Red Sea Situations

There’s a song my church sings often that makes me think about Heaven.

It sings: “Be seated in Heavenly places! It’s like heaven… heaven on earth, …to be walking in His favor and Grace is- just like heaven, heaven on earth!

I took this snowy picture this morning, as I walked outside in the snow. I was like an excited kid, praising God and wiping the snow off my windshield. I know everyone doesn’t agree,.. but when you live in Texas, and nine months out of the year is HOT… you have to smile sometimes when you see a change!

Take your righteous place with God the Father and cooperate with His Son, and be seated in a heavenly place! Have you ever walked into a situation and have just been grateful to be there?  Have you – felt like a King or Queen…just because…? Smiled inside just because someone thought of you as if you were special?  I have felt like that in some places that I will never forget.    I felt like that walking this morning~ as if I were really special. Other special places have been  found in hearing my mom’s voice agree with me in a dark places in my life; or experiencing  my dad’s embrace when I had just been heartbroken;  sitting in a beach in Daytona Beach Florida looking out into the ocean; walking down the street in Johannesburg S.A.  and noticing I was a majority, seeing a smiling newborn and holding its precious life in your hands; taking a class about entrepreneurism &  expanding my vision for reaching the masses; speaking to children about their destiny and the legacy they could leave behind; my gracious and compelling workwith children in a school in Syracuse NY –  as well as one in Kuma, South Africa. Life is so much more special with Jesus. I appreciate all the places where He seats me, both big and small.

God wants to do that for you. He wants to give you a special place in His kingdom, and it requires faith, in order to see what HE sees and to appreciate the journey as you strive to get there.

“…But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus…” Ephesians 2:4-7 (American Standard Version)

Here’s the song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVbbUgJNLHM

Genesis 12:2

“And I will (make your name great) of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].” (AMP. version )

My family had this  game we would play with our children when they were younger and we would say ”What’s your name? – they would emphatically reply: ‘O-W-E-N-S: ‘Overcoming  Winners Energized by the Need to Succeed!’

I believe the name emphasis really does encourage them to be successful – but it also makes them think about their worth and value. I believe everyone has a name on earth, and  also one in heaven.

 I received my name change early; before I made it to heaven. Six years ago, I was in Johannesburg South Africa. I was renamed. I remember exactly where I was – and what I was doing. My pride in who I was and what I had achieved –especially in  that unique moment -(with God’s help of course) was at its peak. I had ‘graduated’ in a sense, because I had been with my South African family for one week or so, and they lovingly informed me that after staying with them a few days, I would be ‘named’ by them as a family and they would give me an African name. Of course, I was ecstatic, wondering what they’d see in me!

One night, I was trying on South African garb that my friend “Bubbly” had made, and she and her daughters, Rose and Ama watched as I paraded around the room with South African pride in what I wore. Suddenly, one of the beautiful daughters – Ama- whose name means love- called out: Nthabiseng!!!

I looked at her, with inquisitiveness, and smiled, and everyone nodded in agreement and smiled. I asked what she had said, and she said:” Your name: it’s  Nthabiseng: Make Me Happy!” This was a very special moment for me, because just that same day, Ama and I had a very special moment and we prayed together. She was struggling with her school work, and needed to be validated that she was capable, I saw that need and prayed with her to have breakthrough. When she said my name -  I laughed… and  cried inside to be honest, because I was literally at the threshold of one of the greatest challenges of my life. It would involve me making major decisions to move into  a greater place of securing my happiness. From this point on I never made a decision again that didn’t make me happy. I believe I am where I am today, because happiness has been something I pursued from that moment forward. This literal name change – pushed me into one of the greatest and most significant moves of my life. Catapulted me into a courageous place, and secured my destiny, forever.

I know the name my parents gave me is blessed ~and Awesome. (I am not confused by that. ) In fact,  I had already created a name for my self that gave me power.  Jennifer means “white wave” ~ I had always envisioned a HUGE tidal wave coming on the shower with power to enrapture and capture anything in its path.  I was even further encouraged when I was renamed – because my name now meant: “One who has amazing power to Make People Happy!” When I went to Africa, I told the young people there when I spoke to them, that I admired their ability to change their names and give them “flavor” if they were not pleased with their meaning. Their names were powerfully perfect! They made me smile just hearing them. In hearing their names, I began to encourage them with the power of their names. ( I will post my poem I wrote for them, as inspiration… soon.)

Naming is such a sacred, ceremonial act. Here’s how God used ( some humor) and definitely His power~ to make his people more significant by the changing of their names.

Jacob ’s name was  changed from ‘Supplanter‘ to Israel - (One who takes authority of another illegally, to  One who Rules with God.)

Abraham’s name was  changed from: (Exalted Father – (Abram)  to Father of Many Nations.) Powerful.

Sarah’s name was  changed from : Princess to “ Lady of high rank & refinement.” ~ (Sarai)

Isaac: Means laughter ~ (‘Laughter’ being the expression of what His mother ~said when God said she’d have a baby at ninety years old!)

All of their name changes – ( like my own) - pushed them into another realm of being and doing. God wants to make your name greater than it’s ever been before. He wants to grace you with a purpose during your struggle.  For many of them, their names supposed that God could do exceedingly and abundantly above whatever we think and imagine… (Eph 3:20).  This is because your name in heaven has much more significance and power than you will ever know. Its what God calls you when he knows your potential. Take advantage of this season, and ask your Daddy~ your heavenly Father ~ So…What’s my name??

Be blessed … to all the Nthabi’s out there in the world waiting to be borne!  Yes!!

Selah.

In Him, JenRene.

This was a pic of me in Kuma, S. Africa, after speaking to community leaders at the Towne Hall ( Behind me…).~ May 30, 2003

Hello friends,…I just wanted to share this today. The encouragement  and power we can receive from allowing ourselves to feel can release us into our destiny. Don’t underestimate the power of it.

Here’s what I interpreted from this amazing article by Barb Erochina

“The Courage to Feel.”

When the author wrote: ‘Reasons to feel’~ I just had to note what I learned. Don’t be fooled into thinking “it’s easier“ to deal with the numbness and fear vs. the reality of a situation:

“We must stop being afraid of our feelings, and instead learn to use them for all of their benefits.”

1. Dreams emerge!

“Feelings live where dreams are born and it is these dreams that fuel passion. When we work up the courage to face our feelings, including those of fear or sadness, dreams can emerge that will actually help us work through the feelings and get past them.”

2. Our feelings gage our temperament.

3. Feelings give us guidance and self-awareness.

4. Feelings help us to notice priority, even within our selves.

“Once we can understand all the ways in which our feelings are good and purposeful, we can begin to stop being afraid of them. We have feelings because we were created with them. Our emotional makeup reflects God’s nature.“

Have a blessed day, and read this encouraging link today.

“COURAGE TO FEEL“>>
http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/couragetofeel.html

“…The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

Courage will be a consistent theme with this Red Sea blog. As you take this journey , pray for me. Because this is a mantle I surely believe God is allowing me to impart unto others. I’m just going to keep it real…ok? This blog took a week or more to write.  Turns out it was  because it’s a series of writings! ;0) ~ (It pays to adhere to stick-to-tiveness, people! ) I believe God’s people need courage, so I will press through.

Last week, I was looking back through a few pictures from the past and was thinking about  my life “before the Red Sea”. I could tell by  the pictures how I used to feel at that time and was reminded of the memories. My countenance was so different  - Funny, when you are  in the midst of a Red Sea, or  coming out of one, or sometimes just beginning to walk through….you aren’t really aware of the fact that’s what it is. I think back to the time unashamedly, and with great honor in my heart towards God, because it was there I was rescued so unexpectedly by Him. Though some of the pictures revealed a joyful soul…  I wondered to myself: “How was it possible I had a smile on my face?”

I believe I now have some answers… Like the reference scripture says above~ the Word of the Lord “came to me“. Here’s the effect God’s countenance had on me:  I found a good description in Psalm 3 & 5.

Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

Another version in the Message Bible says:  “ (You) shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high…”

There’s a name for God in this place. A place of refuge.  A place where His character becomes clear to you as your safety. His name is Maon. Our dwelling place. He is a God we can trust with our day to day struggles.

If that experience isn’t familiar to you, then you really have yet to experience the fullness of God’s love towards you. If all you have experienced is condemnation, hopelessness and a lack of forgiveness, then you need to find Him. God’s reward is great. Especially for endurance during difficult times. God chooses to shield you from great harm. He is your armed defense.  Had I started out early in my relationship without proper knowledge of  God’s character; not quite knowing this promise; this literally could’ve been one  of my biggest downfalls.

Psalm 5:11,12 says :”But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”

There were times during this Red Sea experience where there were  literal times of great peace – peace that surpassed all understanding that would just cover me up like a comfy blanket… and I would wait. Just wait on the Lord and wrestled with my ‘good courage’. The problem is… I wasn’t aware it was good.

So what’s good courage? And why must it be something we have? Joshua was told this when he took over the lead for Moses. Joshua proceeded to fight several battles, with God after Moses died. In his quest for the Promised Land when the spies went over for a report of the land and found GIANTS – that made them appear like grasshoppers, his response - along with Caleb was: “Let’s go up at once, for our God is well able!” It was his experience with God that proved to be his anchor during a challenging time. Had not he had this experience, he may not have had this hope.

God told Joshua he needed ‘courage’ for the transition about to take place. Transitions in life happen all the time. Whether you are up to the taking or not… you must sometimes roll with the tide. God won’t let you drown… if you depend on Him first and foremost.

My  ‘good courage’ experience  was a Teacher.   Courage that works for you in this manner, helps you to be secure, to be confident, or established in your  strength.  It helps you to be strong in God. Good courage is the kind of strength given as a gift – in hard times. It’s strength that gives honor to God while IN your situation, instead of having it be all about you. Waiting expectantly on God is a skill we all have to learn. It definitely is not easy.

Take heart in this message below and apply thanks, in all things. It helps you over the tide that appears as if it will take you out.

“…Be of good courage, wait, I say on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Selah.

Every now and then …we just need a good two or three minute translation:

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters.

3 He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name.

4 Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage.

5 You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.

6 Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD’s house for days without end.

God’s Word Translation

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 ESV

I was meditating on isolation today and reflecting on how we get there.  This lonely place. Today, …I prayed for the isolated sisters on this earth.

I always think of Jonah when I think of the desperation found in isolation. God reached him in the depths of his situation and after him desperately trying to get out of God’s way.  Yet  even in God’s universe, you can run, but you can’t hide.  Funny enough… the irony is found in Jonah’s shipmates – they were all afraid… then they noticed Jonah – was who fast asleep- in peace, despite being out to sea in a tempestuous storm! They were so confounded by his response, they had to know who he was - and who was his God! Here was Jonah’s response: ‘Take me up, and cast me into the sea, so shall the sea be calm for you; for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you’… and ‘They took up Jonah, and cast him into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging.’ Jonah 1:12,15   I admire the spirit of Jonah, because he said: “cast me over as a life preserver  ~ and for the sake of the Seas, I will be your sacrifice.” ~ (wow!)

Sometimes the tempest in the Sea of someone’s life is for you to take an immediate action.

I have been in isolation. My world consisted at that time  of pain, some frustration, heartache, fear  and desperation. I had three friends/sisters I recall who met me in a deep, dark place and helped lifted me out of it with regularity and consistency during this time. They indeed  were the  few ‘Moses ‘ in my life, who held my hands up - ( in victory, when things got rough.) One was my biological sister – and there were two others that met me in the deep, dark places, when it seems the Red Sea was drowning me, and I was failing fast. It amazes me the degree to which we run from our sisters when they endure Red Seas. If these three women had left me… I believe I  would have drowned. (But maybe not, …maybe God would have had another ram in the bush.)

Everyone needs someone. If you don’t agree, it’s time to rehash your reasons for not trusting. Have you been so hurt you push everyone away,  thereby keeping a “safe distance” because it’s ‘just easier for you’, or less burdensome’?  (Less drama… you say ) – but in actuality, you are robbing yourself from the truth of friendship and companionship that makes your heart, and her soul come alive.  Your spirit will tell you who to trust. I asked for my friends of solace - and God sent three, during my Red Sea situation.

I recall a few precious moments with these friends from my past – and one particular situation, when I was sinking deep and needed a place to just lie my head and rest in quiet place, she was there.  Names are not important … but what was  important – was the fact she saw my face, and could tell I needed someone. It was late one night, maybe ten thirty, … and I went by her house, after driving around maybe for an hour. She opened her door… smiled and said: “come on in…” and because she and her son were up in the bed and hubby was down stairs watching TV – she invited me to come and lay on the other side of her bed for some rest. After an hour or so, I  left – refreshed and loved. It’s not until you are past these moments in your  life do you realize how precious they are. They become sacred places.

I recall thinking later in life, (of her husband) I need a husband like that.. one who lets his wife’s friend find a solace in our home. (Thankfully, I now have that… such a blessing.) God met me in a sacred place. When I needed love, companionship and peace and quiet. He met me in a friend.

Thankfully, God loves us so much He would create a refuge for us – like he did for Jonah. His solace was found in the depths of the sea – inside the mouth of a whale – a sacred place - for three days. What Jesus did in the heart of this earth for three days, revolutionized this world.

Love on your sister, today. The one…you know… who’s going through.

She needs you, … in this Red Sea situation.

Selah.

Once I was taking a class in an entrepreneurial class at Syracuse University. It was a miracle I was even taking the class, first of all because it was free, and being an entrepreneur was never a dream of mine.  I took the class to write a business plan because I was planning on going to Africa and wanted to share my plan with other businesses.

Well,  I must have startled my professor in this class, because as I  wrote  the business plan, I  wrote  from my heart – and mentioned just that… and she politely wrote in my margin: “hearts don’t have plans“. When I got the paper back, at first offended. Then, I thought about it.  I realized that the only reason had I written the business plan, was because that’s the vision God gave me to implement.

Where else does God speak from,  if He doesn’t speak from  my heart, I thought? And unless I listened to my heart, I wouldn’t even be here! After pondering this thought, I realized a few moments later, that my professor was wrong. Hearts really do have plans.

Instantly, I was reminded of a time when I was given a repetitive dream. (This  is a true story that happened to me several years ago.) I dreamt for several years that I returned to college, and I dreamt I was back at Cazenovia College – this time not to attend school, but for something else. I would walk the halls over and over again, and when I got to my mailbox, I would pull out my key to open it, and the dream would end.  Having graduated from college, I used to ask within myself: ‘why do I keep dreaming about returning?’ Well… one day I went back to visit my alma mater, and met with an old professor. She casually mentioned she would like me to consider teaching a class, that one of her adjunct professors was leaving and she desired I take it over. ( I kind of laughed, but I noticed she didn’t.) “Think about it…“, she said.

So I went home, I meditated on the thought, prayed and as I prayed, the scripture came to mind: “Delight thyself in the Lord and  He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4) While in prayer, I was also reminded of this recurring dream. It seemed like I heard God whisper in my heart: ‘Why do you think I gave you the dream?’  I thought: “Certainly it’s not possible God can give us a desire we didn’t know we even had!”  Seconds later, as I got up from prayer,  I heard my door bell ring, and answered it. A friend was at the door, and she handed me a gift. The plaque she offered had these words on it: Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Talk about confirmation! Within weeks, I was on campus, walking up to my mailbox,  I pulled out my key...(smile). I had complete deja vu experience!! The  dream…was planted in my heart- and it had come true!

The Bible says  to : “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. ” Prov. 4:23  This scripture means a lot to me, because it reminds me to pay attention to the details of life. Even the dreams God gives you.

When you are struggling with your purpose, and are determining  to find out where you fit in this life, listen to your heart. Hearts have plans. When I ‘get stuck’ in life and am having a hard time figuring out where to “find center”... I look into my heart, and I  listen. I remove all distractions and focus on the Word of God, as my compass, to help me find my way. When opportunity arose, I was present to follow my heart – because it was God’s plan. Not my own.

The heart after all… is where God’s people can see clearly. It’s the place where God chooses to covenant with us. It’s the place where God chooses to DWELL.

How could there not be plans in there?