Good morning, what a glorious morning. The sun is up, the air is a cool breeze, the birds are chirping and God has granted us another day. I awoke with such a happy thankful heart, thankful for so much and especially today as it is our wedding anniversary.
We all know someone that is either separated from their spouse or talking/walking through a divorce. Those can be UGLY times, Friends, because I've walked that road myself as well as my husband. I'm so thankful for where the two of us are today, and yet saddened by where I see others. There is such a fine line between love and hate, isn't there? ESPECIALLY without Jesus! If the Holy Spirit is not dwelling with-in the two then love isn't true love. And if there is an unbeliever here reading, please know I'm not attacking. I'm just standing on the Truth of God's Word. 1 John 4:19-21 "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God', yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Sunday our Pastor's sermon title was One Month To Live, and if we knew we had only one month to live how would we live our lives differently? How would we speak to others and treat them? Who would we reach out to and simply say, I love you? We should live every day like we have one month to live. Because we have no idea when God is going to call us home. This scripture seems to speak to me along the thoughts of Pastor's sermon on Sunday from James 2:9: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have bee made in God's likeness." 1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Those that don't know Jesus and think that He is not real, or that He can not do what the Word of God says He can do and WHO HE IS.....what I have to gently say to you is that if loving GOD is wrong, then I don't want to be right. Yes, that is a twist off of an old Barbara Mandrell song from the 70's, but it just came into my thoughts this morning as I was reflecting upon my marriage and the goodness of God. I love God, I love my man and may my heart reflect His love for YOU.
Reaching for Higher Grounds with my Lord and Savior and thankful for my marriage and my precious husband.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Love that God had for me
Today we celebrate 15 years of marriage under God's eyes and man as well.
How we got our beginning is not nearly as important as how we will finish. It began extremely rough, selfish, and hurting many. I pray that we finish as God truly intended love to be: raw, from the heart, not selfish, always giving 110 percent to overlap and so we just don't meet in the middle, to submit, to love deeply, to listen, to abandon self, to give and give some more. I believe with all my heart that you and I will finish well, because GOD is in the middle of US. I see these attributes already in you and I can only hope that you will begin to see them in me because YOU delight me.
It is an honor to be your wife.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. For joining us together and binding us together. You are the binding, You are the joining, You are the glue that causes us to stick. May I always submit to my husband and may he always love me. Father, I pray that I never give my Man a reason to roam or second guess. That we do this life journey, together, as You lead us. Thank You Father for Bill, for March 31, for yesterday, today and all tomorrow's. Amen.
How we got our beginning is not nearly as important as how we will finish. It began extremely rough, selfish, and hurting many. I pray that we finish as God truly intended love to be: raw, from the heart, not selfish, always giving 110 percent to overlap and so we just don't meet in the middle, to submit, to love deeply, to listen, to abandon self, to give and give some more. I believe with all my heart that you and I will finish well, because GOD is in the middle of US. I see these attributes already in you and I can only hope that you will begin to see them in me because YOU delight me.
It is an honor to be your wife.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. For joining us together and binding us together. You are the binding, You are the joining, You are the glue that causes us to stick. May I always submit to my husband and may he always love me. Father, I pray that I never give my Man a reason to roam or second guess. That we do this life journey, together, as You lead us. Thank You Father for Bill, for March 31, for yesterday, today and all tomorrow's. Amen.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight
This morning as the wind blows and the air is cool for a Maui morning, I really am sensing that perhaps we don't get real with ourselves and God. Meaning myself too, Friends, I'm looking deep with-in myself as well.
It becomes easy to look at others and think they are missing it. I don't want to be to hard on us, me or you, but I am sensing a push from God and honestly it is a tad bit uncomfortable. I've walked long enough to know, that when He is pushing, there is a reason and I don't want to miss it.
I've been praying for the Church as a whole since January 1st. Not just my group of fellowship Believers that I attend Sunday morning services with, or our community study group, or even my close friends that are my Sisters In Christ, but ALL Bible Teaching-Believing-LIVING Congregations as well as ALL our Brothers and Sisters In Christ. We serve a BIG GOD, and our BIG GOD knows exactly who these lovely people are, inside and out. That is The Church. You and I are part of The Church from the moment we accepted Christ into our hearts.
Who are you and I emulating? Who does the world perceive you and I to be? Who or WHAT are we really? Ouch? Ouch! Oh my, ouch, Lord.
Are we a robot just being what is fed into us like a computer chip but absolutely NO EMOTION? Are we like a scarecrow that just blows here and there with no purpose? Are we like the Tin Man with no heart? Or are we, you and I being JESUS.
2 Corinthians 2:16-17 "To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
Ephesians 6:5-7 "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,"
Philippians 3:9-11 "and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
After I wrote part of this and put it on the back burner, an hour or so later God placed on my own heart to read from Hebrews and Chapter 3 just brought this to fruition for me. I pray that it does you as well, and encourages you. Please grab your own bibles and read ALL of Chapter 3, but I am enclosing verses 12 & 13: "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." As well as Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Father, today as we look deep inside of ourselves and allow You in as well, reveal to us Lord areas that we need to desperately turn over to You. We are so quick to tell others that we are Christians by our clothing, our jewelry even the bumper stickers on our vehicles when our SELVES are telling the world, perhaps something entirely different. Lord, I'm positive that I want to be what these items profess, Your Child. I'm positive that others do as well. Lord, cause us to go the extra mile, to be kind, to be sensitive, to be like You. Lord, I want to emulate You. I love ya Lord, I'm so thankful for You, and I Praise Your Name. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda w/Higher Grounds
It becomes easy to look at others and think they are missing it. I don't want to be to hard on us, me or you, but I am sensing a push from God and honestly it is a tad bit uncomfortable. I've walked long enough to know, that when He is pushing, there is a reason and I don't want to miss it.
I've been praying for the Church as a whole since January 1st. Not just my group of fellowship Believers that I attend Sunday morning services with, or our community study group, or even my close friends that are my Sisters In Christ, but ALL Bible Teaching-Believing-LIVING Congregations as well as ALL our Brothers and Sisters In Christ. We serve a BIG GOD, and our BIG GOD knows exactly who these lovely people are, inside and out. That is The Church. You and I are part of The Church from the moment we accepted Christ into our hearts.
Who are you and I emulating? Who does the world perceive you and I to be? Who or WHAT are we really? Ouch? Ouch! Oh my, ouch, Lord.
Are we a robot just being what is fed into us like a computer chip but absolutely NO EMOTION? Are we like a scarecrow that just blows here and there with no purpose? Are we like the Tin Man with no heart? Or are we, you and I being JESUS.
2 Corinthians 2:16-17 "To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
Ephesians 6:5-7 "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,"
Philippians 3:9-11 "and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
After I wrote part of this and put it on the back burner, an hour or so later God placed on my own heart to read from Hebrews and Chapter 3 just brought this to fruition for me. I pray that it does you as well, and encourages you. Please grab your own bibles and read ALL of Chapter 3, but I am enclosing verses 12 & 13: "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." As well as Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Father, today as we look deep inside of ourselves and allow You in as well, reveal to us Lord areas that we need to desperately turn over to You. We are so quick to tell others that we are Christians by our clothing, our jewelry even the bumper stickers on our vehicles when our SELVES are telling the world, perhaps something entirely different. Lord, I'm positive that I want to be what these items profess, Your Child. I'm positive that others do as well. Lord, cause us to go the extra mile, to be kind, to be sensitive, to be like You. Lord, I want to emulate You. I love ya Lord, I'm so thankful for You, and I Praise Your Name. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda w/Higher Grounds
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What's my next move?
I wonder if you ponder like me? I've been reflecting back upon my life. Vacation is good for that, correct? I've lived, perhaps, 1/2 of my life, and I want my life to mean something. Have I made God smile once today? Has God said, that's My Girl? Has God knocked on my heart, but perhaps I was busy and didn't realize He had. You know like how our children come to ask us a question, or even our grandchildren? Maybe not our Grandchildren! :-) Or even our spouse where we just really aren't in tune? Our minds are else where?
I wrote a few days ago asking God if He was speaking, but I really wasn't listening. Like really liking a song that is playing on the radio but there is static where you can't really here it due to not being FINE TUNED.
I've asked Him in my quiet time several deep heart things, things that are just between He and I early in the mornings this week. As Bill and I were out walking one morning I knew that God had given me a great visual.
I wrote a few days ago asking God if He was speaking, but I really wasn't listening. Like really liking a song that is playing on the radio but there is static where you can't really here it due to not being FINE TUNED.
I've asked Him in my quiet time several deep heart things, things that are just between He and I early in the mornings this week. As Bill and I were out walking one morning I knew that God had given me a great visual.
It's a life size checker board and coconut's are the checker pieces.
The visual that God showed me is that this checker board represents our lives here on earth and these coconuts represent you and I. I hope that you are taking a hard look at these pieces on the SIDELINES, what do you see? Lots of wear and tear? In much need of repair, a new covering of paint, some Tender Loving Care is much needed. Really, are we any different? I'm sure not! I can't help but think playing checkers is an ACTION. Correct? 1 John 3:18 NIV: "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
Going to the word of God gives us TLC. Praying, talking and LISTENING to God gives you and I some TLC. In this life, we will have trials and tribulations, that is a guarantee roughing us up, knocking some paint so to speak off of us, giving us bruises. But we have a choice, to either get in the game with GOD or allow the world to push us plumb off the board.
God's promise from John 16:33 NIV: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Which will it be Sisters and Brothers? Girlfriends and guy friends? I will let you in on one thing that I asked God, "Lord, am I where you want me to be? I want to be WHERE You want me in ministry, in life, in my family, in my job. Not where I think I want to be, but WHERE YOU WANT ME TO BE. Place me Lord, show me my next move."
Lord, as I contemplate my purpose, which I know is to bring YOU alone honor and glory, I wonder, just where it is You desire me to be for the kingdom. Lord, allow me to love deeply and help be a piece in bringing restoration for another on this board walk of life. To point them towards You, the great Physician. Thank You Father. Amen.
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds with Christ,
Yolanda
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Placing God's Word in permanent marker across my heart
I've joined with a few thousand women this year back towards the end of December 2008 to commit for 12 months, twice a month of memorizing a scripture. I've been going over those scriptures this week as on the 1st it will be time to add another scripture to my spiral bound note cards.
I got to wondering just how many verses or scriptures there happen to be in the Word of God, and I was amazed! Do you have any idea?
There are 1,189 Chapters and there are 31,103 numbered verses with an additional 137 that are unnumbered. WOW....WOW....WOW.
Can I just tell you, that I am struggling with memorizing 24 of them. The struggling is coming more from where the scripture itself is at and what version I used to memorize the particular verse from. Lord, help me!
I've heard of men and women that have memorized whole books from the bible. I can't even imagine! I'm thinking that I should have started a LOOOOOONG time ago. What a comfort to know we are told to not live under condemnation and SEEK GOD FOR OURSELVES. I am so thankful that when I first became a Believer and started studying God's word on my own and began an in-depth study on my own, that the author suggested to begin memorizing God's Word. To hide it in my heart. I still have that first set of spiral note cards. I desire to continue placing God's Word on my heart until the Lord comes to take me home and I rise to the challenge of learning and memorizing.
I pray that my note cards with my memory verses written out will be tattered and torn just like my bible. I will have clung to those verses, seeking them for comfort as God HIMSELF can only comfort. The scriptures that I have been memorizing have brought much solace to my heart.
My next memory verse: John 3:30 NIV "He must become greater; I must become less."
I'm wondering today, what verse you happen to be clinging to, perhaps even writing upon your own heart and memory?
Lovingly,
Yolanda
HIGHER GROUNDS
I got to wondering just how many verses or scriptures there happen to be in the Word of God, and I was amazed! Do you have any idea?
There are 1,189 Chapters and there are 31,103 numbered verses with an additional 137 that are unnumbered. WOW....WOW....WOW.
Can I just tell you, that I am struggling with memorizing 24 of them. The struggling is coming more from where the scripture itself is at and what version I used to memorize the particular verse from. Lord, help me!
I've heard of men and women that have memorized whole books from the bible. I can't even imagine! I'm thinking that I should have started a LOOOOOONG time ago. What a comfort to know we are told to not live under condemnation and SEEK GOD FOR OURSELVES. I am so thankful that when I first became a Believer and started studying God's word on my own and began an in-depth study on my own, that the author suggested to begin memorizing God's Word. To hide it in my heart. I still have that first set of spiral note cards. I desire to continue placing God's Word on my heart until the Lord comes to take me home and I rise to the challenge of learning and memorizing.
Romans 8:1-3 NIV: 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man
I pray that my note cards with my memory verses written out will be tattered and torn just like my bible. I will have clung to those verses, seeking them for comfort as God HIMSELF can only comfort. The scriptures that I have been memorizing have brought much solace to my heart.
My next memory verse: John 3:30 NIV "He must become greater; I must become less."
I'm wondering today, what verse you happen to be clinging to, perhaps even writing upon your own heart and memory?
Lovingly,
Yolanda
HIGHER GROUNDS
Monday, March 23, 2009
Take a moment and look around
This afternoon is just glorious, there is a breeze, the waves are gentle, children are playing in the pool and we relish this time away from home. Time to rest, refresh and rekindle a spoken as well as an unspoken love that exists between the two of us.
As I sit here, I think about how each time that I truly slow down and become much more aware of God, just how much bigger He becomes. As I ventured down to the beach a few days ago, I said to my Man, can you imagine being told that your descendants will be as numerous as the sands on the seashore. Just where we sit, the grains of sand are mind boggling. Genesis 22:17a NIV "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." God speaking to Abraham after his walk of faith in sacrificing his only son, Isaac.
Then I reflect upon how just about anytime I glance up to look out over the Pacific, I am blessed with either a whale's blow, a tail, or just a sliver of a back as it glides back under the water. God's magnificent creation.
This evening, I will join a group of women that have graciously allowed me into their lives the past few years each time we are here. As well as into their hearts to study God's word. Tonight we will gather for Esther Chapter 4. For such a time as this! This is a blessing from God as well, because these ladies help me in March and October to not be so homesick. And they encourage me so much when I am back at home, by phone calls and e-mails. Thank you ladies, thank you!!
**I added this picture after bible study tonight. YOU GIRLS ROCK!**
What is it that you recognize right now, as you read this and reflect, that is the hand of God?
Father, I praise You for how awesome You are. You spoke our world into existence. You breathed life into my body and brought my heart to life. I praise You for the blessings of vacation and a man that enjoys Your word as well as Your creation. Father, may we, may I....become more aware of You today, tomorrow and always. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.
Here is a sunset from one evening a few days ago:
As I sit here, I think about how each time that I truly slow down and become much more aware of God, just how much bigger He becomes. As I ventured down to the beach a few days ago, I said to my Man, can you imagine being told that your descendants will be as numerous as the sands on the seashore. Just where we sit, the grains of sand are mind boggling. Genesis 22:17a NIV "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." God speaking to Abraham after his walk of faith in sacrificing his only son, Isaac.
Then I reflect upon how just about anytime I glance up to look out over the Pacific, I am blessed with either a whale's blow, a tail, or just a sliver of a back as it glides back under the water. God's magnificent creation.
This evening, I will join a group of women that have graciously allowed me into their lives the past few years each time we are here. As well as into their hearts to study God's word. Tonight we will gather for Esther Chapter 4. For such a time as this! This is a blessing from God as well, because these ladies help me in March and October to not be so homesick. And they encourage me so much when I am back at home, by phone calls and e-mails. Thank you ladies, thank you!!
**I added this picture after bible study tonight. YOU GIRLS ROCK!**What is it that you recognize right now, as you read this and reflect, that is the hand of God?
Father, I praise You for how awesome You are. You spoke our world into existence. You breathed life into my body and brought my heart to life. I praise You for the blessings of vacation and a man that enjoys Your word as well as Your creation. Father, may we, may I....become more aware of You today, tomorrow and always. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.
Here is a sunset from one evening a few days ago:
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds with Christ, Yolanda
**I would love to hear how you've recognized God's hand today!!!!**
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Two drowned rats
Oh, I wished you all could have seen the two of us on Thursday, you would have laughed your silly heads off. Why I didn't take a picture of us is beyond me so you'll just have to use your imagination. It was one of those mornings that was gloomy and overcast here on the Island of Maui. We've seen a few few of them in those first 5 days. A day that we relished as having come in from a dry, thirsty, parched, barren Southwest Kansas. Our community has not had a day like this in many moons. Lord, we so desperately need a drink, a long cool drink, would You open the flood gates of Heaven, Lord, and bless us with moisture? Please, Lord?
Can you tell where I'm headed? We decided to drive across the island to dine on fresh fish for our lunch and to slip away for a few hours. We left, excited and our taste buds gearing up for we have a favorite little local diner we enjoy. Jamming to some oldies, watching the whales teach their babies as we drove along on the highway, when God opened up the heavenlies and POURED rain upon us.
We came 3,000 miles prepared for some rain, it always rains a day or two while we are here. Oh, just a minute, there is a whale right here, thank You Father for causing me to glance up. Back to my thoughts and visual this morning. I came with my rain jacket, Bill leaves his here on Maui packed in our box. But for the life of us we did not even THINK to bring our rain slickers with us in the car as we drove out for lunch. As we abandoned our car to make a quick dash for cover, we just weren't quick enough. Oh, Bill and I were soaked, drenched, not a dry spot anywhere on either one of us. It was almost hysterical, if I hadn't been so cold.
Can't we be like that Sisters with the word of God? We just go along in our day to day life, in the midst of the mundane, and leave God behind? He doesn't leave us, we leave Him. I very rarely go anywhere with out the word of God with me. I heard a very well known speaker say once that she never leaves home without her bible. She might need a snack, a morsel of His Word. I'm like that as well yet with total honesty, there are times that I tend to leave Him behind.
Luke 1:16-17 NIV "16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'"
2 Timothy 4:2 NIV "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
1 Peter 3:15 NIV "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds, becoming prepared with God,
Yolanda
Can you tell where I'm headed? We decided to drive across the island to dine on fresh fish for our lunch and to slip away for a few hours. We left, excited and our taste buds gearing up for we have a favorite little local diner we enjoy. Jamming to some oldies, watching the whales teach their babies as we drove along on the highway, when God opened up the heavenlies and POURED rain upon us.
We came 3,000 miles prepared for some rain, it always rains a day or two while we are here. Oh, just a minute, there is a whale right here, thank You Father for causing me to glance up. Back to my thoughts and visual this morning. I came with my rain jacket, Bill leaves his here on Maui packed in our box. But for the life of us we did not even THINK to bring our rain slickers with us in the car as we drove out for lunch. As we abandoned our car to make a quick dash for cover, we just weren't quick enough. Oh, Bill and I were soaked, drenched, not a dry spot anywhere on either one of us. It was almost hysterical, if I hadn't been so cold.
Can't we be like that Sisters with the word of God? We just go along in our day to day life, in the midst of the mundane, and leave God behind? He doesn't leave us, we leave Him. I very rarely go anywhere with out the word of God with me. I heard a very well known speaker say once that she never leaves home without her bible. She might need a snack, a morsel of His Word. I'm like that as well yet with total honesty, there are times that I tend to leave Him behind.
Luke 1:16-17 NIV "16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'"
2 Timothy 4:2 NIV "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
1 Peter 3:15 NIV "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"
Father God, Thank You for the gentle reminders and visuals that You bless me with that speak LIFE into my own life. To encourage me to be PREPARED, to not be lazy or lacking for You have provided all that I need. Lord, may we, together, strive to learn more and love even deeper. In Your Son's Name, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds, becoming prepared with God,
Yolanda
Thursday, March 19, 2009
God does not instill the FEAR we see around us
Ladies, we live in some troubling times that MANY of us have not ever seen or known. Yet there are many that lived through World War I, World War II, and many wars since then, The Dirty 30's, Stock Market crash, depression, even the assassination of our President, etc. I really haven't lived through any of that, so when September 11, 2001 happened I grasped my own first glance of true fear or realization that we in America are not exempt from pain, terrorism and fear.
There are many prophecy's floating around and while it may be wise to not completely write them off, I know that God keeps pressing in and comforting me to continue to seek Him. Because if I LET them, next thing I know, I begin to fear.
Remember that in Revelation we are told that there would be trouble some times. That things will get MUCH worse before they get better, but He also tells us 365 times in His word to NOT FEAR. Fear comes from the enemy, and so when you fill fear begin to rise up, search out God's word. Take comfort in Him, ask Him for discernment and wisdom.
Daily this week, I have allowed my bible to just fall open and for my eye to land on a verse that is high lighted. Falling open today to Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
You and I can rest in that, it's a promise from OUR Heavenly Father. I also moved into 1 Thessalonians and especially reflected upon Chapter 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. " You and I in the family of Christ, belong to the day, not the night.
And so I pray that this encourages you, that you leave here today with hope and a renewed faith in Christ, having your eyes set upon Him and the fear dissipating.
I close with vs 19-28. God's speed Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. Lovingly, Yolanda HIGHER GROUNDS
There are many prophecy's floating around and while it may be wise to not completely write them off, I know that God keeps pressing in and comforting me to continue to seek Him. Because if I LET them, next thing I know, I begin to fear.
Remember that in Revelation we are told that there would be trouble some times. That things will get MUCH worse before they get better, but He also tells us 365 times in His word to NOT FEAR. Fear comes from the enemy, and so when you fill fear begin to rise up, search out God's word. Take comfort in Him, ask Him for discernment and wisdom.
Daily this week, I have allowed my bible to just fall open and for my eye to land on a verse that is high lighted. Falling open today to Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
You and I can rest in that, it's a promise from OUR Heavenly Father. I also moved into 1 Thessalonians and especially reflected upon Chapter 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. " You and I in the family of Christ, belong to the day, not the night.
And so I pray that this encourages you, that you leave here today with hope and a renewed faith in Christ, having your eyes set upon Him and the fear dissipating.
I close with vs 19-28. God's speed Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. Lovingly, Yolanda HIGHER GROUNDS
1 Thessalonians 5: 19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. 23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Opportunities Abound
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:5
This hit me afresh this morning as to what a challenge God has for you and for me. We are to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders making the most of EVERY not some but EVERY opportunity.
Are we?
How do the unwise act? Selfish, rude, mean, flippant, arrogant, haughty. This is a very short list, of many other ways to act unwise. Yet I know from my own experience that when I am treated this way, I want no part of them or what it is they are participating in.
And what hit me afresh was taking this a step farther, am I, are we being wise in the way we act toward the INSIDERS making the most of every opportunity?
Because the outsiders are watching how we treat the insiders, and if there is no wisdom in our actions Girlfriends and Guy friends, what would ever cause them to want and hunger for what we have? To participate, to belong?
"And this is my prayer: that your love (and mine) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you (and I) may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 NIV Parenthesis I added.
Father, Often I miss the mark. Forgive me for doing so, for causing an outsider to stumble as well as hurting my Sisters and Brothers. I pray that today my words, thoughts and actions would be soft and encouraging. Towards my spouse, my family, my friends, my family IN God, and especially total strangers. Lord, thank You for the Hope You are in my heart. May my love for You always increase, never EVER decrease. Praise and Glory are Yours alone. Amen.
Reaching for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
This hit me afresh this morning as to what a challenge God has for you and for me. We are to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders making the most of EVERY not some but EVERY opportunity.
Are we?
How do the unwise act? Selfish, rude, mean, flippant, arrogant, haughty. This is a very short list, of many other ways to act unwise. Yet I know from my own experience that when I am treated this way, I want no part of them or what it is they are participating in.
And what hit me afresh was taking this a step farther, am I, are we being wise in the way we act toward the INSIDERS making the most of every opportunity?
Because the outsiders are watching how we treat the insiders, and if there is no wisdom in our actions Girlfriends and Guy friends, what would ever cause them to want and hunger for what we have? To participate, to belong?
"And this is my prayer: that your love (and mine) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you (and I) may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 NIV Parenthesis I added.
Father, Often I miss the mark. Forgive me for doing so, for causing an outsider to stumble as well as hurting my Sisters and Brothers. I pray that today my words, thoughts and actions would be soft and encouraging. Towards my spouse, my family, my friends, my family IN God, and especially total strangers. Lord, thank You for the Hope You are in my heart. May my love for You always increase, never EVER decrease. Praise and Glory are Yours alone. Amen.
Reaching for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
God knows best
Just over a year ago, I truly believe God gave me a huge blessing. A big mighty miracle in my little ole life. For over 20 years, I have dealt with major headaches just about every day and poor sleeping perhaps because of them. I had been sent to a small handful of professionals to try and give me some relief with their answer being we need to break your jaws horizontally and vertically to reshape them before putting braces on to then straighten the imperfections. That was not an option for me. So I continued to deal with the headaches.
I asked my local dentist once again last February if there was anyone that he could send me to for a second opinion and before I walked out of his office he had an appointment for me the following week. When I arrived for my appointment the Dr. stated that he had never seen anything like what was going on in my mouth and he wasn't sure that he could do anything to give me some relief. He would need to take some impressions and if I had the time and wanted him to try for a fee he would start the process. That very day I had four sets of impressions made, 35 plus photos of my mouth and hope. I asked him why he thought this was all going on in my mouth, did my Mom perhaps drop me on my head as a child? He pointed up and said only He would know why and it wasn't anything to do with my Mom. I was touched and knew that meant this man was a Believer.
With-in about 6 weeks from that first consultation I had a tooth pulled and braces placed on my top teeth. With no hope of my bottom teeth ever having braces for it would truly change my bite much worse than it was, but for the first time in over 20 years I did NOT have a headache. PRAISE BE TO GOD! To date, I may have had 5 headaches and I'm telling you that is a MIRACLE!
Last week was my monthly trip to my Orthodontist and when I walked in they said, are you ready to get your braces on your bottom teeth? Can I tell you just how blown away I was? My stomach took a lurch as I wasn't prepared for that and yet the butterflies started because here was another miracle. When I sat down in the chair Dr. Farmer said, now when are you leaving for vacation? With my answer he informed me that he would not place them on until I returned and my heart broke. Isn't that funny? In the time span of about 30 minutes, I'm telling you this 40 plus year YOUNG woman began to beg and plead. Oh I surely did do so because I was so excited. But Dr. Farmer held firm, stood strong, did not waver. And now a few days later, I can tell you that I am THANKFUL he stood firm. He did some tweaking and the roof of my mouth and my gums are incredibly tender and I can't imagine what I would feel like to have that going on and my bottom mouth tender and sore all at the same time, ON VACATION! Dr. Farmer knew what was best for me.
The really neat thing that he said to me was, "Yolanda, you can hate me. But I know you can't hate me because the love of Christ is shed abroad in your heart. Jesus lives there."
WHOA!!! How cool is that? For your Orthodontist to recognize and then to speak those words out loud in a office full of patients and parents. How in the world could I hate someone that has so helped me and allowed God to use him mightily in giving me a miracle. How in the world can you and I hate when God lives on the inside of us because we have received His love. I used to hate, I know the word hate all to well, it hits close to home. Yet, I'm just blown away by what God continues to do in me and for me.
I want to encourage you that when you may come upon a road block in your day to day living, maybe, just maybe that is GOD saying no, saying wait, saying not yet. WHY? Because GOD knows best! And living this life and walking this walk I can tell you first hand, HIS BEST IS ALL THAT I WANT!
Father, thank You for men and women in the work force that share my heart for You. That aren't afraid to speak Your Name, to share Your love and draw upon Your wisdom. Thank You Lord, for Dr. Farmer who You have used to bring a huge healing into my very small life. May I testify to Your awesome power and reflect just who You are to me. I love ya like crazy. Amen.
Yolanda Rogers
Reaching for Higher Grounds
I asked my local dentist once again last February if there was anyone that he could send me to for a second opinion and before I walked out of his office he had an appointment for me the following week. When I arrived for my appointment the Dr. stated that he had never seen anything like what was going on in my mouth and he wasn't sure that he could do anything to give me some relief. He would need to take some impressions and if I had the time and wanted him to try for a fee he would start the process. That very day I had four sets of impressions made, 35 plus photos of my mouth and hope. I asked him why he thought this was all going on in my mouth, did my Mom perhaps drop me on my head as a child? He pointed up and said only He would know why and it wasn't anything to do with my Mom. I was touched and knew that meant this man was a Believer.
With-in about 6 weeks from that first consultation I had a tooth pulled and braces placed on my top teeth. With no hope of my bottom teeth ever having braces for it would truly change my bite much worse than it was, but for the first time in over 20 years I did NOT have a headache. PRAISE BE TO GOD! To date, I may have had 5 headaches and I'm telling you that is a MIRACLE!
Last week was my monthly trip to my Orthodontist and when I walked in they said, are you ready to get your braces on your bottom teeth? Can I tell you just how blown away I was? My stomach took a lurch as I wasn't prepared for that and yet the butterflies started because here was another miracle. When I sat down in the chair Dr. Farmer said, now when are you leaving for vacation? With my answer he informed me that he would not place them on until I returned and my heart broke. Isn't that funny? In the time span of about 30 minutes, I'm telling you this 40 plus year YOUNG woman began to beg and plead. Oh I surely did do so because I was so excited. But Dr. Farmer held firm, stood strong, did not waver. And now a few days later, I can tell you that I am THANKFUL he stood firm. He did some tweaking and the roof of my mouth and my gums are incredibly tender and I can't imagine what I would feel like to have that going on and my bottom mouth tender and sore all at the same time, ON VACATION! Dr. Farmer knew what was best for me.
The really neat thing that he said to me was, "Yolanda, you can hate me. But I know you can't hate me because the love of Christ is shed abroad in your heart. Jesus lives there."
WHOA!!! How cool is that? For your Orthodontist to recognize and then to speak those words out loud in a office full of patients and parents. How in the world could I hate someone that has so helped me and allowed God to use him mightily in giving me a miracle. How in the world can you and I hate when God lives on the inside of us because we have received His love. I used to hate, I know the word hate all to well, it hits close to home. Yet, I'm just blown away by what God continues to do in me and for me.
I want to encourage you that when you may come upon a road block in your day to day living, maybe, just maybe that is GOD saying no, saying wait, saying not yet. WHY? Because GOD knows best! And living this life and walking this walk I can tell you first hand, HIS BEST IS ALL THAT I WANT!
Father, thank You for men and women in the work force that share my heart for You. That aren't afraid to speak Your Name, to share Your love and draw upon Your wisdom. Thank You Lord, for Dr. Farmer who You have used to bring a huge healing into my very small life. May I testify to Your awesome power and reflect just who You are to me. I love ya like crazy. Amen.
**Romans 5:5 KJV : "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
And the Amplified: "Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us."
*Philemon 1:1b Message "God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!"
Yolanda Rogers
Reaching for Higher Grounds
Sunday, March 15, 2009
-GOD IS THE GLUE-
I am sitting with my coffee, my bible and my prayer journal. The sun hasn't come up yet but I can hear the beautiful crashing of the waves as I sit just inside the door of our vacation home. It is mesmerizing and soothing. To watch them in the daylight as we did yesterday afternoon, I was reminded of just how much power there is behind each wave. You and I have power behind us as well, Brothers and Sisters...we have the power of Christ Jesus.
I knew before we arrived that I would spend much time in prayer this week for OUR marriages. God had put that on my heart a week or so ago and I had a column prepared for doing so in my prayer journal. As I prayed for a specific couple, I thought to myself, what really makes a marriage work? My second thought this morning is, what is it that the enemy is so after in our marriages?
I'm going to throw out some ideas for what tears apart a marriage
*Not keeping the sparks alive, the romance. Ladies, didn't we work HARD in the dating period to spark our mate? Our attention & listening skills, our cooking skills, our cleanliness/appearance? As well as planning and/or preparing a date night?
*I once heard a very true statement, the enemy works hard to get us into bed before marriage and works even harder to keep us out of bed when we are married. True? TRUE!
*Children and family. We invest all of our time and energy into one, the other, or both and at the end of the day there is zero energy for our MAN. The one who will be with us, at our side, when no one else will be. (God willing)
*Simply the enemy. He knows the core of our hearts is the relationship with our spouse and our children and he comes at us hard to tear that foundation apart.
So, what really makes a marriage work? I can only speak from my own experience, as I've walked both sides of marriage and divorce. Doesn't make me an expert. Did you hear me, this does NOT make me an expert. I've simply lived both sides of the spectrum.
I have learned from "doing the thang", that it is vital to place God first! There is an unseen person to the naked eye in my marriage. GOD. He is the glue! I'm thankful that my husband and I seek God and hunger to obey Him. We don't and won't always obey, but our hearts hunger to do so. We also sense a check in our spirits when we are allowing the world or the enemy to have something of us that takes away from our mate. Time, talent, and energy. When that is not being poured into my marriage from either me or my Man, it is time to do some re-evaluation and get my home in order.
Bill has shared often with our children and young couples that you can't give 100 percent into your marriage and expect it to work. You have to give more than that, both the man and the woman. When you do so, then you aren't meeting in the middle, you are over-lapping one another. You are covering one another.
Proverbs 31:10-31 is a great place GIRLFRIENDS, to see what God has to say for us to give 110 percent to the man we fell in love with and said I DO.
Verse 12 NIV: She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Verse 15: She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Verses 25-27: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Ok, get ready....here is the GLUE
Verse 30: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Father, You are an amazing GOD. I thank You for the gift of marriages and families. I thank You for my own marriage and the family You have so graciously blessed me with. Father, I need You to open my eyes to ways that I can respect my Man, to love our children and grandchildren and to be the woman YOU intended and designed me to be. I love how You remind me when I get out of sorts, that perhaps I have played into the part that causes what I'm feeling. I also love how when perhaps I haven't but my Man has allowed something to cause this, that we aren't quick to point fingers, but we are quick to place YOU back in the middle. Reminding one another, that You are our glue. We love You Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage, and may You be honored and glorified through our marriage. In the only Name that can save, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
I knew before we arrived that I would spend much time in prayer this week for OUR marriages. God had put that on my heart a week or so ago and I had a column prepared for doing so in my prayer journal. As I prayed for a specific couple, I thought to myself, what really makes a marriage work? My second thought this morning is, what is it that the enemy is so after in our marriages?
I'm going to throw out some ideas for what tears apart a marriage
*Not keeping the sparks alive, the romance. Ladies, didn't we work HARD in the dating period to spark our mate? Our attention & listening skills, our cooking skills, our cleanliness/appearance? As well as planning and/or preparing a date night?
*I once heard a very true statement, the enemy works hard to get us into bed before marriage and works even harder to keep us out of bed when we are married. True? TRUE!
*Children and family. We invest all of our time and energy into one, the other, or both and at the end of the day there is zero energy for our MAN. The one who will be with us, at our side, when no one else will be. (God willing)
*Simply the enemy. He knows the core of our hearts is the relationship with our spouse and our children and he comes at us hard to tear that foundation apart.
So, what really makes a marriage work? I can only speak from my own experience, as I've walked both sides of marriage and divorce. Doesn't make me an expert. Did you hear me, this does NOT make me an expert. I've simply lived both sides of the spectrum.
I have learned from "doing the thang", that it is vital to place God first! There is an unseen person to the naked eye in my marriage. GOD. He is the glue! I'm thankful that my husband and I seek God and hunger to obey Him. We don't and won't always obey, but our hearts hunger to do so. We also sense a check in our spirits when we are allowing the world or the enemy to have something of us that takes away from our mate. Time, talent, and energy. When that is not being poured into my marriage from either me or my Man, it is time to do some re-evaluation and get my home in order.
Bill has shared often with our children and young couples that you can't give 100 percent into your marriage and expect it to work. You have to give more than that, both the man and the woman. When you do so, then you aren't meeting in the middle, you are over-lapping one another. You are covering one another.
Proverbs 31:10-31 is a great place GIRLFRIENDS, to see what God has to say for us to give 110 percent to the man we fell in love with and said I DO.
Verse 12 NIV: She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Verse 15: She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Verses 25-27: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Ok, get ready....here is the GLUE
Verse 30: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Father, You are an amazing GOD. I thank You for the gift of marriages and families. I thank You for my own marriage and the family You have so graciously blessed me with. Father, I need You to open my eyes to ways that I can respect my Man, to love our children and grandchildren and to be the woman YOU intended and designed me to be. I love how You remind me when I get out of sorts, that perhaps I have played into the part that causes what I'm feeling. I also love how when perhaps I haven't but my Man has allowed something to cause this, that we aren't quick to point fingers, but we are quick to place YOU back in the middle. Reminding one another, that You are our glue. We love You Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage, and may You be honored and glorified through our marriage. In the only Name that can save, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
Friday, March 13, 2009
Loving Jesus and loving people
Last night we had a few sad hearts at our Ladies Community Bible Study. For the past 10 weeks we've met every Thursday evening to study the book of Esther and it was time for it come to an end. By meeting together we've come to realize that as women we share a lot of the same desires, hurts, and yes we even share HOPE.
As one of the three facilitators for our group, I enjoyed getting to know these women better. To hear what drives them as well as sharing their application from what they had learned the week before. A motto I have tried hard to walk out and live for my own life with Christ is to love people right where they are at.
By being a facilitator I really stepped into the role of being a servant. As a servant for Christ, this study was not about me. I didn't write it, I didn't do hours and hours of research, but I must tell you the JOY I have received by serving these lovely women. The richest reward is hearing them share what they have learned and witness first hand some sadness as we departed.
Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore has richly impacted our small community. We each recognize that we are women, GOD DESIGNED WOMEN, in OUR generation, for such a time as this. We all have a purpose and God's BEST is what we hunger for.
In the early quiet hours this morning, I decided to move into Galatians. The last two studies I've participated in has been the Old Testament and I FIRMLY believe we need both testaments. Yet it was time to meet with Jesus Christ this morning, in His word. I came away so blessed from this small book of 6 chapters, but something that just keeps floating in my thoughts is Galatians 5:6b NIV "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Last weekend you might recall that our daughter and granddaughter were with us and what a delightful time we had. On Saturday evening Abigail was making us birthday invitations and writing little notes to us as she had found my stack of sticky notes. She is 4 1/2 so you can just imagine the scribbles, along with her name written beautifully! But the profound thing is Sunday morning I shared with Abigail that I was going to use my sticky note in my bible for a book mark. I also said to her that Grandma really needed to know what it said, could she please tell me. "Grandma, it says, Help the Lord God and Love and Forgiveness."
Girlfriends, is that not a profound statement from a little gal that hasn't been in church for some time now. Her parents say it is so hard with little brother trying to juggle everything, Nolan will be 2 in June. But more importantly how true are her words? Aren't you and I conduits for Christ, and by being so aren't we helping Him? Doesn't Christ call us to love and to forgive?
Father God, thank You for speaking through the mouths of little children. Thank You for placing a heart of love in me to love You and to love others. Father, I truly believe that love is the best, it covers all, it heals. May I think upon whatever is true, noble, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. I love You Lord God and I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda Rogers
Higher Grounds
As one of the three facilitators for our group, I enjoyed getting to know these women better. To hear what drives them as well as sharing their application from what they had learned the week before. A motto I have tried hard to walk out and live for my own life with Christ is to love people right where they are at.
By being a facilitator I really stepped into the role of being a servant. As a servant for Christ, this study was not about me. I didn't write it, I didn't do hours and hours of research, but I must tell you the JOY I have received by serving these lovely women. The richest reward is hearing them share what they have learned and witness first hand some sadness as we departed.
Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore has richly impacted our small community. We each recognize that we are women, GOD DESIGNED WOMEN, in OUR generation, for such a time as this. We all have a purpose and God's BEST is what we hunger for.
In the early quiet hours this morning, I decided to move into Galatians. The last two studies I've participated in has been the Old Testament and I FIRMLY believe we need both testaments. Yet it was time to meet with Jesus Christ this morning, in His word. I came away so blessed from this small book of 6 chapters, but something that just keeps floating in my thoughts is Galatians 5:6b NIV "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Last weekend you might recall that our daughter and granddaughter were with us and what a delightful time we had. On Saturday evening Abigail was making us birthday invitations and writing little notes to us as she had found my stack of sticky notes. She is 4 1/2 so you can just imagine the scribbles, along with her name written beautifully! But the profound thing is Sunday morning I shared with Abigail that I was going to use my sticky note in my bible for a book mark. I also said to her that Grandma really needed to know what it said, could she please tell me. "Grandma, it says, Help the Lord God and Love and Forgiveness."
Girlfriends, is that not a profound statement from a little gal that hasn't been in church for some time now. Her parents say it is so hard with little brother trying to juggle everything, Nolan will be 2 in June. But more importantly how true are her words? Aren't you and I conduits for Christ, and by being so aren't we helping Him? Doesn't Christ call us to love and to forgive?
Father God, thank You for speaking through the mouths of little children. Thank You for placing a heart of love in me to love You and to love others. Father, I truly believe that love is the best, it covers all, it heals. May I think upon whatever is true, noble, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. I love You Lord God and I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda Rogers
Higher Grounds
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stay true to the word of God
Have you seen how easily our nation has been knocked off it's axis so to speak? From November's election to where we are today? Do others around you in your circle of influence seem to be shaking their heads or even stumbling along from day to day in fear?
Please, I know there are readers of Higher Grounds that did not vote the way I did, and this is not about who you or I voted for, but this is setting the tone for where God has me the past couple of days.
What I am getting at is how QUICKLY we take our eyes off of Jesus, or how QUICKLY we place them on Him. There is always a gimmick in our world, not just our nation! What is the gimmick about? The latest and greatest. New and improved. Throw out the old and toss in the new. I'm right and your wrong.
I know for me, God has really been pressing in and it hasn't been a fun time of refining. NOT FUN, do you grasp what I'm telling you Girlfriends and Guy friends? This refining is between my God and me. Convictions not condemnations. In the process of not swaying from the TRUTH of God's word, I have been placed in a situation with someone that I dearly love. I do NOT like hurting others, it is not my new nature, but an obedient heart to God is where I am today.
I want to encourage you that it is vital in the days we are living to be in God's word, to know His truth for yourself. That way when the enemy sneaks in to try to sway you a different direction, you can get in his face and say....NO NOT ON MY WATCH! I will NOT let you have my life. I will NOT let you have my family. I will NOT let you have my joy, my peace, my love for Christ Jesus. I will NOT let you have my marriage, I will NOT let you have my.....get it?
Stay true to the ONE TRUE GOD. Do not be swayed!
God's Word preaches on it's own. I am not adding to or subtracting from. By no means am I calling any one wicked....but God's Word is pretty black and white.
Father, You are God. You brought me out of slavery and gave me freedom. You are MY God. I desire to be found connected to the Vine*. I need Your guidance each and every day Father, to not make an idol, not follow after idols, and to stay TRUE TO YOU AND YOUR WORD. Lord, direct my steps. In the saving name, the One and Only saving Name....Jesus Christ. Amen.
*John 15:5-8* But actually all of John 15 is full of promises and truths, and I encourage you to grab your own bible and seek for yourselves.*
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. "
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
Please, I know there are readers of Higher Grounds that did not vote the way I did, and this is not about who you or I voted for, but this is setting the tone for where God has me the past couple of days.
What I am getting at is how QUICKLY we take our eyes off of Jesus, or how QUICKLY we place them on Him. There is always a gimmick in our world, not just our nation! What is the gimmick about? The latest and greatest. New and improved. Throw out the old and toss in the new. I'm right and your wrong.
I know for me, God has really been pressing in and it hasn't been a fun time of refining. NOT FUN, do you grasp what I'm telling you Girlfriends and Guy friends? This refining is between my God and me. Convictions not condemnations. In the process of not swaying from the TRUTH of God's word, I have been placed in a situation with someone that I dearly love. I do NOT like hurting others, it is not my new nature, but an obedient heart to God is where I am today.
I want to encourage you that it is vital in the days we are living to be in God's word, to know His truth for yourself. That way when the enemy sneaks in to try to sway you a different direction, you can get in his face and say....NO NOT ON MY WATCH! I will NOT let you have my life. I will NOT let you have my family. I will NOT let you have my joy, my peace, my love for Christ Jesus. I will NOT let you have my marriage, I will NOT let you have my.....get it?
Stay true to the ONE TRUE GOD. Do not be swayed!
"If you hear it said about one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you to live in that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town stray, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (gods you have not known), then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you" Deuteronomy 13:12-14 NIV
God's Word preaches on it's own. I am not adding to or subtracting from. By no means am I calling any one wicked....but God's Word is pretty black and white.
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." Exodus 20:2-4 NIV
Father, You are God. You brought me out of slavery and gave me freedom. You are MY God. I desire to be found connected to the Vine*. I need Your guidance each and every day Father, to not make an idol, not follow after idols, and to stay TRUE TO YOU AND YOUR WORD. Lord, direct my steps. In the saving name, the One and Only saving Name....Jesus Christ. Amen.
*John 15:5-8* But actually all of John 15 is full of promises and truths, and I encourage you to grab your own bible and seek for yourselves.*
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. "
Lovingly as I reach for Higher Grounds,
Yolanda
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Come, sit at my table
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV is a scripture that I clung to as a new believer back in November of 1999.
We tend to think of this particular passage of scripture in the visual of the change of a caterpillar to a butterfly. I so desperately wanted to no longer be who I used to be. I so desperately wanted others to see the new me and forget the old me. This morning in my inbox I had such a beautiful quote: "How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." -Trina Paulus
This quote speaks volumes, absolutely volumes! Our want to has to become so important that we become willing to give up our old nature.
This weekend we've had the pleasure of having our "girls" home. This is the first time that this has happened and while we love having the entire family, it was just an extra special time of togetherness. Saturday morning we had a little picnic with our breakfast.
I think often of how I have a picnic with God in His word. I love when He feeds me little nuggets that so sweeten my daily life and nourish me. This week I've had more of a struggle than normal as I've had the stomach virus that seems to have swept across our nation. Friday afternoon I was starting to feel overwhelmed as I had things that needed to be done at the office to prepare for vacation, and because it was the first of the month. I hadn't been in the office for two days and honestly, I hadn't been in God's word because it was all I could do to eat a few saltines, drink some water and crawl right back into bed. Plus I had not one thing prepared for the girls coming home. Then my commitment for scripture memorization hit me as well, as I hadn't even begun to memorize my 1st of the month scripture. I was becoming over whelmed. Then on Friday evening just as the girls were to be walking in the door, I went to my flip calendar and here God fed me with a much needed morsel:
This morning as we were preparing for our good byes and enjoying the early morning, I thought just how appropriate. If my kitchen table could talk, I just wonder what all it would tell? Countless hours have been spent here, all times of the day and evening. Just my precious God and I! My Man and I, our family, our friends, and yes even a complete stranger or two have sat at our table.
Father God, thank You for the gift of LIFE. For family and the time that we invest in one another. For the love that pours fourth from Your word, from my kitchen table and especially from our hearts. Lord, I ask that You would touch the bodies around the world that are fighting illness's', heartaches, and loneliness. That they would go to Your word and find that special nugget You have hidden for just this very day. Lord, You are the lover of my soul. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
We tend to think of this particular passage of scripture in the visual of the change of a caterpillar to a butterfly. I so desperately wanted to no longer be who I used to be. I so desperately wanted others to see the new me and forget the old me. This morning in my inbox I had such a beautiful quote: "How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." -Trina Paulus
This quote speaks volumes, absolutely volumes! Our want to has to become so important that we become willing to give up our old nature.
This weekend we've had the pleasure of having our "girls" home. This is the first time that this has happened and while we love having the entire family, it was just an extra special time of togetherness. Saturday morning we had a little picnic with our breakfast.
I think often of how I have a picnic with God in His word. I love when He feeds me little nuggets that so sweeten my daily life and nourish me. This week I've had more of a struggle than normal as I've had the stomach virus that seems to have swept across our nation. Friday afternoon I was starting to feel overwhelmed as I had things that needed to be done at the office to prepare for vacation, and because it was the first of the month. I hadn't been in the office for two days and honestly, I hadn't been in God's word because it was all I could do to eat a few saltines, drink some water and crawl right back into bed. Plus I had not one thing prepared for the girls coming home. Then my commitment for scripture memorization hit me as well, as I hadn't even begun to memorize my 1st of the month scripture. I was becoming over whelmed. Then on Friday evening just as the girls were to be walking in the door, I went to my flip calendar and here God fed me with a much needed morsel:
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25 NIVGod is so good to me! I just welled up on the spot and felt so much like God had just given me some breathing room. I think THIS is the scripture God wants me to place on my heart for the 1st!
This morning as we were preparing for our good byes and enjoying the early morning, I thought just how appropriate. If my kitchen table could talk, I just wonder what all it would tell? Countless hours have been spent here, all times of the day and evening. Just my precious God and I! My Man and I, our family, our friends, and yes even a complete stranger or two have sat at our table.
Father God, thank You for the gift of LIFE. For family and the time that we invest in one another. For the love that pours fourth from Your word, from my kitchen table and especially from our hearts. Lord, I ask that You would touch the bodies around the world that are fighting illness's', heartaches, and loneliness. That they would go to Your word and find that special nugget You have hidden for just this very day. Lord, You are the lover of my soul. Amen.
Psalm 34:8 NIV "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Friday, March 6, 2009
Been thinking.....
I've been "witness" to a close situation and how quickly in the need of the moment "they" have called out for God. I'm praying that when they come through to the other side, that they are still clinging and calling out to God. Not a Higher Power, not a stone that they can rub, not The Secret, nor Oprah Winfrey. BUT GOD HIMSELF! Can I get a big AMEN?
I've thought about how God tends to be pulled out of a bottle like a Jeanie or even a game. I KNOW that God is not either one. He is not about having a poker hand and luck of the draw. HE IS GOD. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I can not and will not do life with out Him.
With having said that, I wonder if you have ever had someone compare you to them in their walk with the Lord? I think it can be dangerous, but perhaps it can also be a personal time of reflection and growth. I have a precious friend that is very dear to me. Open and Honest are our names and what we are all about. I believe a true Girlfriend will be this for you or I, and I also believe a Mentor/Mentee relationship needs to be all about this as well.
This dear friend made a statement that I have pondered on for 5 days now and I have her permission to share with each of you, but she was in a valley and said that there are times that she feels she is on the "C" team while I'm on the "Varsity". I'm not saying this in pride, because I honestly do not want pride to have a hold on me. I don't want pride to have a hold on you either. We left it at that for the moment.
Whether you are a Mentor, or a Mentee; whether a mature Christian or a young Christian, I believe that this may help you and I in our very own walk. We must participate if we are going to move forward. No sitting on the bench or in the stands but truly participating. It is all a process and in this walk of being a Believer there really is not instantaneous VARSITY team player. We all start on the "C" team. ALL OF US! Every one of us was CHOSEN (picked) by God.
I touched briefly upon this earlier but am going in a different direction: I think it is extremely good and wise to measure ourselves, but not against one another. Only against the word of God. If we are frustrated at where we are in our walk, we need to evaluate what is causing this frustration?
Sisters and Brothers, what does it take to be a part of the team, in the "game"?
A WILLING HEART
A GREAT COACH
FAITH
TIME
ENCOURAGEMENT
SURRENDER, it is not about me...
talent
excellence not just enduring
I think this small list is what we need when we begin and continue our walk with Christ. Our heart to be surrendered knowing that my life is now about pointing others to Christ. That God is MY God, and that He has the #1 spot in my heart, in my thoughts and in my life. If He doesn't then I need to work at placing Him there. He won't do it on His own, that reflects back to surrendering, having a willing heart and the time you or I invest. It's a choice! Perhaps a sticky note, or a piece of jewelry that you SEE, or your bible with you at all times...would be great ways to help place Christ first. Then it will become natural. We are told it takes faith only the size of a mustard seed. That is itty bitty but with mega rewards!
As you are evaluating your own walk from where you were at a year ago, to today, to where you want to be a year from now.......
1) What will it take for me and from me to be on the Varsity team?
2) Am I willing to do that?
3) If I'm not, then until I do, I will remain on the "c" team.
4) It is dangerous to covet....as a matter of fact, we are told not to!
5) Start small.....be thankful that you are part of the team.
6) I want to re-iterate that...start small, make a decision and carry through, then when that works for you, take the next step.
No matter the "a" team or the "c" team...we are ALL team-mates!
When I first accepted Christ, I bought my own bible and started learning the placement of the books. I had no idea where Genesis would be found, Psalms or Revelation, and all the other 63 books of the bible. I had a note pad and took tons of notes. I sought out another Believer that I knew I wanted what she had, and she graciously poured her time and encouragement into me for a time....then she stepped back to allow me to find out who I was and my own walk. God lit a fire in me and it is up to me to fan that flame, for it to grow larger and larger. Not up to my Pastor, or my Mentor, or my sweet husband. The decision rests upon my shoulders only.
Truly, I desire that my very own walk would place a hunger in others for their own unique, individual walk, not a copy cat of mine.
Father God, I thank You for the men and women You have placed in my life to fan a desire in me to KNOW You and love You. To set aside time to invest in "our "relationship, just the two of us. May those that see the difference You have made in my life, hunger to have their own walk. Lord, You are so worthy. Amen.
I've thought about how God tends to be pulled out of a bottle like a Jeanie or even a game. I KNOW that God is not either one. He is not about having a poker hand and luck of the draw. HE IS GOD. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I can not and will not do life with out Him.
With having said that, I wonder if you have ever had someone compare you to them in their walk with the Lord? I think it can be dangerous, but perhaps it can also be a personal time of reflection and growth. I have a precious friend that is very dear to me. Open and Honest are our names and what we are all about. I believe a true Girlfriend will be this for you or I, and I also believe a Mentor/Mentee relationship needs to be all about this as well.
This dear friend made a statement that I have pondered on for 5 days now and I have her permission to share with each of you, but she was in a valley and said that there are times that she feels she is on the "C" team while I'm on the "Varsity". I'm not saying this in pride, because I honestly do not want pride to have a hold on me. I don't want pride to have a hold on you either. We left it at that for the moment.
Whether you are a Mentor, or a Mentee; whether a mature Christian or a young Christian, I believe that this may help you and I in our very own walk. We must participate if we are going to move forward. No sitting on the bench or in the stands but truly participating. It is all a process and in this walk of being a Believer there really is not instantaneous VARSITY team player. We all start on the "C" team. ALL OF US! Every one of us was CHOSEN (picked) by God.
I touched briefly upon this earlier but am going in a different direction: I think it is extremely good and wise to measure ourselves, but not against one another. Only against the word of God. If we are frustrated at where we are in our walk, we need to evaluate what is causing this frustration?
Sisters and Brothers, what does it take to be a part of the team, in the "game"?
A WILLING HEART
A GREAT COACH
FAITH
TIME
ENCOURAGEMENT
SURRENDER, it is not about me...
talent
excellence not just enduring
I think this small list is what we need when we begin and continue our walk with Christ. Our heart to be surrendered knowing that my life is now about pointing others to Christ. That God is MY God, and that He has the #1 spot in my heart, in my thoughts and in my life. If He doesn't then I need to work at placing Him there. He won't do it on His own, that reflects back to surrendering, having a willing heart and the time you or I invest. It's a choice! Perhaps a sticky note, or a piece of jewelry that you SEE, or your bible with you at all times...would be great ways to help place Christ first. Then it will become natural. We are told it takes faith only the size of a mustard seed. That is itty bitty but with mega rewards!
Matthew 17:19-21 NIV "Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
As you are evaluating your own walk from where you were at a year ago, to today, to where you want to be a year from now.......
1) What will it take for me and from me to be on the Varsity team?
2) Am I willing to do that?
3) If I'm not, then until I do, I will remain on the "c" team.
4) It is dangerous to covet....as a matter of fact, we are told not to!
5) Start small.....be thankful that you are part of the team.
6) I want to re-iterate that...start small, make a decision and carry through, then when that works for you, take the next step.
No matter the "a" team or the "c" team...we are ALL team-mates!
When I first accepted Christ, I bought my own bible and started learning the placement of the books. I had no idea where Genesis would be found, Psalms or Revelation, and all the other 63 books of the bible. I had a note pad and took tons of notes. I sought out another Believer that I knew I wanted what she had, and she graciously poured her time and encouragement into me for a time....then she stepped back to allow me to find out who I was and my own walk. God lit a fire in me and it is up to me to fan that flame, for it to grow larger and larger. Not up to my Pastor, or my Mentor, or my sweet husband. The decision rests upon my shoulders only.
Truly, I desire that my very own walk would place a hunger in others for their own unique, individual walk, not a copy cat of mine.
Father God, I thank You for the men and women You have placed in my life to fan a desire in me to KNOW You and love You. To set aside time to invest in "our "relationship, just the two of us. May those that see the difference You have made in my life, hunger to have their own walk. Lord, You are so worthy. Amen.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What must be taught
Girlfriends, I'm on about my 4th cup of coffee this morning as I arose early after a restful night of sleep. But...I arose early because I knew I needed some alone time with God because I'm wrestling over something. Something that I feel is important enough to share because God is God and I am not!
I have had more than one conversation in the period of about 5 days of hurting women seeking....simply seeking. Our world is full of hurting people, and many know that God is their only answer. As I have come up along side women hungry to be exactly who and what God designed them to be....I am learning also to be aware or discerning of where I go for answers.
I am going to submit for you to read a few scriptures from Titus 2 NIV:
Verse 1: You must teach what is in accord with sound
doctrine.
Verse 3-6: Likewise, teach the older women to be
reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine,
but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their
husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to
be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the
word of God.
Verse 7 & 8: 7In everything set them an
example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and
soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may
be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Verse 11-14: 11For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in
this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of
our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us
from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,
eager to do what is good.
Any one of us, you or I, that have been walking with God one day or many days are to be taught and are to teach others. How? By setting an example. These instructions are given to each one of us from God as he spoke and/or wrote this through Titus that had been instructed and/or associated with Paul for 15 years.
Because of my love for Christ and what He has done for me, I hunger to help others, to point them to the only One that can truly help them. Verse 4 and 5 are truly life-lines for us as women for harmony in our homes. And if harmony is in our home, then it flows over into our work/social life as well. I think that as a woman that has walked with God for longer than a day, something that I truly see and I feel that many over look is that we are to be BUSY AT HOME. The world we live in today, doesn't really encourage women to be at home. We are so encouraged to GET INVOLVED!!! But God says to be busy at home, you and I. When our involvement is to the point that our calendars are filled for every day, when we are gone more on a consistent basis than we are at home....hmmm, this may be the very reason why we are out of kilter. Perhaps it is time to do some prioritizing, or reflect upon what GOD really wants you or I to be doing. Let's ask Him what He wants or intends for us to participate in and then be obedient.
Perhaps as you read these verses something has hit you afresh in the way, we, as women are to be living. I would honestly love to hear your input, but more importantly I know that God would love to have a conversation with you as well.
It is extremely vital that we would point others always to God and His word. Not to man, but to God, He alone is God and He will not stand for another to steal or even share His glory.
Father in Heaven, thank You for guidance and direction as women in this generation You have chosen for us to serve in. May we always point the one You have brought into our presence to YOUR PRESENCE. That we would not steal Your thunder, but remain humble and thoughtful of our own past, present and future. We are not immune to our own hurts and mistakes which aid us to not become prideful. That we not become a god to these lovely ladies, but point them to the One True God. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Lovingly.....Yolanda
Higher Grounds
Monday, March 2, 2009
What we expect vs what God does
Over the weekend I was reading in 2 Kings when I came across an interesting story about the healing of a man by the name of Naaman. Now, who of us does not want a healing? A healing in our marriage, a healing in our physical body, a healing in our finances, a healing in a relationship or perhaps even a healing for a family member or friend? How about a spiritual healing for a loved one to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ?
This whole chapter in 2 Kings 5 just kind of blew me away, it seems to reek with ATTITUDE! The king of Aram wrote a letter to the king of Israel asking for a healing for his servant Naaman. And the king of Israel says out loud..."Am I God?" verse 7. How many times in our world, in our day to day life would we be much better off to say those very words? Am I God? I wonder if we might get our perspective a little bit better in order instead of placing our eyes on men to bring forth that healing whether it be mighty or small? Now...I am not saying to not go to your banker, not go to the doctor, but perhaps AFTER we go to God.
The awesome thing here in Chapter 5 is that Elisha, the man of God comes about "knowing" what had taken place with the letter between two kings concerning Naaman. Verse 10-15 sets the stage for what I want to really share with each of you today.
10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."
11 But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.
13 Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant."
Naaman first of all was told to go to a prophet in Samaria, but he went through the king to a king. And then he was BLESSED that the prophet, Elisha was told of the king's reaction! Blessed that Elisha was BOLD to tell the king of Israel that there was a TRUE PROPHET in Israel and send Naaman to him. How cool is that?
When Naaman arrived though I see again some stinky attitude as he didn't get the response he had EXPECTED from the prophet, oh beans the prophet didn't even come to tell Naaman himself. He sent a messenger to take a bath for crying out loud in the Jordan SEVEN times, there is water back home I could have washed in. PRIDE, PRIDE, PRIDE! I firmly believe anger reflects upon pride.
Thank goodness that Naaman's servants had gone with him, and they must have had some wisdom with-in them. Take a glance once again back at vs 13-15. I loved reading that Naaman and ALL of his attendants went back to the man of God. Gratitude is oozing from them!!! They went back, similar to the one that was restored of leprosy in the new testament. See Luke 17:11-19.
Oh how God does the unexpected in mighty strange ways and once we begin to realize just how much God is outside the box, then our life really takes a turn. Sisters, you and I are in for a ride of our lives!!!!
Father, I am so thankful that YOU are God, and that I am not. I would have such a stinky mess on my hands, much worse than the mess I have currently. Melt my pride Lord, may I be found with an obedient heart, that says, YES when what I'm being told is not the expected. To weigh another's advice against Your word. I am forever grateful that You are outside the box, that You do amazing things that cause us to know WHO performed and granted the latest blessing and/or miracle. Thank You for curing us from ourselves and providing the only reason for PRAISE. Christ Jesus, Himself! Amen and amen.
Lovingly as we reach for Higher Grounds, Yolanda
This whole chapter in 2 Kings 5 just kind of blew me away, it seems to reek with ATTITUDE! The king of Aram wrote a letter to the king of Israel asking for a healing for his servant Naaman. And the king of Israel says out loud..."Am I God?" verse 7. How many times in our world, in our day to day life would we be much better off to say those very words? Am I God? I wonder if we might get our perspective a little bit better in order instead of placing our eyes on men to bring forth that healing whether it be mighty or small? Now...I am not saying to not go to your banker, not go to the doctor, but perhaps AFTER we go to God.
The awesome thing here in Chapter 5 is that Elisha, the man of God comes about "knowing" what had taken place with the letter between two kings concerning Naaman. Verse 10-15 sets the stage for what I want to really share with each of you today.
10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."
11 But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.
13 Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant."
Naaman first of all was told to go to a prophet in Samaria, but he went through the king to a king. And then he was BLESSED that the prophet, Elisha was told of the king's reaction! Blessed that Elisha was BOLD to tell the king of Israel that there was a TRUE PROPHET in Israel and send Naaman to him. How cool is that?
When Naaman arrived though I see again some stinky attitude as he didn't get the response he had EXPECTED from the prophet, oh beans the prophet didn't even come to tell Naaman himself. He sent a messenger to take a bath for crying out loud in the Jordan SEVEN times, there is water back home I could have washed in. PRIDE, PRIDE, PRIDE! I firmly believe anger reflects upon pride.
Thank goodness that Naaman's servants had gone with him, and they must have had some wisdom with-in them. Take a glance once again back at vs 13-15. I loved reading that Naaman and ALL of his attendants went back to the man of God. Gratitude is oozing from them!!! They went back, similar to the one that was restored of leprosy in the new testament. See Luke 17:11-19.
Oh how God does the unexpected in mighty strange ways and once we begin to realize just how much God is outside the box, then our life really takes a turn. Sisters, you and I are in for a ride of our lives!!!!
Father, I am so thankful that YOU are God, and that I am not. I would have such a stinky mess on my hands, much worse than the mess I have currently. Melt my pride Lord, may I be found with an obedient heart, that says, YES when what I'm being told is not the expected. To weigh another's advice against Your word. I am forever grateful that You are outside the box, that You do amazing things that cause us to know WHO performed and granted the latest blessing and/or miracle. Thank You for curing us from ourselves and providing the only reason for PRAISE. Christ Jesus, Himself! Amen and amen.
Lovingly as we reach for Higher Grounds, Yolanda
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