“…and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Ex. 14:21-22
“And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD-the LORD of all the earth- set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” Joshua 3:13
“February 20, 1992 – I praise God for I am standing on holy ground completely overwhelmed at what God is doing for me in this period of bereavement. Humanly speaking, I should be devastated by Dewey’s passing, for I believe no two people could have been closer than we were. However, I am at peace and there is no way to account for what is not happening in my heart except that it is by the grace of God.” Gipsie Miller after the passing of my grandfather.
As I laid my sweet dad to rest I stand amazed at the same astonishment of my grandmother when she laid my grandfather to rest. Her words resonate in my heart and soul as I know the devastation I should be experiencing. Instead it is as if my dad stood up from one side of the Lords table and changed seats but still is dining with me. I still share ‘food’ with him such as ideas, thoughts and sweet memories.
Through the Lords presence the flowing downstream of grief has been drastically minimized. Don’t misunderstand me as I miss Daddy terribly but God knew I had a battle to fight that would require all of my strength. I am battling Alzheimer’s for my other dad and the enemy is invisible. The other night as I put my father-in-law in bed for the night I could actually feel my dad’s presence above being pleased with my service to God in this capacity. Daddy always worried about the emotional toll caregiving placed on me but now he views it from the other side of the Lords table. He sees the strength that is mine through Christ and he knows the fare I digest is one from above to grow and nourish me.
Yes, the waters of grief and despair are divided and I am walking on dry land with the ark of the LORD going before me.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
An Indescribable Gift!
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God…And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Co. 9:8-15
I am aware that today’s passage is lengthy but necessary to see the application of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. The Word is active and alive in each of our lives today just as much as it was in Paul’s time. The answer is in the application to our circumstances.
As I was standing in line at the funeral home after my dad died I looked up to see a couple in line who had lost their 15 year old daughter in a tragic automobile accident less than 3 months prior to my dad’s passing. I was standing in the very room where they had received family and friends during the worst time of their lives. They had been waiting in line for over an hour in the same environment where a small city had come to pay their last respects to the family of a life cut short. I stood amazed that they could pour out their own individual pain and suffering allowing the Holy Spirit to fill them with grace to minister to others. Then I remembered that this is the God we serve.
Our God, who gives indescribable grace through indescribable circumstances, as one servant washes the feet of another. We are unable to accomplish anything on our own but everything through the power and strength of Christ. It dawned on me that as Susan and Chuck returned to that place of sadness and took their place in line they did not stand alone. They stood together in Christ as He used them in their most private pain to minister to others. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” 2 Tim 4:17
The message was certainly proclaimed that night as two of God’s precious servants poured themselves out as an offering so that God’s glory could be revealed.
I am aware that today’s passage is lengthy but necessary to see the application of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. The Word is active and alive in each of our lives today just as much as it was in Paul’s time. The answer is in the application to our circumstances.
As I was standing in line at the funeral home after my dad died I looked up to see a couple in line who had lost their 15 year old daughter in a tragic automobile accident less than 3 months prior to my dad’s passing. I was standing in the very room where they had received family and friends during the worst time of their lives. They had been waiting in line for over an hour in the same environment where a small city had come to pay their last respects to the family of a life cut short. I stood amazed that they could pour out their own individual pain and suffering allowing the Holy Spirit to fill them with grace to minister to others. Then I remembered that this is the God we serve.
Our God, who gives indescribable grace through indescribable circumstances, as one servant washes the feet of another. We are unable to accomplish anything on our own but everything through the power and strength of Christ. It dawned on me that as Susan and Chuck returned to that place of sadness and took their place in line they did not stand alone. They stood together in Christ as He used them in their most private pain to minister to others. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” 2 Tim 4:17
The message was certainly proclaimed that night as two of God’s precious servants poured themselves out as an offering so that God’s glory could be revealed.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tongue Hangovers
“I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.” Ezekiel 34:12b-14
It never fails to amaze me how quickly I fall off the mountain of good grazing. I am living my life one day at a time and wake up one morning with a tongue hangover. This is a hangover in which my tongue has wagged against another in a way that is offensive to Christ. I know immediately when I have not taken the high road and have allowed the action of another to lure me from the good pasture, the pasture which feeds, nourishes and grows me as a daughter of royalty.
We all have access to this wonderful land of grazing in Christ. He has provided an area where we are free in Him to ask, to seek, to take offenses against us to the ultimate Judge. “I will shepherd the flock with justice.” Ez. 34:16b
By taking the high road we will not miss out on the richest of fare. We will have total access to the land which yields the fruit that is sweetest on our lips. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22
I hate the taste that tongue hangovers leave in my mouth. Let us take the path that leads to the mountaintop where we will find the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and enjoy the fruit that leaves a sweet taste in our mouths.
It never fails to amaze me how quickly I fall off the mountain of good grazing. I am living my life one day at a time and wake up one morning with a tongue hangover. This is a hangover in which my tongue has wagged against another in a way that is offensive to Christ. I know immediately when I have not taken the high road and have allowed the action of another to lure me from the good pasture, the pasture which feeds, nourishes and grows me as a daughter of royalty.
We all have access to this wonderful land of grazing in Christ. He has provided an area where we are free in Him to ask, to seek, to take offenses against us to the ultimate Judge. “I will shepherd the flock with justice.” Ez. 34:16b
By taking the high road we will not miss out on the richest of fare. We will have total access to the land which yields the fruit that is sweetest on our lips. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22
I hate the taste that tongue hangovers leave in my mouth. Let us take the path that leads to the mountaintop where we will find the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and enjoy the fruit that leaves a sweet taste in our mouths.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Bring It On!
“’We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God,’ they said.” Acts 14:22
I have always thought that suffering was just our lot as Christians to build our faith. It gave me a level of comfort that all things must pass through the filter of God so whatever I experience I will be delivered by God. This morning in my Bible Study I realize there is another reason for hardship and suffering.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12
So many of my Christian friends experience suffering in large doses everyday. Satan is not going to be satisfied with our fellowship with God. Anyone who is deepening their intimacy with Christ should be prepared for an ‘all out war’. Satan and God are after the same goal – our souls, our peace and our loyalty. Once we belong to God the only thing left for Satan to claim is our peace. I equate hardship with being in the crossfire of two political running mates with the same goal in mind. When running for office, it is inevitable that the opposition will try to discredit, destroy and eliminate the other person from receiving the goal of office. These attacks are many times based on lies, rumors and manipulation of details. In order to receive the goal, much slander and suffering will be experienced as a result of the heated battle.
Satan has lost the war of claiming our soul and loyalty so he must declare a full scale war on the Christians whose goal is to further the Kingdom of God. Through hardship he hopes to lessen our loyalty, frustrate our peace and deplete us of our spiritual testimony. With my love for Christ being paramount in my life I am claiming 1 John 4:4 as my shield against evil.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Bring it on!
I have always thought that suffering was just our lot as Christians to build our faith. It gave me a level of comfort that all things must pass through the filter of God so whatever I experience I will be delivered by God. This morning in my Bible Study I realize there is another reason for hardship and suffering.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12
So many of my Christian friends experience suffering in large doses everyday. Satan is not going to be satisfied with our fellowship with God. Anyone who is deepening their intimacy with Christ should be prepared for an ‘all out war’. Satan and God are after the same goal – our souls, our peace and our loyalty. Once we belong to God the only thing left for Satan to claim is our peace. I equate hardship with being in the crossfire of two political running mates with the same goal in mind. When running for office, it is inevitable that the opposition will try to discredit, destroy and eliminate the other person from receiving the goal of office. These attacks are many times based on lies, rumors and manipulation of details. In order to receive the goal, much slander and suffering will be experienced as a result of the heated battle.
Satan has lost the war of claiming our soul and loyalty so he must declare a full scale war on the Christians whose goal is to further the Kingdom of God. Through hardship he hopes to lessen our loyalty, frustrate our peace and deplete us of our spiritual testimony. With my love for Christ being paramount in my life I am claiming 1 John 4:4 as my shield against evil.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Bring it on!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
O Virgin Israel
“My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” Jeremiah 24: 6-7
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.” Jeremiah 31:3
The first verse is God speaking of what He has done during the time of Israel’s rebellion and disobedience. He also speaks of their return to His heart as God tells all of this to the prophet Jeremiah. The second verse is the exchange between God and His chosen people, Israel as He intimates His undying love and commitment to rebuild them.
These words are so tender in their meaning and application to us today. We have all departed from what is right at some point in our lives. We have grieved both God and the Holy Spirit with some of our choices as we selfishly served sin instead of serving God. We all require the grace of God to forgive, restore and rebuild our faith.
When thinking of the word ‘drawn’ I visualize standing at a well as the bucket is lowered to draw water back up to me. That bucket is solid and secure allowing the water to hold its total capacity without exception. That is God’s love as He draws us close to His heart. He has a tight grip on our lives and provides everything needed to follow Him.
The most precious part of this passage for me is the emphasis He placed on the word Virgin. He sees us as His beloved being pure, whole and complete once the gift of forgiveness has been placed upon our lives. No matter what rebellion or disobedience we have placed upon our lives, through the precious gift of God’s love and commitment to us we are pure in His eyes and restored to full intimacy with Him.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.” Jeremiah 31:3
The first verse is God speaking of what He has done during the time of Israel’s rebellion and disobedience. He also speaks of their return to His heart as God tells all of this to the prophet Jeremiah. The second verse is the exchange between God and His chosen people, Israel as He intimates His undying love and commitment to rebuild them.
These words are so tender in their meaning and application to us today. We have all departed from what is right at some point in our lives. We have grieved both God and the Holy Spirit with some of our choices as we selfishly served sin instead of serving God. We all require the grace of God to forgive, restore and rebuild our faith.
When thinking of the word ‘drawn’ I visualize standing at a well as the bucket is lowered to draw water back up to me. That bucket is solid and secure allowing the water to hold its total capacity without exception. That is God’s love as He draws us close to His heart. He has a tight grip on our lives and provides everything needed to follow Him.
The most precious part of this passage for me is the emphasis He placed on the word Virgin. He sees us as His beloved being pure, whole and complete once the gift of forgiveness has been placed upon our lives. No matter what rebellion or disobedience we have placed upon our lives, through the precious gift of God’s love and commitment to us we are pure in His eyes and restored to full intimacy with Him.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Walking For Christ
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites…The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Rom 16:17-18
We are surrounded daily with contradictions to the Word and distractions from the Father. Most of us reading this know what is right in most situations but many times choose the wrong thing due to the encouragement of friends or family. We seek answers from people of the earth instead of the One from heaven who has the answers.
Many people urge others with their own agenda being the motivation. They are feeding through their own appetites and not the sustaining food of Christ. The importance of going straight to the Source opposed to the urgings of the world is paramount in obtaining God’s peace and wisdom.
Satan uses the agenda and insecurities of others as a tool to control, disorient and distract God’s children from receiving the wisdom and guidance that is offered to all. Satan will only be crushed under our feet when we are wearing the armor of God preparing for these attacks and unholy encounters.
Satan uses God’s children for his evil schemes just as God uses Christians to bring about good and further His word. It is up to us to surround ourselves with people who help us recognize what is from Satan and what is from God.
Watch out for those who may stand for Christ but do not walk for Christ.
We are surrounded daily with contradictions to the Word and distractions from the Father. Most of us reading this know what is right in most situations but many times choose the wrong thing due to the encouragement of friends or family. We seek answers from people of the earth instead of the One from heaven who has the answers.
Many people urge others with their own agenda being the motivation. They are feeding through their own appetites and not the sustaining food of Christ. The importance of going straight to the Source opposed to the urgings of the world is paramount in obtaining God’s peace and wisdom.
Satan uses the agenda and insecurities of others as a tool to control, disorient and distract God’s children from receiving the wisdom and guidance that is offered to all. Satan will only be crushed under our feet when we are wearing the armor of God preparing for these attacks and unholy encounters.
Satan uses God’s children for his evil schemes just as God uses Christians to bring about good and further His word. It is up to us to surround ourselves with people who help us recognize what is from Satan and what is from God.
Watch out for those who may stand for Christ but do not walk for Christ.
Monday, March 22, 2010
We Are His!
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Mark 1:10-11
The image of this passage is such a beautiful exchange between Father and Son. The baptism of Jesus was God’s plan fulfilled in its most beautiful form. I know the beauty of the sun breaking through the clouds as unparalleled colors splash over the skies. I can’t imagine the view above when this verse came into reality. Did everyone witness the Spirit descending upon God’s chosen? Was the glory of the Spirit so bright they all had to turn away to not be blinded? Did the voice of God cause the ground beneath their feet to rumble or shake?
This I know…the Father was prouder than any parent could ever be. He had created Jesus for a purpose and that purpose was realized through love, obedience and surrender to His Father. As my dad approached heaven I know that the gates exploded and His Father said, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
We are all afforded this father-child relationship as God doesn’t show favoritism. “…I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34.
May we all hear in our Spirit those precious words from our Father, ‘You are my mine whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
The image of this passage is such a beautiful exchange between Father and Son. The baptism of Jesus was God’s plan fulfilled in its most beautiful form. I know the beauty of the sun breaking through the clouds as unparalleled colors splash over the skies. I can’t imagine the view above when this verse came into reality. Did everyone witness the Spirit descending upon God’s chosen? Was the glory of the Spirit so bright they all had to turn away to not be blinded? Did the voice of God cause the ground beneath their feet to rumble or shake?
This I know…the Father was prouder than any parent could ever be. He had created Jesus for a purpose and that purpose was realized through love, obedience and surrender to His Father. As my dad approached heaven I know that the gates exploded and His Father said, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
We are all afforded this father-child relationship as God doesn’t show favoritism. “…I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34.
May we all hear in our Spirit those precious words from our Father, ‘You are my mine whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Surrender to the King...
“I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked…That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 1 Co. 11:27 & 1 Co. 12:10
We cannot abide in this life without experiencing pain and suffering. These were the words of Paul as he pursued his new life in Christ. He experienced sacrifice and suffering in ways we can only imagine through his words. Pain and suffering is relative to the person experiencing the trial. It is not up to us to judge their anxieties and adversities – all suffering is real to the person in pain.
We will all labor and toil as we face our adversities. There will be many sleepless nights as we search for answers to our questions and peace to our chaos. We will hunger for resolution and be parched for the waters of comfort. We will be cold to our own lives with its hurricane forces and tumultuous winds. We will feel naked and exposed as we show the pain and suffering as we walk through our valleys.
When we lay down our pain and suffering and surrender all to the King others will be able to see God’s intervention, His plan and His power. We have stepped aside so that He may be shown as sovereign Savior and complete Healer.
We may see ourselves as broken in our valleys but others will see the glory of God on the mountaintop!
Surrender to the King…
We cannot abide in this life without experiencing pain and suffering. These were the words of Paul as he pursued his new life in Christ. He experienced sacrifice and suffering in ways we can only imagine through his words. Pain and suffering is relative to the person experiencing the trial. It is not up to us to judge their anxieties and adversities – all suffering is real to the person in pain.
We will all labor and toil as we face our adversities. There will be many sleepless nights as we search for answers to our questions and peace to our chaos. We will hunger for resolution and be parched for the waters of comfort. We will be cold to our own lives with its hurricane forces and tumultuous winds. We will feel naked and exposed as we show the pain and suffering as we walk through our valleys.
When we lay down our pain and suffering and surrender all to the King others will be able to see God’s intervention, His plan and His power. We have stepped aside so that He may be shown as sovereign Savior and complete Healer.
We may see ourselves as broken in our valleys but others will see the glory of God on the mountaintop!
Surrender to the King…
Friday, March 19, 2010
His Glorious Body
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus...But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil 3:13, 20
The last night of Daddy’s life was an experience I will hold in my heart forever. He laid there resting peacefully as his breathing became quieter and the rhythm became slower. His peaceful face and the darkness of the room gave me such a surreal feeling. There was something very sacred and holy in that experience. It was like I was invited to witness the moment he took hold of Christ’s hand and was pulled into true citizenship – the home to which he had been traveling his entire life. I knew as he drew his last breath on this side he was created in a glorious body the next second on the other side.
My dad was an amazing man and a powerful example of Christ. He has been called heavenward and has a new home, an everlasting home with golden streets and gates of pearls. He is walking with precious family members who have gone before him.
He was present as I made my way into this world and I was present as he made his way into the eternal world.
The last night of Daddy’s life was an experience I will hold in my heart forever. He laid there resting peacefully as his breathing became quieter and the rhythm became slower. His peaceful face and the darkness of the room gave me such a surreal feeling. There was something very sacred and holy in that experience. It was like I was invited to witness the moment he took hold of Christ’s hand and was pulled into true citizenship – the home to which he had been traveling his entire life. I knew as he drew his last breath on this side he was created in a glorious body the next second on the other side.
My dad was an amazing man and a powerful example of Christ. He has been called heavenward and has a new home, an everlasting home with golden streets and gates of pearls. He is walking with precious family members who have gone before him.
He was present as I made my way into this world and I was present as he made his way into the eternal world.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Promises, Promises
"The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean’…Then Peter began to speak, ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’” Acts 10:15, 34
This first verse cited was an exchange between God and Peter. Peter refused to eat when God gave him a vision instructing him to eat what Peter considered unclean. God’s response was that everything God has made clean is to be accepted by man. The second verse is Peter’s acceptance of this truth as he adds another layer to his own belief system.
This was true in my own family before I was even born. My mom was born into a family of wonderful and loving parents, although they did not attend church. My dad was born into a family of ordained ministers and spiritual giants who led the church. At sixteen, my mother began attending church with a friend and later fell in love with my dad whose love was returned. My dad’s parents never judged my mother and her upbringing but welcomed her lovingly and completely into their family.
They understood that God doesn’t show favoritism and that because of my mother’s love for the LORD she has the same opportunities with Christ they possess. My grandparents never showed spiritual elitism but showed the humility that Christ showed in accepting everyone. My mother has been faced with the most difficult two years of her life and has displayed the same depth of trust in God and belief in His faithfulness as the spiritual giants of her in-laws.
We do not have to be born into a family of spiritual giants to obtain the promises of God. His precious promises and truths are equally available to all if we love God and accept Christ as our Savior.
This first verse cited was an exchange between God and Peter. Peter refused to eat when God gave him a vision instructing him to eat what Peter considered unclean. God’s response was that everything God has made clean is to be accepted by man. The second verse is Peter’s acceptance of this truth as he adds another layer to his own belief system.
This was true in my own family before I was even born. My mom was born into a family of wonderful and loving parents, although they did not attend church. My dad was born into a family of ordained ministers and spiritual giants who led the church. At sixteen, my mother began attending church with a friend and later fell in love with my dad whose love was returned. My dad’s parents never judged my mother and her upbringing but welcomed her lovingly and completely into their family.
They understood that God doesn’t show favoritism and that because of my mother’s love for the LORD she has the same opportunities with Christ they possess. My grandparents never showed spiritual elitism but showed the humility that Christ showed in accepting everyone. My mother has been faced with the most difficult two years of her life and has displayed the same depth of trust in God and belief in His faithfulness as the spiritual giants of her in-laws.
We do not have to be born into a family of spiritual giants to obtain the promises of God. His precious promises and truths are equally available to all if we love God and accept Christ as our Savior.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
My Expert Builder
“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you…And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about it…But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Isaiah 35:3-10
One and one half years ago I was meeting Mother and Daddy at the radiologist’s office to come up with a plan for Daddy’s cancer pain. That morning in my quiet time God laid upon my spirit the first part of this passage. I felt they were words for Daddy in his time of uncertainty. I wrote them down on a small sheet of paper and handed it to him as we were sitting in the doctor’s office. He read it and through his familiar sweet smile thanked me and placed it in his wallet.
Yesterday while working with my sisters and mother in getting the house in order for visitors my mother came to me with the little piece of paper. She found it in his wallet and wanted to return it to me. As I read the familiar passage tears streamed down my face remembering that day at the doctor’s office. On that day I gave Him God’s words to comfort and encourage Him. As I read the words yesterday there was no doubt that Daddy was comforting and encouraging me through those same words. The same man who laid the foundation of Christ years ago in my life was the same spirit who would still comfort me.
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ…his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 1 Cor. 3:10-13
Don Miller was an expert builder indeed!
One and one half years ago I was meeting Mother and Daddy at the radiologist’s office to come up with a plan for Daddy’s cancer pain. That morning in my quiet time God laid upon my spirit the first part of this passage. I felt they were words for Daddy in his time of uncertainty. I wrote them down on a small sheet of paper and handed it to him as we were sitting in the doctor’s office. He read it and through his familiar sweet smile thanked me and placed it in his wallet.
Yesterday while working with my sisters and mother in getting the house in order for visitors my mother came to me with the little piece of paper. She found it in his wallet and wanted to return it to me. As I read the familiar passage tears streamed down my face remembering that day at the doctor’s office. On that day I gave Him God’s words to comfort and encourage Him. As I read the words yesterday there was no doubt that Daddy was comforting and encouraging me through those same words. The same man who laid the foundation of Christ years ago in my life was the same spirit who would still comfort me.
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ…his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 1 Cor. 3:10-13
Don Miller was an expert builder indeed!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lasting Fruit
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” John 15:16
I am always amused at the statement that ‘you don’t choose your family.’ While very true I must proclaim that I couldn’t have chosen a more precious family! I thank God every day for the spiritual champions under which I have been raised. I pray for those who have not had the spiritual opportunities that I have. But, there is great news no matter which family we belong to.
God chose every one of us before we were born and has raised us up through His will and appointment. We were created with an original purpose that only God knows. As we pursue a deeper connection with Christ, our purpose for this life is revealed. Through revelation and prayer we follow our lead through the Holy Spirit who energizes us to bear fruit from the purpose of our lives.
Bearing fruit that lasts is the hallmark of a Christian life. The results from the heart of a fully yielded Christian will always yield lasting fruit. A fully yielded life produces fruit that loves and comforts, fruit that holds and encourages and fruit that looks like Christ.
We were chosen and appointed by God as spiritual equals to each other. We all have the ability to be spiritual champions with a lasting impact on others.
I am always amused at the statement that ‘you don’t choose your family.’ While very true I must proclaim that I couldn’t have chosen a more precious family! I thank God every day for the spiritual champions under which I have been raised. I pray for those who have not had the spiritual opportunities that I have. But, there is great news no matter which family we belong to.
God chose every one of us before we were born and has raised us up through His will and appointment. We were created with an original purpose that only God knows. As we pursue a deeper connection with Christ, our purpose for this life is revealed. Through revelation and prayer we follow our lead through the Holy Spirit who energizes us to bear fruit from the purpose of our lives.
Bearing fruit that lasts is the hallmark of a Christian life. The results from the heart of a fully yielded Christian will always yield lasting fruit. A fully yielded life produces fruit that loves and comforts, fruit that holds and encourages and fruit that looks like Christ.
We were chosen and appointed by God as spiritual equals to each other. We all have the ability to be spiritual champions with a lasting impact on others.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Another Jewel
“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you…I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:16-18
Ready to polish jewels again? God uses so many unique and wonderful teaching tools if we will just open our eyes. Through Saul’s temporary blindness Christ accomplished physically with Paul what He instructed Paul to accomplish spiritually with others. Christ’s first instruction for Saul was to open their eyes. Saul experienced the physical blindness foreshadowing the spiritual blindness of those whom he would convert. He had to experience the darkness before he could appreciate what he would be encouraging and requiring from others.
The second instruction was the result of opening their eyes to a new life in Christ – turning them from darkness to light. Paul experienced the joy of his restored vision at the end of an appointed time of darkness from God. He could appreciate the sharpness of the leaves on a tree and the beauty of the blue sky which had been hidden from his eyes. At the end of our darkness, we will also experience life with a new intensity and passion if we are grounded in the One who gives life.
Most ministries are born through the suffering and pain of our circumstances. Like Paul, we must experience valleys and darkness if we are to exhort and encourage others to believe, to have faith and to press on towards a new life in Christ.
Only through our pain and suffering will we appreciate the restoration of what we have temporarily lost. When something is removed for a period of time, God will always replace it with a new focus and a new lens. More importantly, we will have a new testimony with passion for our Savior. We will have credibility and authenticity in our encouragement to others.
We can only be ambassadors for Christ when we have experienced our spiritual eyes being opened and the warm Light after a period of darkness.
Ready to polish jewels again? God uses so many unique and wonderful teaching tools if we will just open our eyes. Through Saul’s temporary blindness Christ accomplished physically with Paul what He instructed Paul to accomplish spiritually with others. Christ’s first instruction for Saul was to open their eyes. Saul experienced the physical blindness foreshadowing the spiritual blindness of those whom he would convert. He had to experience the darkness before he could appreciate what he would be encouraging and requiring from others.
The second instruction was the result of opening their eyes to a new life in Christ – turning them from darkness to light. Paul experienced the joy of his restored vision at the end of an appointed time of darkness from God. He could appreciate the sharpness of the leaves on a tree and the beauty of the blue sky which had been hidden from his eyes. At the end of our darkness, we will also experience life with a new intensity and passion if we are grounded in the One who gives life.
Most ministries are born through the suffering and pain of our circumstances. Like Paul, we must experience valleys and darkness if we are to exhort and encourage others to believe, to have faith and to press on towards a new life in Christ.
Only through our pain and suffering will we appreciate the restoration of what we have temporarily lost. When something is removed for a period of time, God will always replace it with a new focus and a new lens. More importantly, we will have a new testimony with passion for our Savior. We will have credibility and authenticity in our encouragement to others.
We can only be ambassadors for Christ when we have experienced our spiritual eyes being opened and the warm Light after a period of darkness.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
No Sting
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’…Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Cor. 15:54-55
This past week as I approached the Hospice House with my dad, I dreaded the thought of being there on this particular weekend. It was this past Friday one year ago that I whispered in Beth’s ear ‘Sweet travels, I love you and I will see you again one day.’ It was obvious that I would be bidding farewell to one more member of my family. I anticipated and braced myself for emotions that never came. God parted my emotions just as He did the Red Sea and allowed me to walk on dry ground undrenched.
This is our Savior at His best! He holds back what He knows we cannot bear and He provides what He knows that we need. There is no sting in Beth’s death this weekend, for death is only death to this world – nothing more.
God carries all of His children so that we are immune to the devastating degree of pain which we should be experiencing. The closer we fellowship with God the more we allow Him to carry us across the raging seas of life.
Where, O death, is your sting?
This past week as I approached the Hospice House with my dad, I dreaded the thought of being there on this particular weekend. It was this past Friday one year ago that I whispered in Beth’s ear ‘Sweet travels, I love you and I will see you again one day.’ It was obvious that I would be bidding farewell to one more member of my family. I anticipated and braced myself for emotions that never came. God parted my emotions just as He did the Red Sea and allowed me to walk on dry ground undrenched.
This is our Savior at His best! He holds back what He knows we cannot bear and He provides what He knows that we need. There is no sting in Beth’s death this weekend, for death is only death to this world – nothing more.
God carries all of His children so that we are immune to the devastating degree of pain which we should be experiencing. The closer we fellowship with God the more we allow Him to carry us across the raging seas of life.
Where, O death, is your sting?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Treasure Hunting
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground…Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:3, 8
“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you…I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:16-18
I am so excited about the buried treasure that I found in Scripture that I can hardly type quickly enough. I was reading these two passages which both describe the conversion of Saul, the murderous persecutor of Christians into the man whom we love named Paul. The first passage is Luke’s description of what happened on the road to Damascus. The second is Paul’s as he described it to King Agrippa. The jewel that I’ve dropped in my spiritual knapsack is the absence of a major detail in Paul’s version. As Paul testifies to his conversion experience he leaves out the one detail that many of us highlight on our roads to Damascus – the darkness he experienced through his temporary blindness for three days. He is so passionate about Christ and what He offers everyone that the king never heard one detail of the temporary suffering. Paul stayed focused on the goal of forgiveness, redemption and the mercy of a Savior instead of the fear, limitations and darkness in the valley.
I want to be like Paul when talking about Christ! I don’t want to focus on the scales that have been placed upon my eyes creating a temporary darkness and inability to see the future. I want to testify to God’s love apart from my circumstances knowing that he will remove the scales of uncertainty in His perfect timing. There is another jewel from Paul's account of his conversion that we will polish tomorrow.
Father, may we speak of You in power and glory instead of focusing on our temporary circumstances which will be removed in Your time. Thank you for treasures Father!
“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you…I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:16-18
I am so excited about the buried treasure that I found in Scripture that I can hardly type quickly enough. I was reading these two passages which both describe the conversion of Saul, the murderous persecutor of Christians into the man whom we love named Paul. The first passage is Luke’s description of what happened on the road to Damascus. The second is Paul’s as he described it to King Agrippa. The jewel that I’ve dropped in my spiritual knapsack is the absence of a major detail in Paul’s version. As Paul testifies to his conversion experience he leaves out the one detail that many of us highlight on our roads to Damascus – the darkness he experienced through his temporary blindness for three days. He is so passionate about Christ and what He offers everyone that the king never heard one detail of the temporary suffering. Paul stayed focused on the goal of forgiveness, redemption and the mercy of a Savior instead of the fear, limitations and darkness in the valley.
I want to be like Paul when talking about Christ! I don’t want to focus on the scales that have been placed upon my eyes creating a temporary darkness and inability to see the future. I want to testify to God’s love apart from my circumstances knowing that he will remove the scales of uncertainty in His perfect timing. There is another jewel from Paul's account of his conversion that we will polish tomorrow.
Father, may we speak of You in power and glory instead of focusing on our temporary circumstances which will be removed in Your time. Thank you for treasures Father!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Crown of Life
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:10
I brought baby monitors to Mother and Daddy’s this week so we could hear Daddy call if we were not it the room. Our dad continues to decline and was moved to a hospital bed in his bedroom for easier movement. We had a rough night as every two to three hours he was awake with certain needs. We were exhausted and when morning came the night stretched out into the day as we kept the house dark and tried to get some sleep.
Mid morning I heard some whisperings in the monitor and pulled it to my ear in case I needed to go back there. What I heard will always be one of my greatest treasures. Through Daddy’s labored breath I heard him praying to God and thanking Him for His blessings. I heard him lift Bruce’s name up and Bruce’s dad up for strength. He prayed for me as caregiver and whispered how happy he was. This sacred prayer uttered at the brink of death will always remind me of this verse.
The Bible states for us to encourage and pray for each other “and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” James 5:15. I cannot think of a better person to receive this crown for his faithfulness.
The legacy of our dad lives in example through this prayer as he prayed with some of his last breaths to a Father who he knew could satisfy and comfort the needs of others. Every day Daddy remains on this earth is another day Heaven is polishing his crown.
Oh, how Daddy’s crown will sparkle!
I brought baby monitors to Mother and Daddy’s this week so we could hear Daddy call if we were not it the room. Our dad continues to decline and was moved to a hospital bed in his bedroom for easier movement. We had a rough night as every two to three hours he was awake with certain needs. We were exhausted and when morning came the night stretched out into the day as we kept the house dark and tried to get some sleep.
Mid morning I heard some whisperings in the monitor and pulled it to my ear in case I needed to go back there. What I heard will always be one of my greatest treasures. Through Daddy’s labored breath I heard him praying to God and thanking Him for His blessings. I heard him lift Bruce’s name up and Bruce’s dad up for strength. He prayed for me as caregiver and whispered how happy he was. This sacred prayer uttered at the brink of death will always remind me of this verse.
The Bible states for us to encourage and pray for each other “and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” James 5:15. I cannot think of a better person to receive this crown for his faithfulness.
The legacy of our dad lives in example through this prayer as he prayed with some of his last breaths to a Father who he knew could satisfy and comfort the needs of others. Every day Daddy remains on this earth is another day Heaven is polishing his crown.
Oh, how Daddy’s crown will sparkle!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Knock, Knock...Who's There?
“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel a third time…The LORD came and stood there, calling as he the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” 1 Sam. 3:7
When Samuel was a boy under the ministry of Eli, God called to him three times before Samuel learned God’s voice. Through the clarification of Eli, Samuel realized that it was God who had been calling him.
In reflecting over my life I wonder how many times I have not recognized the voice of God. We busy our lives and cram unimportant details in our days creating noisy distractions. It is no wonder we are all Samuels on any given day. The more we fellowship with our Father in Heaven the more recognizable His voice will become. We will learn His promptings, His urgings and His guidance through the Holy Translator, His Spirit. God wants us to hear Him and understand the message of His words.
Revelation 3:20 tells us “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Christ gives us a choice as the verse states.
We may hear His voice but will the door be opened when He knocks?
When Samuel was a boy under the ministry of Eli, God called to him three times before Samuel learned God’s voice. Through the clarification of Eli, Samuel realized that it was God who had been calling him.
In reflecting over my life I wonder how many times I have not recognized the voice of God. We busy our lives and cram unimportant details in our days creating noisy distractions. It is no wonder we are all Samuels on any given day. The more we fellowship with our Father in Heaven the more recognizable His voice will become. We will learn His promptings, His urgings and His guidance through the Holy Translator, His Spirit. God wants us to hear Him and understand the message of His words.
Revelation 3:20 tells us “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Christ gives us a choice as the verse states.
We may hear His voice but will the door be opened when He knocks?
Monday, March 8, 2010
His Spirit
”Now the LORD is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom.” 2 Co. 3:14
Thursday I went to visit my Mother and Dad. When I walked into their bedroom I was taken aback regarding the degree of Daddy’s decline in one week. I felt myself on the verge of tears until I looked over and saw my Mother’s face. She had this radiant smile and peaceful eyes which peered deeply into mine. I could feel her spirit transferring peace and comfort to me. I have grown up with this wonderful spirit in my Mother who could provide hope with a smile and comfort will a look. I was instantly comforted and had peace the rest of the night.
The same is true of our Father in Heaven. The more we allow Him to take up residence in our hearts the more of His Spirit we experience. We become accustomed to His parenting, His love and His protection. His Spirit, the Holy Spirit frees us from despair and sadness as He replaces our fears with His freedom. If we are experiencing fear or worry in any circumstance, we have withheld that area of our hearts from His Spirit. The Spirit cannot work its healing freedom in areas we are clutching so tightly. It is our responsibility to open our spiritual fist and release the fear that so tightly binds us.
By surrendering every area of our lives, we pick up the peace of Christ. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15.
Through releasing we obtain…
Thursday I went to visit my Mother and Dad. When I walked into their bedroom I was taken aback regarding the degree of Daddy’s decline in one week. I felt myself on the verge of tears until I looked over and saw my Mother’s face. She had this radiant smile and peaceful eyes which peered deeply into mine. I could feel her spirit transferring peace and comfort to me. I have grown up with this wonderful spirit in my Mother who could provide hope with a smile and comfort will a look. I was instantly comforted and had peace the rest of the night.
The same is true of our Father in Heaven. The more we allow Him to take up residence in our hearts the more of His Spirit we experience. We become accustomed to His parenting, His love and His protection. His Spirit, the Holy Spirit frees us from despair and sadness as He replaces our fears with His freedom. If we are experiencing fear or worry in any circumstance, we have withheld that area of our hearts from His Spirit. The Spirit cannot work its healing freedom in areas we are clutching so tightly. It is our responsibility to open our spiritual fist and release the fear that so tightly binds us.
By surrendering every area of our lives, we pick up the peace of Christ. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15.
Through releasing we obtain…
Friday, March 5, 2010
My Prayer
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me…my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6
Sweet Father,
In this time You will tend to me and satisfy every need. You close my weary eyes when I need to escape. You lead me into peacefulness in a very chaotic season. You replenish the energy, peace and joy that this season attempts to rob me of as sadness and illnesses march on. I see the reflection of death being cast in this valley, butI know that death on earth is a mere counterfeit for life in Heaven. I am not afraid of losing another for your grace has been sufficient and will continue to be available to me in excess. Your presence and love comfort me each morning as I approach Your quiet waters. I pull my chair up to the table and nestle closely to you to ensure I do not miss one drop of your goodness and love. You drench me with your mercy and compassion until my heart overflows. Because You are love there is nowhere I can go where Your love doesn’t follow. I will dwell with You and You with me this day and forever.
Amen and Amen.
Sweet Father,
In this time You will tend to me and satisfy every need. You close my weary eyes when I need to escape. You lead me into peacefulness in a very chaotic season. You replenish the energy, peace and joy that this season attempts to rob me of as sadness and illnesses march on. I see the reflection of death being cast in this valley, butI know that death on earth is a mere counterfeit for life in Heaven. I am not afraid of losing another for your grace has been sufficient and will continue to be available to me in excess. Your presence and love comfort me each morning as I approach Your quiet waters. I pull my chair up to the table and nestle closely to you to ensure I do not miss one drop of your goodness and love. You drench me with your mercy and compassion until my heart overflows. Because You are love there is nowhere I can go where Your love doesn’t follow. I will dwell with You and You with me this day and forever.
Amen and Amen.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Unsearchable Things...
“’Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’ Elisha said to him, ‘Tell her, “You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you?” Then Elisha said, ‘About this time next year… you will hold a son in your arms.’” 2 Kings 4:10, 13, 16
Oh, how I love when the Word speaks to a specific request. This morning during my prayer time I asked God to show me if bringing my father-in-law here was His will or our reaction from our emotions. When challenges arise in any situation I always wonder if God is using that challenge to grow me or if I went against His will in the endeavor. I always ask for confirmation along the way as “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I always make room in my decisions for God to reveal mistakes made along the way so I may take the required actions to correct them.
This morning I feel that God confirmed through this passage that we are to use our spiritual gifts to show our hospitality to others in need. This passage states one of God’s promises woven throughout the Bible. Do the work of the Lord as He determines and blessings will follow.
I can’t help but to wonder what blessing I will be holding in my arms next year. God has so many blessings for us at the proper time. Will ‘the son’ be a different arm of ministry? Will it be something I never even thought about?
I will praise Him for the opportunity of service to my father-in-law and will eagerly await His Jeremiah 33:3 promise…
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Oh, how I love when the Word speaks to a specific request. This morning during my prayer time I asked God to show me if bringing my father-in-law here was His will or our reaction from our emotions. When challenges arise in any situation I always wonder if God is using that challenge to grow me or if I went against His will in the endeavor. I always ask for confirmation along the way as “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I always make room in my decisions for God to reveal mistakes made along the way so I may take the required actions to correct them.
This morning I feel that God confirmed through this passage that we are to use our spiritual gifts to show our hospitality to others in need. This passage states one of God’s promises woven throughout the Bible. Do the work of the Lord as He determines and blessings will follow.
I can’t help but to wonder what blessing I will be holding in my arms next year. God has so many blessings for us at the proper time. Will ‘the son’ be a different arm of ministry? Will it be something I never even thought about?
I will praise Him for the opportunity of service to my father-in-law and will eagerly await His Jeremiah 33:3 promise…
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Light Above
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” Gen.1:3
We all go through seasons where our life feels formless and empty, where darkness overtakes the joy and happiness we try so desperately to attain. God is many things but first and foremost He is the Creator. He never ceases to create, to mold and to make things new.
We face exhaustion, fear and despair as our circumstances grab hold of us putting us in a tailspin and causing us to search for some kind of light in our trials. It is easy to lose sight that God created each element of nature dependent upon the other to operate in unity and purpose. He does the same thing in our lives as each trial works in unison with the former ones to create new blessings, new growth and new horizons.
Creator God hovers above our circumstances orchestrating the proper time with the proper circumstances moving us closer to the beautiful life for which He is creating for our good. He lights up the opportunities if we are submitting to His will. He separates the temporary from the permanent like the waters from the land. He creates life where we thought life was absent.
God still speaks those beautiful words that He spoke before the beginning of time…”Let there be light.”
We all go through seasons where our life feels formless and empty, where darkness overtakes the joy and happiness we try so desperately to attain. God is many things but first and foremost He is the Creator. He never ceases to create, to mold and to make things new.
We face exhaustion, fear and despair as our circumstances grab hold of us putting us in a tailspin and causing us to search for some kind of light in our trials. It is easy to lose sight that God created each element of nature dependent upon the other to operate in unity and purpose. He does the same thing in our lives as each trial works in unison with the former ones to create new blessings, new growth and new horizons.
Creator God hovers above our circumstances orchestrating the proper time with the proper circumstances moving us closer to the beautiful life for which He is creating for our good. He lights up the opportunities if we are submitting to His will. He separates the temporary from the permanent like the waters from the land. He creates life where we thought life was absent.
God still speaks those beautiful words that He spoke before the beginning of time…”Let there be light.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Winds of Adversity
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s’; and will take the name Israel.” Isaiah 44:3-5
I just love the Word of God that clearly speaks, guides and comforts. This morning I arose very thirsty in a parched land. Between my dad and my father-in-law I am surrounded with daily decline and diminishing health. My daughter has been placed in the situation of single parent as her husband has relapsed and left home. My son is in the process of graduating from college with no job and my daughter is transferring home and facing lots of new beginnings. My husband and I are in a very thirsty season but God took all of my anxieties this morning and responded with His sweet words. Only God can wrap up a multitude of mind staggering concerns in a concise little package of Scripture with a powerful punch!
I read some statements on a friend’s Facebook wall which states:
I will trust in God that all is well and all is going according to plan. I will trust that there is a bigger picture. I will trust that life is unfolding as it should.
When our lives seem to be marching towards the raging sea of despair and adversity, let us never forget that we are the chosen children of God just as the Israelites. Just as we would not turn our back on one child over the others, God will not turn His back on us. “…and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on the dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Exodus 14:21
Remember, the winds of adversity may be the very winds from God that are making the waters part for your journey. Trust in the Wind!
I just love the Word of God that clearly speaks, guides and comforts. This morning I arose very thirsty in a parched land. Between my dad and my father-in-law I am surrounded with daily decline and diminishing health. My daughter has been placed in the situation of single parent as her husband has relapsed and left home. My son is in the process of graduating from college with no job and my daughter is transferring home and facing lots of new beginnings. My husband and I are in a very thirsty season but God took all of my anxieties this morning and responded with His sweet words. Only God can wrap up a multitude of mind staggering concerns in a concise little package of Scripture with a powerful punch!
I read some statements on a friend’s Facebook wall which states:
I will trust in God that all is well and all is going according to plan. I will trust that there is a bigger picture. I will trust that life is unfolding as it should.
When our lives seem to be marching towards the raging sea of despair and adversity, let us never forget that we are the chosen children of God just as the Israelites. Just as we would not turn our back on one child over the others, God will not turn His back on us. “…and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on the dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Exodus 14:21
Remember, the winds of adversity may be the very winds from God that are making the waters part for your journey. Trust in the Wind!
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