As evenings get cooler, with fall approaching, our family has once again brought out the fire pit. Weekend nights are filled with fire, smoke and the smell of a campfire. And again, I am reminded of the Israelites in the book of Exodus. (I just can't leave them alone in the wilderness!)
In Exodus 19, Moses has brought the nation of Israel to the mountain of God, Mount Sinai. Moses ascends the mountain to meet with God (verse 3) and God speaks profound words of blessing and covenant to these wandering people. "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation," (verses 4-5). After more than 400 years of slavery, this nation has been chosen to be holy; to be a treasure; to be a kingdom; to be a people of influence; to be loved by the Creater of the entire world; to have relationship with THE I AM. Moses shares the Words of the Lord with the people and they respond: "We will do everything the Lord has said," (verse 8).
Moses instructs the people to consecrate themselves because the Lord "will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people" (vs 11). When the ram's horn sounds a long blast, the people are to go to the mountain. (Who's blowing the ram's horn? An angel?) On the 3rd day, as Moses had told them, thunder and lightning and a thick cloud came over the mountain and there was a very loud trumpet blast (vs. 16). Smoke descended on the mountain and the whole mountain trembled and Moses spoke to God and God answered him from the mountain.
All of the people had an encounter with God. They all heard His voice and saw the smoke and fire of God's presence. God even spoke the words of His commands to the Israelite community. They had direct access to His presence.
Have you encountered God? Have you felt the fire of His presence? Been wrapped in the cloud of His Glory? Has His voice spoke words of covenant and blessing to you? Beloved one, He longs to meet with you and have you encounter His presence in power like the Israelites.
Unfortunately, the Israelites do not have a very long memory of their commitment to "do everything the Lord has said". For when God calls Moses to the top of the mountain to meet with Him, Moses is gone 40 days....and it seems the "treasured possession" has forgotten whose they are. Chapter 32 of Exodus we hear the Israelites grumbling to Aaron (who has been left in charge), "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him," (vs. 1). The culture of Egypt was so embedded in the Israelites that they very quickly turned back to what was familiar to them. Aaron fashioned a golden calf with gold jewelry and the Israelites "indulged in revelry". {The calf was one of the gods that the Egyptians worshipped.} Here is the most amazing aspect to this act....God was still revealing Himself by giving them manna daily to eat. God continued to miraculously provide for their physical needs and the people discounted His provision as now something natural and expected.
I want to say that I have never done that, but unfortunately, I have been like the Israelites too often. I have experienced the Glory of the Lord, have watched God do miraculous wonders among my family and friends, I have heard the beautiful voice of God telling me how to live....and then.....when something doesn't go my way or when it seems that He's been gone so long....when the answers don't come quickly enough, I can return to the "gods of Egypt" because it is familiar.
God has called us to be a "kingdom of Priests" and "Holy Nation", His "treasured possession". However, He is God. I will not be able to understand His ways. He is perfect. He is pure. He knows the end from the beginning and I don't. So, when it seems that He is far off or that He is not attentive to my prayer....with spiritual eyes, I take a look around~ He is still providing in miraculous ways, just as the manna fell from the sky each morning for the Israelites, while they grumbled and complained, looking for God (and Moses their leader).
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Biggest Bully, Satan
This past week, I heard a couple radio programs on bullying and then saw a news show on the subject of bullying. The Lord uses these everyday experiences to get my attention, so I asked, "Lord, what are You trying to say to me about bullying?" God pointed me to the enemy, Satan....the biggest bully and the creator of that evil idea of bullying.
The information given on the radio programs and the news show, gave insight to the problem of bullying. The bully uses verbal and physical means to put down another, to the point of discouragement, abuse, isolation, and even suicide. No longer is it just "playground bullying" that happens; the internet now plays a role that can be a 24/7 means of bullying with social media sites, such as facebook and video sites like youtube.
Satan, our bully, hates us and will do whatever he can to cause us to be defeated; emotionally, physically and spiritually. Discouragement is one of the enemy's key tools that opens the mind for him to use all his other tools: pride, hate, greed, oppression, depression, anger, etc. I Peter 5:9 tells us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Our enemy is a bully. "Diabolos" is the Greek word for devil and it literally means to hit and beat and beat and beat to penetrate the mind, which will build a stronghold or prison. So many believers are letting the enemy (our bully) beat them into discouragement....what holds the enemy off?
The best way I have found to hold back the enemy, is to stay in God's presence....to sit in the Lord's presence. I know it sounds foolish and trite~ there must be a 10 step program to hold back the enemy's bullying tactics! BUT, what I have found is that it is quite simple, except for the fact that it takes a determination of the will sometimes to not give in to the feelings of discouragement, etc. I need to determine in my heart that I will meet with God. I know it is building a stronghold in my mind to keep the enemy out! When I am feeling discouraged or not at peace or worried, depressed, angry, etc, I ask myself, "How much time have I been spending in God's presence?" There are so many things in life that come against our time with Jesus, but if we are purposeful and make time to listen to His voice, to share our needs, confess our sins & receive His forgiveness....Jesus will make a way when there seems like there is no way. The enemy must flee when we resist him.
Watch for these traps of the enemy that will cause us to lose our solid footing and give the bully a way in:
1) Busyness (being under Satan's yoke)
2) Temptation with money (feeling greed get ahold in my heart)
3) Working long days and very hard (wearyness sets in)
4) Overstimulation by TV, computer, movies
5) Books or magazines (worldly culture that permeates the mind)
6) Chasing material possessions
7) Focused on outward appearance (takes time, energy and money)
8) Too exhausted for intimacy (marriages suffer greatly)
9) Self-sufficiency
10) Distracted by "good causes" that keep you from the focus of "eternal causes"
The information given on the radio programs and the news show, gave insight to the problem of bullying. The bully uses verbal and physical means to put down another, to the point of discouragement, abuse, isolation, and even suicide. No longer is it just "playground bullying" that happens; the internet now plays a role that can be a 24/7 means of bullying with social media sites, such as facebook and video sites like youtube.
Satan, our bully, hates us and will do whatever he can to cause us to be defeated; emotionally, physically and spiritually. Discouragement is one of the enemy's key tools that opens the mind for him to use all his other tools: pride, hate, greed, oppression, depression, anger, etc. I Peter 5:9 tells us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Our enemy is a bully. "Diabolos" is the Greek word for devil and it literally means to hit and beat and beat and beat to penetrate the mind, which will build a stronghold or prison. So many believers are letting the enemy (our bully) beat them into discouragement....what holds the enemy off?
The best way I have found to hold back the enemy, is to stay in God's presence....to sit in the Lord's presence. I know it sounds foolish and trite~ there must be a 10 step program to hold back the enemy's bullying tactics! BUT, what I have found is that it is quite simple, except for the fact that it takes a determination of the will sometimes to not give in to the feelings of discouragement, etc. I need to determine in my heart that I will meet with God. I know it is building a stronghold in my mind to keep the enemy out! When I am feeling discouraged or not at peace or worried, depressed, angry, etc, I ask myself, "How much time have I been spending in God's presence?" There are so many things in life that come against our time with Jesus, but if we are purposeful and make time to listen to His voice, to share our needs, confess our sins & receive His forgiveness....Jesus will make a way when there seems like there is no way. The enemy must flee when we resist him.
Watch for these traps of the enemy that will cause us to lose our solid footing and give the bully a way in:
1) Busyness (being under Satan's yoke)
2) Temptation with money (feeling greed get ahold in my heart)
3) Working long days and very hard (wearyness sets in)
4) Overstimulation by TV, computer, movies
5) Books or magazines (worldly culture that permeates the mind)
6) Chasing material possessions
7) Focused on outward appearance (takes time, energy and money)
8) Too exhausted for intimacy (marriages suffer greatly)
9) Self-sufficiency
10) Distracted by "good causes" that keep you from the focus of "eternal causes"
Monday, August 22, 2011
School of the Wilderness
Back to school is such an exciting time each fall...shopping for new clothes, new school supplies, new backpacks...so much new! The first day is filled with anticipation~ new teacher, new friends, new routine, etc. As a former public school teacher, I always loved the first day of school and the days preceding it. Getting my room ready~ bulletin boards that would entice the kids, setting desks in formation that learning could happen, praying for the students that would be entering my classroom each year...oh, it brings me joy even as I write it out!
BUT, there is one school that none of us would sign up for~ the school of the wilderness. And yet, we eventually find ourselves in that school (and unfortunately, it is usually more than one time). The wilderness marks an important experience for us all. When you find yourself in it, take heart, you are not the first one, nor will you be the last....Abraham, Isaas, and Jacob lived in tents in the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years being trained in the desert to lead the Israelites. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness. David escaped death from King Saul by fleeing to the desert and hiding in various caves. Elijah spent time in the wilderness. Jon the Baptist had his ministry in the wilderness and introduced Jesus in the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy. Paul spent 3 years in the wilderness. The school of the wilderness is training ground! Don't miss out on a chance to learn in the desert. Here are several lessons we learn in the wilderness:
BUT, there is one school that none of us would sign up for~ the school of the wilderness. And yet, we eventually find ourselves in that school (and unfortunately, it is usually more than one time). The wilderness marks an important experience for us all. When you find yourself in it, take heart, you are not the first one, nor will you be the last....Abraham, Isaas, and Jacob lived in tents in the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years being trained in the desert to lead the Israelites. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness. David escaped death from King Saul by fleeing to the desert and hiding in various caves. Elijah spent time in the wilderness. Jon the Baptist had his ministry in the wilderness and introduced Jesus in the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy. Paul spent 3 years in the wilderness. The school of the wilderness is training ground! Don't miss out on a chance to learn in the desert. Here are several lessons we learn in the wilderness:
- God will always take care of His people in the wilderness. God provided manna for the Israelites for the entire time they walked in the desert. Their shoes never wore out, nor did their clothes. The Israelites were supernaturally sustained in the desert (Deut. 8:4, 29:5)
- The wilderness has the goal of sifting us; stripping us so we are left with Jesus alone. It is meant to empty us of religious baggage; getting the core of being totally dependent on God alone.
- The wilderness is not a place where you remain. If you do not get out of the wilderness, you will eventually die (Deut. 6:23).
- The wilderness is a symbol of new beginnings. After 40 years in the desert, Moses moved out to deliver the Israelites from bondage. After 40 years, the Israelites moved into the Promised Land. David moved from wilderness to a Kingly palace. Elijah left the desert and was taken by heavenly chariots into His forever Heavenly home. Jon the Baptist was set apart and prepared the way for the Messiah, marking a new beginning for Israel with Jesus on the scene. At the end of Jesus' 40 days in the desert, His ministry began in miraculous power from the Holy Spirit. Paul, being trained in the desert by the Holy Spirit, became a bold proclaimer of Jesus and goes on to write much of the New Testament. His ministry began after the wilderness experience.
If you are in the school of the wilderness now, trust God in it. And remember it will not last forever; he will supernaturally provide for all you need in it; allow the wilderness to sift you~ keep your heart open to what God is wanting to do in you. Lastly, be ready for the new thing that's coming.....the wilderness marks the beginning of something new.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Waiting Room
The season of waiting is extremely difficult. We are such a culture of "hurry-up" that when it is a time of w-a-i-t-i-n-g, we feel that we've missed something. But in all harvest, there is a season of waiting.
Farmers sow a seed and wait. They don't stand along the row of newly planted seed and proclaim "come forth new plant"....no, there is a season of growth that is happening under the soil (the growth that is unseen) with the rains and the sun; and at just the right time, the plant bursts through the ground. This is the season of The Waiting Room.
The Waiting Room~ how many of us have spent hours in the physical waiting room; at any doctors office. To worry, get frustrated or angry during the waiting time does not bring about a quicker result....
In The Waiting Room we learn patience and perseverance and contentment.
How did Abraham wait 25 years for the promised son, Isaac to be conceived & birthed?
How did Noah wait, while constructing an ark, for 120 years, with the promise of rain and destruction of mankind (if they do not repent)?
How did Moses wait at the top of the Mountain of God, in silence/fire/thunder, for 7 days~ waiting to hear a Word from God?
How did Joseph wait, years in prison, knowing what God had destined for his future?
How did KING David wait, on the run and in hiding for many years being chased by a mad-man king, for the promise of a Kingdom to be fulfilled?
How did Joshua wait, wandering 40 years in the desert waistland, for the promised land of Canann to be delivered?
How did Moses wait for the Promised Land to be within reach....and then see the promise from afar?
How did Esther wait, watching the time draw nearer of the extermination of her people; patiently preparing a banquet, then another; waiting for the right time to expose Haman in this brutal, murderous plot?
How did Mary wait, pregnant with the promised Messiah?
How does all of heaven wait, for the Glorious, Majestic, King Jesus to be revealed on the earth?
The list goes on and on of our heros of faith, from Old Testament to New Testament to early church fathers to present day. We find ourselves....
waiting to be rescued
waiting for healing
waiting to be delivered
waiting for the promise to be fulfilled
waiting for the harvest
waiting for the birth of the dream God has given
waiting for prodigals to come home
waiting for God to show Himself Mighty in power
While we wait, are we being strengthened in the Waiting? The Waiting Room produces patient endurance in us, even if it doesn't "feel" like it. Trust the working of the Holy Spirit in your inner man~ to cause a deeper hope and faith and belief in your heart. Romans 4:20-21 says of Abraham {during his season in The Waiting Room of 25 years}, "YET he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, BUT was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."
Let us proclaim an "Abraham response" while we are in The Waiting Room: "Lord, I will wait for Your promise, growing strong in my faith and bolder in my assurance that You will do exactly what You have promised at exactly the moment You have ordained. It will not delay!!!"
Farmers sow a seed and wait. They don't stand along the row of newly planted seed and proclaim "come forth new plant"....no, there is a season of growth that is happening under the soil (the growth that is unseen) with the rains and the sun; and at just the right time, the plant bursts through the ground. This is the season of The Waiting Room.
The Waiting Room~ how many of us have spent hours in the physical waiting room; at any doctors office. To worry, get frustrated or angry during the waiting time does not bring about a quicker result....
In The Waiting Room we learn patience and perseverance and contentment.
How did Abraham wait 25 years for the promised son, Isaac to be conceived & birthed?
How did Noah wait, while constructing an ark, for 120 years, with the promise of rain and destruction of mankind (if they do not repent)?
How did Moses wait at the top of the Mountain of God, in silence/fire/thunder, for 7 days~ waiting to hear a Word from God?
How did Joseph wait, years in prison, knowing what God had destined for his future?
How did KING David wait, on the run and in hiding for many years being chased by a mad-man king, for the promise of a Kingdom to be fulfilled?
How did Joshua wait, wandering 40 years in the desert waistland, for the promised land of Canann to be delivered?
How did Moses wait for the Promised Land to be within reach....and then see the promise from afar?
How did Esther wait, watching the time draw nearer of the extermination of her people; patiently preparing a banquet, then another; waiting for the right time to expose Haman in this brutal, murderous plot?
How did Mary wait, pregnant with the promised Messiah?
How does all of heaven wait, for the Glorious, Majestic, King Jesus to be revealed on the earth?
The list goes on and on of our heros of faith, from Old Testament to New Testament to early church fathers to present day. We find ourselves....
waiting to be rescued
waiting for healing
waiting to be delivered
waiting for the promise to be fulfilled
waiting for the harvest
waiting for the birth of the dream God has given
waiting for prodigals to come home
waiting for God to show Himself Mighty in power
While we wait, are we being strengthened in the Waiting? The Waiting Room produces patient endurance in us, even if it doesn't "feel" like it. Trust the working of the Holy Spirit in your inner man~ to cause a deeper hope and faith and belief in your heart. Romans 4:20-21 says of Abraham {during his season in The Waiting Room of 25 years}, "YET he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, BUT was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."
Let us proclaim an "Abraham response" while we are in The Waiting Room: "Lord, I will wait for Your promise, growing strong in my faith and bolder in my assurance that You will do exactly what You have promised at exactly the moment You have ordained. It will not delay!!!"
Monday, July 25, 2011
We All Need a Barnabus
I spent the weekend with my "Barnabus". In the previous blog, I shared about a man named Barnabus, who is introduced in the book of Acts. With every mention of his name, the Bible speaks something of his encouragement of others. He is Mr. Encouragement, in fact his name means "son of encouragement".
Susie is my Barnabus. She is Mrs. Encouragement, "daughter of encouragement". We have been dear friends from the moment I met her 13+ years ago. I treasure our times together and count them like gold to my spirit and soul. There is no mask I have to wear~ to pretend things are ok when they are not. I am able to be open and honest about hurts or wounds or trials I am going through. This weekend, it was good to be with my encourager....to share what's on my heart and know that I am in a "no judgment zone" and to listen to her words that bring life, not death to my situation and my heart.
How do you know if you have been "touched" by an encourager?
- Encouragers lift you up, not bring you down. When you leave their presence, you feel like you can do anything!
- Encouragers, even in silence, lift you up.
- Encouragers believe in you, even if no one else does.
- Encouragers support you, not criticizes.
- Encouragers see the potential in you when others may see the problems.
- Encouragers believe in you.
- Encouragers put words into actions; they are not just lip service.
- Encouragers' words fan the flames of your spirit.
- Encouragers challenge you~ to be better, stronger, more holy; living a great life of faith.
- Encouragers care for you~ with words, affirmation, prayer & action.
- Encouragers live in the "no judgment zone".
- Encouragers always see the glass half full, not half empty!
- Encouragers smile MUCH! They bring joy to your life.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Encouragement
Sunday morning, bright and early, in the hot sun, Greg and Katelyn
were in a speed triathalon in Papillion, NE. They swam, biked, then
finished with a run. I am not one for competition, so I chose to be the "cheerleading" section for my husband and daughter. And as usual, I found myself encouraging every biker that rode past me and every runner as they began the run. And the most fun was standing at the finish to cheer each one on as they crossed that finish line! I am a natural-born cheerleader; to cheer someone on and encourage them to be faster, go harder, get stronger, live holy, etc. This is my call; this is who I am.
I have found myself in many instances of cheering or encouraging others: at soccer games (Kate is a goalie); at golf tournies (both Greg & Jon play); at swim meets (Jon is a swimmer); at Bible Studies (to encourage women and men in their pursuit of God); with my husband in his work; with my sister in her parenting of teenagers; with my younger friends parenting newborns and toddlers; with my daughter, Lindsay, at her teaching job; with Jon (my 13 year old) as he desires puberty to begin! I could go on and on.
There is a man in the Scriptures whose name means "son of encouragement", Barnabus, who is introduced in the book of Acts. We could call him Mr. Encouragement because at every mention of his name (in Acts), the Bible also mentions something of his encouragement of others. I look very forward to meet him and talk with him in heaven, because I too, feel that encouragement could be my middle name!
Over the last several years, I have begun to call myself "KLOVE", positive and encouraging! God has been revealing to my heart that in these days in which we are living the need for encouragement is great. So, my question to you is:
In your sphere of influence, who could use a word of encouragement this week?
were in a speed triathalon in Papillion, NE. They swam, biked, then
finished with a run. I am not one for competition, so I chose to be the "cheerleading" section for my husband and daughter. And as usual, I found myself encouraging every biker that rode past me and every runner as they began the run. And the most fun was standing at the finish to cheer each one on as they crossed that finish line! I am a natural-born cheerleader; to cheer someone on and encourage them to be faster, go harder, get stronger, live holy, etc. This is my call; this is who I am.
I have found myself in many instances of cheering or encouraging others: at soccer games (Kate is a goalie); at golf tournies (both Greg & Jon play); at swim meets (Jon is a swimmer); at Bible Studies (to encourage women and men in their pursuit of God); with my husband in his work; with my sister in her parenting of teenagers; with my younger friends parenting newborns and toddlers; with my daughter, Lindsay, at her teaching job; with Jon (my 13 year old) as he desires puberty to begin! I could go on and on.
There is a man in the Scriptures whose name means "son of encouragement", Barnabus, who is introduced in the book of Acts. We could call him Mr. Encouragement because at every mention of his name (in Acts), the Bible also mentions something of his encouragement of others. I look very forward to meet him and talk with him in heaven, because I too, feel that encouragement could be my middle name!
Over the last several years, I have begun to call myself "KLOVE", positive and encouraging! God has been revealing to my heart that in these days in which we are living the need for encouragement is great. So, my question to you is:
In your sphere of influence, who could use a word of encouragement this week?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Love Check-Up
How are you doing in the love category? Let's take an inventory from I Corinthians 13. Let God give you a check-up:
*Love is patient (vs.4): Love never gets impatient and does not have a quick temper. It accepts others and does not work to change them.
*Love is kind (vs.4): Love is always considerate, recognizes the needs of others, and seeks to meet them. Love is actively creative in contributing to the lives of others.
*Love does not envy (vs.4): Love is never jealous or possessive. Love allows others to be free to be themselves, and to make their own choices. Love encourages others to reach their full potential.
*Love does not boast (vs.4): Love is never conceited or anxious to impress. Love does not seek to create an image. Love seeks to glorify God over self; love doesn't care if it does not get credit or reward.
*Love is not proud (vs4): Love is never arrogant. Loves does not make sarcastic remarks that put others down.
*Love is not rude (vs.5): Love always has good manners. Love respects others. Love does the right thing.
*Love is not self-seeking (vs.5): Love does not desire to control. Love does not gratify self nor act selfishly. Love never insists on its own way. Love never pouts. Love does not use others to promote themselves. Love does not expect life to revolve around oneself. Love allows others to be exalted over self and is content to be hidden.
*Love is not easily angered (vs.5): Love is never touchy, angry, irritated or resentful. Love is not easily hurt. Love does not get upset on its own behalf. Love does not take things personally.
*Love keeps no record of wrongs (vs.5): Love overlooks the faults of others and does not bring up the past nor keep a score card of suffering.
*Love does not delight in evil (vs.6): Love does not dwell on the failures of others. Love is never happy with sin or injustice. Love does not gossip.
*Love rejoices with the Truth (vs.6): Love is always happy with the success of others. Love actively seeks fellowship with others.
*Love always protects (vs.7): Love never comes to the end of its endurance. Love always supports and understands. Love covers the weaknesses of others.
*Love always trusts (vs.7): Love is ready to believe the best. Love does not stumble over the inconsistencies of others.
*Love always hopes (vs.7): Love believes in the worth of others as persons. Love does not easily give up when relationships are hard. Love has perfect peace in God who is in control. Love never feels hopeless.
*Love always perseveres (vs.7): Love never runs out. Love loves the unlovable. Love can survive anything and endures even when it is not returned.
*Love never fails (vs.8): Love never quits nor comes to an end even when times are hard. Love is committed to obedience to God. Love conquers all.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another (Romans 13:8).
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Where There is Smoke There is Fire
"Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain," Exodus 19:18-20
Moses met God in a bush of fire {his first encounter with God's fiery presence} and here, 3 months later, the whole nation of Israel has gathered at the foot of the same mountain to hear the Words of the Lord. What is the scene? Smoke, darkness, fire, smoke ascending, a trumpet sounding, a quaking mountain, God's voice thundering..... all of heaven's attention is on this scene. This is the beginning of a chosen people, a nation separated unto God. They will be called God's treasured possessions; His chosen ones....and it all begins with an experience in fire.
The fiery encounters with God are life-changing; transforming. The first encounter Moses had with God Almighty was when God spoke to him in fire releasing destiny and purpose into Moses' life. Moses was never the same after that experience. He left the shepherding occupation to become God's Deliverer of the Israelite nation; to release them from the oppression of the Egyptians.
Have you ever been to a bonfire? The eye-catching fire, heat that radiates from the fire, smoke that ascends....what happens to your clothing when you are near a bonfire? The smell of fire (smoke) seeps into the clothes and your hair. After a bonfire, I strip off my clothes in the laundry room and head for the shower~ the smell is everywhere....and others can smell it! When my son comes home from a bonfire, I know it the moment he walks in the door. The smell of the fire permeates the atmosphere! That is similar to the fiery encounters we have with God. We leave His presence with the smell of fire on us and others notice....it permeates the atmosphere! Have you experienced that kind of fire? Have you had an encounter with the God of consuming fire? God desires that everyone would come close to the fire, but not everyone chooses to draw near to His fire.
The Israelites had seen God move in mighty miraculous power: the 10 plagues, the Red Sea parted, God's leading by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day; God's provision of water and manna. The Israelites knew God's ways {the things He did}, but they did not know God intimately. At this mountain, the Israelites had an opportunity for their own "fiery encounter" with God, but they refused. "When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leading men of your tribes and your elders came to me. And you said, 'This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer...Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says..." (Deut. 5:23-25)
Are you willing to draw near to the fire? Ask the Lord to encounter you? Moses spoke first in this encounter with God....He longs to hear your voice; He longs that you would know Him face-t0-face as a friend; He longs for you to move closer so He can impart destiny, truth, love, peace, joy, purpose...that you would be covered in the smell of God's fire.
Moses met God in a bush of fire {his first encounter with God's fiery presence} and here, 3 months later, the whole nation of Israel has gathered at the foot of the same mountain to hear the Words of the Lord. What is the scene? Smoke, darkness, fire, smoke ascending, a trumpet sounding, a quaking mountain, God's voice thundering..... all of heaven's attention is on this scene. This is the beginning of a chosen people, a nation separated unto God. They will be called God's treasured possessions; His chosen ones....and it all begins with an experience in fire.
The fiery encounters with God are life-changing; transforming. The first encounter Moses had with God Almighty was when God spoke to him in fire releasing destiny and purpose into Moses' life. Moses was never the same after that experience. He left the shepherding occupation to become God's Deliverer of the Israelite nation; to release them from the oppression of the Egyptians.
Have you ever been to a bonfire? The eye-catching fire, heat that radiates from the fire, smoke that ascends....what happens to your clothing when you are near a bonfire? The smell of fire (smoke) seeps into the clothes and your hair. After a bonfire, I strip off my clothes in the laundry room and head for the shower~ the smell is everywhere....and others can smell it! When my son comes home from a bonfire, I know it the moment he walks in the door. The smell of the fire permeates the atmosphere! That is similar to the fiery encounters we have with God. We leave His presence with the smell of fire on us and others notice....it permeates the atmosphere! Have you experienced that kind of fire? Have you had an encounter with the God of consuming fire? God desires that everyone would come close to the fire, but not everyone chooses to draw near to His fire.
The Israelites had seen God move in mighty miraculous power: the 10 plagues, the Red Sea parted, God's leading by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day; God's provision of water and manna. The Israelites knew God's ways {the things He did}, but they did not know God intimately. At this mountain, the Israelites had an opportunity for their own "fiery encounter" with God, but they refused. "When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leading men of your tribes and your elders came to me. And you said, 'This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer...Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says..." (Deut. 5:23-25)
Are you willing to draw near to the fire? Ask the Lord to encounter you? Moses spoke first in this encounter with God....He longs to hear your voice; He longs that you would know Him face-t0-face as a friend; He longs for you to move closer so He can impart destiny, truth, love, peace, joy, purpose...that you would be covered in the smell of God's fire.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
10 Commandments of Fatherhood
Happy Father's Day!!!!!
10 Commandments of Fatherhood:
1) Character Counts~ "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity," Proverbs 11:13
2) Love God~ "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength," Mark 12:30
2) Love God~ "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength," Mark 12:30
3) Love Your Children
4) Love Your Wife
4) Love Your Wife
5) Love Others
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, does not boast; it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." I Corinthians 13:4-8a
6) Discipline Your Kids~ "For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons...no discipline seems pleasant at teh time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it," Hebrews 12:7-8,11.
7) Pray for Your Family~ Pray these scriptures back to the Lord concerning your family (Ephesians 3:14-19, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Colossians 1:9-12)
8) Heart of Purity ~ "He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend," Proverbs 22:11
9) Play with your Family~ Vacations, weekend-get aways, investing time in the relationships is a key to a lifetime of memories
10) Courage to Lead ~"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds," Proverbs 27:23
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Faith Affirmations for Husbands and Wives
Affirm your love and commitment to one another this wedding season with these faith affirmations. All marriages go through seasons (summer, fall, winter and spring)....be faithful in all seasons. Boldly declare to one another your covenant:
Faith Affirmations for a Wife:
I will stand beside my husband.
I will be trustworthy.
I will enrich his life.
I will appreciate him and all he does.
I will take care of his needs.
I will yearn deeply for him.
I will share my body with him.
I will cooperate and work with him.
I will love and respect him.
I will hate divorce.
Faith Affirmations for a Husband:
I will hold my wife close to my heart.
I will protect her.
I will praise her publicly.
I will compliment her.
I will trust her and treasure her.
I will listen to her.
I will always be faithful.
I will never abuse or abandon her.
I will love her day and night.
I will grow old with her.
I will hate divorce.
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