Justifying Jealousy

Roger and I were recently at a big party in which all the booze and fine spirits were a flowing all free of charge.  It was at a beautiful venue in Vancouver, everyone dolled up and corporate players working the room packed with people.  We knew before entering this party that we would be the few that had a relationship with God, but we also know we are called to love on all of these people to simply glorify God as we represent Him.  We were sitting at the bar enjoying each other and others around as we talked and laughed, even danced.  :)  Then as there was a man by himself at the side of the bar drinking scotch.  We began to converse with him and realized he was a big investor to this company. 

As we got talking he asked Roger part way through if he could dance with me?  This was interesting to me, as I didn't really know what was going to happen here?  This wealthy guy that contributes heavily to this company's profits but my heart for my husband and interestingly enough these two guys were asking for me right in front of me?!  My husband looked at him and paused for a moment and then said "No".

Then he asked again a bit more forcefully, "Only 2 minutes".  I then didn't want to put anyone in an awkward position and was ready to say, "Babe it's OK...  I'll do it."  I didn't want to cause commotion or even to feel threatened corporately, it didn't seem worth it to me to just dance for 2 min??  And yet in my heart I didn't want to. 

I then thought of Sarah and Abraham and how he lied lied that she was his sister to avoid dying.  I also thought of the movie Indecent Proposal and for the sake of money how the husband had given up his wife for one night.  I cringed a bit more at the thought, but stared neutrally at the wall simply wondering what would be determined right here.  My husband more firmly said, "No, she's mine."  And then with frustration the man had a bit of attitude.  BUT... I was so pleasantly protected by my husband.  I felt so loved in that moment.  How no matter what, he wouldn't be tempted even as Abraham was, to let me go even for a moment risking his own reputation.  ( I love you baby.)

My heart is for my husband so fully and unconditionally.  Truly.  I long for no other man.  To be honest I turn away from things that may draw my attention.  I want a PURE love.  An unbelievable marriage that grows deeper and more intimate every day of our lives together!!  Is it easy... no.  Not at all.  But when we press in and hold through these tests and resist temptation we are drawn even deeper into the well of pure love that each possesses for one another.  It inspires us both to pursue this level of purity and love for one another.

I thought of God and how He is SO jealous for us.  Truly.  He too says "NO".  "Don't participate in crappy tempting lies that do nothing but lead you to destruction and rob you of the best that I have for you."

But we must join in and chose to allow His protection, and trust that His love is greater than anything else.  As we are drawn to this and resist the worldly crap around us, (that yes at the time looks great... it wouldn't be tempting if it didn't) we then deepen our relationship with God.  It's so powerful.  Then we start to call on Him to rescue us and to help us when we are in these situations and He does.  We call on Him to protect us when we are unjustly treated and He moves powerfully on our behalf.  IN HIS TIME... which is perfect.  Not on our agenda.  We need to remember that and trust that He indeed has a jealous love for us that protects us and longs to do so. 

See the temptation looks like this to me, Satan, disguised as a handsome man, flirting with me, toying with my mind and looking deep in my eyes, even touching me gently on the arm, and then my God cutting in to say, "NO, she's mine." And in that moment I hear His loving voice that I know so well and I turn from the handsome one to embrace the most handsome of all and in a moment that temptation is gone until yet another time.  But for now I am fulfilled by looking deeply in the eyes and face of my Beloved God.  With eyes that aren't lusting in a brief moment, but deeply compassionate for eternity.  That's my lover, that's my God.  That's who I belong to.  First my Lord, then my Baby... Roger.  My sweet God fearing, protective taste of God, you Roger.  I love you Babe.  May I too always give you the best of all I have that you would know I am yours and you are mine.

Song of Songs 7:8 "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me."
Exodus 34:14 "Carrie, don't worship any other gods or idols.  For I am the LORD.  My name is Jealous.  I am a jealous God for my children."  ... love God.

Give yourself fully to your God.  See what He might do.  How He may spill over you to invade your marriage in one that is jealous in a godly way for each other.

For Marriage, HIS WAY.... it's awesome!

C

Prayers Provide Presence

Lately God has been teaching me such a different focus on prayer.  Something I used to not find that exciting and with new found respect and awe and even its power all throughout scripture I am humbled that I don't do it more.  So I've devoted even more time to conversing with my God.  You see, I believe if we truly could see the power it offers in the spiritual realm and also the development it creates in our relationship with God Almighty we would make it more of a priority.  God has answers to everything.  Wisdom and understanding are HIS... do we ask Him to explain things to us??  Do we have eyes that want to see the truth even if it's not the answer we want?  Do we pray trying to lead God in how to answer??  Do we pray simply always asking for things we need?  Do we just talk to God to thank Him for something just randomly?  How do you feel when your kids or spouse out of nowhere tell you or email you a thankful, sincere and specific note about something you did, said or are simply because they were grateful??  Our God is powerful beyond our little understanding.  So if He has all this power why don't we call on Him more, believing that HE will indeed help us if it's meant to be for our good?  Sometimes our GOOD isn't our little tunnel vision in that moment.  Do we humble ourselves enough to trust that God wants our best even if it's not answering our request the way we're begging for it?? 

I want to encourage you especially over this season as you come in contact with so many ask the Lord to show you things, reveal things to you.  If you are struggling, hurting, need help, even a relationship needs mending as God to show you how to do this.  And then as His Holy Spirit begins to bring thoughts and actions to your heart and mind, follow through on them.  Study His word to see how it might align with what He's showing you.  It's powerful.

As we study Acts I'm blown away by the power these ordinary people had.  But how often it was always geared around a deep effort of prayer.  Even when Peter was released by the angel in prison!!!  Read the line before that action took place.  What does it say? 

Acts 12:5


"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."

They were earnestly praying for Him first... wow.  This just echoes again what God is teaching me on prayer. 

"Carrie, talk to me."  I can hear Him say.  Remember how it was with Adam and Eve at the very beginning God would walk and simply talk with them.  Do you believe He desires that relationship with His children now?? 

I do.  Doesn't His name say it all.  Emmanuel.   God WITH us.

Talk to Him... Listen to Him.  And He shall be WITH you until the very end of the age.

An intimate relationship with Almighty God, why are we so blessed to live in this time??

Humbled, yet grateful, using my voice to prove it.

C