By Cindy Geyer
The Word In Motion:
You know that scene in a movie where it is inevitable that something bad is going to happen? You are watching the main character driving down the road, heading to see his family. Then the director reveals another car heading towards his car, driving fast and with obvious intent to harm the main character.

You keep watching as the director gives clips of the main driver just driving down the road excited with the prospect of seeing his family; the other driver careening down the road fixated with his intent to kill. We go back and forth between clips. Each one bringing us closer and closer to that inevitable moment.

The suspense is building. The main character sees the other driver, but he can’t change his course. Then, it happens. The inevitable moment when they collide. We watch in horror as the main character is killed. The other driver has fulfilled his goal...our character is dead.

But just before the collision, there is a moment that the director revealed something. It was that moment where everything goes into slow motion and at the point of impact the music stops, and for a second the filming pauses as we see a smile on our main character's face, and the other driver sees it, too, and his expression turns from victory to confusion. Then the scene increases back to full speed, the collision resumes, and death.

We are shocked and angry. Sadness comes over us in waves as we see our character killed and the other driver escape the scene unharmed... What has the director done? What was he thinking? He has killed off the hero.
Then we remember the smile.

It causes us to wonder and reflect. To start imagining other outcomes. What if he isn’t really dead. What if this was his plan all along? What if…? We start hoping and remembering other elements in the whole story to see if it is possible that the director will bring him back…alive.

Why the smile?
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We have a true story, not a movie, a story that really happened. The main character, Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His whole desire was to spend time with his family, to reveal his love for us. The other driver, the Devil, excited by a plan to kill Jesus, with an intent that couldn’t be quenched.

The collision:  Jesus condemned, beaten, scorned, ridiculed, and wounded. Nailed to a cross, pierced in his side, suffocating, and then… death. The devil fulfilled his purpose...Jesus is dead.
 
Yet…right before that death, in that moment when all stood still, the devil glimpsed something. A smile. And for a brief second, he is confused…then the scene resumes, Jesus draws his last breath. “It is finished.”
 
Yet…why the smile?

What if he wasn’t really dead. What if this was the plan all along? What if…? But Jesus is dead. They buried him, and they mourned.

Kill Jesus? Who is directing this story anyways? The director is Jesus’ father, God Most High. He’s also the author and finisher of this story. And the story is not done yet. There is still more to be revealed. This is only the beginning - not the end. It is setting the stage for the biggest reveal in all of history. An ending that will change the course of history!

Remember the smile? It was a smile of secrecy. Jesus knew something the devil didn’t. Yet, Jesus is dead and…but the devil didn’t win.

For God had a secret plot in the story.

He had a plan that had been in the works since before time. He knew that at price had to be paid for sin. God’s law was the penalty of sin is death and a pure sacrifice had to be made for it. Jesus, who was without sin, had to die to pay the debt, once and for all, for our sin. Jesus willingly gave his life for us. He came to seek and save the lost, to spend time with his family, to reveal the depth of his and God’s love for us. His death made the way for our forgiveness. This is real love that He gave his life for us. A sacrifice to take away our sin. All this was a gift. God was making a way to bring us to himself through Jesus’ death, no longer counting our sins against us. Jesus died for our sins, our choices, once and for all. A single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. He paid the debt.

Through Jesus’ death, He forgave all our sins, having canceled the charge which stood against us and condemned us. He has taken it away and nailed it to the cross. His death rescued us from the kingdom of darkness, purchased our freedom, and forgave our sins.

He is our hero. 

So why the smile? The smile was the inside knowledge that the price had been paid for your sin.  A gift given and all you have to do is receive it. 

His death was the plan along.  

Yet it doesn’t end there, there was more to that smile.

God did raise our hero from the dead. Jesus is alive! He came back more powerful, with all authority, all dominion over life and death. Our Hero. Our Savior!

He is alive!!!!!!!!!!
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The Living Word:
…For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:2-3

​Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57
 
God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. John 3:16
 
…when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time… Our High Priest (Our Savior) offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:5-14
 
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
 
When you were dead in your sins and in your sinful nature of your flesh that had not yet been cut away, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all your sins, having canceled the charge of your legal indebtedness, which stood against you and condemned you; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities of this world, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15
 
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. I Peter 3:18
 
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14
 
We know what real love is because Christ laid down His life for us. I John: 3:16
 
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
 
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
 
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. He declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.  Romans 3: 23-24 & 26
 
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. Colossians 1:22-23

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

by Don Geyer
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The Living Word:
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” The region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
Luke 8:22-26

The Word in Motion:
I was reading this passage this morning and I wondered, what would it have been like if the disciples truly believed in Jesus to the fullest extent? Perhaps the Scripture would read: One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. One of the disciples went to wake him but Peter said unto him, “Did not the Master say unto us, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake’? Therefore, do not wake him, but let us to the other side. We will be safe in the midst of this storm.” The storm raged on and the boat was filled with the sea, but they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.  Not Luke 8:22-26

In thinking this way, I am struck by two things.

First, Jesus expects us to have faith in him. With the disciples, it was at least a little excusable. This was all new. They were pioneers in the faith and lapses like this could be expected. We, however, have the benefit of history. We really have no excuse for weak or non-existent faith. The disciples, the early church, our forefathers, a “great cloud of witnesses” all paved the way for us to have the most extraordinary faith – but in reality we’re no better than the disciples that Jesus would ask us, “Where is your faith?”

The cool thing about this is that we can rewrite our story. Much like I have done with the disciple’s story. All it takes (or would have taken for the disciples) is to make a different decision. Look at the circumstances around us and evaluate our chances, or take Jesus at his word. It isn’t always that simple, but it is. Belief is just a decision. The sooner you make the right choice, the easier it will be to build faith, so that next time, the decision comes naturally.

As a simple exercise, try this. Look up all the times Jesus said to someone, “Where is your faith?” or the ever popular “Oh, ye of little faith!” rewrite the story. What would it have looked like with the decision of faith?  

Second, BECAUSE the disciples reacted the way they did WE have something very reassuring. If they didn’t wake him up he wouldn’t have rebuked the wind and the raging waters. We wouldn’t have this account that shows us that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him. A powerful assurance that Jesus has everything in control in our lives. And this is an important lesson we need to know. And of course, that’s the reason this story is here. It’s not to point out the failings of the disciples, but to display the power of Jesus (who, by the way, is the same yesterday, today, and forever).

This story is also a wonderful example of the way God takes our failures, fears, and doubts and turns them into something good (Romans 8:28). The disciple’s doubt was our gain. But don’t stop there, what about your past doubts? You may not always see it, but God is at work in those, too. Don’t be discouraged if you waivered in the past. God can (and maybe already has) use them for good. Maybe for you, maybe for someone else. Have faith.

In the meantime, rewrite your story.

by Cindy Geyer

Living Word:
Yet, this I recall to mind; therefore, I have hope…Lamentations 3:21

Word In Motion:
So much has happened in this last year, some of it good and some of it bad. Many have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, cancer, and other circumstances. In the support group for the disease I have, 6 people have died from COVID-19, just in the last 2 weeks. Many are struggling due to finances and lack of fellowship with family and friends. There are  people in physical pain and emotional pain. Loss, fear, loneliness, discouragement etc... so many prayer requests for help.

I have suffered through many of these circumstances. Death, grief, fear, physical pain and even loneliness. There have been times that I am so overwhelmed by the emotions and pain, that I cannot think straight and want to whine or even give up…

In Lamentations 3, King Solomon says how the bitterness and the gall have overwhelmed him and his soul is downcast within him. He says he well remembers them, meaning he dwells in them, or as my mom used to say, “wallows in them”. They have consumed him, and his soul sinks into despair.
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness, and the gall.  I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet, this I recall to mind; therefore, I have hope…
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:19-23
 
Then something within Him pauses and grasps onto a truth…
YET (definition: nevertheless; in spite of the bitterness, even so, still, however,) in all the bitterness and discouragement, he pauses and chooses to recall something that gives hope, something that strengthens his soul…
 
God is faithful, and His love never fails. He responds with the knowledge that God IS his source of help, comfort, strength, and his portion. He recalls that God’s compassion for him fails not and through His mercies he is not consumed.  So, therefore he will hope in Him.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22

I realize that I can tend to wallow in my despair and remember it well.  Fear, worry,  discouragement, sorrow can overwhelm me. My soul becomes downcast with in me. 

A verse I hold close to my heart is Isaiah 40:28 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of universe. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 
Did you read that? God’s understanding no one can fathom. He understands our circumstances, our emotions, our hearts. An understanding no one can fathom. Wow!
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The whole chapter of Isaiah 40 is the Lord telling us to recall who He is. Reminding us of His strength and compassion. His understanding that no one can fathom. His depth of love, compassion, and understanding for our situations that no one can measure or grasp. It is so deep, so high, so wide, and so long. An understanding that bridges the gap between despair and comfort.

Like Solomon, I must pause in the pain, in the sorrow, in the despair and cry out, Yet…
To recall who my God is and therefore have hope. So here it goes….

My God is full of compassion and understanding. Through His mercies I will not be consumed. He is faithful; therefore, I have hope.

I recall also that He is my mediator. He stands before the Father interceding on my behalf. How can I be consumed by this world when I have Jesus, the Son of God praying and interceding for me? There is no way God would not answer his prayers. Therefore, I have hope.

This I will remember and will not despair: When I grieve, He is understanding and compassionate. When I am afraid, He is there. When I fall, He is there to pick me up, When I struggle, he is interceding on my behalf.  When I am weak, He is strong. Though the earth gives way, and the world is uncertain…I will not fear! My God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. He is my portion. Therefore I have hope”.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46;2

So, in this new year, 2021, when you are feeling discouraged, fearful, overwhelmed, or maybe just wallowing, pause and recall this to mind and therefore have hope:

He is the everlasting God, compassionate and full of understanding. His mercies are new every morning, you will not be consumed. His love never fails. He is your refuge and strength, your ever-present help in times of trouble.
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Great is your faithfulness.
Therefore, I have hope.

by Don Geyer
The Living Word:
For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.                              Ephesians 3:14-21
 
The Word in Motion:
I’ve said it before, all of the collective wisdom of all of the world’s priests, prophets, pastors, teachers, authors, song writers, Jews, and Christians – past, present, and future has only begun to understand the first letter of an alphabet belonging to language known only to God. And He’s been (and is still) teaching us as much as we can understand.

To begin to understand something about that language, I borrow from both nature and science fiction. The Nature portion is straight forward. Think of the universe. Scientists tell us there are billions and billions of stars out there. And there are planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, and the like. They think there might be an end to it somewhere, but have not yet found it. Every time they send out a space exploration ship or launch a new telescope they make discoveries that amaze and excite us. (Did you know Jupiter's ocean moon Europa probably glows in the dark?) There’s no end to what they might find next.

The science fiction element gives us a multiplication element necessary to get an inkling of an idea of the unfathomability of our infinite God. It’s the idea of a multiverse. That’s where, well let’s let the internet tell us: “The multiverse is a hypothetical group of multiple universes. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. The different universes within the multiverse are called ‘parallel universes’, ‘other universes’, ‘alternate universes’, or ‘many worlds’.” This concept is necessary in our understanding of God because it helps us to see that there are aspects of God that we will never see (at least this side of eternity) let alone begin to understand.

I really want you to get this picture in your head. We serve an infinite God. Simply put that means, by definition, that we will never know all of God (not even on the other side of eternity). “Infinite” means “not finite” or without end. That means EVERY aspect of God is infinite. His love, his power, his joy, his peace, his patience, his anger, his (oh, just fill in the blank or I’ll run out of room!).  To think that we could ever claim to know him is laughable.

And THAT is the beauty of Paul’s prayer (quoted above). He understands something about the infinite nature of God. First, you’re going to need some strength to get you ready for Him. So for that he summons the power of the Holy Spirit who alone is able to communicate to the human heart. That power is then accessed by faith in Christ who lives in us. This is a root system, so to speak, like the Redwood trees. Redwoods have a relatively shallow root system, but they interact with each other to form a root network that helps them all stand. “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people” our own understanding is good, but we need all the Lord’s holy people to really understand God’s love.

Now, this passage, as it is written is about God’s love. But we could just as easily be talking about any of God’s attributes here. Only God’s Spirit has the power and is able to adequately communicate to our frail human forms the enormity of any of God’s attributes. It’s kind of like teaching quantum physics to a flea – and it understanding! It’s quite a feat. Do you get it? You don’t have the capacity to fully understand God. Not even a little!

I know that sounds bad, if not a little condescending, but 0ur understanding of God MUST grow. No matter how much you think you know, it’s simply not enough. It doesn’t do him justice. But here’s the good news:
Paul is praying for three things...that you

1. may have power to grasp the love of Christ,
2. know this love
3. and be filled with God.

Isn’t this a fabulous prayer? We’ve already talked about our need to have strength through the power of the Spirit. The second thing Paul is praying for is just as mind-blowing. “To know this love that surpasses knowledge.” He admits in his prayer that this is something impossible. (It’s a good thing we have a God that specialized in the impossible.) But do you realize what this means!? IT’S NOT IMPOSSIBLE! Not in our tiny human brains, but in our spirit we can know this boundless love (again, or any other attribute that He wants to communicate to us). He is unknowable, but wants to be known. He makes himself known.

I join with Paul and pray this for you. Since he already put it in words that make us wonder, I’ll summarize: I pray that you may know ALL of Him.

Action Item: Get ready! He’s a lot to take in.
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And a final note. The ending of Paul’s prayer opens this up to us specifically because we are part of the church in “all generations forever”. For God to do more than we ask or imagine is no stretch. But in keeping with his infinite character it is of necessity “immeasurable.” And if you don’t know me, I’ve got a pretty good imagination and it doesn’t even begin to test God.

And if you’ve ever wondered what “to him be glory in the church” means, it means you “get it.” That you would glorify God more than anything else. Because you would exercise that imagination and you would start asking in earnest for more of Him.

Active Motion
Ask in earnest for more of Him.
Write down what he reveals
Get ready! He’s a lot to take in

​​by Don Geyer
Living Word:
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1John 4:10
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
 
Word in Motion:
These are probably three of the most powerful verses I know, and yet somehow very few catch the depth of what is herein expressed. We’ve got two apostles giving us the lowdown on love. John, the beloved, one of Jesus’ best friends (as is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen anytime just a few of the disciples were called out) and Paul, the self-proclaimed chief of sinners and former antagonist of the early church. You might think that with such different characters there would be a variation in their observations. But did you notice how closely these verses read? The big takeaway is this: God loves us. Not just us Christians, or Believers, but Humanity!

There is something that we overlook in these verses that is misunderstood and misrepresented.  It’s a question as old as time, I think, that we start asking early in life, and few ever find a satisfactory answer. What is love? According to these verses (and others), love is not some ambiguous emotional state or some other nebulous thing out there. It is something very concrete and measurable. It is sacrifice. Pure and simple. If you want to know if you love someone, ask yourself what you’re willing to sacrifice for them. Will you give up your time for them? Your resources? Your life?

Think about it. These verses tell us how much God loves us, right? (It’s not a trick question, the answer is “yes”.) But there’s more. God has given us his time – he wants us to spend eternity with him, he is always with us (he will never leave us or forsake us). He has given us his resources - “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7, and so many more). And he has given us his life as is mentioned in our verses for today. Now, while the first two wouldn’t be sacrifices for God, they would be for us and therefore an appropriate way for us to demonstrate our love to someone else. Likewise, all these things would be a good way for us to show our love to God

So can you love someone without sacrifice? No, I think you can like them, but I do not think its love. Now, this is going to be bad news to some who say, “I love you because God says we’re supposed to love everybody, but I don’t like you.” I know I’ve said that before. I hate it when God has me write something and then in the middle of it, he challenges me on what I am writing. Now all those people to whom I’ve said I love you, while thinking in the back of my head, only because I have to, I’ll have to demonstrate it – or at least be willing to – through sacrifice. This is God’s way.

Here is today’s challenge:
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2John 1:6
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What is God asking you to sacrifice for the people (saved or not) He love​s? 


Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice [an act of love], holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 -

Active Motion
Ask God what He is wanting you to sacrifice
Write down what He reveals
Surrender
Demonstrate that love to those He loves.

My Child,
You have journeyed up a steep and rugged path in recent months. The way ahead is hidden and uncertain. Focus your attention on me, your constant companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey. I am with you watching over you. I will never leave you alone.  
 
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. Deut 33 :12
 
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut 31:8
 
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go; for unto you I lift my soul. Psalms 143:8
 
… listen to his voice and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life.  Deut 30 :20
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23: 1-4
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Living Word: Psalm 91
​
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This we declare about the LORD:
He alone is our refuge, Our place of safety;
he is our God, and we trust him.

FOR he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness...
If you make the LORD your refuge,
If you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

FOR he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Please leave a GOD IS MY _________(fill in the blank) comment!

​by Don Geyer

The Living Word:
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23

The Word In Motion:
 Have you ever been reading one of your favorite Bible passages, or one that is so familiar that you can quote it, only to be interrupted by a Still Small Voice?

That happened to me today. Psalm 23. Almost everyone knows it or is at least familiar with it. So I’m reading along – it’s not the version I memorized a million years ago, but I’m reading it like “OK, I know this one, let’s move on.” Then, verse three. He interrupts. “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Now, I have been around long enough to know to stop and listen when He nudges me, so right away I look at the versa again. (MY mind clicks in) “Oh, we must be talking about the “right paths” today. Hmm, yeah they take me beside the still waters and into the green pastures. Oh, and even through the valley coming in the next verse. Yes, Lord, I understand that the paths you lead me on are sometimes pleasant and sometimes hard. You make me teach that all the time. That’s good stuff, Lord. I’ll use that next time I preach. Got anything else.”

I really should know better than to try to think that I know what God is going to say to me in these moments, but that’s me!

“Not so fast, son. What does it say about WHY I guide you along those right paths?”

“Huh?”

“Read the end of verse three.”

“Oh… ‘for his name’s sake.’”

“OK, now read the Psalm again with that in mind.”

The LORD is a great shepherd. HE looks well after his sheep. HE makes sure they have enough food and water. HE refreshes them and makes sure they stay on the right path so that whenever anyone sees them, they know they are HIS because no one else takes care of sheep the way HE does. HE does so well that even when they are in trouble they reflect well on HIM. Even his discipline and correction make HIM look like the best shepherd a sheep could ever wish for.

A normal shepherd would set the table in the safety of a castle or somewhere safe, but my Shepherd sets it up, right in the middle of the enemy. Why, because He’s not afraid of them. Not even intimidated. So let’s do lunch right here. He wants to be sure that the enemy sees him anoint my head with oil and that my cup overflows. He wants to be sure that the enemy sees all his goodness and mercy tailing me all the days of my life and that I have a secure dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.

So, what does it all mean?

It means it’s not all about me. Oh, I need to be reminded of that again. Yes, I benefit from it all: I get fed, watered, refreshed, comforted, corrected, anointed, refilled, and followed, but this Psalm is all about the Shepherd. He is the one who does it all. We’re like the canvas an artist uses to paint a masterpiece. No one notices how lovely the canvas is. They see the picture painted on it. The picture doesn’t reflect the quality of the canvas, it showcased the talent of the artist. And no one examines the canvas to see who made it, they look at the signature of the artist to give him credit for the wonderful painting. When you are going about living your life – the good times and the bad – you are the medium by which God is demonstrating Himself to the world.
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Let God paint a masterpiece on you. Don’t be concerned with the colors he’s using. You need to have the blacks and browns to contrast with the yellows and greens to get the full beauty of the Master.

​Be a willing canvas.

by Cindy Geyer

The Living Word:
 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:5

Jesus spoke to them and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
 
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5
 
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14

The Word In Motion:
Where would we be if there was no light?
Would we recognize that we were in darkness? 
Darkness is the absence of light.

You know how you can turn out the lights in a room and your eyes slowly adjust and you can see a little. You eventually get used to the darkness and can move around (maybe after stubbing a few toes) and live in that environment.  You adjust, adapt. You surrender to the darkness.

What if you started out in the darkness? Would you know you were in the dark? No. You wouldn’t even know what light was. You wouldn’t know there was a different way to live.  The only way to know that you are in the dark is to have experienced the light. 

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:5
 
Jesus is the true light that gives light to everyone. For those who live in darkness and have never experienced light, and for those who lived in the light and may have adapted to the darkness.

Jesus came so everyone could know what darkness is and hopefully to choose light. He is the light of the world. The light shines in the darkness dispersing fear and despair. The light that shines in the darkness exposing lies and revealing the truth. A light that gives life.

Jesus spoke to them and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

For those of you who are in the darkness and have never experienced light, there is one who unconditionally loves you – it’s Jesus. He came so you don't have to live in darkness. He came so you are not lost in the darkness. He came so you are not hounded by the fears of the darkness. He came so you are not chased by the despair of the darkness.
 
His light is not blinding but slowly dawns and reveals that you are loved beyond measure. It reveals that you are not alone. It reveals that there is no condemnation in His light. His light is freely given. Shame is not in this light, Death is not in this light. Rejection is not in this light.
 
Acceptance and forgiveness are in this light. Unconditional love is in this light. A light that will lead you to a place of peace. All you have to do is accept the free gift and believe He is the light and let it shine into your heart. Ask forgiveness for the things done in the darkness and receive the light of forgiveness that remembers your sins no more. Then step into the light that leads you to a place of joy, love, peace, and hope.
 
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

For those of you who walk in the light, do you remember that children's song…
                                         "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
                                                   Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
                                     Hide it under a bush, Oh No, I’m gonna let it shine.
                                      Won't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine.
                                                 Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
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                 How will the world know “The Light” if we are not shining His light?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14

Our light reveals Jesus to the world. Is your light shining brightly or have you adjusted to the darkness of this world? Have you covered your light because of fear? Have you let your light dim due to the struggles of this life? Has your light become so dim that the world sees you just like them - living in darkness. Have you let the enemy blow your light out? Then you need to go back to the light source and rekindle your fire. Remember who He is - and who you are. Recall what you received when you first accepted the light. 
 
When you walk through the valleys, climb the mountains, traverse the storms and celebrate the outcomes, your light needs to shine. Wait...His light needs to shine. We need to use the light of his presence, the source of our light, to keep the darkness at bay. 
 
Use the light of His presence in all aspects of our lives, so the world knows that there is light. 
 
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Pet 2:9

In the light of his presence, we see opportunities to shine and watch a spark of his love ignite hope, truth, and mercy. A flame to burn out fear and pain. A fire to burn away the undergrowth of the world's entrapments and confusion. A glowing ember of comfort and peaceful reflection of a Savior who came, who is with us and saves us. 

He is the light of the world. He gave his life to save and deliver us from the darkness. His light sparks passion and excitement of what he will do to save, deliver, reveal, and redeem us. He kindles in us an anticipation of the inevitable intervention of God that burns away the darkness and brings the light of hope...

Let's open our hearts to be his beacons of hope.

By Cindy Geyer
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The Living Word:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and she will call Him Immanuel (God with us). Isaiah 7:14
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The Word In Motion:
As some of you know... I have been dealing with a chronic illness. It has been an interesting journey. Along the way, there have been hills to hike, mountains to rock climb, and valleys to go through that have overwhelmed me and my family at times.

YET this I recall to mind at all times...My God is faithful, He is my healer, my redeemer, my strength and my peace. He is the miracle worker and the restorer of faith. He will never leave me. He is my God and He is good, good, good!

God has used many people to help us along this journey. So this Christmas, I just want to remind you, that there are many out there who are going through some tough journeys also and need a friend to hike a hill, an experienced guide to rock climb a mountain, a light-bearer to go through a valley or voice in the wilderness calling out, "He is with you and will never leave you".

We are all called (those who are in a strong place and those who are in a weak place) to encourage and extend a hand to the weary and broken. Remember, who it is you serve and reach out with His hand of love.

Christmas is the fulfillment of the promise that a Savior has come and HE IS WITH US.

You are His vessel to reveal this to others. Reach out in His love!

​God bless us, everyone!

by Cindy Geyer

The Living Word:
The bellows fiercely fan the flames to burn out the corruption. But it does not purify them, for the wickedness remains. I will label them ‘Rejected Silver,’ for I, the Lord, am discarding them.” Jeremiah 6:29-30 (nlt)
 
The Word In Motion:
Sounds harsh doesn’t it, to be rejected because of an unwillingness to yield.

​The prophet Jeremiah is telling the outcome of one who resists the Refiner’s fire. The fire burns on and on, but the impurities are never released and removed. Instead, this particular piece of metal has stubbornly clung to that which cheapens it, regardless of the intensity of the heat. Its resistance to the fire reveals ugliness rather than beauty. It has resisted its potential to become anything of value. 

The Refiner, places a chuck of silver in the fire time after time. When the impurities are stubbornly held on to, the refining process continues in vain. So this stubborn piece of silver remains impure, unusable, and unattractive. Then the silver is rejected for use by the refiner. What a tragic ending! This obstinate and impure piece of silver has been set aside because it insisted on hanging on to its impurities.
 
We have a choice…yield to the Refiner and his fire or hang on to our impurities. Yes, it can be difficult to have our impurities exposed and removed. So instead of allowing the fire to do its refining work, we hang on to anger, un-forgiveness, selfishness, pride… and refuse to let those impurities be released from our lives. (the wickedness remains) We justify our rights and opinions. We blame others. We even blame God for what remains in us. And sometimes we are so locked into what we see in others that we don’t see what is in us. Is the risk worth it?

The Refiner’s fire is able to miraculously transform worthless junk into a vessel of pure silver. But for that transformation to happen we must surrender to the refiner’s skill. We need to allow the heat of the fire to reveal the impurities in us. Only He can take our lives and remove the impurities without scorching our hearts. He heats the fire till a miracle takes place: Till He sees Himself in the silver! We reflect the Refiners face!
 
Oh, how I don’t want to be set aside by God! I want God to be able to use me every day in every possible way! I want the impurities out of my heart and life! There’s nothing more tragic and horrifying than to hear the Refiner say, “I am simply unable to use you. You have refused to let go of that which defiles you.” 
 
Is it worth the risk to resist?
 
PRAYER:
O Lord, I surrender to your fire. My resistance is futile. Help me to yield to the heat of your word, to surrender to the work of your hands, and to remember that even though the fire is hot you will not let me be burned. Your ever watchful eyes are on the whole process of refining me. Amen
 
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" Zechariah 13:9

by Cindy Geyer

Living Word: ​
You said, "Seek My face', my heart said to You,"Your face, Lord, I will seek."
Psalm 27:8 

Word In Motion:
Seek Him first in all things. We have a God with unlimited abundance. Open you heart and mind to receive more and more of Him. He is your salvation. He is your strength. He will never fail you nor abandon you. He is your Help. 
Lift your eyes up to where your help comes from. Seek His face. Look to Him.
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.
Psalm 105:4

Listen for His voice. He speaks softly to your heart, in the depths of your being. Be still and listen. He will be a voice speaking to you saying "this is the way, walk in it"
"Listen to His voice and hold-fast to Him. For the Lord is your life." 
Duet 30:20

When we worry all we hear is the storm of anxious confusion (waves in a storm and being tossed back and forth). As He tries to speak, His voice gets lost in the roar of the ocean of worry, muffled by the waves of fear. Be STILL and listen for His voice. 
The mind control by His Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6

Listen, my voice cries out over the waves, "It is I. I am here." (listen)
"Do you not see me?, I am the one walking on the waves." (seek)
Be still, let me quiet your mind and still your anxious thoughts. Let me quiet the storm as you sit still in my presence. Do not be fearful of the storm, for I have overcome the storm.
Be still and know I am God.
Psalm 46:10

We need to Seek Him, listen for His voice, and look to where our help comes from;
Our help comes from the Lord, the one who calms the seas and quiets the waves.

Read this out loud, with a heart full of confidence.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let my foot slip—he who watches over me will not slumber; indeed, he will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over me—the Lord is my shade at my right hand;
the sun will not harm me by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep me from all harm— he will watch over my life; the Lord will watch over my coming and my going
both now and forevermore more.
Psalm 121

Lord, our response to your call is: "Yes, Lord, I will seek you always."                                                                 

by Sallie
Living Word
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36
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Word In Motion
I want to thank Cindy, Paula, Barbara and Debbie for the opportunity this evening to share a brief portion of my journey with Papa God.  These wonderful and loving ladies, of our Papa God, helped me to release some toxic baggage, experience Papa God’s Love (Full Throttle) and live a much happier life.

I have known Paula for over 18 years and met Cindy at an event Paula was hosting on behalf of the company she works for.  Paula immediately introduced me to Cindy and the brief time I spoke with her was very revealing as to how deep this woman’s love for Papa God is.  She filled in missing links for me on a very meaningful phrase I was using ‘Let Go and Let God’.  I knew there had to be more to this than what I knew there to be….And Cindy then filled in the missing link…’Let Go and Let God Go Before You!’ 

I was encouraged to attend the WIMM Women’s conferences for several years by Paula.  God finally made it clear that I needed to attend my first conference in October 2015. This was the best decision I made for myself.  I was able to meet the rest of these wonderful women, Barb and Debbie.  I also met some amazing women who were attending the Conference.  Through Cindy’s ministry expertise, I was able to release specific chains that bound me for most of my life. 

It is the first time I truly felt free from the chains my mother had bound me with!  My mother did the best she knew how to raise me and reprimand me.  I love her very much, as she was my mother.  I did not know how to accept encouraging words from Papa God or anyone else until Cindy, Paula, Barbara and Debbie helped me release myself from these binding chains. 

Cindy also ministered to me Papa God’s words that He LOVED me unconditionally and was proud of me, of which I was terrified and at the same time exhilarated to experience this revelation. This was truly a life altering event for me! I not only felt free from those binding chains, I also began to hear positive thoughts instead of negative self-talk.  As I left the conference, I made a pact and promise with Papa God and myself that I would focus on seeking to be truly happy in every aspect of my personal and work life.  I have received affirmations that I, in fact, have accomplished living a Happy Life!  I have had numerous people tell me that they noticed recently that I am a very happy person and that my smile is as big as the Grand Canyon.  It’s because these four ladies guided me and showed me the way to a deeper relationship with our Papa God.

I knew God was telling me his work was not done with me yet, as he had plans for me to attend the October 2016 Women’s Conference.  My work schedule and racing schedule shifted, amazingly, so I would be able to attend.  And I found myself thoroughly enjoying the Word of God through Cindy’s ministry.  The conference theme was ‘Come Away, My Beloved’.  It was the first time in my life that I received a Love Letter and it was so moving that – I, who am not a crier especially in public was bawling like a newborn baby wanting to be fed.  The two day conference flew by so fast and yet it left me feeling so very loved by our Papa God - way beyond my own comprehension. 

I know Papa God’s work is still not finished for me! I wake up wondering and with anticipated amazement as to what Papa God has in store for me. I have been truly amazed every day since!  And this truly puts a smile on my face! 

Thank you and God Bless Cindy, Paula, Barbara and Debbie for their unconditional love and dedication to help me and many more know how much Papa God loves us unconditionally! 

​by Joanna

Living Word: 
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...  I Peter 3:15

 Word In Motion:
I attended for the first time one of the Word In Motion Ministries women's retreats in 2013 about Queen Ester – “Entering His Chambers”.

I have been involved in women’s ministry for more than 20 years and have attended many retreats in search of tools to find a deeper connection with God and to grow a bigger faith. But this first Word in Motion Ministries retreat has ruined me for all other women’s retreats!

At this particular retreat Cindy opened my brain to the concept of a sovereign God. Honestly, I could not spell the word “sovereign” in my notes. After that retreat not only could I spell “sovereign” but I came to a new revelation of a sovereign God who is to “reign” in and over my life. A sovereign God who is perfect in all ways and His love for me is perfect... All the time.

Just one of the unique aspects of the Word in Motion Ministries is that Cindy speaks a personal message of encouragement and declaration into each and every woman who attends the retreat. It is impossible to leave one of these retreats untouched by God’s love.
Beyond experiencing God’s great love for me, I have been able to dig out old lies and hurts and examine them in the light of God’s word, examine them in the truth of who God says I am, and to break off the lies and hurts and stand as a victor and overcomer and triumphant daughter of the King of Kings.

One example of breakthrough came during the conference “Thy Will Be Done” this last May. Because of deep sorrow at an early age, I put a limit on hopes and dreams because to dream for or attain all I can hope for or imagine meant that I would become vulnerable to the possibility of another great lose or disappointment.
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But in examining the life of Joseph and his many loses and disappointments and YET see how the Lord was constantly at work in Joseph’s life story, I was able to reclaim abundant hope. To embrace joy. And to trust God's dream for my life because He will hold me with His righteous right hand. And when you know who’s you are and when you believe that Our God is Able.. Confidence in His calling on your life will follow.

Thank you so much Joanna for sharing your testimony with us.

 by Cindy Geyer

The Living Word
We can rejoice, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

The Word In Motion
As some of you have read in the last couple years I have been dealing with a disease that has changed my life. What was once a life of go, go, go; has changed to stop, evaluate, and then go. My life has literally stopped. I now have to assess if I can even go grocery shopping today. 

The disease is Sarcoidosis - a hyper-immune disease which can affect all the organs in your body. It has affected my lungs, joints, lymphoids, and skin, it has its ups and downs. No one is sure how it starts or what causes it. Needless to say, it has been a very difficult journey. A journey that has brought me to a lot of different locations.  (For more info read the blogs Detours in life) 

This past year I have been in the location of "The pit of Despair" (said with Princess Bride inflection). What was new and difficult, became mundane and difficult. So the depression set in. Everyone else in my life has moved on. Their lives are still going at the pace I used to function in and mine has slowed way down, and it seems like they have left me behind. (Now, I know that is not entirely true, but seeing this through the eyes of discouragement tends to exaggerate things.)

Also the pain I am in can cause discouragement. When people see me, I don't look “sick”. It is a disease that is inward and not always discernible. I also don't like to let on that I am not doing well. (I am working on that one). Many people don't realize that my life has slowed, so they keep moving on, until they see me again. This leaves times of fellowship few and far between. I try to reach out, but being limited to times of physical ability, it is hard. Also, they have lives that need to keep moving and not stop on my account. (Told you, still working on it). 

So this depression sets in, not an easy thing to deal with. It can consume you and your perspective on life. Now, I don’t usually get so depressed, so this is a new experience for me.  Especially when I know without a doubt that God has a plan in all this and that He turns all things to good! I also know that I am healed!! Whether it is seen now or in the future I am healed.

 So I say all this to tell you about a special time I had with the Lord the other day. It was one of those days that I was in a lot of pain and not feeling I could get up, but I wanted to go to church. So I went. As I was in worship the pain and weakness got really bad. I cried out to Papa God, “Why am I in this position, O Lord… Pain, weakness, tired, alone in a pit of despair.” I just started to cry. Then the Lord spoke to my heart and showed me a picture.

I was in this deep pit, no way to climb out, with a shaft of light shining down on my collapsed body. "This is not a pit of despair my daughter...this is a position of honor!" What? How can this be? I am in a pit, alone and in pain. "My precious one I have chosen you for this time. I have placed you in this position to bring glory to my Name. It is a position of honor that I have placed you in. That it is a pit of despair is a perspective your flesh has made it to be. I have chosen this as a place of honor to bring glory to my name." Now I need to tell you that at first I was, like, could you choose a different place for this position. (Sarcoidosis is not what I would have wanted.) My discouragement was so overwhelming that I almost missed what Papa God was revealing to me. But then the picture of the pit started to change. The light was not just on me it got wider.

It says in Psalm 40 that when we cry out, He listens and lifts us up out of the pit of despair and gives us a firm place to stand. That firm place is His UNFAILING LOVE!! The firm place is his love for me, it gives me the ability to stand firmly and not sink in the mire of my discouragement. I learned that day that my fleshly perspective is a lonely pit of despair but with His unfailing-love-perspective (the shaft of light) I could see others in the pit with me. I saw their pain and suffering, loneliness, and fear. I saw people who needed hope and an understanding of God's unfailing love for them in the midst of their pain. I understood. I was in a position (of honor) to reveal God's love and hope to those I would not be able to reach if it wasn't for my disease. A light in the darkness to bring glory to His name. Wow! what a perspective change. He does turn all things to good. It's not all about me and my pain. It is about how God uses my suffering to reveal His goodness to others.

Now does that change my circumstances? No, I still have to deal with this disease and at times my discouragement, but Papa God always reminds me of His promises. * His understanding of what I am going through no one can fathom. He never grows tired or weary of helping me when I am weak. His unfailing love is always underneath me supporting my life. He is always faithful and He loves me unconditionally. His plan for me is to prosper not to harm me and to give me a hope and a future. These are truths that I believe with all my heart and they give me strength and joy every day. This is what I need to share with those who are suffering.  

He has put me in a position of honor. He trusts me to reveal His love and faithfulness to others. During this time, I have been able to encourage more people than I have ever imagined. Nurses, techs, doctors, admissions, and so on. People I would never have reached if it wasn’t for this sickness. They ask me, “How can you be so positive when you are so sick?” I just look at them and say “God.” My position opens doors to reveal His glory.

Many of you are suffering and need a word of hope. Read the truth of who God is in the paragraph above *. He is a faithful God in all things.

For others of you who are suffering, you need to be reminded of who God is and that you are in a position of honor to bring glory to Him. What are you reflecting on while in your pit? It is not all about you. He is trusting you to reveal to others what He has been to you. What do your actions and statements reveal?  

A position of honor is a place of surrender and responsibility. To surrender your perspective/selfishness and take on the responsibility of bringing glory to His name. Reveal who God is in the dark places of your life so others may see an amazing God who never leaves nor forsakes them. One who never fails and always loves unconditionally.  AMEN!

Our sufferings are our places of honor. It is not about how we feel, it is about who Papa God is.  We are in Positions of Honor to bring glory to his name. 


Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. I Peter 4:12-13