Red Sea Situations

God’s Love is Extravagant!
I decided every now and then to take a “praise break in this blog, ..just take some time to worship the Lord. I believe sometimes in the ‘busyness’ of our day we forget to remind our selves He’s worthy of  praise. That there should be more of Him to focus on and His greatness, than ourselves and our situation. So when you need a praise break and meditation on praise.. come here.

I was meditating on a song this morning I love…“God’s Love is Extravagant.” When I first heard the track to this song… I thought… how absolutely beautiful!
The words say: “His Friendship… is Intimate.” Sometimes we associate extravagant ways with someone who’s a bit boisterous and ‘over the top’…but God’s love – when matched to this word…. means so much more. So I looked it up, and explored.here’s what I found: ” exceeding the bounds of reason, as actions, demands, opinions, or passions; going beyond what is deserved or justifiable. ” ( Extravagant  ways are: unpretentious…exact, yet detailed, …)

When I pondered upon this definition, immediately what came to mind was David when he danced before the Lord and all His clothes came off. Yes…it was very excessive… but very reasonable that God received such praise for bringing David through a tremendous feat of returning the Ark of the Lord to the City of David, and helping him escape the jaws of death. He gladly celebrated the Lord in such a way that He exclaimed before his wife: “Oh yes, I’ll dance to God’s glory—more recklessly even than this…”  Samuel 6:22  MSG

Yes…What makes God’s love so extravagant is: It’s so beautifully adorned with selflessness.
The writer of this song is basically talking about God’s sensationalism.
God is pretty great, and I think we all know that… but His sensationalism is in the fact that His love is completely extravagant.  God’s love is the greatest.  It’s extraordinarily good; excellent, phenomenal. If you want to get excited about anything, get excited about His love.
I hope you know today God loves you despite yourself.
Despite your weaknesses, inhibitions, hesitations, mistakes, fears… your heartaches and pain.
If you reach for God today….He will be there.
Jehovah Shammah is His name.  (The Lord is Near.)

The more you invite Him in, the more He will dwell.

He wants to be invited.

Psalm 91:1-4

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His  feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…

If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the Lord, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.”

Enjoy the link… it’s one of my favorite songs.

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

Here’s another if you like the guitar:

Yesterday, my husband and I were sharing over breakfast about the power in knowing who you are in Christ, and being called to do what you are assigned to on this earth.   God desires to “make your name great”. This was His promise to Abraham, the Father of Faith, and this is also His promise to us. If… we desire to covenant with Him. God’s identity and His stamp of approval on our work is so critical to being successful in this life.  I don’t mean just being successful materialistically, either. I mean spiritually, physically - ( I am still learning on that one…) ; intellectually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. In every area of my life, God wants to be glorified.

We discussed how Eve was tempted even from the Beginning, with her identity. Women ( and men) have identity crises they go through in life, and there is a time and season where your identity has to be redefined. Without redefinition of who you are, and a deep reflection on your worth and value, you do not easily connect to your purpose, neither do you walk in it with consistency. You can easily be side-swiped like  Eve. Eve’s deception came as a mere suggestion:

“Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?…then the enemy offered: “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1, 5)

Interesting… how when we KNOW what God said, (… and she did because she told him~ see verse 2) we can still be persuaded  and convinced to have what we want,.. because “we think” it may~  look good, taste good, or are afraid we will miss something  in the process. I kept thinking to myself:  ”Wow… if Eve only  knew who she really was… Eve would have responded much differently.”

Do you know your answer to most things and how you respond to someones advances, comments and questions can tell a lot about where you are headed in life? I looked up the word definition today, and quite honestly, .. I was blown away!  The word not only means: “the act of making something clear and distinct”…it means that the more certainty you have about having made a decision, it could actually lead you into promise vs. despair;  and surprise and wonder vs. doubt and discouragement.

I look back to how I got out of some of the BIGGEST messes in my life,.. and it had everything to do with how I saw myself,… what I said when I was told lies by the enemy,  which lies I then refuted with the truth, and what I DID to move forward, instead of sulk and cry about my harship and feel sorry for myself. (I’m not talking about nobody.. just telling the truth…)

The more determined you are about seeking out and stating your significance and value and finding out what all it truly encompasses … the better off you will be in reaching your life goals.

So then…why does God desire to make our name great?

Genesis 12:2 “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless those who bless you…”

Eve’s name was already GREAT, but she didnt know it. When Eve began to think it was “all about her…” that’s when she fell. But look at this… not only did she fall… a whole  nation of people  fell with her! Everyone always talks about how Eve messed things up, … or how God came “really” looking for Adam… but you know… they both messed up. Had they been in covenant with each other and with God – taking care of business… and reviewing and meditating on the promises of God, their significance would have been amazingly in tact.

When your name is great… you give description to those who tell you are something other than what the Word of God says… When your name is great.. you have influence… when your name is great… you submit humbly to the One who made you, and you look for His direction… in everything. When your name is great… you have answers, your offer clarity when others don’t understand, disagree or try to move you in opposition to your walk with God…when your name is great… You offer SOLUTION.

Maybe this is where Eve failed.

Maybe this is why you have been in the wilderness for too long. Why the 40 day journey is taking 40 years.  Maybe .. just maybe…you forgot whose Image you were made in. Don’t forfeit your inheritance in the Lord because you settled for less.

Recognize whose Name you stand in…He’s a Mighty  Fortress.  Shine for Jesus, today.

Scripture references:
Proverbs 18:10 ~The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Psalm 61:3~ “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Jeremiah 10:6~Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.

Thank you for visiting the new blog!

John 19:31-37
“It was the day of preparation, … One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe. These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,…They will look on the one they pierced.”

Once, when I was about eleven years old, I almost drowned. I was in the pool alone, but others were nearby. – The experience of having almost drowned could have severely scarred me for life. Fortunately, this was not the case. Let me share my story. I was in the shallow end of the pool – walking in middle – with no barrier between the shallow and deep end of the pool, and I sunk. Just like that. Nothing to hold onto. As I opened my mouth to yell for help, it sounded like “elp!” My mouth began to fill with water, but I never had time to panic. I could l barely take another breath to stay afloat. A few others were nearby, but speaking very intensely to one another so they did not recognize my plight.

I recall being afraid and also praying intently and recognizing that God was with me. I said within:” God help me, they don’t hear me!” The next thing I knew after about two or three jumps and leaps up – I was at the side of the pool and holding onto the rail. I was safe. And God’s angels had protected me. I cannot explain how I knew there was an angel in that pool with me, that day, but I am alive and well today to tell the story. (Everyone else outside of the pool had been oblivious to my scare.) When I resurfaced, I surely didn’t offer the information. I was scared and trembling, and I recall sitting there thinking: I could have died… but I didn’t say a word. I just kept it a secret between me and God.

This experience has made me not very comfortable with being in a pool alone, today – yet I am not afraid of water. In fact, I love it. But what most amazes me – is that as a child,… I understood the power of surrendering to my higher power: Jesus! But even more amazing is this: I escaped the power of death ~ even at eleven years old.

I have been through periods in my life where tragedy and death were almost certain. Yet I have never given up. Sometimes I ponder in my mind why I didn’t say a word. Then.. while in the shower today… it occurred to me… neither did Jesus. When he was in a death situation and death was imminent… He didn’t speak either. In fact, while He was on the cross ~ when He was pierced in His side and water poured out – although dead, Jesus had not surrendered to death. He had surrendered to His Father’s will. Selah. (pause and calmly think of that.)

I have been through so many challenges that my approach today to very difficult dilemmas in my life have a greater and more broad approach than I have had in the past. In fact, I was just talking to a friend today about how I embrace changes today vs. how I did ten years ago. In 2000, I was a totally different person. Facing challenges were common day living for me. I was basically “swimming to stay afloat”. But I didn’t drown. I believe I now know why.

Because today, I reflect upon what could have been “death situations” in my life as a sustainment process. Maybe that’s what Jesus’ piercing process was all about… that even though it appeared as if He was already dead ~ He didn’t give up~ not completely. Hmm… maybe surrendering to the piercing process then is ‘really’ what sustains you. Maybe the situation you think will really kill you ~really won’t. I believe the secret Jesus kept in that little girl – at the age of eleven sustained her for years to come.

Sometimes, like Jesus ~ we pray to God and ask the cup to be removed, but I wonder… if God removed the cup, you may not have known how you could’ve lived out the rest of the story. Maybe even with you , “others will look upon your piercing process, as well.” So I admire Jesus for this very reason… “He went a little further.”

Matthew 26:39 “And He went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (KJV)

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, ….It’s Yours!

What’s that? God’s promises.

Sometimes it seems that I just can’t get myself together. I can’t get it started well. And I struggle. Today was one of those days. Now, this has happened twice this week. Both times, it wasn’t until I was before the Lord, and spending time having what I call :”A BIG cup of Jesus”… that I even felt motivated to begin my day.

Moses did it every time the Children of Israel messed up. Every time they moaned and groaned, every time they complained and told Moses he’d made a mistake. Good thing Moses didn’t listen to them. What was his response. He’d go before God, get on his face, and say “Lord, …where are you?” And God would answer. Every time.

Spending time with God cannot be denied. I don’t care what happens, when my day is going awry , and I feel totally out of sync with myself and my spirit… I just STOP, acquiesce ~ yield without protesting~ and tell God I am sorry for neglecting Him.

I mean what other way to approach God – other than just admitting that you have been neglectful and say : “Please redeem me!”.

In my study today, I was seeking God as El Olam~ the God who rules over everything in love. Did you know God rules over everything in love? That eternally, He wishes to bless you. That His desires are for you to be eternally “kept”? When God promises you something, it’s done the moment He says it. It’s up to us to believe it. It’s not that God ever leaves His Throne. It’s that we leave His presence.

You don’t have to question every detail, you don’t have to second guess Him, He’s got it all covered. Just talk to Him about the problem. Just trust. Daily cast your cares on Him. He cares. As much as your soul aches, as empty as you tend to feel when you awaken each morning, just lay all else aside, and spend time with the God who made the heavens and the earth. If the world hasn’t dissolved into oblivion, if the sun hasn’t stopped rising… you still have the blessing of His love, His faithfulness, His covenant.

Worship El Olam today… He rules over everything in love.

Isaiah 40:28, 29
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

It’s not a coincidence this blog began on a very important day in history. Dreams have purpose. Especially really BIG ones. On this day long ago a very special man, Martin Luther King was born. His thoughts and words and inspiration left an impression upon a nation of people. He gave people hope when hardship, pain and hope was at its lowest.

I have always been impressed by Martin, and even as a child I admired him, but didn’t quite understand His motivation. As an adult,  I get it. When you have a call on your life to fulfill your purpose and your purpose is very similar to what Moses’ call was – that all people deserve freedom, value and the right to maintain their dignity and value – and do not deserve bondage… your purpose LEADS YOU. It’s not so much a choice anymore.  It’s a call.  The good thing is, dreams come true, miracles happen and your faith extends beyond your ability to see. You walk by FAITH and not by sight. (2 Corin. 5:7) There are some motivations that travel way beyond the essence of who we really are. If we can just learn to acquiesce (yield with out protesting) to the ‘Spirit’’s guidance. some things we won’t have to “do”. The Holy Spirit can just triumphantly rejoice through our deeds, alone.

I have been here. I have had a few Moses’ in my life that have led me “through” some Red Sea Situations. I know for a fact, that I wouldn’t be working even on this dream (of writing & publishing my first book) unless a Moses or two helped me to see a lil clearer, smile a bit bigger, and pray with me through my storms – just like Martin did with others. (Hmmm…. maybe Moses’ somehow produce more of their own kind… what a thought! My struggles have definitely given me more motivation to lead others out of bondage and desperation.)

(A deep and hearty shout out (and Amen!) to all the Campbell’s, Thompson’s, Williams, Johnson’s, Aversa’s, Jackson’s, Cox(es), Fudges, Owens(es)~ who were there for others – and me – during the very deep seas of life… and I’m certain there were many more…don’t worry I have a whole blog to mention you…) Smile.

So take a moment to notice the ‘Moses’ in your life and thank God for them. Selah.

And thank you… Martin.

Ready to take some risks, question the unbelievable, talk to God in the deep places and cherish and embrace the experience of walking into the Promised Land, as difficult as it may be?

Doesn’t sound very enticing does it?

There will always be Red Seas to approach in life.

The real questions are:

• Why must we be prepared for them?
• What’s the proper response as we endure them?
• Why must we keep perspective during them?
• Why would it benefit us to know of God’s intention and His character
~in the midst of our most trying and challenging times in life?

I haven’t always wanted to be a social worker. It seemed as if I often gravitated into people’s lives because they had problems. I guess my mother helped me see it was my “strength” to help others solve problems somewhere around eleventh grade. Well… I seem to gravitate towards trouble so much… I decided to make a career of it! And now I am deciding to BLOG about it! (smile) Join me as I explore ‘trouble’, pain and hardship and offer a few perhaps rather interesting points of view as it may relate to some of your personal life experiences.

As we weekly explore the ups and downs of our ‘everyday struggles’ of life, we must notice and reflect that there may be a few nearly disastrous ones. Despite the hardship, good things really do come out of life struggle, life challenge and even life changes. Despite all the pain – we can keep the proper perspective, have a pretty decent response, discuss with other and with God how it may benefit our character transform our lives and cause us to live a little lighter.

So I offer you this: What if your ‘Red Sea’ offered you the chance to enter into a greater and more glorious plan God has for your life? What if God only parts the Seas of our lives so we can walk through them and gather up enough courage to face the unbelievable – and take a chance at retrieving everything we lost in Egypt? (Our past lives carry lots of pain from our struggles and can cause us to hesitate ~ when trouble begins again.) What if God wanted to work a miracle to rid you of the the perspective, the responses, and show you just how true and committed He can be in the deepest places of your life ~ when you least expect Him to come through?

The funny thing about Red Sea Situations is that you often don’t realize you are going through them, until you are deep into the Sea, and you feel as if your whole life is being swallowed up into the depths of a huge abyss.

Ponder this thought: Red Sea Situations can happen maybe every day, every week, maybe even every year of our lives. It’s a choice as to whether you will be ready to embrace them, or decide they are way too heavy to bear and it’s simply not worth bearing to reach any ‘promises’ on the other side.

I posted this picture of my father fishing on a dock, because it is a leisure he enjoys regularly now that the Red Seas of his life have parted. It’s also sort of a tribute to the (one of) the individuals in my life ~who held the key to my destiny and helped me to recapture the strength and sustainability of my Red Sea experience. That’s more than a man just sitting there fishing. (That’s a miracle.) There are pleasures and treasures found in the deep seas of life. I pray this journey into this ‘Red Sea experience’ will bless your life and offer you a different angle of what lies ahead in a promising journey toward your future.

Take a quick moment to consider what ‘good fruit‘ your Red Sea Situation(s) may have produced in you?

Please share if you have some FRUIT to share…