I feel weird, like I could cry again for no reason...must be completely overtired, because I was laughing hysterically just an hour ago. =] must have been something in the pizza...
SUCH a beautiful day! Really did not expect to enjoy "Smoke on the Lake" so much, but it turns out that I really enjoy being lakeside! (who knew?!) Absolutely beautiful, consistent breeze/fierce wind all seven hours I was there...and the only sunburn is on the back of my knees? Odd, but lovely! (the happy, random music & free food was a nice touch, as well ;)
Then, I knew that church was going to be good this evening, mostly because I was totally exhausted and God's voice is just amplified whenever I'm feeling weary. And for as much as I was expecting Him to do something, I had no idea that He would bring up what He did...but He did, so good.
First, my friend Michelle stops me and asks, "Hey! How's your health?" (referring to MS stuff) I paused, think I said something like, 'oh it's good, keeps getting better,' then we got distracted by other people in the hallway, so I didn't get a chance to elaborate (with Michelle, at least). But I kept walking/pondering her question, knowing exactly where my body isn't responding like I want it to - I still haven't been able to really jump in about a year, and it's been a point of frustration for me lately. I've been debating whether or not I should fast for it, go to bed earlier...I don't know, something. (I'm pretty sure God just told me to trust...) I know that God "makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights," so doesn't that mean that I should be jumping by now?
Second, I walk into the sanctuary, intercession had just started, and everyone was walking around in the sanctuary praying. I gladly joined in and came across another friend, Ms. Lori, who gave me a wonderful, knowing hug (you ever hug someone while you're both praying in the Spirit?? Such a neat feeling, and I almost get the sense that they now know everything that's going on in my life, good or bad..). But it also reminded me of the card and plaque she gave me last year, like the week after I received my Word of healing. The plaque has Matthew 19:26, "with God all things are possible." I remember the card, short, sweet and to the point - "Emily, truly ALL things are possible with God! Your healing is yours, says the Lord." (finally started crying at this point, through the duration of worship. Awesome!)
Third, the elders that open service start with Ezekiel 37 (The Valley of Dry Bones - a piece Refuge did 2 years ago/holds a deep, familiar place in me).
4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Then, to follow up that passage with a word exhorting us to speak to the dead things in our lives - in the Name of the Lord - and see the difference that it makes. (am I scared to prophesy as He has commanded?)
14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.' "
*Sunday morning wrap up =)
Yes, after God has done x, y, and z we'll really know that He has done it, but we first have to walk out (in obedience!) what He has told us to do/say. Which makes it NO coincidence that a verse I was led to this morning was Colossians 4:5-6~
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
I had ample opportunity yesterday to have some grace-filled conversation, and I think I missed a lot of it, by choosing to keep my mouth shut. (Which is not always a bad thing...Proverbs says that even a fool looks wise if he doesn't speak.) But I realized, how can my words be seasoned with salt IF I DON'T SAY ANYTHING? .........
Fourth (almost there, I promise!), the summation point of tonight's (incredible!) sermon was two questions: 1), what is the Lord saying about my mouth/actions and 2), what do I need to change/do different?
You know, if we're in His Word and getting daily filled with His Spirit - shouldn't my words/responses be HIS words/responses?
do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. (Luke 12:11b-12)
ahhh, God be glorified. Plenty to praise Him for, plenty of areas to grow in, plenty of life-giving words to speak! =D
Much much much love to all 5 of you that are reading this! (hahahahaha!)
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