The enemy loves when I focus on myself because inward focus is self-consuming — consuming thoughts, time, and energy. Self-focus is any easy target by the enemy, because self-needs are so very needy.

When consumed with self, that one is self-consumed. Self-focus devours, bite by bite until nothing is left but bitterness, strife, pride, and self-infatuation. Ugh. Self can be so very selfish. When self is torn into pieces by self, there is no peace.

The world will not, cannot, satisfy, because we are not made for the world, we are made for eternity with an eternal purpose. An eternal soul can’t be filled by the temporal, only The Eternal One can fill for all eternity. Ultimate peace is found through giving up every piece of ourselves to God. Give God yourself, and within Him we find the amazing love and freedom freely given for all who wish to come.

Paul reminds us, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14, NIV). The cure for self-consuming is moving the focus off self and onto God, for when we are consumed with God and His love, our self-consuming stops. By focusing on God and His truth, His word, His love, His blessings, His grace, His mercy, we find freedom, new life, healing, love, growth, restoration, hope, peace, and the joy of His perspective.

Oh, the joy found in sloughing off the self-suit. May we be consumed with loving the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls, and with all our minds. For when we are consumed with loving God, we find His peace, joy, rest, and self-exfoliation relief.

“Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” (Matthew 25:25-26, MSG).

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 22:37, NET Bible). (Matthew 11:28, NASB). For, God will make known to you the way of life; in His presence is fullness of joy; in His right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11).

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Whenever I write fiction, I try to make sure each chapter ends with a hook, something to give the reader an intense desire to keep moving forward in the story. However, sometimes we get stuck in our own stories. During difficult times, we think there isn’t hope and there isn’t a reason to keep moving forward. How often do we forget our stories aren’t finished?

No matter where you may be, regardless of the stage you are in your life, your story is not over. Even when your time on this planet ends, your story is not over. There’s always another chapter.

Paul wrote of running his race to win the prize and keeping his eyes focused on the goal. He reminded us there’s more to come. For Christ’s followers something wonderful is coming, and I can guarantee eternal life won’t be boring.

Keep moving forward. Keep running the race even when you can’t run. Keep your eyes focused on God and keep turning the page of your story, because the next chapter is amazing!

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win!” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)

“So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’ And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’” ~ Revelation 21:1-5 (NASB)

From The Unnamed Devotional by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/2DLynsi

During a difficult time in my life, I slept with a loaded gun under my pillow. I needed protection. I also needed strength, so I joined a gym and lifted weights. Friends would hover over me encouraging, providing help in case my muscles became too weak to continue lifting. They pushed me to continue in the repetitions and to press more weight than I thought possible. I didn’t look like a bodybuilder, but my body became lean and strong and my confidence grew. The more weight lifted, the more resistance given, the more strength was achieved.

God never wastes our time or pain, and Jesus never said following Him would be easy. He said to pick up our cross, and follow through tribulation remembering He has overcome the world. We are also reminded, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (James 1:2-4, NASB; Romans 5:3-6, ESV)

Trials and suffering grow our faith, they perfect, produce endurance, character, and hope. We can be confident that the One who has overcome the world will help us overcome everything we go through in this world.

F. B. Meyer wrote, “The irons of sorrow and loss, the burdens carried as a youth, and the soul’s struggle against sin all contribute to developing an iron tenacity and strength of purpose, as well as endurance and fortitude. And these traits make up the indispensable foundation and framework of noble character. … The world is looking for iron leaders, iron armies, iron tendons, and muscles of steel. But God is looking for iron saints, and since there is no way to impart iron into His people’s moral nature except by letting them suffer, He allows them to suffer. … Your time is not wasted, for God is simply putting you through His iron regimen. Your iron crown of suffering precedes your golden crown of glory, and iron is entering your soul to make it strong and brave.”[i]

There are blessings beyond the sufferings of life. The Israelites suffered and cried out for deliverance, yet God didn’t just rescue them, they were given the gold and riches of Egypt. Beyond the suffering, beyond the scars, comes great blessings. Chapin wrote, “It is from suffering that the strongest souls ever known have emerged; the world’s greatest display of character is seen in those who exhibit the scars of sorrow; the martyrs of the ages have worn their coronation robes that have glistened with fire, yet through their tears and sorrow have seen the gates of heaven.”[ii]

Lettie Cowman reminds, “There are many blessings we will never obtain if we are unwilling to accept and endure suffering. There are certain joys that can come to us only through sorrow. There are revelations of God’s divine truth that we will receive only when the lights of earth have been extinguished. And there are harvests that will grow only once the plow has done its work.”[iii]

The trials of life seem pointless, painful, and distressing, yet in, and beyond, the suffering God is working in wonderful ways. You are not forgotten, your pain is never wasted, for glorious endings come for those who have been refined by fire and tested in the sorrows of life. 

“I still believe that a day of understanding will come for each of us, however far away it may be. We will understand as we see the tragedies that today darken and dampen the presence of heaven for us take their proper place in God’s great plan—a plan so overwhelming, magnificent, and joyful, we will laugh with wonder and delight.” ~ Arthur Christopher Bacon

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV).

The post, Iron Saints, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

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

For all You have done.

For Who You are.

For Your sacrifice.

For Your Grace.

For Your Mercy.

For Your Peace.

For Your Joy.

For giving Your all so I may live.

I gift You me.

I gift You my heart.

I gift You my all.

I love You, Jesus. I love You, Heavenly Father.

Happy Birthday, Jesus. For now and forever, I gift You my heart.

Love,

me

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.’” ~ Luke 2:7-14 (NASB)

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Loved ones are no longer with us, the days are shorter, darker, and colder. The season says celebrate, but it’s hard sometimes, difficult to even think about decorating and celebrating. I didn’t get out our big tree, we have some small ones to sit on the floor and in a table in the family room representing only a snippet of Christmas.

As I pondered the holidays, I remembered it’s not about who is not with us, or what we have or don’t have, it’s about Who is with us Immanuel – God with us — and what He has given us — eternal life, unfailing love, peace, hope, and joy. Therefore, I’ve decorated inside and outside the house. I decorated and hummed Christmas songs as I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the true reason to celebrate the holidays. Christ is with us which means our joy, our reason to celebrate, is always with us.

Celebrate the truth, the reality, of a God who loved you so very much, that He sent His Son to rescue you. Jesus willingly laid down His life, to die for your sins, He rose again, and opened His nail-scarred hands to welcome you into His forever family. Celebrate the beauty of God’s unfailing love.

No matter how alone you may be, or how you may feel, regardless of your circumstances, you are never alone with Christ living in your heart.

We’ve been given eternal life in Christ; the joy of heaven came from heaven to bless us with His joy. In Christ, we have peace that remains, for we live in an eternal kingdom. In Christ, we are given a living hope that never leaves us hopeless.

Regardless of the calendar, no matter what life holds, you are always held securely in the love of Christ. Will you join me in celebrating?

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. …And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” ~ Luke 2:10-14 (NASB)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.” ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Celebrating the holidays first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

Christmas is a wonderful time, yet also can be a very difficult time. Life is hard, people we love are no longer with us, tornadoes strike and devastate, illness hits and leaves us struggling to breathe. However, there is hope. Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, much more.

Join me as I share hope and encouragement for the holiday…
https://youtu.be/osjJ4XiQ7zg 

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An amazing verse in John 21:20 gives insight into the heart of God. John, the beloved disciple, leans against the chest of Jesus. Jesus, the God-man, the Son of God, was approachable and touchable. 

Jesus allowed intimacy and closeness from His disciples and other people. Jesus took little children into His arms and blessed them. Jesus touched the lame, the poor, the diseased, the outcasts and those deemed untouchable. Jesus, our Savior, God-in-flesh, brought hands-on relationship to a fallen world.

Jesus allowed John to lean on His chest, and as a follower of Jesus, we are given the same invitation. Wow!

God is the one who longs for intimacy with you. God through His Son, Jesus invites you to lean against His chest.

I love the New Living Translation of Psalm 27:8 “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

The verse is an invitation from The Creator of the universe. Amazing, isn’t it?

God calls? God wants to talk with me and you? Really?

When you are desperate for God’s presence, it’s Him calling to you to come to His presence. God is The One who calls.

Our souls are made to crave God, because we are created by God for fellowship with God, and that offer of fellowship is as intimate as resting against His chest.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing invitation You give each of us. Thank You that the deepest longing in my heart will be filled and fulfilled by You, for You are The One who made my heart. 

Adapted from, Flying on His Wings by Lisa Buffaloe, http://amzn.to/2BdYOmZ

Bible reference:  John 21:20, Matthew 8:2-3, Matthew 8:15, Matthew 9:29, Matthew 17:7, Matthew 20:34, Luke 19:5, Luke 18:15-17)

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We are blessed to live in an age with an amazing array of books, Bible studies, online studies and devotionals to assist us in our faith-walk. I am so grateful God has placed teachers in the body of Christ. Pastors, Bible teachers, scholars, and writers can give clarity and truth to help us in our growth as Christians.

Iron sharpens iron, and how grateful I am for those who sharpen me deeper into God and His Word. I love reading an author who sees something in scripture and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance can point us to see things with fresh eyes.

Unfortunately when reading, I’m embarrassed I’ve often caught myself skimming through familiar verses to read what the author has written. However, I don’t need to stop reading other authors or listening to pastors or Bible teachers, I need to be careful not to skim over the best. God’s word, His words are the only words that truly bring life, they are the BEST words.

Goodness, I want to remember to pay the utmost attention to scripture. Then, I can enjoy the blessings of mining God’s truth with my brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s word is a treasure chest filled with heavenly wisdom jewels, and there is nothing more exciting than discovering God’s best.

Let’s continue listening, reading, and growing but never skim over God’s best.

Heavenly Father, help Your word pop and highlight on every page I read and pop in my mind on every sermon and Bible study talk I hear. I want Your word to be the most important words in my life. I love You, Father!

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” ~ Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)

“The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” ~ Psalm 119:160 (NASB)

“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” ~ Psalm 119:11 (NASB)

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~ Psalm 119:103 (NKJV)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3DiiBOg

Treasure Chest original photo

Honey jars original photo

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I realized something this morning, something I need to remember. We don’t need to feel guilty for not doing what we are not called to do.

If God has called us to do something, then we need to do it. (If we run from His calling watch out for whales — just ask Jonah.)

We don’t need to listen to Satan’s lies that we need to do everything and feel guilty if we aren’t doing everything.

If we are following God, He’ll show us the way.

So, let’s be still, relax and rest.

Take a deep breath, and when guilt comes calling, call on God. God loves us. He’s always in control. When frustrated about everything, take everything to God.

Be still. Relax. Rest. God is in control.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ~ Micah 6:8 (NIV)

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” ~ Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~ Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3DiiBOg

Photo by Lisa Buffaloe

In Acts 28:1, Luke wrote “after we were brought safely through” (ESV). The interesting thing is he, Paul, and everyone on a ship had just experienced a horrible storm and shipwreck. Unfortunately, many people would not say they had been “brought safely through,” or had escaped, they would fixate on the terrible time they’d encountered while being in a raging sea for days and days, the fact that the ship’s cargo was lost, and the boat was destroyed.

Paul had years of being mistreated by others. He was been beaten, stoned, jailed, people repeatedly tried to kill him, he lived through several shipwrecks, and he experienced hardships and trials beyond what most people could endure. However, Paul did not sit around feeling sorry for himself, whining and complaining about his numerous difficulties. Paul kept a proper perspective by keeping his focus on Christ, and Paul saw each day, and every experience, even his trials as opportunities to share Christ.

I wonder how often we have prayed to be used by the Lord, or desired to be used by Him in mighty ways, but then think God has deserted us or is mad at us, or get mad at God, when we are put in difficult situations?

Sharon Jaynes wrote, “History is full of untold stories of men and women who did not complete their assignments from God but stopped too soon in the face of disappointment. Perseverance is fueled by moving beyond the circumstances that are seemingly against you with confidence in the Holy Spirit who is within you.”[i]

Paul persevered. He ran the race, forgetting what was behind, he pressed onward, he didn’t waste the God-given opportunities he was given, and kept focused on Christ and continued telling others about Christ. If Paul had only paid attention to his many difficulties, he would have missed all the things God was doing in his life. Instead, Paul looked beyond what happened to his body and the hardships he faced. Paul never gave up, he had the Holy Spirit within him, he knew God was always in control, and therefore

We too have been called to share the Good News about our Savior. We are given the Holy Spirit to help and equip us to complete every assignment given by God. Therefore, instead of spending time bemoaning difficulties, and asking God why we are going through difficulties, why we went through difficulties, let’s ask for spiritual eyes to see what God is showing us, what we can learn, what God is doing and revealing about Himself to us and others, and how God can use us for His Kingdom.

Everything God has helped you through, can be used by God to grow your faith, trust, and confidence in God, and also can be used to help others get through the trials they are facing or will face in the future.

God in His kindness and tender mercies will at times put us in difficult situations to help us grow and to help others, for God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Are you going through a difficult time? I have good news, because of the grace, forgiveness, and mercy given through Christ Jesus, you will be brought safely through this life and blessed to be in God’s wonderful presence forever.

 God will always bring His children safely through whatever they go through.

Through Christ, “we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]” (Romans 5:2-4, AMP).

The post, Safely through, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

[i] Sharon Jaynes, Take Hold of the Faith You Long for, Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2016

Photo by Pixabay

Howling winds and storm waves lashed at the ship. In a desperate attempt to not run aground, cargo was thrown overboard. The men lost hope, they couldn’t eat, couldn’t fight against the dangerous storm. Yet one man stood and told them to take heart, have courage, that although the ship would be lost, God would save everyone on board (Acts 27).

Paul was only one man, but his actions and reactions affected the other 275 people on that boat. Paul encouraged his shipmates, and his faith in God rippled out to give strength, courage, and faith that God would save those on the ship.

When one person is full of faith, their faith spills out and ripples out to others. Our faith in God, helps others have faith in God. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to encourage one another and build one another up.

To encourage one another means you are giving courage to another. Please don’t ever discount what you do and what you say. Actions and reactions cause chain reactions. Negative emotions, actions, and reactions, negatively affect others. Positive emotions, actions, and reactions bring positivity. And your faith and trust in God will help and encourage others in soul-deep ways.

There is a bigger picture than we can see, there is more to discover, and more to learn. During our storm seasons, let’s look for the God-given lessons. In the storms we learn who truly is in control. The only One who is in control – God.

In Paul’s case, the boat couldn’t save them, the sailors couldn’t save them, the soldiers couldn’t save them, Paul’s friends couldn’t save them, the only One with power to save was, and is, God. When storms rage and our ship is driven by the wind, even when people make choices that bring negative problems into our lives, when disaster looks imminent, remember God is still in control. He is all-powerful with all power to save, and He is a God of tender, new-every-morning mercies.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).

Our storms also have a greater purpose. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Afflictions are often the dark settings God uses to mount the jewels of His children’s gifts, causing them to shine even brighter. … God trains His soldiers not in tents of ease and luxury but by causing them to endure lengthy marches and difficult service. He makes them wade across streams, swim through rivers, climb mountains, and walk many tiring miles with heavy backpacks.”

Storms are merely training sessions. Every trial and trouble we experience give an opportunity to discover how God helps us through every experience. Storms and difficulties give an opportunity to stretch our faith muscles to help us grow stronger in our faith.

James reminds us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4, NLT).

What often looks like the worst thing can be the best thing. Because of the storms, Paul had an opportunity to talk to the entire ship about God and share that God was the true God who saves. Paul’s calm faith reassured everyone on board to have faith. Because of Paul’s faith, those on board ate food and gathered their strength. Because of Paul’s faith, the centurion kept the soldiers from killing the prisoners. Because of Paul’s faith, everyone stayed on the ship until they ran aground.

Know what else is amazing? Those on board had to be shipwrecked to be saved. The boat being torn apart, provided objects for those who couldn’t swim to survive.

Because of Paul’s faith and testimony in God, I wonder how many on board wanted to know the God who saved them, the only, true God?

Steven Cole shared…”God could have saved Paul… but let the others perish. But instead, He graciously granted to Paul the lives of all on board. The world never knows the protection that it receives because of the presence and prayers of God’s people! Scripture doesn’t tell us how many of those on board eventually came to saving faith in Christ, but I think that many did. Whenever you are going through a storm, not only pray that God will deliver you, but also that He will grant you the souls of others with whom you have contact during the storm. He may be taking you through the storm for the very reason that He wants to use you to bring the gospel to others ‘on board’ with you. The fact that He graciously answers prayer for the salvation of others should encourage us in the storm.”[i]

When storms rage, when life’s shipwrecks come, our God is working in amazing ways. God is growing our faith, growing opportunities to stretch our faith, and giving opportunities to share our faith.

Pray for yourself, pray for others, and watch for the lessons God is revealing. Pray, be calm, and let your faith ripple on!

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]’” (Isaiah 41:10, AMP).

The post, Be calm and let your faith ripple on, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

[i] Steven Cole sermon, https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-70-encouragement-life-s-storms-acts-272-3-21-26-33-36

Photo by Emiliano Arano on Pexels

Helen Roseveare, a medical doctor/missionary in Africa, had prayed for years for reconciliation and unity between European missionaries and their African colleagues. In October 1964, after the start of a horrific civil war, she was the first white woman in her area to be beaten and brutalized by guerilla soldiers.

After that savage night, she was taken with other Europeans to stand before a firing squad. Arguments broke out among the rebel factions and the group was taken back to be held under house arrest. A few days later, the Europeans were taken out, lined up, and again arguments broke out — this time because of Helen’s bruised and battered face.

One of the commanders asked her who did that to her. She replied it was one of his men. He struck her and called her a liar. She responded she wasn’t lying and could name the man. Furious, he said he would call a “people’s court.”

That same night they threw her into the back of a pickup-truck. As dawn broke, they entered a village where the rebels had rounded up men to be part of the people’s court.

Scared, alone, hardly able to see out of her badly swollen eyes, she tried to answer the rapid-fire questions from the rebels. Then came the moment when the crowd was told to condemn her as a liar.

Helen wrote, “I became conscious of a strange and growing sound – a sound I’d never heard before and probably will never hear again. Several hundred strong farming men broke down and wept. Men crying. Suddenly, instead of seeing me as the hated white foreigner, they saw me as ‘their doctor,’ one they had learned to love and respect through the past twelve years of service. They swept forward, driving the rebel soldiers out of the way, and took me in their arms and hugged me. ‘She’s ours. She’s ours,’ they kept repeating. God had answered four years of prayer in that moment! I had no idea that He might ask me to be part of the process involved in bringing about that restored unity. It was as though God whispered to me, ‘Can you accept the suffering now? My purpose is to restore the unity between the national and foreign communities, something for which you have prayed so fervently.’”[i]

Weeks later, two hundred people were attacked by rebel soldiers and herded into two single-family homes. One of the women was expecting a baby and was in great pain. Helen, being the only available doctor, was commanded by two armed soldiers to check on the woman. Arriving at the packed house, Helen noted she knew almost everyone there. She had for years been their doctor caring for their sick, bringing their babies in the world, operating as needed. Yet, overwhelmed by their situation, not one of them looked at her or gave any signs of recognition.

Helen prayed asking God why she was really there. Then clarity came. The soldiers spoke Lingala, knew a smattering of Swahili, and a few words in French, but no Greek or English. While examining the woman, Helen carried on a conversation in five languages. She wrote, “phrase by phrase, three languages dealing with a medical examination and later with prescribed treatment, and two languages telling them as simply as I could, in the limited time available, of the Saviour’s death on Calvary in their place that they might know the forgiveness of sins.”

Then without closing her eyes, she led the captives in a prayer of confession of sin, asking for forgiveness, and that their hearts would be open to receive Christ’s salvation. As she left the home, still escorted by the soldiers, everyone looked up with new hope in their eyes, grasping her hands and thanking her for coming. And she knew without a doubt, that some had responded to God’s grace.

Back at her home that night she prayed asking why the people had not responded the last twelve years to her preaching of the gospel. The Lord reminded her, “They know what you suffered that Thursday night six weeks ago. And were not some of them also there at the people’s court that Tuesday night? Didn’t they see your bruised and swollen eyes, your cut and bloody face? If you hadn’t suffered that night in late October … They would have been tempted to say in their hearts, ‘What does she know about it?’ But because they know that you suffered then, despite all that they have suffered now in these last twenty-four hours I have been able to open their hearts to respond to My love and to listen to your words.”[ii]

Helen’s suffering, her scars, her wounds, opened doors and opened hearts to Christ’s love. God took what the enemy meant for evil and used it for good.

God never wastes our time or pain. Elisabeth Elliott wrote, “If God eliminated the problem, He would have eliminated the particular kind of blessing which it bears.”

When suffering comes, when life beats bloody, we can trust that God has a bigger purpose than we can imagine. There is so much more happening than we can see and understand. There are blessings beyond the battle scars. God’s heart, God’s unfailing love, is for people to know His Son, Jesus Christ so that they will be saved.

People need to know about Christ, they need to know those who have gone through hardships and can identify with their suffering. They need to know the Savior. And your story, your scars, can point to the scars of Christ who suffered, died, and rose again proving His love for all.

“We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. We continually share in the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. We consider living to mean that we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity” (2 Corinthians 4:9-11, TPT).

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10, AMPC).

[i] Helen Roseveare, Living Fellowship: Willing to be the third side of the triangle
[ii] Helen Roseveare, Living Fellowship: Willing to be the third side of the triangle

The Post, Battle Scars, first appeared on lisabuffaloe.com

When I was a little girl, my family went to Galveston to go crabbing between huge boulders that made up the seawall. Once there, we tied chicken bones on a string and dropped them between the rocks. The crabs would crawl out from under the rocks and take hold, and we would haul them up and place them in a cooler chest for a later meal.

Our quiet afternoon was interrupted by screams of terror. We turned to find my little sister had fallen between the rocks. Her little arms and legs quivered as she pushed against the boulders to hold herself up. However, there was no danger, she was actually just a few inches from the sand. But we couldn’t convince her to let go and set her feet on solid ground.

I’m sure she imagined an army of crabs ready to eat her if she let go. Yet, all she had to do was stand up and take my dad’s hand. Fortunately, dad safely retrieved her (and she enjoys eating crabs now).

It’s easy to imagine the worst happening, yet our heavenly Father is standing with us, telling us, “Let go, I’ve got you, I won’t let you fall.”

God will never leave you. You can drop your worries and cares, and take the hand of our all-powerful, all-mighty, all-sufficient God.

Heavenly Father, help me remember Your promise that You will never leave or forsake me. Thank You that You will never let me go.

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]. For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:10, 13, AMP).

From Heart and Soul Medication by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3oOssrN

I used to think about wisdom as a stern scholar sitting behind a huge desk looking over his glasses as I tried to fumble through life.

I got so excited when I read the following verse about wisdom creating with God. “I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:30-31, NKJV).

Isn’t that wonderful? As God created the world, wisdom was rejoicing and delighting in, and with, God.

The One who created the world has all the information needed for us as we live in the world. Regardless how small or big our request, God’s wisdom will joyfully delight in providing the answers needed. James reminds, “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, AMP).

Generous, kind, caring, compassionate God is waiting to guide us with every decision and through every circumstance, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Proverbs 2:6, NASB; Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV).

Wisdom plays, rejoices, knows the deep secrets of God and the deep secrets of all that God has created. Go to God and ask for the blessing of His delightful, joyful wisdom.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” For, “the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness!” (Romans 11:33, NASB; James 3:17, TPT).

“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! … Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. … When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open]; and when you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life” (Proverbs 4:5-13, AMP).

From Heart and Soul Medication by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3oQ65lQ

Photo via Pixabay

Sorrow surrounds me, and my long prayer list for family and friends brings me to tears. I am honored to pray for they have shared their pain, trials, and heartaches.

Several of my friends have incurable diseases and with horrific pain scream through the night. And yet they continue to honor and praise God, secure in the knowledge one day they will be cured, whether here or when they are safe in God’s arms.

Other friends aren’t so sure. Pain from the past has left scars inside and out. External wounds have healed, but the emotional pain remains. I tuck their sorrow and pain into the pockets of my heart. I pray for their healing. I also pray for words to say and words to write, to show them that God’s love is real.

Another friend shared something she never told anyone—except God. Afraid of being judged, her internal guilt and condemnation grew. When she told me, I cherished she felt safe enough to share. I reassured her God forgives sins and God would forgive her. Because I continued to love her in spite of her failings, she accepted His truth. And I tucked her precious secret into my heart.

Messages, e-mails, and private conversations, shared details of sorrow and pain, keeping my heart tender and full. I carry their concerns to God. For each tear cried is precious, and God gently tucks them into His heart. And one day when this life ends—and health is restored, justice is served, and sadness replaced with joy—we will be forever, enveloped safe in the pocket of His heart.

“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” ~ Psalm 56:8 (NASB 1995)

From Living Joyfully Free, Volume 2 by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3AmNUX2

I’m honored and blessed to have shared my journey on Women of Grace in the Marketplace.

“Listen as Janelle and Lori chat with Christian author Lisa Buffaloe about her life and career. It’s an understatement to say Lisa has survived a lot of trauma and illness in her life, But God has seen her through and blessed the work of her hands–with 17 published books and more on the way. She says if it weren’t for God, she’d have nothing to say at all! Be blessed and encouraged with Lisa’s words in our latest episode.”

Or link to –> https://anchor.fm/women-of-grace-lc-jk/episodes/But-God—October-3–2021-e18d6pu

The enemy has been messing with me, with so many of my friends, and probably with you. Let’s kick the enemy’s tail! Let’s take back the ground the enemy has gained. God gave the Israelites the Promised Land but they had to conquer their enemies, they had to take action.

We are given Christ’s freedom, but it’s up to us to live in His freedom. God fights for us, and there are times we are to join in the fight. 

Through prayer we smart-bomb the enemy.
Through Bible study we are given God’s truth to stand firm on His truth.
Through praise we see God’s power released.
Through raising our Spiritual sword we can slash through the lies of the enemy.

You are never left defenseless against Satan! Fight back. Put on your spiritual armor; raise your shield and sword. Satan is a defeated foe and you are a victorious conqueror in Christ.

“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” ~ Psalm 20:6 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

https://lisabuffaloe.com

When ill, our bodies are reporting help is needed. Sometimes we require rest, exercise, or perhaps to eat better (put down the gallon of ice cream and walk away), and other times professional help is needed. Our world is a difficult place taking toll on our hearts, minds, and bodies. In other words, it’s crazy out there!

So, what can we do? How can we stay sane in an insane world, hopeful in the midst of hopelessness, joyful in the midst of trials and difficulties, and encouraged when life can be so very discouraging?

In the middle of the night, if a Bible verse or an idea comes to mind, I’ll type a message to myself on my phone. Since it’s dark, and I don’t have on my glasses, at times the information gets a little interesting. One morning I found I had written Psalm 19:14. However instead of “may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You.” My sleepy, incorrect typing had been altered to, “Let the words of my mouth and the medication of my heart be pleasing to you.” At first, I chuckled at my mistype, but then I started thinking about how desperately I need heart and soul medication. Perhaps you do too.

I need ways to guard my heart and mind, to help through the heart aches and headaches of life. I need soul-wound healing, and ways to break free from anxiety and find joy, encouragement, and hope.

I don’t have all the answers, but I know who does — God is the Great Physician; He is trustworthy, His credentials are perfect, He specializes in all things, nothing is impossible for Him, and He’s open 24/7 to all who will come.

Meditating on God, contemplating the verses we read in the Bible, and all the wonderful things God has done, is like good medicine uplifting us as to gain healing, restoration, and strength.

For heart and soul medication, meditate and medicate, with the many blessings of God and His beautiful, joyful, delightful truth.

Heavenly Father, I will meditate on all Your work, and on Your deeds with thanksgiving. Your words are a joy to me and the delight of my heart. Help me to spend time in Your word, reading and meditating so I may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then You will make my soul prosperous and help me achieve success.

Father, thank You for Your promise, that whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied. Please abundantly medicate my heart and soul with Your word and Your presence. (Psalm 77:12, Jeremiah 15:16, Joshua 1:8, Matthew 13:12).

My latest release, Heart and Soul Medication, is now available for free on Amazon from 10/01/21 – 10/5/21 https://amzn.to/3a8cssd

Buy the e-book with one click for $0.00 (Kindle Unlimited is also free)

He stood rigid, little fists clenched tight, face scrunched in disgust and shock – how dare his mommy want the bug. It was his! He had found it all by himself as he crawled on the patio, and that slimy critter just begged to be in his mouth. Fortunately, after a strong-willed battle, little Johnny’s mom was able to wrestle the creepy-crawly from the toddler’s hands.

Have you ever tried to get something from a small child they shouldn’t have? Perhaps they pick up something harmful, or maybe they have something you want them to release so you can give them something better. Goodness, little hands can be very, very strong when the will is strong.

I am often just like that little boy, I clench something tight thinking it’s what I need or must have, and I don’t want to let go. I’ve battled with God for years over some things I honestly thought were good things. However, I’m finding even if the things are “good” in our eyes, it doesn’t mean it’s the best.

God doesn’t want only the good, He wants the best. God knows us, completely knows us. He knows the past, present, and future. When God beckons us to let go, He is offering freedom. If what we are holding in our hands, or hearts, is blocking His best, we need to let go to receive His best.

Amazing freedom comes when we release everything to God. When our hands (and hearts) are fully open to God, we are blessed with the bountiful blessings of God.

I want to let go of anything that isn’t God’s best.

Heavenly Father, pry open my fingers and pry open my heart to be fully and completely open to You. Help me to let go to receive Your perfect will and Your perfect best.

“Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done.” ~ Psalm 37:5 (MSG)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey by Lisa Buffaloe

In the early morning hours, before the sun rose in the sky, I laid in bed thinking about how difficult the last few months had been. Not just difficult, but downright awful. Then, the thought came but what is now?

Thinking about the past wasn’t getting me anywhere. The past is over and can’t be changed. Fortunately, the hard things, the rotten things that happened in my life weren’t things that God sighed and said “well, that’s too bad, those things are impossible to get over.”

The truth is, God is the God of impossible and nothing is too hard for Him. The same God who knit us together in our mother’s wombs can knit us back together. He creates all things and can recreate and restore anyone.

Our broken-hearts and our wounds are fixable, mendable, bind-able by the all-capable, all-powerful God who was, who is, and who is to come. He is in our past, our present, and our future to help heal us through our past, present and future.

So, what is now?

Please don’t make what happened to you, the tragedy in your life, the illness in your life, the loss in your life, become bigger than the Savior in your life.

God is always doing new things. He gently reminds us, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth” (Isaiah 43:18, NASB).

Every day is a new day and God’s new mercies spring forth every morning. Keep following Christ, staying focused, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead … press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” (Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT).

Now is the day and now is your time to live for Christ, so run to win!

From Heart and Soul Medication by Lisa Buffaloe