Christmas Eve night I learned a great lesson from my nephew Ethan. God speaks through the youngest of His children.
We were driving to my sister's mom's house from a great Christmas Eve celebration at Petey's brother's place. Josiah had gotten a toy gun with the suction cup shooters and he was holding it as we drove. Ethan saw the gun and Ethan wanted it. The gun was still in its cardboard, twisty-tied up and secure but Ethan really wanted to shoot the gun and play with the present. Ethan's "BOOM BOOMS" turned into screams as his desire for that toy gun intensified. He was told that he needed to wait to open the gift and play with it, but he didn't like that answer too much. It was not time for Ethan to open the gift; He needed to learn a lesson of patience.
As I was listening to Ethan cry and his loving parents tell him that he needed to wait, it was as if God tapped me on the shoulder and began to talk to me. He pointed out this lesson: I desire a gift that I can see, but I need patience and I need to wait for Christmas day to open it. The time will come; the gift will be so fun to have, but the time right now is wrong. Now, I have a couple options of what to do while I'm waiting; I can scream or I can enjoy everything else around me.
Ethan has been able to play with the gun now; it's the perfect time for him to do so. He is able to laugh and enjoy it entirely.
My Christmas Eve lesson couldn't have been more perfect. May you be encouraged to trust God, your good and loving Heavenly Father, when He withholds gifts from you because the time is not yet for you to receive them. Enjoy waiting and have fun during the time of patience. The day will come, Christmas morning will arrive, and you will enjoy your gift even more than you can expect now.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Intransigent
Hello from Starbucks everyone :)
I'm sitting here in an upright seat (abnormal from the normal couch I choose) checking my emails and such. I receive Merriam-Webster's Word for the Day every day on my email account, thanks to the recommendation to do so from my outstanding dad :) (Thank you dad) and was inspired to write. Today's word is intransigent. It means "Characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude: uncompromising."
On how many areas of life to I consider myself to be intransigent? In what areas do I not compromise? Thinking about how compromising I am is quite saddening, but remembering how uncompromising God is stupendous!
I read in 1 John about the Love of God for us. It says, "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. Be he who fears has not been made perfect in love." Then here is that catch: "WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US." Incredible intransigent love.
How foreign the Love of God is to us, in the since that we see it rarely displayed among people. And it really can't be displayed because we are so human and so full of sin! But this grips me: that there is not one thing I can do to stop making God love me madly. He passionately loved me and you before the foundations of the earth were laid and He loves with that same extremity for us now, in the present tense.
Do you know that you delight God? Do you know that you have a Father who gave His all for you? Do you know life situations don't just happen by circumstance but that God has planned your life in such intricate detail that ever step you take, breath you breathe, have been planned by Him?
Ok, now there is another thing that God has been showing me in His word. He's been showing me BELIEVE. John 11:40 says, "Jesus said to her [Martha], "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" Lazarus had been dead but Jesus intended to raise Him to life. Jesus' heart groaned with such love and compassion for His friend Lazarus. The humanity of Jesus is so expressed in that He wept when He was being led to the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus looks upon us the with the same humanity; He is forever going to be flesh, interceding at the right hand of God for us (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). But when Jesus assures Martha that her belief would allow her to see the glory of God, I was encouraged to believe to a greater extent.
The area of belief was also being highlighted to me in the story of Gideon. God chose Gideon to defeat the Midianites. God said to Gideon, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." God filled him with His spirit, but Gideon was a bit fearful. He asked God to prove this whole attack was from Him by asking for the fleece to be wet on morning and dry the next, and God did that for Gideon. Then God, through only 300 men, brought the Isrealites victory over Midian in a miraculous way. Gideon, though at times doubted, believed God at His word and He saw the glory of God.
God says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut 31:6). Those words are true. God is intransigent in His purpose to stay with us.
So all these lessons, I believe, beautifully tie together in a mysteriously wondrous way that only the Holy Spirit can bring about.
God's word is good. God's word is alive, has a pulse, breaths... I can hear the heart beat of God through it.
The coffee in my cup is left to a sip now. I hope you were blessed by me spilling out my thoughts; moreso, by God speaking His word to your heart. May you remember and grow in the intransigent love of God for you today and forevermore.
"God you are Holy, God you are True. God you are faithful. God, I love you"
I'm sitting here in an upright seat (abnormal from the normal couch I choose) checking my emails and such. I receive Merriam-Webster's Word for the Day every day on my email account, thanks to the recommendation to do so from my outstanding dad :) (Thank you dad) and was inspired to write. Today's word is intransigent. It means "Characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude: uncompromising."
On how many areas of life to I consider myself to be intransigent? In what areas do I not compromise? Thinking about how compromising I am is quite saddening, but remembering how uncompromising God is stupendous!
I read in 1 John about the Love of God for us. It says, "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. Be he who fears has not been made perfect in love." Then here is that catch: "WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US." Incredible intransigent love.
How foreign the Love of God is to us, in the since that we see it rarely displayed among people. And it really can't be displayed because we are so human and so full of sin! But this grips me: that there is not one thing I can do to stop making God love me madly. He passionately loved me and you before the foundations of the earth were laid and He loves with that same extremity for us now, in the present tense.
Do you know that you delight God? Do you know that you have a Father who gave His all for you? Do you know life situations don't just happen by circumstance but that God has planned your life in such intricate detail that ever step you take, breath you breathe, have been planned by Him?
Ok, now there is another thing that God has been showing me in His word. He's been showing me BELIEVE. John 11:40 says, "Jesus said to her [Martha], "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" Lazarus had been dead but Jesus intended to raise Him to life. Jesus' heart groaned with such love and compassion for His friend Lazarus. The humanity of Jesus is so expressed in that He wept when He was being led to the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus looks upon us the with the same humanity; He is forever going to be flesh, interceding at the right hand of God for us (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). But when Jesus assures Martha that her belief would allow her to see the glory of God, I was encouraged to believe to a greater extent.
The area of belief was also being highlighted to me in the story of Gideon. God chose Gideon to defeat the Midianites. God said to Gideon, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." God filled him with His spirit, but Gideon was a bit fearful. He asked God to prove this whole attack was from Him by asking for the fleece to be wet on morning and dry the next, and God did that for Gideon. Then God, through only 300 men, brought the Isrealites victory over Midian in a miraculous way. Gideon, though at times doubted, believed God at His word and He saw the glory of God.
God says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut 31:6). Those words are true. God is intransigent in His purpose to stay with us.
So all these lessons, I believe, beautifully tie together in a mysteriously wondrous way that only the Holy Spirit can bring about.
God's word is good. God's word is alive, has a pulse, breaths... I can hear the heart beat of God through it.
The coffee in my cup is left to a sip now. I hope you were blessed by me spilling out my thoughts; moreso, by God speaking His word to your heart. May you remember and grow in the intransigent love of God for you today and forevermore.
"God you are Holy, God you are True. God you are faithful. God, I love you"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Distractions and Rain
God is good.
I am writing on this wonderful rainy day in Huntington Beach. God is faithful to bring the rain. He's been showering this land this past week, and each time I hear the drops on the roof, I'm reminded of His unfailing faithfulness.
Joel 2:21-24 says this:
"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done marvelous things! Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; for the open pastures are springing up, and the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their strength. Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; for He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you- the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. The threshing floors shall e full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil."
I probably have written out these verses previously, but God's word is never exhaustible!
His faithfulness shines ever bright. Oh, how I am learning to rest in His faithfulness.
When God was bringing His children to the Promise Land, he reminded them that they were going to possess a land in which they did not labor for, they were going to partake of the vineyards fruit in which the did not sow the seed for. God was going to give them victory from their enemies and they needed to not be afraid. Joshua 23:14 says, "And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD our God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed." They couldn't stop God from being faithful. I kept reading that passage just now and there is a huge warning at the end; God was going to bring harm to His children too because they transgressed and served other Gods. God's blessings are great but His punishments are real when we give into our distractions, our flesh and ally with the enemy.
So what in my life is not pleasing? What in my life is ahead of God? His faithfulness comes like the rain; there is nothing I can to do stop it. But what, right now, needs to be ridden of in my life?
Lord, I confess I am blind, to my sin and flesh's desires.
Only You can reveal them to me-
I want to focus; this life is so short!
I want to possess great lands,
over come great enemies,
not because of my strength,
but because I trust in You to fight for me.
I vulnerable ask for the dark places to be lit.
I want Your blessings! Yes, I want them from YOU!
Rain them down, at Your pleasure.
Thank You Lord for revealing truth in your Word.
Thank You for writing your law on My heart.
I am writing on this wonderful rainy day in Huntington Beach. God is faithful to bring the rain. He's been showering this land this past week, and each time I hear the drops on the roof, I'm reminded of His unfailing faithfulness.
Joel 2:21-24 says this:
"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done marvelous things! Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; for the open pastures are springing up, and the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their strength. Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; for He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you- the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. The threshing floors shall e full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil."
I probably have written out these verses previously, but God's word is never exhaustible!
His faithfulness shines ever bright. Oh, how I am learning to rest in His faithfulness.
When God was bringing His children to the Promise Land, he reminded them that they were going to possess a land in which they did not labor for, they were going to partake of the vineyards fruit in which the did not sow the seed for. God was going to give them victory from their enemies and they needed to not be afraid. Joshua 23:14 says, "And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD our God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed." They couldn't stop God from being faithful. I kept reading that passage just now and there is a huge warning at the end; God was going to bring harm to His children too because they transgressed and served other Gods. God's blessings are great but His punishments are real when we give into our distractions, our flesh and ally with the enemy.
So what in my life is not pleasing? What in my life is ahead of God? His faithfulness comes like the rain; there is nothing I can to do stop it. But what, right now, needs to be ridden of in my life?
Lord, I confess I am blind, to my sin and flesh's desires.
Only You can reveal them to me-
I want to focus; this life is so short!
I want to possess great lands,
over come great enemies,
not because of my strength,
but because I trust in You to fight for me.
I vulnerable ask for the dark places to be lit.
I want Your blessings! Yes, I want them from YOU!
Rain them down, at Your pleasure.
Thank You Lord for revealing truth in your Word.
Thank You for writing your law on My heart.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
God Knows You
I had such a wonderful day in class today. We had songwriting class with Evan Wickham. Each time we have these classes with Evan, or guitar class with Scott, or studying the attributes of God with Pastor Brian, my whole body becomes still in my seat as my spirit is ushered into the presence of God. My eyes can't hold back filling with tears. In those moments, His majesty paralyzes me, truly. God is big, He is wonderful, He is majestic, He is everywhere yet intimately personal.
Psalm 139 is worth the read right now. Before you even continue on reading this entry, I encourage you to read it, soak it in and oh, let God speak to you- undo all your thoughts and read it with a heart before your God; let Him bless you.
I am, and you are, constantly the attention of God. Yes, He is attentive to you and you are the apple of His eye. God has your plans written out in His book. He is constantly thinking of you. He had purpose in making you.
Oh, how I want to live my life wrapped in a melody of praise to my King.
I really, truly pray you are encouraged to praise God for how He is in control, how He knows you, and I pray your hunger, and my hunger, would demand more more of Him. May we be dead to the flesh, alive in the Spirit, soaring on the wings of eagles, focused on Jesus and sweetly contagious to others.
Psalm 139 is worth the read right now. Before you even continue on reading this entry, I encourage you to read it, soak it in and oh, let God speak to you- undo all your thoughts and read it with a heart before your God; let Him bless you.
I am, and you are, constantly the attention of God. Yes, He is attentive to you and you are the apple of His eye. God has your plans written out in His book. He is constantly thinking of you. He had purpose in making you.
Oh, how I want to live my life wrapped in a melody of praise to my King.
I really, truly pray you are encouraged to praise God for how He is in control, how He knows you, and I pray your hunger, and my hunger, would demand more more of Him. May we be dead to the flesh, alive in the Spirit, soaring on the wings of eagles, focused on Jesus and sweetly contagious to others.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Selfless Love
I just had a sweet visit back in Sioux Falls, SD for Thanksgiving break. As I was reflecting on it from 34,000 feet in the air, flying over Colorado or Utah perhaps, God began to reveal to me the beauty of selfless love. I had the privilege over this vacation to go to a wedding. Each wedding I go to, I learn a different lesson. As I thought on the conversations and prayers the bride and I had over the past year about who God had for her, I was able to thank God for answering that those prayers and desires perfectly. I thought of how patient the groom had been to wait for his bride... to endure and to wait. Then I thought of all the pureness of their relationship and the sweet first kiss they shared to seal their vows; what selfless love.
If love is real, if love is true, it will be proven by it's selflessness. Love will save it's kiss. Love will restrain from being so wrapped up in the person that is the object of affection to put it's eyes on Jesus. Love will surrender over to God every desire and promise no matter how hard it is. Love, true, real, authentic love is immersed in selfless humility and it is so beautiful.
Then I pulled out my laptop, wanting to get into the word, but knowing the surplus of accessories (specifically shoes) that I acquired over the trip blocked my bible in at the bottom of my backpack. Praise the Lord for e-sword! I read through the story of Abraham offering up Isaac as an act of worship. Then, as my thoughts started meshing the selfless love of the marriage and sacrificial worship of Abraham together, I realized the two go hand in hand. Both involve humility and ridding of self. Selfless love is worship... obeying the voice of God is worship
I was sweetly reminded on this airline conversation with God that at that wedding, the bride and groom were worshipping. I realized that when I offer up all my desires that I have in this little head of mine and put my selfish wants in the dumpster, I am worshipping God in a sacrificial way. God blesses us beyond what we can imagine when we surrender.
One other thing finally made sense to me: if any relationship in my life is started in selfishness, the selfishness will only continue to grow as the relationship grows and I will only continue to be miserable. But, if I worship, surrender my will, and choose selfless love, oh how God will bless those relationships and how I will be content in Him and with Him alone. Circumstances won't change the love.
So, my flight ended up being a wonderful pre-marital counseling session with my God. God is so gracious to keep teaching me, allowing me to make stupid choices, yet still keeping his perfect in plan for me. God never fails. And God is the ultimate lover, isn't He? What selflessness He shows to us messed up and sinful humans! Oh how He waits and suffers long and endures us! Oh, how He sent such a great sacrifice, out of humility, to tell us He loves us.
All these thoughts are still dancing through my head and it's nice to meditate on them.
Love. Selfless love. What a lesson.
If love is real, if love is true, it will be proven by it's selflessness. Love will save it's kiss. Love will restrain from being so wrapped up in the person that is the object of affection to put it's eyes on Jesus. Love will surrender over to God every desire and promise no matter how hard it is. Love, true, real, authentic love is immersed in selfless humility and it is so beautiful.
Then I pulled out my laptop, wanting to get into the word, but knowing the surplus of accessories (specifically shoes) that I acquired over the trip blocked my bible in at the bottom of my backpack. Praise the Lord for e-sword! I read through the story of Abraham offering up Isaac as an act of worship. Then, as my thoughts started meshing the selfless love of the marriage and sacrificial worship of Abraham together, I realized the two go hand in hand. Both involve humility and ridding of self. Selfless love is worship... obeying the voice of God is worship
I was sweetly reminded on this airline conversation with God that at that wedding, the bride and groom were worshipping. I realized that when I offer up all my desires that I have in this little head of mine and put my selfish wants in the dumpster, I am worshipping God in a sacrificial way. God blesses us beyond what we can imagine when we surrender.
One other thing finally made sense to me: if any relationship in my life is started in selfishness, the selfishness will only continue to grow as the relationship grows and I will only continue to be miserable. But, if I worship, surrender my will, and choose selfless love, oh how God will bless those relationships and how I will be content in Him and with Him alone. Circumstances won't change the love.
So, my flight ended up being a wonderful pre-marital counseling session with my God. God is so gracious to keep teaching me, allowing me to make stupid choices, yet still keeping his perfect in plan for me. God never fails. And God is the ultimate lover, isn't He? What selflessness He shows to us messed up and sinful humans! Oh how He waits and suffers long and endures us! Oh, how He sent such a great sacrifice, out of humility, to tell us He loves us.
All these thoughts are still dancing through my head and it's nice to meditate on them.
Love. Selfless love. What a lesson.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Side By Side
Nearly every week day morning is see an elderly couple walking together along the side walk. They aren’t hand in hand but they are side by side. They faithfully walk together, every day. The husband, though he has longer legs and a longer stride, shortens his steps so that his wife would be in step with him. I haven’t a clue what they chat about as they walk; I’m sure they talk about the weather, the morning fog, the falling leaves, the landscape of the homes, maybe about their children or grandchildren, occasionally scrapping up memories from when they were young and in love. The only difference from when they were young and in love to now is their age, perhaps even the love itself as well; I am sure if you asked either one, they will tell you that their love for each other has increased each day they have been together.
I know I am making a lot of assumptions about this precious couple. But observing them walk together, faithfully, day by day, tells me there is a bond in their life that continues to strengthen.
What if we didn’t need each other? What if God had looked at Adam and said, “Oh, it’s fine that man is alone… it will cause less problems for him later on.” What if that were the case? The more I live, the more I realize life isn’t about the things I do, places I go, accomplishes I make, but it’s about the people around me. An adventure is only as wonderful as my fellow adventurers! I know that times of solitude and getting away are necessary, but they mustn’t be habitual and constant.
My precious brothers and precious sisters, enjoy those around you; they are gifts from God. You can impact the people that you are around every day, just don’t stop being around them. Times will be frustrating, trials will come, circumstances may be uncomfortable, but continue to walk side by side.
Romans 12:3-13
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we hae many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who show mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, contributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
I know I am making a lot of assumptions about this precious couple. But observing them walk together, faithfully, day by day, tells me there is a bond in their life that continues to strengthen.
What if we didn’t need each other? What if God had looked at Adam and said, “Oh, it’s fine that man is alone… it will cause less problems for him later on.” What if that were the case? The more I live, the more I realize life isn’t about the things I do, places I go, accomplishes I make, but it’s about the people around me. An adventure is only as wonderful as my fellow adventurers! I know that times of solitude and getting away are necessary, but they mustn’t be habitual and constant.
My precious brothers and precious sisters, enjoy those around you; they are gifts from God. You can impact the people that you are around every day, just don’t stop being around them. Times will be frustrating, trials will come, circumstances may be uncomfortable, but continue to walk side by side.
Romans 12:3-13
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we hae many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who show mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, contributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Our God Reigns
The new week is just about to begin. I am expectantly waiting for all the Lord is going to do.
Our God reigns. He is in control. No matter how dire the circumstance, how bleak the future, how depressing the news, our God reigns. We're never out of His sight, off his mind, def to His ears or far from His help. He is all-knowing, all-loving, all-consuming, always. What truth to reflect on.
One thing I know is that we are in warfare. Our minds are the very battle grounds. I was encouraged in the word today to take up my shield of faith and fight off the fiery darts that are being chucked my way. The word doesn't say that we need the shield of faith sometimes or that maybe fiery darts from Satan will come; it's a guarantee that he is trying to defeat you but it's also a guarantee you are fully equipped with protective armour to keep you in the battle and even better, to keep you victorious.
My goal this week is to keep my shield up. When I'm in class, and I can't strum the guitar right or spread my fingers far enough to make a chord, I'm going to hold my shield of faith high so that I'm not discouraged. God can surely teach my fingers to stretch and my hand to strum. When I am feeling homesick and in need of companionship (which was the case of most of my last week) I'm going to hold my shield strong and have faith that God knows all my need and He will supply me with the companionship that will blow my mind and bring real joy.
It's almost ten and I need to practice playing the key family of E..... E, F#m, G#m...... yeah, I need practice.
Remember to hold up your shield this week! And when you are weary, our Daddy has strong arms. If you ask Him for help, He won't refuse :) Our God reigns!
Our God reigns. He is in control. No matter how dire the circumstance, how bleak the future, how depressing the news, our God reigns. We're never out of His sight, off his mind, def to His ears or far from His help. He is all-knowing, all-loving, all-consuming, always. What truth to reflect on.
One thing I know is that we are in warfare. Our minds are the very battle grounds. I was encouraged in the word today to take up my shield of faith and fight off the fiery darts that are being chucked my way. The word doesn't say that we need the shield of faith sometimes or that maybe fiery darts from Satan will come; it's a guarantee that he is trying to defeat you but it's also a guarantee you are fully equipped with protective armour to keep you in the battle and even better, to keep you victorious.
My goal this week is to keep my shield up. When I'm in class, and I can't strum the guitar right or spread my fingers far enough to make a chord, I'm going to hold my shield of faith high so that I'm not discouraged. God can surely teach my fingers to stretch and my hand to strum. When I am feeling homesick and in need of companionship (which was the case of most of my last week) I'm going to hold my shield strong and have faith that God knows all my need and He will supply me with the companionship that will blow my mind and bring real joy.
It's almost ten and I need to practice playing the key family of E..... E, F#m, G#m...... yeah, I need practice.
Remember to hold up your shield this week! And when you are weary, our Daddy has strong arms. If you ask Him for help, He won't refuse :) Our God reigns!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Leprosy of Sin
Leviticus 13: The Law Concerning Leprosy
My leprosy is my sin. As I was reading through this chapter today, I was reminded how my sin can start so small and seem so harmless, but when left unviewed and untreated, it can spread and consume my entire being.
In this Levitical law, any person who had a sore was to go to the priest, Aaron or one of his sons, and have their sore examined. If that sore was deep into the skin, it was diagnosed as leprous and the priest was to declare the person unclean. Now a person has just a spot on the surface of his or her skin, they were to have the spot examined by the priest, be in isolating seven days, and be reexamined on the seventh day. If the sore healed, the priest was to announce him clean and the person was then to wash his clothes and he was clean.
What a picture this is of our sin. When we let sin fester, when we don’t take it to our High Priest, then it consumes us and takes over our health and our life. A person with leprosy was to shave his head, tear his clothes, cover his face, and cry aloud “ UNCLEAN!” What devastation and agony and grief. Can you imagine spending your life as an unclean person? Can you imagine the shame and suffering?
Then there is the person who comes to the priest when they only view a little suspicious spot on their skin. The priest views it, isolates them, and when they have become clean, they are free to go about life in the way they enjoy it. Free to hug others, to laugh, have people over for feasts, celebrate the Passover and other holidays of remembering how great of a deliverance God gave when He redeemed them out of Egypt, and now, how He healed there skin.
So too, when we come to God with the sin that is scratching the surface of our skin, when we ask for His examination and let Him work on us and heal us, we are washed and cleaned and free up to live an abundant life because of Him.
Just as I was encouraged this morning to not let my sin go un-confessed before God, I encourage you to do the same.
In Matthew 9:12 & 13 Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.; For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
My leprosy is my sin. As I was reading through this chapter today, I was reminded how my sin can start so small and seem so harmless, but when left unviewed and untreated, it can spread and consume my entire being.
In this Levitical law, any person who had a sore was to go to the priest, Aaron or one of his sons, and have their sore examined. If that sore was deep into the skin, it was diagnosed as leprous and the priest was to declare the person unclean. Now a person has just a spot on the surface of his or her skin, they were to have the spot examined by the priest, be in isolating seven days, and be reexamined on the seventh day. If the sore healed, the priest was to announce him clean and the person was then to wash his clothes and he was clean.
What a picture this is of our sin. When we let sin fester, when we don’t take it to our High Priest, then it consumes us and takes over our health and our life. A person with leprosy was to shave his head, tear his clothes, cover his face, and cry aloud “ UNCLEAN!” What devastation and agony and grief. Can you imagine spending your life as an unclean person? Can you imagine the shame and suffering?
Then there is the person who comes to the priest when they only view a little suspicious spot on their skin. The priest views it, isolates them, and when they have become clean, they are free to go about life in the way they enjoy it. Free to hug others, to laugh, have people over for feasts, celebrate the Passover and other holidays of remembering how great of a deliverance God gave when He redeemed them out of Egypt, and now, how He healed there skin.
So too, when we come to God with the sin that is scratching the surface of our skin, when we ask for His examination and let Him work on us and heal us, we are washed and cleaned and free up to live an abundant life because of Him.
Just as I was encouraged this morning to not let my sin go un-confessed before God, I encourage you to do the same.
In Matthew 9:12 & 13 Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.; For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ushering In The 20's
Right now I'm sitting in Starbucks, drinking Passion Tea, celebrating my 20th birthday. I'm getting old... Twenty is a big age! I'm no longer a teen, no longer so dependent on my parents, no longer a little girl, though I feel so little. I don't know if I'm ready to claim this age! I guess this is just what if feels like when one gets older.
"I find shelter in the in the shadow of Your wings, O Lord."
I know that I have my shelter in God. Though I feel small in this giant world, I find shelter in the shadow of God's wings.
Have you ever heard what a mom Eagle does to her eaglette's? When they can't yet fly, she pushes them out of the nest as they fall to the jaggedy terrain below. The eaglette starts flapping it's weak wings in effort to fly, but that effort is proven in vain as they continue on the descent. Then, just when it seems like the eaglette is going to hit the rocks, the mom Eagle swoops below her baby. The eaglette falls on her wings and is saved. That baby eagle finds shelter in it's mom's wings.
In the same way, I find shelter in my Father's wings. Everything around me can be unfamiliar- the people, places, smells, sounds, taste's, but my shelter will never leave.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth- Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
-Isaiah 43:2-7
He's got me and that is so comforting.
So now what do I do as a 20 year old? Well, today, hopefully within the next five minutes after I'm finished proofreading this entry, I'll apply for a job at this Starbucks I'm sitting in. Then, I'll walk to my house. From there, I haven't a clue what God would have me do but I know it's going to be good.
Today is the first day I'm twenty and after reflecting on my Shelter, it's starting to become not so scary. Though I'm a small girl in a big world, I have a giant Daddy :) and He takes good care of me.
Twenties, here I come.
"I find shelter in the in the shadow of Your wings, O Lord."
I know that I have my shelter in God. Though I feel small in this giant world, I find shelter in the shadow of God's wings.
Have you ever heard what a mom Eagle does to her eaglette's? When they can't yet fly, she pushes them out of the nest as they fall to the jaggedy terrain below. The eaglette starts flapping it's weak wings in effort to fly, but that effort is proven in vain as they continue on the descent. Then, just when it seems like the eaglette is going to hit the rocks, the mom Eagle swoops below her baby. The eaglette falls on her wings and is saved. That baby eagle finds shelter in it's mom's wings.
In the same way, I find shelter in my Father's wings. Everything around me can be unfamiliar- the people, places, smells, sounds, taste's, but my shelter will never leave.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth- Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
-Isaiah 43:2-7
He's got me and that is so comforting.
So now what do I do as a 20 year old? Well, today, hopefully within the next five minutes after I'm finished proofreading this entry, I'll apply for a job at this Starbucks I'm sitting in. Then, I'll walk to my house. From there, I haven't a clue what God would have me do but I know it's going to be good.
Today is the first day I'm twenty and after reflecting on my Shelter, it's starting to become not so scary. Though I'm a small girl in a big world, I have a giant Daddy :) and He takes good care of me.
Twenties, here I come.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Ball Has Started Rolling
School has begun. I went to orientation yesterday and my heart and mind was so filled with joy as almost 50 students listened to our director, Scott Cunningham, welcome us and debrief us about the next nine months of the School of Worship.
For all of you who I have not updated, which there is a lot, I want to share how greatly God provided.
My pastor in Napa, Bill Walden, asked over his facebook status if any of his friends in the O.C. were willing to open up their house for me. Stephanie Dollis responded with a yes. The Dollis family lives in Huntington Beach, CA and they are wonderful. The have a 17 year old son named Hayes who is gifted musically with a bunch of friends who are gifted as well. So I have a feeling a lot of music is going to be filling the Dollis household these next months :)
Isn't is so great how the body of Christ responds when one member is in need? There is such unity in the body of Christ- more unity than human blood relation could ever bring. And what a great Helper the Spirit is! He places burdens upon people's hearts, directs them and guides them; He guided me to the Dollis house, where He has chosen to put His name. I'm very thankful.
I move into the Dollis house today. I may also have a roommate, which would be SA-WEET! Her name is Ashley. She's praying, I'm praying, and God is guiding. :)
I have been job hunting. I picked up a Starbucks application (much to Mario Piambo's dismay I'm sure), learned how to apply online for Old Navy, and sent my resume to a Chiropractor who needs an assistant on Saturdays. I know God will provide for the right job that doesn't just suit me, my personality and likes, but that also encourages those that I'll be working with. I'm anticipating where He will lead for this need.
I also have transportation to and from school! I was planning on riding my bike there and back, which would only be a little over five miles each way, but as I was telling a girl this yesterday at orientation, another girl who was sitting in a row in front of me turned around and said, "I live in Huntington beach off of Garfield st. and Beach Blvd. (which is where I'm living very close to) and I can give you a ride no problem"! Ha! God is so good! Wow... I'm so blessed. So I will just need to find a ride home on Monday's and Friday's or if Ashley does room with me, she also may have a car.
All I have to say is yesterday was just a wonderful day witnessing the providing hand of God. After Orientation, we went to Redondo Beach and ate crab at a Korean restaurant on the pier. I had never had a crab-eating-experience before yesterday, and when something is the first, it's usually the best. We all hammered away, wearing bib and all, eating the luscious crab meet, sipping up the spicy Korean fish stew, and enjoying making memories that will last in the cubbies of my mind forever. I know, whenever I eat crab, I will think of yesterday, August 28th,2009: the first time I ever ate crab. Petey, my brother-in-law, told me that when God is showing me who my husband is and we are dating, I need to take him out to eat crab. Petey did that with Jenn, that's why he suggests it. Jenn, my sister, said, "If you can hammer at a crab, wear a bib, get crab juice sprayed all over you, spray crab juice all over everyone else, smell like fish for the rest of the day, and still have a guy who is in love with you, you'll know it's meant to be". She may have not said that verbatim, but it was close enough. So, future hubby, just know, the crab test will come!
Just as yesterday was a great day, I know today will be as well. I woke up pretty early this morning, mind filled with all the "to do's" but a heart stilled and resting in peace knowing that today is the day that the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. I was struck with the simple reality of the fact that I am God's and He is my master, I am His Handmaiden and my life is not my own. What weight that releases in this big world where everyone tells you that you need to make yourself into someone of worth. My worth is in my God because He is the one who made me and chose me as His.
Maybe today you are struggling with who you are. Maybe today you are questioning your worth. May you know that you were redeemed not with silver or gold which perishes but with the precious blood of the Lamb of God. There was nothing less of perfection in the person of Jesus and He gave Himself for you that you may find your identity and freedom as His child. You are God's prize. Jesus made you perfect in the sight of God; you are perfect without spot in the eyes of God Almighty and He loves you, truly. Maybe you needed to remember that today. Rest your mind on His love for you.
As I close this blog, that list of "to do's" invades my thoughts; Go to Ikea and get a bed, shop for groceries, meet up with Petey's friend, first take a shower, have another cup of coffee, then shop for groceries and q-tips and toothpaste and five lb. weights..... Today is going to be a great day because today is the day that the Lord has made.
For all of you who I have not updated, which there is a lot, I want to share how greatly God provided.
My pastor in Napa, Bill Walden, asked over his facebook status if any of his friends in the O.C. were willing to open up their house for me. Stephanie Dollis responded with a yes. The Dollis family lives in Huntington Beach, CA and they are wonderful. The have a 17 year old son named Hayes who is gifted musically with a bunch of friends who are gifted as well. So I have a feeling a lot of music is going to be filling the Dollis household these next months :)
Isn't is so great how the body of Christ responds when one member is in need? There is such unity in the body of Christ- more unity than human blood relation could ever bring. And what a great Helper the Spirit is! He places burdens upon people's hearts, directs them and guides them; He guided me to the Dollis house, where He has chosen to put His name. I'm very thankful.
I move into the Dollis house today. I may also have a roommate, which would be SA-WEET! Her name is Ashley. She's praying, I'm praying, and God is guiding. :)
I have been job hunting. I picked up a Starbucks application (much to Mario Piambo's dismay I'm sure), learned how to apply online for Old Navy, and sent my resume to a Chiropractor who needs an assistant on Saturdays. I know God will provide for the right job that doesn't just suit me, my personality and likes, but that also encourages those that I'll be working with. I'm anticipating where He will lead for this need.
I also have transportation to and from school! I was planning on riding my bike there and back, which would only be a little over five miles each way, but as I was telling a girl this yesterday at orientation, another girl who was sitting in a row in front of me turned around and said, "I live in Huntington beach off of Garfield st. and Beach Blvd. (which is where I'm living very close to) and I can give you a ride no problem"! Ha! God is so good! Wow... I'm so blessed. So I will just need to find a ride home on Monday's and Friday's or if Ashley does room with me, she also may have a car.
All I have to say is yesterday was just a wonderful day witnessing the providing hand of God. After Orientation, we went to Redondo Beach and ate crab at a Korean restaurant on the pier. I had never had a crab-eating-experience before yesterday, and when something is the first, it's usually the best. We all hammered away, wearing bib and all, eating the luscious crab meet, sipping up the spicy Korean fish stew, and enjoying making memories that will last in the cubbies of my mind forever. I know, whenever I eat crab, I will think of yesterday, August 28th,2009: the first time I ever ate crab. Petey, my brother-in-law, told me that when God is showing me who my husband is and we are dating, I need to take him out to eat crab. Petey did that with Jenn, that's why he suggests it. Jenn, my sister, said, "If you can hammer at a crab, wear a bib, get crab juice sprayed all over you, spray crab juice all over everyone else, smell like fish for the rest of the day, and still have a guy who is in love with you, you'll know it's meant to be". She may have not said that verbatim, but it was close enough. So, future hubby, just know, the crab test will come!
Just as yesterday was a great day, I know today will be as well. I woke up pretty early this morning, mind filled with all the "to do's" but a heart stilled and resting in peace knowing that today is the day that the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. I was struck with the simple reality of the fact that I am God's and He is my master, I am His Handmaiden and my life is not my own. What weight that releases in this big world where everyone tells you that you need to make yourself into someone of worth. My worth is in my God because He is the one who made me and chose me as His.
Maybe today you are struggling with who you are. Maybe today you are questioning your worth. May you know that you were redeemed not with silver or gold which perishes but with the precious blood of the Lamb of God. There was nothing less of perfection in the person of Jesus and He gave Himself for you that you may find your identity and freedom as His child. You are God's prize. Jesus made you perfect in the sight of God; you are perfect without spot in the eyes of God Almighty and He loves you, truly. Maybe you needed to remember that today. Rest your mind on His love for you.
As I close this blog, that list of "to do's" invades my thoughts; Go to Ikea and get a bed, shop for groceries, meet up with Petey's friend, first take a shower, have another cup of coffee, then shop for groceries and q-tips and toothpaste and five lb. weights..... Today is going to be a great day because today is the day that the Lord has made.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Practice
As I was cleaning today, my sister Jenn said something to her oldest son, Josiah, and the words sunk in deep. She said, "If you want to get better at something, then you need to practice." Words I'm sure we've all heard from parents and teachers and coaches, but today, the Lord used those words to change my thoughts.
Jeremiah 33:3 says this: "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. "
A couple more verses came to mind as I begun dusting off the self in this quiet consolation with God: "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7) and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12b).
Call, exercise, work out... all those words involve you our participation and action. So many times I think about my desires. Oh, how my thoughts can be filled to overflowing with fantasies of all I long to be! I have prayed, "Lord, I want to do great things for you. No matter the risk, use me. I want to go where you say go, and stay where you say stay, and do what you want me to do. I want to do big things for you." I know God answers those prayers but often, when He opens the opportunity, I find myself inhibiting my ability by listing the reasons why I am ill-equipped.
Practice.
Practice means to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually; to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient. (thank you merriam-webster.com! :)
So, I have a question for you: What do you want to be? What do you desire to do? Are there things you want to do for God that require risk?
I know what I desire to do. I have asked of God, and He has faithfully answered. He's shown me things in which I did not know. What a faithful God!
Today I was challenged, along with my nephew Josiah, to practice what I want to do. Can I challenge you too? You are God's precious workmanship; you are His poem and He'll put down the pen when your last breath is taken, but for now, He desires to write a beautiful story. Let's not inhibit Him! Practice what you desire; I'm going to practice too. Let's be children of faith that take our Daddy at His word. As you climb upon His lap, hear him say "tell me, what do you want to be?" know that He is fully equipped to hear you and show you His plans. If you first mess up or fall short, H'll be there encouraging you, lifting you up and helping you.
Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."
"If you want to be good at something, then you need to practice." What a good lesson.
Jeremiah 33:3 says this: "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. "
A couple more verses came to mind as I begun dusting off the self in this quiet consolation with God: "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7) and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12b).
Call, exercise, work out... all those words involve you our participation and action. So many times I think about my desires. Oh, how my thoughts can be filled to overflowing with fantasies of all I long to be! I have prayed, "Lord, I want to do great things for you. No matter the risk, use me. I want to go where you say go, and stay where you say stay, and do what you want me to do. I want to do big things for you." I know God answers those prayers but often, when He opens the opportunity, I find myself inhibiting my ability by listing the reasons why I am ill-equipped.
Practice.
Practice means to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually; to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient. (thank you merriam-webster.com! :)
So, I have a question for you: What do you want to be? What do you desire to do? Are there things you want to do for God that require risk?
I know what I desire to do. I have asked of God, and He has faithfully answered. He's shown me things in which I did not know. What a faithful God!
Today I was challenged, along with my nephew Josiah, to practice what I want to do. Can I challenge you too? You are God's precious workmanship; you are His poem and He'll put down the pen when your last breath is taken, but for now, He desires to write a beautiful story. Let's not inhibit Him! Practice what you desire; I'm going to practice too. Let's be children of faith that take our Daddy at His word. As you climb upon His lap, hear him say "tell me, what do you want to be?" know that He is fully equipped to hear you and show you His plans. If you first mess up or fall short, H'll be there encouraging you, lifting you up and helping you.
Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."
"If you want to be good at something, then you need to practice." What a good lesson.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Flipping Through Journal Pages
Tonight is a night I feel as though I could wright and wright and wright. God is enormous and gigantic and I'm just awestruck by Him.
I have been accepted into the School of Worship. I was reading through my journal and came across the date that I wrote the calling God was placing on me to attend the SOW; April 25th, 2009. I remember Scott Cunningham was being interviewed on KWVE and I was listening to the live broadcast over the Internet. God has creative ways of leading His children. Under the sentences of writing out what I was feeling called to, I wrote "Confirm, round about, if this is truly Your will. Open doors, I pray. Close doors, if need be." That is still my heart's prayer. I haven't a place to live in Costa Mesa or the surrounding area yet, I haven't any transportation other than a bike, and I haven't a job lined up yet either but I now focusing on the things I haven't would be such a mistake.
Faith; what is it? The substance and realization of things hoped for, the evidence and confidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)
I have faith in my amazing Father, all-knowing Abba, the keeper of my life to provide all my needs, as He has faithfully done from the day I took my first breath.
There truly is something amazing about remembering all the things the Lord has done in one's life. Flipping through my past journals brings tears to my eyes because I can read the recorded faithfulness of a gigantic God in my personal and seemingly so small life. I love reading answers to prayers. I love reading when I cried out to God with my all. I love reading how the Lord spoke through His word that day. I know that the pages of my journals are read by my Father and He hears even the words that my heart utters without using verbal or penned out words.
Tonight the Lord spoke to me this verse- verse 5 in Deuteronomy 12. I wrote it in my journal. It says, "But you shall seek the place where the LORD your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name of His dwelling place; and there you shall go."
I want to seek where He chooses to put His name so desperately. Psalm 85:12 & 13 say, "Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway." He leads where He has already trod and that comforts me.
May you be equally, if not more enamored by God's faithfulness to you. May you continue to pour out your heart before you Great Counselor. He has attentive ears, embracing arms, corrective words, and love that spills past the vastness of the universe. He loves you, yes, He loves you so. Remember all that He has done.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
I have been accepted into the School of Worship. I was reading through my journal and came across the date that I wrote the calling God was placing on me to attend the SOW; April 25th, 2009. I remember Scott Cunningham was being interviewed on KWVE and I was listening to the live broadcast over the Internet. God has creative ways of leading His children. Under the sentences of writing out what I was feeling called to, I wrote "Confirm, round about, if this is truly Your will. Open doors, I pray. Close doors, if need be." That is still my heart's prayer. I haven't a place to live in Costa Mesa or the surrounding area yet, I haven't any transportation other than a bike, and I haven't a job lined up yet either but I now focusing on the things I haven't would be such a mistake.
Faith; what is it? The substance and realization of things hoped for, the evidence and confidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)
I have faith in my amazing Father, all-knowing Abba, the keeper of my life to provide all my needs, as He has faithfully done from the day I took my first breath.
There truly is something amazing about remembering all the things the Lord has done in one's life. Flipping through my past journals brings tears to my eyes because I can read the recorded faithfulness of a gigantic God in my personal and seemingly so small life. I love reading answers to prayers. I love reading when I cried out to God with my all. I love reading how the Lord spoke through His word that day. I know that the pages of my journals are read by my Father and He hears even the words that my heart utters without using verbal or penned out words.
Tonight the Lord spoke to me this verse- verse 5 in Deuteronomy 12. I wrote it in my journal. It says, "But you shall seek the place where the LORD your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name of His dwelling place; and there you shall go."
I want to seek where He chooses to put His name so desperately. Psalm 85:12 & 13 say, "Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway." He leads where He has already trod and that comforts me.
May you be equally, if not more enamored by God's faithfulness to you. May you continue to pour out your heart before you Great Counselor. He has attentive ears, embracing arms, corrective words, and love that spills past the vastness of the universe. He loves you, yes, He loves you so. Remember all that He has done.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What Is That In Your Hand?
Today is a beautiful morning! I just spent six days in the mountains camping with my new family from Cornerstone church and God truly blessed me in ways I had longed for. We hiked to beautiful waterfalls, jumped from boulders, swam in crystal clear water, some even made a herbal essence shampoo video at the water fall *cannot contain the giggles*, we ate so many good things, had great talks, watched colorful sunsets and rises, kayaked on the lake, took silhouette pictures on the sand doing crazy things like human pyramids and acrobats, learned more about each other and ourselves, sang our lungs raw, and just enjoyed the freedom Christ has lavished us with. What a truly wonderful time I had camping. Thank you God; You plans for me are so perfect.
I haven't yet been accepted into the SOW. I don't know if I will. I'm waiting to hear through email but God knows the plans He has for me and I know He doesn't want me to freak out but to just enjoy every day and not strive for the future.
I have been reading through Exodus in my morning time with the Lord and He pointed out something very simple to me. I want to share it so that you are encouraged and that if you are having trouble with God's plan for you, that your head would be lifted knowing that He is good and He wants to use you. Exodus 4:1-5
Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'the LORD has not appeared to you.'" So the LORD said to him "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod." And He said, "Cast it on the ground." So he cast it on the ground and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail" (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand) "that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."
Moses was a bit scared about the calling the Lord had placed upon His life. He said, "I'm slow of speech... I'm not eloquent" so the Lord gave Moses Aaron, as a helper, as a mouth piece. Before Moses asked for that, he said, "How will the Israelites know that you sent me?" And God said, "I AM WHO I AM... you will tell the children of Israel I AM has sent you." For every one of Moses' fears, God provided and gave an answer. God told Moses that He was sending him to Egypt because He had heard the cry of His children and He wanted to deliver them; Moses just wanted to make sure God had picked the right guy for the job. Then again, Moses' faith was wavered and he said, "suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'the LORD has not appeared to you.'" God said, "What is that in your hand?"
When I read through this passage, I so relate to Moses; I hear the call upon my life and I immediately start to question, doubt, waver, and ask, "God, are you sure you want me to do this?" But what God pointed out to me this most recent time I read through this passage was that He equips us, when we don't even realize it, and gives us all we need for what He wants to accomplish through us. Moses needed to know the name of the One sending Him; that name that is all described in I AM. Moses needed Aaron as his mouth piece, his helper; so Moses brought before the LORD his concern about not being able to speak well and God gave Him Aaron. Then Moses wonders, "How will they really believe me?" And God said, "Look at what is in your hand moses. I will use that rod, that rod that you have been using to shepherd your sheep in Midian. That rod that you have used to fight away wolves and lead your sheep along the right path. I will use what is in your hand, what has been in your hand these forty years. I have already equipped you, now go and fulfill my call and my plans. And that rod in your hand will reveal My wonders Moses and bring deliverence to My people."
That is God's heart. I realized that is God's heart for me. He wants to use what He's already given me... whether it's just my fingers to play piano and a voice to sing, or whether is the pin and paper I have in my hands to write or the laptop I'm using right now. God doesn't ask us to do something He's not prepared us for; what a comfort and what a sweet reminder from my I AM.
So for you too, whatever you feel God is calling you to do or leading you into, know He's equipped you even if you don't feel ready. What is that in your hand? What has God given you already? Well, I can confidently say that He will use it and His wonders will be seen through you. Do bring your requests to Him; do make known to your Almighty I AM that you need help or that you are scared. Most of all, know that God loves you so much and that He desires to rescue His children when they cry out to Him.
There is a song that often floods my mind when I think of crying out to God and it says this:
You hear every word I cry. My tears, you have turned to life. You're here, Lord You satisfy my soul. Lord You satisfy my Soul, Lord you Satisfy my soul." The song is by Jimmy Robeson and I encourage you to lisen to the full version his site www.jimmyrobeson.com.
I hope you are filled with joy and ready to cry out to the Lord and walk in His calling for you! May your heart beat in sync with His today and may you continue to be set apart for Christ.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
I haven't yet been accepted into the SOW. I don't know if I will. I'm waiting to hear through email but God knows the plans He has for me and I know He doesn't want me to freak out but to just enjoy every day and not strive for the future.
I have been reading through Exodus in my morning time with the Lord and He pointed out something very simple to me. I want to share it so that you are encouraged and that if you are having trouble with God's plan for you, that your head would be lifted knowing that He is good and He wants to use you. Exodus 4:1-5
Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'the LORD has not appeared to you.'" So the LORD said to him "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod." And He said, "Cast it on the ground." So he cast it on the ground and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail" (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand) "that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."
Moses was a bit scared about the calling the Lord had placed upon His life. He said, "I'm slow of speech... I'm not eloquent" so the Lord gave Moses Aaron, as a helper, as a mouth piece. Before Moses asked for that, he said, "How will the Israelites know that you sent me?" And God said, "I AM WHO I AM... you will tell the children of Israel I AM has sent you." For every one of Moses' fears, God provided and gave an answer. God told Moses that He was sending him to Egypt because He had heard the cry of His children and He wanted to deliver them; Moses just wanted to make sure God had picked the right guy for the job. Then again, Moses' faith was wavered and he said, "suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'the LORD has not appeared to you.'" God said, "What is that in your hand?"
When I read through this passage, I so relate to Moses; I hear the call upon my life and I immediately start to question, doubt, waver, and ask, "God, are you sure you want me to do this?" But what God pointed out to me this most recent time I read through this passage was that He equips us, when we don't even realize it, and gives us all we need for what He wants to accomplish through us. Moses needed to know the name of the One sending Him; that name that is all described in I AM. Moses needed Aaron as his mouth piece, his helper; so Moses brought before the LORD his concern about not being able to speak well and God gave Him Aaron. Then Moses wonders, "How will they really believe me?" And God said, "Look at what is in your hand moses. I will use that rod, that rod that you have been using to shepherd your sheep in Midian. That rod that you have used to fight away wolves and lead your sheep along the right path. I will use what is in your hand, what has been in your hand these forty years. I have already equipped you, now go and fulfill my call and my plans. And that rod in your hand will reveal My wonders Moses and bring deliverence to My people."
That is God's heart. I realized that is God's heart for me. He wants to use what He's already given me... whether it's just my fingers to play piano and a voice to sing, or whether is the pin and paper I have in my hands to write or the laptop I'm using right now. God doesn't ask us to do something He's not prepared us for; what a comfort and what a sweet reminder from my I AM.
So for you too, whatever you feel God is calling you to do or leading you into, know He's equipped you even if you don't feel ready. What is that in your hand? What has God given you already? Well, I can confidently say that He will use it and His wonders will be seen through you. Do bring your requests to Him; do make known to your Almighty I AM that you need help or that you are scared. Most of all, know that God loves you so much and that He desires to rescue His children when they cry out to Him.
There is a song that often floods my mind when I think of crying out to God and it says this:
You hear every word I cry. My tears, you have turned to life. You're here, Lord You satisfy my soul. Lord You satisfy my Soul, Lord you Satisfy my soul." The song is by Jimmy Robeson and I encourage you to lisen to the full version his site www.jimmyrobeson.com.
I hope you are filled with joy and ready to cry out to the Lord and walk in His calling for you! May your heart beat in sync with His today and may you continue to be set apart for Christ.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
Monday, July 6, 2009
An Update from Napa Valley
An update has been long overdue. God has been doing some great things for me during this past month and a half and I want to share them all with you.
I know God has a specific calling upon My life to be His ambassador... He has called all His children into that ministry! As most of you know, I have a more specific desire to spread the Love of Jesus to young women. I know I am called into that field. With the calling comes such great responsibility. With that calling comes so much warfare too! Oh how Satan would love to defeat me and keep me from being a light of God's love but oh, how our precious heavenly Father would have every step be taken in faith and prosperous for His glory. With that, I have been presented a great opportunity by my awesome brother-in-law Petey to start a discipleship time among the high school group at Cornerstone Ministry in Napa. The girls are so precious and beautiful and wonderful. With this opportunity that is presented, I was reminded to ask the counsel of the Lord. Here's the scripture that I am meditating on:
Then the men of Israel took some o their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.
-Joshua 9:14
Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a great mistake in making a treaty with the Gibeonites, a people they were to destroy. Joshua's fault was that he didn't ask the counsel of the Lord. He looked at the obvious; He saw the Gibeonite ambassador's moldy bread and worn shoes, took some of their provisions and made peace with them. I don't want to make that mistake. I want to ask God's counsel and walk in His will.
I am praying for God to reveal if His will for me is to stay here in the ministry to the youth or if it is just for this summer season. I ask for your prayers also and greatly covet them.
Many of you also know that I have sent in an application to the School of Worship in Costa Mesa, CA. I have not yet received an acceptance letter and I don't know if I will! I visited the SOW website and saw that there was a change in the application forms, so I contacted the SOW through an email. Christina, the head of correspondence, said that I just need to mail in the newly added form. I want to mail that in either today or tomorrow and see how the Lord further directs.
God knows the plans He has for me; in that I can be assured. I am not worried about how He will lead, but I do admit, I am a bit anxious to hear from Him. But, what should I do when anxiety arises? Philippians 4:5-7 says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. "
Whatever God does, whether I understand it or not, it will be Him. I need to continue to pray and make supplications in thanksgiving. His peace is great; In that I rest.
I also recently went to a mission trip into Baja Sur, Mexico with a wonderful group of brothers and sisters from Cornerstone church. I was blessed that God had that in His will for me! I was completely surprised too... I decided to go a day before we left! God's timing and surprises are great! We spent two days traveling, arrived in Vizcaino and spent four days there, then traveled back the last two days. We distributed rice and beans to precious families in the Sierra mountains; people that live in a nomadic way with goat farming as their main source of income and lively hood. One family we visted all accepted Christ; the Gospel melted their hearts and I can't wait to reunite with them in heaven. They also sold us 3 1/2 lbs. of fresh goat cheese for only 9 u.s. dollars! Crazy, huh?
The whole trip was a time of faith growing, especially as we trekked through the Sierra's. Two of our group members became deathly dehydrated. We had to revise our plans so we could get them the electrolytes and IV's they needed. God sustained us. I could go on and on with details about the trip... details about the faces I saw, people I met, and times God revealed His greatness to my heart, and I'm sure as the weeks go by, I will post some of them. Again, I was just a bit floored that God had that trip in His plans for me.
I will wrap up this update. Thank you for taking your time to read it. Thank you even more for keeping me in your prayers; what a privilege it is to be prayed for in your time that you take out to converse with God. Prayer is powerful. If you have any questions, please do ask! I would love to hear from you and to hear what God is doing in your heart and life.
Heaven awaits us! As much a God has for us here, this earth is passing away and we have eternity with our Savior awaiting. May the Lord fill your thoughts with things that are lovely and of good report and may you continue to grow in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
I know God has a specific calling upon My life to be His ambassador... He has called all His children into that ministry! As most of you know, I have a more specific desire to spread the Love of Jesus to young women. I know I am called into that field. With the calling comes such great responsibility. With that calling comes so much warfare too! Oh how Satan would love to defeat me and keep me from being a light of God's love but oh, how our precious heavenly Father would have every step be taken in faith and prosperous for His glory. With that, I have been presented a great opportunity by my awesome brother-in-law Petey to start a discipleship time among the high school group at Cornerstone Ministry in Napa. The girls are so precious and beautiful and wonderful. With this opportunity that is presented, I was reminded to ask the counsel of the Lord. Here's the scripture that I am meditating on:
Then the men of Israel took some o their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.
-Joshua 9:14
Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a great mistake in making a treaty with the Gibeonites, a people they were to destroy. Joshua's fault was that he didn't ask the counsel of the Lord. He looked at the obvious; He saw the Gibeonite ambassador's moldy bread and worn shoes, took some of their provisions and made peace with them. I don't want to make that mistake. I want to ask God's counsel and walk in His will.
I am praying for God to reveal if His will for me is to stay here in the ministry to the youth or if it is just for this summer season. I ask for your prayers also and greatly covet them.
Many of you also know that I have sent in an application to the School of Worship in Costa Mesa, CA. I have not yet received an acceptance letter and I don't know if I will! I visited the SOW website and saw that there was a change in the application forms, so I contacted the SOW through an email. Christina, the head of correspondence, said that I just need to mail in the newly added form. I want to mail that in either today or tomorrow and see how the Lord further directs.
God knows the plans He has for me; in that I can be assured. I am not worried about how He will lead, but I do admit, I am a bit anxious to hear from Him. But, what should I do when anxiety arises? Philippians 4:5-7 says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. "
Whatever God does, whether I understand it or not, it will be Him. I need to continue to pray and make supplications in thanksgiving. His peace is great; In that I rest.
I also recently went to a mission trip into Baja Sur, Mexico with a wonderful group of brothers and sisters from Cornerstone church. I was blessed that God had that in His will for me! I was completely surprised too... I decided to go a day before we left! God's timing and surprises are great! We spent two days traveling, arrived in Vizcaino and spent four days there, then traveled back the last two days. We distributed rice and beans to precious families in the Sierra mountains; people that live in a nomadic way with goat farming as their main source of income and lively hood. One family we visted all accepted Christ; the Gospel melted their hearts and I can't wait to reunite with them in heaven. They also sold us 3 1/2 lbs. of fresh goat cheese for only 9 u.s. dollars! Crazy, huh?
The whole trip was a time of faith growing, especially as we trekked through the Sierra's. Two of our group members became deathly dehydrated. We had to revise our plans so we could get them the electrolytes and IV's they needed. God sustained us. I could go on and on with details about the trip... details about the faces I saw, people I met, and times God revealed His greatness to my heart, and I'm sure as the weeks go by, I will post some of them. Again, I was just a bit floored that God had that trip in His plans for me.
I will wrap up this update. Thank you for taking your time to read it. Thank you even more for keeping me in your prayers; what a privilege it is to be prayed for in your time that you take out to converse with God. Prayer is powerful. If you have any questions, please do ask! I would love to hear from you and to hear what God is doing in your heart and life.
Heaven awaits us! As much a God has for us here, this earth is passing away and we have eternity with our Savior awaiting. May the Lord fill your thoughts with things that are lovely and of good report and may you continue to grow in Him, rooted and built up in Him.
Handmaiden of the Lord,
Melissa Rae
Monday, May 25, 2009
Setting Captives Free
I had a great morning in the Word; God is so faithful to meet me with me in these sweet quiet times.
Two years ago in June I made a dedication to read through the whole bible. I started in the Old Testament in the morning and the New Testament in the afternoons or evenings. My pattern hasn't been completely consistent; as the Lord has taken me through trials and through different books that would teach me how to act and live, to exhort me, warn me... but nonetheless, I am almost finished. God's word is so complete and precious.
This morning I read through Zephaniah. Oh, how I encourage you today, take five minutes or more to read through this book! God uses Zephaniah to proclaim the judgement of the Lord and and the blessing of Jesus the Messiah. Chapter one, verses four through six say, "I will stretch out My hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, the names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests- Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, but who also swear by Milcom; Those who have turned back from following the LORD, and have not sought the LORD, nor inquire of Him." Then verse 18 says, "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for he will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land."
God didn't want His children worshiping other idols or giving themselves to sin. God displays such jealousy for the ones He loves. I would question God's love if He didn't chasten His children; I would question His authenticity and reason for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Through His chastening, through His destroying of sin, false gods, and sinful people who have countlessly rejected Him, God proves His love and fervor for the one's He formed with His hands, His children.
Our precious God is so gracious though! He never ever leaves us without chance of hope, opportunity for repentance or a pardoning of everything we've ever done wrong if we turn and call out to Him. Chapter two verse three says, "Seek the LORD all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger." Verse seven says, "The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; They shall feed their flocks there; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will intervene for them and return their captives." He will intervene, how assuring, how amazing! Then in verse 11, "The LORD will be awesome to them, for He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations." Being out in California right now, this verse so touches my heart because the I am surrounded by the ocean shores.
How incredible that our God's desire is to destroy all that hurts His children and inhibits His glory and honor and worship. His heart is so pure toward us.
The last three verses of chapter three say this: " 'I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, to whom its reproach is a burden. Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,' says the Lord."
I encourage you, if you are seeking to know God's heart, read through the book of Zephaniah. He saves us, and that savior is Jesus Christ Himself. God sent Jesus to pay the price for all your sins. We all are sinners, not one of us is better than another; some of us sin outwardly while others confine their sins in secret, but for each and every one of us, "we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
This is why Jesus came: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" (Luke 4:18-19). This is the culmination of what Zephania was speaking of- the Messiah delivering the captives.
If you are being held captive and everything around you seems like it is being destroyed, know that God loves you and wants to set you free.
Two years ago in June I made a dedication to read through the whole bible. I started in the Old Testament in the morning and the New Testament in the afternoons or evenings. My pattern hasn't been completely consistent; as the Lord has taken me through trials and through different books that would teach me how to act and live, to exhort me, warn me... but nonetheless, I am almost finished. God's word is so complete and precious.
This morning I read through Zephaniah. Oh, how I encourage you today, take five minutes or more to read through this book! God uses Zephaniah to proclaim the judgement of the Lord and and the blessing of Jesus the Messiah. Chapter one, verses four through six say, "I will stretch out My hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, the names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests- Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, but who also swear by Milcom; Those who have turned back from following the LORD, and have not sought the LORD, nor inquire of Him." Then verse 18 says, "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for he will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land."
God didn't want His children worshiping other idols or giving themselves to sin. God displays such jealousy for the ones He loves. I would question God's love if He didn't chasten His children; I would question His authenticity and reason for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Through His chastening, through His destroying of sin, false gods, and sinful people who have countlessly rejected Him, God proves His love and fervor for the one's He formed with His hands, His children.
Our precious God is so gracious though! He never ever leaves us without chance of hope, opportunity for repentance or a pardoning of everything we've ever done wrong if we turn and call out to Him. Chapter two verse three says, "Seek the LORD all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger." Verse seven says, "The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; They shall feed their flocks there; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will intervene for them and return their captives." He will intervene, how assuring, how amazing! Then in verse 11, "The LORD will be awesome to them, for He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations." Being out in California right now, this verse so touches my heart because the I am surrounded by the ocean shores.
How incredible that our God's desire is to destroy all that hurts His children and inhibits His glory and honor and worship. His heart is so pure toward us.
The last three verses of chapter three say this: " 'I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, to whom its reproach is a burden. Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,' says the Lord."
I encourage you, if you are seeking to know God's heart, read through the book of Zephaniah. He saves us, and that savior is Jesus Christ Himself. God sent Jesus to pay the price for all your sins. We all are sinners, not one of us is better than another; some of us sin outwardly while others confine their sins in secret, but for each and every one of us, "we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
This is why Jesus came: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" (Luke 4:18-19). This is the culmination of what Zephania was speaking of- the Messiah delivering the captives.
If you are being held captive and everything around you seems like it is being destroyed, know that God loves you and wants to set you free.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
In The Whirlwind and In The Storm
As I'm treading through the Old Testament, in Nahum now, I read these word:
God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for his enemies; The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.
Nahum 1:2 & 3
The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm.
My Pastor asked me about a month ago if God purposely brings storms. It is a good question to be asking yourself. Yes, He does bring the storms. But why? Sometimes, the answer is left unknown to us or maybe it is revealed much after the storm has calmed. But this thing I know: The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. Each time a storm arises, know that the LORD your God, your Protector, your Comforter, is having His way, testing your faith, because He loves you that much and is jealous for you beyond what you can imagine.
What truth we have to hold onto, in this world that is darkened by lies.
What hope we have to cling to, that His glory will be revealed to our eyes.
What peace we have to open, our gift from our Father's heart.
What love we have to walk in, in the storms His love does not depart.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Just Wrapping Up The Night
Today seemed to drag on unusually long. Church service this morning seems like it happened two days ago... everything just seems to have taken so long.
As I'm lying here in bed, thinking and talking to the Lord on all the upcoming events and things He's doing in my life, I am reminded of faithful He is. He never clothes the lilies of the field with less than stunning beauty nor does He ever neglect to give the sparrows good nutritious food. He never worries about how He'll provide for what is necessary. How much more will He take care of His children? "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." -Matthew 6:33-34
There is still so much on my mind in these last minutes of this day. I will not worry...
As I'm lying here in bed, thinking and talking to the Lord on all the upcoming events and things He's doing in my life, I am reminded of faithful He is. He never clothes the lilies of the field with less than stunning beauty nor does He ever neglect to give the sparrows good nutritious food. He never worries about how He'll provide for what is necessary. How much more will He take care of His children? "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." -Matthew 6:33-34
There is still so much on my mind in these last minutes of this day. I will not worry...
Friday, May 15, 2009
One Thing That Is Needed
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
-Luke 11:38-42
I am writing from bed. I love the versatility of laptops; thank you Lord. My hurt back is getting worse in pain, especially the days that I get straightened out from the chiropractor, today being one of those days. I am to do nothing, which as my mom explained to me, really means NOTHING. No long walks with my dog Mater, no folding clothes, cleaning dishes, picking up the house. Nothing. Though this concept of nothing is hard for me, it is the Lord's will. By not doing anything, I am being humbled and my faith in God to raise up my siblings as helpers in our house is being increased. There is such a purpose that God has for this time of doing nothing.
As I read this section of scripture one early morning last week, God was speaking, "Melissa, Melissa, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and that is to just sit at my feet."
For me God, You chose to break? For me God, You are choosing to still? For me God, You are choosing to prove Your provision? For me God, You are choosing to speak Your words of love and acceptance and delight? For me God? You choose to do this for Me? Oh Precious Father, for You, I choose to be still.
Dear ones, chosen and beloved by our God, you may not understand why the Lord is doing what He is doing in your life right now. Remember, if you are wondering what you are needing to do, there is one thing that is needed and that is for you to spend time with Jesus at His feet. That will not be taken away from you.
-Luke 11:38-42
I am writing from bed. I love the versatility of laptops; thank you Lord. My hurt back is getting worse in pain, especially the days that I get straightened out from the chiropractor, today being one of those days. I am to do nothing, which as my mom explained to me, really means NOTHING. No long walks with my dog Mater, no folding clothes, cleaning dishes, picking up the house. Nothing. Though this concept of nothing is hard for me, it is the Lord's will. By not doing anything, I am being humbled and my faith in God to raise up my siblings as helpers in our house is being increased. There is such a purpose that God has for this time of doing nothing.
As I read this section of scripture one early morning last week, God was speaking, "Melissa, Melissa, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and that is to just sit at my feet."
For me God, You chose to break? For me God, You are choosing to still? For me God, You are choosing to prove Your provision? For me God, You are choosing to speak Your words of love and acceptance and delight? For me God? You choose to do this for Me? Oh Precious Father, for You, I choose to be still.
Dear ones, chosen and beloved by our God, you may not understand why the Lord is doing what He is doing in your life right now. Remember, if you are wondering what you are needing to do, there is one thing that is needed and that is for you to spend time with Jesus at His feet. That will not be taken away from you.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Supplying Our Needs
Do you ever just get in a horrid emotional rut? I'm sure this is often more experienced in the females than males, but it is nasty nonetheless.
Most of the time when I get in these nasty, depressed, all-I-want-to-do-is-drink-hot-cocoa ruts, it is because I haven't opened up God's word, I have forgotten His promises and I have neglected spilling out my requests to Him. So many places in the Gospels I read of Jesus saying, "Ask me!". "Ask, and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened... you have not because you have asked not... ask, that your joy may be full".
So today, as I was at the end of me, a bit flustered from my fleshly thinking... ok, ok, I'll back track the whole day so I give a full and complete story, instead of half finished and abstract one.
I'm not able to move much right now. I have a nerve that is pinched in my left hip as well as a bulging disc and it's super painful at times. I am not able to house clean, my former job, and I'm prescribed to do as little as possible. For me, doing nothing is asking a huge request! I like to be a doer... I like to clean, and as I told my mom the other day, I would be perfectly fine and content if the Lord just had me clean dirty toilets for the rest of my life. So this morning, I put my jogging shoes on, and took my dog on a walk, because I was determined to do SOMETHING! I was feeling good. God's creation was amazing me; the vibrant cherry blossoms and the fragrant lilac trees.
My back was a bit sore, but nothing above what is normal. I went to the doctor and he even said that my condition is doing really well and that my back is healing quite fast! What great news. I know I heard that news because of the power of prayer and God's healing hand. Then I grocery shopped, but I shouldn't have, because as I was shopping, I was hungry. Please note this: It is never a good thing to shop when one is super hungry. I was also super indecisive, as usual, so I just ended up super crabby and frustrated. I threw a bag of corn tortilla's in the cart, along with celery, pie crust, strawberries, cereal, butter and went home. Because I'm not active right now, I feel as though I have no freedom to enjoy any form of yummy food whatsoever (which added to my frustration at the grocery store), so I munched on celery and carrots trying to not feel too much like a rabbit and convincing myself that I was satisfied. Then my grandma and I headed out on a little excursion to the mall.
OH BOY, the mall! Vanity of vanities, all of life is vanity, and I seem to get so easily sucked into all that vanity at the mall. But here was the real downer... I no longer fit so great into the size of jeans I use to. I can squeeze into them, sure, but who really likes having sausage legs? I knew I would have to come to this point sooner or later in life, I just suppose I thought it was going to be later, much later. Then the over analyzing of my body flooded my thoughts. The over emphasis of the "problem" areas were plaguing what could have been a great day. Sure, the jeans I could have bought were a great deal, but I wasn't willing to buy a step up in size. What is with me? My mood had been down since that point on. Then, when I got home, the worries about eating dinner and that horrible mental calorie counter were on the forefronts of my brain. Why am I so easily defeated?
Well, what did I do about all of this? I ate a little dinner, not enough to fill what was a gaping hunger (I always get more hungry when I'm trying not to eat) and I made almond poppy seed muffins. Great fix, right? NO! What a foolish woman I am!
As the muffins were baking, listen to what my gracious Heavenly Father spoke to me as I finally opened up His word:
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. the Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.
-Philippians 4:4-8
Again, my sweet Jesus was just saying, "Ask me about all these things that are going on in your heart Melissa. And be thankful! I have given you my peace; you don't ever have to worry. Stop thinking about this flesh, the way it looks, the size of your thighs. Think on lovely things, on pure things, on noble things, on Me."
Then listen to what else He said to me in verse 19:
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
All my need? "Yes, my dear Melissa, all your need."
So tonight, feeling still a bit not-so-chipper about my changing body, I know that if I am to exercise more, my God shall supply that need. I know that if I am to eat more, my God shall supply that need, if I am to practice self-control and not eat out of emotion, my God shall supply that need, if I am to buy a pair of great priced jeans that are a size up from what I would like to wear, my God shall supply that need, and most of all, if I need to hear His sweet promises and assurance of His love toward me no matter what I look like physically, my God shall supply that need.
God will supply your need, my dear one. He sees all that concerns you, and He will perfect it. What are you in need of? Will you ask Him for it? What are you anxious about? Will you surrender it with thanksgiving tonight? For I am confidant in this: My God shall supply all your need.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Jonah 1:1-5 Fleeing God's Presence
"Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.' But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. Then the mariners were afraid, and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. but Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of he ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep."
"Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai"
Jonah was God's chosen prophet; His chosen instrument. I picture Jonah in this opening seen cleaning up his small hut, humming a little tune and waiting to hear the word from the God who had spoken in past times to his fathers. Then the word of the Lord came: "Arise, go". These first two words must have excited Jonah to such a point where he dropped what ever was in his hands, fell to his knees, and widened his eyes with expectation for further instruction. The next words he heard were "to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me". Not exactly the instruction Jonah was expecting. I imagine Jonah now, head shaking side to side in disbelief, as he slowly picks up the mess around him and gets to his feet. Why did God want Jonah to go to that great and fearfully violent city? Nineveh just wasn't ideal, it wasn't safe, it wasn't what he had imagine as his great calling in life, or so he thought.
God had a great plan for the Ninevites. He saw all their wickedness and sin, how they were destroying themselves. He wanted to bless Jonah with the privileged of being the mouthpiece His mercy and love.
What does Jonah do next? He flees from the presence of the Lord. Jonah found a ship in Joppa going down to Tarshish, the exact opposite direction of Nineveh. Jonah had to pay to get on the ship, but that wasn't going to be the biggest cost.
"But the LORD sent a great wind on he sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea"...
God was stirring up everything around Jonah to get his attention. The mariners were praying to their false god's, throwing cargo overboard, and no doubt thinking they were surely going to die. As the men frantically freak out, Jonah again descends, now into the ship, shuts off his mind and sleeps.
What a great lesson we can learn from these five verses. You are the chosen of God. In John 15:16, Jesus says to us, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
Maybe God has spoken a word to you-maybe you have heard His voice clearly, just as Jonah did. Maybe you are running from His voice, as Jonah did as well. How do you know if you are running from His presence and His command? Are you going down, are you leaving fellowship? Are you finding ways to flee? Are you depressed, descending into a dark way of pessimistic thinking? Do you just want to sleep and forget about the issue you are running from? Do the waves on the sea of your life seem to be in a tempest?
My dear and precious friend, there is hope and there is joy. God is stirring something within you- He is fulfilling the amazing calling on your life. No, it may not look like your flowery dreams. Your initial thoughts may be, "But Lord, not that- I'm scared, it's a violent situation, and I don't want to go". But I want to let you know, dear ones, God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and of great mercy (psalm 103: 8) and desires that not one of His children should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Don't flee from His presence- you will be so down and so depressed. Rather, in faith, step out and obey the word He has given you today.
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