HONORING MY SECOND MOTHER

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord should be praised." Proverbs 31:30

When I walked across the street of my uncle and aunt's house, I wasn't prepared for my final meeting with my aunt at the funeral home.  The funeral director met me at the door.  She said, "we prepared a special room for you."  I humbly thanked her and wasn't sure how to feel.  As I opened the door, I saw her casket at the need of the room.  I froze in dismay; I didn't want it to be true.  As I stepped closer to her, I could feel my heart deflate or stepped upon.  As I finally made it to the first pew of chairs, I was very shocked at the music selection of the funeral home--instrumental hymns played with piano music only.  My first reaction was, "Seriously, do you have any idea what you did?" Oh, my tears poured like a river, I couldn't prevent it.  Nevertheless, what I did may astound you or someone who doesn't know our story or her precious talents.  My final meeting with my aunt was worshipping the Lord together, it was profound.  It was perfect and God ordained.  Also, what she would have wanted me to do.  

 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

What a precious promise to show God never abandons us especially in grief. In the Word of God, we are promised the Holy Spirit will come as a Comforter to us. (John 14:16) Regardless of how long we live upon this earth, there will be a time under Heaven to mourn. (Ecclesiastes 3:4) 

Even in the depth of this pain, we have a promise of never being alone and comforted. It's not a sin to mourn, it's a process of allowing God to work through the pain. It's important to allow God to work during this time, He will minister to your spirit. Although the tears may be many, He bottles them. (Psalm 56:8)

All the steps of our lives have a purpose but none are without His presence.

God's Word's is eternal but it's also a blessed gift passed down from one generation to the next.  It will never pass away!  Yet, the vessel God uses to pour into your life, it will mark your life.  

Sadly, we will experience pain in this life, but we will experience love as well.  A gentle, peaceful, loving, and anointed woman of God was before me when I first met her.  Besides being the church pianist and organ player, she taught the Word of God.  She was powerful, anointed, and never apologize for preaching the truth.  During my youth she played a vital role in teaching me how to study the Word, how to pray through, and discipled me.  Yet, she was only one of the few people who I could share my intimate struggles or allowed to speak into my life.  Also, disciplined me, when necessary, I would always listen to her.  It was either her or my mother who God used to nurture me in the faith.  So, the final service together was necessary and profound.

As Elisha waited for the mantel of Elijah departure, I could understand the significance.  It’s truly how I felt at this moment.  Yet, how can I honor her?   No words, feelings, or actions can express my deepest desire.  My heart is filled with so many memories of laughter, prayer, and love.  How do I fill your shoes? Or how do I take the mantel? 

Although she had no biological children, I felt as if I was one of hers.  Even when I couldn’t share my own struggles with my mother, I could trust her with my heart.  Usually during our conversations, she would give a simple and profound word to me, I treasured them.  The two weeks during the summer I would stay with her and my uncle, we would pray, study the Word and listening to Gather’s Worship music.  Also, dinner out and shopping was a must to complete the visit.  I never once questioned if she loved me or believed in me, she was my mentor and hero. 

Her music ability is profound, I loved to listen to her play the piano as she worshipped the Lord.  Nevertheless, the greatest gift she gave me was her love for the Word and how to study it.  Also, the endless nights of prayer to intercede with me for my burdens.  She was a godly example, never had an ill word toward anyone, and loved to talk.

My favorite quote from my aunt, “Only two people are needed for revival: you and God.”  “So, wrestle in prayer until you touch God.”  “Revival is closer than you think.”

Honor is thanking someone who invested in your life, following the lessons of the teacher, and passing the baton to the next generation.  It doesn’t allow it to fall but to grasp it until the race is done.  As Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ." That's how I will honor you. I will preach the truth, walk in the Spirit, and love as you taught me.

Until we met again….

 

 

 

Enormous Walls, Unexpected Ways

If you haven’t noticed, God’s instructions don’t always make sense.  Sometimes, we can scratch our heads with wonder, “Did I hear God clearly?”  “Is He REALLY asking me to do this?  “What if the people laugh at me?” Or gossip about me? 

Question: Who are you TRULY trying to please?

       Although our motives can't be seen; God's clearly aware of why we do things?  It's not comforting to have your heart examined by the Holy Spirit.  God's after a holy life; so the Holy Spirit must operate.  He has to keep our hearts pure, so he examines, finds problems, and brings to the cure.  Our prayer and devotional life is vital for it keeps our hearts searched before the Lord.  We go to the doctor or the dentist to have a yearly check-up.  It's not only vital to one's health but it can prevent major issues from spreading or causing death.  So, it's the same with our hearts being examine before the Lord.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Our hearts need to be searched by the Holy Spirit; we can't trust our hearts. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9

    It's not always easy to lead; people will question your motives, your thoughts, and your plans.  We can either surrender to defeat or be confident of God's instructions.  Stand confident in God's direction; He has a clear vision of the map.  He's got the whole world.  When we truly desire to please Him; the opinions of others will fade away.  Also, the majority of people's opinions will follow the crowd.  One moment Christ was being praised; three days later He was crucified.  So, if Christ knew what was in the hearts of man, we must be aware. "He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in man." John 2:25

      If we desire to lead; we must be willing to serve others.  Yet, if we desire to please others for only the honor; we got our reward.  Also, we are not a servant of God. "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?  Or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10  Now don't misunderstand what I say here; we serve people.  Christ said,"The greatest among you will be your servant.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12)  Regardless if it’s a secular job or ministry, we will serve people.  The underlining questions:  whose glory are you seeking?  Who do you long to please?  It’s an easy question with our lips with it’s a test of the heart.  Also, it’s completely humbling to our ego.  Ouch!  God’s not worried about your popularity; He wants your obedience.  Being a godly person requires obedience to the voice of God. Moses was called back to Egypt; a place of regret.  Noah was asked to build an ark; he never saw rain.  Joshua was called to walk around the walls of Jericho; he didn't walk once but seven times.  Christ asked Peter to cast his net again; he fished all night without a catch. 

 We can set out to fish with our boat, our knowledge, and our strength but be empty handed because we didn't fish where Christ said.

God will never mislead you!  He will lead us in the path of righteousness for His namesake. (Psalm 23:3)  God’s wisdom is supreme; no man can match it.  You don’t have to defend God’s direction, He will light the way.  We are called to obey His direction; He will defend us.  He will clear show who spoke!  It will silence all the skeptics and doubters.  As you face those enormous walls with unexpected ways-remember no enemy can stand against you because GOD IS FOR YOU! (Romans 8:31)