As water is to the body so God's word is to our heart and soul. Really that sink in.
There are times when I'm reading a common section of God's word and my flesh just wants to skip it as I've read it so many times and I think I know it inside out, and yet the Spirit within me always reminds me that His word is LIVING and active... therefore "I can give you some fresh new insight today Carrie, if you'll let me?"
So here I go... reading the common part of Luke 1 again. Famous Christmas story I've read hundreds of times and yet I do feel surrendered not resigned to the fact that I do want something fresh from it for today if possible.
So the first thing my attitude shift results in is, "Ok Carrie, rather than reading as Narrator, let's play a character. Take a portion and ask me to really make this real to you." So I do just that. I take the portion starting from Elizabeth finding out in her old age she will have a baby right up to the Mary staying with her than leaving. (Luke 1:24-56)
I began to think of both Mary and Elizabeth... I know... I was only supposed to be one, but it fascinated me so much I wanted to understand both of them. Both of them such godly women. Elizabeth was upright in the sight of God and obeyed all His commands blamelessly (v.6) And Mary, Highly favored by God. A young virgin pledged to be married and an old godly woman. hmmm... Both hold to God alone unwavering. Even though Elizabeth is married, keep in mind out of nowhere Zechariah can't speak and she is all of a sudden pregnant!!! In her old age?? Then she remains in seclusion for 5 months! (v.24) Who was her strength, who was her comfort?? God alone was. Did she trust Him, even through this upsurd situation even taking place in her very own body??? YES she did.
And little did she know that young Mary too was going through her own trial of trust in God alone somewhat similar only months behind her?? They didn't have facebook, or cells to communicate. No. So how did they know. God.
An angel appears to Mary out of know where, and interesting enough a young girl's response was quite different even from the Priest Zechariah who the same angel Gabriel appeared to. Though Zechariah questioned Mary responded with, "I am the Lord's servant."
Young ladies... can I encourage you with this powerful thought for a moment. Do you realize how valuable your trust in God and relationship with Him is. He will use you in ways you wouldn't believe if only you trust Him fully as Mary did.
From there I find this so interesting that God knows that both Mary and Elizabeth will find great comfort in each other at such a time and so let's Mary know that Elizabeth is 6 months pregnant! This is so cool!
So Mary without delay knowing that Joseph is inwardly struggling if he should divorce Mary (Matthew 1:19) is left feeling so alone and isolated again with chaos going on inside her very body as a baby is developing and she hasn't even had sex!!! and so she goes to Elizabeth.
She travels alone to her. What a road trip that would've been. Can you just imagine young Mary.... now when she arrives to Elizabeth having spent the last 5 months alone, she instantly through the Spirit of God is connected even to the baby in her womb when she feels the Spirit so strong come from her. Now Mary hasn't even told her she's pregnant and look at Elizabeth's response..."When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a LOUD voice she exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of MY Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who has BELIEVED that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v. 44,45)
Now what joy, encouragement, comfort Mary would've had. For she hadn't told her anything but Elizabeth had known from the Holy Spirit. And Mary didn't need all the comfort from lots of people, true godly people don't, to be honest. But this one divine encounter caused her great joy and peace so much that she expresses a song afterwards. (v. 46-55).
Elizabeth too was comforted in her time, as there was no way that Mary would've known about her situation either. Neither of them had their children in their arms, but them simply trusted God's plan to be good and in relationship with each other loved on each other and comforted each other through this hard time. Mary remained with her for 3 months.
This shows me the tenderness of God's heart even to His dear women. He knows childbearing is hard enough let alone done God's way which is completely opposite the world. He gives women good friends to relate and love on each other together. Greater than even a man may understand at that time as their bodies change etc. I pondered this gracious, carrying side of God and felt like mush in my Daddy's hand. He really gets us women. :)
THEN... if that wasn't enough... He was going to take this ancient penning of scripture and bring it alive to me in a modern day setting that night.
I have 2 of my beloved youth leader women, whom we've served together for the past few years and are truly my loved sisters, both are pregnant with their first child about 2 months apart. Well that night at midnight I get a text that the one is in the hospital already dilated 2 months premature, asking me to pray. I'm on it and texting back and forth as she lay in the hospital. Only to find out the other leader who's baby is due any day goes into labor and is having an emergency C section at the same time!! The premature labor is calmed down, some medicine, needles, etc... but she is to stay in that night and the next so the doctor's can watch her. The other leader had a beautiful baby boy, but after the hurt of a C section. I know, I've been there.
The most blessed part.... was that night as their wheeled into their rooms both in different emotional states with bodies hurting and not knowing they are both in there... YES!!!! their beds end up beside each other and they end up sharing the room together!!! NOW is that GOD or what??? How crazy was all of this to me to not only read it that morning but then witness again the great compassionate hand of our God in 2 women I love so dearly.
Nothing... absolutely.... nothing gets by God. Nothing is too small for Him.... and rather than us women making a man wrong for not knowing our pain or our hurt, I think Elizabeth and Mary took the cake for that one! They turned their face towards their Father and truly trusted Him. What wonderful women we have as examples to us here and now.
Ladies, truly let your Father extravagantly love you. HE knows... really knows.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Communication is Key
We spend so much money on enhancing communication, from latest gadgets to expensive seminars. Is it important? Absolutely!
As Brea gears up for her 16th birthday, I’ve introduced Liegmann Drivers Ed 101. Our recent trip to Vancouver requires her manual and full alertness. (And yes… this is my creative edition.) As we drive she answers all my questions from signs to traffic patterns. If she doesn’t know the answers she has to look it up, which I find solidifies a greater return on the memorization. As I’m teaching her, the Spirit teaches me.
Lesson: (Part A) When we signal in the car, it’s not for US but rather those around us to be aware of our intentions. It’s crucial. It promotes safe, smooth, and unified movement. What peace and joy to all!
Imagine if we never signaled? What chaos would be ours! LOL.
If that didn’t hit home, the Spirit was going to double up significance this teaching to me.
Lesson (Part B) Brea, Roger, and I recently went on an ATV tour in Whistler. Beautiful! We all had to wear helmets and goggles and follow single file up steep rocky mountains and through dense forests. We were all instructed to follow the leader and watch for his hand signal, because you obviously couldn’t hear his voice. It just so happened, that his machine’s chain kept coming off every 5 minutes. We kept starting and stopping, starting and stopping. You can imagine how much I enjoyed this part?? LOL. But as I watched I realized, no one really knew how long this was going to go on, as we weren’t able to communicate. On the 5th time 3 of us broke through the line to come to the leader to remove helmets and communicate solutions. Yes, I was one of them. And yes I ended up sharing my machine with the leaderJ
In both these situations it became plainly apparent that communication is essential in everything in life. Now not JUST essential, but that it brings joy and allows greater progress in any journey, from road trips to ATV adventures.
Conclusion: Now for my four way flashers.
How is our communication with God? Do we follow his lead, obey his laws and signal with obedience our intentions? Or do we wear helmets in which we don’t even hear His voice, only to frustrate ourselves? You see God has given us the GIFT of two-way communication with Him. His word and his Spirit declare His voice on anything and everything.
And our voice is given to us as a means to take off the helmet and ask sometimes when we don’t understand. So the question that we need to honestly ask ourselves is, “How’s OUR communication (God and Me)?” When we are tight, we become confident in our journey, and signal to those around us our intentions with joy, peace and a surety.
Don’t delay, grab the manual (bible), perhaps a good teacher in this area, and start using those two gifts God’s given you: your ears and your voice.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Holiness - Not for the "Common" Folk
When I say "Holy" what comes to mind? Really. Think about it. "Holy, holiness." What thoughts come to your mind?
Initially in my spiritual walk and even before, it seemed somewhat scary to me? Too religious, unattainable, even foreign. When we talk of it today many laugh, mock or roll their eyes to such a term. And yet today in my spiritual walk and growth of Him being in me, I find myself craving it more. Not to the world or what people think but in my own personal pursuit. I am blown away that God would deem me as a holy one of His.
So how does this happen in a young person? What does it look like? Does it mean I wear nun clothing, a wooden cross, ride a horse, eat only bread and water, and never watch a digital screen again? No. I realize that holiness is such a defining quality of our God. He's perfect and therefore holiness is Him. Holiness means to be "Set apart". I just read today this verse that made this come to light even more, in Ezekiel of all places. God is displaying his unhappiness about a few things that are very important to HIm. Ezekiel 22:26 "They do not distinguish between the holy and the common. They teach there is no difference between the clean and unclean." God is upset with His spiritual leaders that they have not taught the importance of this to the people.
Then I got thinking about this in my life. Do I teach this as a pastor to those around me? Not by just words, but how I live. You see holiness, is RARE. God says that. "They do not distinguish between the holy and the COMMON." Therefore the Holy things are uncommon. Do I feel uncommon in the world? Was my desire to be pure and abstain in sexual relationships before marriage made fun of? Oh yes, it sure was, even by reporters that were doing articles on me in newspapers. As a woman in my 30s who quite frankly enjoys love and the physical aspect of it, devoting herself and her body to GOD?? Why... because I want to be like Him. I DO want to be deemed as Holy. Why? Because that's a great quality in which God stands alone, He sets us apart with a desire to abstain from things of the world that we might be known as HIS.
Think of the Princess Kate and Prince William and the dignity they exude. The class and respect that is theirs. Do you know GOD WANTS that for us?? How do we do that?
When we don't fall to trashy common things. It's like smoking cigarettes. As I keep putting that in my body my lungs will be blackened and eventually maybe even cancerous.
What we keep letting into our soul will either become hazardous to us or nourish and refresh us. How does it get in? All of our senses/members (as Apostle Paul calls them) let these things in. Our eyes that lust, our ears that listen and take things in, our mouths that allow toxic things as well as let out profanity, sword slashing wreckage at times, our hands that touch things they shouldn't or hurt, our feet that rush into sin quickly taking us places we shouldn't be, etc,etc. You get it. So does that mean again I chain myself up and live a life of solitude?
No, it simply means, that I want my eyes to be careful what they filter to put in my soul. So yes I will turn away from a handsome man in his bathing suit as I simply want to keep my eyes desiring and pure always intoxicated for my husband and our love. As a result, our intimacy on this level is the best I have ever known, even to this weekend ;) I believe this is blessing God gives those who guard this! Perhaps you don't know because you haven't tried?
My mouth, can enjoy a glass of wine or two, but am I going to indulge in a way that the same mouth will then puke because my liver can't keep up? No. Why?? So I do things I don't remember later? I WANT to remember the things I do.
My hands might desire to use my credit card to buy something I don't need only working in tandem with my eyes, so I simply don't go to the mall to spend idle time, then I'm just tempted to see nice things that I really don't need. I could go on.. but you get the idea. Even the magazines and shows you watch will influence your obsessions with fashion, body image, sex, relationships,etc.... be careful. So why would I resist all of this?? There was a time when I didn't and you know what, I can honestly say the "high" lasts for a moment, maybe a few hours but then you come crashing again.
When you begin to get control by asking God in you to help you, He starts to help you come out of this common, hamster wheel cycle to realize that there's far greater things in life to be had most importantly a clear vision on the purpose of your very life.
One of the greatest promises that I am beginning to experience and long for more, is that the "pure in heart will see God". (Matt5:8) When we keep ourselves from the enemy's territory we realize the promise land that exists for us even here and now and we begin to see much more clearly God and His ways. Not only in our lives but even others. It's awesome.
So holiness.... it's an absolute full out pursuit and desire of mine, oh that the angels would one day begin to see more of Christ in me in His holiness. That more and more angels are needed to encamp around me as I become more and more of a threat to the enemy of bringing others to this great light. Stay focused. Ask HIM for help... then move towards the light... you will not go back.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
Initially in my spiritual walk and even before, it seemed somewhat scary to me? Too religious, unattainable, even foreign. When we talk of it today many laugh, mock or roll their eyes to such a term. And yet today in my spiritual walk and growth of Him being in me, I find myself craving it more. Not to the world or what people think but in my own personal pursuit. I am blown away that God would deem me as a holy one of His.
So how does this happen in a young person? What does it look like? Does it mean I wear nun clothing, a wooden cross, ride a horse, eat only bread and water, and never watch a digital screen again? No. I realize that holiness is such a defining quality of our God. He's perfect and therefore holiness is Him. Holiness means to be "Set apart". I just read today this verse that made this come to light even more, in Ezekiel of all places. God is displaying his unhappiness about a few things that are very important to HIm. Ezekiel 22:26 "They do not distinguish between the holy and the common. They teach there is no difference between the clean and unclean." God is upset with His spiritual leaders that they have not taught the importance of this to the people.
Then I got thinking about this in my life. Do I teach this as a pastor to those around me? Not by just words, but how I live. You see holiness, is RARE. God says that. "They do not distinguish between the holy and the COMMON." Therefore the Holy things are uncommon. Do I feel uncommon in the world? Was my desire to be pure and abstain in sexual relationships before marriage made fun of? Oh yes, it sure was, even by reporters that were doing articles on me in newspapers. As a woman in my 30s who quite frankly enjoys love and the physical aspect of it, devoting herself and her body to GOD?? Why... because I want to be like Him. I DO want to be deemed as Holy. Why? Because that's a great quality in which God stands alone, He sets us apart with a desire to abstain from things of the world that we might be known as HIS.
Think of the Princess Kate and Prince William and the dignity they exude. The class and respect that is theirs. Do you know GOD WANTS that for us?? How do we do that?
When we don't fall to trashy common things. It's like smoking cigarettes. As I keep putting that in my body my lungs will be blackened and eventually maybe even cancerous.
What we keep letting into our soul will either become hazardous to us or nourish and refresh us. How does it get in? All of our senses/members (as Apostle Paul calls them) let these things in. Our eyes that lust, our ears that listen and take things in, our mouths that allow toxic things as well as let out profanity, sword slashing wreckage at times, our hands that touch things they shouldn't or hurt, our feet that rush into sin quickly taking us places we shouldn't be, etc,etc. You get it. So does that mean again I chain myself up and live a life of solitude?
No, it simply means, that I want my eyes to be careful what they filter to put in my soul. So yes I will turn away from a handsome man in his bathing suit as I simply want to keep my eyes desiring and pure always intoxicated for my husband and our love. As a result, our intimacy on this level is the best I have ever known, even to this weekend ;) I believe this is blessing God gives those who guard this! Perhaps you don't know because you haven't tried?
My mouth, can enjoy a glass of wine or two, but am I going to indulge in a way that the same mouth will then puke because my liver can't keep up? No. Why?? So I do things I don't remember later? I WANT to remember the things I do.
My hands might desire to use my credit card to buy something I don't need only working in tandem with my eyes, so I simply don't go to the mall to spend idle time, then I'm just tempted to see nice things that I really don't need. I could go on.. but you get the idea. Even the magazines and shows you watch will influence your obsessions with fashion, body image, sex, relationships,etc.... be careful. So why would I resist all of this?? There was a time when I didn't and you know what, I can honestly say the "high" lasts for a moment, maybe a few hours but then you come crashing again.
When you begin to get control by asking God in you to help you, He starts to help you come out of this common, hamster wheel cycle to realize that there's far greater things in life to be had most importantly a clear vision on the purpose of your very life.
One of the greatest promises that I am beginning to experience and long for more, is that the "pure in heart will see God". (Matt5:8) When we keep ourselves from the enemy's territory we realize the promise land that exists for us even here and now and we begin to see much more clearly God and His ways. Not only in our lives but even others. It's awesome.
So holiness.... it's an absolute full out pursuit and desire of mine, oh that the angels would one day begin to see more of Christ in me in His holiness. That more and more angels are needed to encamp around me as I become more and more of a threat to the enemy of bringing others to this great light. Stay focused. Ask HIM for help... then move towards the light... you will not go back.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
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