He sat on top of the pole, regal and poised. He looked around at the traffic, unnerved and unmoved. The rain poured down but he didn't seem to mind. Around his head swarmed two irritated crows. Annoyed at his very presence, the crows swooped down and tried to frustrate this mighty bird of prey, but to no avail. This kingly feathered friend of mine was making quite a statement to me and to the crows. I respected his grace and his presence. The crows however were not appreciating him as much as I. He was displaying to me a stand and a standard. How to be strong and confidant when the crows around you are squawking, trying to intimidate you. And how to maintain your peace when the dark birds are angry with your very existence.
I saw my eagle friend again today and this time he taught me even more about ignoring the crows in your life. As I left work, just before my turn, I was honored with his flight once again. His wings were spread wide, and he was gliding on the currents but not without company. You guessed it. His two familiar pals were dive bombing him and attacking him. However, my glorious creature of a friend, did not flap madly trying to escape the crows, no, instead he was gliding this way and that. Every once in while he would flap his powerful wings a couple times and shoot up even further. The pitiful crows would beat their small wings furiously trying to make him flee. But that just seemed to make the eagles presence that much more stately. These garbage birds just didn't want to share the air. The regal eagle would not be daunted. He owned the sky. He could have soared high above them but instead he enjoyed the currents and ignored the crows.
This time he was teaching me to not run from the irritants. The frustrations that the enemy uses to pester were not to make me flap wildly in fear or anxiousness. Instead, I am spreading my wings and enjoying the way the wind blows under them.
Sometimes the anointing annoys just for showing up. Just for sitting on top of a pole. Just for flying in the same air others want to dominate. Obviously the crows represent, to me, irritants and demonic influences. They also can be those people used by the enemy, squawking and talking. But like the eagle we need to stand and set a standard. We need to soar and maintain our peace even when we are being dive bombed. Free in the midst of oppression. Free in the midst of the words flying. Free in the midst of opposition. Flying free owning the air.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
My word to you tonight, if you have been pestered by the crows and bullied by some dark birds. Remember, no matter where you fly, you will always have a few crows to deal with. Follow the example of the eagle who learned how to enjoy the currents and ignore the crows.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
one more thing
There he was on the sidewalk. Tucking his filthy shirt in his dirty jeans. A well dressed man on the corner was watching him, sizing him up. As I drove my daughter to school I saw this sad sight and my heart instantly felt for him. I wondered what it was that took him there. As he was trying to smooth his hair with his hands and freshen up, if you can call it that, I passed him by in a matter of seconds. But not without him leaving some footprints on my heart. He made me think of myself.
No, I don't have a drug or alcohol problem. And no, I don't need a hair brush. This man made me think of a person who had one thing to many cross his path. As he kept getting buried in one thing after the other, the problems became to big to conquer. And he quit.
Similar to the way laundry builds up. Just when you think your done, you just have to walk into your teenage sons room and see that you are once again behind. I think that's where I was relating to him. Barely recovering from one problem when the next one comes crashing in.
I am not saying drug addiction is like laundry... but maybe I am. Just hear me out.
A neglected pile of dirty laundry grows because you were to busy or to tired to deal with it. You get so far behind that it will take days to catch up, but while your trying to catch up you still have today's laundry. And then the unthinkable happens. The washer breaks. Now the pile is growing bigger than you think you can handle. Its to much for one person. You need help. Big time! You go to take it to the laundry mat only to find out your car is having trouble and won't start. Because of this you are unable to get to work on time the next morning. You have to call in and loose precious paying hours to take the car to the shop that will cost more than you have to fix it. Taking from the grocery money, you pay to have the car fixed but now you are eating popcorn for two weeks. Still unable to catch up on the laundry because now you have no money for the laundry mat. So you keep wearing yesterdays filth. Life has snowballed on you and you are to far behind to catch up to daily living. One more thing after one more thing, and your mind becomes foggy with yesterdays troubles and today's needs.
As I drove passed the dirty sidewalk man, my thought was, "What was his one more thing that kept him from recovering?" What part broke in his life that brought on the snowball effect? What happened that got so out of control, he lost control of his own life? What was that one more thing for him?
You see, we as believers have a place we can go when one more thing keeps happening. We go to the arms of the Father that gives us peace in the presence of over whelming chaos. When life's "laundry" piles up and we are to broken to handle one more thing, we don't have to lean on our strength to get by. We get to lean on His. We get to lean on our brothers and sisters in the faith. We get to be refreshed by His new morning mercies. And believe me, that next days mercy is anticipated by me. I have learned to wait for it. In my pilgrimage here on this unfair, unpredictable earth, I have learned to understand the power of tomorrow.
It is hope in the midst of despair. Its life to a worn out soul. Waiting for God to handle the one more thing while we rest in His timing, will keeps us from becoming drudged down with the arrows that keep flying at us. As I am walking through the one more thing, I am holding and praying for a friend who is going through hers. And we have the hope that tomorrow will be different.
Palm 33:18-22 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
One more thing; if you are trying to cope with yesterdays troubles while today's are fast approaching, remember that His mercies are new every morning and tomorrow is just yesterdays today. Breath in deep friend, He has it all under control now.
No, I don't have a drug or alcohol problem. And no, I don't need a hair brush. This man made me think of a person who had one thing to many cross his path. As he kept getting buried in one thing after the other, the problems became to big to conquer. And he quit.
Similar to the way laundry builds up. Just when you think your done, you just have to walk into your teenage sons room and see that you are once again behind. I think that's where I was relating to him. Barely recovering from one problem when the next one comes crashing in.
I am not saying drug addiction is like laundry... but maybe I am. Just hear me out.
A neglected pile of dirty laundry grows because you were to busy or to tired to deal with it. You get so far behind that it will take days to catch up, but while your trying to catch up you still have today's laundry. And then the unthinkable happens. The washer breaks. Now the pile is growing bigger than you think you can handle. Its to much for one person. You need help. Big time! You go to take it to the laundry mat only to find out your car is having trouble and won't start. Because of this you are unable to get to work on time the next morning. You have to call in and loose precious paying hours to take the car to the shop that will cost more than you have to fix it. Taking from the grocery money, you pay to have the car fixed but now you are eating popcorn for two weeks. Still unable to catch up on the laundry because now you have no money for the laundry mat. So you keep wearing yesterdays filth. Life has snowballed on you and you are to far behind to catch up to daily living. One more thing after one more thing, and your mind becomes foggy with yesterdays troubles and today's needs.
As I drove passed the dirty sidewalk man, my thought was, "What was his one more thing that kept him from recovering?" What part broke in his life that brought on the snowball effect? What happened that got so out of control, he lost control of his own life? What was that one more thing for him?
You see, we as believers have a place we can go when one more thing keeps happening. We go to the arms of the Father that gives us peace in the presence of over whelming chaos. When life's "laundry" piles up and we are to broken to handle one more thing, we don't have to lean on our strength to get by. We get to lean on His. We get to lean on our brothers and sisters in the faith. We get to be refreshed by His new morning mercies. And believe me, that next days mercy is anticipated by me. I have learned to wait for it. In my pilgrimage here on this unfair, unpredictable earth, I have learned to understand the power of tomorrow.
It is hope in the midst of despair. Its life to a worn out soul. Waiting for God to handle the one more thing while we rest in His timing, will keeps us from becoming drudged down with the arrows that keep flying at us. As I am walking through the one more thing, I am holding and praying for a friend who is going through hers. And we have the hope that tomorrow will be different.
Palm 33:18-22 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
One more thing; if you are trying to cope with yesterdays troubles while today's are fast approaching, remember that His mercies are new every morning and tomorrow is just yesterdays today. Breath in deep friend, He has it all under control now.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Alone with God
" Its just you and me here now, only you and me here now." As I pondered this song early this morning I thought of the day before. We had our Saturday morning coffee at our usual place. We then went to walk a beautiful park and look at the ships and boats coming in. After that we journeyed towards down town and had sushi. We walked together, holding hands and forgetting time and responsibilities. Then we went and had a real lunch. (Sushi is never enough) We actually split each meal we ate. And then the thought crossed my mind... Oh my Gosh, we're our parents.
Well, we are getting to that place where the nest just keeps getting emptier. I have heard horror stories of marriages falling apart after the kids moved out because the only thing the couple had in common were their children. When it came down to being alone together they were uncomfortable because they didn't know each other anymore. Being alone with the love of our life shouldn't freak us out. I have heard it said, the test of being comfortable with somebody is being alone with them without feeling the need to speak. But what about being alone with God, THEE love of our life, the One who first loved us. Are we comfortable with Him?
I thought of heroes in the Bible that stood alone with God. Some of them started out surrounded with family, fullness, success and favor. But then life happened, storms blew in. And the only reason they survived the storm was because they were close to the one who walks on the troubled seas. Joseph, Abraham, Moses, David, and Job are just to name a few.
When everything and everyone is gone, and its just you and God...
When your familiar life has suddenly changed... When hell is paying you a visit... When the doctor calls to give your diagnosis...When the husband walks out... When your children marry leaving you an empty room full of memories... When you are left with just you and God and all you have is Him, you find that He is all that you need.
He is all you need to face whatever it is that is looming in the corners.
He is all you need to rebuild when all you have is ashes of a wasted life.
He is all you need to comfort a heart so broken it seems impossible to ever be the same.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation
When you find yourself singing the song, " Its just you and me here now", you have to be friends with the God you are left alone with. He is the only one who will remain. He is the only one who can stand when everybody else falls. He is the only one left when all the accuser are silenced.
Learning to be comfortable with Love when the only thing you have in common with Him is gone, is not easy. Learning to be at peace with Love when you feel He may have allowed the storm, is difficult. Learning to trust this Love when you are empty, will begin to fill the barren places again. Learning to be alone with Love when He is quiet, will strength your relationship.
If or when you are in a place with God and God alone, and Habakkuk 3:17 has come to pass, You will be able to sing, "its just you and me here now, only you and me here now." And be at peace with whatever comes your way. Because you are near to the one you love you draw from His quiet strength. His gentle whispers enables you to say “I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. Who never leaves me or forsakes me, His Grace is sufficient for me. My Jesus is enough!”
Well, we are getting to that place where the nest just keeps getting emptier. I have heard horror stories of marriages falling apart after the kids moved out because the only thing the couple had in common were their children. When it came down to being alone together they were uncomfortable because they didn't know each other anymore. Being alone with the love of our life shouldn't freak us out. I have heard it said, the test of being comfortable with somebody is being alone with them without feeling the need to speak. But what about being alone with God, THEE love of our life, the One who first loved us. Are we comfortable with Him?
I thought of heroes in the Bible that stood alone with God. Some of them started out surrounded with family, fullness, success and favor. But then life happened, storms blew in. And the only reason they survived the storm was because they were close to the one who walks on the troubled seas. Joseph, Abraham, Moses, David, and Job are just to name a few.
When everything and everyone is gone, and its just you and God...
When your familiar life has suddenly changed... When hell is paying you a visit... When the doctor calls to give your diagnosis...When the husband walks out... When your children marry leaving you an empty room full of memories... When you are left with just you and God and all you have is Him, you find that He is all that you need.
He is all you need to face whatever it is that is looming in the corners.
He is all you need to rebuild when all you have is ashes of a wasted life.
He is all you need to comfort a heart so broken it seems impossible to ever be the same.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation
When you find yourself singing the song, " Its just you and me here now", you have to be friends with the God you are left alone with. He is the only one who will remain. He is the only one who can stand when everybody else falls. He is the only one left when all the accuser are silenced.
Learning to be comfortable with Love when the only thing you have in common with Him is gone, is not easy. Learning to be at peace with Love when you feel He may have allowed the storm, is difficult. Learning to trust this Love when you are empty, will begin to fill the barren places again. Learning to be alone with Love when He is quiet, will strength your relationship.
If or when you are in a place with God and God alone, and Habakkuk 3:17 has come to pass, You will be able to sing, "its just you and me here now, only you and me here now." And be at peace with whatever comes your way. Because you are near to the one you love you draw from His quiet strength. His gentle whispers enables you to say “I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. Who never leaves me or forsakes me, His Grace is sufficient for me. My Jesus is enough!”
Friday, April 23, 2010
A hinged heart
A faith not tested is a faith not trusted. I have heard that several times here lately. I wonder what the person was going through when the Lord downloaded that beautiful piece of information. I can tell you what is on my heart right now. I have two sons that are enlisted in the military and both of them have jobs that will take them to the front lines of war. The worry level has changed. It's not like them learning to drive or moving away it feels so much bigger than that.
When my son went to Australia for college, I was concerned, but I knew his surroundings and felt secure to a point. Yes, he had dangers that all of us face, but he was in a Christian college surrounded by godly people. This truth comforted me when I was missing him.
Ryley, my middle son, left last year for the army and has had to learn to stand in his faith alone. His faith goes under-fire as well as his purity. And he bears the words of his fellow soldiers with more grace than I would give them. Our encouragement to him has been to remember Daniel and Joseph. Having their faith tested to the very core and standing firm. During some of the most wicked times of history, those young men had their faith stretched to the max and stood strong.
I know what it is to have the fire of faith refine you, But you know, when its your children going through this and not yourself it just plain stinks.
Here recently my oldest son enlisted in the army and his job description is quite exciting and quite dangerous. He still has a few months here before he leaves for boot-camp, but I am already loosing sleep over his choice of work.
As their faith is tested, so is mine. I know that God is God and He keeps those we love under the shadow of His wing. I also know God thinks eternally and this life is just a vapor.
A few years ago the Lord gave me a picture of a heart that had hinges on it. His message to me was this "Mother with a hinged heart. It will break less and be able to take the shifts of life."
Similar to the way we see highways with giant brackets hinging them together to take the quakes of the earth. It will shake and ripple but it wont collapse.
As our children get older the fears get bigger. It is no longer the bully on the playground we are upset about. No, our loss of sleep is used up praying for them as they work the graveyard shift. Our time on our knees has become more than them making friends in school and fitting in. Our prayer have now turned to praying for them to stand alone when they don't. Our midnight candle burns vigilante when we know their lives are changing faster than they can keep up. When they are walking down the isle and their hearts are filled with hopes and dreams, and we know from first hand experience whats around the corner.
Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.
This scripture is for us as parents and for our Children. To raise them to not faint when life is unfair, and for us to not fear when our faith is tested because their faith is tested.
Tested when our children are no longer under our watchful eye. Tested when they make choices you have advised them against. Tested when you know they are able to succeed, but they are not convinced. Tested when they are not walking in the ways they have been raised. Our tested faith becomes trusted faith when we know whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep what we have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:2
A hinged heart is a heart that has learned to trust a God who allows us all to be tested or sifted. We as parents have our faith tested when they are out of our care but not out of our prayers. And our children become familiar with the Father we have learned to trust with everything precious and dear to us...them.
When my son went to Australia for college, I was concerned, but I knew his surroundings and felt secure to a point. Yes, he had dangers that all of us face, but he was in a Christian college surrounded by godly people. This truth comforted me when I was missing him.
Ryley, my middle son, left last year for the army and has had to learn to stand in his faith alone. His faith goes under-fire as well as his purity. And he bears the words of his fellow soldiers with more grace than I would give them. Our encouragement to him has been to remember Daniel and Joseph. Having their faith tested to the very core and standing firm. During some of the most wicked times of history, those young men had their faith stretched to the max and stood strong.
I know what it is to have the fire of faith refine you, But you know, when its your children going through this and not yourself it just plain stinks.
Here recently my oldest son enlisted in the army and his job description is quite exciting and quite dangerous. He still has a few months here before he leaves for boot-camp, but I am already loosing sleep over his choice of work.
As their faith is tested, so is mine. I know that God is God and He keeps those we love under the shadow of His wing. I also know God thinks eternally and this life is just a vapor.
A few years ago the Lord gave me a picture of a heart that had hinges on it. His message to me was this "Mother with a hinged heart. It will break less and be able to take the shifts of life."
Similar to the way we see highways with giant brackets hinging them together to take the quakes of the earth. It will shake and ripple but it wont collapse.
As our children get older the fears get bigger. It is no longer the bully on the playground we are upset about. No, our loss of sleep is used up praying for them as they work the graveyard shift. Our time on our knees has become more than them making friends in school and fitting in. Our prayer have now turned to praying for them to stand alone when they don't. Our midnight candle burns vigilante when we know their lives are changing faster than they can keep up. When they are walking down the isle and their hearts are filled with hopes and dreams, and we know from first hand experience whats around the corner.
Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.
This scripture is for us as parents and for our Children. To raise them to not faint when life is unfair, and for us to not fear when our faith is tested because their faith is tested.
Tested when our children are no longer under our watchful eye. Tested when they make choices you have advised them against. Tested when you know they are able to succeed, but they are not convinced. Tested when they are not walking in the ways they have been raised. Our tested faith becomes trusted faith when we know whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep what we have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:2
A hinged heart is a heart that has learned to trust a God who allows us all to be tested or sifted. We as parents have our faith tested when they are out of our care but not out of our prayers. And our children become familiar with the Father we have learned to trust with everything precious and dear to us...them.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
All I need is you Lord
"Mrs Ruddock the radiologist would like me to take another picture." Said Mary my nurse.The song floats through my head and heart again, "All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
A week prior to this appointment I found a lump the size of a dime under my arm.I went to my Dr and she felt it as well and scheduled me for a mamogram. I have had this scare before but my health had not been at its prime and several signs were pointing to a fear all women have.
I sat in the Dr's office waiting. After my first mamogram I was asked sit in the waiting room for my ultra sound. Then Mary asked me to come back for a second peak. After the second showing, I went back to my seat awaiting the ultra sound that was next. Something about sitting in a smock after your boobs have been rolling pinned over makes for great conversation. But the Gorilla in the room was not a funny matter. Fear was obviously a travel companion in this facility.
We giggled about the procedure and found things light to discuss but ones mind is trying to wrap around what might be next in their life and preparing for a storm that may or may not be coming.
An hour later my nurse sees that I am still waiting for my ultra sound. She said she was going to see what was taking so long. In that hour I had seen several women come and go and be informed that they would receive a letter in ten days. That is good news is you have had a mamogram because if there is anything suspicious you are having checked out they let you know that day. I know this because I asked how long it would take to get my results. This hour gave me a lot of time to pray, reflect and worry a bit. And Then I prayed a radical prayer. I said "Alright Lord, If this is a hurdle you want me to jump I will. If you need a Lazarus to show your glory I surrender to your plan."
I was readying my heart for whatever God was about to take me through. I have learned to do this because He has not always rescued me from some pretty horrific things but instead braced me and carried me in them. I have learned He is Always faithful, Never failing and a Constant presence in my trouble.
I am called back for the ultra sound, after a few minutes the technician says to me " I need to go show these to the radiologist." The song in my heart is sung again.
All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you.
She comes back and says, "You are free to go."
You can imagine the look of confusion on my face. I was prepared for the worst and now I am being released. I asked her if she found the lump. She said " No its gone", matter-of-factly. I am shaking my head. Last week I have a lump this week its gone. All my extra x-rays and time waiting were because they were looking for something that was there a few days ago and now its not.
I called my husband who was out of town and told him the good news and then called a dear friend who's father-in-law was going through caner and informed her my lump was gone. I later learned that she wept over my healing. This did something to my spirit that is very hard to put into words. I didn't even cry but she allowed her tears to flow for me. My touch from God was a great encouragement to her that God still sits on the throne and has the final say in our lives. Yes God still moves!!!
Many prayers were offered up that week by a few close friends and family. And my Heart was being encouraged in the Lord.
A measure of trust is released and your faith is increased during the unknown times. I teach in my bible study that hope is the lasso that connects us to the unseen. As I sat in the waiting room I took my prayers and swung them around an unseen God and said "I will not let go of you not matter what."
As I am being touched and healed, I have friends that are walking through the very thing I was rescued from. Does it make since to me that I am healed and another is not? No, not really. I can't even try to figure it out. What I do know, is that those who are journeying through their wilderness, and not being rescued from it, will not be disappointed in God or the treasures they find in the storm.
Is 63:7 in the Message bible reads
In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.
My words to you today is, if your are having to walk through some unknown territory, hold fast to the one who walks the dark hills with you.
And don't forget to sing.
"All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
2 Corinthians 9:8 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.
A week prior to this appointment I found a lump the size of a dime under my arm.I went to my Dr and she felt it as well and scheduled me for a mamogram. I have had this scare before but my health had not been at its prime and several signs were pointing to a fear all women have.
I sat in the Dr's office waiting. After my first mamogram I was asked sit in the waiting room for my ultra sound. Then Mary asked me to come back for a second peak. After the second showing, I went back to my seat awaiting the ultra sound that was next. Something about sitting in a smock after your boobs have been rolling pinned over makes for great conversation. But the Gorilla in the room was not a funny matter. Fear was obviously a travel companion in this facility.
We giggled about the procedure and found things light to discuss but ones mind is trying to wrap around what might be next in their life and preparing for a storm that may or may not be coming.
An hour later my nurse sees that I am still waiting for my ultra sound. She said she was going to see what was taking so long. In that hour I had seen several women come and go and be informed that they would receive a letter in ten days. That is good news is you have had a mamogram because if there is anything suspicious you are having checked out they let you know that day. I know this because I asked how long it would take to get my results. This hour gave me a lot of time to pray, reflect and worry a bit. And Then I prayed a radical prayer. I said "Alright Lord, If this is a hurdle you want me to jump I will. If you need a Lazarus to show your glory I surrender to your plan."
I was readying my heart for whatever God was about to take me through. I have learned to do this because He has not always rescued me from some pretty horrific things but instead braced me and carried me in them. I have learned He is Always faithful, Never failing and a Constant presence in my trouble.
I am called back for the ultra sound, after a few minutes the technician says to me " I need to go show these to the radiologist." The song in my heart is sung again.
All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you.
She comes back and says, "You are free to go."
You can imagine the look of confusion on my face. I was prepared for the worst and now I am being released. I asked her if she found the lump. She said " No its gone", matter-of-factly. I am shaking my head. Last week I have a lump this week its gone. All my extra x-rays and time waiting were because they were looking for something that was there a few days ago and now its not.
I called my husband who was out of town and told him the good news and then called a dear friend who's father-in-law was going through caner and informed her my lump was gone. I later learned that she wept over my healing. This did something to my spirit that is very hard to put into words. I didn't even cry but she allowed her tears to flow for me. My touch from God was a great encouragement to her that God still sits on the throne and has the final say in our lives. Yes God still moves!!!
Many prayers were offered up that week by a few close friends and family. And my Heart was being encouraged in the Lord.
A measure of trust is released and your faith is increased during the unknown times. I teach in my bible study that hope is the lasso that connects us to the unseen. As I sat in the waiting room I took my prayers and swung them around an unseen God and said "I will not let go of you not matter what."
As I am being touched and healed, I have friends that are walking through the very thing I was rescued from. Does it make since to me that I am healed and another is not? No, not really. I can't even try to figure it out. What I do know, is that those who are journeying through their wilderness, and not being rescued from it, will not be disappointed in God or the treasures they find in the storm.
Is 63:7 in the Message bible reads
In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.
My words to you today is, if your are having to walk through some unknown territory, hold fast to the one who walks the dark hills with you.
And don't forget to sing.
"All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
2 Corinthians 9:8 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.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Hiding in the rock
I roll to the left and I then to the right. I pray, I think, I pray some more. "Just go to sleep" I keep telling myself. Myself does not listen and stays awake anyway. Sometimes she is so stubborn. I quote scripture, I cast my cares, I close my eyes and yet I am still awake with a restless heart.
My spirit has been absorbing information that makes my mind want to spin. As I cry out to the Lord for him to make sense out of it, I hear nothing in response. Sometimes ignorance is just plain bliss.
I don't even have a direction with what I am writing, it is just spilling out. As I am crying out to God, this way to early of a Saturday morning, this scripture comes to me in Proverbs 30:26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;"
Well, I instantly felt a connection to the little fellow who is no bigger than a bunny rabbit. I could picture it curled up in a tight little crevice, SLEEPING, and feeling quite safe. My imagination goes wild with what its life may be like. Maybe there's a storm outside, or worse, a predator. But this little critter positions itself between the rocks, out of harms way, resting and waiting. The storms are too big to weather and the lions are too big to fight, so she hides. She shields herself in the rocks where the wind and rain can not get to her and the paws of her enemy can't reach her. She doesn't have to fight nor does she have to be exposed to the elements, she just has to take shelter in the rock.
I think about what my heart is in turmoil with and then I picture it raging outside of my little fortress. I could see myself tucked in between a rock and a hard place, feeling hurt from the roars and growls but knowing this mountain lion can not touch me or reach me. I feel helpless and week, so hiding is better than fighting right now. As I am thinking of the snarls of words, I have to tuck my head lower and lean harder against the rock. I squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the storm to pass, I push myself deeper in-between the crags or crevices and wait it out.
Sometimes this warrior is just a child. And I have to run into my Fathers solid arms of love and tell Him I am afraid and don't know what to do. Just to have that time in the rock is enough to gather strength and hope. Time spent in the rock during the dark times is enough to draw courage and peace. What goes on behind a rolled stone is quite marvelous. What can happen in a cave is beyond miraculous. Wars that are won because of a quiet tomb-like moment is victorious!
As I am hiding, My Jesus is fighting. As I am resting, My Jesus is warring. As I am waiting, my Jesus is interceding. My down time is His release time.
Let's look back a few years ago, when 11 men went and hid in a room. Hiding from the government who just murdered their Leader, their Father, their friend. And as they are tucked into their crag, Christ is behind a rolled stone. Hidden so well from mans eyes, He is able to sneak all the way to hell and steal the keys of death and kick the devils butt while He's down there. He defeats all storms that may rage against us and closing every lions mouth that may try to devour.
He was between a tomb and a boulder with the appearance of death but with the agenda of life. Life abundant, Life eternal, Life with Joy, Life with peace and Life with power! And when the victory of all victories came to pass, the stone was rolled away and the men who were hiding in their little cave of fear, came face to face with the one who conquered it.
Yes Hiding in the rock is a good thing. It can erupt power, life, joy and strength. It can conquer fear and gobble up death. Then, then...then you can see how your hiding in the rock was actually trusting in your God.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18:31 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
My spirit has been absorbing information that makes my mind want to spin. As I cry out to the Lord for him to make sense out of it, I hear nothing in response. Sometimes ignorance is just plain bliss.
I don't even have a direction with what I am writing, it is just spilling out. As I am crying out to God, this way to early of a Saturday morning, this scripture comes to me in Proverbs 30:26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;"
Well, I instantly felt a connection to the little fellow who is no bigger than a bunny rabbit. I could picture it curled up in a tight little crevice, SLEEPING, and feeling quite safe. My imagination goes wild with what its life may be like. Maybe there's a storm outside, or worse, a predator. But this little critter positions itself between the rocks, out of harms way, resting and waiting. The storms are too big to weather and the lions are too big to fight, so she hides. She shields herself in the rocks where the wind and rain can not get to her and the paws of her enemy can't reach her. She doesn't have to fight nor does she have to be exposed to the elements, she just has to take shelter in the rock.
I think about what my heart is in turmoil with and then I picture it raging outside of my little fortress. I could see myself tucked in between a rock and a hard place, feeling hurt from the roars and growls but knowing this mountain lion can not touch me or reach me. I feel helpless and week, so hiding is better than fighting right now. As I am thinking of the snarls of words, I have to tuck my head lower and lean harder against the rock. I squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the storm to pass, I push myself deeper in-between the crags or crevices and wait it out.
Sometimes this warrior is just a child. And I have to run into my Fathers solid arms of love and tell Him I am afraid and don't know what to do. Just to have that time in the rock is enough to gather strength and hope. Time spent in the rock during the dark times is enough to draw courage and peace. What goes on behind a rolled stone is quite marvelous. What can happen in a cave is beyond miraculous. Wars that are won because of a quiet tomb-like moment is victorious!
As I am hiding, My Jesus is fighting. As I am resting, My Jesus is warring. As I am waiting, my Jesus is interceding. My down time is His release time.
Let's look back a few years ago, when 11 men went and hid in a room. Hiding from the government who just murdered their Leader, their Father, their friend. And as they are tucked into their crag, Christ is behind a rolled stone. Hidden so well from mans eyes, He is able to sneak all the way to hell and steal the keys of death and kick the devils butt while He's down there. He defeats all storms that may rage against us and closing every lions mouth that may try to devour.
He was between a tomb and a boulder with the appearance of death but with the agenda of life. Life abundant, Life eternal, Life with Joy, Life with peace and Life with power! And when the victory of all victories came to pass, the stone was rolled away and the men who were hiding in their little cave of fear, came face to face with the one who conquered it.
Yes Hiding in the rock is a good thing. It can erupt power, life, joy and strength. It can conquer fear and gobble up death. Then, then...then you can see how your hiding in the rock was actually trusting in your God.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18:31 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mary's feet
Where do I begin? My son just came into my room and anointed my hands with oil. You may be wondering why, and maybe last week I would have wondered with you. For about a year Jessey's fire has been getting hotter and bigger. He is overflowing with the power and love of Christ. He has received a measure of faith that is astounding me! Our home has been rocked and is busting at the seems with radical faith. This Love he has for God has him evangelizing everywhere he goes. After a powerful conference with Todd White, Jessey has been inspired and in-fired. And kicked out of Sears for bothering the people with the message of Jesus. Tonight I witnessed one of the most beautiful acts
I got home late tonight. After work I stayed and helped my Pastor with his fathers funeral. Me and two other ladies were the last to leave. Their feet hurt them both. They are a few years older than me and most faithful. Lynn was kind enough to give Mary and I a ride home. As we pulled into my apartment I asked my kids to come and help bring in some of the leftovers from the funeral. My son Jessey comes down the stairs, the one who anointed my hands. Mary had said she wanted Jessey to pray over her feet. As we are unloading, Jessey asks Mary if she needs any prayer and asks her specifically how her feet are. Mary chuckles and says " I just told your Momma I wanted you to pray over my feet some time. Jessey then tells her "Come on up and I will pray over them now." Oh the boldness.
At that point I am hoping somebody had cleaned the house because I had been gone all day. We all march up the stairs and Mary seems especially excited. She is so cute. Jessey has Mary sit down. He places my sweet senior friends feet in his hands and begins his prayer. Mary is very shy about her feet and will not let anybody see them. So she keeps her socks on and allows Jessey to only remove her Shoes. She says they are to ugly to look at. As I am milling around in the kitchen cleaning up a few things, Jessey is extending his faith in the living-room. Jessey is fervently praying over Mary's feet declaring youthfulness back to them. He is waiting for God to do something outwardly. As we all are by this time. What started out as a young man praying for my friends feet has now turned into a Bethany moment.
I then bring him oil to anoint her feet with and he takes Marys socks off, she is telling us nobody has ever seen her feet. He begins to massage her feet, telling her how beautiful they are. She is weeping and Jessey just keeps speaking life and love over her, Declaring healing and asking God to remove the deformations and make her feet line up with the word of God. He then does something that is so intimate and unbelievable. He kisses Mary's feet and tells her he loves her. Mary crumbles. My dear friend who has been a widow for about twenty years and has been quite embarrassed about her feet has just encountered a Holy spirit wrecking ball. This gesture was tender and intimate. Jessey holds those well worn servants feet in his hands and tells her how beautiful they are. That they are precious because they carry one of Gods servants around, doing His work. Mary is weeping, Jessey is weeping and his tears are falling on her feet. I am weeping, My older son is weeping, his fiance is weeping, Lynn is weeping. The love of the Father was being funneled through a fifteen year old boy into a 60+ year old woman and healing was flowing. Healing of the heart. Healing of the soul. A Love so deep, generations were being crossed at lights speeds.
He put her socks back on her and then her shoes and then proceeded to help her up. He hugged her and held her for a while. She said it felt as if Jesus himself had kissed her feet and loved her. And Jessey said "He did."
Matthew 5:40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Isn't it interesting that as Mary was experiencing the affection of the Father, Jessey was also experiencing Loving on His.
I got home late tonight. After work I stayed and helped my Pastor with his fathers funeral. Me and two other ladies were the last to leave. Their feet hurt them both. They are a few years older than me and most faithful. Lynn was kind enough to give Mary and I a ride home. As we pulled into my apartment I asked my kids to come and help bring in some of the leftovers from the funeral. My son Jessey comes down the stairs, the one who anointed my hands. Mary had said she wanted Jessey to pray over her feet. As we are unloading, Jessey asks Mary if she needs any prayer and asks her specifically how her feet are. Mary chuckles and says " I just told your Momma I wanted you to pray over my feet some time. Jessey then tells her "Come on up and I will pray over them now." Oh the boldness.
At that point I am hoping somebody had cleaned the house because I had been gone all day. We all march up the stairs and Mary seems especially excited. She is so cute. Jessey has Mary sit down. He places my sweet senior friends feet in his hands and begins his prayer. Mary is very shy about her feet and will not let anybody see them. So she keeps her socks on and allows Jessey to only remove her Shoes. She says they are to ugly to look at. As I am milling around in the kitchen cleaning up a few things, Jessey is extending his faith in the living-room. Jessey is fervently praying over Mary's feet declaring youthfulness back to them. He is waiting for God to do something outwardly. As we all are by this time. What started out as a young man praying for my friends feet has now turned into a Bethany moment.
I then bring him oil to anoint her feet with and he takes Marys socks off, she is telling us nobody has ever seen her feet. He begins to massage her feet, telling her how beautiful they are. She is weeping and Jessey just keeps speaking life and love over her, Declaring healing and asking God to remove the deformations and make her feet line up with the word of God. He then does something that is so intimate and unbelievable. He kisses Mary's feet and tells her he loves her. Mary crumbles. My dear friend who has been a widow for about twenty years and has been quite embarrassed about her feet has just encountered a Holy spirit wrecking ball. This gesture was tender and intimate. Jessey holds those well worn servants feet in his hands and tells her how beautiful they are. That they are precious because they carry one of Gods servants around, doing His work. Mary is weeping, Jessey is weeping and his tears are falling on her feet. I am weeping, My older son is weeping, his fiance is weeping, Lynn is weeping. The love of the Father was being funneled through a fifteen year old boy into a 60+ year old woman and healing was flowing. Healing of the heart. Healing of the soul. A Love so deep, generations were being crossed at lights speeds.
He put her socks back on her and then her shoes and then proceeded to help her up. He hugged her and held her for a while. She said it felt as if Jesus himself had kissed her feet and loved her. And Jessey said "He did."
Matthew 5:40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Isn't it interesting that as Mary was experiencing the affection of the Father, Jessey was also experiencing Loving on His.
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