Do You Know What This Is?
If there was ever a time to remember.....
....now is the time. Good old fashioned communication. Not many I come into contact with have used or even know what a rotary phone is. I honestly don't remember using one to make calls, but I played with one; in my "play, play" office when I was little. This was what people used for communication. The way they spoke to others who were far away. It was a luxury to have a telephone in your home. It was key to keep in touch. Communication was made easy because hearing someone's voice on the other end was wonderful. The sound of "...Hello?" was always pleasing. Now, it isn't something we do often. We should. Knowing that we have someone we can call is so crucial; even in the age of technology. It is uplifting and comforting. It is necessary.
As we have recently witnessed some of the most tragic times in our country, I would like to share with you the first of the new "TWO" blog post series. "Two" is a group I started on my birthday. Just a group of ladies who, during a difficult time in my life were there. These were ladies I knew I could have a connection with and live out Matthew 18:20. I hope these posts encourage you to be a part of my "Two" community as well as create your own. If there was ever a time to have someone to communicate with, touch and agree in a prayer of supplication, now is the time. During this tumultuous season we’re in right now in the world, know that prayer is the number you dial to get to God; the old school way. Contrary to people in our lives, at times, know this....God will hear you when you call and He will answer.
In everything that we do, there are naysayers, discouraging people, and situations that may seem unimaginably possible. There may be things that happen that may make you feel like God is so far away from you. Don't let that happen. Don't allow a circumstance to sway what you already know. Live in your truth. Walk in who you are and remember to whom you belong...THE RISEN SAVIOR!!! The last thing we should do is stop communicating with Him. We need God now more than ever before!
There is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ! NOTHING!!! If you need a boost for the rest of the week/weekend, as we have had some of the most pivotal moments of our times in history, please take this scripture with you. Romans 8:37-39. It isn't one that we often hear in relation to tragedy or racial tension, but it is so applicable and relevant to our lives today. Remember who loves you...who died for you. Don't let anything separate you from His love. Know that you can call on Him at anytime; He will always answer.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NIV
If Christ didn't allow all of our mess to separate Him from us and He took on all the sins of the world knowing He had all power in His hands to come down from the very cross He died upon, what makes you think that there is anything else that could separate you from Him now?? There is nothing that can happen that would not be able to be discussed with Him in prayer. I recently saw a post on social media that said something regarding the way the world was and the recent events happening, that prayer wouldn't help. The devil is a liar! We can't allow our hearts and minds to be distracted and discouraged from using the very way to God's heart; through prayer and worship. We can't allow our communication to be hindered due to thoughts of ineffectiveness. It is a lie. He loves us and He wants to hear from us.
My son will sporadically ask me, "Mommy, who loves you?" and my expected response is to say, "You do!" I believe that God wants us to hear Him say that to us (because He says it constantly in everything He does). I believe that God wants us to look around and hear Him say, "(insert your name here) who loves you?!" And He is waiting for us to say, out loud, "YOU DO, GOD!" Believe that. Receive that; and as you think about the times we are in now and the stress of a crazy world, remember He is perfect in all of His ways. He longs to care for us and answer our call...there is nothing that can separate you from His love today.
As you go through October, a month that we recognize several causes, please find time to remember that you have someone who is willing to be there for you, you have an advocate and there is nothing that can separate you from His love. There is no tragedy, no sickness, not one problem we may face that could separate us. Find your "Two" and come into agreement with them this week; this month. Touch and agree that change can come to the world. Prayer can change things. This is your line of communication to God. If the line seems busy, don’t stop calling. God longs to answer the prayers of His children. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Please join me in creating a strong community of believers, women and men, who want to find their "Two" to reach the heart of God. Share this message and join the movement.
Are you able to communicate the "old fashioned" way?
Will you continue to pray for change in the world?
What does communication mean to you?
Who is your "Two"?
Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross
In these last few weeks of the year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the beginning of a New Year. I am so thankful for this time of reflection. The humble beginnings of the one born to die for me. The reflection of the year that has passed and the anticipation of the New Year to come. My PopPop used to always say, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross…” I never quite understood what that meant but I knew it was powerful. Last night that was my prayer. With the world as crazy as it is, life as crazy as it is, I ask, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross..” Keep me near that place where you hung, bled and died for me. Even though you knew me, all my downfalls and all my imperfections, you went there for me. When al the world is looking for a finish line, keep me near the place of my new beginning. Jesus, keep me near the Cross. My prayer for today, tomorrow and everyday here ever after. I want to be nearer. I want to focus on the victory won and not so much the journey ahead. I want Christ magnified so that I may see beyond the gaps and the bridges of life. I long to be free of the madness of today. I want to be more like Him and less like me. Jesus, keep me near the Cross.
Reflections Of Every Season To Worship
I find myself always wanting to be near the Cross, wrapped in His arms, in the palm of His blood stained hands…draped in His robe of Glory.
Father, I lift my hands to worship; in surrender to Your love. I bow down at your feet, my God; in submission to Your sacrifice. Your birth gave me hope. Your death gave me life. Lead me down the path, in the Autumn of my life, to find the Cross. It represents the season of Spring. The time of the rebirth of all creation. Lead me there, to the true path of holiness. Keep me there. You are Mary’s little baby. Wise men still seek You. Oh, come let us adore Him! God, thank You for Your sacrifice.
Isaiah 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
John 4:14 speaks of the true and living water. The well that never runs dry. The true and living water that flows from Cal’vry’s mountain. Calvary…where I find rest. Calvary, where the sinless lamb was slain for me.
Keep Me There
I pray that in the hustle and bustle of life that you remember that no matter how many parties and gatherings you may attend there is one reason we all truly have purpose and our lives have meaning. The babe, lying in a manger. Born the King of Kings in a place where animals fed. We must remember that as in that baby’s story, the beginning was so humble. The life of our Savior was full of great mysteries and wonders. He had the power to save himself but He chose to save the world! Remember that as you embark 2017. Press through, be who God has called you to be...set apart.
1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
He is not finished with you yet! So as you go into the New Year, cling to the Cross and see the world in the eyes of the one we magnify, Christ. Take a closer look, pray, believe and stay near the feet of Jesus at the Cross.