Remember the story of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold? Even though the story wasn't a happy one, the term "Midas' touch" has prevailed with good conotations. Let me be so bold as to say that as Christians we are called to have the Midas touch!
Maybe I should start at the beginning. For about 10 years I was frustrated by having multiple times it spoke over me that everything I put my hand to would be blessed. Great sentiment, but I needed some direction! I knew I was called to a specific purpose, but had no clue where to start. In the past few months, after some reading, praying and journaling I have finally found it. (And as a side note: prayer and journaling are a powerful combination- so much is revealed to you when you take a little more effort to put something into words!) It is not just a vague thing that everything I am involved in, or do will be blessed and I will just have a nice hunky-dory, blessed life! No, everything I put my hand to will be BLESSED!
So, I began thinking about what significance the hand has. In Hebrew the word hand is yad, and means hand by extension: arm or finger; figure of control, power, strength, direction or care. We aren't supposed to go around sticking our fingers in the pies, or patting people on the head. We are to take authority and apply God's power, impart strength, give direction, and care and nurture with our actions!
Ever noticed how many times the Bible mentions clean hands? The previous paragraph is why! They say, and it has been proven, that the most effective method of prevention of the spreadng of disease and infection is handwashing. If our hearts are not clean before God, and I mean our intentions being right and in line with Him, we are going to contaminate what we touch.
For a long time I thought that the verse in Psalm 1:3 said "...and everything you put your hands to will be blessed." Well, I was wrong. It actually says "prosper", and in the amplified version: "...and everything he does (puts his hands to) shall prosper, and come to maturity." I like that even better! I want to see my children come to maturity (not just grow up!), my finances to prosper, my relationships to grow. I really want to plant a garden next year, and the purpose is to grow plants that mature to fruits and vegetables!
The most awesome thing is that God has a plan for your hands. He will confrim it in you (over and over again!) and He also establishes it before us. And His favor is on you! Psalm 90:17 says, "Let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the works of our hands - yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Whetting Stone vs Mill
So, a few weeks ago I took a (much overdue) trip to the dentist. The good news is I have no cavities, but I was informed that my teeth show some serious wear and she asked if I grind my teeth. *shudder* Pretty sure I don't, and I don't wake up with tension headaches, which she said is a common occurrence with grinders. However, many a time have I awoke to Abram grinding his teeth, his head on my shoulder! The dentist suggested trying out a mouth guard if he wakes up headaches. After my appointment I called Abram with the update, and was more than a little surprised when he said, "You grind your teeth all the time! I wake up and have to put my hand on your mouth to make you stop." What?!? I guess it's kind of like the snoring thing.
I didn't give it too much thought, until a few nights ago when I actually woke up to Abram prying my jaws apart! In the morning I wasn't sure if I had dreamed it, or not, and he confirmed the incident. That got me to thinking: how much of what we do are we unaware of? The signs and symptoms may be there, but we have no clue what the root cause may be. It takes someone close to us to point out what is in our blind spot. In Proverbs 27:17 it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." A good friend is such an invaluable thing.
We need to build up those around us, help them sharpen their skills and hone their focus. All in love. It can be easy to become a mill that just grinds and wears others down by pointing out weaknesses and mistakes. Even in brushing my teeth I can't really get a good look at my molars! I have areas that I am blind in, and I am so glad for friends to help me see them. Of course, it takes two, and I need to be receptive as well. Start praying for revelation on areas that you are struggling in. God can definitely show them to you in your quiet time, but He works though others too. It is always easier when you have someone to be accountable to, so seek out that friend, or pray for one!
I didn't give it too much thought, until a few nights ago when I actually woke up to Abram prying my jaws apart! In the morning I wasn't sure if I had dreamed it, or not, and he confirmed the incident. That got me to thinking: how much of what we do are we unaware of? The signs and symptoms may be there, but we have no clue what the root cause may be. It takes someone close to us to point out what is in our blind spot. In Proverbs 27:17 it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." A good friend is such an invaluable thing.
We need to build up those around us, help them sharpen their skills and hone their focus. All in love. It can be easy to become a mill that just grinds and wears others down by pointing out weaknesses and mistakes. Even in brushing my teeth I can't really get a good look at my molars! I have areas that I am blind in, and I am so glad for friends to help me see them. Of course, it takes two, and I need to be receptive as well. Start praying for revelation on areas that you are struggling in. God can definitely show them to you in your quiet time, but He works though others too. It is always easier when you have someone to be accountable to, so seek out that friend, or pray for one!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
More Than a Nod...
"In all your ways acknowledge Him.." for some reason that phrase stuck out at me from the midst of the well known, and often rushed through, verse in Proverbs 3:5-6. I think I was listening to Joyce Meyer in the car, and of course now I don't even remember what she was talking about as that suddenly resounded in me, my spirit and *gasp* conscience.
How often do I tell myself that I am trusting God, all the while trying to reason it out in my head, throwing out suggestions to God that seem feasible. Or I will just throw up my hands in the air, claiming I don't understand, and tell God to handle it Himself while I sit on the sidelines tapping my toes in impatience. But more often, lately, I know that I have the faith for certain things, yet I fail to speak them out. I find myself telling other what I don't want (a car payment) and not speaking with faith in the situation. I KNOW that God has the power and means to provide me with what I need AND desire, but I get that finger wagging feeling in my spirit when I fail to speak in faith.
So, what is your "ways"? In Hebrew it is 'derek', meaning the way, path, route, road, journey; by extension: conduct, way of life. It is so much more than the path I am taking, but it is how I am acting and doing it! People notice how we do things. How much greater a testimony for them to see the before AND after, rather than thinking we just got lucky!
And in our ways there needs to be acknowledgement. 'Yada' is Hebrew for acknowledge. It is to know, recognize, understand (that is for us in our spirits and relationship with God inwardly); and to show, teach, make known, to be made aware. That is what our outward expression is to be! So many opportunities are missed to share and teach because we don't acknowledge God. Once we open that door He will help us walk through it.
The greatest thing about all of this is that as we walk out our faith along our way through our conduct, and as we give God the credit and make Him known... He will make our paths straight! Though I am not excited about needing a new vehicle, I have seen God's provision for others. My words will line up with my faith and I am going to acknowledge Him before it has even happened for me!
How often do I tell myself that I am trusting God, all the while trying to reason it out in my head, throwing out suggestions to God that seem feasible. Or I will just throw up my hands in the air, claiming I don't understand, and tell God to handle it Himself while I sit on the sidelines tapping my toes in impatience. But more often, lately, I know that I have the faith for certain things, yet I fail to speak them out. I find myself telling other what I don't want (a car payment) and not speaking with faith in the situation. I KNOW that God has the power and means to provide me with what I need AND desire, but I get that finger wagging feeling in my spirit when I fail to speak in faith.
So, what is your "ways"? In Hebrew it is 'derek', meaning the way, path, route, road, journey; by extension: conduct, way of life. It is so much more than the path I am taking, but it is how I am acting and doing it! People notice how we do things. How much greater a testimony for them to see the before AND after, rather than thinking we just got lucky!
And in our ways there needs to be acknowledgement. 'Yada' is Hebrew for acknowledge. It is to know, recognize, understand (that is for us in our spirits and relationship with God inwardly); and to show, teach, make known, to be made aware. That is what our outward expression is to be! So many opportunities are missed to share and teach because we don't acknowledge God. Once we open that door He will help us walk through it.
The greatest thing about all of this is that as we walk out our faith along our way through our conduct, and as we give God the credit and make Him known... He will make our paths straight! Though I am not excited about needing a new vehicle, I have seen God's provision for others. My words will line up with my faith and I am going to acknowledge Him before it has even happened for me!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Faith Fruit
So, we all know that faith with out action is not really faith! It can be so hard to find the balance between being active AND meaningful, and just talking about what we think should be done, or is right. In James 2:14 it says: "And I, by good works of obedience will show you my faith." That is what people are looking for- evidence of our faith.
Our faith is our roots. "I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing," John 15:5 Roots are underground. Unless you really want to get dirty and do some digging, you aren't going to see them! As our roots go deeper, as we are planted by the streams of living water, we will grow. And we will produce fruit.
The fruit we produce is a result of what is going on inside. If we are are producing unhealthy fruit, susceptible to worms and mold (ugh), it is not out of faith or well fed roots. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 Recently God showed me through a dream that I was a blessing to my co-workers. In the dream I had taken food to work, specifically frut and berries. When I was journaling about it later, God pointed out that how I was a blessing was through my fruit: being patient , kind, joyful, etc. That is definitely not how I am every day, but it was a good reminder of how I need to be, and that it has an effect on others.
What has God told you to do? Has something been brewing in your heart, or recurring in your thoughts? Wiggle your roots a little deeper, and do something - produce some fruit! The fruit we produce feeds the people we are in contact with. Smiling, giving, and having patience with the person in front of you in line are some simple ways to start.
Our faith is our roots. "I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing," John 15:5 Roots are underground. Unless you really want to get dirty and do some digging, you aren't going to see them! As our roots go deeper, as we are planted by the streams of living water, we will grow. And we will produce fruit.
The fruit we produce is a result of what is going on inside. If we are are producing unhealthy fruit, susceptible to worms and mold (ugh), it is not out of faith or well fed roots. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 Recently God showed me through a dream that I was a blessing to my co-workers. In the dream I had taken food to work, specifically frut and berries. When I was journaling about it later, God pointed out that how I was a blessing was through my fruit: being patient , kind, joyful, etc. That is definitely not how I am every day, but it was a good reminder of how I need to be, and that it has an effect on others.
What has God told you to do? Has something been brewing in your heart, or recurring in your thoughts? Wiggle your roots a little deeper, and do something - produce some fruit! The fruit we produce feeds the people we are in contact with. Smiling, giving, and having patience with the person in front of you in line are some simple ways to start.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dragonflies
On Monday my m-i-l brought Aowyn home from pre-k and commented at the amount of dragonflies swarming our yard. I looked out the front window, and sure enough, there were dragonflies all everywhere! Joan said that it wouldn't be hard to imagine what the plagues were like, but I immeadiately wondered what it meant. Now, before you freak out and think I look for meaning and signs in everything, let me tell you I don't! But I am realzing that there is a lot of depth to the world around us, and God speaks to us through His creation. Hey, He said to consider the ant, and even though we know they are strong and hard workers they can still be a bane if they invade your kitchen!
So, I rushed to the computer and googled the symbolism of dragonflies and was amazed. Dragonflies belong to the scientific family Odonata, which means 'tooth' in Greek, though it is now know that they don't actually have teeth but a really strong jaw! Change and self-realisation are two of the common symbolisms for the dragonfly, probably the result of their development from water dwelling nymph to adult dragonfly. Two things that have definitely been happening in me! I haven't been living in water, but since August God has been working in me and showing me things about myself. The dragonfly's iridescence is also symbolic of the discovery of one's own ablities and casting away your self doubts and illusions of your self.
The physical facts about this incredible insect are inspiring as well. A dragonfly has amazing strength and agility. It can fly 45 mph, and beats it's wings about 30 times a minute (compared to a fly, which beats it's wings 600-100 bpm!), and has 20 times the strength of most other insects. We should be as efficient, as Christians! It can also fly in all six directions- up/down, side to side, and frontwards and backwards! Think of a much more graceful helicopter. I want to have that agility, speed and responsiveness in the way I love.
Last, but not least, have you seen those eyes? Kinda creepy, especially with the iridescence (I feel like I am staring at someone with those massive sunglasses). But, they have 360 degree vision! It is key for us to have clear vision, and is vital to our repsonsiveness. We need to have uninhibited vision in our spiritual eyes for discernment and walking in wisdom. We need to see beyond the moment and the mundane.
The dragonflies were only around for an hour or so, and only at my house! I knew this wasn't a normal occurence, since we have no bodies of water in our immeadiate vicinity. So glad that God chose to reveal Himself and bless me through His creation.
So, I rushed to the computer and googled the symbolism of dragonflies and was amazed. Dragonflies belong to the scientific family Odonata, which means 'tooth' in Greek, though it is now know that they don't actually have teeth but a really strong jaw! Change and self-realisation are two of the common symbolisms for the dragonfly, probably the result of their development from water dwelling nymph to adult dragonfly. Two things that have definitely been happening in me! I haven't been living in water, but since August God has been working in me and showing me things about myself. The dragonfly's iridescence is also symbolic of the discovery of one's own ablities and casting away your self doubts and illusions of your self.
The physical facts about this incredible insect are inspiring as well. A dragonfly has amazing strength and agility. It can fly 45 mph, and beats it's wings about 30 times a minute (compared to a fly, which beats it's wings 600-100 bpm!), and has 20 times the strength of most other insects. We should be as efficient, as Christians! It can also fly in all six directions- up/down, side to side, and frontwards and backwards! Think of a much more graceful helicopter. I want to have that agility, speed and responsiveness in the way I love.
Last, but not least, have you seen those eyes? Kinda creepy, especially with the iridescence (I feel like I am staring at someone with those massive sunglasses). But, they have 360 degree vision! It is key for us to have clear vision, and is vital to our repsonsiveness. We need to have uninhibited vision in our spiritual eyes for discernment and walking in wisdom. We need to see beyond the moment and the mundane.
The dragonflies were only around for an hour or so, and only at my house! I knew this wasn't a normal occurence, since we have no bodies of water in our immeadiate vicinity. So glad that God chose to reveal Himself and bless me through His creation.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Little Voice Finds It's ...Voice
I have been reading "Chazown" by Craig Groeshel- a must read for anyone wanting to see their vision more clearly. Every morning I have been journaling about my thoughts and answering the questions posed by the book. Slowly the pieces are coming together and forming a picture. What do I want to be known and remembered for? What are my core values, passions, and dislikes? What has happened in my past, good and bad, that have made me what I am today? God has been bringing to my rememberance experiences, clues to who I am and was created to be.
Here was one of those flashes: When I was 2 or 3 I was with my mom at the laundromat and stood up on the table and began singing "Jesus Loves Me" at the top of my lungs. I don't recall this particular instance clearly, but my mom has recounted it plenty of times! I also have pictures to prove that I held concerts for my parents where I would sing with an old microphone in the living room. No doubt that I have a passion for music and enjoy the stage! Later in my teen years I was very active in my church's youth worship band and community theatre. Now I love worshipping with The Revolution's worship team.
What a sad thing that I have doubted the fullness of my calling. My husband. Abram, is an awesome worshipper. I have always known that our gifts compliment and work together, but somehow I have felt that my worshipping takes second place to his. But God wants MY worship, and values it apart from anything else. And of course, the awesome thing is that He put us together to multiply our gifts! (And that is not just in our offspring.)
There are so many other things that I know God has placed in me and wants for me, and I am amazed at the depths He created in me. As the words flow, both here and in my private journaling, everything sharpens and the vision becomes clearer. I encourage you to put words to your thoughts and find your voice. Please be blessed and share!
Here was one of those flashes: When I was 2 or 3 I was with my mom at the laundromat and stood up on the table and began singing "Jesus Loves Me" at the top of my lungs. I don't recall this particular instance clearly, but my mom has recounted it plenty of times! I also have pictures to prove that I held concerts for my parents where I would sing with an old microphone in the living room. No doubt that I have a passion for music and enjoy the stage! Later in my teen years I was very active in my church's youth worship band and community theatre. Now I love worshipping with The Revolution's worship team.
What a sad thing that I have doubted the fullness of my calling. My husband. Abram, is an awesome worshipper. I have always known that our gifts compliment and work together, but somehow I have felt that my worshipping takes second place to his. But God wants MY worship, and values it apart from anything else. And of course, the awesome thing is that He put us together to multiply our gifts! (And that is not just in our offspring.)
There are so many other things that I know God has placed in me and wants for me, and I am amazed at the depths He created in me. As the words flow, both here and in my private journaling, everything sharpens and the vision becomes clearer. I encourage you to put words to your thoughts and find your voice. Please be blessed and share!
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