WEEPING BETWEEN THE PORCH AND THE ALTAR

For the last several years, my heart has ached in pain.  A ruthless pain beyond description, unfamiliar, and it was paralyzing me.  Regardless of what I did, the pain wouldn't escape although I cried relentlessly.  My faith was present but it's resembled a smoldering wick in the wind, the enemy was waiting for it to blow out.  Trial upon trial hit my family for two years, it felt as if this season would never end.  Nevertheless, when a trial comes, God has my full undivided attention.  

All of my dreams, expectations, and the faith of my family hung in the balance.  Trauma affects the victim but don't be deceived into believing it doesn't affect the victim's family.  Angry, frustrated, torn upon my beliefs, convictions, and even broken-hearted over decisions of leadership.  Ashes were all I could feel, the soot smeared not only upon my hands but into my heart.  Darkness swirled around me due to the brokenness of my family but the ashes keep smearing on the floor with my tears.  No matter where I stood the wind blew me into a different direction or down again.  How could I minister to my family?  Others?  So, instead of being the outspoken prophet, I was found weeping between the porch and the altar.  

JOEL 2:17 says: “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?”

As the darkness grew around me, I didn't want to hear from ministers or personally share what was happening in my life.  Truthfully, only a handful of trusted friends and my pastor knew but the battle was fierce.  Instead of the Job's friends at my feet; they were in my head.  As I carefully examined my heart during the two years of intense trials of my walk with Christ, I withdrew to solitude.  

Yet, I found comfort in this passage, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 1 Kings 19:7  

Beloved, if the journey feels too much, you are not alone; it's not the first time a soldier has felt the heat.  Elijah is probably my favorite prophet in the Bible, he walked in the Holy Spirit before the outpouring.  He walked in the miraculous, was bold, and preached the truth before man.  Nevertheless, he was overwhelmed with fear, physically famished, and exhausted.  Elijah acted differently, he left his servant and went away to be alone.  Truthfully, Elijah had enough, he didn't want to deal with it anymore.  Oh, I can relate to the man!  Can you?  It's important when we feel overwhelmed, we are taking an evaluation of how we are eating and sleeping.  The angel of the Lord fed Elijah and allowed him to rest.  After resting, Elijah traveled for forty days and nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into the cave and spent the night. (1 Kings 19:8-9)   

Elijah entered the cave WITHOUT God's instructions; he went on his own accord.  He didn't enter to pray with God or to find shelter from a storm.  He went inside to hide from the battle, he didn't want to fight anymore.  He felt alone.  According to Scripture in 1 Kings 19:10, He replied, "I have been zealous for the Lord God Almighty.  The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword.  I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

Elijah didn't like the results from his previous assignment; no one stood with him.  He was the only one standing for God and he was about to be snuffed out.  From the evidence of his people, Elijah didn't see a promising future.  No one was following God's covenant, coming to the altar for prayer, and silenced those who spoke the true Word of God.  

During the end of this trial, God brought 1 Kings 19:11-13 to my mind.  As I meditated on this passage, I hope what I learned will help you.  (Please read this passage)

1.  Elijah had to position himself to hear from God - He went to the mountain in the presence of the Lord.

2.  A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, BUT the Lord was not in the wind.   Although the circumstance is tearing you apart and appear extremely powerful, it's not God's doing.  God is powerful but it's not His power we question during these times, it's what is He doing?  Why is this happening?  

3.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  Beloved, don't look at the wind or tremble at what is bringing you to your knees, it's not going to destroy you.  Our thoughts can toss us to and fro but we have to remain steadfast in WHO God is!  We can rest in His integrity; He is a God who doesn't lie!  Although it may be getting more intense; it will only push you to hear a gentle whisper.  Yet the wind, earthquake, and fire can try to prevent us from desiring to hear God's voice.

Only the gentle whisper of God's voice is going to move you to the opening of the cave!

Don't allow the circumstances to overwhelm you, be mesmerized by their power, and prevent your heart of what you need most - HIS GENTLE WHISPER.

THE LORD IS A WARRIOR

Exodus 15:3, “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”  

     

It’s easy to find the joyful words after the victory is won; it’s another to maintain during the battle.  It’s important to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, it’s vital especially when we are encountering an attack.  Regardless if you have been saved for an hour or twenty years, eventually spiritual warfare will be encountered in your life.  As children of God we must be alert, prepared, and trust in the instructions of our Commander-Jesus Christ.  If you would follow along with me in Exodus 14:1-20, to learn some important battle strategies to prepare for warfare.  First, we must understand God has a plan for this battle.  God isn’t un-prepared, surprised of the enemy’s tactics, or sleeping.  God is working out a plan to bring victory in your life.  It doesn’t always make sense what’s happening, but God is placing you in perfect position to defeat you enemy.  According to Exodus 14:1-3, God counsels Moses to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol by the sea.  God reveals His purpose to Moses in powerful move: to confuse his enemy and to lure the enemy to believe we are powerless to attack.  Keep in mind, the children of Israel are in the middle of the desert with no weapons or protection.  Yet, it caused the enemy to march right into God’s trap!

Second, God truly knows how to destroy your enemy with a SECRET WEAPON.  If you haven’t discovered it already in Scripture, God knows our hearts perfectly even our enemies.  According to Exodus 14:4, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them.  God is aware of the enemy’s pursuit to destroy you-it’s revealed in the heart.  Our words will reveal our heart, it’s that simple.  It’s the quickest and surest way to reveal our level of faith in the battle.  If our faith is weak, we need the nourishment of God’s Word to stand.  Pharaoh’s desire was to place the children of Israel back into bondage.  It’s NEVER God’s desire for us to return to the way of the past or our weakness.  God doesn’t desire for us to walk in bondage but in the light!  We must be willing to trust in who God is and His power to rescue us.  God will never neglect to protect His children, but His plan will always REVEAL HIS GLORY.  God’s not only going to reveal His power to you; He will reveal it to your enemy.  God wants to reveal Himself to build your faith, show He can be trusted, and to bring about a fearful reverence. 

Thirdly, if we lose the battle; it doesn’t mean we lost the war.  God is in our midst even when the enemy savagely pursues us.  As the Egyptians boldly pursued the Israelite's with six hundred of the best chariots and more chariots with officials, they were overtaken. (Exodus 14:7-9) Our enemy will always use our physical circumstances to intimidate us to surrender.  Yet, our greatest weapon is our voice!  Satan wants us to remain silent, be fixed upon his power to attack us, and will place us in a powerless state-we will feel surrounded.  Nevertheless, our greatest weapon when we are encountering spiritual warfare is crying out to God!  When we look up; Satan will always fall.  A vital key to walking in victory is refusing to speak words of defeat, fear, and blaming others.  Sadly, the children of Israel attacked the leadership of Moses and God himself.  Yet, Moses taught the children of Israel a powerful strategy to defeat the enemy in Exodus 14:13-14.  Quit being afraid!  Stand firm in God’s Word so it will bring about the deliverance you need.  It’s only when we stand firm; the enemy can’t gain any ground.  God has provided the weapons, His protection, and His promise.  God hasn’t left you during the battle; He is standing in your midst.  He is just waiting for you to look to Him with confidence.

STANDING IN THE BATTLEFIELD

Circumstances arise to cause either our faith to arise or to bring silence; there are no other choices.  Either we can allow fear to keep us isolated from confronting the situation or we can stand against it.  Yet, it’s hard to gain the strength to fight when no one is supporting you.  It’s a feeling of completely hopelessness as the circumstances continue to come against you.  Yet, we forget an important truth: there is a warrior inside of you!  Now it may not “feel as if you are standing in the battlefield” but it’s right where you are.  With a target upon your back, the enemy is completely prepared for battle to destroy your faith, your marriage, and you life.  It’s not a comfortable place to be but warfare is never meant to be.  It’s time to arise from the ashes!  

Arising from the ashes takes courage, learning how to fight, and an un-shakeable faith in God.  Although the battle lines are drawn, God hasn’t left you powerless.  It’s really on how you “see” the situation.  It’s important to understand how to see in our circumstances, so please turn to 2 Kings 6:8-22.    

 Standing in the battlefield isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s where the warrior wife is born.  

It’s the perfect place to understand the enemy of your soul has placed a PERSONAL attack again you.  Why?  Look at 2 Kings 6:8, “Now the king of Aram WAS AT WAR WITH ISRAEL.”  So, this king decides to attack the children of Israel WHO BELONG TO GOD!  You are a target for the enemy when you choose to love God.  No matter if you have only been saved for an hour or ten years the enemy of your soul will attack you.  Yet, there is no reason to panic!  Yet, this is what the enemy desires to keep our heart in.  He will attack your peace, your ability to think clearly, and keep your heart in a state of panic.    

 So, what has you in a state of panic?  Keep in mind, we will face different seasons in our life and in our marriage but it doesn’t mean we are alone.  What is completely beautiful about the story found in 2 Kings 6:8-22; we get insight on how the enemy fights.  First, we must understand he has a strategic plan to be carried out by his army.  Satan is looking for the attack!  (1 Peter 5:8)  Yet, God’s Word tells us in the passage of 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober-minded and alert of our enemy.  A sober-mind is able to think clearly, discern, and be calm during the attack of the enemy.  Secondly, Elisha was able to discern the battle plan of the king of Aram.  God didn’t want the children of Israel to be attacked; He protected the children of Israel at every turn.  He not only protected the children of Israel; He frustrated the plans of the enemy.  According to verse 11, the king of Aram was ENRAGED and believed a mole was within his midst.  God is completely aware of the enemy’s schemes and attacks.  The king of Israel listened and obeyed the instructions of Elisha.  So, it’s important to realize the important of not only our prayer life but the ability to walk in the Spirit.  God will ALWAYS speak to us but we have to be still to hear Him.  Also, when He speaks we listen and obey.  Next, the battle plan grew more intense; the king of Aram had a personal vendetta against Elisha.  However, look at how his plan un-folded: he found out where he lived, he wanted to destroy him, and sent strong forces in the night.  Keep in mind, the enemy carried out his plan while Elisha was sleeping.  It wasn’t until he was awake; he found the enemy at his doorstep completely surrounded.  That’s how the enemy wants you to feel completely surrounded with no escape in sight.  He isn’t naïve to who you are or your address!  So, the question is how do you “see” the situation?

 Elisha and his servant saw the same situation but each had a different outcome.  Elisha’s servant was in a state of panic and afraid of what to do.  That’s what the enemy wants us to do is be in a state of panic and afraid; he wants us to look at the physical situation.  It’s impossible to overcome in our own ability or strength because the forces against are strong.  Yet, as Elisha said, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  Beloved, you are able to be a mighty warrior because your Commander in Chief doesn’t sleep or slumber.  Not only is He aware of the battle again you; He is ready to attack!  As God instructed Elisha how to attack his enemies; God will do the same for you.  It’s just being un-shakeable in your faith in the God you know and love.            

SHIPWRECKED BY THE SHORE

"Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned.  Three times I was shipwrecked.  Once I spent a whole night and day a drift at sea."  2 Corinthians 11:25

The Apostle Paul experience severe persecution and hardships for his faith in Christ; although he once persecuted the church.  As a believer, I pray I am able to stand strong as the Apostle Paul when my faith has been tested.  Not only was Paul's conversion miraculous; the testimony of honoring Christ was truly shown in his life.  How do we know?  Well, Paul wrote a very good portion of the New Testament.  What an amazing and powerful work of the Holy Spirit!  Yet, may we never forget God's working in our lives; a powerful work to bring glory to God.

  

Nevertheless, I can't seem to get this metaphor out of my head spoken from a spiritual mentor in my life.  "Tina, your heart has been shattered."  "It's been shipwrecked by the shore."  "What are you going to do with it?"  "Are you just going to sit by the shoreline?"  "Or do you want to re-build the boat and begin again?"  Since graduating from college, it hasn't been smooth sailing.  Honestly, I didn't expect it to be, I wasn't naive about the call of God upon my life.  My precious Savior wasn't spared disappointment, ridicule, was spit upon, and crucified.  So, I expected persecution, people misunderstand the role of women in church, and my life being carefully watched.  Yet, I was willing to give my life; Christ called me to preach.  It has been my drive to honor Christ with my life; one day to lay a crown of worship at His feet.   

Matthew 10:24 says, "The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master."  

I have never been beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, or spent a night a drift at sea.  Yet, my heart has taken a severe beating, I am truly shocked of the wreckage.  I am overwhelmed with the aftermath of the damage of my heart; my faith is the weakest in my life.  Sadly, as leaders we are not allowed to show our hearts, our weakness, or our struggles with our faith.  It's difficult to keep offering Biblical Counsel or the Word to watch someone ignore your warnings or assistance.  Understand, it's Biblical to live a life of approach but I am afraid the spirit of "being perfect" has robbed our leaders.  It's robbed leaders of truly being truthful or to seek accountability, joy of serving Christ or others, and brought utter loneliness.  At this moment, the wreckage has left me completely speechless, I can't speak.  I can't move.  It's difficult to breath.  My heart is shattered in a million pieces about to drift out into the sea.  Who will gather it?  Who will help me pick-up the pieces?  

A vessel only has two fold purpose: to be poured out and re-filled.  It's truly the heart of a minister who longs to serve.  It's investing in the broken lives of people who need Jesus.  It's an investment of your time, money, and your complete heart.  Also, if your married and have children, it's important to nourish and protect those relationships.  Nevertheless, the call of God doesn't escape your families sacrifice.  Oh, it's a balancing act for sure; it was instilled very quickly while in Bible College.  Yet, what do you do when the vessel is broken?   I understood the cost-my personal cost.  Yet, what has broken my heart has been the damage to my family.  As a wife and mother, I have carefully and prayerfully watched where my family is spiritually.  It's more important than ministry; it's a calling from God as well.  With mounting past disappointments in ministry, a recent tragic event upon one of my children, another child who has backslid-den and the fire of God slowly leaving my husband's heart.  I am pausing to reflect, pray, and waiting on God to move within there hearts.  The waves have taken a beating; I am shattered on the shore.  Do I doubt God's promises or His Word?  Never!  Yet, I keep looking with my heart, "Lord, what did I do wrong?"  "Where did I miss your guidance or direction?  

Am I able to risk the salvation of my household?  Am I willing to allow the call of God to divide my marriage?  Oh, the tug of war within my heart!  To honor my husband or follow the call of the Beloved, the one I love most.  My beloved who I cherish above all and desire to please the most.  What about when I give an account for my life; it creates a deep fear within my heart to disappointed God.  Yet, this tug of war is leaving me joyless, frustrated, and completely tired.  At the moment, I can hold to what I know to be true.  Nothing gives me more joy than to serve the Lord, I love it.  To be a co-laborer with Christ at the altar, it's my favorite place to be.  Also, to share the Word with those who are hungry to hear it.  It's a personal call to follow Christ, where He leads I will follow.  Our walk of faith will never mirror someone else's; it will be different for each of us.  

Yet, the wreckage is leaving a question if I will re-build the boat or will I remain at the shore?  No one truly understands the strength, prayer, and belief it took to make it to shore.  Elijah went into the cave because of fear; God didn't call him there.  (I Kings 19:11-13)  Yet, I understand why he sought refuge there.  What brought the great prophet out?  It wasn't the earthquake, the mighty wind, or the fire.  Only the voice and presence of God drew him out to the entrance of the cave.  It was the soft, beautiful, and loving voice of God.  That's what I am waiting for, hunger for, and refuse to move until He speaks.  A smoldering wick He will not snuff out.......although I am close.  Yet, I must allow God to mend the pieces; a work I so desperately need.

WHEN FAITH AROSE TO ACTION

     

 When we accepted Jesus Christ into our lives; we accepted the invitation to walk by faith.  According to the Word, "The righteous shall walk by faith." It's a very exciting journey; it's a personal journey to walk with Jesus.  Yet, our walk with Jesus will not be the same as everyone else's.  Our journey and our departure on this earth will not be the same as anyone else's; it's our very own personal walk with Jesus.  We will all face hardships, trials, and tests but faith will not be true; unless it's tried.  

Hebrews 11:33-35 says, "who through faith CONQUERED kingdoms, ADMINISTRATED justice, and GAINED what was promised; who shut the mouth of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who because POWERFUL in battle and routed foreign armies.  Women received back their dead, raised to life again.  Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection."   

Regardless of where we walk; it's only conquered through faith.    

Romans 1:17 says, "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." 

If we truly want God to reveal His righteousness; it's found in His Word.  Faith isn't just the belief of taking God at His Word.  It's a living action-we move in response to it.  Sadly, so many people want to "claim" or "stand" on the Word but don't responded to it.  Your deeds and the words you speak will reveal what you believe.  James 2:18 says, not complemented by action, is dead.  So, can our faith be evident to the lives of others?  Absolutely!  " But someone will say, "I have faith and I have deeds."  "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2:18-19

"So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead." James 2:17.   

 Sadly, so many people don't encounter breakthrough or deliverance because they are un-willing to do what God's Word says.  Or truly believe what He said; fear has blocked there ability to see clearly.  We have allowed the wind to speak louder; than the voice of Jesus.  Faith will cause us to throw the stone towards the giant's head.  Jesus didn't ask Peter to dip his toe in the water.  He said, "Come." (Matthew 14:29)  

Peter didn't listen to how crazy it sounded?  Yes, it was a different experience!  Who ever walked on water?  Peter didn't have time to ask for counsel or from the expertise of others.  It was a personal invitation from Jesus!  Only Jesus and Peter were able to experience walking on water.  Yet, didn't all of the disciples hear the voice of Jesus?  We can choose to remain in our tradition, our fear, or we can walk towards the face of Jesus.  

 What is blocking your ability to see?  Fear is truly a power tool of the enemy to torment the mind; it's blocking faith to emerge.  In Matthew 14:22-31, only one person had a transforming life experience with Jesus ; while eleven watched it.  Jesus was preparing the disciples for a revelation of the Son of God; He was doing something different than expected-He walked on water.  Yet, all of the disciples were afraid or believed it was a ghost.  Sadly, they couldn't see through their fear who He was.  It was only when Jesus spoke; Peter's faith arose.  Jesus placed the disciples in the circumstance but only one got a true revelation!  Keep in mind, Jesus prayed before coming to the disciples.  So, it's a comforting thought, he was praying for them before this test.  Oh, I am so grateful Jesus is praying for me!  Yet, Jesus wants to speak directly to us about our fear.  He doesn't want us to remain in this state, He will speak words of comfort, "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, tell me to come to you on the water."  Jesus said, "Come."

It's the same invitation to us: will we come?  I don't want to remain in the boat with the others shaking in fear; I want to see Jesus, himself.  When we are walking through the un-familiar of life it feels so dark-but Jesus is still coming to our aid in the storm.  Jesus didn't leave the disciples to face the storm alone.  Jesus came to reveal Himself as the Son of God with truth, power, and assurance.  During this storm it's tempting to allow the wind to cause us alarm.  Yet, it was the voice of Jesus that arose the faith in Peter.  When Peter faced Jesus; he could walk towards Him.  But WHEN HE SAW the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sin, cried out, "Lord save me!"

  So, are you staring at the wind or the face of Jesus?  Both can move us but only one can save us!  Quit allowing fear to rob your life of new adventures, walking in what God has said , and tormenting your mind.  Quit trying to convince yourself of the impossible task in front of you.  Quite yourself in His love.  Allow Jesus to speak into your heart, so your faith will arise to action.

DON'T STOP DIGGING

It's been truly a season of weariness for my soul; it seems as if the promises of God are out of reach. My heart is tired, aching from the weariness of waiting, and surrounded with hopelessness.  Does God operate only in slow speed?  At the moment, it honestly feels this way.  As I have held unto the promised of God for so long; my grasp has been slowly letting go.  As the words of the enemy keep whispering, "God will never fulfill your calling!"  Deep within my soul I knew the truth, it's a lie completely from Hell.  However, it feels as if the mountain isn't standing around me; it's on top of me.  It's buried me deep!  All of the questions, fears, and the weariness of waiting has caused me to withdraw completely.  It's honestly broken my heart, the core of my being.  God spoke the world into existence with His word-nothing else.  Oh, how powerful are the Words of God!  So, what's the truth of the lesson?

During worship this morning, I felt the Lord stirring my heart to a story found in Genesis 26:12-25 about Issac.  Issac is working in the fields of his enemies and the Lord blessed him greatly; it was a hundredfold.  It was enough to get the notice of his enemies!  As Issac's wealth grew, so did the envy of his enemies.  Both were growing with strength and power, so the enemy tried to attack him.  All of the wells of Abraham were dried up due to the Philistines filling it with earth.  What a slap in the face!  A promise of God was given to Abraham; a promise to be carried through his family line.  Yet, it's buried deep within the earth.  Water once existed there, it's a place of remembrance!  It's named accordingly to the purpose and powerful promise of God.  Yet, the wells died with Abraham, it's only a distant memory until Issac takes the shovel.  

Faith must act with the Word of God, so it can come forth to completion. 

What has God spoken into your life?  It's a powerful Word of truth, power, and nothing can defeat it!  Yet, maybe it feels as if it's buried deep in the well; it's covered shut.  It's buried with all of the discouragement, despair, questions, and defeat.  Not only has the power of the well stopped; the opportunity to open the well is removed.  The enemy commanded Issac to move away because YOU HAVE BECOME TOO POWERFUL FOR US!  Wait a minute!!!!  Did you catch what the enemy said?  You have become too powerful for us.  What did Issac do wrong?  Absolutely nothing!  He was completely faithful, working diligently, and blessed for serving the Lord.  Sometimes we don't understand why the battle comes into our lives.  It wasn't anything Issac did wrong; it was the un-godly motives of his enemy!  Yet, maybe the battle was for Issac to recognize the power of God inside him. 

Although Issac didn't realize it, God was working in his life.  Issac moves to the valley of Gerar and settles there.  Although his motives are pure and true to the calling of God, it didn't stop the plan of the enemy.  We must understand God's calling is a precious gift; it doesn't come without warfare.  It doesn't come without our faith being tested, our character transformed, and a personal work of God within us.  

Issac is reopening the wells that have been dug in the time of his father.  What a beautiful opportunity to be allowed to honor his father!  All of the wells stopped after Abraham's death but Issac is bring them back to life!  All of the wells keep the original names spoken by Abraham; it was Issac's desire.  As the servants faithfully dig in the valley, something emerges from the broken ground-fresh water.  Issac heard about the promise of God but it had to be a personal encounter.  Issac couldn't carry the promise of God in his heart until he dug for it.  He had to personally see it, feel it, and believe it for himself.  It was a work God wanted to do within the heart of Isaac.  Out of brokenness heart God will bring about "fresh water" to our lives.  We are not only to hold unto the promises of yesterday; we are to dig for the present ones.  We are to be steadfast, persistent, and open to the direction of God's leading.

When we are truly called and blessed by God, it will be evident in the physical.  The fresh water was proof of God's blessing and the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen.  A quarrel of a jealous heart causes discord to prevent the work of God to continue.  It's interesting to me how the herdsmen who reside in Gerar didn't do any of the work.  Yet as the water comes forth, they make their claim.  So, Issac named the well, "Esek" and it means "contention."  If that's not a mouthful!  So, Issac moves on to dig another well but they claim it too.  So, he names it "Sitnah" which means "hatred."  Finally, Issac digs another well and names it "Reheboth." It means "spacious place."  When God makes a promise upon your life NO ONE can take the claim; it will be too spacious for anyone to hold.

As Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the sun."  It seems always people want to take credit for the work of others instead of taking a shovel to help.  Although the territory of the valley of Gerar was of Philistine origin; it didn't stop the blessings upon Issac's life.  May this give your heart peace especially if you feel as if you are in the enemies camp.  No matter where your feet may travel, God will always be with His children.  Issac didn't stop digging because the enemy pursued him; he keep digging until the enemy shut up.  NO ONE QUARRELED over the well!  Eventually, the enemy will get tired of pursing us, he can't conquer us.  The mission or call upon our lives may be attacked but it can't be stopped.  God will lift up our hearts as we eagerly pursue to dig the wells!  How can I be sure?  God appeared to Issac and He blessed him!  

"That night the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." Genesis 26:24

The enemy wanted to cause Issac to stop digging the wells, he wanted to destroy or frustrate the work of his hands.  Yet, although the enemy pursued with a savage desire; it was quenched.  As the presence of God came to Issac at Beersheba; it was the solid well of oath.  It was the completed well of promise because Beersheba means "the well of an oath; the seventh well." (all of the definitions for the wells came from www.biblestudytools.com)  

Issac was powerful to conquer the battle of the enemy because God was with him.  Not only was it a proven in the physical world but the enemy saw it.  When truly God does a work in our life; even the enemy will stand to watch. God will never quench the promise in our lives but He wants us to dig it out!  He wants us to purse it with an eager heart, anticipation of the promise, and fight until it's done!  Don't put the shovel down!  Pick it up and dig again!  God will give you fresh water, He will never allow you to die from thirst.  Don't you get it!  Issac had the last laugh!  He conquered the plan of the enemy because he didn't stop digging.  

WALK IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE

Do you remember your first new car?  Of course, we all do!  My first car was a navy blue Dodge Neon; it was my college graduation gift from my husband.  It was a precious gift to me, so I took very good care of it.  It had a “moon roof” in it; I would love to open it with my two oldest children in the car.  It was their favorite feature in the car; they loved to feel the wind on their faces.  When the “moon roof” was opened, my children would beg for their favorite music tape to play from Veggie Tales, so we could cruise around town.  Of, course we had our sunglasses on!   Now mind you my two oldest were fourteen months apart and less than the age of three when we had this car, so to keep the car clean was a challenge to say the least.  Also, I purchase two matching car seats with navy blue from Eddie Bauer for them, it just had to match.  When I think about those moments with Leah and Alex, it was truly precious times.  Nevertheless, it was very short lived in our navy blue Dodge Neon; it was very hard to get three babies in the car. Yes, you read this correctly, three children in car seats!  When Caleb, our new baby, was coming home from the hospital, it was a very snug fit.  It was hilarious to watch my husband try to get the whole family home from the hospital.  Obviously, it was time to “change” vehicles but I had a hard time with it, I wasn’t ready for the mini-van.  Although it’s what our family needed, it wasn’t the “vision” of style I had in mind.  It was time to change. 

 As this New Year has come, it’s easy to make New Year Resolutions or goals for what we desire to achieve for this coming year.  Nevertheless, as we face the disappointments or realize we didn’t meet all of last year’s goals, we can feel unsure of “change.”  If we desire to change our life, we have to change our ways.  Change begins with a decision to move in a different direction. Old ways will not open new doors! Yet, a heart fully committed to God, resting in His Word, and a steadfast trust will see God open doors no one else could open.

Change doesn’t always feel comfortable, it’s not the “normal” way we do things.  Sadly, so many churches don’t want to change with the move of the Spirit, so they can lose sight of His leading.  It’s very dangerous to desire “our ways” and not to follow the Word or the Spirit.  Change should be a normal way of live for a Spirit-filled believer.  We are to walk as Jesus walked! 

Acts 10:38 says, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him.”   

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power for the purpose to bring healing and goodness to others!  Well, it’s the same promise for those who follow Christ.  When you study to find out what the word Christ means it is “anointed one.”  So, as followers of Christ we are able to rest in the promise found in Acts 10:38

• We are anointed by the Spirit with power 
• We are able to bring goodness and healing to those oppressed by the devil
•  God is with us!

So, many times we are hesitant to help or approach someone in need but we shouldn’t be afraid to help.  Change is a powerful testimony of what God did!  Also, what God is willing to do for anyone comes!

As I started to reflect upon change or new, I couldn’t help but remember this verse found in Romans 6:4, “We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too many walk in newness of life. 

 

So, how are you walking?  What’s going on in life that’s tripping you up?  Or did you forget the power of God within you?  Sometimes we can get so heavy laden with cares; we forget how precious we are to the Father.  Maybe life has been difficult or you made some wrong decisions along the way.  What I have learned grace offers a different way!  Change isn’t difficult as long as you have the support you need-God is with you!  God changes us for His glory so we can reflect the Son!

What changes are you wrestling with?  What would you love to change about yourself?  We can change our hair, our appearance, some bad habits but we can’t change our heart.  Only God can make this change!  So, if you truly want a new life!  Come to Jesus! 

Ezekiel 36:25-27, “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give  you a heart of flesh.."I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

Our lives will never change unless we are willing to walk in a new direction!  So, whatever you want to change about your life: believe it can happen!  God still does miracles and changes lives; it’s what the cross is all about.