I absolutely love my morning quiet time. My favorite is getting up on a morning when I don’t have any time limitations and put on some soothing instrumental music while I read my bible, pray and study. Hot coffee, cozy blanket, and my favorite hoody are the additional accoutrements to make it even better.
This morning I turned on the music and a song popped up I had never heard before called “Equanimity.” My immediate thought was ‘that’s not a word.’ So I immediately looked it up and found it is probably my new favorite word. 1. e·qua·nim·i·ty [ˌekwəˈnimədē] NOUN 1. mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation: "she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity" synonyms: composure · calm · level-headedness I have always been someone whose emotions were all over the place. I struggled with hyper-joy in some circumstances and extreme depression in others. While sometimes, during times of stress or hurriedness, I may seem like I’m out of control, I’m really not. I just believe strongly in something called ‘sense of urgency’ when it comes to helping or taking care of others or certain situations. Many years ago, when my children were little I learned a very hard and very regrettable lesson when I took a bite out of a chocolate Easter Bunny’s ear. I remember that soon after I began raging like a banchee, scaring the living daylights out of my kids. I didn’t hit them or anything of that sort, but they just stood gazing with their eyes wide. That was when I began to realize I had a problem with sugar. Over the years, I have realized that my mood and behavior swings weren’t only related to food, but also to my heart and mind. As I purposed counseling and deliverance, and grew deeper in my relationship with Jesus, I began to notice that my extreme mood swings were leveling out. I wasn’t quite as crazy and prone to these abstracts in behaviors. Now, I rarely get truly mad and usually take most situations with a grain of salt as it were-equanimity. This year, for Christmas, Father God gave me a wonderful gift. During the holidays, I was watching TV and a show happened to be on about brain health. My mother passed away with Alzheimer’s after a 17 year battle and I learned so much during that experience. We heard some supposed statistic many years ago that there was a 50% chance of getting this disease if a parent has it. My younger brother and I have joked that our other 2 siblings would get it or that they should put us away together when we get it. Because of this experience, I have purposed and prayed that I wouldn’t be subject to this horrible problem and wouldn’t put the care on my family. So what was my gift from God? This TV show and the accompanying book and program. The realization and understanding that we can pray for God to heal us, but if we don’t take responsibility and do our part, then we can’t expect Him to take us out of a situation of our own doing. Here are some of the things I realized during the time with my Mom and her battle: 1) You have to keep your brain healthy and active. When she married my step-dad, he had the means to take very good care of her. She was 60 and had worked most of her life. She no longer had to work and she began to live the life of a leisurely housewife, playing golf, entertaining, and enjoying life, her dream. There was no critical thinking involved, no working on hard problems, not having to solve intricate problems. All the while, my step-dad managed the finances, managed investments, learned new technology, and continued to grow his brain. Soon after their marriage, my Mom began to show signs of slipping. In the end, he lived with her longer in the throws of Alzheimer’s than he did with her healthy and to this day, his mind is sharp and active. Very sad. However, because he had the means, she had excellent care. They couldn’t reverse the disease, but because of her level of care, they kept her brain firing. This means, that the home kept her moving, kept her in activities, which is what kept her alive for so long with the disease. The average life-span is only about 10 years after diagnosis, while she lived 17 years after diagnosis. Critical thinking, continuing to learn new things, and paying attention to the things that go into your body that affect your brain is what will keep you mentally sharp as you age. I noticed that when I eat junk, I tend to have more brain fog which affects my ability to think. When I work on projects that require me to really pay attention and think, then my mind is sharper as a result. This TV program confirmed that. I want to live long with a healthy mind and it is my responsibility to manage that. I can’t pray and expect God to keep me sharp if I’m not willing to do my part. 2) Managing and maintaining our spiritual life is absolutely necessary. I have mentioned it many times that my precious mom never experienced the extreme anger, foul language and out of control behavior that many dementia patients experience. I know beyond all doubt it was because of her spiritual life. I have many memories of watching my mom read her Bible, and kneel beside her bed to pray. She and my dad prayed at their bedside every night. The last count before she could no longer do so, she had read the Bible through 50 times. She read it through every year and sometimes twice a year since she got saved. She studied the word and taught many classes. The word of God was deep in her and when she could no longer speak intelligently or carry on a conversation, she could quote scripture and sing hymns or her favorite praise songs. This gave her a deep peace that went beyond the disease. So much so, that the nursing home would take their agitated patients and seat them next to my precious mom. Her very presence calmed them and made them more manageable for the staff. Truly a peace that passeth understanding. 3) God took care of her when no one else could. I remember sitting with her once, long after she no longer knew who I was. I was so grieved because I had seen some looks on her face that I believed were fear. When dementia patients brains can’t make sense of what is going on, sometimes they are afraid. They can’t understand conversations and circumstances and feel very vulnerable. So as I saw this look, it broke my heart because even if when I told her everything was ok, she couldn’t understand it in the natural. I began to sing and the look subsided. Every time I left her during those days, I would get in my car and cry. I would often pray for God to take her so she wouldn’t have to be afraid any more. He very sweetly told me that she was no longer there. All that was here on this earth was her shell that was physically reacting as the brain gave direction. I was shocked. Now I can’t prove that by any means, and I know doctors and others would discount that thought. But it gave me such peace because I could see her sitting with Jesus and laughing. Her body was still alive, but her spirit was safe in His loving arms. After that experience, I never really cried or got upset because I knew she was OK. Father God, whom she loved and lived with for so long, had taken care of her when no one else could. On this earth, we can only do what we can do. It is our responsibility to take care of our health and our brain and to do what the Lord has for us to do. My Christmas present from my Father was the knowledge and understanding that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and we must take care of ourselves in order to fulfill His purposes. To live with equanimity. My mom fulfilled her purpose and most of my memories of her was a wonderful, loving mom. She left this earth in peace and joy and has left behind a legacy of His love and grace. I love you Mom. Thank you for the gift of equanimity.
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Recently the Lord has been speaking to Earl and me about ministry again. A few years ago, I had laid down my ministry, dissolved the corporation and moved into a more laid back approach to service. It was the thing to do at the time for many reasons.
But lately we have felt a stirring. We wanted to find a work that provided the things we believe strongly in, but allowed the freedom to pursue worship without limitations and operate in the fullness of the gifts Jesus gave to the church. As we have prayed through this, God has given us some amazing revelation and confirmation. However, I am reminded that many do not understand or know the process of hearing from God and receiving confirmation. Today, many move out and do something and then wonder why it is such a struggle, confused to why things aren’t working out the way they are supposed to. Hopefully this article will shed some light on that for you. Process of ‘Peace” An animated preacher was asked to take on the role of pastor at a severely crippled church. Later, after much turmoil, he was asked how he knew he was supposed to take that role. His response was “I just had a peace about it.” That sounds so spiritual and good. We use that term all the time, but that, my friend is not enough to dive headlong into a tornado and it is not enough to take on a role of restoration and rebuilding. Often the ‘peace’ we have about something is just our own desire because we have finally been given an opportunity to do something we want to do. The peace may come because we think we see an opportunity to settle into a role we have desired for a long time. The warriors of God rarely step out on ‘peace’ alone. Often when God presents His people with an opportunity to do something, peace is not the main or only factor. Fear, anxiety, and hesitancy are present because the call is too big and you know you can’t do it without God. The peace only comes after you have decided to step into the role God has called you to. I too believe in ‘following peace’ but only in regards to situations in my everyday life. After I have stepped out and established the role, I stay where God has given me peace to stay. Then we have to maintain that peace. Process of Proof When your spirit begins to stir with a direction from God, there are always 2 or 3 witnesses or confirmations. 2 Corinthians 13:1 says, out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Jesus tells us in Matthew the same thing. So whenever God is giving us direction, there will be at a minimum, two and hopefully 3 witnesses. When you listen to the testimony of those who have started great works, they have always had 2-3 confirmations before they step out. Even scriptures give us examples of confirmations, such as Paul before he went on the ill-fated Jerusalem trip. God always confirms to us what He wants us to do. So what are those confirmations: 1) Knowing… the Lord will begin to put something on our heart. He will start to shift our thought process towards that thing. For us recently, He convicted us out of Haggai 1. It is time for us to begin to rebuild the temple again. It's like everything you see or do will point towards that direction, even when you aren't even thinking about it. 2) Outside…. God will almost always confirm it with a word from someone, something, somewhere totally unconnected or who has no idea what is stirring in your heart. For us, this past Sunday at church, the Lord used the message. The speaker threw in significant dates, references that only we understood and even a revelation that touched my heart. It was very clear. Other times, some random conversation, or even something on TV may confirm it and you will just know God is talking to you. 3) The Word… NEVER, EVER, EVER step out without having a scripture from God to stand on. The process is too hard not to have something tangible you can go back to and say ‘yes, God did tell us to do this.’ Yesterday, I got that scripture and out of that, He gave me the strategy. It may not be all three, but the last one will ALWAYS be included, He will always speak through scripture. But you have to be willing to listen to receive it. If you ‘feel’ like you should do something and these three things aren’t in place, not only will it be disastrous, but God will hold you responsible for the lives damaged in the process. When God is wanting you to do something, there may be difficulties, but it won’t be hard. I know, that doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but you will have a grace on you to navigate that thing and you will be able to face the difficulties with grace (empowerment) to handle it and see victory. Scripture tells us that in the end times even the elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). Too many, well -meaning people, with a call from God, and an anointing, are being deceived simply because they are not being trained to know truth and to follow simple precepts in hearing from God. They are not maturing properly in their faith and therefore falling prey to the deception of the enemy. If they aren’t careful, they will end up being sidelined by the enemy going after what appears to be good, but is in no way God. Follow the three witnesses principle. Ask God to give you three confirmations before you step out in anything. He will and if He doesn’t, then don’t, just “Be still and know that He is God.” (Ps 46:10) Recently, Pastor Mike Wheat asked that I teach a Sunday School class on Prayer, a subject I love. The next week, I found an article in my Bible that had the following quote: “Through a lifestyle of prayer and humble obedience, you can rend the heavens. Then the Holy Spirit can impart His anointing for your service unto God. Is 64:4 states that no one has ever seen and no ear perceived what God will do for the one who waits on Him.” What is prayer? Prayer takes many forms, worship, conversation with God and sometimes just waiting on Him with no words is prayer. Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer… so we should to. Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to ‘pray without ceasing’ and scriptures are full of encouragements and models of prayer. But to start examine subject, you must begin with He whom we are called to imitate, Jesus Christ. To have a fulfilling prayer life, we must pray like Jesus prayed. He had a lifestyle of prayer. Luke 5:16 tells us “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness to pray.” Matthew 4 tells us that He fasted 40 days then was tempted by the devil. If you fast, you must pray, they go hand in hand. However some of the most powerful direction from Jesus in scripture is about prayer: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” And of course Matthew 6:5-13 He gives us very specific teaching on prayer and today we know it as The Lord’s Prayer. But one of the most specific and powerful instructions on prayer is in John 15:1-8 where He uses the analogy of the Vine and the Branches as he further instructs the disciples about abiding. Then in John 16:13…”But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” This guidance and speaking to us can only be done through a life of prayer. If we don’t talk to the Lord regularly, how in the world are we ever going to recognize His voice when He speaks. How are we going to ‘hear’ the Holy Spirit if we are too busy to sit down and listen? However, with all of the amazing scripture on prayer, one of the most powerful is found in Luke 9:27-36. Please take time to read this short passage. "But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. In this passage, Jesus tells the disciples that some standing there and listening to Him won’t die until they experience the Kingdom of God. Then some days later He takes Peter, James, and John with Him as he steals away to pray. Then they are allowed to watch the most glorious display of God’s power any human could ever experience on what we call ‘the mount of transfiguration.’ But have you ever wondered why they were given the opportunity to experience this wondrous event? When we read the Bible today, often we just read through it and never ask the question “why?” Why Peter, James, and John? Why did Jesus allow them to watch this? Why was it so important that it got recorded and was kept safe for us to read today, over 2,000 years later? There have been many teachings over the years regarding Jesus’ statement that some wouldn’t experience death before they saw the Kingdom of God. However none of those teachings rang true. While studying for this teaching on Jesus' Prayers, the Lord showed me something pretty incredible. You see, Jesus had a plan. He wanted these three followers to go with Him to pray, to see just what happened and what was possible through prayer. This passage tells us why Moses and Elijah came and visited Jesus on the mountain, to prepare Him for his death. But why did Jesus allow Peter, James, and John to experience the Kingdom of God first hand in this manner? Scripture doesn’t record exactly what happened all of the other times Jesus stole away to pray. It could be that this transfiguration took place every time, but just this time there were witnesses. Could it be that Jesus wanted these three to see what was possible through prayer? Today, unfortunately too many people have a powerless prayer life. However, in this instance, Jesus was saying “Guys, this is what CAN happen and it will empower you to do greater things than you have seen me do.” Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny Him and then go on to change the world. He was fully aware that John would be the carrier of Christ into the world and then give keys to apocalyptic revelation that would prepare us for His return. James, Jesus brother, was going to be an important part of foundation within the Jewish body, plus I think Jesus just loved him and wanted to bless him. Who knows what James had experienced with Jesus when they were kids. All three of these died horrendous deaths because of their faith, this experience taught them how to prepare for what was ahead. We too have access to that very same kind of power and experience in and through prayer today. Jesus wanted them to understand this, and also help us see what was available through them. Many others throughout history have experienced this same power. Unfortunately many today don’t believe these because it has been squelched by the enemy. I have had the amazing privilege of witnessing that kind of power, not just in prayer privately, but in services led by men and women of prayer. Once, we were in a service where Steve Hill (our then pastor and the evangelist God used at the Brownsville revival) was praying for people at the altar. My niece went down for prayer. As Pastor Steve walked toward her, he had his hand out and when he touched her, and it was only a very light touch, the power of God hit her and literally threw her into her husband standing behind her. Now she is a tiny thing, but her husband is quite large and strong. The power was so strong she flew into her husband and the power hit him and they both flew backwards and hit the floor. Now to those who have never experienced that sort of thing, you may think this is crazy, but it was amazing. As they lay on the floor, the love of God poured out on them and they were never the same. As Pastor Steve turned, my husband was behind him and he reached for Earl only to be thrown backwards as well. PURE POWER… God touched Earl’s heart in such an amazing way that he couldn’t move. Later we had to help all of them off the floor. Everyone there that night experienced the pure power of God and through that experience, they were truly transfigured because they were changed forever. That power only comes through us when we are faithful in prayer. Jesus needed the world to know what we could access. His three followers up to that mountain that day were about to experience some amazing things in their journey, but they were also going to go through horrific experiences as well. They had to know that the power of God is not only possible but accessible. But only through a life of prayer. Do you want to be transfigured and made new? Do you need that same power of God to operate in your life? Then purpose to spend the time you need with God to let Him operate through you in that way. When you do, you too can ‘rend’ or tear open the heavens and be anointed for the work He has for you. Then you will be truly praying like Jesus prayed. In May of this year, I was asked to teach on Worship and was given a book to teach from. I have been involved in Choirs, music and worship for many years, so going through this book and beginning to see it in a whole new light, was really exciting for me. I’ve had the honor to be a part of some of the greatest worshipping churches around. I’ve been on praise teams and experienced services where the power of God was so thick, the only thing that could happen was repentance, healing, deliverance, and a total Holy Ground experience. What I didn’t realize was that while I was on this journey into the Holy of Holies during these worship experiences, the divide in the churches over the music portion of the service, was growing. I was raised in churches where occasionally you would stand up during a song, always sung from a hymnal, and there was never any feeling associated with it, other than just the joy of singing or hearing a comforting anthem. Some of those churches had music pastors, ministers or leaders, who had a heart for what they were doing, but didn’t understand the importance of engaging the congregation. Recently at a service, I watched, as people on stage sang and the congregation just sat and watched. A total concert experience. Some knew a few of the words, but most had no idea and there was no engagement whatsoever. It was a very sad thing to watch and now that I understand the importance of this time during a church service, I realized what an opportunity had been missed. Over the last several weeks, I have come to realize many things about what the enemy has done. This entertainment experience has become the norm in many churches in different forms and it has caused many to leave feeling lost and like they have missed God. Unfortunately they have. Here is what I have seen, learned, and know. 1) Spirit behind the Song. a. Many years ago, when my children were young, in the fairly early days of MTV, I allowed them to watch MTV while I cleaned house. One day, a particular song was on and I was in the back of the house. I heard so much noise, I thought a car come through the big window in front. As I came into the living room, one child was jumping off the back of Dad’s recliner and the other was throwing herself around like a banchee. They had broken all the rules of the house and I realized immediately, it was the music. This behavior was not like either of my girls and it was obvious that the music worked them into a frenzy and they began behaving badly. It was then I realized that every song, every piece of music, has a spirit behind it. There are only 2 spirits in the earth, the Holy Spirit and the enemy, so which do you think caused this awful behavior in my children? b. Church music is the same way. When the Holy Spirit has inspired a song, it touches the heart. Even secular music written by an artist with a heart for God, can be moving and inspirational. When the spirit of darkness is behind a piece of music, then it leaves the hearer either empty or tempted. I realized years ago that when I listen to too much country music, I would easily get frustrated with my husband. The reason is that much of it is about sinful behavior. That spirit wants to bring division in the home. c. Songs about Jesus, written by artists who are running from God, do not necessarily glorify God. The songs were created to appease the guilt felt by these artists for rejecting God’s direction, written from a rebellious spirit. Artists who are in the secular music realm because God put them there will write gospel or Christian songs that bring peace, joy and comfort. That is “when” they write them. d. At the service I was referring to recently, I heard a song where the words to a well-known Christian hymn were set to the music of an old secular song about demon possessed cattle herded by demonic cattle drivers. Instead of inspiring, it left the audience cold and unfeeling. I have sung secular music that was ‘redeemed’ by changing the words. However, some music just can’t be redeemed, just by putting good words to it. The music itself is the inspiration, not the lyrics. e. Christian music that is all about the people (you will find “I” in these a lot), may make us feel good, but if that is all that is sung, that doesn’t open the Heavenlies. It ministers to our soul, but not to God. These songs may be good as a transition song leading from one type of song into another and eventually to a surrender by the singers. But the ultimate goal is ministry to God, so these cannot make up the entire worship service. 2) That’s Entertainment a. If I am going to get up on a Sunday morning, leave my home after working all week, then it needs to be worth my while. If I want to go to a concert, I’ll buy a ticket and go where I will be really entertained. When most of us go to church, we are hoping that somehow our lives will be changed. Entertainment rarely brings permanent change in our lives. At least not as adults. It was a sad sight to see during this church service, many of the people sitting and looking at their hands, looking around, shifting in their seats, waiting for the music to be over so we could get on with the service. There was no engagement, only a few familiar songs. b. I’ve seen the entertainment factor creep into the church over the last many years. I was at a church years ago where entertainment was a huge part of our service. And to be honest I loved it at the time. When the service was set to begin, huge velvet drapes were rolled back to a tympani roll. Then the choir (and I was in the choir) would open with a huge, exciting song. All was meant to stir the soul and it did, but again very little change in people from the worship time. c. Many churches today have made their sanctuary more like movie theaters than churches, black paint, lights everywhere, all to elicit emotions in those in attendance. Entertainers understand that music can affect emotions and they do a very good job at manipulating those emotions to get the desired effect. NONE OF THIS IS WORSHIP! d. The group performing in this particular service, admitted they sang the same sets more than once… this immediately told me that there was no prayer over what to sing. They practiced songs they liked and performed them. They never asked the KING of KINGS and LORD OF LORDS what HE wanted to be sung at this particular service, they just performed what they had practiced. 3) The Job of Worship a. Worship leaders have a job. Their job is not to prepare the people for the sermon, to make people feel better, to energize the crowd or to manipulate emotions, that’s an entertainers job. Worship leaders are to lead people into the presence of Almighty God and minister to HIM! b. They prepare by seeking God. In a perfect world, they would work with the pastor, or whomever is bringing the word for that particular service, and try to seek God for the word that needs to come forth that particular day. Then the worship leader would help facilitate an open heavens that enables God to speak into the heart of the people through the pastor. Whether they are able to work with the pastor or not, they need to be on their face before God, seeking HIS will for that particular service. As they do, God perfectly orchestrates the music in an amazing way. It causes people to be open to hear from God. It creates an atmosphere for miracles, breaks down spiritual barriers, opens the way so that the word which comes forth from the pulpit gets into the hearts of the people and changes them. It brings conviction, repentance, salvation, deliverance, healing, freedom, all the things that pure worship is meant to bring. c. One of the biggest arguments for many years within the church is over the style of music. At this particular church, some want country music, however, I’ve heard the same argument over hymns, old gospel songs, etc. The truth is though, that most people only want what they are familiar with. However God is doing a new thing. He wants to move on the hearts of the people and if they are not open to this, then they will totally miss what God is doing. d. When we come to church, it isn’t as much about us as about our purposing to meet with Almighty God. The New Testament church was created to celebrate God’s goodness and then to equip the people for their purpose in God. That is what the worship leader is supposed to do, help people celebrate God, to minister to Him, to worship Him, to be reminded of just how amazing He is. 4) Everlasting Change a. As we purpose to come into God’s presence each and every week, we begin to change. It brings an everlasting change in our lives, in the physical location we are meeting in, and in those who we are with. b. I had a vision once during an intense prayer gathering. There was a cloud in the room, and it stretched from floor to ceiling. A man that was in the prayer gathering had asked for prayer because of some health issues. He was standing just outside of the cloud. As he stepped into the cloud, he was totally healed. The cloud represented the presence of God, and sickness, anger, anything negative cannot function or remain when standing in God’s presence. So as we purpose His presence, then all the bad begins to fall off and we can walk more purposefully in our destiny. As we step out of His presence, the stuff may still remain, but it is less, much less. However, sometimes the stuff is gone, we are healed, set free, released and a new creation. So the more we purpose His presence the closer we are to who God designed us to be, and closer to who He wants us to be. c. As we change, others change. Many times when we have carried a negative spirit for years, for instance one of anger and resentment. As we begin to release it, the world sees that change. People begin to notice a much happier countenance, we look younger and we just carry a joy that others are drawn to. We begin to have more grace for the shortcomings of others. We will begin to see our own shortcomings and begin to repent and desire change in our own lives. We will want to grow spiritually and become hungry to know God more, especially studying His word. Usually, when someone writes an article, they usually give a conclusion and sometimes the solution. The only conclusion AND solution to all of this is Jesus. If you are in a church that understands all of this and worships, then you are truly blessed. If you aren’t then the only thing you can do is pray. Confronting the leadership won’t necessarily bring change. But if each one of us learn to worship through our prayer time, then God can use us to precipitate change in those around us. The only answer to all of the struggles in this area is to submit fully and completely to the savior and watch Him change the hearts of the people. For years I have longed for God’s direction in my life and in life’s circumstances. I’ve asked Him about major and minor decisions, about jobs, churches, even purchases. Asking for parking places, extra income, healing, help for friends, you name it, I’ve prayed for it.
We have become a people who pray about many things and sometimes see the answers to those prayers. Some immediate, some delayed and some not the way we had hoped. But what is the formula to guarantee our success in prayer? Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said “behold, this has touched your lips and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am, send me.” As I read this passage yesterday, I was reminded of exactly what this whole story is about – Worship! Worship is where we truly are guaranteed the answer to our prayers, where we can have success in prayer. Here we see Isaiah in the midst of a vision of heaven. He saw the throne, the protective angels, the robe and most importantly, the Lord himself. As the heavens opened and he saw the reality of what was happening, it caused the earth to shake. Remember, in Revelation, “Holy, Holy, Holy” is being declared 24-7 and you better believe the earth shakes when the whole earth is glorifying God. At the moment you enter that kind of atmosphere, or that kind of atmosphere invades your space, your earthly needs, wants and desires cease. Illness, lack, anger, poverty, anything from the enemy must flea in His presence. All of the world is totally put into perspective here, and you can do nothing but worship. This is the kind of worship that we should all desire to be a part of. A vision of the King of Kings. This is where every need is met, every desire is fulfilled, and every want is put into its proper place. This is where healing takes place, revelation is given, restoration beings, and reconciliation is established. Truth, ultimate truth comes, wisdom is seen, lies are dispelled, understanding enters and most of all, where we recognize just who we are and know just who HE is. I’ve been in many a prayer meeting or time of worship, where it is all so surface and earthly. Focusing on us and our needs. But whenever you purpose to come before a Holy God in pure worship, then all of that just melts away and you can see what is truly important. When you see HIS glory, all of history falls into place, the understanding of your role in this earth begins to unfold in your heart and clarity for your life and circumstances opens to you. This is where ALL of your needs are met, in this place of worship. This kind of worship doesn’t come easy though. It takes purposed time with HIM, effort to get rid of all of the outside distractions and a sacrifice of self. It demands a sacrifice of time, distractions, and everything that prevents your coming to Him. Graham Cooke wrote a book called ‘Crafted Prayer.’ In his book he explains that pure worship, ministering to God, will open our hearts to hear HIS will in every circumstance. Then when we hear HIS will, we can pray to that end, knowing that prayer will be answered. There is something amazing about getting into a place of true worship though. Getting rid of every distraction, focusing on God and His mighty power and presence. Knowing that when we truly begin to try and know Him, He will open up the heavens and show us His robe and how His glory fills the temple of our hearts and lives. Whatever your needs are today, purpose worship and see what God will do. Only then can you truly have success in prayer! My husband and I are huge fans of an older tv show from earlier this century called 'Boston Legal.'
One evening recently, while watching reruns of this show, the characters Denny Crane, played by William Shatner and Allen Shore, played by James Spader, were sitting on the balcony in the late hours of the evening sipping drinks and smoking cigars. While they were discussing hope, Denny Crane casually remarked 'Hope springs a kernel.' Shore looked at Crane like he had lost his mind and after a long silence asked 'What?' Shatner, portraying a man with 'Mad Cow', looks over and says casually "It's an older farmer saying - Hope springs a kernel." In only the way James Spader can, he again is staring in disbelief at his dear friend and chuckles back with 'I don't think so.' Crane lovingly says "Oh sure, hope springs a kernel." Again Shore balks and shakes his head, looking away. Then relents to his friends statement, rather than trying to convince otherwise. It was then I knew that our new forever home would be called 'Hope Springs.' Crazy I know, but you see the pond in the dead grass? That pond is at the back of our property and we have been told is fed by a spring and will never dry up. A testament to that fact is that obvious you pull the satellite image up. There is water in that pond, during the midst of one of the worst droughts in history. The actual saying is 'Hope Springs Eternal' and that is what our new home is all about. Hope of a new future with eternal supply. The reason I love Denny Crane's quote is that even the smallest of kernels has endless possibilities. One kernel of corn, when planted can produce hundreds, as can any kernel when handled properly. There is hope of a future in every kernel. So whether it is eternal hope or eternal supply, Earl and I are claiming it for our future. And we will never forget 'Hope springs a kernel.' |
AuthorI'm a wife, Mom, grandma, teacher, friend... Lived a while and still have some living to do. Archives
October 2021
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