God’s Topsy-Turvy Truths

God’s Topsy-Turvy Truths

Luke 6:38 
Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you

Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Matthew 20:16 The last will be first and the first will be last

Leviticu 27:30 A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective

Whisper His Name: Jesus

You've forced me to talk this way, and I do it against my better judgment. But now that we're at it, I may as well bring up the matter of visions and revelations that God gave me. For instance, I know a man who, fourteen years ago, was seized by Christ and swept in ecstasy to the heights of heaven. I really don't know if this took place in the body or out of it; only God knows. I also know that this man was hijacked into paradise—again, whether in or out of the body, I don't know; God knows. There he heard the unspeakable spoken, but was forbidden to tell what he heard. This is the man I want to talk about. But about myself, I'm not saying another word apart from the humiliations.

If I had a mind to brag a little, I could probably do it without looking ridiculous, and I'd still be speaking plain truth all the way. But I'll spare you. I don't want anyone imagining me as anything other than the fool you'd encounter if you saw me on the street or heard me talk.

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it's all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12 (The Message)

God is so AWESOME isn’t He!!!!

I want to focus on Our Weakness, God’s grace, His Strength. Let’s talk about our weaknesses.

• We all have weaknesses. 
• Weakness is defined as: - lack of strength or determination: lack of strength, power, or determination

And as human beings we find ourselves weak. But as moms especially, we can find ourselves with a lack of power- thinking that we really have no control here (esp. in the moment of disobedience). Or being tired and not having the strength to handle our children or our day. I find myself here quite often now that I have began to homeschool. Thinking, “Oh God is this really your plan for us.” Or “You know me, are you sure about this?” But thank God for His Word, huh?

Paul encourages us with his own testimony to delight in our weaknesses because it there where we are made Strong through Jesus Christ. Paul tells us of his “thorn” in his flesh which he thought was a form or sign of weakness so he asked the Lord to take it away. But He says that the Lord responded to Him, “My grace is enough. My grace is all you need. My power is made perfect in your weakness”

Definition for perfect

• without faults: without errors, flaws, or faults

• complete and whole: complete and lacking nothing essential

So when we are weak in our flesh, in our bodies, in our minds, God says to us, "My favor is enough for you today, in this moment. Though you are weak now I am making you complete and whole, in lack of nothing." How good is our GOD!!!

I like one of the definitions of perfect: it means excellent or ideal: excellent or ideal in every way.

So when we are struggling when we down, God’s favor is enough. He is strength is excellent! It’s the ideal thing!!!! In every way! Praise God!

So Paul continues on after God’s words to Him (so should we)- Paul says I welcome hardships! I just take it in stride!!!! I don’t even focus on my issues or let them overwhelm me- I just let Christ take over!!!! Hallelujah!

So, as we parent our children, we learn that there is NO ONE WAY/STYLE to parent/correct them. And we also learn that as our children grow that we have this Grace that is ever ready for us and this Excellent- Ideal Strength that awaits us in our weak moments all we have to do is ask Him.

Prayer

Lord we celebrate Your Awesomeness! Lord we praise You for Your Word that has proven itself over and over and over. We thank You that Your Grace was not only enough for Paul, but it still is Enough for us Moms here today. We thank You for the Encouragement which says its ok to be weak, to have flaws because Your Perfect Power is Ideal for our everyday situation; in every way. Lord, please help us to remember this. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
(written 2009, MOMS study)

Milk versus Solid Food

Milk like belief: Jesus came and died for your sins and rose again and if you believe in Him you will have eternal life (Hebrews 5:11-6:2) Solid food faith: knowing this life will include suffering and we can live on the side of victory through suffering in Christ. Accepting that we will be persecuted and suffer hardship on account of His Name. KNOWING our faith is kept in DOING the Gospel, rather than mere talk. Even more, knowing as Christ conquered, so too are we MORE THAN CONQUERS! (Matthew 5:10-11; 1 Peter 2:20-25; James 1:22; Romans 8:37)

RESTless....Ness

Do you think restlessness is a matter of TRUST?

  ..........................................................................................OH DEAR!!!

For example, when we are traveling on the road..Road trip and it's my turn to drive I am ok. Cuz. I got this! Right? Right! However, when it's time for a switch, I'm like okaaaaayyyy.... I am gggrreeaattt while my husband is driving as long as I AM AWAKE! NOW! And it's day time. When I began to fall asleep, I will JUMP up real quick and yell, What was was that?!!! I do this several times. I mean, several times! I am not rest that I can feel every wide turn, every bump, the gas petal lift, the subtle change in speed. My husband just shakes his head at me. It's been ten years and i think he just ignores me as he laughs at me. He is really being kind and forgiving. Because what he is ignoring is my lack of trust.... I mean, I sometimes wonder if he thinks it's as much as a  trust issue as I do. But, I am too chicken to ask! Ha! It's not like I am NOT tired! I am, and yet I still cannot REST! For Real?!!! I trust myself more, but I am just as fallible and weak. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is we act the same way with our Savior! Not in the big stuff per say, but in the 'everyday my stuff' stuff! "As long as you do things the way I do it, Lord. We are okay." But the truth is, if I trust that Christ died for me.... and.... that when I confessed my sins and repented, He forgave me, AND!!! If I believe when I leave this planet I will spend eternity with Him, shouldn't I trust Him enough to REST in Him until that time comes?

We have s Savior who desires that we are not anxious! We have such a King who does not make His servants anxious! (Matthew 6:34) Rather, He bids us to come to Him and be at rest! (Matthew 11:28-29). First He invites us to stop toiling [and heavy laden] in our sins. As the folks in Matthew were attempting to work to pay off their salvation. Our Lord, invites them to "Come" and be a rest. Find rest in Him! Christ is not only a rest for those who have not come to Him. But, He is the promised rest for who believe (Hebrews 4:1-11) Thank You Lord!!!!

What love the King gives to the laborers through the Promise of Rest! As disciples of Christ, we know that life on this planet can become so mundane. Even seemly burdensome. Why? Because we forget to REST. We forget to Trust. Trust that God is still in control and He holds everything.(Colossians 1:17)

“Are you weary? Are you languid? 

Are you sorely distressed? 

 ‘Come to Me,’ says One, ‘and coming, 

Be at rest.’”(1)

I am not sure what may be causing you to be restless, tonight. Is it because you are without a Savior and Lord? Or perhaps it is the trials of this world and walking without confession and asking of forgiveness. Or even lack of faith in the One who has called you to Himself. Whatever it is my brother or sister.... lay it down and run to HIM (His only condition) so that He may find peace, joy and quiet in His rest!

Trust Him today, by resting in Him forevermore!

Art thou weary art thou languid, art thou sore distressed?

"Come to me," saith One "and, coming, be at rest."

Hath he marks to lead me to Him, if he be my Guide?

"In his feet and hands are wound prints, and his side."

Is there diadem, as Monarch, that his brow adorns?

"Yea, a crown, in very surety, but of thorns."

If I find him, if I follow, what his guerdon here?

"Many a sorrow, many a labor, many a tear."

If I still hold closely to him, what hath he at last?

"Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed."

If I ask him to receive me, will he say me nay?

"Not till earth and not till heaven pass away."

Finding, following, keeping, struggling, is he sure to bless?

"Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs, answer, 'Yes.'"

Amen

(1) Stanza # 1 & (2) Hymn by John Mason Neale

Written Prayer, 12-08-2009

Dear Lord,
I praise You for a bounty of sins forgiven. You are such an awesome Father. There is no one like You. Lord, today I was reminded of a gift You have given me and the purpose of that gift. This gift of discernment. I  totally miss being used and spoken to by You in this way. My desire, today, is to be in communion with You that I may always hear from You concerning all things You want me to know. I know the polar opposite is judging. And with judging comes condemnation. And who am I to condemn? Especially if I am not condemned by You. (Romands 9:1) Forgive me, please for judging and condemning Your children, in Jesus' Name. I want to be used for Your glory on this earth.
                                                                                ~ written prayer, 12-08-2009

Enough

Familia de Mayo Carta de Navidad

DELIGHT!!! 

Delighting in the Lord above ALL ELSE. That was our focus given to us as a family last year end. Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." And what a theme! I thought it was going to be fun, and somewhat easy on a shallow level, but doable. Man! I tell you, that Heavenly Father of ours is ALL Knowing & ALL Powerful, but He indeed has a way and it is perfect! Now, when I say "perfect". I do NOT by ANY MEANS imply that it was fun, by any means easy, and at all possible to complete. BY ANY MEANS!!! In FACT! It was the total opposite! IT WAS NOT FUN! IT WAS NOT AT ALL EASY (shallow or deep), IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE (on my own)! But, I tell you whaaattt (in my Brenda DeWalt voice)----[That's Brenda]

It was GOOD and it was GOOD for me. IT WAS GOOD FOR US!

2013 Highlights

January
Joseph and I began our third month in the beautiful state of Colorado!

Joseph left his position as Associate Pastor at a church.

Tamika flew to California to share in her FIRST EVER  ladies' retreat, with some awesome ladies in which I have known for for years, but for the first time, met in the flesh! It was AWESOME!

Tamika turned 37, hey now!!!

The Body of Christ surrounded us like I have never experienced before. We were the blessed ones, for sure. Thank YOU ALL. You KNOW who you are!

Joseph began looking for job and we began hosting Bible Study(Matthew) in our home, weekly.

February, March, April

Continued surrounded by Body of Christ...
covered in prayer, daily

Joe found part-time work at Target working four hours, two-three times a week!
Continue Bible Study in home...it was good time in the Word with great people.. Also had lots of Coffee dates with the ladies (Tamika, of course) and Ladies' study Beth Moore's James Study

Visited St. Louis for a week at the beginning of April.

Began attending new Church, The Landing Place regularly (our safe haven for sure)
Sidenote: We did attend Denver Friends for about a month or so, but was a far drive! They loved us well there, too!

May
Joseph began his new job at LEVEL 3! It's Always All God's doing when He blesses us.

Granny & Papa visits!

Bible study concluded for summer

July-October

These months here, were some of the toughest months! EVER! Especially the summer. It nearly took us out or so it seemed! Dry and deserted. Lonely. Depression. Confused and Unwanted. Just a few words to describe them. Pressing hard to DELIGHT in the Lord! To be honest, it became easier ONCE we knew HE is truly ALL we had! He became "sweet" to us. A DELIGHT! When we mentioned His Name. (Please don't take this lighter than it sounds, it was a pressing in. Gagging on carpet fibers kinda thang!) ALL though we were far away from our closest brothers and sisters in Christ, we felt loved MOST! God was ever nearer!

August

Visited Rebekah in the Springs, sweet

Had sweet times with the Bokelman's dinners, tea dates, and watching funny youtube videos. Melinda you are precious to me. Who would have thunk us together!

Curran turned the BIG 6 (His golden Birthday)

 Our friends Holly and Andy dropped in! it Adventurous!  Golden is beautiful.

Shawn and Jules moved away to IOWA! (Happy for them, but sad for us)  [Met weekly and watched Psych]

September

Met the PERFECT FRIEND FAMILY EVER!!!! (Eden, Holly, Sarai, Zion)

A Sweet visit from our dear friend JEFF McKinney

We drove to Arnold's Park, IA to candidate for a Pastor's position. Fell in love with Marvis, Allen and the entire congregation!

October

My mom turned 60!

Amber turned the BIG 9 (Her golden Birthday)

Joseph & Tamika Celebrated the BIG TEN! Heck yeah!!!

WE GOT A CALL TO PASTOR IN IOWA! Everything began to make sense!

November

Grateful for Gia And Jerry for loving Duke like their own! We love yall!

Moved to Arnold's Park, IA.. I didn't say see you later to my Melinda! ;( Joe to his Nathanael! Joe and Nathanael met weekly for months discussing Scripture and making each other cry!

Granny, Papa and Willie(3) and Melanee and the boys(SURPRISE) drove up for Joseph's Co-Mission as Pastor of Light of the Lakes Church!

Brooklyn turned the BIG 8!!!

December

Joseph turned 33!

Had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends here! IT's cold here. They Want to take us ice fishing #Rescueus!

FARKLE is our new game! It can be dangerous!

Welp!
It is just THAT simple!
It would appear that God set.us.up. Perhaps. WE do KNOW this. We have learned that delighting in our good and great God does not come easy! We LEARNED HOW TO DELIGHT IN HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE! It ain't easy. But! It can be done with the help of our Helper He left with us! Who leads us into ALL Truth found in Christ Jesus! In Jesus Christ we find love and much needed grace. Hope! Our Hope against Hope!


I so wish I could mention EVERYBODY who prayed us through, paid our bills, kept us fed, just plain ole loved us! We praise God for everyone who has been in our lives theses past months, years, and forever... Divas (you know who you are!) God knows. He has seen your selflessness.

God has been Good To US!

Delighting in HIM Above All Else!