As I'm driving to work in the midst of so much change in my life, from my husband's job, my job, Brea just got a job! :), kids just finishing school, their step mom just had a baby, my husband travelling a lot, my whole family away right now in Fort Lauderdale on vacation, saying goodbye to some of my youth leaders that I've done ministry with for the past 3 years to release them to other spots in the world, to releasing many of the youth that have now graduated... and tears fill my eyes as I simply share my heart with the Lord. Lord I feel in the midst of all this change I stand empty handed knowing not what any of it beholds, and yet you remind me that I have you. My complete dependency is in you. When all is stripped away that really is what it comes down to. Seasons of change are never easy, but amidst the storm if I don't feet on the rock I'm doomed.
I thank Him for the reminder that HE is the guest that lives within me. His Holy Spirit. Wow. I truly am never alone, for He never leaves me nor forsakes me.
Then I turn to listen to my bible on cd, and am truly blessed by this thought in scripture. (Yes this is all happening on the way to work(the church.)). I'm listening to Acts wanting to be refreshed and reminded of the truest roll out of church from the very onset, not the thousands of books that teach us church their way. I desire HIS way. But as I'm listening Acts 5:40-42 new revelation hits me.
Here's Peter and the apostles in jail the night before, brought before the Sanhedrin and the high priest being questioned. Gamaliel gives an address that persuades the others to be careful for these men activity isn't of human origin but of God's. So they agree to let them go for now... but FIRST they beat them!!!
v. 40 " They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
I imagined myself coming into the the church foyer and a bunch of our police and city lawyers handcuffing me and saying "Pastor Carrie, we've had enough of you preaching about Christ." Then beating me and letting me go with threats that I can't mention Jesus again.
??? Honestly. How would I react? My first thought is to give my head a shake and call Roger to ask him if this is really the job for me?? And then I grab a hold of myself and the guest inside me arises with boldness and confidence. And I find my heart aching as I pray to Him for that same boldness. That if that did happen that I would react as they did.
v. 41" The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING because they had been counted WORTHY of suffering disgrace for the Name."
Wow... rejoicing! Again I picture myself being released with bloody nose, black eyes, wounds all over back into my car running into people in the parking lot, rejoicing. "No this is a good thing."
Dumbfounded they respond, "WHY????"
"Because...in this moment I have been counted WORTHY of suffering for my Jesus." Counted worthy. wow...
You see there is disgrace from the world when we stand for Jesus. It has always been that way and will continue. So why do we shy away from even the littlest conversations that we can feel him prompting us to share. Fear of rejection or disgrace? Perhaps it's a shift of our mind to release that a little disgrace and a lot of rejection should bring us some rejoicing and a passion to persevere.
v. 42 "Day after day in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
Would we go on stress leave from work or would we be bold enough to be at the next day? Really.
My simple prayer is "Lord rise up in me with a holy jealousy for your world and the people you so love. That I would boldly share your love to all and everyone, despite any opposition. But rather knowing opposition is often a sign of the enemy's jealousy. And nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."
Interesting... but it was in the previous chapter that they prayed for this boldness, (Acts 4:29,30) God was answering their prayer. Perhaps we have not, because we haven't asked for help?
And yes.. this was my Spirit taught devotional in the car on the way to work. LOL! And you wonder why don't need a lot of entertainment....duhhh...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Peaceful Mediation & Mindful Heated Wrestling
One of my youth leaders introduced me to a Hot Yoga class, bikram specifically. They'd been bugging me for a while to try it and I kept putting it off but lately I had been getting the question is Yoga ok or is it a more worldly way to worship other gods? SO.... wanting to answer with understanding of going myself and for simple fun with some of my youth leaders I went.
It was 90 minutes long and wow it was INTENSE! Seriously. It was hard, but good. Anyways here's what happens to me in that setting. My mind is supposed to stay focused on the poses and to rest and relax. lol! Well that's the furthest thing it's doing. It's really really hot in the room and by the end literally you are drenched with sweat. It gets so hot at one point near the end I can barely breathe let alone do a pose. So in my mind I find myself silently begging the instructor that she would open the windows just an inch to let in some air. But to no avail. Then I have this physical and spiritual revelation of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man begging from hell to Abraham, " Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire." Luke 16:24. I encourage you to read Abraham's response in the following verse. Look it up.
I'm having this thought, that I have water and freedom to leave, but a moment sets in in my distress of heat and pain, that when we enter eternity those that reject God now will live forever in that isolation and extreme heat. And there will never be anyone to open the window for them. Wow... this desperation made me feel theirs in that moment and I felt overwhelming sadness that life is a reality. What are doing with it before it's too late. I also looked around the class filled with such order and peacefulness. Everyone so vulnerable in nothing but tanks and shorts, dripping sweat, hair pasted to their heads, lying down in complete submission to the leader. Complete peacefulness. I thought, wow... we don't even honor God really in this same devotion and stillness, we seldom bend a knee let alone lie face down on a hard floor. We can barely pray for 5 min. Don't get me wrong... I loved the order and stillness... I was racking my brain trying to think how I could incorporate this with prayer and meditation... lol. You know I'm not kidding. :)
Also the respect given to the teacher in complete obedience and effort to succeed despite the heat. Do we do this in our spiritual journey? Do I listen and trust my teacher (our Lord) with such devotion. Even when troubles and ailments of heat being turned up around me, do I press on to finish well, staying focused? Or do I roll up my mat and leave? No one left. No one dared. It was powerful to me.
I was also looking to see for myself in this class if I was pulled by any other spiritual forces or felt as if I was submitting to something evil as some wondered? I think it really depends on the yoga class and specifically the instructor. There are so many different kinds and I can't comment on all of them, but this one specifically was fine. They simply talk about the pose and then are completely silent. It was really no different than the most intense stretching class than I've ever been in in my life. Now again, I KNOW that it's not the same for all yoga classes. And you do need to be really careful. Don't give the enemy a foothold and it's the spiritual forces that are at war. I would encourage you to pray about it God will show you with conviction if you're in the class and it doesn't feel right. Honor Him and don't participate. If you still aren't sure invite a godly woman you know and respect to join you for one class to see what she says.
You see before I went into it I seriously prayed for a great protection of His Spirit, His armor over me, not knowing what I was going in to. God honors this.
As a teacher for God, I can sit and point fingers and say it's wrong but if I can't speak with an understanding to the specifics what good is that to my listeners? I want to be a great teacher of life in all things for His Glory. One that doesn't just talk about it but lives it. That all would know now... there is only one way to escape the heat of hell. That is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
And when you give your heart to Him and He begins to live in you and love you. And you open your heart to trusting this love things in you begin to change and it's glorious!
So much so, that I can honestly say to put the list of sorrows from hell in order, to me it wouldn't be the intense heat, lake of fire, complete darkness, utter agony and pain, isolation, or even maggots eating away to me... although, that stuff is awful!! To me it would be the absolute absence of God and His presence forever. Even the thought of that in this moment makes me fill up. To not have Him forever... we have no idea what that will mean and I believe it is then that He will need to wipe the tears from our eyes as we see those we long to know the way that have rejected Him banished forever. May we reach in new ways to all those around us while we can, as our life is short. We are called to share this good news that there is a way of life for eternity!
It was 90 minutes long and wow it was INTENSE! Seriously. It was hard, but good. Anyways here's what happens to me in that setting. My mind is supposed to stay focused on the poses and to rest and relax. lol! Well that's the furthest thing it's doing. It's really really hot in the room and by the end literally you are drenched with sweat. It gets so hot at one point near the end I can barely breathe let alone do a pose. So in my mind I find myself silently begging the instructor that she would open the windows just an inch to let in some air. But to no avail. Then I have this physical and spiritual revelation of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man begging from hell to Abraham, " Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire." Luke 16:24. I encourage you to read Abraham's response in the following verse. Look it up.
I'm having this thought, that I have water and freedom to leave, but a moment sets in in my distress of heat and pain, that when we enter eternity those that reject God now will live forever in that isolation and extreme heat. And there will never be anyone to open the window for them. Wow... this desperation made me feel theirs in that moment and I felt overwhelming sadness that life is a reality. What are doing with it before it's too late. I also looked around the class filled with such order and peacefulness. Everyone so vulnerable in nothing but tanks and shorts, dripping sweat, hair pasted to their heads, lying down in complete submission to the leader. Complete peacefulness. I thought, wow... we don't even honor God really in this same devotion and stillness, we seldom bend a knee let alone lie face down on a hard floor. We can barely pray for 5 min. Don't get me wrong... I loved the order and stillness... I was racking my brain trying to think how I could incorporate this with prayer and meditation... lol. You know I'm not kidding. :)
Also the respect given to the teacher in complete obedience and effort to succeed despite the heat. Do we do this in our spiritual journey? Do I listen and trust my teacher (our Lord) with such devotion. Even when troubles and ailments of heat being turned up around me, do I press on to finish well, staying focused? Or do I roll up my mat and leave? No one left. No one dared. It was powerful to me.
I was also looking to see for myself in this class if I was pulled by any other spiritual forces or felt as if I was submitting to something evil as some wondered? I think it really depends on the yoga class and specifically the instructor. There are so many different kinds and I can't comment on all of them, but this one specifically was fine. They simply talk about the pose and then are completely silent. It was really no different than the most intense stretching class than I've ever been in in my life. Now again, I KNOW that it's not the same for all yoga classes. And you do need to be really careful. Don't give the enemy a foothold and it's the spiritual forces that are at war. I would encourage you to pray about it God will show you with conviction if you're in the class and it doesn't feel right. Honor Him and don't participate. If you still aren't sure invite a godly woman you know and respect to join you for one class to see what she says.
You see before I went into it I seriously prayed for a great protection of His Spirit, His armor over me, not knowing what I was going in to. God honors this.
As a teacher for God, I can sit and point fingers and say it's wrong but if I can't speak with an understanding to the specifics what good is that to my listeners? I want to be a great teacher of life in all things for His Glory. One that doesn't just talk about it but lives it. That all would know now... there is only one way to escape the heat of hell. That is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
And when you give your heart to Him and He begins to live in you and love you. And you open your heart to trusting this love things in you begin to change and it's glorious!
So much so, that I can honestly say to put the list of sorrows from hell in order, to me it wouldn't be the intense heat, lake of fire, complete darkness, utter agony and pain, isolation, or even maggots eating away to me... although, that stuff is awful!! To me it would be the absolute absence of God and His presence forever. Even the thought of that in this moment makes me fill up. To not have Him forever... we have no idea what that will mean and I believe it is then that He will need to wipe the tears from our eyes as we see those we long to know the way that have rejected Him banished forever. May we reach in new ways to all those around us while we can, as our life is short. We are called to share this good news that there is a way of life for eternity!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Slurpee of Love?
I love how the Spirit leads us. How He desires teach us and take us beyond our comfort zones. How He longs for our beautification and our perfection if only we would simply cooperate more often. How He wants to take our hand and pull us to places we couldn't even dream or imagine. And yes He is preparing me yet again to do that even with a new assignment here at the church. More to come on that after we've officially announced it to all members next week. Just KNOW I'm excited!!!
But as God is preparing me I've been digging into local areas by exploring them but with a prayer that says Lord let me see with the eyes of my heart what you see in these communities.
Needless to say here I am in a rougher area in a corner store stopped to get a drink watching the stream of teens bustle in just fresh from school. I witness a group of 3 girls all duded up buying slushies. The two of them are being somewhat mean and ignorant to the third, so much that they went ahead paid for the drink and left her. She ended up being behind me in line hiding behind her sunglasses. My heart was moved to simply love on her, show her that she was valued as much as Christ would see her right now... but HOW do I do that without freaking her out? Just extending love? Instantly the Spirit provides me His wisdom.
I pay for my drink and quietly ask the cashier to add to my bill what the girl behind me has in her hands. I pay the bill and without making a big fuss or anything leave to my car. Dressed in a business suit, I opened the door to my car. She came out, looked at me with a shocked but deep apprecition as she took off her sunglasses. "Thanks a lot" she murmered a little dumbfounded.
Her two friends already walking away on the sidewalk, now stopped wondering why she was talking to me? I smiled lovingly at her and said "You're welcome." And then got in my car.
As I drove away I could see her telling her friends the story and with shocked looks they all stared. But they brought her back into the threesome.
I realized in her rejection to be placed behind me in line God was going to use this for me to bless her. Sure it was a couple bucks, but it's not about the money, it's about extending love when He moves our hearts to. We don't need to understand, rationalize or even calculate but trust that He desires to show himself through us to all people.
Help me Lord more and more to yield to your loving Spirit and may I partner with you constantly to see what you see and therefore move with your hands and your feet to love as you love.
John 13:34,35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
They shall know I am His disciple when I love one another.
May we rise to such a calling. Let's start with the little things. :)
But as God is preparing me I've been digging into local areas by exploring them but with a prayer that says Lord let me see with the eyes of my heart what you see in these communities.
Needless to say here I am in a rougher area in a corner store stopped to get a drink watching the stream of teens bustle in just fresh from school. I witness a group of 3 girls all duded up buying slushies. The two of them are being somewhat mean and ignorant to the third, so much that they went ahead paid for the drink and left her. She ended up being behind me in line hiding behind her sunglasses. My heart was moved to simply love on her, show her that she was valued as much as Christ would see her right now... but HOW do I do that without freaking her out? Just extending love? Instantly the Spirit provides me His wisdom.
I pay for my drink and quietly ask the cashier to add to my bill what the girl behind me has in her hands. I pay the bill and without making a big fuss or anything leave to my car. Dressed in a business suit, I opened the door to my car. She came out, looked at me with a shocked but deep apprecition as she took off her sunglasses. "Thanks a lot" she murmered a little dumbfounded.
Her two friends already walking away on the sidewalk, now stopped wondering why she was talking to me? I smiled lovingly at her and said "You're welcome." And then got in my car.
As I drove away I could see her telling her friends the story and with shocked looks they all stared. But they brought her back into the threesome.
I realized in her rejection to be placed behind me in line God was going to use this for me to bless her. Sure it was a couple bucks, but it's not about the money, it's about extending love when He moves our hearts to. We don't need to understand, rationalize or even calculate but trust that He desires to show himself through us to all people.
Help me Lord more and more to yield to your loving Spirit and may I partner with you constantly to see what you see and therefore move with your hands and your feet to love as you love.
John 13:34,35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
They shall know I am His disciple when I love one another.
May we rise to such a calling. Let's start with the little things. :)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tire"Less" Tears
I'm going to try to make a conscious effort to update my blog more frequently. Thank you for your encouragement. :)
It's in our most vulnerable moments that the enemy loves to pounce on us. He's crouching at the door, lurking like a lion seeking a perfect time to devour. The furthest thing is mercy on his mind but rather, "Just give it to her." He seeks to kill, steal and destroy. Not sure what is to be taken lightly about that???
As I say goodbye to Roger this morning as he travels for work, it's definitely been an adjustment for us and continues to be as a couple madly in love. YES! We really do both love each other's company. It's hard to say goodbye but being a single mom for 8 years I know quite well how an independent woman rises to the task. But I'm also sensitive to not resort back to "not desiring" or "needing" a husband to carry me through this alone time, but loving him from a far while fully continuing to rely on our Lord.
Needless to say, one of my least favourite things to take care of as a woman (you can ask many people around me) is maintenance of anything mechanical, especially car things. I just appreciate my acura new and clean, not having to worry about it. I know... perhaps a little princessy, but Roger has taken joy in caring for me in this. A few times I've had flat tires this year and it has left me crying at the side of road with a tire destroyed down to the rim.
You can see where this is going. ;)
So yes... I come out of a meeting at church RIGHT after saying goodbye to Roger and my back tire is completely flat.
I look around and see three amazing men of our church working on another project. I simply ask for their help and in a heart beat they are all around me, compressor, jack, spare tires, etc. I feel surrounded by heaven's help.
I head to the tire place again (4th time this year) frustrated as I love managing my time effectively while maximizing all moments. This has caused a major delay in the tasks for the day. Having been here so many times, the guy at the shop knows me instantly and doesn't even ask my name. (sigh)
He looks at it and says it's punctured and I need a new one. We will need to get it tomorrow. At this point I don't want to spend the money, come back, or even deal with it. I can't respond for fear of crying in front of him. I simply nodd my head.
He drives my car around and I feel convicted for a frustrated attitude which wasn't his fault and so I say, "I'm sorry." Then I try to choke back my tears but I start bawling. He's taken back... "Oh I know Miss... I'm sorry too. I know it's the last thing you want to buy is another tire..." I get myself together and bow my head humbly as I get in my car, embarrassed and still crying.
As I drive away... I ask "Why am I so distraught?" Then it's as if the Holy Spirit reveals the depth of my heart to me. "It's not the tire as much as it's the one thing you'd love Roger to be here for to help you with. It's his departure that causes the sadness and the enemy is looking to simply jump all over it."
I still need to cry for a bit just to let it out in the quietness of my car. But then I knew I simply needed to give it to God. The enemy works hard to separate marriages. I see it. But he's not going to stop we just need to get on our game. God's given us everything we need to win, but we need to play. His way.
So I start talking to Him (praying) and found myself reflecting on and thanking Him that He provided these 3 angels to take care of me, right at the church so I wasn't at the side of the road. And everyone worked instantly to help me. Then I asked simply that He'd give me some token or sign of His affection in that moment, even a verse that would comfort me of His presence.
So I turn to my audible bible cd, and sure enough, THERE HE IS. Right at that exact spot.
Philippians 4:6, 7 "Carrie, Don't be anxious about ANYTHING... not even tires or Roger's departure BUT in EVERYTHING (yes,even tires and Roger's departure) by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. Then MY peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."
See when I give it to Him, He provides. Provides peace that actually guards my heart in this moment to remind me that He is FOR ROGER AND I. That He loves "US" and me and cares about everything.
I am humbled in this moment to be reminded that the God of the universe and ancient of days is ever near to me even in trivial things.
I didn't even want to go on to my next assignment until I wrote this not only to encourage you but to give Him all the glory due Him.
He is MORE THAN ENOUGH. Try, test, see, taste, touch and I promise you if you seek Him with all your heart, no matter the situation He SHALL BE FOUND.
God, I am humbled that you love me. So much. So So much.
xo
It's in our most vulnerable moments that the enemy loves to pounce on us. He's crouching at the door, lurking like a lion seeking a perfect time to devour. The furthest thing is mercy on his mind but rather, "Just give it to her." He seeks to kill, steal and destroy. Not sure what is to be taken lightly about that???
As I say goodbye to Roger this morning as he travels for work, it's definitely been an adjustment for us and continues to be as a couple madly in love. YES! We really do both love each other's company. It's hard to say goodbye but being a single mom for 8 years I know quite well how an independent woman rises to the task. But I'm also sensitive to not resort back to "not desiring" or "needing" a husband to carry me through this alone time, but loving him from a far while fully continuing to rely on our Lord.
Needless to say, one of my least favourite things to take care of as a woman (you can ask many people around me) is maintenance of anything mechanical, especially car things. I just appreciate my acura new and clean, not having to worry about it. I know... perhaps a little princessy, but Roger has taken joy in caring for me in this. A few times I've had flat tires this year and it has left me crying at the side of road with a tire destroyed down to the rim.
You can see where this is going. ;)
So yes... I come out of a meeting at church RIGHT after saying goodbye to Roger and my back tire is completely flat.
I look around and see three amazing men of our church working on another project. I simply ask for their help and in a heart beat they are all around me, compressor, jack, spare tires, etc. I feel surrounded by heaven's help.
I head to the tire place again (4th time this year) frustrated as I love managing my time effectively while maximizing all moments. This has caused a major delay in the tasks for the day. Having been here so many times, the guy at the shop knows me instantly and doesn't even ask my name. (sigh)
He looks at it and says it's punctured and I need a new one. We will need to get it tomorrow. At this point I don't want to spend the money, come back, or even deal with it. I can't respond for fear of crying in front of him. I simply nodd my head.
He drives my car around and I feel convicted for a frustrated attitude which wasn't his fault and so I say, "I'm sorry." Then I try to choke back my tears but I start bawling. He's taken back... "Oh I know Miss... I'm sorry too. I know it's the last thing you want to buy is another tire..." I get myself together and bow my head humbly as I get in my car, embarrassed and still crying.
As I drive away... I ask "Why am I so distraught?" Then it's as if the Holy Spirit reveals the depth of my heart to me. "It's not the tire as much as it's the one thing you'd love Roger to be here for to help you with. It's his departure that causes the sadness and the enemy is looking to simply jump all over it."
I still need to cry for a bit just to let it out in the quietness of my car. But then I knew I simply needed to give it to God. The enemy works hard to separate marriages. I see it. But he's not going to stop we just need to get on our game. God's given us everything we need to win, but we need to play. His way.
So I start talking to Him (praying) and found myself reflecting on and thanking Him that He provided these 3 angels to take care of me, right at the church so I wasn't at the side of the road. And everyone worked instantly to help me. Then I asked simply that He'd give me some token or sign of His affection in that moment, even a verse that would comfort me of His presence.
So I turn to my audible bible cd, and sure enough, THERE HE IS. Right at that exact spot.
Philippians 4:6, 7 "Carrie, Don't be anxious about ANYTHING... not even tires or Roger's departure BUT in EVERYTHING (yes,even tires and Roger's departure) by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. Then MY peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."
See when I give it to Him, He provides. Provides peace that actually guards my heart in this moment to remind me that He is FOR ROGER AND I. That He loves "US" and me and cares about everything.
I am humbled in this moment to be reminded that the God of the universe and ancient of days is ever near to me even in trivial things.
I didn't even want to go on to my next assignment until I wrote this not only to encourage you but to give Him all the glory due Him.
He is MORE THAN ENOUGH. Try, test, see, taste, touch and I promise you if you seek Him with all your heart, no matter the situation He SHALL BE FOUND.
God, I am humbled that you love me. So much. So So much.
xo
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Holidays & Holy Moments
I’ve been blessed to enjoy my husband for the past 2 weeks as we marvel together at many of God’s great works, from France, Monte Carlo, Italy (Venice & Rome), Barcelona, Spain, Croatia, New York City, the Mediterranean Sea and a thing called Love. All glorious artworks of His. Not just the stunning beauty but the culture and the people that make each place despite how close in proximity so completely diverse. The Mediterranean Sea and the glorious unique blue that no other body of water shares. The way it can so quickly have huge waves and the next moment literally be a sea of glass. And mostly as Roger and I connect we find ourselves constantly fellowship not only with one another but our God. We feel a bit as Adam and Eve did as God desired to walk and BE with them. How blessed we are that He would allow us this privilege, He even upgraded us to an elaborate suite and despite the 10 cruises I’ve been on, I would say this one was the best thus far.
God gave us such unique timing to all of these places from witnessing the International Film Festival in France with Hollywood, to the days before the Monte Carlo Indy, to witnessing the protests in Spain first hand, a full moon on the Sea, having dinner with a world famous chef along with cooking lessons, glorious weather, even being able to pick up the Canucks game though away was fun. Roger and I never did the excursions that the tours arranged but always trusted God to lead us and every time what He brought us to and how He did it kept us marveling. Even others at the end of the day wanted to hear the stories. We even got to have dinner in the restaurant in Venice we ate in for our honeymoon! J
We toured Barcelona yesterday. What an incredible city!! It’s amazing. There’s one mountain there at the side of the city called Mount Montjuic. It’s a stunning park but with many beautiful buildings and landmarks on it as well, one being the stadium they held the World Olympics in right at the very top. As we toured it my heart was stirred to want to be there alone with God in the wee hours of the morning. This intensified as I realized the Jewish history of this mountain. ( I met many Jewish people on the Cruise and even attended their Shabbat Service. J )
Not just the mountain but the draw of this empty stadium in which representation from our world gathered not so long ago. Roger could see my heart stirring and without even asking he knew I’d want to run there in the morning and have my quiet time with God. J He so knows me… even before I say things. He reminds me though that we need to leave at 7am in the morning so that means I would need to head there at 5am. Remember it is our vacation. I say I want to.
And sure enough, 5am on the dark roads of Barcelona the hotel guy shows me the way to get there but claims I shouldn’t try to do one side to the other it’s too hard, just go back the way I came. We those that know me, know I hate back tracking. I’d rather blaze new trails whenever I can. So I went, worship music, I actually replayed the song “Imagine” 12 times, which has never been done for me before. As I ran up the front of this huge castle on the mountain I could simply wonder what it will be like to enter the gates of heaven. It was so surreal as no one was around these glorious attractions. I will include a picture so you can see it. I choked back the tears as I worshipped my Lord. I continued to the top where the stadium lies. Breathtaking in size. Somewhat to the Coliseum we saw in Rome but so much more modern. It was all closed up but as I went up to the main barred entrance I peered in seeing a vast array of thousands upon thousand seats. You would never guess all that lied behind the walls. Much like own hearts. So diverse, deep and complex inside; the most important part. As listened to the birds start to sing around me as they usher in God’s sunrise I find my heart burdened to the point of tears again, simply asking God “Oh that their would be a way again that He would bring our world together in a stadium like this in which we would just worship Him.” We came together in Barcelona physically celebrating just that with athletes, but could we come together again to celebrate the spirit. I could sense Him pulling me as He did with Joshua to run around the whole perimeter and pray about this. To believe and ask. (He has been teaching me more about prayer this past month than I’ve ever known!) So I did. I could feel even the physical locking was similar to how it is in the spirit currently, but not to give up. No matter how ridiculous this seemed, was I willing? I was!!
As I finished the loop the sun was just arising but as I came back there appeared these cats lingering at the front, in a sly way. Just days before I’d had a dream the enemy was clothed as a cat trying to attack. I realized too the significance of this. For every time I desire to advance by God’s prompting I know that the enemy to advances his troops, for it is a battle of the spiritual realm and principalities. He is teaching me the power I have in my prayers.
The cats didn’t phase me although they did remind me to pray that God would protect me from the evil one.
Oh gotta go… I’m sitting on the airport floor writing this while Roger is in the long customs security line… but he’s giving me the “look”. Lol! We’re next in line….
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