Hi Friends.
This week's song is one that I hold unto as an anthem of some sort. This song ministered to me while in a very dark, difficult and confusing season in my life. As I found myself in the gloomy valley the Lord refreshed, renewed and restored me, this song was used greatly in the healing process. My prayer is that this would be the cry of our heart always.
God Bless You- Raquel
(Pause the music player on the sidebar) I have included the video with Jill's testimony, enjoy!
Desert Song, Hillsong United
Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides
Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
Verse 4: This is my prayer in the harvest When favor and providence flow I know I'm filled to be empited again The seed I've recieved I will sow
Hi All!
I wanted to share a verse with you. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
This verse has comforted me so much. To know that He is with me calms my fears of being alone. The realization that He is my God, not a distant and unfamiliar with my ways god, keeps me trusting Him. As I read that He will strengthen me, I am reminded that I can do all things through Him- especially those "tasks" which I feel unworthy or inadequate to accomplish. I am free to obey and serve Him because my strength comes from Him. He will help me! Oh the joy of not just knowing but witnessing His victorious hands do the impossible in my life and all around me, that is the marvelous well where I draw my hope from.
He [God] is faithful! He is wonderful. Isaiah 41:10 is both a great and beautiful promise.
I pray that as you study His Word and dive in deeper, that you may find treasures like this one that will ignite a passion for more of Jesus in your life.
with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
As I have shared with you all a few days ago, the Lord has been answering prayers, doing new things and He has me in the middle of it all. I will share a little bit of that today. A month ago I met at a local Starbucks with friends, acquaintances and strangers. We all shared our testimonies and then headed to my home for a lovely time of worship. That night a lot of things began to make sense and fall into place. It was as if God was finally removing the blindfold and I was able to see why He had me waiting on blind faith.
For quite some time I (along with many others) had been praying for a College & Career group (C&C) to start at my home church. Mainly my prayer was for God to rise up godly men with the calling and anointing for this ministry need. It took sometime, but God answered. That night at Starbucks I was filled with joy to see the fervent love and zeal that these men have for my Jesus. That night my prayer changed to praise with thanksgiving.
I had been praying waiting (for what seemed like eternity) on God’s call to rise and spring forth. He promised a road in the wilderness and a river in the desert. Up until the Starbucks night I thought the Lord was going to send me out to do long term mission’s work but I didn’t have peace and felt the Lord telling me not now. That night I prayed for God to confirm to me if C&C is where He wanted me until He called me out to a new adventure. Immediately He spoke and confirmed.
So let’s fast forward now a month later… The guys that God has called to this ministry are the real deal- prayer warriors; saturated in the Holy Spirit and gleaning in God’s word daily… they love God and love people. As I taste and see the Lord’s goodness I am truly humbled by His faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:22 has taken a new meaning. I am a witness to a group of young men and young women who hunger and thirst for more of God’s Word. Week after week more people come, to the point that we have outgrown my home.
My heart is overwhelmed and excited with all that the Lord is doing through four people who are head over heels in love with God. I am stoked for what He has yet to do. We have amazing Pastors that are so helpful, loving, patient and encouraging. I have to be honest with you, when I take a step back and look at the people He has chosen for this task I can’t help but laugh, mostly at myself! He definitely chooses the foolish things of this world, lol- that’s how we know that this is not by our strength, by wit or charm but ONLY by His precious, glorious, holy and majestic Spirit.
Keep us in prayer and as the days, weeks, months roll by I will keep you posted.
These aren't current pictures.
my friends that call on the Lord out of pure hearts :-)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
This week has been most wonderful. My week starting with me a few miles away from home attending a conference with the theme being "What the Spirit says to the Churches". It really was a great and refreshing time. Proverbs 25:11 says, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. The conference as a whole was a word fitly spoken and all the speakers were apples of gold in settings of silver.
These are just random notes:
Monday-
Session 1 Pedro Garcia, Rev 2:1-7, Church of Ephesus/ the loveless church
they were an active church
they didn't lose their first love, for that would be hopeless but rather they left their first love
they hit cruise control and lost their child-like wonder
ALL IS NOT LOST: to regain the passion: remember where you have come from, repent and repeat the first work
Session 2 Marl Balmer, Rev 2:8-11, Church of Smyrna/ the suffering church
we don't have the wisdom to do life without God
Smyrna produced much myrrh. Myrrh- the resin of a tree used for it's great scent and used as an embalming ointment. The bark had to be crushed for the scent and oil to be infused. (same with us)
God says, "have hope" Psalm 71:5
everytime we speak, give the people hope
remember people and their hurts- give hope
God knows our tribulation and He cares
Jesus says, "you're rich right now"- we have the Holy Spirit in us
Jesus says, "do not fear"- the battle belongs to the Lord
Be faithful to pass the test- faith that isn't tested can't be trusted
faith like a muscle needs to be exercised for it to grow
Jesus says, "Heaven is better"- share the good news, lost people matter to God.
By the fullness of the gospel the world is changed. 2 Tim 2:8-9 the Word of God cannot be chained
God has me in this exact place and this exact time to preach the Gospel
I am not alone
Don Richardson, Luke 24:44-48 Learning from our Past
verse 45- Jesus had to reshape their thinking, Lord do the same with me
verse 47- cross country missions
God is a God if missions, am I?
Gen 12-Abraham received the promise that God would bless all the people through him
Gen 22- God is under oath to bless those who the seed of Abraham blesses
Gen 26, 28:14- "like dust on the earth" spread the word of God around the world without limitation
Tuesday-
Session 3 Pancho Juarez, Rev 2:12-17, Church of Pergamos/ the compromising church
teach healthy doctrine always
men who don't have a calling or aren't anointed by God "conduct" hopeless business in the name of Jesus but offer no cure/healing other wise known by Pancho as Bufoonery (I love that!!!)
the word of God undefiled is the only thing that changes lives
be not tolerant to distorted doctrine- confront!
disciple
Session 4 Skip Heitzig, Rev 2:18-29, Church of Thyatira/ the corrupted church
• located in a small city outside of the town- corruption has no bounds
• Jesus' evaluation is the only one that matters
• do I allow evaluation of me? of my ministry?
• strengths of this church- love and service
• no room for lazy preachers- do the work!
• weakness of this church- they tolerated ungodliness and the language of diplomacy
• use discernment and test every Spirit
• every church has the ability to change and grow
• do not forsake righteousness for relevance
Session 5 Pancho Juarez (he loves his kendall people, lol), Rev 3:1-6 Church of Sardis, the church without life
• they were running without the Holy Spirit
• they lived on reputation
• they may have a "religious degree" but have not been born again
• completion and perfection is found in Christ, the 7spirit and 7stars
• there is a possibility of going to a dead church and not being morally defiled and wear the garments of white (righteousness)
• Remember (we need to be reminded) where God took you from
• hold fast, hang on tight
• repent: stop, consider, make a decision to change, make a u-turn
• a loveless church is a Spiritless church
• Sardis were decent people and they had a reputation that they lived off of
• we need to have an honest awareness of our life- alive, dying or dead
• if you don't see change in the lives of the people, the church is probably dead
• know the times- wake up!
• don't make an appetite for the flesh
• it is time for those of us who are alive to mingle with those who are dying and bring them back to preach to those who are dead!!! Powerful!
Session 6 Mike Macintosh, Rev 3:7-13, Church of Philadelphia/ the faithful church
• humble church, loving God's word and people
• Jesus cautions them not to be discouraged
• we must be faithful to preach and God takes care of the rest
• 1 John 4:19-Father, John 13:34-Son, Romans 5:5-Spirit
• LOVE THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD
• don't let people be a blur
• don't compare people to an inordinate object like a tree
• these people had little strength- Phil 1:6 He has not completed the cord-Ecc 4 a 3 fold cord : accountability- Gal 2:20 Christ lives in me- Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me
• Do not give up God for a successful ministry
• hang on the hem of His garment
David Payne- An Evening with C.S.Lewis
This is a short preview of the awesome monologue. To watch the entire skit click here (if you want to skip straight to the monologue, begin at 24:55 into the service).
This skit really ministered to me.
Wednesday- Session 7 Skip Heitzig, Rev 3:14-22, Church of Laodiceans/ the lukewarm church
a good physician tell you the truth, Jesus who is the Amen is absolute truth
the actual city had a terrible if none on water supply. The surrounded cities had two different water supplies, from one end the water was hot (healing water) and from the other end cold (refreshing)
hot for healing, cold for refreshing but when lukewarm it does neither no healing and no refreshing
be zealous
a painted fire cannot warm anyone
enthusiasm for the Lord and the things of God should never be held back
Laodicea was compacent, proud in their ministry, they were the financial capitol of the area, apathetic and measuring by human standards rather than by God's
Session 8 Mike Macintosh, What the Spirit says: Freedom in the Spirit
Proverbs 10:12 Love covers a multitude of sin
take heed that no man deceive you
2 Corinthians 13:3-5 examine myself
Love the bretheren and keep ministry simple
Don't put your fingerprints on anything, it's all God's print on His work
It was a special time of sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing what He has to say to me. So many things hit me like the hot springs, healing and restoring, other things refreshed but overall I was encouraged to continue to run my race with joy. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Great Quotes from the Conference:
May God work in you and through the your churches.- Chuck Smith
You will never get a complete picture of Christ until you get the churches together. Not one church has the full image. -Skip Heitzig
If God doesn't destroy America, He is going to have to apologize to Sodom and Gmorrah. -Ruth Bell Graham
Be known for what you stand for, not for what you are against. -Mark Balmer
We have a God that is on a move, if we follow Him becomes a movement if we don't we become monuments. -Pedro Garcia
Erroneous doctrine will have you shaving your head, wear a toga and hand out flowers in an airport while chanting. Erroneous doctrine will have you riding a bicycle for two years even though you hate bike riding. Erroneous doctrine will distort the Word of God. -Pancho Juarez
Hola.
I can't believe how fast this week passed by. Anywho, it's Friday and the song I have chosen is by Shane and Shane. They are increadibly anointed worship leaders. Enjoy the video and follow along with the lyrics below.
Vision of You
(pause the playlist on the sidebar)
Come meet us, King Jesus
Oh wind of change blow through this temple
Sweet Spirit of God, come and mend our hearts
For all we have are songs
Unless You come
Awaken what’s inside of me
Tune my heart to all You are in me
Even though You’re here God come
And may the vision of You
Be the death of me
And even though you’ve given everything
Jesus come
Come free us, King Jesus
It’s the only way that freedom’s given
From You and You alone
In the work You’ve already done
For all we have are songs,
Unless You come
Here we are, Lord
In this place
Crying out for
Your embrace
To hear Your voice
More than songs
Please come
Jesus come
Hi my Friends.
I was away for a few days. Had an awesome time at a conference, which I hope to blog about tomorrow. For now I leave you with this verse in Lamentations: Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old. 5:21
Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. ~Isaiah 12:3
I would like to thank everyone who donated water to send to Haiti. I promised an update and here is the great news, 43 packs of water were collected. That is a total of 1,032 water bottles. And about 15 gallons of water. It is amazing to see the hearts of real servants. The coolest part of this last minute collection is that the people who stepped it up were the amazing youth kids. A BIG thanks to the parents and kids of Uth Nation!
My prayer is that as these water bottles refresh and restore the dying people, that the true living water Jesus Christ may refresh, restore and redeem these people unto salvation.
Again, if you would like to get involved, partner up with either or both of these organizations: (1) Samaritans Purse, (2) Hands & Feet Project. Your financial support will be used to meet the needs of the Haitian people.
Hi Everyone!
Before I blog Lyrical Friday's song I would like to direct you to two great organizations where you can donate financially to Haiti's current needs:
1. Samaritans Purse
2. Hands & Feet Project
Both are well known organizations and safe.
On a side note, I have been blessed to see God's people respond to a nation in need. As I was cleaning yesterday I noticed a 24 pack of bottled water. I felt God wisper, "Collect that for Haiti." So many people have responded to my text. I'll keep you posted on how much water will be collected for the Haitian people.
Lyrical Friday: True Love, Phil Wickham
(silence the music player on the sidebar)
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Search your heart you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Now, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Great night at church! I love my church family, truly a great group of people who REALLY love Jesus and walk in His love. Tonight we spent time in worship, prayer and communion. It was a very special time.
While the church body praised Jesus to "How Great Is Our God" the Lord prompted me to grab my Bible. I love it when God calls us out in the wilderness and speaks life. I want you to picture this scene, as you looked around the sanctuary what you saw was hands lifted up, hearts surrenedered, a sweet smelling aroma unto the Lord. The voices sang in unity about the greatness of my God. While this is going on the leads me to this scripture:
Yet I am the LORD your God
Ever since the land of Egypt,
And you shall know no God but Me;
For there is no savior besides Me.
I knew you in the wilderness,
In the land of great drought.
Take words with you,
And return to the LORD.
Say to Him,
“ Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.
Assyria shall not save us,
We will not ride on horses,
Nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands,
‘You are our gods.’
For in You the fatherless finds mercy.”
“ I will heal their backsliding,
I will love them freely,
For My anger has turned away from him.
I will be like the dew to Israel;
He shall grow like the lily,
And lengthen his roots like Lebanon.
His branches shall spread;
His beauty shall be like an olive tree,
And his fragrance like Lebanon.
Those who dwell under his shadow shall return;
They shall be revived like grain,
And grow like a vine.
Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
~Hosea 13:4-5, 14:2-7
What a beautiful portion of scripture. How could you not worship God!? I cannot express enough how precious this night was at church. The Pastors one by one went before the church and prayed. Again, the Lord prompted my heart. He wanted me to write the points they prayed for, here they are: For the believers, knowledge, spiritual understanding, fruitful lives, strengthen with all might, thanksgiving and praise for saving us and all that He [God] does for us, that we may be still and know Him as God, power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, wait until the promise of the Father, fogiveness for our iniquities, that we would be filled by the Holy Spirit afresh with His empowerment, yield to the will of God, love like Jesus, praises to God that our debt of sin was paid in full, the darker the night- brighter the light (thank You Jesus), that we may be free of guilt and free to forgive. I pray that we would draw closer to the Lord in prayer.
I thank God for placing me in an amazing church!
I pray that you may have found a home church as amazing and on fire for Jesus like my church.
Be blessed and be a blessing as you abide in the true vine, Jesus!
-Raquel
Hi Everyone!
Wanted to share a quick God-story with you.
Yesterday evening my neighbors had a terrible accident happen at their home, involving a truck. Their son who is in his 20s was injured severely and rushed to the hospital. I was so shaken and burdened for my neighbors. So, the prayer warriors were summoned. About 60 people were informed (vaguely of the situation/prayer need) and they responded to the call.
About noon today, my Father and I walked over to my neighbors a few houses down. The Dad came to the door. The first thing out of his mouth was, "Thank you. Throughout the night your family kept coming to mind. I knew that you all were praying for us." He then continued to tell us about his son's health, "After they ran the x-rays and testing, they took my son to surgery where they found not one fractured bone. The doctors say that this is a miracle from God." Then the Mom came out and in tears she thanked us for our prayers. She asked me, "I recieved a note on the door, was that you." I told her it was me and she thanked me for the verses (dude, that was God!). There was more conversation but in the end we asked her if we could pray with her and she accepted.
Yesterday night I left a note on their door and God gave me two scriptures to share with them:
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. Psalm 6:2
I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:4
I share this story because there is divine power in prayer, especially in intercessory prayer. About an hour before this incident at my neighbors happened I was curled up on my couch with a fluffy conforter reading the book of Ezra. In chapter 8, verse 23 says, "So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer." Intercessory prayer invites God's compassion and power... that was manifested with my neighbors. They (just like any of us) are not worthy of God's compassion, but when God's people came together and earnestly prayed a miracle happened- a physical life was saved.
I encourage you to pray for those around you. And when you recieve a phone call, a text, an email asking for prayer, take the time to actually pray, believing that God will do the miraculous.
May God our Father give you grace and peace. We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. Colossians 1:2-4
Hello Readers.
I know it's not Friday yet, but there is a song that I really want to share with you (if you don't have this song- GET IT!). I'm only going to post the lyrics. The song is by Thrid Day, one of my favorite Christian bands. I did see them live once and it was very special. Before they began to sing they said this, "If you came to hear a concert, We are sorry to let you down because you won't be hearing or seeing one. This is not a concert but a time of worship with our King." Since that day, I don't attend concerts, only worship services.
God Bless YOU!
Ps. The first day I heard this song it instantly became a daily prayer of my heart.
May Your Wonders Never Cease Third Day
Father in Heaven
Lord may Your name be glorified
Above all others, above all this world
Above everything else in our lives
For nothing else in all of this world matters
But to live our lives for You and You alone
May Your wonders never cease
May Your Spirit never leave
May we ever long to see Your face
And when we've turned from You again
Oh how quickly we forget
May we be reminded of Your grace
May Your Wonders Never Cease
Beautiful Savior
Truly You proved Your Love for us
While we as sinners
In all our weakness
And still You gave Your life on the cross
You saved us lord from all of our transgressions
And delivered us into Your loving arms
May Your wonders never cease
May your spirit never leave
May we ever long to see your face
And when we've turned from you again
Oh how quickly we forget
May we be reminded of your grace
May Your Wonders Never Cease
Came across a verse yesterday and it has been running laps in my head. It is one of those verses that helps me reflect on my interactions with everyone from my family to total strangers. Here it is:
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Hola!
Today's song is by Casting Crowns.
The first time I heard this song it challenged me to not judge others and to be aware of who is around me. I was moved to share the hope I have in Christ with everyone and anyone. I pray that through this song you may grow in compassion towards others.
does anybody hear her (pause the playlist on the sidebar)
Does Anybody Hear Her Casting Crowns
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
Hello my beautiful readers. Today I happened to glean in a certain field and stumbled upon a lily field. It was there that I found a challenge for you and for me, not just for 2010 but for all our days.
Let’s first read from Matthew 6:25-30:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
Consider the lilies of the field, as I gave thought to this phrase I contemplated how different my life would be if I were a lily. The lilies do not worry (I do) nor do they take matter into their own hands (I do this too). The lilies allow God to be their all in all. As I reflected on the lily or any flower I considered their positions, either raised up as if worshipping their Creator or prostrated as in submission or adoration to their Master. How beautiful that dependence is.
So it got me thinking of Colossians 3:2-3 that says “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” As I visualize my life hidden in Christ, I imagine being wrapped by God, reminiscent of the petals on a flower. I think Isaiah 61:10 says it best, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” We are hidden with Christ in God and He has clothed us with garments of salvation (how cool is that) and the robe of righteousness (thank you Jesus!). Why then do we insist on not trusting Him completely, with EVERY area of our lives?
In Isaiah 5:1-6, we read of a vineyard built on a very fruitful hill. The vinedresser dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; so He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes (verse 2). How terrible I thought, as I read this passage thinking of this poor vinedresser. And then, it hit me. How many times has the Lord provided for me, cleansed me, planted me in the right place and expected me to bear Him good grapes but instead I repayed Him with bad ones. I don’t want to deal with just unbelief, lack of trust or worry but also with disobedience, rebellion, covetousness, envy, gossip, addictions and my list can go one. I need to keep myself on check. I am considering the lilies of the field, and considering that my life is hidden with Christ in God. He has clothed me with His Spirit and like this vineyard He has a planted me on a very fruitful hill (His Word).
I pray that this year and all the days of your life you may bear good grapes unto the Lord. Consider the lily in Sgs 2:2, who was a lily among thorns. Set out to be that woman whose trust is the Lord God (Jeremiah 17:7). May you know Him as God Almighty as you surrender to Him every are of your life.
God Bless You and thank you for reading
Raquel
This past Sunday, my Pastor said a couple of things that have stuck to me and left me thinking:
1. What God has for you, no other feet can fit the shoes.
2. Like a movie preview, we are the preview that others watch. Based on that preview they will judge whether they want God or not.
3. He shared a story. He saw a lady at a red light give money to a man holding a sign that said, "Need money for Beer." He proposed a question to all of us, where do we invest?
Hi Friends.
I had originally planned to blog about more BUT things came up. I went over my Aunt's house to help her around the house. She is recovering from cancer. Her name is Norma and I covet your prayers for her. Thanks.
Earlier today I received an email from my friend Lana. As I read it, I knew it was too good to keep to myself. Be encouraged:
"Be still beneath the rod, Thy Father speaks troubled soul, Learn to be silent unto God, And let Him mould thee to His will. O praying soul, be still, be still, He cannot break His plighted word, sink down into His blessed will, And wait in patience on the Lord, O waiting soul, be still, be strong and though He tarry, trust and wait, doubt not! He will not wait too long. Fear Not! He will not come too late."
-Charles Cowman, Streams in the Desert
I am thrilled that 2010 is here with us. For the past week I have been anticipating its arrival. Normally, new beginnings make me a bit uneasy but God makes all things new and is calling me to forget the past and press on. I’m pressing on!
When I began this blog, I shared with you that the Lord had promised me to do a new thing in and through my life, this blog being one of them, but not all of it. I have been seeking the Lord through prayer, in His word and through godly council. All in all, I haven't heard from the Lord what is to me a clear answer. Not knowing what the Lord had planned for me was a bit scary and frustrating all at once. And though I still am uncertain as to what is His perfect will in a specific area, I believe that He is slowly walking me through it. And not knowing is ok.
As I wait on the Lord to give me a green light or a red light I find myself growing in trust. In my searching and seeking, in my calling out to Him I have drawn closer to Him and experienced Him drawing closer to me. Waiting is good. One thing He has made clear to me is that as I am still, He will perfect and prepare me for what is ahead, whatever that may be. Psalm 4:8 is how I feel: I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
On a different note. This past Tuesday, last year you could say lol, God opened my eyes to something so great that I could have never seen coming. Have you ever prayed for something for so long, that praying for it is just becomes routine and not heartfelt? For about 3 years now I have been praying for a very specific work to be done. With each passing day, my zeal was vanishing- I had forgotten who I serve! This week the Lord answered that prayer in the most bizarre way.
At a snail's pace I am understanding why God has me in this waiting process. All this to say that I am eager for what God has in store for me, for you this 2010. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-22)
If you are waiting on God, enjoy the waiting process. It is a beautiful place to be in. It is in that place of being still that we can know God for who He is- holy!
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. Psalm 112:4
