I wait
I wait for a glimpse of you dear Jesus
I stand in the crowd of those who have heard
you are coming!
Excited, I wait.
I Know
I know you will pass this way my Rabbi
I long to listen to your words of truth,
your teachings.
Open, I wait.
I Cry
I cry ,I weep, I confess
I sob for all I have forsaken, all I've taken
I want to make it right with you
Forgiven, I wait.
I Trust
I trust that you will restore me, make me new
I place my life into your hands
I sense a freedom from all worldly woe
Peacefully, I wait.
I Follow
I follow you, the Great Shepherd
I come into the goodness of your care
I am safely kept in your sight
Sheltered, I wait.
I Praise
I praise you for you are all I need
I sing of all your kindness and love to me
I worship you with all my heart contains
Joyfully, I wait.
I Wait
I wait each new morning for you
I wait throughout the changing days
I wait as years toll upon my face
In your presence, I wait.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gym Membership
My youngest daughter is a fitness freak! She has always been an energetic and enthusiastic sportsman. She could climb our radiator pipes to the ceiling by eighteen months of age, and has not stopped challenging herself or others since!
Last week she dragged me down to the gym and bought me a membership as a combined gift (she was going to get the power tools I wanted so badly for mothers day and my birthday!) . But the furniture refinishing projects I envisioned, never took place because of time constraints. And so she felt that I needed something more personal to challenge myself and prepare myself for a long and strong entrance into middle age.
I must say that I always thought of myself as an active women. Able to rise to physical feats appropriate to age and energy. Let me also say that my daughter is a sophmore in college with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. I think she has targeted me to confirm her own gifts and develope her calling.
The first day at the gym was exciting. I put on the cute new workout clothes she bought me, and looked like I belonged there, ready for action. She gave me a tour, as well as instructions on the cardio programmable equipment. She set me up and patted my back and said "Don't stop, push past the pain, you're stronger than you know". Five minutes into the cycle, I thought I needed a break, but with her at my side I didn't dare slow or quit! She kept a constant verbal stream of encouragement coming my way. She didn't leave me for a second. I wanted so badly to do all she had planned and not dissapoint her because of the tremendous oppertunity she was offering me with this gift! But it was harder then I thought, more uncomfortable then I wanted to endure, more difficult then fun.
After a 30 minute cardio workout, I was beet red in the face, saturated in sweat and panting for water to cool my dried throat. I felt all rubbery in my legs, and cramped in my hands from the death grip I had on the handles, the only thing holding me up those last 10 minutes. After a short time of stretching, I was ready to head home. It was then that she announced "phase 2" of the workout. The cardio was the warmup! She then had me do abdominal crunches in 10 different positions until I could not even pick myself up off the floor. Another short break and "phase 3" weight training!!! I finished all that she required of me and she gave me a big hug and told me I surprised her by keeping pace. The only thing she wanted me to grasp and change was the contstant limits I set on myself. She said" You are telling me that you can't do anymore, and that mindset will stop you from pushing the limits, you can stop when you pass out or throw up, otherwise your body does what YOU tell it to do!"
I must admit I was a bit shocked at the harsh attitude she was presenting with that exhortation. But I was also amazed that I had accomplished more then I ever considered. I was a bit sore, but as she reminded me, "get used to it- no pain, no gain"!
In the book of Hebrews, the 12th chapter, verses 1-3, it says" Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."(NLT)
I recieve this scripture on so many levels today as I meditate on the current challenges set before me, relational, physical, mental, and spiritual. I know I must keep my eyes on Jesus!! I hear the Holy Spirit calling me to walk on water so to speak, to not just stay afloat but to rise up and move in new ways. To allow my spirit to be free of the earthly laws of physics, in limit setting! I truelly understand that there is a joy that will come AFTERWARD! But the discipline of practicing faith without doubt means you must push through the painful earthly forces. Obstacles, added stress, stretching in new directions, can all seem a bit overwhelming. But you don't go it alone. See the face of Christ encouraging,cheering you on. Hear his excited voice say this is the way walk in it. Feel the gift of his prescence by your side as you push harder against the unholy influences that want to derail you today!
He left us with our own personal trainer- The Holy Spirit , who will reveal all things to us, Praise the Lord!
Last week she dragged me down to the gym and bought me a membership as a combined gift (she was going to get the power tools I wanted so badly for mothers day and my birthday!) . But the furniture refinishing projects I envisioned, never took place because of time constraints. And so she felt that I needed something more personal to challenge myself and prepare myself for a long and strong entrance into middle age.
I must say that I always thought of myself as an active women. Able to rise to physical feats appropriate to age and energy. Let me also say that my daughter is a sophmore in college with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. I think she has targeted me to confirm her own gifts and develope her calling.
The first day at the gym was exciting. I put on the cute new workout clothes she bought me, and looked like I belonged there, ready for action. She gave me a tour, as well as instructions on the cardio programmable equipment. She set me up and patted my back and said "Don't stop, push past the pain, you're stronger than you know". Five minutes into the cycle, I thought I needed a break, but with her at my side I didn't dare slow or quit! She kept a constant verbal stream of encouragement coming my way. She didn't leave me for a second. I wanted so badly to do all she had planned and not dissapoint her because of the tremendous oppertunity she was offering me with this gift! But it was harder then I thought, more uncomfortable then I wanted to endure, more difficult then fun.
After a 30 minute cardio workout, I was beet red in the face, saturated in sweat and panting for water to cool my dried throat. I felt all rubbery in my legs, and cramped in my hands from the death grip I had on the handles, the only thing holding me up those last 10 minutes. After a short time of stretching, I was ready to head home. It was then that she announced "phase 2" of the workout. The cardio was the warmup! She then had me do abdominal crunches in 10 different positions until I could not even pick myself up off the floor. Another short break and "phase 3" weight training!!! I finished all that she required of me and she gave me a big hug and told me I surprised her by keeping pace. The only thing she wanted me to grasp and change was the contstant limits I set on myself. She said" You are telling me that you can't do anymore, and that mindset will stop you from pushing the limits, you can stop when you pass out or throw up, otherwise your body does what YOU tell it to do!"
I must admit I was a bit shocked at the harsh attitude she was presenting with that exhortation. But I was also amazed that I had accomplished more then I ever considered. I was a bit sore, but as she reminded me, "get used to it- no pain, no gain"!
In the book of Hebrews, the 12th chapter, verses 1-3, it says" Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."(NLT)
I recieve this scripture on so many levels today as I meditate on the current challenges set before me, relational, physical, mental, and spiritual. I know I must keep my eyes on Jesus!! I hear the Holy Spirit calling me to walk on water so to speak, to not just stay afloat but to rise up and move in new ways. To allow my spirit to be free of the earthly laws of physics, in limit setting! I truelly understand that there is a joy that will come AFTERWARD! But the discipline of practicing faith without doubt means you must push through the painful earthly forces. Obstacles, added stress, stretching in new directions, can all seem a bit overwhelming. But you don't go it alone. See the face of Christ encouraging,cheering you on. Hear his excited voice say this is the way walk in it. Feel the gift of his prescence by your side as you push harder against the unholy influences that want to derail you today!
He left us with our own personal trainer- The Holy Spirit , who will reveal all things to us, Praise the Lord!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Him who has ears, let him hear!
We are all created so intricately. Made with intimate details that only a divine benefactor could have installed. We possess certain endowments that help to define us throughout our journey. I have come to know my "special superpower" as hearing!
I know some of you might find this a bit crazy to say the least, but as a child, I was aware of having big ears! They kind of caused me to feel like a taxi cab with the doors left open. I was teased a bit but learned to wear my hair a little fuller around my head so as not to make them appear so prominent. As I grew I also recognized how sensitive my hearing skills were. I was bothered easily by low level noises around me. I could pick up on many different conversations and background disturbances easily! This is a blessing and a curse. On one hand you can be overwhelmed by the things you are not supposed to be aware of , sharp piercing blasts at high frequencies, slight changes in volume, distinct betrayals of actions taking place around you. On the other hand you have a built in sense of connection to activity on a more conscious level than simple observation.
Absolute silence is a gift to someone like myself. It is a rare moment that all is still and quiet. I find that even in the middle of the night the sound of a light switch coming on can awaken me. If a fan is whirling it creates such a distraction from peace in my space. My children used to wonder how I knew everything going on around me when they were out of sight and range, I could hear the change in there voice frequency and fine tune to their words even when behind closed doors.
The practice of finding a quiet place to unload all the activity in my brain became such an important part of my day, that I needed to awaken before dawn and remain up after the house settled to give myself a space and place to rest.
I grew in the " Be still and know that I am God " place. I began to hear Him speak as I emptied all other daily"noise " out in those early sessions. It was His words I would meditate on and wait for! All the stuff on the outside would slip away. And I would relinquish myself to a peace that cannot be found apart from in His prescence.
God Speaks! He has a voice that is soft, it is warm and tender! You can't hear it while internally ranting, you can't hear it when mentally absent, you won't hear it if always distracted. But when you take the time to allow him to have a say, and you are not desiring a - get to the point, one word answer, I think you'll be amazed at the things He truly wants to share with you personally!
I know some of you might find this a bit crazy to say the least, but as a child, I was aware of having big ears! They kind of caused me to feel like a taxi cab with the doors left open. I was teased a bit but learned to wear my hair a little fuller around my head so as not to make them appear so prominent. As I grew I also recognized how sensitive my hearing skills were. I was bothered easily by low level noises around me. I could pick up on many different conversations and background disturbances easily! This is a blessing and a curse. On one hand you can be overwhelmed by the things you are not supposed to be aware of , sharp piercing blasts at high frequencies, slight changes in volume, distinct betrayals of actions taking place around you. On the other hand you have a built in sense of connection to activity on a more conscious level than simple observation.
Absolute silence is a gift to someone like myself. It is a rare moment that all is still and quiet. I find that even in the middle of the night the sound of a light switch coming on can awaken me. If a fan is whirling it creates such a distraction from peace in my space. My children used to wonder how I knew everything going on around me when they were out of sight and range, I could hear the change in there voice frequency and fine tune to their words even when behind closed doors.
The practice of finding a quiet place to unload all the activity in my brain became such an important part of my day, that I needed to awaken before dawn and remain up after the house settled to give myself a space and place to rest.
I grew in the " Be still and know that I am God " place. I began to hear Him speak as I emptied all other daily"noise " out in those early sessions. It was His words I would meditate on and wait for! All the stuff on the outside would slip away. And I would relinquish myself to a peace that cannot be found apart from in His prescence.
God Speaks! He has a voice that is soft, it is warm and tender! You can't hear it while internally ranting, you can't hear it when mentally absent, you won't hear it if always distracted. But when you take the time to allow him to have a say, and you are not desiring a - get to the point, one word answer, I think you'll be amazed at the things He truly wants to share with you personally!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Selfish people live sorry Lives
I recently bumped into someone (physically) on my way out of a store. I turned around and said "Sorry" while biting my bottem lip. The face glowered back at me! It was an accident, I was distracted. I didn't do it on purpose I was just in a hurry and juggleing a purse and hot coffee as I focused on my exit. I think we've all been preoccupied from time to time,lost in our own thoughts. It is a natural response to the way we have been conditioned in a fast paced,you snooze you loose society.
Well. the polite way to go beyond the offense is to offer an apology for rude or inconsiderate behavior. But what of those people around us that have adopted an apologetic lifestyle. You know, the friend who is always late, the co-worker that fails to help with their share of respondsibility, the spouse that excuses missed occasions with a to busy calander. Or the family member who just had to put their critisism of you out there in front of others. They all have the same response to disappointing you or making you out as a party to the injury! I'M SORRY! As if it will magically remove them from their selfish action against you.
Maybe As you read this YOU are the one always throwing an apology at some situation to get yourself off the hook quickly. There is a pattern to test yourself with, Do you start with I'm sorry but... or perhaps, I'm sorry I needed... or maybe I'm sorry it's just that.... all this really points to is that you or the offender seek to excuse bad behavior instead of change it! That is the center of selfishness. Seeking your own interests above anothers.
In the book of Proverbs the 28th chapter the 25 & 26 verses it says this; "Selfish people cause trouble, but you will live a long life if you trust the Lord. Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom you will do all right."(cev)
People who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry. Let me repeat myself, people who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry! People who want to stop causing trouble REPENT! They ask forgiveness from those they have offended, they forgive themselves by confessing their respondsibility to the offense & they recieve forgiveness from God by way of Jesus, The Holy Spirit allows them freedom to turn around their thought life toward a Christ centered WAY of thinking. That is WISDOM!!!!
Living a Spirit led life means not focusing on your own agenda, or schematic , or reason! It means living out each thought with the ambition of bringing God glory and praise. What a man thinks, so he is. If you think of Gods love for you, you can love others. If you think of His kindness towards you, you can be kind to others . If you think of His goodness and mercy toward you, you will become good and merciful to others. It is by bringing His thoughts not ours into our minds and actions that produce the life Christ died to give us. An abundant life filled with hope and joy. Not one we will be "Sorry " for !
Sorry is for small children learning from mistakes. We need to be reminded to grow up to the full stature of Christ as mature men and women! Next time you look to remedy a situation, ask yourself and God what in you must be made right to achieve a mind set that will glorify Him. How can you turn your thinking into a God way instead of a my way highway. Remember most road accidents happen because we are careless or lost in our own thoughts! We choose to make a call on the cell phone, we choose to drive when tired or distracted. Then who is SORRY! Being thoughtful of others will cause us to sacrifice our own selfish desire to get what we want when we want it. It will cost us to regard others as equally important. It will create in us an awareness of consequences to our actions that will help us remember to ask The Holy spirit to guide us and renew us. And again I say to you(v. 25) "you will live a long life if you trust the Lord!"
Well. the polite way to go beyond the offense is to offer an apology for rude or inconsiderate behavior. But what of those people around us that have adopted an apologetic lifestyle. You know, the friend who is always late, the co-worker that fails to help with their share of respondsibility, the spouse that excuses missed occasions with a to busy calander. Or the family member who just had to put their critisism of you out there in front of others. They all have the same response to disappointing you or making you out as a party to the injury! I'M SORRY! As if it will magically remove them from their selfish action against you.
Maybe As you read this YOU are the one always throwing an apology at some situation to get yourself off the hook quickly. There is a pattern to test yourself with, Do you start with I'm sorry but... or perhaps, I'm sorry I needed... or maybe I'm sorry it's just that.... all this really points to is that you or the offender seek to excuse bad behavior instead of change it! That is the center of selfishness. Seeking your own interests above anothers.
In the book of Proverbs the 28th chapter the 25 & 26 verses it says this; "Selfish people cause trouble, but you will live a long life if you trust the Lord. Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom you will do all right."(cev)
People who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry. Let me repeat myself, people who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry! People who want to stop causing trouble REPENT! They ask forgiveness from those they have offended, they forgive themselves by confessing their respondsibility to the offense & they recieve forgiveness from God by way of Jesus, The Holy Spirit allows them freedom to turn around their thought life toward a Christ centered WAY of thinking. That is WISDOM!!!!
Living a Spirit led life means not focusing on your own agenda, or schematic , or reason! It means living out each thought with the ambition of bringing God glory and praise. What a man thinks, so he is. If you think of Gods love for you, you can love others. If you think of His kindness towards you, you can be kind to others . If you think of His goodness and mercy toward you, you will become good and merciful to others. It is by bringing His thoughts not ours into our minds and actions that produce the life Christ died to give us. An abundant life filled with hope and joy. Not one we will be "Sorry " for !
Sorry is for small children learning from mistakes. We need to be reminded to grow up to the full stature of Christ as mature men and women! Next time you look to remedy a situation, ask yourself and God what in you must be made right to achieve a mind set that will glorify Him. How can you turn your thinking into a God way instead of a my way highway. Remember most road accidents happen because we are careless or lost in our own thoughts! We choose to make a call on the cell phone, we choose to drive when tired or distracted. Then who is SORRY! Being thoughtful of others will cause us to sacrifice our own selfish desire to get what we want when we want it. It will cost us to regard others as equally important. It will create in us an awareness of consequences to our actions that will help us remember to ask The Holy spirit to guide us and renew us. And again I say to you(v. 25) "you will live a long life if you trust the Lord!"
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Making Melody in your heart unto the Lord
Music has a way of reaching the primal core of me. I can't seem to decide what genre is my favorite. I match my tunes to my mood or energy level. I have amassed such a variety of artists;classical,pop,r&b, jazz, swing,techno,disco, heavy metal, country, you name it I love it!
I like to change the words to popular tunes to reflect a personal worship message(like they did in the movie Sister Act). I find myself tweeking almost anything on the stereo to offer up my heart to God. I also recieve some lyrics as personal messages of love and blessings just for me from His heart. Music helps me express all kinds of internal energy. I can rid myself of negative feelings by doing some Janis Joplin screeching or by a Nora Jones style deep vocal whispering. Linda Ronstadts"when will I be loved", seems to help empty me of hurt at times that I identify emotional tresspassers,at least it's a starting point.
But the truth be told, when I'm by myself I make up my own tunes and words and just sing out to God! On a few occasions my husband has been woken up during the night by my singing in my sleep!
I can remember as a young girl taking walks and just singing about creation, the trees or birds or sun,it didn't much matter it just felt good. That girl is very much a part of this mature women! There is something about vocal expression that seems to take me to a spiritual place in another realm.Music is truelly the universal language. I bet if we all sang more about good things , we'd fill ourselves up with joy and kindness. We would spend more of our attention on seeing them, then on the negative thoughts we keep to ourselves!
The scriptures tell us to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord our God! It won't matter if you carry a tune in a bucket,it really only matters that you practice vocalizing. Why? Because in heaven we will be surrounded with music, angels singing, alleluias and praises constantly on our lips. Everybody worshipping as one before The King of Glory! Thats a concert I can't wait to attend!
I like to change the words to popular tunes to reflect a personal worship message(like they did in the movie Sister Act). I find myself tweeking almost anything on the stereo to offer up my heart to God. I also recieve some lyrics as personal messages of love and blessings just for me from His heart. Music helps me express all kinds of internal energy. I can rid myself of negative feelings by doing some Janis Joplin screeching or by a Nora Jones style deep vocal whispering. Linda Ronstadts"when will I be loved", seems to help empty me of hurt at times that I identify emotional tresspassers,at least it's a starting point.
But the truth be told, when I'm by myself I make up my own tunes and words and just sing out to God! On a few occasions my husband has been woken up during the night by my singing in my sleep!
I can remember as a young girl taking walks and just singing about creation, the trees or birds or sun,it didn't much matter it just felt good. That girl is very much a part of this mature women! There is something about vocal expression that seems to take me to a spiritual place in another realm.Music is truelly the universal language. I bet if we all sang more about good things , we'd fill ourselves up with joy and kindness. We would spend more of our attention on seeing them, then on the negative thoughts we keep to ourselves!
The scriptures tell us to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord our God! It won't matter if you carry a tune in a bucket,it really only matters that you practice vocalizing. Why? Because in heaven we will be surrounded with music, angels singing, alleluias and praises constantly on our lips. Everybody worshipping as one before The King of Glory! Thats a concert I can't wait to attend!
Monday, August 24, 2009
SisterFriends
I have a broad network of women that I feel connected to. I'm sure you all have those dear people in your life that you know you can go to for various reasons. Some laugh with you, some cry with you. Some shop,eat, chat, pray, celebrate,decorate, work, organize, & sympathize with you. Some love who you love and hate who you hate. And to some you are Mom,Aunt, teacher, neighbor, helper, Grandma, advisor, prophet, priest, or friend.
But certain women grow into "sister-friends". That relationship is more than just a connection, it's a place! Somewhere safe to go when you are in need of a reality check. That special and unconditional friendship that tells you how awful you look in a bathing suit. That wonderful friend that will sit in the middle of your laundry pile just to "catch up" with your latest news. That one in a million -read your mind( right before you lose it), kind of gal pal.
I am fortunate enough to have some of those rare gems in my life. They have reached deep into themselves and offered me a place to grow there close to their hearts. They are never surprised when I just drop in. They are never unable to share their friends with me. They always include me in their extended family activities. I am welcome to travel all their roads with them. Some are well lit, others require holding hands thru dark places. Never the less, I hold them just as closely as they hold me.
There is one woman in particular that had made a pact with me due to her limitations. We promised to always pray for one another, even if the other should decide to go away from the friendship. This woman was and is so dear to me that I could never forget that pact. She suffered from physical abuse that lead her into alchoholism. I was honest with her about getting herself help. I knew that for all the depth we had shared, she and I would not continue on the same road at that time. As a good friend, a loving friend, I had to admit to her and myself that she needed professional care. I could only stand aside and pray. She never said good-bye,but I haven't heard her Hello on the other end of the phone in over 4 years. I sense the loss in my life and hers. But I still believe it was for the best to allow her to figure out how to work through it all. Time has a way of revealing all things. I have learned to longsuffer in prayer over this broken womans struggle.
Perhaps you too know a close relationship that has taken a "humpty dumpty" fall. Once there was joy and closeness. Now there is distance and grief. It can Hurt to the core. It can make you so very angry. It can break your heart. It can make a WARRIOR out of you! Yes , you will need to stay vigilant in prayer! You will need to release the heavenly hosts daily to minister in ways you never could on behalf of this precious life you and God love! Don't doubt that whatever you ask in the name of Jesus isn't already at work to restore and heal the wounds of your dear sister friends! You may not get to see the fruit of a deeply committed prayer pact, but intercession and fasting are the only ways to break strongholds.
I don't want to be so selfish as to pray just so I can regain this person in my life. I want this person to sense that she will never be forsaken and alone again. And only Jesus has traveled the road to Hell and back, Only He has the keys to unlock the chains that bind her. Jesus will hold her hand in dark places even when she doesn't know to ask, I will ask for her!!!
But certain women grow into "sister-friends". That relationship is more than just a connection, it's a place! Somewhere safe to go when you are in need of a reality check. That special and unconditional friendship that tells you how awful you look in a bathing suit. That wonderful friend that will sit in the middle of your laundry pile just to "catch up" with your latest news. That one in a million -read your mind( right before you lose it), kind of gal pal.
I am fortunate enough to have some of those rare gems in my life. They have reached deep into themselves and offered me a place to grow there close to their hearts. They are never surprised when I just drop in. They are never unable to share their friends with me. They always include me in their extended family activities. I am welcome to travel all their roads with them. Some are well lit, others require holding hands thru dark places. Never the less, I hold them just as closely as they hold me.
There is one woman in particular that had made a pact with me due to her limitations. We promised to always pray for one another, even if the other should decide to go away from the friendship. This woman was and is so dear to me that I could never forget that pact. She suffered from physical abuse that lead her into alchoholism. I was honest with her about getting herself help. I knew that for all the depth we had shared, she and I would not continue on the same road at that time. As a good friend, a loving friend, I had to admit to her and myself that she needed professional care. I could only stand aside and pray. She never said good-bye,but I haven't heard her Hello on the other end of the phone in over 4 years. I sense the loss in my life and hers. But I still believe it was for the best to allow her to figure out how to work through it all. Time has a way of revealing all things. I have learned to longsuffer in prayer over this broken womans struggle.
Perhaps you too know a close relationship that has taken a "humpty dumpty" fall. Once there was joy and closeness. Now there is distance and grief. It can Hurt to the core. It can make you so very angry. It can break your heart. It can make a WARRIOR out of you! Yes , you will need to stay vigilant in prayer! You will need to release the heavenly hosts daily to minister in ways you never could on behalf of this precious life you and God love! Don't doubt that whatever you ask in the name of Jesus isn't already at work to restore and heal the wounds of your dear sister friends! You may not get to see the fruit of a deeply committed prayer pact, but intercession and fasting are the only ways to break strongholds.
I don't want to be so selfish as to pray just so I can regain this person in my life. I want this person to sense that she will never be forsaken and alone again. And only Jesus has traveled the road to Hell and back, Only He has the keys to unlock the chains that bind her. Jesus will hold her hand in dark places even when she doesn't know to ask, I will ask for her!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wilderness Experiences
Have you ever been in a situation that seems to lock you up? You know, a landslide of difficulty coming down around you. Well, this week two very dear young women have come to me with similar weight on there backs . These wives,mothers, faith filled friends have been challenged by overwhelming circumstances.
One women is facing an onslaught of attacks in the area of her families health issues, the other faces major conflicts in financial and employment decisions. Both are really being squeezed with a vice grip hold to continue to walk against the white water rapids of discouragement. Carried along this frightening flow of non stop-need a breath-emotional riptide, they ask the same question of God. How long Oh Lord can I hold on to hope?
Do you know that feeling from a time in your own faith journey? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday! Some things we never forget. My church family had just anointed me and six other women to take a vow of prayer and service at a Sunday service. I was so humbled to be a part of this extension of service for the sake of living out my christian vocation. The next day my family headed to visit our daughter in college. In one weeks time, my home was robbed, my dog was in a critical accident, the washer broke down and my small children were having nightmares over the unbelievable havoc our lives became. No sense of continuity, no ability to enter a moment of rest. I was so shaken to the core that I started to fear being alone in my house in case the intruder returned!
I remember my first day alone in the house, I was a strong front for the sake of the kids, but after sending them to school, I felt paralized. I melted into a heap of tears on my kitchen floor and sobbed uncontrollably. I kept crying "Help me God! Help me" .. the phone rang and it was a friend who dropped everything and came to me. She carried my shaky frame back to the kitchen and cradled me like a mother with a newborn. She let me cry and cry and cry as she stroked my head and softly rocked me with gentle shushing. After a long while she reminded me that I was human.
Yes, HUMAN! She told me that my every tear was a deep prayer to God. It was good to release them. It was right to be mindful of my own limits, it was expected that I should be come against after my public confession of Jesus alive in me. Yes Jesus was also in a wilderness where He was tested by Satan. We forget that old Devil still uses the same bag of tricks!
Ladies and gentlemen, It was after her departure that I saw clearly the strategic manipulation of Satan trying to render me useless in Gods service with the booby traps of fear, anxiety and distraction. It gave me a whole new prayer life! I learned to recognize the enemy instantly around various situations and rebuke him and the horse he rode in on!!!!
If you are currently coming up against opposition in your household circumstances, take a moment to see what strongholds are at work against Gods good purposes! Begin to set up a battalion of blessings, gather your warrior bride of Christ girlfriends to pray and worship with and for you, and remember you are human, God is all powerful, jealous for the sake of HIS children! He has given authority to you in the Name of Jesus. You are not alone!!!!
One women is facing an onslaught of attacks in the area of her families health issues, the other faces major conflicts in financial and employment decisions. Both are really being squeezed with a vice grip hold to continue to walk against the white water rapids of discouragement. Carried along this frightening flow of non stop-need a breath-emotional riptide, they ask the same question of God. How long Oh Lord can I hold on to hope?
Do you know that feeling from a time in your own faith journey? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday! Some things we never forget. My church family had just anointed me and six other women to take a vow of prayer and service at a Sunday service. I was so humbled to be a part of this extension of service for the sake of living out my christian vocation. The next day my family headed to visit our daughter in college. In one weeks time, my home was robbed, my dog was in a critical accident, the washer broke down and my small children were having nightmares over the unbelievable havoc our lives became. No sense of continuity, no ability to enter a moment of rest. I was so shaken to the core that I started to fear being alone in my house in case the intruder returned!
I remember my first day alone in the house, I was a strong front for the sake of the kids, but after sending them to school, I felt paralized. I melted into a heap of tears on my kitchen floor and sobbed uncontrollably. I kept crying "Help me God! Help me" .. the phone rang and it was a friend who dropped everything and came to me. She carried my shaky frame back to the kitchen and cradled me like a mother with a newborn. She let me cry and cry and cry as she stroked my head and softly rocked me with gentle shushing. After a long while she reminded me that I was human.
Yes, HUMAN! She told me that my every tear was a deep prayer to God. It was good to release them. It was right to be mindful of my own limits, it was expected that I should be come against after my public confession of Jesus alive in me. Yes Jesus was also in a wilderness where He was tested by Satan. We forget that old Devil still uses the same bag of tricks!
Ladies and gentlemen, It was after her departure that I saw clearly the strategic manipulation of Satan trying to render me useless in Gods service with the booby traps of fear, anxiety and distraction. It gave me a whole new prayer life! I learned to recognize the enemy instantly around various situations and rebuke him and the horse he rode in on!!!!
If you are currently coming up against opposition in your household circumstances, take a moment to see what strongholds are at work against Gods good purposes! Begin to set up a battalion of blessings, gather your warrior bride of Christ girlfriends to pray and worship with and for you, and remember you are human, God is all powerful, jealous for the sake of HIS children! He has given authority to you in the Name of Jesus. You are not alone!!!!
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