I Might Have Missed It.

Monday, I attended my women's Bible study group with my church friends.  We are doing the Beth Moore study A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place.  I have so enjoyed this journey thus far, especially since I had just read all about the tabernacle in my 90 days through the Bible. (Which I am still doing, just dragging behind a little.)

Anyway... in our study yesterday we listened to week seek of the video presentations by Beth.  This entire week of lessons spoke to me so deeply, because in my heart of hearts... I am a worshipper.  That is what God created me to be.  From the heart He gave me, to the talents He enabled me with, etc... I love to worship!

There was a part of the lesson that spoke to loudly to me, that I had to share it.  I admit, I have been known to be "one of those" who see's everything as "why me".  Why do we not have the money we need to live "comfortable"?  Why can't we have new cars like "so and so"?  Why is keeping a daily devotion life so hard for me, when "so and so" it is so easy?  Why have we had so many crisis in our family to endure, when it seems "so and so" has such an easy life?  Well... do you see where I'm going with this?

Well Beth shared something that has transformed my thoughts... and it is a HUGE "ah ha" moment for me.  Basically she said:  Blessed is the person when God invades what comes naturally for everyone else, with the Supernatural.  Ok... do you GET this!!!

Perhaps God is saying to me.... you have been chosen to have a "tougher" road... where things are not as "easy" as it may be for everyone else.... because I have chosen you to see how I work in the Supernatural! If it were easy for you "Vanessa"... if everything came simply.... you would never see ME in how I work miracles!

So Blessed am I... that God has so chosen me... to be able to see things He is doing in the supernatural!

Wow... that was just a huge thing for me.  What a way to view trials and hardships....  And truly, knowing me.... He got it right.... because when everything is "easy going"... I am far less likely to be watching and praying and seeking....

Well.. I hope someone out there can get an "ah ha" out of this... because it was just amazing for me...

So just remember:  There is a reason everything doesn't come "naturally".  Maybe that reason is that I (you) have been CHOSEN to see God do the supernatural!  How amazing is that!!!

God is able....

Daily Nugget:

If we are thrown in to the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  Daniel 3: 17

 

I am sorry that I have not posted more as of late.  So many things have taken my attention from the blog... but not from God's word and presence.  I love that technology affords me the scripture at the touch of a button and so grateful that His presence is with me everywhere!

I have always loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  It was a childhood favorite of mine, and still is!  The faith these men had in God still humbles me!  

Can you imagine the thoughts that went through the minds of these three?  The astrologers and the King were full of threats... threats to end their lives in a horrible way.  But nothing was enough to convince these three to compromise the integrity of their faith or their convictions!  (Would we be so strong?)

Instead of changing their minds and giving into the fear... they gave bold and unhesitating witness to their trust and faith in the ONE TRUE GOD!  They had no doubt that God would save them.  We serve the ONLY GOD, who is able to save His people from every situation.  Our hope is in THE GOD who is our salvation, refuge and strength.

But there is another part of the story... the next verse..  "But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (v18)  Wow...amazing!  These men knew without a doubt that God was able... but they also knew God had a choice and in that choice there would be a greater reason... if God did not save them.  They did however, want to make it crystal clear, that the king understood... whether God saved them or not... they would only worship THE GOD.  God who said... I Am, that I Am.  There is no God but Me!

They had unconditional faith and trust in God... totally loyalty.  They possessed a faith and trust in God REGARDLESS of what God actually did for them, and REGARDLESS of the consequences.  Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we are tested.  Sometimes we are tested beyond what we can even fathom to withstand.  However, we must realize that we have a God who saves.  

As I continue on this journey, I have confidence in MY GOD who will save me.  It may not be my "way" or my "plan".. but I have learned that I can only see the small picture... and I have learned to trust God to know the "BIG" picture.  I am thankful (although not so much at the time) of the hardships and trials that God has allowed me to go through.  I am stronger in my faith.  I am deeper in my commitment to following Him.  I have a greater testimony.  I can witness His greatness and ability to see me through.  These things, however hard and horrible at the time, continue to shape me and the person God wants me to be.  

So to the "king".....  I say.... the God we serve is able to save me... BUT if He doesn't... make no mistake... I will never bow down to worship any but HIM.

Please Pray..

A wonderful man from our church is fighting for his life.  In just a matter of days his body had been attacked by a disease that is fast and angry and he is in critical condition.

We know that God is able to heal and totally change the entire situation for His glory. 

Please pray for Brett and his wife Laura and their family.  He needs a divine miracle from the father of all miracles!

Thanks in advance!  More blog posts soon!

40

Yesterday was my birthday.  I turned 40 years old.  I must say that I have celebrated to the uttermost!  My family has been amazingly wonderful... and I am blessed beyond measure!  I am overwhelmed by the love shown!

My husband did an amazing thing... it was actually a project in the works since Christmas, but he just finished it in time for my birthday!  My loving husband spend endless hours (with the help of my son Caden, my father and grandfather) to build me a family alter.  It is beautiful.  The design took deep thought and every piece is precious.  Every piece of wood has scripture written on it.  All the measurements represent something religious in nature.  The cross that my grandfather carved is made of two different types of wood, both grown on our family land.  On Sunday, a former pastor and dear friend will come and consecrate the alter and my entire family will have communion together.  I am so excited!  God is moving in my family... and this is just a small piece of heritage I want to leave for my children.

More information later.  Thanks for following my blog.  Please invite anyone you think that might be blessed.

In closing, here are a few photo's of my wonderful surprise from my husband!

Easy Button

Daily Nugget:

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!    Isaiah 1:16b-17

I love the book of Isaiah!  So many wonderful glimpses of the future, or the Christ to come, of all that was ahead for those who loved Him.  Excited to be there today!!!

This particular scripture just JUMPED off the page at me.  Can it really be this easy?  Can being a christian be so simple in reality?  Why not? 

Stop doing wrong.  That is pretty straight forward.  Don't do it... if God said it is evil, then don't do it.  All throughout His word He has given us His commands to live by.  If something does not line up with the WILL AND WORD of God, just don't do it!

Learn to do right.  Well that's pretty easy too.  As I just stated, His word is filled with His commands for our life.  All the things we must do, the right things to live by and the standard of which we are to live is right there in the Word of God.  Just learn it and do it!

Now, I do realize that being a christian and following the way of the Lord is not "easy".  We will be persecuted, temped, abused, looked at like we are nuts... well you get my meaning.  No one said it is really "easy".

But my point is... we make living for God sooooo difficult, when it is really simple.  Stop doing wrong.  Stop lying, cheating, stealing, cussing, abusing, being unfaithful, just stop sinning!  We have a way... the Holy Spirit that came to dwell with us... that gives us a way!.  So if it is wrong... just STOP! 

Learn to do right.  Seek God, get into the Word, meditate on His Word and DO IT!  It really is a simple plan.  God's mercy and grace provided a Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ.  Accept Him, serve Him, love Him, follow Him... and great is our reward in heaven! 

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right... and though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.  Though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.  Easy!

I AM

I admit I am just a few days behind on the reading for 90 Days through the Bible. But it is my weekend to catch up on it all!  Woo Hoo!

The past few days it seems that so many people I love and care about have had some serious life issues come up.  Health, family, major attacks from the father of lies.... thats just a few.  My heart has been heavy for each one and my one on One discussions have become frequent wherever and whatever I have been engaged in.  (Isn't it wonderful that He has ears to hear anytime, anyplace?) 

I have spent a lot of time reflecting and studying the Tabernacle.  I posted a few days ago, how amazing it was that my Bible reading, Beth Moore study and our Wednesday night study has all been around the Tabernacle.  I know God has something HUGE to teach me... it can't just be a coincidence. 

Anyway... all day today my heart has been camped on who God said He was.  He said "I AM".. He is "I AM" and forever will be, "I AM".  So what does that mean for me and for you?  Well what is your need at this moment?   I AM your healer, I AM your provider, I AM your peace, I AM your desire, I AM (fill in the blank).  There is no limit to what God is... He is anything we need.

So often we (I) go everywhere looking for what I need, instead of to the SOURCE of all I need.  But if He is I AM, that is the first place I should be going. 

God I pray that I would keep You, the Great I AM ever before my eyes.  May I never seek to find my answers for my needs anywhere but You and Your will for my life.  You are my everything...

Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!  I pray that today you are amazed and overjoyed by the sweet love of God.  May you be thrilled and overwhelmed that you have a God that loves you so much, that He is pursuing you with great intensity!  He longs to lavish upon us so much love.  He longs for us to sit at His feet and adoringly look into His eyes with love in return.  There is no greater "Valentine" than the saving grace and love of the Father.  His love is so deep... it is unfathomable! 

Enjoy one of my favorite songs!  (More Psalms tomorrow, I have a few days of catch up!)  Be blessed!!!

A Prayer...

I'm going to take a short break from posting about my current reading schedule!

During our Wednesday night services our amazing pastor, Tim Mills at Life Church Birmingham has been teaching on the Tabernacle.  I must just say... it has been amazing!  It's just like God, to bring this 90 day's through the Bible, teaching at church, and my new Beth Moore study all centered around the Tabernacle!  Apparently God has something He wants me to know about "His dwelling place".

The following prayer was written by Pastor Cho, the former pastor of the largest Assembly of God church in South Korea.  It is a prayer that he wrote "praying" through the tabernacle.  This particular portion is in regards to the  golden lampstand.  It's beautiful.  Just 'had' to share.

Holy Spirit, I welcome a deeper more intimate relationship with you today.
Dear Holy Spirit, through your anointing give me your wisdom.
Help me to solve all the problems I face through your wisdom.
Give me your understanding so that I may understand the deep truths of God,
and I may live those truths and pass them on to my children.
Give me counsel so that I will follow your narrow path.
If it pleases you, allow me to advise others how to solve their problems.
Give me tremendous might so that I might be used by you to heal the sick and cast out the devil.
You are the same yesterday, today and forever.
Holy Spirit, increase my knowledge of the Bible.
Give me a keen fear of the Lord so that I walk very softly before you and not commit any sin.
Give me holiness through your presence, O Lord!
Holy Spirit you are a person, not a genie.
The Father worked in the forefront during the Old Testament and Jesus worked in the New; I live in the Age of the Holy Spirit.
I don't want to catch quail with my bare hands.
I want your wind to blow the quail into my camp.
I want to depend on you, Holy Spirit, not my own strength.
You are not an acrobat.
You are a Holy Person with a will, and emotions.
Forgive me for treating you impersonally.
You should be welcomed, loved, caressed, adored, worshipped.
You are my senior partner, you are my Lord.  I depend upon you.
Let's go, Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your anointing.
Let's work together.
I will follow you!
Holy Spirit

Worship

Daily Nugget:

Ezra opened the book.  All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and he opened it, the  people all stood up.  Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!"  Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.  Ezra 8:5-6

There is nothing in my life as important or needed on a daily basis than worship.  I am a worshiper. 

It is in worship that we draw near to God with joy and gratitude for what He has done for us in and through Christ Jesus.  Worship expresses faith, love and devotion from our hearts and with our lives to God the Father and to the worthy lamb who was slain for our sins.

I believe there are two key principles in worship.  First, true worship takes place in spirit and truth.  It takes place in God's revelation of Himself.  It involves our spirit, not just our mind... but a deep connection with our very soul! Second, worship should follow the NT pattern for the church... we are to desire and seek all elements of worship found in the NT.  The gifts of the Spirit are at work in our worship. 

Much of the OT worship involved sacrifices.  Today, since Christ served as our once and for all sacrifice, there is no need for further shedding of blood.  As the NT church we are encouraged to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - confessing His name (Heb 13:15) and to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1).

All throughout the scriptures singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs were primary ways to worship.  That is still in tact today.  There is so much music available to us today.  Many of the worship songs and hymns can bring us directly before the Throne of God easily.  It should be a sweet offering to Him.  But I personally believe that we need to hold all music to a standard.  It must be in agreement with the scriptures and relevant in drawing people to HIM and not overtly about US.  (I could write a whole paper on that one thought.)

What about prayer as a part of worship?  Of course... it is a huge part of our worship!!!  I admit this was preciously instilled in my life during my church bodies recent 21 day fast.  I spent more time on my face in prayer to the Father than I have in a long time.  I'm not proud of that... but I believe God wonderfully accepted my prayers and drew me to a keen understanding of how very important it is to be on a daily basis.

I believe a prominent part of our prayers need to be spend in thanksgiving and adoration.  God wants to know our heart and our needs, but we do not need to just go before Him constantly with a "we want" list.  Spend some time reading and meditating on the Lords Prayer.  It is the most beautiful example of how we should pray!

Worship consists of reading the scriptures.  Even in the OT the people were commanded to assembly every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles to publicly read the Law of Moses.  And here we come to the least talked about act of worship... tithes and offerings.  Yes it is worship!  We are to give to the Lord what is His... none of it is really ours.. He enabled us to work, gives us the gifts to do things for monetary gain... but in the end it is all His. It is a definite act of worship to our Lord.

Our NT worship is wonderful and amazing... even more so than in the OT maybe.  Why?  Because we have been given the gift and the gifting of the Holy Spirit.  The gifts and manifestations given by the Holy Spirit brings our worship to a higher level.  Our job is to keep seeking Him and going higher and higher!!!

There's just something about our worship that brings us closer and closer to the Savior!  Isn't worship wonderful!!!  I love to worship, to enter into His presence, to sit at His feet, and to feel His love just radiate over me.  There is nothing more wonderful than this. 

Stiff-necked People!

Daily Nugget:

Do not be stiff necked, as your fathers were; submit to the Lord.  Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever.  2 Chronicles 30:8

Hezekiah brought forth four truths that brought about genuine repentance.

1)  God's people must turn their hearts back to Him.  They must have a desire to forsake their sin and confess Him as Lord over their life.  It must be a total commitment to Him alone.  God will not bless His people who are living in "willful" sin.

2)  God's people must return with a fervent love for Him.  It must be a total 100% commitment to obey His commandments and keep covenant with Him.    We must pursue purity of heart and obey His Word.  It must be a total dedication... not half-hearted.

3) God's people must come to Him in humility.  We must have a submission and worship and in service to connect with His love.  The words "submit to the Lord" litteraly means to "give the hand to the Lord".  We must submit to His calling, to His leading.  We must give our "hands" to Him to work through for the sake of His kingdom.

He loves us.  He pursues us.  He is longing and waiting for a return of His people. We can not be stubborn and "stiff-necked"... or we will miss out on such amazing power and grace that is ours to have through Him.