Tag Archives: Religion

It’s time to move…

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Faith, Obedience, Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Trust

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bird leaving the nestIt came in the form of an email. A 30-day notice that I must vacate the home that Noah and I lived in for 2 years. A home that GOD had abundantly blessed us with. But in thirty days we were expected to find another home, pack, move, and relocate. My initial response was shock. I sat for a moment trying to gather my bearings. I did not immediately respond to the email. I wanted to be certain of what my next step should be. So, I ran to GOD. Oh, and I wrote a blog post about it (Earthquake shift).

My friend, sometimes GOD ruffles our nest to tell us it’s time to fly. The work we have done in that situation, location, ministry or vocation is complete and He has need of us elsewhere. However and whatever form this ruffling takes the initial response is usually shock, fear, disappointment or anger. We may even dig our heels in and say ‘no’ refusing to seek GOD’s heart, thoughts and will on the matter. But, my friend the ruffling is for your good and a necessary step to fulfilling your godly purpose (Romans 8:28).

One thing I’ve learned in my walk with GOD is that He is a God of movement. Even at times when it looks or feels like He’s not moving GOD is definitely on the move (Isaiah 55:8-9). One could never accuse Him of being stagnant. In fact, stagnation is your enemy. According to the dictionary stagnant is defined as ‘showing little or no sign of activity; not developing, advancing or progressing.’ And it causes you to stop when you should be moving, settle when you should be conquering, and relax and drop your guard when you should be focused and vigilant. We are to continually seek to grow closer to GOD; moving from glory to glory, striving to always be within His will and pressing to reach new heights in Him.

My friend, has your nest been ruffled? Was it in the form of a lay-off or foreclosure? Or perhaps it’s changes in ministry, finances, relationships, or location? Change is uncomfortable. Oh, trust me. I know. It is indeed venturing into the unknown where the outcome is uncertain. But what is certain is that GOD has gone before you (Deuteronomy 31:8). Your experiences and life events do not take Him by surprise because His eyes are never off of you (Psalm 139). Our GOD never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:3-5). He promises that where you are heading will work out for your good (Romans 8:28) and He will guide you through the unfamiliar and unknown (Isaiah 42:16, Jeremiah 33:3).

hand_reaching_outSo, let’s welcome the changes and resolve to move forward (Luke 9:62, Isaiah 43:18-19, Philippians 3:12). Let’s make the giant leap of faith from the familiar, comfortable, and safe into the unknown, obscure and uncomfortable knowing that GOD is there. He is standing there with His hand extended, beckoning you forward. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to put my hand in the strong and secure hand of Almighty GOD. Holding tightly to His hand, I am ready to walk confidently, securely, and expectantly with Him into the glorious, extraordinary, and awe-inspiring future He has predestined just for me. And all with my eyes held lovingly and assuredly on Jesus knowing that He will navigate me to where He has need of me next. How about you? Come on, my friend take His hand. It’s time to move…

I hope this message truly blesses you. I see you surrendering all fear and doubt as you take a leap of faith that will surely move you toward the spectacular future GOD has prepared for you. Your faith is pleasing to Him and I am ever so excited for you because you are placing yourself in the perfect position to receive His absolute best.

That’s 1… That’s 2… That’s 3, Noah. Now take 5.

25 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by in Obedience

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The incredible and remarkably effective counting is like fingernails screeching slowly down a chalkboard to a child. Boy, do they hate to be counted. The ‘1’ means your doing something you shouldn’t be doing. The ‘2’ means ‘Hey, I’m warning you’ and by ‘3’ all bets are off and a ‘time out’ is in order. Typically by one, my darling Noah takes heed but occasionally she needs to be shown that Mommy means business. It’s the 1, 2, 3 Magic book that’s sold millions of copies to desperate parents. The ‘magic’ of it’s effectiveness, according to it’s authors is that no yelling or screaming is allowed nor necessary, just a calm voice. If by the third warning Noah continues to disobey or ignore my warnings she is to get five unpleasant minutes of time alone to reflect on what she’s done and how she can do things better next time.

When you made the decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior something miraculous happened immediately. The Holy Spirit came to dwell within you. He is our Comforter when we need tender loving arms around us and no one else’s will do. His anointing empowers and equips us to work powerfully in the areas of our calling. Another crucial role of the Holy Spirit is to direct and guide us; often by way of a gentle warning to tell us that what we are doing is not in alignment with the Word of GOD or prompting us to move in a different direction. Like 1,2,3 Magic, the Holy Spirit often does not need to yell or scream. He graciously allows us the power to choose how we’ll respond to His promptings. When GOD revealed His glory to Elijah it was not revealed in the powerful windstorm, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a still small voice (a gentle whisper). (1 Kings 19:11-12 KJV)

I have experienced the promptings, leadings and warnings of the Holy Spirit on several occasions in my walk with GOD. He reveals Himself in various ways – through dreams, revelations, visions and that still small voice. Let me tell you: I have heeded His warnings and was greatly blessed and I have on several occasions ignored His promptings and experienced significant and unnecessary sorrow and pain. We can choose to respond to His warnings or suffer the consequences. In the Bible Jonah refused to heed GOD’s promptings to go to Ninevah. After several warnings to obey, Jonah was given a ‘time out’ and made to spend three days alone in the belly of a fish contemplating his actions and praying for forgiveness. (Jonah 1:1-17)

Noah thinks I’m ruining her fun but I see the peril that lies ahead if she continues on the path she’s going. My friend, GOD is no killjoy; trying desperately to find ways to take the pleasure out of life. Oh no! Actually it’s the complete opposite. He understands that the pleasures the world offers are empty and lead to our spiritual, emotional and physical destruction. Our GOD is omniscient and He can see the dangers we face when we do not take heed of His warnings. His forewarnings are to protect and guide you. Oh my, I tell you that there is abundant power, blessings, and great joy when we operate within His will.

My friend, what has GOD prompted you to take heed of? Is He warning you to stop a certain behavior? Or perhaps He’s leading you down a new unfamiliar path or guiding you through an opened door. Whatever He is prompting, warning or leading you to do, please take heed. The Bible says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV) He is the Good Shephard who has gone through great measures to protect, direct and save you. It is because of GOD’s immeasurable love for you that He gives promptings and warnings. And with your obedience there will be greater blessings, a closer relationship with Him and indescribable joy. He is faithful and He will not let you down. I promise you!

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you immediately taking heed to His voice. And my heart is overflowing with joy to know that in your obedience you are in the greatest position to receive His absolute best. I’m so, so, so very excited for you!