The Lord God Strong and Mighty

Yesterday I spent over eight hours in the hospital emergency room, waiting with my sisters for a doctor.  I have spoken about this time and again, so by now our story is not unfamiliar to anyone reading.  She had what looked like a seizure, while having her physical at the doctor’s office. An ambulance was called, and she was whisked off to the hospital to begin our exercise in patience.  When we walked into the emergency room, we were greeted by chaos and echoes of coughing bouncing from the walls.  Immediately my elder sister and I masked up.  We were escorted to the hall behind the ER waiting room, where gurneys were lined up with the weak and pain ridden bodies of desperate people.  My sister was among them.  She started to cry when we came in, asking us “what’s wrong with me?”  I can’t tell you that I had any answers at that moment. My eyes mirrored her tear filled ones and I couldn’t speak.  Thankfully Clauds had an answer. “Nothing is wrong with you! We have been here before and we know what to do.  Remember we are walking through this with you.”  She was firm and fully convincing. Both Kal and I nodded in agreement and it set the tone for the hours ahead of us.  We knew that God was true to His word and indeed we were not alone…the Lord God Strong and Mighty was with us!

 

A few days before this, my mom sat on the floor cleaning the fridge.  Suddenly she burst into tears, causing me to stand stupefied looking at her. I asked, “Are you alright?” (Stupid question considering the woman was bawling her eyes out before me).  She answered, “No.”  “What’s wrong?” I asked.  She replied that she was thinking about Kal. She was worried for her and wondered when all of this would end.  Again, I had no answer, but I knew enough to know that I didn’t know, and I needed to go to the One who did know.  God knew.  So we called an immediate prayer meeting, leaving all the work that needed to be done and disregarding the places that we needed to be at right now.  God spoke through His sovereign word.

Psalm 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.

The Lord strong and mighty, is our God and He told us not to worry about Kal on Saturday.  So by the time Thursday happened, we were reminded that The Lord is Mighty!  He is Mighty in Battle.  This battle is not ours, but His. As such, we can lift up our heads to Him, and allow the King of Glory to come in.

The Battle Still Belongs to God

Yesterday, my friend told me a story that I hope I will remember forever.  I should warn you, that the details are not pleasant, but my focus is not on that, but on the attitude of the one who gave the testimony.

During the Sunday service, my friend noted that the praise and worship leader was particularly enthusiastic in her praise. She was a woman without shame, praising God with abandonment.  She didn’t seem to care who heard, or who saw or better yet who cared.  She was focused on God and praised him with loud cheers of Amen and Hallelujahs.  At the end of the Pastor’s sermon, she came to the podium and decided to give an explanation for her praise.  Not that she needed to explain it, as I believe that is between her and God.  However, she gave her testimony, and I have benefitted because of it.

She told the church that some time ago, she was abducted from her driveway by a man. He held a gun to her head and drove her back in her car to a location that was unfamiliar to her.  He beat her, until there was blood everywhere.  In her car, her radio brought through the invisible waves the lyrics of a song writer’s glory to God.  He told her to turn it off as that would not help her. But throughout his beating and rape of her body, her mind sent prayers to God.  She asked Him to help her. This man told her he was going to kill her, and he wore no disguise as he knew she would not be alive to identify him.  But she kept praying; she even pleaded with him, telling him he doesn’t have to do this. 

 

At one point she had the gun in her hand, and could have killed him easily.  But a peace that surely surpasses understanding told her no. God’s voice said he needs Jesus too and if you take his life then that opportunity would never come for him.  That would be it.  [Friends, there is no hope after the grave, no matter how much prayers you pray for the ones that have passed on already. The dead cannot accept Christ or receive pardon…it is the cry of too late from the coffin].  She didn’t kill him and he didn’t kill her. Instead he let her go.  Sadly he had already carried out his violent act against her, but he did not commit murder.  She was in the middle of nowhere. She screamed her help, but none came to assist. She could see people in the distance, but they could not see her.  He had taken her phone, wallet and car keys and she was stranded and hurt in a place she didn’t know.

 

Then he returned.  I imagined how her heart must have raced seeing him again. But he did something unexpected. He gave her back the things he took and gave her directions to get out of where she was.  Is that not God?  Is that not our holy God?  She knows why she praises him like a woman gone mad, because of what he did for her. She didn’t become bitter, nor did she denounce God for not sparing her from the hardship of the experience, she turned all of that into praise. She glorified him for saving her life, when she would have been dead.  When evil came to destroy her, God was with her and gave her His comfort.

What trials and hardship are you facing?  Have you also been such a woman, raped and beaten and left for dead?  Have you been a victim of some other evil?  Maybe it is not as horrific, but for you it is just as life changing, is that you?  Maybe, it is the everyday stresses of life – financial woes, wayward kids, family out of control, does that describe you?  Whatever you are going through, I urge you to trust God. I urge you to offer him shouts of praise and new songs for His glory.  I invite you to join in the shouts of many women all over this globe, linking faith to faith in a world that is harsh and at times so dark it seems hopeless. Let us remind ourselves of what he has done when we feel it is not enough.  Women, be encouraged today for the battle still belongs to God.

 

 

 

Come to me, all who are weary...

In reading Emily P. Freeman’s article “When Your Bag is Heavy and Your Faith Feels Small” I was reminded of something that happened to me on Saturday.  It was not quite eight a.m. when my sister knocked on my bedroom door and asked, “Can you rouse yourself for prayer?”  She didn’t wait for my reply, seeming to know that I would get up – somehow.  Like most people I know, I so look forward to sleeping in on my one day off.  Sundays usually require an early start for church, so like my son, Saturdays are my vacation days – sleep in until my eyes pop open on their own kind of days.

I was still somewhat disoriented and grunted in my response to the now empty space framed between my door posts.  I literally dragged myself and my winter blanket into my mom’s room for the meeting.  I had yet to speak out loud and had the early morning frog still nestled snugly in my vocal pipes.  I found that I pondered about that for a while, as I croaked out the responsive AMEN to my sis’s Amen? (She had been up for more minutes than myself and was bursting with enthusiasm).

She spoke as led by the spirit of God.  Verse after verse she set about being obedient.  I was still in a daze, but awake enough to take notes for later.  She then asked us to stand in God’s presence; to stand before Him and be in awe of Him.  I did.  It was then that I noticed how heavy my blanket had become around my shoulders.  I don’t remember it starting out like that, but as we progressed into the hour, the weight was noticeable and distracting.  It seemed all I could think about even as my mom and sister sang the heart stirring chorus “I Stand, I stand in awe of you”.  I admit that I was not thinking of God at all. I could only think of this burden about my shoulders; but He was thinking about me.

In His quiet voice, He whispered the solution, so simple and obvious.  Take off the blanket.  I can already see how you may be tempted to roll your eyes and say “Duh!”  I give you permission to do just that if you are so inclined.  Yet, hear me out. My preoccupation with the heavy blanket was more than that.  It hindered my worship, and shifted my focus from what was happening right before me. I was standing in God’s presence all along, but didn’t lift my eyes to Him. I didn’t acknowledge His presence the way one would a King.  I was busy.  I was restless in my mind. I was weighed down and thereby rendered ineffective in worship and unable to receive from Him.  I was at His table but didn’t eat.

So when He said take it off, it was now more than the blanket.  I did let the blanket fall to the ground.  It was then I noted how light I felt.  I literally felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders…it had been. I felt free.  He then used this simple act to project my life.  I was carrying the weight of my world; when the solution is just as simple…cast it off. Let it fall on Him.

You may be surprized to know that you have also been doing the same thing.  It is a good thing He doesn’t tell us “Duh!”  Instead He invites us to pray to Him when we don’t know what to do and He promises He will not be condescending in His response to us. In fact, He will tell us what to do.  He invites us to give him our burdens, and take up His, which is light.  He invites us to rest in Him.  Wont you take Him up on that invite?  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

 

Embrace who you are in Christ

Almost everything that I write is born out of some experience I have personally had, or a conversation between friends.  This piece is no different.  A friend was talking about her sister, and their unsettled relationship.  I thought, to myself, this is not isolated to just one person.  She, the sister, has something (because I can’t think of a word to describe this) against my friend, for reasons only known to her.  So my friend wrote:

“She’s much older, I drive, bought my house, graduated high school and college, had a FT job all before her, … but even thru all this … I still considered her the strongest person I ever knew;  Because she was there supporting me through all of the above mentioned, ….” 

 

I read how she viewed her and had to just shake my head.  We are all like her sister, in that we never fully see who we are, what we are and how we are.  We never see ourselves in the light, the way God intended.  Instead we shun the compliments from others. They say you are Strong.  We respond with the question of incredibility, “Me?”  Brave. Me?  Worthy. Me?  Do you know what else we do like this sister here?  We look at someone else and become often times enraged at the comparisons we make, as we find ourselves lacking.  We close off ourselves and become wrapped in our self-induced cocoon of misery.  We never emerge from that cocoon as a beautiful butterfly, but as hardened women/men, untrusting, with horrible attitudes.  I know, what I have said is ugly, but then, so is the truth of it all.  My question is “When does it end?” 

 

Even as a Child of God, I am admitting that this is the picture of me sometimes. It is harsh and really like cold water in my face.  My reaction may be a little different; or rather God won’t allow me to wallow in self-pity forever.  He will not let me stay wrapped up in misery when He has his joy that strengthens me.  So I usually get a reality check sooner than later – thank God for that.

 

It is easy to point to others and say you need to fix this or that, but I am asking you to stare at you.  Ask God to show you that fearfully and wonderfully made person that is you. Ask Him to show you those plans that are good, that he has for your future. Ask Him to allow you to hear those songs that He sings over you, and all that rejoicing and dancing that he does for you. Ask Him to show you His banner of love that flies over you. 

Loved ones, it is time to break out of the misery and embrace who you are in Christ.

CARSON BITES - Life through the eyes of a 3y/o

My god-son Carson is very black and white in his thinking. Living in Tennessee with his parents, he is what we call a boys boy.  His mom keeps me up to date with his antics and his statements.  Here is one thing that he said that I hope will make you smile or better yet laugh out loud.

Carson: I love you Mama
Mom: I love you too Carson
Carson: You won't send me back will you?
Mom: No Carson! I will never send you back. God gave you to me.
Carson: God? I don't know him. Who is God?
Mom: Do you know Jesus?
Carson: Yes.
Mom: Do you know how you are a son, a cousin and a friend?  That is how God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are. They are all the same person.
Carson: Oh! So God is Jesus' last name!!!  Jesus God!

Be Bold and Be Strong

I have had the pleasure of baby sitting my gran niece this weekend.

Let me say that I take my hats to parents of young babies every where. This little girl girl would not go to bed! I walked around with blood shot eyes, and a prayer close to my lips.  However, this is not to complain about any of it. In a heart beat I would have done this all over again, with pleasure.

What I did note and want to share is how quickly she learnt things. She is 6 months old and already able to communicate exactly what she wants.  She makes "grunts", for lack of a better word, to express who she wants to be held by and where she wants that person to take her. I watched her maneuver her way from my sister's arms to those of a stranger so she could get to the other side of the room where a fascinating fish tank awaited her attention.

Without a thought to the danger, she saw her goal and went for it. Mind you, we knew everyone there, but this was her first time seeing all of these people.  But she was bold.  She knew we were with her. She was not afraid.

Can you already see where I am going?  To be honest, I didn't see this coming when I began writing this piece.  So the lesson is not just for you, but for me as well.  We can all be like Kiara.  We know that God is with us and like wise we do not have to cower in fear. We can be bold and be strong, because He is with us.  Remember how he told that to Joshua? (See Below for excerpt from Joshua 1).    He said it more than once and her it is, a repeated message to you and I.  Be bold and be strong. Be of good courage. Don't forget that I the Lord is with you. 

Courage does not mean your heart won't beat rapidly, and your palms won't sweat, and your knees won't shake. It doesn't mean you won't feel fearful.  It simply means that you go forward anyway, knowing that God is with you! 

Joshua 1

New International Version (NIV)

Joshua Installed as Leader

⁶ Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

DON'T WAIT - SHOUT NOW!!!

A friend of mine and I were communicating via email the other day, and I was left really encouraged.  We spoke about the challenges we both were facing and agreed to give it God.  What really was the highlight of our conversation is the idea that we can give thanks before we see the victory.  We can shout while the battle is still raging. We can celebrate before we collect the spoils. We don’t have to wait to praise Him, but we can do it right now.  

This message, although not designed as such, seems even more appropriate as the Americans get ready for their thanksgiving tomorrow.  I could go on and on about the commercialisation of it, but that you already know.  I want to invite you to give thanks.  The bible says it in 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Message (MSG)

^16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

Friends, thank God no matter what happens.  Let your world and your circumstances hear your voice in a shout of thanksgiving.  When God has given you the go ahead there seems to be direct opposition to His word, seeking to rob you of the blessings that can only come by your obedience.  My friend, persevere, for truly the end is already settled and it is good.  You are already victorious and I encourage you to rejoice.  Don’t wait until you get where you are going Auny, shout now.  Don’t wait for things to be easy, shout now.  Hallelujah, I am talking myself happy!

May you say like Andre

“Thanks and amen. I know our victory has already been established. My shout has already been pre- ordained. I have learned to worship in my warfare. I know we can't collect the spoils until after the battle.  Just as much promotion comes after the pain. I believe with all my heart that it is a great time to be alive; an awesome opportunity to experience the fullness of God.

____________(insert your name here) the best is still yet to come in your life. I am not sure the earth is ready for your gift and anointing.

Truly you are special.

Andre”.

Things are already better

At this very moment, my mind is so full of things to say.  I am like a pregnant woman, waiting to push out that baby, that very wonderful and fearfully made gift of God.  Last night I went through my bills.  The total due added up ever so quickly.  It was not a shock to see that outcome far exceeded income. Every month I attempt to balance the two and it never happens. I borrow from Peter it seems to pay Paul.  Last night was no different in that regards. But there was one envelope which was for me the last straw.  It broke me into pieces.  It was a notice telling me very officially, that my car was captured on the red light camera, breaking the light.  The fine is over $300! 

I was at a loss. I felt completely tapped out of ideas and wisdom was nowhere to be found. I was finally at the point of desperation.  I took all the bills and entered them all in my little book.  I looked at them and fell to my knees. I was overwhelmed.  “God!  I can’t do this anymore!”  I remembered praying that and weeping on the kitchen floor. Roper, the dog, did come by to see what was so interesting on the floor beside me.  He must have seen I had nothing, for off he went to a better space.

I didn’t have anything eloquent to add to that prayer. I just knew that I was not able to do this.  I was not able to make things work this time. I had no more resources. I was already over my line of credit. The credit cards are already maxed out. The loan bills are still due, and so is the mortgage. Add to that, my sister just got fired last week Thursday and I was just a mess.  Where was my faith?  It was very very very small.  I still had enough to believe that God could help. I still believed that He was my very present help in times of trouble.  I was just so weakened by it all.  In hind sight, the morning after, I believe that I am finally looking at the right source – HIM, not me.

God is so good to me.  As I sat at my desk, the phone rings and it is my friend Alex from New York. He didn’t even waste time on the usual pleasantries but got straight to his purpose.  He had witnessed a sign from God, and he was in wonder!  He had witnessed for himself that God is with us, even in the storm, or better yet, especially in the storm.  He had driven home praying he said, in the down pour of winter snow storm.  Parking his car, he left it without a thought. After several hours he decided to look at how much snow had fallen and was rewarded for his curiosity.  There on the car’s roof was a cross in the midst of the snow.  He was blown away. He went to see if this was the work of kids, or a cat or bird. (His words not mine).  He couldn’t logically see how this was there and no foot prints or finger prints were left.  He said he got chills from his observation. He knew that this was God’s message to Him and all that will listen to his retelling of it.  God is real; He is with him.  He is with me. 

 

He continued telling me his testimony that quieted within me the anxiety I was feeling the night before.  Tears were streaming down my face, for I knew at that moment, this was my sign and wonder.  He said, if you pray about something, why are you worried about it?  God owns everything. He will work it out. Leave it with Him.  He told me how he was in financial problems and after praying my exact prayer, God came through for him. He said he has seen too much to deny God’s existence and power. He said once you have a hold on Him, do not let go. He said, there is nothing in this world…God is all that is worthy. 

Friends let me echo Alex Wolf, for God alone is worthy.  I don’t know exactly how my bills will be paid, but God is definitely able to do what is impossible.   He invites us to trust him and obey him. He is faithful. He is the God who always causes us to triumph.  Things are already better.

 

What should Christians do on Halloween?

Halloween

It is that time of year again, Halloween or Day of the Dead.  What should we as Christians do?  Do we compromise what we believe in just to dress up and eat sugary sweets?  Do we stand up and say No, I celebrate Christ and not anything that supports evil and wickedness? 

I find that most times as Christians we sell out and conform because of lack of knowledge. Indeed, the people perish because of lack of knowledge.  I know I have never in my life celebrated this particular holiday, but for me I never really could articulate why. As a teacher for kids under 13 in church, the questions came every year and my answers often sounded flat and unconvincing even to myself.  My persuasiveness stemmed from my ignorance on the matter.

I have challenged myself this year to find out more; to be less ignorant of the facts and strengthen my convictions.  I have determined to stand up even at work, when we have grown people walking around in Devil and Death Costumes unaware as to what they are inviting into their lives.

In response to an email I wrote, my friend sent me this about her own Halloween stance:

My family also does not celebrate Halloween. When asked by unsuspecting adults what costume they will be wearing for Halloween, both my kids answer that they do not celebrate Halloween. If pressed as to why, they say that that it is because they are Christians. A few years ago, when my 9-year old was in SK, he told the teacher that he is a Christian who worships God not ghosts. I was really proud of him that day.

Yes, they still wheedle to try and do "something" Halloween. They would ask if they can dress up in some "harmless" costume, they would bring home pumpkins from school field trips, or will ask if they can give/accept candy. I treat every situation as it arises:

·        Costumes: NO,

·        Pumpkin: we keep it as a decorative fixture inside the kitchen, until it is time to cook it! Maybe I will carve a cross next year.

·        Candy: "no"

It is a struggle to keep our kids on the right path, but it helps if other Christian parents actively stand up for our beliefs and not send their kids to school in costumes, and not participate in the hype.

God bless you and thank you for sharing.

Keisha Stephenson

What do you believe in? by Engada

Are you ready?

As Christians we ought to be ready to give an account of what we believe at any given time.  According to the word of God in 1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version)

15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

So what is it that we believe?  Are we able to tell of a Christ that is also God? Can we explain how Christ can be our creator and also our redeemer?  Are we able to expand on the trinity of our God head and the deity and sovereignty of our God?

Can we eloquently express our service and commitment to a King who came to earth as a Carpenter, void of monetary wealth?  A king who hung out with fishermen, prostitutes, disease covered, and demon possessed people of society’s rejects?

What do you believe?

In Matthew 16 :13 – 14, When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

And, question 2…

Matt 16:14-16

 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Who is He to you?  You have heard who He is through the Pastor, your parents your friends, but what of you? What has been your personal declaration of faith? It is easy to believe what others tell us. It is easy to mimic robotically the motions of what is an outward show of Christianity. Yet I tell you friends that it has to be much more than that.  The recent killings in Virginia tell me that these are not the days to be passively following the crowd.  We are in war and we better know what we are fighting and who we are fighting for. 

God has spoken in revelation that he wishes we were either hot or cold. He said in chapter 3 vs 16, “So because you be lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”  What do you believe? Are you sure of who you are in Christ? Do you know who He is?

Have you retained the preaching echoed to you from the pulpits?  Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 says, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Ladies and gentlemen in less than 1 minute Paul has told you the nutshell concept of Christianity.  He did not spout off a list of “do’s and don’t’s” that we must adhere to.  Christianity is about a relationship.  The goal of a Christian is to cultivate a close walk with God the Father. That relationship is made possible because of the work of Jesus Christ, and the ministry in the life of the Christian by the Holy Spirit.

Is this what you believe? (This section borrowed from the internet)

Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and that its teaching is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21). Christians believe in one God that exists in three persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Christians believe that mankind was created specifically to have a relationship with God, but that sin separates all men from God (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23). Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ walked this earth, fully God, and yet fully man (Philippians 2:6-11), and died on the cross. Christians believe that after His death on the cross, Christ was buried, He rose again, and now lives at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for the believers forever (Hebrews 7:25). Christianity proclaims that Jesus’ death on the cross was sufficient to completely pay the sin debt owed by all men and this is what restores the broken relationship between God and man (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 10:10, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8).

In order to be saved, one must simply place his faith entirely in the finished work of Christ on the cross. If someone believes that Christ died in his own place and paid the price of his own sins, and rose again, then that person is saved. There is nothing that anyone can do to earn salvation. Nobody can be “good enough” to please God on his or her own, because all of us are sinners (Isaiah 64:6-7, Isaiah 53:6). Secondly, there is nothing more to be done, because Christ has done all the work! When He was on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Just as there is nothing one can do to earn salvation, once someone has placed his/her trust in the work of Christ on the cross, there is nothing anyone can do to lose his/her salvation either. Remember, the work was done and completed by Christ! Nothing about salvation is dependent upon the one who receives it! John 10:27-29 states “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.”

Some may think, “This is great--once I am saved, I can do just as I please, and not lose my salvation!” But salvation is not about being free to do as one pleases. Salvation is becoming free from having to serve the old sin nature, and being free to pursue a right relationship with God. As long as believers live on this earth in their sinful bodies, there will be a constant struggle with giving in to sin. Living in sin hinders the relationship God seeks to have with mankind, and as long as one lives in sin as a believer, he will not enjoy the relationship God intended to have with him. However, Christians can have victory over the struggle with sin by studying and applying God’s Word (the Bible) in their lives, and being controlled by the Holy Spirit--that is, submitting to the Spirit’s influence and leading in everyday circumstances, and through the Spirit obeying God’s Word.

So, while many religious systems require that a person do certain things or not do certain things, Christianity is about having a relationship with God. Christianity is about believing that Christ died on the cross as payment for your own sin, and rose again. Your sin debt is paid and you can have fellowship with God. You can have victory over your sin nature and walk in fellowship and obedience with God. That is true biblical Christianity.

Why be sure?

There will come a time when we will have no other voices but the ones in our heads.  Maybe you will find yourself wrought with sickness or perhaps facing troubles beyond your imagination right now.  At this time if you are not fully persuaded in the God you serve you will not be able to stand.  In your minds, in your heart, in your soul you have to be certain of what you believe and know in whom you believe and trust.  I have seen for myself friends who are currently being beaten up with adversities.  Unable to move, unable to physically do much and yet because they know in whom they stand they are able to overcome and stand spiritually in Christ.

Friends, be certain that you choose this day who you will serve. Be certain that you are able to give an account of what you believe. 

There is still life in you

There is a tree planted outside my window.  Each season I look at it and marvel at the changes. I always learn something from the tree…no, God always teaches me from this tree.

This morning I stared up at the very heights of it branches.  I remembered that just last week, theses same branches were full of leaves, all yellow and orange in colour.  I remember trying to catch the fall of one leaf on camera.  Then strong winds came, and the morning after, not a single leaf was to be seen on this tree. 

In fact, the tree looked dead.  I thought about that and then I heard the whisper “there is life in me”.  You see, even though it appears that the tree is dead; although it appears that the branches will never again show green foliage; although it looks barren and hopeless, there is still life in it.  There is still hope for it. There is still a reason to expect that in the next season, things will be good better best.

My friend, do not trust in what you see.  The bible says that the things that we see are temporary, but what we don’t see is permanent.  So as you look upon your life and it appears that all is gone, just remember that like the tree, you are just going through the fall/winter of your life.  Also, believe in God, who speaks life to that which is dead.  There is still life in you.

God will Deliver His Own

And now it has come that I have to live out what I have been speaking and reading all this time. My sister got fired from her job yesterday evening.  She called me crying great loud sobs that made me feel useless through the invisible phone waves.  This was her second time with this experience and friends, it was horrible the first time and horrible the second time.  Let me back track, the feeling was horrible.  She said they made her feel like a criminal.  They lied about their “restructuring plans” and refused to tell her what the real reason was.  She didn’t fit that company, and that was the truth. 

Now, my household has to look up.  We have to rely heavily on God.  We have to trust Him more than before, because we are incapable of sorting this out on our own, but more so because we do not want to do it alone.  I believe with every fibre of my being that God will cause us to triumph. I believe that He watches over the righteous and will not cause us to perish. I believe that when we do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor sit in the seat of mockers, we are blessed.  I believe our leaf will not wither and that whatever we undertake will prosper, (Psalm 1).

David said in Psalm 3, “Oh Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him”…. Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  From the Lord comes deliverance.  May your blessing be on your people.”  I have written this, not to gain sympathy, but to encourage you.  You may also be facing a time of transition.  You may have lost your job as well, and are now facing economic depression.  Don’t despair, God will deliver His own.  Don’t stress, don’t worry, don’t lose hope.  They that put their hope in the Lord shall never be put to shame.  As for the company that let her go, well they are left to God.  May He deal with them as He sees fit, for He alone is just.

Hope in Christ will not disappoint

Today is a good day. God has shown Himself strong, once again. Where do I begin? I guess there is no other place but the beginning. As such, let me shout out that God is still stretching forth His hands of healing. Remember my friend in the hospital with cancer?

Let me remind you of her story.  About two or three weeks ago, she was admitted to the hospital; confused, unresponsive and at the brink of death. At this, the doctors determined that she was not even admissible to ICU. They put her (without the family's approval) on DNR. They told them that surely she would die that night; the next day; or perhaps the next. She didn't die, and has even now improved! The beauty of this is that all credit has to be given to God. Why?

The doctors have ceased giving her any treatment. They deemed her palliative three weeks ago, but today she can swallow, and she said hi. She woke up, and now she speaks and eats. We celebrated that she could swallow apple sauce and pudding! God is a good God!

 Maybe you are a skeptic, and your response is so what? Well, wait and see the glory of God. You will not be disappointed. I remember reading the verse from the book of Romans that said that our sufferings build character; character builds perseverance ; perseverance produces hope, and hope does not disappoint! When we hope in God, we will not be let down; we will not be put to shame.

However, things take time. This brings me to today. Today, after 8 months, I can say out loud, it is finished! My family has walked through a long and winding path, waiting for the end of a matter. Today, it has ended. Today, the weight that threatened to crush us, has been lifted from our shoulders.

We were accused, but God's mercy said No! Therefore we sing, this is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice in it!


Time; it took  a lot of time, but yet it did not tarry; just at the right time our answer came about. We give all priases to God.  My Mom has forever told us that a leaf that falls from a tree into water, will not turn brown on that day, but as it becomes subjected to time, the colour changes. 

So be patient; your miracle could be instant as well as it may take three months or more. I dont know.  BUT I WILL  encourage you to wait patiently, hoping in Christ Jesus, For we know that hope in CHRIST  will not disappoint! (Romans 5:2-5; Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13)

Oh Lord Help My Unbelief

This morning I read from Mark Chap 9.  I was reading about the Father who brought his demon possessed son to Jesus to be healed.  I read along, already knowing the outcome, having read the story before. But something different happened this time around. I burst into tears, surprising only myself as I was physically alone in God's presence. It came about so suddenly, I barely had time to register it all.  I went from marvelling at the question the Dad posed to Jesus to crying in recognition of my own similarity to him.

For the benefit of those that never read Mark 9, here is what I read  this morning:

Mark 9

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9&version=GW
¹⁷ A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son. He is possessed by a spirit that won’t let him talk. ¹⁸ Whenever the spirit brings on a seizure, it throws him to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes exhausted. I asked your disciples to force the spirit out, but they didn’t have the power to do it.” ....

²¹ Jesus asked his father, “How long has he been like this?”
The father replied, “He has been this way since he was a child. ²² The demon has often thrown him into fire or into water to destroy him. If it’s possible for you, put yourself in our place, and help us!”

²³ Jesus said to him, “As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes.”
²⁴ The child’s father cried out at once, “I believe! Help my lack of faith.”


As I read the last few verses, I burst out crying.  I knew that I was also the Father, dancing the two step between faith and doubt.  I knew I was the one that exclaimed "I believe! I believe!" only to turn around and wonder, Can Christ really do it?

I cant imagine that I am the only one identifying with this desperate Dad.  I know that if you have read down this far, that you are a kindred spirit. Let me tell you then, that the story didn't end at verse 24.  It continued.  Jesus, did not rebuke or chastise him for his broken confession of unbelief. Instead, he did just what the man wanted and rid the demon from his son. 

I would like to think that Jesus would do the same for us. That our confessions, made in truth and sincerity, are what he can use.  I love how Jesus responded to this man. I saw compassion in Him and I know his compassion is available to you and me today.  Even as I sobbed through the remainder of the story, I felt comforted. It was as Jesus himself whispered "There there" in my ear. 

Let us allow Holy Spirit to search through us and identify once and for all the areas of unbelief, so that we may confess it before the One who is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins.

I exhale again

My son turned 18 yesterday.  It was one of those moments I felt like I have been holding my breath for, anticipating this day and all that it would imply.  In 2009, I started a journal for him, just for this day. It was fitting that the last few pages of it would be about this new phase of life for him.

I know to many, this just sounds like a whole lot of rambling and of little worth. But if you understood the journey that led to today you would appreciate it more.  My son and I have been around some sharp corners, and had it not been for God’s grace I dare say that we would have fallen over the precipice many a time.   Grace was enough and it was sure; God’s grace. 

Parent’s you understand, don’t you?  When that little baby is born, you imagine them succeeding at everything. You imagine how they would run and play. You imagine how they will be that student that gets the grades. You imagine that they would just naturally follow the path of success in all they do. You imagine the first date, the prom, the post secondary years, the marriage, the grand kids. At some point in time, you see the picture before you of their lives and it is perfect.  When things don’t go that way it becomes a daunting reality.

As the years rolled up into one, I have found more and more that my desire for RKR has become centered upon one thing only.  I want him to know Christ for himself.  I want him to hear Christ for himself. I want him to serve Christ for himself. That for me would be success. I know that in Christ all things are possible to Him. I know that in Christ, he will find wisdom. In Christ he will make it, even when the road is hard and awful. In Christ he will be the man of integrity and valour he was purposed for; he will be the son, Husband and Father that is needed today.  In Christ alone, he needs to stand.

So now that he is 18, I cling even more tightly to hope.  I beg God to help me to overcome my unbelief, just like the Father in Mark 9 who brought his son to Jesus.  Most importantly, I exhale and release him once again to Christ.

Dont give up

If ever you think of giving up, I want you to consider what I am about to tell you. Over the last few weeks, a friend of mine has been battling cancer. It is a monster for sure, and those who have had it or know someone who did or has will attest to this fact.  Cancer is a beast with one mission, destroy and kill. In fact, it has the same mandate as our enemy, Satan.  He seeks out whom he may devour; seeking to destroy and kill. 

Corrine has been in the hospital, confused and weak.  Each day her husband and family go seeking hope.  Just this week, things took a turn for the worse.  She went from being awake and confused to being in a state of unresponsiveness. Her lungs began filling with fluid and she has been diagnosed with pneumonia.  The doctors in their great wisdom told the family that she will die.  They took her off any treatment they were administering and decided that palliative care was all they could offer to this woman.  That was four days ago.

Each night, they predict as the last one she will be with us. They determined time of death in advance, and even went as far as writing DNR (do not resuscitate) in her file, without family consent. The hospital, worked together on the plan of immediate death.  One doctor said after the first night, it would be “long” if she lived past the day. She did. So they said it will be a miracle for a third. It was. Here we are, at day five.  She opened her eyes.  She held the hands of her sister in law, squeezing in response to the conversation, she kissed the hand she held and brought it to her heart as a sign of her own “I love you”.  This is the girl that they said would die on Monday, not knowing that Friday was coming. Didn’t they crucify Jesus and didn’t see the third day coming? He rose. She opened her eyes.

Beloved, this testimony is not to bash the medical profession; Not at all. It is to let you know that as man, we are not all knowing. We do not have the capacity to see beyond a limited scope. Our humanity makes us frail and weak when compared to God.  I want you to know that God has the final say on every thing in our lives, especially life and death.  It is time to believe what He says, and stop reacting to every wind that blows and eating every word from man as the final truth and end.  God is real. It is a miracle that Corrine is still alive and even the doctors would have to agree. After all, they themselves said it had to be so. And so we thank God for the small sign, liken to the small cloud that was seen before a river load of rain burst from the sky. 

Let us therefore hold on to the hope that we have in Christ.  Let us hold on to God with every fiber in our being. Let us give him our best and worst days; our trials and our victories; our every care and concern.  God is able to exceed our expectations.  Trust in Him.

I HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH

I have turned 38years old this month.  I have not written anything and it is not because I have been low in spirit but rather, just plain busy.  Okay, I must admit, that on the morn of my birthday I did feel a pang of something.  I can’t say that there is a word that best describes it, for it wasn’t just one emotion but a myriad of such.  I was happy; I was not.  I was excited; I was weary.  I was a whole lot of things in just the few hours it took for me to get ready and out the door to work.  (I interject here to state that I went to work that Friday under duress.  Why I do not have my birthday off is still a mystery to me.) 

As I placed my hand on the door knob to make my exit, I paused.  I was reminded at that moment of how very blessed I was, and how many things I could and should be thankful to God for.  I have health and I have a sound mind.  These things I would normally take for granted. i presume that I will always be strong, and I will always be able to do for myself the things no-one thinks twice of – taking a bath, walking, talking, feeding myself and using the bath room alone.  I had to look at what others in my circle were going through, to truly appreciate the wealth I had in my possession.

I have seen how cancer has deteriorated the quality of life my friend once had.  I have seen how it caused her to shed pounds faster than any Billy Blanks Tae Bo routine.  I have seen how it has robbed her of clarity and comprehension.  I have seen how it has raised its ugly head of blackness in her life and threaten to zap the strength and will to fight from her.

I have seen how bulging discs and convulsing muscles has taken away my sister’s independence.  I have seen how she has measured her daily pain by each new level that it attains, and how she now has a new normal because of it.  I have seen how her mobility have been reduced because of multiple car accidents.  I have seen her crying real tears from enduring acute pains from cold insurance company doctor’s assessments. 

I have seen and I realize that I have so much.  I have all that these women do not have and more.  Why then should I allow myself to wallow in self-pity because of an increase in my age, or my increased dress size?  God did not allow me the liberty, for as quickly as those thoughts seeped into my consciousness, they evaporated at the same speed. 

So I am truly on the other side of 30, and is now closer to 40 than I realized.  But I have seen enough to know that this is a moment meant for worshipping.  Truly, I am wealthy, healthy and of a sound mind.  Indeed, I have more than enough.

 

 

Decisions

“The Decision May Make Itself For Us…”

In talking to a friend of mine, these words came out of our conversation, “The Decision May Make Itself for Us”.  When taken out of the long email I sent and placed alone, they really stood out.  I have seen this happen so often in my life, there is not enough time to tell of them all.

I suppose that this is not a unique occurrence and if you cared to share, you would be able to to say “girl I have a few times where that was the case”.  Maybe you were like me and my friend, where you were thinking of purchasing a new car. You were praying about such a large purchase, and trying to decide when and how much and the list of checks we make for ourselves.  But then the decision no longer became yours, your car died (forever) or you had an accident that killed the car.  Now you have to buy a car, ready or not.  

I was also thinking about the church. I have been thinking about where I am really supposed to be attending. I am sure I am not the only one that has that question pop up from time to time.  Or perhaps you have never thought of that.  But maybe that decision is not yours but God’s.  I looked at the church back in Acts.  It has been recorded that the gospel was able to spread because the people were being persecuted and fled. The decision was not theirs, but it made itself for them.  

My purpose in sharing today is simple.  We can rest our decisions in God.  We worry ourselves too much about the details.  God has a way of helping us along in the things that matter most.  That means You and everything that you face.  You matter most to Him.  Whether we come to our conclusions by fire or calm waters, we can trust Him completely for the results.

Keep praying and listening to what God says….He will direct your steps.