Adversity

I’m sure this has been said many times, but it bears repeating. In times of adversity we find out who we truly are in The Lord.

For those of us who claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior trials and testing are important barometers for how closely we are being discipled by Him. When the trials come do we murmur and complain? Do we cry like big babies having an adult size tantrum? “Why me Lord?”

Or, do we embrace the challenge? Do we ask The Lord for strength and revelation so that we can move on? And what if the challenge doesn’t just lift when we believe we are doing all the right things and not complaining? How do we handle ourselves when our difficult situations seem to linger without the evidence of closure?

I have reacted with grace and maturity in some situations, and others have taken me some time to “grow” through. But that’s what it’s all about; it’s about The Father God helping us to grow up so that He can use us. If we always react to adversity like little babies, then He will never be able to use us for His Glory.

We should have the faith of a child, which means we believe He will take care of us and will always be there for us. Like a little child trusts and believes that there will be food to eat, clothes to wear, and someone to kiss his “boo-boo’s”. Knowing that they are loved no matter what.

Regardless of the severity of the trial or how we feel, God is GOOD! He loves us and will always be there for us. He is not like us, because He loves unconditionally and sent His son, Jesus, so all would be saved. All delivered.

“Lord, I trust you by faith. I know you saved me and rescued me, and whatever the outcome of the situation You have not left me. You hold me closer now than ever before. Thank You Lord for everything.”

He Set Me FREE

Tonight is a mile marker for me. 15 years ago my life was radically changed. I was so very lost, and that night I found my savior, Jesus.

I had been to the alter many times and attended church off and on over the first 25 years of my life. However, there was never relationship there. No life.

Up to the moment 15 years ago, I had only two significant encounters with God that I can remember. The first encounter was my first trip to the alter. I was about 5 or 6 years old. My mom had sent me to church on the bus that came around on Sundays. It was there at First Church of The Nazarene, I gave my heart to God. Unfortunately, mine was not a christian home, so the only spiritual teaching I got came from attending FCTN & other churches with a similar bus ministry.

The second real encounter I had with God was when I returned home and started going back to church about 3 months pregnant at the age of 24. I went to the alter in a First Baptist Church I had attended briefly, before running face first back to a life of sin and depravity. I don't remember the sermon, but I know I was desperate for God to help me.

Though it was a step to a normal alter/platform, I wept almost uncontrollably at the feet of Jesus. Not just metaphorically. I could see him for the first time. He was hanging on the cross above me, drenched in blood, and looking down at me. He was not angry or in pain. He looked at me with love and compassion. He just loved me from there. I can still see him, and no movie can capture that image.

Just a few months later, I was a new mom. Frightened and still very lost, I returned to the alter at a revival meeting the week of Mardi Gras, 1995. I said the sinners prayers again and this time something happened. I followed the crowd to a room where people talk and pray for you individually. I was told some months later that it was as though I was in a box, and couldn't see my way out.

God is not in a box. At one time He allowed Himself to inhabit The Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, but He does not LIVE in our parameters. He did not crawl into my smallness and fear, but held out His hand and led me out of confusion and misery. Because of His extraordinary love for me, my life was not only saved, but transformed.

Jesus saved my life. He continues to deliver and set me free and I can't imagine what my life would be without Him.

"Thank You Lord for saving my soul. Thank You Lord for making me whole. Thank You Lord for giving to me, my life abundant so rich and FREE!"

A Simple Prayer

Have you ever wanted to pour out your heart to God, only to find you were at a loss for words? There are times I want to just tell him...anything...everything, but all that will come out is "Thank You, Lord." I don't know if this is right, but it occurs to me that the word says to "Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, and HIS courts with praise."

The gate in Old Testament times was considered the place of judgment. Those elevated to that position would be there to measure out the weightier matters. If this is the case and The Lord is our righteous judge, meaning HE alone doles out our righteousness as HE wills, than HIS judgment of our heart is what allows us to enter HIS gates.

The link I connected to is regarding Jewish prayer and how prayer is conducted. It mentions "kavanah" which in it's simplest form is acknowledging you are in The Lord's presence and of which "the minimal level of kavanah required is that 'one who prays must direct one's heart towards heaven.'" This may sound funny, but how often do we pray, or hear prayers that are just words and utterances without power or true direction. If I am not seeking the face of God and directing my heart to heaven than whatever I say, whatever I pray is all for not.

The word is clear that God, The Father, will judge us for the words we say. I may not consider myself to be a great prayer, but I know that when I do pray that I want HIM to judge it as truly directed toward HIM.

"Lord, Thank You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. Teaching me, Holy Spirit, and guiding me. Thank You for having faith in me. Without You, I would be lost. Thank You that my heart's desire is to be turned toward heaven and to hear Your voice and be in Your presence. To be used by You so that others can know You, and their hearts would be turned toward heaven."

In like a flood…Out comes a song

Isaiah 59:19 "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (italics are mine)

Recently I have experienced a flood of things happening in my life. Not just to me, but the people around me. I realize that we are supposed to endure hardship, it is what increases our faith. So I am grateful for what I have endured over the course of my life which has brought me to this place.

When I was very young, I was shown my most special gift. I can sing. Before I was saved I sang ok, and nobody went running away. But...since I have come to The Lord and sing to Him, it's so awesome. I sing, like some people drink or smoke (by the way...I did both and yesterday made 6 years since I had either). I am addicted to worship. This may sound odd, but I don't just sing to Him. He sings to me too.

I know. You might say, "That's great for you, but I can't carry a tune in a bucket." It's great for you too because God doesn't hear with ears like we do. He hears with His heart. "Sing unto the Lord a new song" and "Make a joyful NOISE unto The Lord with a VOICE OF TRIUMPH." These aren't just meant for the singers, they are meant for worshipers. Worshiping Him in "spirit and in truth" means you get it, it's by His Spirit and in His Truth.

This is the standard God is raising again and again. Though the flood of the enemy may come, I will PRAISE HIM, The God of Creation, The Prince of Peace for my life. I will worship HIM who picked me up from the miry clay, and THE ONE who sees me and loves me.

"Thank You LORD, that as I lift up my voice to you and humbly come before You in adoration for who You are, You will be there for me, and the enemy must flee. I don't have to fight or strain or fret. You are my strength and my song."