha’s house. Elisha didn’t come out to greet him, but sent a message, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”

The commander was furious, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’” He also remarked that his country’s rivers were better, so why would he wash in the Jordan river?

Fortunately, his servants convinced him saying, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Naaman did finally wash in the Jordan and his skin was restored. He returned to Elisha and said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel…”

If that little girl had been angry, rebellious, and not wanting the best for her captor, she would have missed the blessing of seeing God’s healing and her master’s salvation. Naaman came back a changed man in body and in soul.

If Naaman had not done as Elisha asked, he would have missed his healing and finding that God is the true God.

As I pondered these events, I wondered will I be like the little girl seeking the best for those who do wrong against me?

How often do I tell myself that God will work in a certain way and miss the ways He does work? And, even though I may not understand, will I do as God says and leads?

God is a good God. He watches over His children, He heals and restores, and He blesses.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I have missed Your blessings. I don’t want to miss any more of your blessings, so please open my mind and my heart. Help me to be as You are, for You “are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15, NKJV). Father, help me to trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding and in all my ways acknowledge You and You will direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). And please, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me…” (Psalm 143:10, NASB). Thank you, Father. I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The post, Don’t miss the blessings, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

Special days are set aside to celebrate fathers and mothers, which are times of joy for many and for others they are difficult.

For those who have lost mothers, had terrible mothers, or for those who never knew their mothers, Mother’s Day is difficult. Whether your mother was a blessing or not, please know, please always remember, you have a loving, tender, compassionate, merciful Heavenly Father who loves with the tender, caring love of the best mother. Your heavenly Father’s gentle love will never leave or forsake you. “Can a woman forget her baby who nurses at her breast? Can she withhold compassion from the child she has borne? Even if mothers were to forget, I could never forget you! As a mother consoles a child, so I will console you, and you will be consoled …” (Isaiah 49:15-16, Isaiah 66:13).

For those who have lost fathers, had terrible fathers, or never knew their fathers, Father’s Day is difficult. Whether your father was a blessing or not, please know, please always remember, you have a loving, tender, compassionate, merciful, Heavenly Father. Your Heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you. “He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers” (Psalm 68:5, Psalm 103:13).

For those who are orphans or who have been abandoned by those who should have given them a home, please know, always remember you are a child of a loving God safe forever at home in His heart. 

“Even if my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord would take me in. The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children—and indeed we are! (Psalm 27:10, Romans 8:16, 1 John 3:1)

God Himself, hands on, tender touch, created you unique and special because He loves you. He formed your inward parts and knitted you together in your mother’s womb. God feels the pain you feel, the heart-break that breaks your heart, the agony of love lost and lives lost, the pain that shreds the soul. God’s comfort is boundless and complete, for His compassion never fails and is never every morning. The Lord is good and his unfailing love lasts forever.

God will never abandon you, never leave you, never forsake you, for you are forever in His family and forever loved.

You were born of a woman, but born by the love of God. God knit you together in your mother’s womb, He knows your thoughts and thinks about you more than the grains of sand at the seashore. God sings over you while you sleep, hems you in behind and before, watches over you night and day, His goodness and mercy follow you and His mercies are new every morning. All days are ordained by God and His love is with you, for you, and will never fail you or forsake you. God loved you enough to die for you so you could live forever in His love. (Psalm 139:1-18, Psalm 23:6, Zephaniah 3:17, Lamentations 3:22-23, Deuteronomy 31:8, John 3:16-17)

“Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house. God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom… How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” ~ Psalm 68:5-6, Ephesians 1:3-6 (MSG) (Emphasis added on scripture)

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2kyXlOC

https://lisabuffaloe.com

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

There are days I feel like my soul is bleeding with gaping wounds. Concerns for friends, family, and the world claw at my back. Attacks by Satan leave me bruised, battered and weary, prayers remain unanswered, and life is just plain difficult. In Christ, our souls are bullet-proof invincible, but we still bleed.

Trials hit hard and I hit the floor. I hit the floor on my knees and I just plain hit the floor from sadness, grief, and overwhelming circumstances. Crushed and defeated, I wondered at times if I’d ever get back up. I want things to be different, answers to come, and prayers to be answered, but they haven’t. Nothing has changed yet in the situation. My prayers continue for change and for change in me.

Desperate for a word from God, desperate for a soul-revival, I fall at God’s mercy and beg for His lovingkindness. “My heart is in anguish within me, and terrors … have fallen upon me” (Psalm 55:4). Through my heart’s call, the reminder comes… “If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts” (Psalm 119:92-94, NASB). “This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life” (Psalm 119:50, AMPC).

The saving in afflictions comes in various forms as God’s word brings revival for afflicted souls, His life bringing life. In a world that bruises and bleeds there is One who bruised and bled to heal your bruised broken heart and mend and bind your bleeding wounds.

There is victory for the fallen. We fall on our knees at the feet of Jesus to receive His grace and mercy. For, when God’s grace falls on a willing soul, the soul becomes free in Christ.

“Let every failure teach you to cling afresh to Christ, and He will prove Himself a mighty and a loving Helper.” ~ Andrew Murray

No matter how far one falls, God’s loving arm is mighty to save, restore, and redeem, for no sin is too dark for the power of Christ to lift with His grace, healing, and mercy.

With Christ, chains fall off prisoners, scales fall off blind eyes, and oppression falls away as His Holy Spirit falls within. And, when the Holy Spirit fell on people, mighty things happened.

Christ’s followers have God’s Spirit living within, granting the power of God. We fall into God’s arms during times of trouble, and in our fallen weakness, His strength is given. A dead seed fallen into the ground, produces new life. As we lay down our life, surrendering self, surrendering our sorrows, troubles, and pain, The Life comes to give hope, comfort, and strength.

Have troubles fallen on your shoulders? Have you fallen? Fall into the love of Christ, to receive forgiveness, relief, grace, restoration, and help for every need. Fall on your knees, fall into God’s Word, and fall into God’s grace. Though you fall, His hand will hold you up, forever hold you, and forever love you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. Thank You that when I fall, You are there to put me back on my feet. Thank You when I fall on Your mercy, Your loving hand will catch me in Your grace. Thank You, Father. Thank you.

God’s Timeless Truth

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” ( Psalm 55:22, NLT).

“…get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! … He always does what he says— he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners—he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen.” ( Psalm 146:8 (MSG).

God heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. God puts the fallen on their feet again (Psalm 147:2-6 (MSG).

“When people’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with their ways. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord holds their hand” ( Psalm 37:24, NCV).

“My heart is in anguish within me, and terrors … have fallen upon me” (Psalm 55:4).

Through my heart’s call, the reminder comes… “If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts. This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. ~ Psalm 119:92-94 (NASB), Psalm 119:50 (AMPC)

(Psalm 55:16,  Psalm 3:3, 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Emphasis added on scripture.

From Time with The Timeless One by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3MdeKa8

Photo by Lisa Buffaloe

Hair-raising cries echoed through the countryside. No horror movie could match the reality of the man who lived in the tombs. Reeking of blood, dirt, and stench, the naked man screeched, cut himself, and broke through chains and shackles. Driven by demons to the desert, through the mountains, to the graveyard, tormented and possessed by a legion of demons (Mark 5:1-20).

How many tried in their own effort to help him, to save him, to save themselves from him? How long had this man lived in torment? How many tears were shed for the man? How many tears were shed in fear of the man?

Was a mother praying for her son? Did she beg God night after night, day after day? Had she lost hope?

Jesus never turned away a praying parent, nor turned away those who came seeking His help. Jesus even came to those who weren’t asking for help, even someone possessed by a legion of demons. A Roman legion consisted of about 5000 men. Was this man possessed by 5000 demons?

No demon, no amount of demons, can stand up to the might and authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus freed the man, gave him a right mind, clothed and restored him. No power on earth can stop the power of Jesus.

Who are you praying for? Who do you know who is chained, overwhelmed, living in the tombs of disobedience and sin? Who seems too far gone and beyond hope?

Bring them to Jesus.

No person is too far gone for Jesus. Nothing is greater than our God and nothing is impossible for God.

Pray and bring them to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I bring ___________________________ to You. They need You, they need freedom in You.  Jesus, You tell us that prayer and sometimes fasting is needed (Mark 9:29). James reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much, is highly effective, dynamic in power (James 5:15-16).

Father, You broke the chains of Peter in prison (Acts 12:6-7), You set the prisoners free (Acts 5:18-19), You shake the ground, unchain the prisoners, and open jail doors (Acts 16:25-26). You shut the mouths of lions (Daniel 6:16-21).

____________________ is chained by the enemy and the devil is seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus, the Father has given you all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Please release _____________________________ from their chains, release them from the devil’s control, create in them a clean heart and renew a right spirit within them (Psalm 51:10). Take away the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh so that they may walk in Your ways (Ezekiel 11:19-20).

You search for the lost sheep and bring them home rejoicing (Luke 15:4-7). No lost person is too lost for You. Jesus, I ask that You find ____________________________, a lost sheep and set them free.

Oh Father, wrap them in Your love so they will forever be enraptured by Your love.

When they are brought back by You, we will all rejoice. Thank You, Father. Thank You.

I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who is my Savior.

Amen.

God’s Timeless Truth

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18, NASB).

“Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:14-15, NKJV).

From Time with The Timeless One by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2XIlO9m

I’ve noticed a very disturbing virus has attacked and left many feeling depressed and defeated. Discouragement Fever is spreading. I’ve had the fever, am trying to get over the fever, and have decided to take action!

Since the first bite of forbidden fruit, this enemy virus has run rampant throughout humanity. However, there is one way to win this battle – inoculate with God’s truth!

God’s word contains the solution for every soul virus. Know God’s truth and speak God’s truth. We are in a battle. Battles are messy, but we know who wins the final war. If you are in Christ, you are on the winning team.

Regardless of how you feel, regardless of what soul-fever is attacking; remember God’s might, power and strength are with you. You are never alone, never without hope, and always loved.

Do you have discouragement fever?

Tell defeat to beat feet and retreat. Banish discouragement with Godly encouragement. And remember the secession of depression comes with making God’s word your possession.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ~ John 8:32 (NASB)

From The Unnamed Devotional https://amzn.to/3M8BPed

Take a moment and think about the beach. That thought might create a positive feeling for one person, and for another, a negative emotion. I love the beauty of a white sand beach and turquoise water; however, I am not a fan of sand that seems to get stuck in any bodily orifice it can find. Even though a beach is a neutral object, our feelings and reactions are based on the thoughts we each have about the beach. A person, place, or thing is neutral. Our thoughts about a person, place, or thing cause our feelings and emotions.

Lettie Cowman reminds us, “As believers, ‘we live by faith, not by sight’ – God never wants us to live by our feelings. Our inner self may want to live by feelings, and Satan may want us to, but God wants us to face the face, not feelings. He wants us to face the facts of Christ and His finished and perfect work for us. And once we face these precious facts, and believe them simply because God says they are facts, He will take care of our feelings.”[i]

Emotions and feelings are ever-changing. However, when we remember the Truth of who we are in Christ, our feelings and emotions come under the protection and authority of Christ.

Remember, …

You are saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NKJV). “… for us there is but one God, the Father, who is the source of all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things [that have been created], and we [believers exist and have life and have been redeemed] through Him (1 Corinthians 8:6, AMP). 

You are a child of God. “… to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name” (John 1:12, AMP). 

He will never leave you or forsake you. “…He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’” (Hebrews 13:5, AMP) 

You are given the strength and armor of God to stand firm against evil. “… be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11, NASB).

No matter how rough and tough life gets, He will be with you. “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3, NKJV).

You are not given the spirit of fear; you are given God’s power, love, a calm well-balanced mind, discipline, and self-control. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, AMPC).

 Jesus Christ has all authority to give you everything needed. “All authority has been given to Me on heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). As a follower of Jesus, His authority and power are in us, granting us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). 

Therefore, rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7, NASB).

The post, Feelings, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com/feelings

[i] Cowman, L. B., Streams In The Desert, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan),

Photo via Pixabay

During church, our pastor reminded us that if we are in Christ Jesus we are like Noah when he was in the ark. Noah was safe and secure even in the storms, even in the driving rain, even if he tripped and fell, even if he was wobbly on his feet, even if he wondered if the storm would ever end, even if he wondered if God would remember him and his family, Noah was safe in the ark.

I needed that reminder, that even in the times when I feel so small, when the storms are raging and I’m so very wobbly on my faith-feet, even when I’m tripping and falling, I am always safe in Christ.

Christ Jesus paid the price for our sins and our failures, His unfailing love, grace, and mercy sets us forever free and forever safe.  

If you are in Christ…
     you are forgiven.
     you are eternally secure and soul-safe.
     you are free in Christ.
     you are never alone.
     you are loved now and forever.
     you have access to God.
     you have hope forever.
     and, you always get a happy ending.

Remember always, no matter what is happening, no matter how small your faith may be, no matter how wobbly you are, if you are in Christ you are safe forever.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” ~ Romans 6:23 (AMP), Romans 8:1-2 (AMP)

“Fling wide, then, the portals of your soul. He will come with that love which you long to feel; he will come with that joy into which you cannot work your poor depressed spirit; he will bring the peace which now you have not. … Only open the door to him, drive out his enemies, give him the keys of your heart, and he will dwell there forever. Oh, wondrous love, that brings such a guest to dwell in such a heart! … The whole of Christ, in His adorable character as the Son of God, is by Himself made over to us most richly to enjoy. His wisdom is our direction, his knowledge our instruction, his power our protection, his justice our surety, his love our comfort, his mercy our solace, and his immutability our trust. He makes no reserve, but opens the recesses of the Mount of God and bids us dig in its mines for the hidden treasures.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

Safe forever in Christ first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

I’ll admit I have problems with punctuation. Commas should be pauses, like when I talk. Periods are used when I pause longer than a pause. Period. Semicolons, colons, ellipses, question marks, exclamation points, and dashes decorated my pages at random intervals.

Grammar lovers, please don’t judge me. If you see misused punctuation or grammar problems, prayers are appreciated. I have so much more to learn.

I notice we tend to punctuate life. We question God, exclaiming surely He should have done something differently. We put periods on those who suffer traumatic events, stating that no healing is available and their future is without hope. When things don’t go our way, or we don’t understand, we plop down a big fat period on our proverbial life pages and refuse to go forward.
We punctuate life without knowing the full sentence. Only God knows when a semicolon, exclamation point, question, colon, dash, or ellipses, is proper. With God, our lives have no period – ever. Life goes on, forever.

The only period we need to concern ourselves with is that Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins and the promise of new life, new hope, and new beginnings. And that is the wonderful truth. Period.

Rejoice! If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the period at the end of your life’s sentence becomes a dash to a wonderful, joy-filled eternity.

From Living Joyfully Free, Volume 2, https://amzn.to/3DoEKfC

Have you ever watched a small child? The smallest object can be a source of squealing delight. A flower, a ladybug, and even a weed can capture their attention to examine, prod, and touch.

I wonder, have we lost that same wonder?

Have we stopped looking, searching, and noticing?

God has placed treasures in every single moment, but we won’t find if we don’t look.

A treasure hunt isn’t just a quick glance; it’s an all-out pursuit, a digging, exploring, searching quest to find the amazing God-given blessings.

With the wide-eyed wonder of a small child ask to see the smallest details, seek to find the beauty, knock until the door of your heart is tender and open to notice all the blessings of God.

Search for wonder and you will see the wonders of God.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” ~ Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” ~ Matthew 13:44 (NASB)

“Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That’s right—if you make insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.” ~ Proverbs 2:1-5 (MSG)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/2HPyDXG

Have you ever felt like a nail in the board of life being pounded and pounded by all the bad news, heartache, trials, and sufferings of life?

While in bed praying this morning, I heard in my spirit, “you have the power of the living God within you; RISE UP!”

I thought of people throughout the Bible who had the Spirit of God come upon them, and they achieved amazing and incredible things. The Holy Spirit gave people the power to prophesy, the power to fight and destroy evil, the power to speak and share the Gospel, the power to do what no ordinary person could do, the power to withstand terrible trials and persecution, and the power to live for Christ no matter what was happening in their lives.

Therefore, remember that God “made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-6, NASB). For “those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.” (Isaiah 40:31, AMP).

Speak God’s truth, share the good news of the grace of Jesus Christ, for you are here for such a time as this; rise up! “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, NKJV).

No matter what happens, how crazy this world gets, the peace of Christ is in you, for He has overcome the world; therefore, rise up! For in Christ, “…you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

Therefore, rise up, and “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope” (Romans 15:13, AMPC).

The post, Rise Up, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” ~ Acts 13:22 (NASB)

Why did God find David a man after His heart? Look at the beauty of David’s Psalms, and read about his desire and longing for The Lord. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” Psalms 42:1 (NASB)

Throughout the Psalms, David reveals that his desire for God was beyond anything this earth could offer. What great hope David’s life should give us. His failings were as large as his faith, but one thing never changed — his love and desire for God. “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” ~ Psalm 9:1-2 (NKJV)

David was not perfect, but he was devoted and passionate to know, serve, and love God. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” ~ Psalm 28:7 (NKJV)

He committed terrible sins (adultery, murder) in his lifetime, but he always came back searching for the heart of God. “As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” ~ Psalm 41:4 (NASB)

David’s life should encourage each of us. We don’t have to get everything right in our lives to be used by God, He does not require perfection. We don’t have to be perfect; we serve a perfect Savior. And through His perfect love we find acceptance, mercy, and eternal grace.

Throughout history, God has used imperfect people in mighty ways. The great women and men of faith in the Bible were human, complete with failure. Only Jesus lived a perfect life, and through Him God reaches out to us all.

I’m so grateful the Bible doesn’t hide the failures of those who were used in mighty ways. The people God chose struggled with sin and the hardships of life. And yet even through their imperfections our mighty God did amazing things.

Is there something in your life you feel might keep you from being used by God? Take that thought, perhaps that sin, and talk to God. If you need to ask His forgiveness, please talk to Him right now.

God promises when we come to Him seeking His mercy and grace, He will forgive. And those sins are never to be remembered again by our loving God. Accept the treasures of His forgiveness. Seek God’s heart and you’ll find God’s wonderful blessings filling your heart.

Mining for Treasure

Do you find strength that, in spite of failures, God can change your heart to have a heart like His?

Do you believe that if God can forgive David’s sin’s, He can forgive yours?

Take a deep breath. Even with your imperfections and failures, even with your struggles, God loves you and wants to fill your heart with His love.

Will you take a moment to thank God for His perfect love, to thank Him for His perfect grace and forgiveness?

From Unfailing Treasures by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3853X3d

Ever had your stomach tangled in knots? The stress of the day, of the news, of the world, can wreck havoc on the body. Whew, it’s a crazy world out there people.

All too often I get tangled up in the messiness of the messy world. Paul gave Timothy some great advice, “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB)

Oh, I want to please God! So after I read Paul’s advice, I looked to find where I could get untangled. — Spend more time in Bible study and prayer. Focus back on the might of our ALL-MIGHTY God. Remember God is our defender and we don’t battle with flesh and blood. Through Christ we are given His power and His strength for any and every battle. God’s heavenly forces are bigger than any earthly or demonic forces. There is nothing impossible with God and He is ALL-powerful.

Limit the stream of negative news. Turn off the television, step away from the online social scene, and don’t get dragged down by reading (or watching) everyone else’s opinions or thoughts. Seek “first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Remember that I can’t fix the world, but through prayer can carry the world to The One who can fix everything. We are not left defenseless. We are never defenseless when we have Christ Jesus in our lives. Stay on task to do what the Lord has called me to do in the various aspects of my life. Work to please God, not to please men.

Pray, pray, pray. Prayer accesses the power of ALL-MIGHTY God. When seeing something troubling, take those troubles to God and pray mighty prayers.  E. M. Bounds wrote, “The earth is changed, revolutionized; angels move on more powerful, more rapid wings; and God’s policy is shaped when the prayers of His people are more numerous and more efficient.” On our knees, we can change this world.

Christ called us to walk in freedom, so let’s live untangled by keeping our focus on our Master and live to please Him. Join me? “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” ~ Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

“…lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB).

Adapted from We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/2JPdLPA

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Our son loved the imaginary mechanical/robotic suits worn by some of his cartoon heroes. He thought it would be so cool to step into something strong and powerful to defeat an enemy.

Scientists have now developed robotic hands, arms, legs and now full mechanical frames to help those who have had spinal cord injuries to walk. In a much more powerful way, we have the Spirit of Christ living within us working to walk us through whatever we are called to walk through and to defeat our enemies.

Notice this verse, “Be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might” ~ Ephesians 6:10 (AMP).

Be strong IN the Lord. Strength doesn’t come from our limited bodies, true and unlimited strength comes from God.

Read and know His Word (the Bible), remember all God has done, remember He created everything so He can take care of anything.

You are never powerless. Regardless of how difficult your situation, you are never without God’s power. In Christ, you have power to stand in the gap for your family and friends, your nation, and this world. You have power to stand in prayer.

Through Christ we have power that breaks strongholds, sets captives free, and demolishes any barrier erected by the enemy. God’s power is unlimited, ALL-mighty, and ALL-powerful!

Be strong IN the Lord!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV) (Emphasis added)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey by Lisa Buffaloe  http://amzn.to/2px9LZj

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.”*

Jesus could have healed Lazarus, yet when Jesus arrived four days late, Lazarus was dead. Sometimes God’s love doesn’t behave in the way we wish and doesn’t seem to make sense. Sometimes His love waits beyond what we think is acceptable and doesn’t even seem very loving. When Jesus finally arrived, Martha came to him and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Jesus didn’t rebuke Martha for her grief or her questions. He gently reminded Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Then Jesus called Lazarus out from the grave.

Sometimes God’s love doesn’t come on our timing, so a greater love can come on God’s timing.

Lazarus wasn’t just healed from disease, he was healed from death. No pain, no heartache, no suffering, not even death can keep our Savior from saving. The love of Jesus resurrects, restores, redeems, and brings life from death.

Because of hardship, pain, grief, or difficult situation, do you wonder if God loves you? Oh friend, you may question God’s love, but your questions never limit the love of God. His love is never bound by space or time, for there is nothing impossible for our loving God. Even when you don’t understand, even when God seems far away, God’s love never fails and His love will never fail you.

Heavenly Father, sometimes Your love seems so far away. Sometimes Your love seems to wait too long. Often I don’t understand what is happening in my life and in the world, but even though I can’t see You, I will trust You will come and You will resurrect, restore, redeem, and bring new life. Thank You that nothing is impossible for Your unfailing love. Help me to trust and wait on You.

John 11:5-6 (NASB), John 11:21 (NASB), John 11:40 (NIV)

From One Lit Step by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3CHUzO6