Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
As I begin the process of applying to seminary, the essays and short answer questions have caused great reflection on my past,present,and my future. I'm the first to admit attending seminary excites, overwhelms, and even scares me at the same time. The funny thing is, I like to think of myself as never being SCARED! If you didn't know, Kingdom Business is extremely serious to me! It brings me deep sadness that those given the position of shepherding God's people blatantly "play church", the ones who commit adultery, fornicate, steal from the church, manipulate those not strong in the faith, the list goes on and on. It totally amazes and NOT in a good way, but more in a "Am I the only one scared of God" way. Now before you say I'm judging-I am not. As God's children, His Word, the Bible is our road map filled with instructions on how to live for Christ. If you don't believe me, then pick it up and dispute the Word of God.
Is it just me? But do you sometimes feel like you dropped the ball on something major and let the big one get away? I actually should've applied to seminary in last fall after visiting a local seminary here this past March. The good news is that God always presents us with another opportunity to get on board and become a part of the plans He has for each of us. As reluctant as we are from time to time, He gently pushes us beyond our limited vision and stretches our expectations to believe there is nothing better than partnering with God for awesome possibilities, breath-taking moments, and a lifetime of innumerable praise for saying yes to His will and way.
I imagine the prophet Isaiah jumping up and down, all too excited to tell the Lord, "Here I am, Send me". As much as we want to do what God requires of us, why is so hard to sometimes to simply say yes to the Lord. He has told us He know the plans He has for us-plans of good and not evil; to give us a future and a hope. This is one of my favorite promises in the Bible and I am quick to quote God's Word back to Him because I believe it whole-heartedly. If I believe it, then I have to act on it to right? As the time between then and now has gotten closer and everyday it becomes more and more real, I too like Isaiah am saying, "Lord send me, I'll go". I wanted to share with you, I have completed one application for seminary,and have one more to go. I've also been taken under the care of the Session at my church and plan to seek an ordination track through my local presbytery. I am STILL shocked by it all!!! Believe me, I am supposed to in nursing school; BUT God...Thank You for allowing me to share my "take" on the Word by subscribing to "The Onyx Stone Chronicles".
Isaiah 6:8
Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
No Need to Settle
Ephesians 2: 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
There is some kind of hidden treasure in reading different versions of the Bible and gaining a fresh perspective from the Word of God. Imagine my joy this past Sunday as I followed along with my Pastor and chills literally went up my spine as I used the New Living Translation (NLT) and discovered Ephesians 2:10 from an entirely new angle.
This is a very common scripture and we are probably used to it being spoken or reading it this way: For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand so that we could walk in them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it written just like that. Since this is the way it is commonly quoted, I actually like it just the way it is. It has a promise, and a pronouncement in a few simple words. But the NLT has me TOO excited! Instead of being workmanship, they use the word masterpiece instead. I don't know about you, but I have fallen in love with the notion of being thought of as God's own masterpiece. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Michelangelo's David are considered exquisite works of art and titled masterpieces.
From a scriptural standpoint, what an awesome promise and confidence booster. Just close your eyes and think about how much work and detail goes into creating anything that would later be titled a masterpiece. To think the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe has fawned over you and I so much, taken the delicate task of creating us so intricately and perfectly, that He can airbrush our flaws and create us anew in Christ setting us apart for the plans He set in motion long ago and considers us to be masterpieces is mind-blowing. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made! Workmanship signals great work and detail too, but for semantics purposes, I'll take being a masterpiece any day. People sometimes call their significant others "dime pieces" and there is nothing wrong with that, but because I stand and believe firmly what the Word says about me(as you should to), I have to let the world know I am a MASTERPIECE. With all the thought and creation that goes into creating such an exquisite work of art I refuse to settle and neither should you.
Psalm 139:14
There is some kind of hidden treasure in reading different versions of the Bible and gaining a fresh perspective from the Word of God. Imagine my joy this past Sunday as I followed along with my Pastor and chills literally went up my spine as I used the New Living Translation (NLT) and discovered Ephesians 2:10 from an entirely new angle.
This is a very common scripture and we are probably used to it being spoken or reading it this way: For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand so that we could walk in them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it written just like that. Since this is the way it is commonly quoted, I actually like it just the way it is. It has a promise, and a pronouncement in a few simple words. But the NLT has me TOO excited! Instead of being workmanship, they use the word masterpiece instead. I don't know about you, but I have fallen in love with the notion of being thought of as God's own masterpiece. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Michelangelo's David are considered exquisite works of art and titled masterpieces.
From a scriptural standpoint, what an awesome promise and confidence booster. Just close your eyes and think about how much work and detail goes into creating anything that would later be titled a masterpiece. To think the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe has fawned over you and I so much, taken the delicate task of creating us so intricately and perfectly, that He can airbrush our flaws and create us anew in Christ setting us apart for the plans He set in motion long ago and considers us to be masterpieces is mind-blowing. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made! Workmanship signals great work and detail too, but for semantics purposes, I'll take being a masterpiece any day. People sometimes call their significant others "dime pieces" and there is nothing wrong with that, but because I stand and believe firmly what the Word says about me(as you should to), I have to let the world know I am a MASTERPIECE. With all the thought and creation that goes into creating such an exquisite work of art I refuse to settle and neither should you.
Psalm 139:14
Monday, January 4, 2010
Honor It
Respect! Nothing more and nothing less; or should I say that's what I believe the word honor boils down to. Respect is a two-way street and in the world we live in, people are quick to take someone's life because they feel the person has "dis-respected" them. There is self-respect, respect for others, but it seems we have missed the most important dynamic of respect; respect for the Word of God. In his book "how to study the bible", John MacArthur listed "Honor It" as the second application in bible study. It seems to me the words can be used interchangeably, but respect holds more weight in my opinion.
The word honor is used throughout the Bible: honor your mother and father so your days may be long in the land which your Father gives you; numerous times throughout the wisdom book of Proverbs; even Jesus said a prophet is not without honor except for his own country. One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah 29:13 and it reads:The Lord says "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me." God is not impressed with our lipservice to Him. As believers we should honor the Word of God if for no other reason than He is God. Once we begin to put things in perspective and begin to read and study the Bible for ourselves, we will honor the Word of God as the highest truth for our lives. There is something to be said about kingdom language that I have fallen in love with over the years. It sounds corny, but I really do stand in the mirror and encourage myself with what the Word of God says about me or the situation I am facing. There is no doubt in my mind that what is written is forever settled in Heaven. If you believe what is written, I encourage you to honor it with your time by studying to show yourself approved so you can rightly divide the Word of truth for yourself.
Exodus 20:12
Psalm 119:89
Isaiah 29:13
Matthew 13:57
2 Timothy 2:15
The word honor is used throughout the Bible: honor your mother and father so your days may be long in the land which your Father gives you; numerous times throughout the wisdom book of Proverbs; even Jesus said a prophet is not without honor except for his own country. One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah 29:13 and it reads:The Lord says "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me." God is not impressed with our lipservice to Him. As believers we should honor the Word of God if for no other reason than He is God. Once we begin to put things in perspective and begin to read and study the Bible for ourselves, we will honor the Word of God as the highest truth for our lives. There is something to be said about kingdom language that I have fallen in love with over the years. It sounds corny, but I really do stand in the mirror and encourage myself with what the Word of God says about me or the situation I am facing. There is no doubt in my mind that what is written is forever settled in Heaven. If you believe what is written, I encourage you to honor it with your time by studying to show yourself approved so you can rightly divide the Word of truth for yourself.
Exodus 20:12
Psalm 119:89
Isaiah 29:13
Matthew 13:57
2 Timothy 2:15
Thursday, December 24, 2009
What Child is This?
I don't remember when people began removing the "Christ" out of Christmas, or when His birthday became so offensive, that people started to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greeting" instead of Merry Christmas; but it really bothers me. The fact that many Christians seem to go along with it is what disturbs me the most. We live in a society where any and everything goes. From same sex marriages being acceptable to mother's trafficking their innocent children, the list of sin-sickness keeps growing and growing.
The other day I was in a store and another patron had her dog in her arms. As a disclaimer let me just say, not only do I not like dogs, I am petrified of them. The situation terrifiee and annoyed me, so I asked the cashier if it was store policy that people are allowed to bring non-guide dogs into the store. The cashier,a teenager clueless about work ethic and company policy shrugged her shoulders, smiled and claimed she didn't know. As quickly as my mouth opened to say something I closed it before I said something I might regret. I walked out the store and returned to the car where my parents were waiting on me to tell them what happened in the store. My mother who did an amazing job raising my brother and me, sometimes does NOT act like the woman who raised me, tells me there is a "new world order" where anything goes. Hmph! Really!?!? I'm quite confident the prophet Isaiah couldn't have been talking about this kingdom that would never end. Or maybe this is the "reprobate mind" age where people are evil, lustful,and lovers of themselves. Either way,the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, with no room to lay His head came into the world not to condemn the world, but to save it. Yet people foolishly reject His plan to save, restore, heal, and deliver, and snuff him on His "birthday".
The beautiful baby born on this day is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason from now and forevermore. He is the gift that keeps on giving-abundant life more abundantly, forgiveness of sins, the Lamb slain to take away the sins of the world. What child is this? I'm talking about Mary's baby! Our Savior, friend, and reason to keep pushing (Praying Until Something Happens), we exist by His grace and mercy. In the words of Paul, thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.
I worship and praise the child born on this day, and so there is NO mistake about who I'm talking about, His name is Jesus! From my heart to yours~Merry CHRISTMAS! Remember, His is always the reason, because while seasons may come and go, the Word of God stands forever. Be Blessed!
Isaiah 9:7
Isaiah 40:8
John 3:17
Romans 1:28-32
The other day I was in a store and another patron had her dog in her arms. As a disclaimer let me just say, not only do I not like dogs, I am petrified of them. The situation terrifiee and annoyed me, so I asked the cashier if it was store policy that people are allowed to bring non-guide dogs into the store. The cashier,a teenager clueless about work ethic and company policy shrugged her shoulders, smiled and claimed she didn't know. As quickly as my mouth opened to say something I closed it before I said something I might regret. I walked out the store and returned to the car where my parents were waiting on me to tell them what happened in the store. My mother who did an amazing job raising my brother and me, sometimes does NOT act like the woman who raised me, tells me there is a "new world order" where anything goes. Hmph! Really!?!? I'm quite confident the prophet Isaiah couldn't have been talking about this kingdom that would never end. Or maybe this is the "reprobate mind" age where people are evil, lustful,and lovers of themselves. Either way,the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, with no room to lay His head came into the world not to condemn the world, but to save it. Yet people foolishly reject His plan to save, restore, heal, and deliver, and snuff him on His "birthday".
The beautiful baby born on this day is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason from now and forevermore. He is the gift that keeps on giving-abundant life more abundantly, forgiveness of sins, the Lamb slain to take away the sins of the world. What child is this? I'm talking about Mary's baby! Our Savior, friend, and reason to keep pushing (Praying Until Something Happens), we exist by His grace and mercy. In the words of Paul, thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.
I worship and praise the child born on this day, and so there is NO mistake about who I'm talking about, His name is Jesus! From my heart to yours~Merry CHRISTMAS! Remember, His is always the reason, because while seasons may come and go, the Word of God stands forever. Be Blessed!
Isaiah 9:7
Isaiah 40:8
John 3:17
Romans 1:28-32
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
All Other Ground is Sinking Sand
First let me say, I apologize for not blogging like I should. I really have no excuse, so as one of my readers, please forgive me for not being diligent to something that I would like to remain committed to. Excuses build bridge to nowhere so I won't offer any, I just ask that you accept my humble apology as I pledge to do better. Friend, I am serious about sharing what I read and gain from the Word of God with you, so I must be committed to my blog, and sharing what the Spirit of God puts on my heart. I will make it my duty to at least post one to two devotions weekly from now on. After all, I read my Bible everyday, and the Word of God always has something fresh,and new to teach us. With each chapter I re-read, and as I journey deeper into my longing and true desire to go deeper in the Word, I find myself with fresh revelation, that I will will share.
I have something I want to post so badly, that if I don't I am going to be very disappointed in myself. Let me begin my story...I absolutely LOVE LifeWay Christian bookstores. If there is one in your area, I encourage you to visit and find books, Bibles, cds, or pamphlets that will strengthen and build you up in your Christian walk. As much as I love LifeWay, there is not one in San Francisco; the closest one is in Mill Valley on the campus of Golden Gate Seminary. Being they are located on a campus, they have really odd hours and getting there is a challenge, but in Houston; they are everywhere. I went to Houston in November for my Alma Mater's homecoming and Sorority chapter's 60th anniversary. This trip I HAD to go to LifeWay! I didn't care what homecoming festivity I missed; who I didn't see; what gathering I was missing from; I could've care less! Let me just say the reason it was so serious is because there is only one Christian Bookstore in San Fran. It's small, family owned, and they don't have a huge selection of "stock", so I'm not able to examine what I buy beforehand. But at LifeWay *SIGH* I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I walk through the doors. The staff is always pleasant, they have an abundance of stock, and there is usually a soft instrumental gospel hymn playing and it's like a believer's Toys 'R Us.
I left my Sorors and friends at the tailgate party so I could go browse and buy. Of course, NOBODY believed that I was leaving HC activities to visit a bookstore, but like I said, I HAD to go! I was gone for three hours, no joke! One of my favorite items I bought was a ring in scripted with "One Day My Prince Will Come", a promise ring to keep on doing what I'm doing because He's coming back and I want to be ready when He returns. I purchased several other items, but running neck to neck with my ring was this book I almost overlooked by John MacArthur entitled "how to study the bible". Now I have been reading the Bible regularly since my teenage years, and I would say, I have read it from Genesis to Revelation at least six times. As I continue to grow and mature in my faith and walk with Christ,I really, really, really want to know, understand, and live by the Word of God. It's an easy read for the most part, divided into four parts with review questions at the end to make sure the reader really "get's it". I'm glad I purchased it, but today I was reading and MAN!!! John (like I know him) list seven applications about the Bible being a source of guidance in the life of a believer. I am so inspired by them, it's only right that I share them with you. But before I do...
I have loved the hymn "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" for as long as I can remember. The lyrics touch me in my soul as I hum or sing "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand." I have found that to be the only truth in my life. When there was nobody else, when I had nothing else, when my back was up against the wall with nowhere to turn; Jesus was there steady as a rock comforting me, holding me, supporting me, and loving me. When I read these seven applications today on the bus during my commute, I was excited about the move of God that is underway. Friends be encouraged in your life, your situation, and in your faith. Everything that we need is in the Word of God. There is always a scripture to apply to whatever you may be facing in your life. The battle doesn't belong to us, but to God who is victorious and we have the victory because we are HIS children. I am listing the seven applications with the scripture that are included in the book. May these simple actions propel you in your faith and jump start a new hunger and thirst in your life for righteousness.
1. Believe It~John 6:67-68
2. Honor It~Job 23:12
3. Love It~Psalm 119:97
4. Obey It~1 John 2:5, Romans 6:16
5. Fight for It~Jude 3
6. Preach It~2 Timothy 4:2
7. Study It~2 Timothy 2:15
I have something I want to post so badly, that if I don't I am going to be very disappointed in myself. Let me begin my story...I absolutely LOVE LifeWay Christian bookstores. If there is one in your area, I encourage you to visit and find books, Bibles, cds, or pamphlets that will strengthen and build you up in your Christian walk. As much as I love LifeWay, there is not one in San Francisco; the closest one is in Mill Valley on the campus of Golden Gate Seminary. Being they are located on a campus, they have really odd hours and getting there is a challenge, but in Houston; they are everywhere. I went to Houston in November for my Alma Mater's homecoming and Sorority chapter's 60th anniversary. This trip I HAD to go to LifeWay! I didn't care what homecoming festivity I missed; who I didn't see; what gathering I was missing from; I could've care less! Let me just say the reason it was so serious is because there is only one Christian Bookstore in San Fran. It's small, family owned, and they don't have a huge selection of "stock", so I'm not able to examine what I buy beforehand. But at LifeWay *SIGH* I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I walk through the doors. The staff is always pleasant, they have an abundance of stock, and there is usually a soft instrumental gospel hymn playing and it's like a believer's Toys 'R Us.
I left my Sorors and friends at the tailgate party so I could go browse and buy. Of course, NOBODY believed that I was leaving HC activities to visit a bookstore, but like I said, I HAD to go! I was gone for three hours, no joke! One of my favorite items I bought was a ring in scripted with "One Day My Prince Will Come", a promise ring to keep on doing what I'm doing because He's coming back and I want to be ready when He returns. I purchased several other items, but running neck to neck with my ring was this book I almost overlooked by John MacArthur entitled "how to study the bible". Now I have been reading the Bible regularly since my teenage years, and I would say, I have read it from Genesis to Revelation at least six times. As I continue to grow and mature in my faith and walk with Christ,I really, really, really want to know, understand, and live by the Word of God. It's an easy read for the most part, divided into four parts with review questions at the end to make sure the reader really "get's it". I'm glad I purchased it, but today I was reading and MAN!!! John (like I know him) list seven applications about the Bible being a source of guidance in the life of a believer. I am so inspired by them, it's only right that I share them with you. But before I do...
I have loved the hymn "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" for as long as I can remember. The lyrics touch me in my soul as I hum or sing "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand." I have found that to be the only truth in my life. When there was nobody else, when I had nothing else, when my back was up against the wall with nowhere to turn; Jesus was there steady as a rock comforting me, holding me, supporting me, and loving me. When I read these seven applications today on the bus during my commute, I was excited about the move of God that is underway. Friends be encouraged in your life, your situation, and in your faith. Everything that we need is in the Word of God. There is always a scripture to apply to whatever you may be facing in your life. The battle doesn't belong to us, but to God who is victorious and we have the victory because we are HIS children. I am listing the seven applications with the scripture that are included in the book. May these simple actions propel you in your faith and jump start a new hunger and thirst in your life for righteousness.
1. Believe It~John 6:67-68
2. Honor It~Job 23:12
3. Love It~Psalm 119:97
4. Obey It~1 John 2:5, Romans 6:16
5. Fight for It~Jude 3
6. Preach It~2 Timothy 4:2
7. Study It~2 Timothy 2:15
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Like Only He Can
At a very young age, I was sick in my body and almost died. I'm sure I only made it through because of the saints that were praying for me and encouraging my mother. At the time, my mother was a single mother and when the doctor stood flat-foot and told her that there was a possibility her child could die, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that she wanted to take my place. Any good parent would do the same thing, but she wasn't the one sick in her body; I was. My mother was told I had a virus and it had to work it's way through my nine year old body and run it's course. The threat of death was too close for comfort. For about four months, I was unable to leave the house, so you know I was sick! My favorite activity of running and playing hard until the street lights came on was a thing of the past as I laid helpless day after day on our plaid couch.
Many times the outcome appears to be hopeless. Just ask the woman with the issue of blood who had a twelve year menstrual cycle with no end in sight. She was the ultimate picture of brokenness, hopelessness, and despair, but one day she heard about Jesus. This was the day she decided to be bold and risk her last shred of hope and take a huge leap of faith. In one moment, she found more than enough faith to reach out and touch the hem of Jesus' garment, and immediately, she was healed of her affliction.
Jehovah Rophe~ The Lord Who Heals
The children of Israel had tried God's patience to no end! No matter how many times Moses spent in God's presence bringing back a Word to them, they ALWAYS failed to obey and heed ANY warning signs. One day God performed one of the many miracles for them by turning bitter waters sweet, the Lord told them if they would obey and do what was right, He would not bring upon them the diseases which the Egyptians has because He was the Lord who heals them. Now this is in right after the parting of the Red Sea, and we have much of the OT showing just how well they understood the importance of being obedient and fully committed to God. I must be a first cousin to the children of Israel because I can not count the number of times I have failed to obey; continued not to heed; and gone off to do my own thing which has sometimes resulted in a mental, spiritual, financial, or physical healing.
The prophet Jeremiah writes, heal me and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved. The healing powers are for every aspect of our lives. Physical infirmaties are visible, and a part of life, but what about the healing of our minds, and soul? The healing no one can see except Jehovah Rophe? I know I can't be the only person with impure thoughts from time to time? Does anybody else need a healing for their sin-sick souls? All of us are sinners and our Holy God loves us; but hates our sin! Sin, the little big thing that causes a break in our fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We need healing to restore us again to a right relationship with Him. Are you a grudge holder? Only Jehovah Rohpe can heal the hurt that has been done so we can go boldly into our bright future. He said in His Word, only those with clean hands and a pure heart can can ascend to the hill of the Lord.
Jehovah Rophe wants all of us to be well and whole: metally, spiritually, physically, even financially. John writes for us to be well in all things even as our soul prospers, which is THE most important thing. I pray His Shalom will overtake you and if there is anything holding you back from experiencing a whole relationship with our Lord & Savior, I pray you will allow Jehovah Rophe~ The Lord Who Heals to mend the relationship. He is waiting for you with arms wide open; just like my friend who bled for twelve long years and moved in faith to receive her healing~so should we so we may be complete, whole, and healthy in our lives. The healer is here and He is able! What do you need Him to heal?
Exodus 15
Jeremiah 17:14-17
Psalm 24:4
Mark 5: 25-34
3 John 1:2
Many times the outcome appears to be hopeless. Just ask the woman with the issue of blood who had a twelve year menstrual cycle with no end in sight. She was the ultimate picture of brokenness, hopelessness, and despair, but one day she heard about Jesus. This was the day she decided to be bold and risk her last shred of hope and take a huge leap of faith. In one moment, she found more than enough faith to reach out and touch the hem of Jesus' garment, and immediately, she was healed of her affliction.
Jehovah Rophe~ The Lord Who Heals
The children of Israel had tried God's patience to no end! No matter how many times Moses spent in God's presence bringing back a Word to them, they ALWAYS failed to obey and heed ANY warning signs. One day God performed one of the many miracles for them by turning bitter waters sweet, the Lord told them if they would obey and do what was right, He would not bring upon them the diseases which the Egyptians has because He was the Lord who heals them. Now this is in right after the parting of the Red Sea, and we have much of the OT showing just how well they understood the importance of being obedient and fully committed to God. I must be a first cousin to the children of Israel because I can not count the number of times I have failed to obey; continued not to heed; and gone off to do my own thing which has sometimes resulted in a mental, spiritual, financial, or physical healing.
The prophet Jeremiah writes, heal me and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved. The healing powers are for every aspect of our lives. Physical infirmaties are visible, and a part of life, but what about the healing of our minds, and soul? The healing no one can see except Jehovah Rophe? I know I can't be the only person with impure thoughts from time to time? Does anybody else need a healing for their sin-sick souls? All of us are sinners and our Holy God loves us; but hates our sin! Sin, the little big thing that causes a break in our fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We need healing to restore us again to a right relationship with Him. Are you a grudge holder? Only Jehovah Rohpe can heal the hurt that has been done so we can go boldly into our bright future. He said in His Word, only those with clean hands and a pure heart can can ascend to the hill of the Lord.
Jehovah Rophe wants all of us to be well and whole: metally, spiritually, physically, even financially. John writes for us to be well in all things even as our soul prospers, which is THE most important thing. I pray His Shalom will overtake you and if there is anything holding you back from experiencing a whole relationship with our Lord & Savior, I pray you will allow Jehovah Rophe~ The Lord Who Heals to mend the relationship. He is waiting for you with arms wide open; just like my friend who bled for twelve long years and moved in faith to receive her healing~so should we so we may be complete, whole, and healthy in our lives. The healer is here and He is able! What do you need Him to heal?
Exodus 15
Jeremiah 17:14-17
Psalm 24:4
Mark 5: 25-34
3 John 1:2
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Peace Be Still
It seems almost impossible to have it in our lives. Everywhere we look there is the overwhelming sense of terror mingled with fright, and the unknown is a never-ending nightmare with a barrage of questions that causes everyone in its path to become even more anxious and panicky. There's a constant nagging and gnawing internally that is about to drive you insane! It's presence seems so distant, like a memory from long ago, that you begin to wonder if it was ever really yours in the first place. When did the separation occur? More importantly, would you ever be able to reunite and feel good again? Millions of people long for it, with every fiber of their being they begin to crave it. They search high and look low, but still, it cannot be found. Could it be they are actually looking in the wrong place? They know it exists, but many of us seem to have forgotten that it's so easy to have, is it even real? We find ways to weave it in our conversations, by casually dropping a line about it not being for sale; something we couldn't buy. Many people would never believe it's actually free. That's right! F-R-E-E~ FREE! The best money and purest gold could not buy it, but still those in mega-million dollar homes are without it. Are you still wondering what I'm talking about? I'm talking about peace. Peace of mind; peace of soul; peace period!
We've all been at the end of our rope and felt like we would lose our minds. Or is it just me? But just when you felt your last thread of sanity snap, the engulfing waves of peace washed over you and immediately you felt a presence like never before. Suddenly the load didn't seem SO heavy, and the road up ahead wasn't THAT dim, and life becomes like a box of chocolates and come what may, you realize you can make it!
Jehovah Shalom~ The Lord is Peace
We are first introduced to Jehovah Shalom after the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die." The Lord personally telling someone they are not going to die is GREAT news; however, the "do not be afraid" part is what really caught my eye. I believe God is saying the same thing to all of His children right now. Of course He's screaming it over our electronic devices, social networks, and anything else that can become a god in our lives. He is constantly saying, “Do NOT be afraid!" to whatever we are facing and going through. It may be the constant reminders that there is a recession; your place of employment has announced they are going to be laying off; the doctor has done the tests, but now comes the waiting period. God is saying to you, " (fill in your name) Do NOT be afraid!" I will handle whatever it is that has you concerned. I believe that in telling us not to be afraid, He also ask, the simple question "Do you trust me? Do you trust me enough, that I CAN handle whatever is going on in your life?”
In the Hebrew language, Shalom is used as a greeting and also has the deeper meaning behind it for the person to be well- satisfied, healthy, harmonious with themselves, others, and God. In Judges 6, I believe Gideon didn't know what to think when the meat was consumed by fire from the Lord, and when he realized just what had happened, automatically he went into panic mode. In the Bible day, it was a HUGE deal for the Lord to not only appear to a person face to face, but someone to see Him and live. But in his automatic mode of fret and fright, God greets him with Shalom because He wants to assure him that everything is all right. Gideon then builds an alter to the Lord and called it "The Lord is Peace".
Since the Lord is Peace, it’s only befitting that His Son holds the reigning title as being the Prince of Peace. The disciples were first-hand witnesses when Jesus spoke to the storm and commanded, “Peace be still”. I can just about imagine the looks on their faces as instantly there was silence when only nano seconds before Jesus was asleep, the disciples are wide awake, and Mother Nature is cutting up. Why they were up when Jesus was sleep will always be a mystery to me, but I learned two things from that story. One God is ALWAYS there, even when it is in the midst of your life’s storms. He promised He will never leave us or forsake us, and when you’re backed up against the wall, hold Him to His Word! The second thing I learned is that if God is resting in my trial, I should find rest in Him. Just like He spoke to the storm, His arms are wide open as He beckons us to find the peace we've been longing for in His arms. More than anything He desires for you to be satisfied, healthy, and harmonious in Him and with Him.
Judges 6
Mark 4
Hebrews 13:5
We've all been at the end of our rope and felt like we would lose our minds. Or is it just me? But just when you felt your last thread of sanity snap, the engulfing waves of peace washed over you and immediately you felt a presence like never before. Suddenly the load didn't seem SO heavy, and the road up ahead wasn't THAT dim, and life becomes like a box of chocolates and come what may, you realize you can make it!
Jehovah Shalom~ The Lord is Peace
We are first introduced to Jehovah Shalom after the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die." The Lord personally telling someone they are not going to die is GREAT news; however, the "do not be afraid" part is what really caught my eye. I believe God is saying the same thing to all of His children right now. Of course He's screaming it over our electronic devices, social networks, and anything else that can become a god in our lives. He is constantly saying, “Do NOT be afraid!" to whatever we are facing and going through. It may be the constant reminders that there is a recession; your place of employment has announced they are going to be laying off; the doctor has done the tests, but now comes the waiting period. God is saying to you, " (fill in your name) Do NOT be afraid!" I will handle whatever it is that has you concerned. I believe that in telling us not to be afraid, He also ask, the simple question "Do you trust me? Do you trust me enough, that I CAN handle whatever is going on in your life?”
In the Hebrew language, Shalom is used as a greeting and also has the deeper meaning behind it for the person to be well- satisfied, healthy, harmonious with themselves, others, and God. In Judges 6, I believe Gideon didn't know what to think when the meat was consumed by fire from the Lord, and when he realized just what had happened, automatically he went into panic mode. In the Bible day, it was a HUGE deal for the Lord to not only appear to a person face to face, but someone to see Him and live. But in his automatic mode of fret and fright, God greets him with Shalom because He wants to assure him that everything is all right. Gideon then builds an alter to the Lord and called it "The Lord is Peace".
Since the Lord is Peace, it’s only befitting that His Son holds the reigning title as being the Prince of Peace. The disciples were first-hand witnesses when Jesus spoke to the storm and commanded, “Peace be still”. I can just about imagine the looks on their faces as instantly there was silence when only nano seconds before Jesus was asleep, the disciples are wide awake, and Mother Nature is cutting up. Why they were up when Jesus was sleep will always be a mystery to me, but I learned two things from that story. One God is ALWAYS there, even when it is in the midst of your life’s storms. He promised He will never leave us or forsake us, and when you’re backed up against the wall, hold Him to His Word! The second thing I learned is that if God is resting in my trial, I should find rest in Him. Just like He spoke to the storm, His arms are wide open as He beckons us to find the peace we've been longing for in His arms. More than anything He desires for you to be satisfied, healthy, and harmonious in Him and with Him.
Judges 6
Mark 4
Hebrews 13:5
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