Praise and glory to God our Father on this sunny Sunday! Getting ready for worship! I have had my Holy Spirit Tears already today (most days), doing my devotion, but better yet, preparing my 19 year old to head back to Minneapolis to college today. He has grown so much in maturity and faith, and we saw a huge spurt this Christmas break. He was once an artist, making dark artwork, some of it demonic. I had tried to be open to his artistic ability and tolerated this to a point, but this spring I decided to take a stand and have it removed from the house. Also in our talks in the last few months, I believe the Holy Spirit has helped me penetrate his soul enough to get him to understand the power these articles possess. He now seems to have a sense of peace. I am hopeful his future artwork will show this. Our world is so full of demonic iconic tshirts and album covers, along with many more TV shows and movies showing ghost chasing. A little less subtle is the demonic force I believe coming out of mainstream television shows, highlighting most every episode swirling around death and murder. If you think about television, actual keep track of how much of it is positive and uplifting. The Today Show I watch no longer as well. I don't call news that which lets me know which Hollywood figure is bankrupt or divorced. It's not my business. I also don't find it healthy to see newscasters relaying the news, when it is obvious what their personal opinion is. I have seen too many politicians slaughtered on air. And don't get me started on Saturday Night Life and the filth it has become.
A future blog coming will be all of the instructional statements the Lord has planted on me during dreams and during awake times. I plan on making a piece of artwork out of my Father's words to me. It is such an incredible thing to finally identify that statement that comes into our hearts. What a relief for me to connect the relationship, due to washing of the Word daily, with that loving God's voice. This is how I picture the relationship, and I hope it helps you: I imagine I am a quilt and the thread that makes the pattern on the quilt is His Word, weaving in and out of the fabric. I am held together and decorated by His Word. It puts Him in me.
One of the most personal and beautiful statements the Lord put on my heart is "Melissa, put my beautiful music in your ears". This was on September 18, 2011.
At that time, I was still struggling with being afraid at night. I was having nightmares. Demonic nightmares at times. Also, paranoid nightmares. Things like black birds picking at me, broomsticks coming through my window at me and having my loved one, Joe, walking in my bedroom and scaring me. (this is not possible, he doesn't live here). I say this with all confidence in the Lord. I am of sound mind. I actually praise Him many days in my devotional time for having a sound mind. It is wise. My history of nightmares is lifelong. My history of insomnia goes back to age 4 when I can first remember. And fear of the dark goes back to that beginning of my memories. What a shame. What a struggle for me.
The demonic nightmares I don't feel I need to share at this time. I do not do this for entertainment or to titillate you. I do it, as I feel this blog is an ongoing testimony of what real people are like, and what real people that turn their lives completely over to Jesus Christ are really and truly like. I am still a real person with struggles. The Enemy has used my sleep and fear of the dark against me, and I feel now as I mature in Christ that it is his thorn to keep me from feeling as powerful as I need to be. He does this to many, and I assure you, that you are not abnormal. Keep following my blog to hear my explanation of what is really going on, that which you cannot see, good and bad. The good is triumphant over the bad. Recognize the bad, the evil, then stomp it out, with the power of the Word of God under your belt. You really cannot tromp on those snakes unless you arm yourself with Holy Spirit power. Man vs. evil without Christ? Not a victory. I tried it as a lukewarm Christian. One who was a perfectionist, trying to outwit at every turn, evil. And evil kept sneaking up on me. Tricky Devil, he is. The downfall of my life was the time in my life after leaving an abusive husband. The leaving wasn't the sin, it was the sin that my life fell into, as a single woman. The worst fall of my life, from 2006 to 2009. Lord, Jesus, praise you for reaching Your hand into the pit to grab me, clean me off, renew me, and show me how to obey and why. Praise!
I was having intense trouble sleeping and finding peace in the dark in my 100 year old home from late May 2011 until approximately October 2011. This trouble all started within the month that I proclaimed out loud to others that I was born again. My boys also felt this strange fear in our home.
It is hard to recognize at the time, the timing of events. That is why a prayer journal is essential. It does two things. It is a tool to make your relationship deep, through prayers and really just talking to God, through hand writing. But as well, it helps you date the events in your life, and associate them later with the big picture. You can highlight in a different color, answered prayers as I do. I also highlight revelations that I have. You see cycles. It is all so cool. God is so cool and artistic, himself. He certainly is not boring and rigid. Join in this one-on-one through a prayer journal.
I actually was at work and writing in my prayer journal when the Holy Spirit planted on me, to put His beautiful music in my ears.
To me, at that time, it meant that I could sleep better if I bought a Sony Walkman or Ipod to listen to Christian music during sleep to block out distractions that were leading into lack of confidence in the dark. So, I did buy a Sony Walkman and listened to our local contemporary Christian music station. It did work and it was comforting.
But, actually now I see many meanings in what the Lord was saying in this one statement.
1) Yes, fill your heart and soul with good things, including positive uplifting music.
2) But, as a musician, praying for direction with my hobby of piano playing, I wonder if He is instructing me to use my music only to glorify Him. I have been praying for direction with my music business, which allows me some extra income and opportunities to perform. I used to be a church pianist for years in the Catholic church. I enjoyed it, but it was different than the music provided in my new churches I attend. I had only started listening to contemporary Christian music about a year ago. I didn't know many songs. But, if I was going to be a church musician, I better learn the music. Now, I am learning the music! And I continue to pray that He will call me, if it is His will, to be a church musician. I bought two piano books this weekend, and have actually mastered 80% of it! (my left pinkie is very sore) All of the praise goes up! Only through Him, can I play so well. What a new twist and turn, understanding our gifts are only from Him.
3) I find myself waking up from sleep, when the alarm goes off, with a wonderful Chris Tomlin type song many days! Some days I actually am singing as I wake up. And guess what? This is praising God! All of the scripture injected into these songs is great ammunition against spiritual warfare!
4) Also, I find that the more I include reading scripture and listening to good healthy Christian music, it is all that is on my mind. Not much time for that nasty demon voice telling me how I screwed up, etc. Or who is ugly or different. Be gone! Fill your morning with scripture, and fill the rest of your day with healthy music, no TV, and be alert to every encounter to spread the Good News of our Savior. You will find there is little time for unhealthiness. I will later blog of the opportunities I have in each and every day to evangelize with co-workers and even perfect strangers. Remember, if you are born again, they will sense you are different. You emit the light of Christ. They don't exactly know what makes you different, but they are watching you, and want to examine what you have that they don't.
Oh, Lord, again, please bless this blog. If you do not bless it, give me discernment to remove what is not in Your will. I will obey. Amen.
2 Kings 3:15 But now, bring me a harpist. While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha.
Psalm 81: 1-2 Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
My Future Art Piece--All Of My Father's Words To Me
"Melissa, have loose lips for Me."
"Melissa, there is only believer's baptism in the Bible."
"Melissa, two more years....."
"Melissa, you have so much work to do".
"Melissa, be still."
"Melissa, how could you ever comprehend My love, when your earthly family did not show you appropriate love, let alone unconditional love?"
"Melissa, I speak to you in dreams. Just as those who speak and interpret tongues, I speak in dreams, to those who are silent enough."
"Your daughter, Brittany, is beloved".
"Melissa, there is only believer's baptism in the Bible."
"Melissa, two more years....."
"Melissa, you have so much work to do".
"Melissa, be still."
"Melissa, how could you ever comprehend My love, when your earthly family did not show you appropriate love, let alone unconditional love?"
"Melissa, I speak to you in dreams. Just as those who speak and interpret tongues, I speak in dreams, to those who are silent enough."
"Your daughter, Brittany, is beloved".
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Come To The Table? Really?
Good Day! The Lord has blessed this part of the country with sunshine and warmer weather. It will all even out. No need to worry. The Lord is taking care of us. We will get our moisture and cold. It's all part of His big plan.
I bring this message today with much prayer. I am not a Catholic or Lutheran hater. I am a recreated Christian, now only leaning into the Lord. I will not worship where rituals and customs rule over the biblical truth. I will not worship ANYWHERE where I feel there are excluded members or non-members. All are welcome, minus a very rare circumstance of an ousted member. (Yes that does happen, apparently, and the New Testament gives instruction on how to do this, (see below) whether it be a friend, brother or church member. It all includes privacy first as you are confronting them in love, then if no results, bring along a strong believer to assist in the confrontation and restoration. If no results after all of these attempts, yes, we have to make big changes). I also am a new Jesus Follower, not Jesus Watcher. Relationship, relationship, relationship.
I am well educated in Catholicism. I converted in an RCIA program (very intense) from September 1997 to April 1998. I had read their catechism from the years 1998-2005. I have met with priests, as a Catholic, on at least 5 occasions, with deep questions, and also deep hurts about my life. I have also met with a highly respected religious leader in our community, a number of times from the years 2001 to 2011. His name is Jimm. And he is a teacher like Jesus in that he usually asks you a question as an answer. Think about that. It really isn't about what he or these priests think. It is about our relationship with Jesus, how are we gaining that knowledge to cultivate that relationship. It does come down to me plus Jesus.
I grew up in an American Lutheran Church. Our pastor was really neat, but we were scared of him. He was very loud and fire and brimstone type preacher. I wish I would have listened more then. I would enjoy getting another chance to sit in on his sermons if we could only rewind our lives! But, he is retired now.
That is the neat thing about Christian growth. We can spend time with people and not get the point. Then, with wisdom as we age, we spend time with these folks again and we see their perspective. We can read the bible over and over and get something else. We can read books and take another spin on it later. My example is some of Frances Chan's books. I read Crazy Love and Forgotten God before I was saved. Now, boy, I can't wait to read them again!
No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”
― C.S. Lewis
The title of my blog: "Come To The Table". Well, that breaks my heart. You see, this is a canvas, shiny yellow poster strapped to my Catholic Church in town. It is very near my home. I see this poster most every day. This church is on a busy street. It is a beautiful, stately church. Why does that break my heart? Because really not everyone can come to the table. Only after you meet requirements can you "recline at table" with Jesus. At least there, in the Roman Catholic Church you can't. You need to do many cartwheels to get the privilege of taking the body and blood of Jesus. WWJD? I don't think the Jesus I have come to know as my Papa these last 1.5 years would say, "Wait! You must be clean and perfect and if remarried you must be annulled, and Wait! You must be married to a Catholic whose prior marriage has been annulled!". "And Wait! You must go through a priest to be purified in confession at least a couple of times a year. You can't do that on your own. You can't go to me, Jesus, with that confession. It's best you go through a priest.
And oh, did the apostle Paul have a hey day with that, which was already happening around him so quickly after Jesus left the earth and left His Spirit here to fill us.
I pray these words come to you with comfort, not bitterness. I only blog because the Spirit drives me. I don't have time to blog, but somehow, I find time. I don't have time for Bible devotions daily but I find time. The Lord carves out my day now. He has circumcised my old ways. A religious "circumcision" and a personal "circumcision". Religious in that he has helped me see what was standing in my way. I used to find peace in the rituals, the laws of the church. The bells ringing at the altar as the Host was raised, the incense at funerals, the sprinkling of the water. I felt so cozy there. I thought I found home. The problem was, it was distraction. I stopped at the rituals and didn't proceed into the relationship. Many, many do what I did. And millions of Christians are stopping short of the full glory that Christ promises here on the earth, as we wait for His return.
A dear friend in my life was so patient with me and my defending MY Catholic church. I took him to mass a couple of times. One time, the entire homily (sermon) was about building a new Catholic school. There was no meat for us that day to go home and saver on all week.
He said to me, kindly once or twice, "Melissa, really those things are not in the Bible", when I discussed the virgin Mary and her elevated place in the church, about confession and communion.
I saw the striking contrast between our churches after attending his. He was fair and attended mine. And the difference was so stark. There was such open talk of love that Christ has for us, talk of stepping over the faith line, Bibles in most parishioners hands as they walked in. And the Word was opened and discussed each service. I saw few people bored. I saw tears and emotion. I saw people not really wanting to leave when it was time to go. Hugs and smiles and hand shakes and welcome, welcome.
And in the Catholic church I saw boredom. Yawning. Staring at who is going up to communion. People leaving as soon as they walked through the communion line. (Check mark..., complete!) People not singing. People leaving during the final verse of the closing song.
I have attended 6 different Catholic churches regularly in 14 years. I have moved and lived in multiple communities. The common denominator is the above paragraph. I have the experience to say this is what I saw. If your church is different, Amen. I just want people to see what worship is meant to be. We are there to sing to God, to praise God, to give to God. To be fed. Raise it up to God. Alleluia! To feel so wanted that we don't want to leave that setting with other believers.
I used to be the church pianist in three different Catholic churches. I would become so frustrated. The complaints about too many verses. Too much singing. Too long of songs. Come on, people.
A beloved Catholic friend, Ann and I were the perfect duo in the music department of one of my churches. We had a pack and that was to sing all verses, every song. She loved to sing and we had such beautiful music, together. David Haas is one of the song writers/composers, and Ann adored him. Ann was a spiritual sister of mine and will always be. Life has taken us down different paths. But, in that Catholic setting, we were so enjoying our music, amidst the complaints of the elders and long time members. We were a fortress. I was seeking God my entire life and I look back at these times before I was an all out Jesus Freak, and see what God was doing the entire time. He loves me so! Oh, how he loves.... John Mark McMillan.
Please understand my sadness, frustration and heartache. I loved my Catholic church. But, I found after I searched further, I found obstacles that I could not tolerate and I had to leave. The last time I attempted to go to the Catholic church, I decided to see where I was lead regarding communion. Guess what? The priest spent the homily speaking of rules for receiving communion. That, my friends is not in the Bible. What is in my heart? The Word of God. The Holy Spirit mulling over the Word of God in my heart. I will not attend where there are chains on the Body And Bread Of Life. My heart will not allow that. No wonder I cried so hard for so long about my sin, shame and pain. I didn't catch the part about unconditional love at the Catholic Church. My heart deserves to soar. And it now does. Try to catch me! Flying, free. Amen, Lord Jesus. The Maker of all that is good and just. You saved me from the pit, and I am forever yours, doing Your work here.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "A country has seldom produced so many different kinds of people as has the Catholic church. With admirable power, it has understood how to maintain unity in diversity, to gain the love and respect of the masses, and to foster a strong sense of community...But it is exactly because of this greatness that we have serious reservations. Has this world of the Catholic church really remained the church of Christ? Has it not perhaps become an obstruction blocking the path to God instead of a road sign to salvation?"
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
.
I bring this message today with much prayer. I am not a Catholic or Lutheran hater. I am a recreated Christian, now only leaning into the Lord. I will not worship where rituals and customs rule over the biblical truth. I will not worship ANYWHERE where I feel there are excluded members or non-members. All are welcome, minus a very rare circumstance of an ousted member. (Yes that does happen, apparently, and the New Testament gives instruction on how to do this, (see below) whether it be a friend, brother or church member. It all includes privacy first as you are confronting them in love, then if no results, bring along a strong believer to assist in the confrontation and restoration. If no results after all of these attempts, yes, we have to make big changes). I also am a new Jesus Follower, not Jesus Watcher. Relationship, relationship, relationship.
I am well educated in Catholicism. I converted in an RCIA program (very intense) from September 1997 to April 1998. I had read their catechism from the years 1998-2005. I have met with priests, as a Catholic, on at least 5 occasions, with deep questions, and also deep hurts about my life. I have also met with a highly respected religious leader in our community, a number of times from the years 2001 to 2011. His name is Jimm. And he is a teacher like Jesus in that he usually asks you a question as an answer. Think about that. It really isn't about what he or these priests think. It is about our relationship with Jesus, how are we gaining that knowledge to cultivate that relationship. It does come down to me plus Jesus.
I grew up in an American Lutheran Church. Our pastor was really neat, but we were scared of him. He was very loud and fire and brimstone type preacher. I wish I would have listened more then. I would enjoy getting another chance to sit in on his sermons if we could only rewind our lives! But, he is retired now.
That is the neat thing about Christian growth. We can spend time with people and not get the point. Then, with wisdom as we age, we spend time with these folks again and we see their perspective. We can read the bible over and over and get something else. We can read books and take another spin on it later. My example is some of Frances Chan's books. I read Crazy Love and Forgotten God before I was saved. Now, boy, I can't wait to read them again!
No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”
― C.S. Lewis
The title of my blog: "Come To The Table". Well, that breaks my heart. You see, this is a canvas, shiny yellow poster strapped to my Catholic Church in town. It is very near my home. I see this poster most every day. This church is on a busy street. It is a beautiful, stately church. Why does that break my heart? Because really not everyone can come to the table. Only after you meet requirements can you "recline at table" with Jesus. At least there, in the Roman Catholic Church you can't. You need to do many cartwheels to get the privilege of taking the body and blood of Jesus. WWJD? I don't think the Jesus I have come to know as my Papa these last 1.5 years would say, "Wait! You must be clean and perfect and if remarried you must be annulled, and Wait! You must be married to a Catholic whose prior marriage has been annulled!". "And Wait! You must go through a priest to be purified in confession at least a couple of times a year. You can't do that on your own. You can't go to me, Jesus, with that confession. It's best you go through a priest.
And oh, did the apostle Paul have a hey day with that, which was already happening around him so quickly after Jesus left the earth and left His Spirit here to fill us.
I pray these words come to you with comfort, not bitterness. I only blog because the Spirit drives me. I don't have time to blog, but somehow, I find time. I don't have time for Bible devotions daily but I find time. The Lord carves out my day now. He has circumcised my old ways. A religious "circumcision" and a personal "circumcision". Religious in that he has helped me see what was standing in my way. I used to find peace in the rituals, the laws of the church. The bells ringing at the altar as the Host was raised, the incense at funerals, the sprinkling of the water. I felt so cozy there. I thought I found home. The problem was, it was distraction. I stopped at the rituals and didn't proceed into the relationship. Many, many do what I did. And millions of Christians are stopping short of the full glory that Christ promises here on the earth, as we wait for His return.
A dear friend in my life was so patient with me and my defending MY Catholic church. I took him to mass a couple of times. One time, the entire homily (sermon) was about building a new Catholic school. There was no meat for us that day to go home and saver on all week.
He said to me, kindly once or twice, "Melissa, really those things are not in the Bible", when I discussed the virgin Mary and her elevated place in the church, about confession and communion.
I saw the striking contrast between our churches after attending his. He was fair and attended mine. And the difference was so stark. There was such open talk of love that Christ has for us, talk of stepping over the faith line, Bibles in most parishioners hands as they walked in. And the Word was opened and discussed each service. I saw few people bored. I saw tears and emotion. I saw people not really wanting to leave when it was time to go. Hugs and smiles and hand shakes and welcome, welcome.
And in the Catholic church I saw boredom. Yawning. Staring at who is going up to communion. People leaving as soon as they walked through the communion line. (Check mark..., complete!) People not singing. People leaving during the final verse of the closing song.
I have attended 6 different Catholic churches regularly in 14 years. I have moved and lived in multiple communities. The common denominator is the above paragraph. I have the experience to say this is what I saw. If your church is different, Amen. I just want people to see what worship is meant to be. We are there to sing to God, to praise God, to give to God. To be fed. Raise it up to God. Alleluia! To feel so wanted that we don't want to leave that setting with other believers.
I used to be the church pianist in three different Catholic churches. I would become so frustrated. The complaints about too many verses. Too much singing. Too long of songs. Come on, people.
A beloved Catholic friend, Ann and I were the perfect duo in the music department of one of my churches. We had a pack and that was to sing all verses, every song. She loved to sing and we had such beautiful music, together. David Haas is one of the song writers/composers, and Ann adored him. Ann was a spiritual sister of mine and will always be. Life has taken us down different paths. But, in that Catholic setting, we were so enjoying our music, amidst the complaints of the elders and long time members. We were a fortress. I was seeking God my entire life and I look back at these times before I was an all out Jesus Freak, and see what God was doing the entire time. He loves me so! Oh, how he loves.... John Mark McMillan.
Please understand my sadness, frustration and heartache. I loved my Catholic church. But, I found after I searched further, I found obstacles that I could not tolerate and I had to leave. The last time I attempted to go to the Catholic church, I decided to see where I was lead regarding communion. Guess what? The priest spent the homily speaking of rules for receiving communion. That, my friends is not in the Bible. What is in my heart? The Word of God. The Holy Spirit mulling over the Word of God in my heart. I will not attend where there are chains on the Body And Bread Of Life. My heart will not allow that. No wonder I cried so hard for so long about my sin, shame and pain. I didn't catch the part about unconditional love at the Catholic Church. My heart deserves to soar. And it now does. Try to catch me! Flying, free. Amen, Lord Jesus. The Maker of all that is good and just. You saved me from the pit, and I am forever yours, doing Your work here.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "A country has seldom produced so many different kinds of people as has the Catholic church. With admirable power, it has understood how to maintain unity in diversity, to gain the love and respect of the masses, and to foster a strong sense of community...But it is exactly because of this greatness that we have serious reservations. Has this world of the Catholic church really remained the church of Christ? Has it not perhaps become an obstruction blocking the path to God instead of a road sign to salvation?"
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
.
Friday, January 6, 2012
What Does Your Bumper Sticker Say? Why Cringe At Mine?
Praise and Glory to our Lord and Savior! Lord, please bless this blog and its contents. Please work through me, for your ultimate goals. Let me be a teacher for You. Let me help open eyes and ears. I am such a sinner. But, you took away my guilt and self condemnation almost a year ago. You took away those negative voices. You made me see who I was in You in 2011. Help me help those so many Christians and non-believers that are not swimming in Your love. They will know if they are absolutely, positively saved and in crazy love for you. Oh, the day when all will rejoice with the heavenlies: Holy, Holy, Holy. What a day!
We live in the Hawkeye State. Iowa Hawkeyes, that is. We have no professional sports, so we obsess about our college sports, mostly University of Iowa sports. Even graduates of our other colleges support the Hawks. I know so many men and women that went to the university in our home town, but drool over the Hawkeyes. Those poor Panthers! They get ignored.
And what do we see? Well, on game day, there are these flags that fans put on their cars. They stick out of your front windows. And everywhere is black and gold when you go out and get a cup of coffee. Many are sporting their tshirt or sweatshirt.
There is alot of money to be made by all of this licensed material. Key chains, hats, pajamas, underwear, socks, drinking cups, bean bag toss games, bottle openers. Even a guy in my old community can make you a bar with your favorite team, including the Hawkeyes.
It was always a little strange to me. I was a music person. I enjoyed sports, but that just didn't work out for me personally, as well as music did. Yes, an occasional game on the TV or to go to a baseball game, I like. I think I balance out things pretty well, my hobbies. But...... people ruining their day when their team lost. People getting in nasty fights during the Iowa State vs. Iowa games. Fans fighting. People booing you if you wore Iowa State gear instead of Iowa Hawkeye gear. People breaking golf clubs over their knee?
I am sure your collegiate sport situation is similar in your state. Do you have a bumper sticker on your car? A license plate holder?
Do you have any Christian religious jewelry? How about those plastic bracelets? Do you wear clothing proclaiming your faith? A necktie or shirt?
Do you think God is a jealous god? You know, he really doesn't need us or anything at all. But guess what? He is very, very interested in His children showing their affection for Him.
You know, I am not here to blog to make people feel crummy about their lives. I do know that I am learning alot by reading the bible. I do see support in there for my needing to personally to look at every aspect of my life. I fall so short. I am making changes. He is revealing to me so many items that I never thought of before. That is what is so glorious. And some of these items came to me, after being born again, after I thought of many key conversations and situations over my lifetime that I didn't think mattered at the time. You see, the Holy Spirit speaks through other people, and these statements and incidents are keys to the puzzle of our life, in Christ, and He reveals the solving of the puzzle, piece by piece, after you ultimately establish an intimate relationship with Him. And that relationship gets stronger. And you analyze all of these puzzle pieces and see what He intended all along. For you to finally decide to accept Him. And all of your life tragedies, blessings and journeys now make perfect sense. Remember, He doesn't need you. And you can't work your way to heaven. You have to surrender all and just accept Him. He LOVES, absolutely LOVES when His children finally decide to say, "Here I am Abba Father. I am sorry I didn't come sooner to you. I am sorry I fell in love with the world and believed the lies of Satan all of this time".
I bought a Jesus Freak type sticker for my car window a few months ago. I looked over all of the stickers at the book store, and found a great one. It isn't very big and it isn't very obvious. But, it stamps me with Him. I don't need to be stamped with the Chicago Cubs or My Student is An Honor Student (jeez people---glorify God, not your children). I thought it was absolutely perfect, perfect for me to label my car with my One True Love. I finally found that True Love. It took me 42 years and oh, so much heartache. I have fished for comments from others on this sticker I bought. I don't actually know anyone, off hand, that has an obvious Jesus sticker. I can't say that I got an overwhelming approval for the sticker. I don't think we are all on the same wavelength. You see, I am a little bit of a rebel, and I don't care if I do happen to get into a fender bender. They can use that sticker against me, but guess what? I plan to not deny Christ if someone wants to challenge me. I will fight that Peter in me!
I won't get too heavy on this topic tonight, but I will exercise my religious freedoms and to the maximum. I am concerned about our future with this. I am concerned about employers possibly restricting what we wear to work, if it reflects our faith. I am concerned that Christians will someday be identified for their faith. And it won't be for a good reason. I am preparing to read Revelations again. It has been decades since I spent much time there. It is part of the bible, and with prayer and meditation, I am getting ready. You need to read all parts of the bible, including Revelations. Don't tally there forever. But, there is so much information that has been swept under the rug, as we enjoy our lives, forgetting we are only here for a fraction of a second of an eternity of time. The rebel in me also wants to get a very small Christian tattoo. Maybe just a cross with a scripture, possibly from Ephesians. (not written out, but such as: "Ephesians 3:16-19") So much born again reference from the apostle Paul. Such good news. As a rebel, I think if there is a day in my lifetime that I need to either deny or confess that I am a Christian, they will know from my actions and they will know from my "bumper sticker" on my body. You just try to mess with this Jesus Freak. I am in Christ Jesus. And if it happens in my lifetime, I will sing praises to the Most High as they try to change my beliefs or practices. Whatever it comes to. It is pretty deep, but really, what will you do? Imagine the situation. And remember what the saints did. They sang, typically, at the tops of their lungs, at the times of their stonings, beatings and even just at wartime. Do you not want to think of these things? Obviously we would rather think of pleasant things. But if you are like me, I have wasted an incredible amount of time prior to age 42. I had not spent time with God. I didn't pray much and prayed selfishly. I was skimming along. And, now I have glorious time. I am done wasting time. There is such richness in Christ. So long and deep and wide. Come and join me. My chains are gone, but I have so much work to do.
How He Loves by John Mark McMillan (lyrics): He is jealous for me. Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree. Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of the sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful you are and how great are Your affections for me.
Psalm 78:58-59 They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols. When God heard them, he was angry; he rejected Israel completely.
Nahum 1:2-3 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
We live in the Hawkeye State. Iowa Hawkeyes, that is. We have no professional sports, so we obsess about our college sports, mostly University of Iowa sports. Even graduates of our other colleges support the Hawks. I know so many men and women that went to the university in our home town, but drool over the Hawkeyes. Those poor Panthers! They get ignored.
And what do we see? Well, on game day, there are these flags that fans put on their cars. They stick out of your front windows. And everywhere is black and gold when you go out and get a cup of coffee. Many are sporting their tshirt or sweatshirt.
There is alot of money to be made by all of this licensed material. Key chains, hats, pajamas, underwear, socks, drinking cups, bean bag toss games, bottle openers. Even a guy in my old community can make you a bar with your favorite team, including the Hawkeyes.
It was always a little strange to me. I was a music person. I enjoyed sports, but that just didn't work out for me personally, as well as music did. Yes, an occasional game on the TV or to go to a baseball game, I like. I think I balance out things pretty well, my hobbies. But...... people ruining their day when their team lost. People getting in nasty fights during the Iowa State vs. Iowa games. Fans fighting. People booing you if you wore Iowa State gear instead of Iowa Hawkeye gear. People breaking golf clubs over their knee?
I am sure your collegiate sport situation is similar in your state. Do you have a bumper sticker on your car? A license plate holder?
Do you have any Christian religious jewelry? How about those plastic bracelets? Do you wear clothing proclaiming your faith? A necktie or shirt?
Do you think God is a jealous god? You know, he really doesn't need us or anything at all. But guess what? He is very, very interested in His children showing their affection for Him.
You know, I am not here to blog to make people feel crummy about their lives. I do know that I am learning alot by reading the bible. I do see support in there for my needing to personally to look at every aspect of my life. I fall so short. I am making changes. He is revealing to me so many items that I never thought of before. That is what is so glorious. And some of these items came to me, after being born again, after I thought of many key conversations and situations over my lifetime that I didn't think mattered at the time. You see, the Holy Spirit speaks through other people, and these statements and incidents are keys to the puzzle of our life, in Christ, and He reveals the solving of the puzzle, piece by piece, after you ultimately establish an intimate relationship with Him. And that relationship gets stronger. And you analyze all of these puzzle pieces and see what He intended all along. For you to finally decide to accept Him. And all of your life tragedies, blessings and journeys now make perfect sense. Remember, He doesn't need you. And you can't work your way to heaven. You have to surrender all and just accept Him. He LOVES, absolutely LOVES when His children finally decide to say, "Here I am Abba Father. I am sorry I didn't come sooner to you. I am sorry I fell in love with the world and believed the lies of Satan all of this time".
I bought a Jesus Freak type sticker for my car window a few months ago. I looked over all of the stickers at the book store, and found a great one. It isn't very big and it isn't very obvious. But, it stamps me with Him. I don't need to be stamped with the Chicago Cubs or My Student is An Honor Student (jeez people---glorify God, not your children). I thought it was absolutely perfect, perfect for me to label my car with my One True Love. I finally found that True Love. It took me 42 years and oh, so much heartache. I have fished for comments from others on this sticker I bought. I don't actually know anyone, off hand, that has an obvious Jesus sticker. I can't say that I got an overwhelming approval for the sticker. I don't think we are all on the same wavelength. You see, I am a little bit of a rebel, and I don't care if I do happen to get into a fender bender. They can use that sticker against me, but guess what? I plan to not deny Christ if someone wants to challenge me. I will fight that Peter in me!
I won't get too heavy on this topic tonight, but I will exercise my religious freedoms and to the maximum. I am concerned about our future with this. I am concerned about employers possibly restricting what we wear to work, if it reflects our faith. I am concerned that Christians will someday be identified for their faith. And it won't be for a good reason. I am preparing to read Revelations again. It has been decades since I spent much time there. It is part of the bible, and with prayer and meditation, I am getting ready. You need to read all parts of the bible, including Revelations. Don't tally there forever. But, there is so much information that has been swept under the rug, as we enjoy our lives, forgetting we are only here for a fraction of a second of an eternity of time. The rebel in me also wants to get a very small Christian tattoo. Maybe just a cross with a scripture, possibly from Ephesians. (not written out, but such as: "Ephesians 3:16-19") So much born again reference from the apostle Paul. Such good news. As a rebel, I think if there is a day in my lifetime that I need to either deny or confess that I am a Christian, they will know from my actions and they will know from my "bumper sticker" on my body. You just try to mess with this Jesus Freak. I am in Christ Jesus. And if it happens in my lifetime, I will sing praises to the Most High as they try to change my beliefs or practices. Whatever it comes to. It is pretty deep, but really, what will you do? Imagine the situation. And remember what the saints did. They sang, typically, at the tops of their lungs, at the times of their stonings, beatings and even just at wartime. Do you not want to think of these things? Obviously we would rather think of pleasant things. But if you are like me, I have wasted an incredible amount of time prior to age 42. I had not spent time with God. I didn't pray much and prayed selfishly. I was skimming along. And, now I have glorious time. I am done wasting time. There is such richness in Christ. So long and deep and wide. Come and join me. My chains are gone, but I have so much work to do.
How He Loves by John Mark McMillan (lyrics): He is jealous for me. Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree. Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of the sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful you are and how great are Your affections for me.
Psalm 78:58-59 They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols. When God heard them, he was angry; he rejected Israel completely.
Nahum 1:2-3 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Wow. Look At Me. A Saul/Paul!
Praise and Glory to our Father! He is so great. I am overflowing with thanksgiving, especially today, New Years Day. He has taken me out of a wilderness, a 42 year wilderness. He pushed me through a door very quickly this last year. It was painful at times. I do not know why He pushed me so hard. He fills me up with so much that I have to blog, evangelize at work, drop God tracks, and most of all, take big "risks" for Him. I can't spend enough time with Him. I will do His work. That is scary. I don't know my Bible well yet. I am eager to keep reading it and have Him reveal to me what is next. I think He is leading me to be a worship leader in music and/or just church leadership. Or counsel women. I can't wait for Him to reveal it to me.
These are His revelations to me recently:
1) I am an abuser of alcohol. I worshiped alcohol. I see how freeing it is to admit "My name is Melissa and I have a problem with alcohol." I will not drink it if He says "no". I have rules if I have a beverage. I need guidelines and He may reveal that I should never drink again. Amen for My Father. Goodbye alcohol, the God. Look around you and see what is happening with alcohol in our world. Please pray on this.
2) I was Mary the prostitute. I had relationships with men outside of marriage. I used the excuses of "I am in a committed relationship". I bartered with God. I told Him I would marry that man I was sleeping with. I envisioned myself, this summer, wiping my tears from His feet with my hair. And I was Mary in my vision. Yes, I am a sexual sinner. I am pure now. I will remain pure for my Lord. It feels so good to be obedient, and actually, not as hard as you think to be completely abstinent. He will give you strength. I will plan on blogging specifically about sexual abstinence in the future. It is not talked about enough. I will be honored to share this topic with you. YOU CAN DO IT and be free!
3) I have an anger and jealousy problem. I am an incredibly good arguer. I am gifted in winning an argument. I use my power in the wrong ways. Now, when I know a disagreement is imminent, I pray before it even begins. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through the conversation. I watch for signals in myself and the other party. I am looking for Satan to use our tongues. I see it quickly. The Satan that steps in. Yes, he does. He uses our mouths, our hand and body signals, even our eyes. I have seen Satan in others eyes. And yes, he obviously works through me. He loves it when I get angry. But, I am getting more and more aware of his presence. You have the power to rebuke him, IF you also get behind God. You cannot rebuke him if you do not put God in your presence. Worship God, not Satan. Think about how you are actually worshiping Satan. I was amazed when I also realized my fear of Satan and how he got so much power in my life. No more!
4) I now realize that my trip to Hades in July was real. (See my blog about my dream to Hell, while vacationing in Mexico) The Lord took me there. What seems to be revealing to me, five months later is that He was telling me to shape up for Him, and quickly. Get done with the cocktails and flirting. To simplify my life and minimize. To get with Him every day and read the Bible feverishly. I believe time is of the essence. I am aware of our world issues. I am now ready to read the prophesies of Isaiah, John and Daniel. It is time for me to read about what God revealed to these great men. The Bible is a living book and it is God's breath. It is entirely true and we need to read it and read it now. We have been in end times for over 2,000 years people. We are running out of time to reach non-Christians and Christians that are not yet filled with the Holy Spirit. I am saved and now I shall not be selfish and stop with that. I need to reach my loved ones and keep moving outside of the circle. Ask for Holy Spirit guidance. Please be bold in Christ and help people see Jesus in you. He will open doors in the conversation. It happens to me almost daily. I watch for His open doors with people. It is so cool. He rains down blessings on me, bringing people into my path.
5) I was a slayer of Christians. I was a Saul. And now, when I am scourged for my Lord, I feel double pain. Pain for the scourging I did to others. Those that did not fit in my religious box. I joined in on the chatter about so and so who went crazy for Jesus. I am not proud of that. I understand the apostle Paul so well now. But, he did not let his past get in his way. He used it to educate. To be an example for others. To be jailed and stoned for Christ. And he got up. And he continued to preach and instruct. From prison. And never, ever, ever gave up. YOU have that Holy Spirit power in you. The exact same Holy Spirit power that Paul had. Tap into it. I dare you. Do it for the advancement of the kingdom. Don't do it for any other reason.
Do you find yourself really associating alot with Bible characters? I find myself doing that all the time. It is this play, the Bible. God is such a good and almighty director of this magnificent production that never, ever ends. I am Paul alot of the time. I also have poor eyesight, apparently like he did. (He needed assistance to write his letters towards the end of his life, etc.) He had a thorn and some have said it was poor eyesight. Maybe his thorn was depression. I think I completely understand his thorn, for some reason. Whatever it was, I relate. (I understand God put that thorn there as a reminder--what is your thorn if you are born again?) He is stating over and over again that he was a sinner. But, he was chosen for his boldness. I also am bold. Now I am bold in a healthy, productive for God way. I also am a writer. (I didn't know I was until I started writing my journals to the Lord)
Paul was converted quickly, from my biblical reading and understanding. I have heard someone else give a different opinion on this. I have my entire life to continue reading the Bible, and it will continue to breathe information to me day by day. My determination on how long it actually took Paul to go into action is not exactly my point. It appears Paul though, was one minute a destroyer of Christians, and the next minute had Jesus speaking and instructing him to now spread the Good News. And he did obey! Praise for that. Where would we be without Paul? He wears many crowns and jewels in heaven, as he has saved so many souls and continues to, this day. Each person like me that reads his wonderful letters, has a chance for eternal conversion. Slayers, like me. I was a Christian, slaying Christians. Slaying the Jesus Freaks.
He killed people. I never did that. God chose him when it was God's time. God chose me when it was my time. If Paul can be completely restored to the point of actually turning centuries of people to Christ, I have to believe I am worth restoring. You are worth and able to be restored! Alleluiah! And if you are like me, a life long Christian, who was blind to the relationship with Jesus Christ that is necessary, I can bet you will have a conversion that will knock your socks off. I can't wait for you! Pray for it. Please, don't miss this chance. Have bold faith that you may be missing the last missing link.
Paul gave up most everything for Christ. He never married. He obviously doesn't mention any personal dating experiences. (He does speak of women, but not exactly in 2012 terms of the rights and freedoms we now possess). He speaks of marriage, but that it is not for everyone.
He was very well trained as a Pharisee.
Sounds like me!!
Here are my born again references of Paul's that have touched me personally this last year. They have confirmed, even though much of my family and most friends do not confirm the existence of being "born again":
Ephesians 4:20-24 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4: 3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were CALLED TO ONE HOPE WHEN YOU WERE CALLED--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Here is part of Paul's conversion:
Acts 9: 1-19 (verses 13-16---"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name". But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
These are His revelations to me recently:
1) I am an abuser of alcohol. I worshiped alcohol. I see how freeing it is to admit "My name is Melissa and I have a problem with alcohol." I will not drink it if He says "no". I have rules if I have a beverage. I need guidelines and He may reveal that I should never drink again. Amen for My Father. Goodbye alcohol, the God. Look around you and see what is happening with alcohol in our world. Please pray on this.
2) I was Mary the prostitute. I had relationships with men outside of marriage. I used the excuses of "I am in a committed relationship". I bartered with God. I told Him I would marry that man I was sleeping with. I envisioned myself, this summer, wiping my tears from His feet with my hair. And I was Mary in my vision. Yes, I am a sexual sinner. I am pure now. I will remain pure for my Lord. It feels so good to be obedient, and actually, not as hard as you think to be completely abstinent. He will give you strength. I will plan on blogging specifically about sexual abstinence in the future. It is not talked about enough. I will be honored to share this topic with you. YOU CAN DO IT and be free!
3) I have an anger and jealousy problem. I am an incredibly good arguer. I am gifted in winning an argument. I use my power in the wrong ways. Now, when I know a disagreement is imminent, I pray before it even begins. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through the conversation. I watch for signals in myself and the other party. I am looking for Satan to use our tongues. I see it quickly. The Satan that steps in. Yes, he does. He uses our mouths, our hand and body signals, even our eyes. I have seen Satan in others eyes. And yes, he obviously works through me. He loves it when I get angry. But, I am getting more and more aware of his presence. You have the power to rebuke him, IF you also get behind God. You cannot rebuke him if you do not put God in your presence. Worship God, not Satan. Think about how you are actually worshiping Satan. I was amazed when I also realized my fear of Satan and how he got so much power in my life. No more!
4) I now realize that my trip to Hades in July was real. (See my blog about my dream to Hell, while vacationing in Mexico) The Lord took me there. What seems to be revealing to me, five months later is that He was telling me to shape up for Him, and quickly. Get done with the cocktails and flirting. To simplify my life and minimize. To get with Him every day and read the Bible feverishly. I believe time is of the essence. I am aware of our world issues. I am now ready to read the prophesies of Isaiah, John and Daniel. It is time for me to read about what God revealed to these great men. The Bible is a living book and it is God's breath. It is entirely true and we need to read it and read it now. We have been in end times for over 2,000 years people. We are running out of time to reach non-Christians and Christians that are not yet filled with the Holy Spirit. I am saved and now I shall not be selfish and stop with that. I need to reach my loved ones and keep moving outside of the circle. Ask for Holy Spirit guidance. Please be bold in Christ and help people see Jesus in you. He will open doors in the conversation. It happens to me almost daily. I watch for His open doors with people. It is so cool. He rains down blessings on me, bringing people into my path.
5) I was a slayer of Christians. I was a Saul. And now, when I am scourged for my Lord, I feel double pain. Pain for the scourging I did to others. Those that did not fit in my religious box. I joined in on the chatter about so and so who went crazy for Jesus. I am not proud of that. I understand the apostle Paul so well now. But, he did not let his past get in his way. He used it to educate. To be an example for others. To be jailed and stoned for Christ. And he got up. And he continued to preach and instruct. From prison. And never, ever, ever gave up. YOU have that Holy Spirit power in you. The exact same Holy Spirit power that Paul had. Tap into it. I dare you. Do it for the advancement of the kingdom. Don't do it for any other reason.
Do you find yourself really associating alot with Bible characters? I find myself doing that all the time. It is this play, the Bible. God is such a good and almighty director of this magnificent production that never, ever ends. I am Paul alot of the time. I also have poor eyesight, apparently like he did. (He needed assistance to write his letters towards the end of his life, etc.) He had a thorn and some have said it was poor eyesight. Maybe his thorn was depression. I think I completely understand his thorn, for some reason. Whatever it was, I relate. (I understand God put that thorn there as a reminder--what is your thorn if you are born again?) He is stating over and over again that he was a sinner. But, he was chosen for his boldness. I also am bold. Now I am bold in a healthy, productive for God way. I also am a writer. (I didn't know I was until I started writing my journals to the Lord)
Paul was converted quickly, from my biblical reading and understanding. I have heard someone else give a different opinion on this. I have my entire life to continue reading the Bible, and it will continue to breathe information to me day by day. My determination on how long it actually took Paul to go into action is not exactly my point. It appears Paul though, was one minute a destroyer of Christians, and the next minute had Jesus speaking and instructing him to now spread the Good News. And he did obey! Praise for that. Where would we be without Paul? He wears many crowns and jewels in heaven, as he has saved so many souls and continues to, this day. Each person like me that reads his wonderful letters, has a chance for eternal conversion. Slayers, like me. I was a Christian, slaying Christians. Slaying the Jesus Freaks.
He killed people. I never did that. God chose him when it was God's time. God chose me when it was my time. If Paul can be completely restored to the point of actually turning centuries of people to Christ, I have to believe I am worth restoring. You are worth and able to be restored! Alleluiah! And if you are like me, a life long Christian, who was blind to the relationship with Jesus Christ that is necessary, I can bet you will have a conversion that will knock your socks off. I can't wait for you! Pray for it. Please, don't miss this chance. Have bold faith that you may be missing the last missing link.
Paul gave up most everything for Christ. He never married. He obviously doesn't mention any personal dating experiences. (He does speak of women, but not exactly in 2012 terms of the rights and freedoms we now possess). He speaks of marriage, but that it is not for everyone.
He was very well trained as a Pharisee.
Sounds like me!!
Here are my born again references of Paul's that have touched me personally this last year. They have confirmed, even though much of my family and most friends do not confirm the existence of being "born again":
Ephesians 4:20-24 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4: 3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were CALLED TO ONE HOPE WHEN YOU WERE CALLED--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Here is part of Paul's conversion:
Acts 9: 1-19 (verses 13-16---"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name". But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
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