Lately, I have been thinking about King David and his life. He was known as the "Apple of God's Eye". For someone so loved by our Father and Creator, this man went through a lot. He experienced depression, betrayal and great loss.
He was the youngest of Jesse's boys: he had a gentle spirit with a warrior's heart. David was a man of great faith: he trusted that God had a plan for his life and it was good. David was a man who served under a harsh jealous King who accused him of things that David did not do. When he was King, there were those again who were jealous and coveted all David had. They sought to destroy him.
One thing about David, he remain constant in his faith. He believed that if he strayed, like a good Father, God would point out his sin and give him the choice of whether to repent or to harden his heart. Because of his relationship with God, David quickly chose to repent and surrender himself to the mercies of God.
David knew that it was "better to spend one day in the courts of God than a thousand else where". He knew that God's mercies were great and renewed with every dawn. He knew that man was not by nature a merciful being that man would seek revenge or destruction of another.
When he stood up to the Giant. He was certain that he was doing what God required of him. When he played the harp to soothe King Saul, he knew this was where God wanted him. When he danced with great joy before the Lord, he knew this was how God wanted him to enter into His courts: dancing and with great praise. When he chose not to slay King Saul, he knew that God would show him the same mercy. When Nathan spoke to him about his sins, David knew immediately that God wanted him to come in repentance, so he ran and threw himself on the horn of the altar.
Because of the love that David and God shared, David knew that God was always present. David knew that God knew him ever so intimately. Because of this all the days of his life he held fast to God and His word. Even in loneliness, sorrow, depression and confusion of old age, David knew that God had not forsaken Him.
I ask myself: Do I have faith like David to believe that no matter where I am or what I am going through, God is present? Am I willing to run to the altar and hang on until I get a word from God about my life? Am I willing to fight the Giants in my life simply because I know that this is what God says to do? Am I willing to show mercy to someone who has hurt me deeply and seeks to destroy me?
If I cannot answer yes to all of these questions today, I pray that God will be patient with me and guide me to the place where I can answer yes.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Lately, I have ben listening to the new Third Day Album with my husband. It is so hard to pick just one song to call a favorite. In fact, I like the whole album.
All of the songs lead you to one direction: the ever present love of God. One of the songs states,"If you ever feel like giving up, I'll be there. If you ever feel so alone, I'll be there. I'll be there to hold you"
It reminds me that God is with me at all times: those times when I feel that nothing goes right and that overwhelmed feeling sneaks up. Being one who battles depression, I catch myself using the words, "I'm tired' I have learned this is my spirit's code for depressed or oppressed. It has nothing to do with the physical; but instead everything to do with the emotional and spiritual.
I have to stop and take a deep breath and find a place of quiet. In that place, I have to pour myself out before God and enter into His presence. I have to be still... then I realize that it was not God who withdrew His presence, it was I who walked away and took on the cares of this life. I needed to remind myself that no matter what occurs, God is present.
Depression comes when I do not release those cares that weight me down. The human spirit was meant to be free and in communication with our Father Creator. When we take on burdens and let them mount up, we are overwhelmed and become deaf, blind and mute in our relationship with God.
Depression is a genetic thing for my tribe: the wiring in our brains makes us predisposed; but the Spirit of God offers hope and victory. I am thankful that God allowed the creation of medicines that help with the chemical side of thing. But I know so well that without God in my life, the medicines would only take care of the chemical imbalance and not the total situation.
I am thankful that God is always present, that He is aware of everything that goes on. I am thankful that like every good parent, He gives us the freedom of choice full knowing that we might not make the right choices all of the time. And like a good parent when we do make the right choice, He is there to get us back on track: I am thankful that He rejoices when we choose right and walk in the path He desires for us.
I keep thinking that in His Presence there is everything we need
All of the songs lead you to one direction: the ever present love of God. One of the songs states,"If you ever feel like giving up, I'll be there. If you ever feel so alone, I'll be there. I'll be there to hold you"
It reminds me that God is with me at all times: those times when I feel that nothing goes right and that overwhelmed feeling sneaks up. Being one who battles depression, I catch myself using the words, "I'm tired' I have learned this is my spirit's code for depressed or oppressed. It has nothing to do with the physical; but instead everything to do with the emotional and spiritual.
I have to stop and take a deep breath and find a place of quiet. In that place, I have to pour myself out before God and enter into His presence. I have to be still... then I realize that it was not God who withdrew His presence, it was I who walked away and took on the cares of this life. I needed to remind myself that no matter what occurs, God is present.
Depression comes when I do not release those cares that weight me down. The human spirit was meant to be free and in communication with our Father Creator. When we take on burdens and let them mount up, we are overwhelmed and become deaf, blind and mute in our relationship with God.
Depression is a genetic thing for my tribe: the wiring in our brains makes us predisposed; but the Spirit of God offers hope and victory. I am thankful that God allowed the creation of medicines that help with the chemical side of thing. But I know so well that without God in my life, the medicines would only take care of the chemical imbalance and not the total situation.
I am thankful that God is always present, that He is aware of everything that goes on. I am thankful that like every good parent, He gives us the freedom of choice full knowing that we might not make the right choices all of the time. And like a good parent when we do make the right choice, He is there to get us back on track: I am thankful that He rejoices when we choose right and walk in the path He desires for us.
I keep thinking that in His Presence there is everything we need
Friday, August 29, 2008
Seeds Planted Part 2
God is very interested in my family. At a meeting, my other daughter and son-in-law were given a word of encouragement. They were already at a place where God was leading them and they were given a confirmation that they were going in the right direction.
Almost immediately, what was spoken to them came to past. They were ready! God wanted to teach them a lesson about authority: what it meant to be under someone and what it meant to be over someone. I think of the book "The Tale of Three Kings" This book gave insight to authority from the eyes of King David. His experiences under Saul and his experiences over his kingdom and his sons. The son-in-law learned his lesson well and has been blessed because of it.
My daughter has put herself in place for God to bless her as a wife and mother. She is growing spiritually and in confidence.
In the past she has struggled with things that had taken her self esteem and she had forgotten that she belonged to the Living God. She reacted in her flesh and it brought her sorrow. Today, she walks in the knowledge that she is a daughter of the Most High God. It is a difference of night and day!
She is confident in her role has a mother and wife. As a couple, they are seeking God for their family and as the scriptures say, when you seek, you will find.
God has touched all of my children with His presence. It is a great joy to watch Him work in their lives and the lives of my grandchildren.
Almost immediately, what was spoken to them came to past. They were ready! God wanted to teach them a lesson about authority: what it meant to be under someone and what it meant to be over someone. I think of the book "The Tale of Three Kings" This book gave insight to authority from the eyes of King David. His experiences under Saul and his experiences over his kingdom and his sons. The son-in-law learned his lesson well and has been blessed because of it.
My daughter has put herself in place for God to bless her as a wife and mother. She is growing spiritually and in confidence.
In the past she has struggled with things that had taken her self esteem and she had forgotten that she belonged to the Living God. She reacted in her flesh and it brought her sorrow. Today, she walks in the knowledge that she is a daughter of the Most High God. It is a difference of night and day!
She is confident in her role has a mother and wife. As a couple, they are seeking God for their family and as the scriptures say, when you seek, you will find.
God has touched all of my children with His presence. It is a great joy to watch Him work in their lives and the lives of my grandchildren.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Harvest of Seeds Planted
About a year ago, a prophecy was given to one of my daughters and sons-in-law. They were told that in the next year that a great change in their life would come to past.
Almost immediately, things began to happen. The son-in-law lost his job! He was able to find a job that he liked but it paid less money than he had been making. So the family under went many changes and struggles for this past year: to top it off, he was told that this job was to be ending soon. Once more, the family had more pressure add to what was all ready happening.
Our very faithful God took control of their situation once they came to a place of realizing that even though things were tough: they had each other and that they were not alone in their struggle.
Exactly one year to the date of the prophecy, the son-in-law was hired at a job that promises a future and good pay with benefits. Not only that, they were able to move into a good school district and neighborhood after selling their house.
I am reminded of the verses in Daniel. You know where the angel appears to Daniel and told him from the first moment he prayed that his prayer was answered;but he (the Angel) had to fight with the king of Persia. That is what I feel took place in this situation: Spiritual Battle had to be done. Not only was spiritual warfare involved; but it was a time of character and faith building.
Faith building because one becomes aware that God is interested in their life and that He will do as He has promised. You have to stretch yourself and BELIEVE! Character building because in trials we learn things about ourself. We learn what is of God and what part of the world we still have in us. We learn who is truly on the throne of our life: God or our flesh.
I pray that all have learn that blessings just don't happen by some circumstance: that they occur when we are in communication with God. Just like seeds planted so long ago that were nurtured and water, our garden is full and ready for harvest.
I praise God for His loving kindness toward each of my children as I watch them harvest blessing from seeds planted in faith
Almost immediately, things began to happen. The son-in-law lost his job! He was able to find a job that he liked but it paid less money than he had been making. So the family under went many changes and struggles for this past year: to top it off, he was told that this job was to be ending soon. Once more, the family had more pressure add to what was all ready happening.
Our very faithful God took control of their situation once they came to a place of realizing that even though things were tough: they had each other and that they were not alone in their struggle.
Exactly one year to the date of the prophecy, the son-in-law was hired at a job that promises a future and good pay with benefits. Not only that, they were able to move into a good school district and neighborhood after selling their house.
I am reminded of the verses in Daniel. You know where the angel appears to Daniel and told him from the first moment he prayed that his prayer was answered;but he (the Angel) had to fight with the king of Persia. That is what I feel took place in this situation: Spiritual Battle had to be done. Not only was spiritual warfare involved; but it was a time of character and faith building.
Faith building because one becomes aware that God is interested in their life and that He will do as He has promised. You have to stretch yourself and BELIEVE! Character building because in trials we learn things about ourself. We learn what is of God and what part of the world we still have in us. We learn who is truly on the throne of our life: God or our flesh.
I pray that all have learn that blessings just don't happen by some circumstance: that they occur when we are in communication with God. Just like seeds planted so long ago that were nurtured and water, our garden is full and ready for harvest.
I praise God for His loving kindness toward each of my children as I watch them harvest blessing from seeds planted in faith
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What is it that I am to learn?
This past week, my husband broke his right leg. He has several fractures on the tibia and fibula above the ankle.
For a man who thinks working at his computer while sitting in a chair is resting, so far it has be real tough. Willie is the type of guy when he sleeps he makes lists for the next day ! He is a very social person and enjoys having fellowship with those who like doing the same things as he does. In fact, this guy just enjoys people and soon after meeting someone, he can add them to a list of ever growing friends.
As a Preacher's Kid, he moved several times in his youth, acquiring the skill of making friend quickly. He enjoys learning about new a different things and will research subjects until he gets a good idea what they are all about. He is a good friend that is loyal and willing to go the extra mile to help another.
His greatest joy however, is his family. Willie is very proud of his children and absolutely adores his grandchildren. He is often sharing with them various experiences and encouraging them to learn from life, as well as the fact, one should never stop learning.
God allows us to be put into a place or situations sometimes that requires us to learn something new. Willie might be learning how to slow down and rest a little. But what is it that I am to learn?
I believe it is to learn how to be cheerful as I serve him ( or anyone): how to express not only my love as I care for him; but to express the love of Jesus toward him as well.
I am to pray for his healing not because i am tired but because it will relieve his pain. I am to seek his comfort and realize that as I comfort him, God is adding to our relationship a new area of trust that will last us through our old age. Everyday, I learn patience and realize that God has chosen to use Willie to work them in me at this time. I am learning that when I pray to be more like Jesus, opportunities open up for me to experience the chance to learn how to serve and do it joyfully.
Please pray for Willie to be healed so that he might continue in the things that bring him joy and for me be a better servant: one who finds joy in the opportunities that God place before her.
For a man who thinks working at his computer while sitting in a chair is resting, so far it has be real tough. Willie is the type of guy when he sleeps he makes lists for the next day ! He is a very social person and enjoys having fellowship with those who like doing the same things as he does. In fact, this guy just enjoys people and soon after meeting someone, he can add them to a list of ever growing friends.
As a Preacher's Kid, he moved several times in his youth, acquiring the skill of making friend quickly. He enjoys learning about new a different things and will research subjects until he gets a good idea what they are all about. He is a good friend that is loyal and willing to go the extra mile to help another.
His greatest joy however, is his family. Willie is very proud of his children and absolutely adores his grandchildren. He is often sharing with them various experiences and encouraging them to learn from life, as well as the fact, one should never stop learning.
God allows us to be put into a place or situations sometimes that requires us to learn something new. Willie might be learning how to slow down and rest a little. But what is it that I am to learn?
I believe it is to learn how to be cheerful as I serve him ( or anyone): how to express not only my love as I care for him; but to express the love of Jesus toward him as well.
I am to pray for his healing not because i am tired but because it will relieve his pain. I am to seek his comfort and realize that as I comfort him, God is adding to our relationship a new area of trust that will last us through our old age. Everyday, I learn patience and realize that God has chosen to use Willie to work them in me at this time. I am learning that when I pray to be more like Jesus, opportunities open up for me to experience the chance to learn how to serve and do it joyfully.
Please pray for Willie to be healed so that he might continue in the things that bring him joy and for me be a better servant: one who finds joy in the opportunities that God place before her.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Waiting on God
"for the revelation awaits an appointed time...though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay!"
Habakkub 2:3-4
Often we believe that God has spoken to us through others and the scriptures. We believe that He has given us a promise and then we believe it will come to past instantly. We find ourselves disappointed because this promise has not been fulfilled when we think it should be or as we would like it to be.
One thing I have learned through the years is that everything has an appointed time. Our very existance is filled with appontments. There is a time to be born and a time to die; a time laugh and to mourn. I am sure yyou get where I am going. The government even has appointed times that affect our lives: legal ages for voting, driving,marriage and so on. We know that they are coming but we are in such a hurry to make and pass those appointments that we forget about the preparation that we must put into meeting requirements for the appointment.
With spiritual things, we are in a hurry for the blessing or promise to be fulfilled that we forget that in the waiting there is a gift. That gift is having fellowship with God. In the waiting, we can have conversation with our Father and learn what He desires for us as Hs children. As the "revelation" lingers, we can gain strength and understanding as we wait. We gain wisdom as to how to be at peace and our faith grows in a new way.
In the waiting, we are changed: we have learned to rest and trust and truly believe that God knows what is best for us. Some of my best times in life have been waiting on God simply because I get to know HIm in a new light and find something new about His nature.
In the waiting, God is the same; but we begin to see Him with new eyes and our heart begins to yearn for His company. We learn what it is like to be in His presence and we cling to this time of fellowship.
God is faithful and brings to pass all of His promises; but when you are rejoicing in the fulfilment of the promise: remember to thank God for the gift of waiting
Habakkub 2:3-4
Often we believe that God has spoken to us through others and the scriptures. We believe that He has given us a promise and then we believe it will come to past instantly. We find ourselves disappointed because this promise has not been fulfilled when we think it should be or as we would like it to be.
One thing I have learned through the years is that everything has an appointed time. Our very existance is filled with appontments. There is a time to be born and a time to die; a time laugh and to mourn. I am sure yyou get where I am going. The government even has appointed times that affect our lives: legal ages for voting, driving,marriage and so on. We know that they are coming but we are in such a hurry to make and pass those appointments that we forget about the preparation that we must put into meeting requirements for the appointment.
With spiritual things, we are in a hurry for the blessing or promise to be fulfilled that we forget that in the waiting there is a gift. That gift is having fellowship with God. In the waiting, we can have conversation with our Father and learn what He desires for us as Hs children. As the "revelation" lingers, we can gain strength and understanding as we wait. We gain wisdom as to how to be at peace and our faith grows in a new way.
In the waiting, we are changed: we have learned to rest and trust and truly believe that God knows what is best for us. Some of my best times in life have been waiting on God simply because I get to know HIm in a new light and find something new about His nature.
In the waiting, God is the same; but we begin to see Him with new eyes and our heart begins to yearn for His company. We learn what it is like to be in His presence and we cling to this time of fellowship.
God is faithful and brings to pass all of His promises; but when you are rejoicing in the fulfilment of the promise: remember to thank God for the gift of waiting
Friday, June 6, 2008
Vacation
Vacation is a time to get away from the usual routine of life: to relax and refocus the direction you are going.
About every two years, we take a long vaction to do such. The vacation happend to coinside with one of my husband's favorite things : the Texas Star Party. So naturally, we decided to enjoy the Davis Mountains and all that is available around us.
The night skies at the Davis Mountaiins are some of the most beautiful that we have ever seen. Th skies are very dark and because of this one can see the heavns on great display. Men, women and children from all areas over the world come to the Prude Ranch every year simply to enjoy the handiwork of God.
After the Star Party ends, we will be enjoying one of God's greatest wonders: our beautiful grandchildren! They will be travelling to join us here, We will get to share with them this wonderful place in the Ft. Davis, Balmorhea, and Big Bend area. Willie and I so enjoy coming to this area whenever we can. The canyons and valleys remind us of how small we are and how great God is.
Whenever I am here it reminds me of the Scripture that if we do not praise God that the rocks will cry out in praise. Here even when we sing praises to the Lord, the rocks are singing in harmony in order to give God full worship.
Vacation here does relax and bring refocus of life. That focus is to worship our Creator and remind us that if we are moving toward God in all areas of life, we are headed in the right direction!
About every two years, we take a long vaction to do such. The vacation happend to coinside with one of my husband's favorite things : the Texas Star Party. So naturally, we decided to enjoy the Davis Mountains and all that is available around us.
The night skies at the Davis Mountaiins are some of the most beautiful that we have ever seen. Th skies are very dark and because of this one can see the heavns on great display. Men, women and children from all areas over the world come to the Prude Ranch every year simply to enjoy the handiwork of God.
After the Star Party ends, we will be enjoying one of God's greatest wonders: our beautiful grandchildren! They will be travelling to join us here, We will get to share with them this wonderful place in the Ft. Davis, Balmorhea, and Big Bend area. Willie and I so enjoy coming to this area whenever we can. The canyons and valleys remind us of how small we are and how great God is.
Whenever I am here it reminds me of the Scripture that if we do not praise God that the rocks will cry out in praise. Here even when we sing praises to the Lord, the rocks are singing in harmony in order to give God full worship.
Vacation here does relax and bring refocus of life. That focus is to worship our Creator and remind us that if we are moving toward God in all areas of life, we are headed in the right direction!
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