This question has been one that has been every where I read, every conversation I hear and every whisper that HE whispers to me.
As we journeyed through week 6 and looked at how we are Beauty from Ashes I was also continuing in my reading of the book titled Brave Heart Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon.
I was awed in our study how Tamar was treated and began to feel shame at the hand of those who were closest to her. As this story unfolded and I began to see the weeping from shame that Tamar felt and how the MAN reached out to her I felt such a deep longing to know that man who was reaching out for her hand, a hand to offer her redemption from shame. I want to feel that redemption. I want to know that beauty. I want act like who I am....But do I know, TRULY know who I am?
As I continued reading Brave Hearts...I was encouraged to look deeply at who I am. Proverbs 2:2-6 says "So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes if you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD And find the knowledge of GOD. For the LORD gives wisdom; From HIS mouth come knowledge and understanding..."
When my world was turned upside down a few years ago it was that pivotal moment that GOD began speaking loud and clear to me about my past my present and my future. I knew a few things one being I am fearfully and wonderfully made in HIS image, two being I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and three....I knew HE loved me and I longed for more of HIM. It was a humbling and terrifying part of my journey I would begin to embark on but as I began to confess my story and trust HIM fully HE began to chastise (and it hurt) and mold me in HIS image. The more I trusted and obeyed HIM the more my heart began to be set Free. HE began to fill my longings and my dreams and HE began to bless me.
I journeyed home not to long ago and as you all know home is not the most comfortable place for me. It was certainly going to be a trip of uncertainty and I knew I would be treading in unpredictable waters. I also knew that I had taken of the old me and put on the knew. I was know clothed in his robe of righteousness and I was redeemed. HE was whispering softly to me "Michelle...I love you. ME the king of kings, your heavenly bride groom, I love you. Your mine. I will restore these relationships. Trust me. I can heal the wounds. And so I went home covered in prayer. It proved faithful as HE always does. I conquered one more piece to the puzzle of "Who am I?" I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine Song of Solomon 6:3 "Our Bridegroom sometimes leads us to difficult places, but we can trust Him always to have purpose in our stand and never to forsake us." Beth Moore-Breaking Free.
My journey of "Who am I" continues several weeks after my return home as I continue in Breaking Free and continue to attend Church....
As I attended the Beth Moore simulcast So long Insecurity I began again to see that Who I Am is important. Do I believe I am
Saved from myself- Does my mind focus on God or idols
Entitled to Truth- Do I rest in HIM or strive for perfection
Clothed with intention- Do my actions collide with emotion? How do I act?
Upended by Grace- His Grace sets us free!Grace turns everything upside down poor/rich
Rebounded by Love- 1 Cor. 13..Everything comes back to love the greatest of all things
Exceptional in Life- Have I put off my old self and put on the new?
On Sunday Sandy spoke about Faith and Repentance.........
2 Cor 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry , but that your sorrow let to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while HE may be found, Call upon HIM while He may be found Call upon HIM while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD and he will have mercy on him. And to our God for He will abundantly pardon.
Week 7 in Breaking Free...
I am being challenged again to know Who I Am....
Do I act like a child of God?
Do I prefer TRUTH
Do I overcome oppressions
Do I overcome deceit
Do I seek real answers
Am I obedient to HIS call and HIS word? Obedience does not mean sinlessness but confession and repentance (oh....the big R word again:) Obedience is not arriving at a perpetual state of godliness but perpetually following hard after God. Beth Moore- Breaking Free.
For freedoms sake repent and obey so freedom can reign in us to do HIS good work and Glorify HIS name.
So as I read, chat and listen I must as Am I in the Spirit...Because where the Spirit of the LORD is there is FREEDOM and I want to be set free....
Do YOU?
Who Am I...I am HIS. Designed to do HIS good work.
Prayerfully seek HIM. Get in HIS Word!
You will find freedom and it is an amazing feeling (not always easy but alays amazing)!
In HIM Authentically
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Broken Hearts
As I look forward to a return home I wallow in the awesomeness of the Sovereign God.
Home for me is not full of happiness it is full of hurt. It is a place full of guilt, bitterness, anger, idolatry, and betrayal. Although it represents bondage it is also a place of freedom.
My freedom in Christ began there many years ago when I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember that day vividly. Not many of my childhood memories are vivid but this memory is as clear as it would be if it occurred yesterday or yet...this morning.
This past week has been a week of reflection. Reflecting on a life lived. It has been amazing to see Gods hand and his divine purpose revealed to me. It is a big AMEN that I am Living Proof of HIS mercy. What is most exciting is to see how HE has mastered my life orchestrating HIS glory each day. I am overwhelmed with HIS love. As I read Psalms 55 I felt what David was feeling. Isn't it freeing to know we are redeemed in HIM. We can fall short and HE still loves us. HE will pick us up and brush us off if we ask HIM too.
As I journey home this next week it will be only through HIM that I will be able to respond differently to the pain that home represents. It is through HIM that I am strong enough. Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone would boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.
You are HIS workmanship. HE loves you just as he loved Lazarus, that we can rise and have life. Are you ready to have abundant life in HIM?
Home for me is not full of happiness it is full of hurt. It is a place full of guilt, bitterness, anger, idolatry, and betrayal. Although it represents bondage it is also a place of freedom.
My freedom in Christ began there many years ago when I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember that day vividly. Not many of my childhood memories are vivid but this memory is as clear as it would be if it occurred yesterday or yet...this morning.
This past week has been a week of reflection. Reflecting on a life lived. It has been amazing to see Gods hand and his divine purpose revealed to me. It is a big AMEN that I am Living Proof of HIS mercy. What is most exciting is to see how HE has mastered my life orchestrating HIS glory each day. I am overwhelmed with HIS love. As I read Psalms 55 I felt what David was feeling. Isn't it freeing to know we are redeemed in HIM. We can fall short and HE still loves us. HE will pick us up and brush us off if we ask HIM too.
As I journey home this next week it will be only through HIM that I will be able to respond differently to the pain that home represents. It is through HIM that I am strong enough. Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone would boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.
You are HIS workmanship. HE loves you just as he loved Lazarus, that we can rise and have life. Are you ready to have abundant life in HIM?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Caution: Obstable Removal In Action
WOW!! What a powerful week, week 3 was. It was amazing to hear your journey stories and see each one of us being lifted up by each other IN HIM.
I pray that the SPIRIT continues to work in you as you journey forward in HIM.
"Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people" Isaiah 57:14.
Cry to HIM from your heart and with faith according to HIS WORD know that HE is capable of removing the obstacles in HIS time. Draw close to HIM and know HE has something amazing in store for you!
If your obstacle is unbelief admit that to HIM and allow him to help you overcome unbelief. When we seek HIM he will reveal his wonders to you!
If your obstacle is pride....YIKES pride. It comes in so many different forms. Some that seem borderline. It is the most hindering obstacle one can be bound by.
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
Caution: Do not mix up pride and confidence. Confidence is humble. Pride is arrogant.
Is all you do giving Glory to God or Glory to you?
You are HIS precious work (Eph 2:10) HE longs to work in and through you for HIS glory. We are not to sinful for GOD. We are worthy of a relationship no matter how tattered we are. HE Loves us and desires to have a heart relationship with us.
If your obstacle is idolatry GOD wants you to find satisfaction in HIM not in something or someone who will NEVER fulfil your longings.
"Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?" Isaiah 44:10
When you feel dissatisfied to you seek GOD or to you fill yourself by shopping, eating, drinking, drugs, gossip, depression, self loathing?
GOD uses dissatisfaction to draw us near to HIM.
"The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
REMEMBER: Salvation does not guarantee satisfaction. You must seek HIM and the fullness of a daily relationship in order to experience abundant life in CHRIST.
If your obstacle is prayerlessness....
PRAY!! Talk to the LORD! Have coffee with HIM! Let the blessings flow from your prayers. Don't forget to pray for yourself that HE would speak to you and guide you and give you an unquenching thirst for HIM!
If your obstacle is legalism please ask yourself.... Is this a negative feeling or action or is it beautiful giving GOD glory?
We can give GOD glory if we dance, wear make up, have short hair, wear jeans, drink a beer or a glass of wine. If we are in HIS spirit and seeking HIM he will guide us as to what HE wants us to do for HIS glory.
"The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Isaiah 29:13
As you move into week four we get to take the key (GOD) unlock the suitcase, (in my case it was a trunk) and begin to unpack some of the baggage we have been lugging around for many years. Imagine lugging around a big ol' trunk for many years. It sure has gotten heavy for me. So heavy that GOD finally had enough and I finally could no longer bear the burden. I cried out to HIM and viola....the key. It has been the most amazing beginning to unloading my unnecessary junk and I get so excited when HE reveals to me another piece to purge!!!!
Looking forward to "trashing" some unnecessary garbage. How about you????
I pray that the SPIRIT continues to work in you as you journey forward in HIM.
"Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people" Isaiah 57:14.
Cry to HIM from your heart and with faith according to HIS WORD know that HE is capable of removing the obstacles in HIS time. Draw close to HIM and know HE has something amazing in store for you!
If your obstacle is unbelief admit that to HIM and allow him to help you overcome unbelief. When we seek HIM he will reveal his wonders to you!
If your obstacle is pride....YIKES pride. It comes in so many different forms. Some that seem borderline. It is the most hindering obstacle one can be bound by.
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
Caution: Do not mix up pride and confidence. Confidence is humble. Pride is arrogant.
Is all you do giving Glory to God or Glory to you?
You are HIS precious work (Eph 2:10) HE longs to work in and through you for HIS glory. We are not to sinful for GOD. We are worthy of a relationship no matter how tattered we are. HE Loves us and desires to have a heart relationship with us.
If your obstacle is idolatry GOD wants you to find satisfaction in HIM not in something or someone who will NEVER fulfil your longings.
"Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?" Isaiah 44:10
When you feel dissatisfied to you seek GOD or to you fill yourself by shopping, eating, drinking, drugs, gossip, depression, self loathing?
GOD uses dissatisfaction to draw us near to HIM.
"The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
REMEMBER: Salvation does not guarantee satisfaction. You must seek HIM and the fullness of a daily relationship in order to experience abundant life in CHRIST.
If your obstacle is prayerlessness....
PRAY!! Talk to the LORD! Have coffee with HIM! Let the blessings flow from your prayers. Don't forget to pray for yourself that HE would speak to you and guide you and give you an unquenching thirst for HIM!
If your obstacle is legalism please ask yourself.... Is this a negative feeling or action or is it beautiful giving GOD glory?
We can give GOD glory if we dance, wear make up, have short hair, wear jeans, drink a beer or a glass of wine. If we are in HIS spirit and seeking HIM he will guide us as to what HE wants us to do for HIS glory.
"The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Isaiah 29:13
As you move into week four we get to take the key (GOD) unlock the suitcase, (in my case it was a trunk) and begin to unpack some of the baggage we have been lugging around for many years. Imagine lugging around a big ol' trunk for many years. It sure has gotten heavy for me. So heavy that GOD finally had enough and I finally could no longer bear the burden. I cried out to HIM and viola....the key. It has been the most amazing beginning to unloading my unnecessary junk and I get so excited when HE reveals to me another piece to purge!!!!
Looking forward to "trashing" some unnecessary garbage. How about you????
Monday, February 15, 2010
That You May Know
When we know God we gain wisdom. Wisdom comes from HIS on person. Not Just HIS Word but knowing HIM intimately. Have you put your hand in HIS, recieved salvation and are off running living life or have you put your hand in HIS, left it there to feel and experience HIS warmth and comfort? Have you felt HIM embrace your hand, touch it, caress it? Do you trust HIM enough to stay and experience HIM? When you stay you begin to know who HE is. GOD does not change HE is the same always and by knowing him we can have HIM in us and HE can be seen through us.
Early on in the study Beth eluded to the idea that we tend to take on the behaviors of people we spend the most time with. Ask Mary what behavior of mine she has taken on. I too have taken on the behaviors of my good friend Amy and she has taken on some of mine. Fortunately for us they are behaviors that are not detrimental to our well being. I can take on these behaviors because I know Amy so well and I spend time getting to know her on a level below the surface of just a friendship. Imagine this is how GOD wants us to know HIM. In a way that we will take on HIS behaviors. People will see HIM in us. This behavior of Amy's and mine in Amy has not happened over night. It has been a 3.5 year journey and continues to grow. Sometimes we spend more time together sometimes life overtakes us and we are to busy to see each other. Because our relationship is one of truth and honest allowing us to help each other become the best version of ourselves, I sometimes long for her company when I have not seen her. You see Amy and I's relationship is a journey. A life that glorifies GOD is not something we attain at Salvation. It is a process that progresses as we spend time with HIM. A relationship that is valued and nurtured is one that will grow and become strong. If you leave a relationship on the back burner or allow the other person to do all the work it is not as fruitful.
How do you nurture and grow relationships? Are you hiding HIS word in your heart. Do you cry out to HIM? Do you rely on HIM when you are weary? Do you praise HIM when you are happy?
When Amy and I don't spend a lot of time together and I don't know what is going on with her I often begin to wonder and this sometimes directs me to misunderstanding. I may feel that she does not value the relationship we have or I may think she has become weary from my woes (cause she is the lucky girl who experiences them with me). It is when we are in sync that I feel most satisfied with our relationship. When we immerse ourselves in the journey toward knowing HIM we will find satisfaction. Salvation is amazing but can you imagine that peace that surpasses all understanding that knowing no matter what happens you are loved anyway. You always have a place to find rest and restoration.....In HIM. As my journey has grown this has began to make sense to me. I have always loved the LORD. But I know thirst for HIM I long to feel the Holy Spirit. I always think of climbing on top of that mountain and basking in HIM, eyes closed, arms lifted. What I love the most is the more I know HIM the less I want. I don't compare myself nearly as much (no perfectiton this side of heaven), I don't wonder why, I don't feel like a failure, I don't feel as frustrated. And the most breathtaking for me is the fact that this is a journey. It takes time. It is a process and I may become distant from HIM at some point and may begin to feel unsatisfied but I am redeemed and I am HIS! Hallalujah! In HIM I can experience abundant life and it can be fun! I remember as a teenager thinking...HMMMMM Christian life fun? Can't be. Although I did have a fun group of musicians from the church and once in a while you could find us on a Friday singing at the church. That was fun. I do aspire to sing on stage at church on day. I suppose they will have to give out earplugs with the bulletin that day:)
Words and phrases that keep resonating in me as I study....
Open the eyes of your heart.
Listen for HIS sweet whisper.
TRUST HIM. Proverbs 3:5-6 This is huge. Trust HIS word that says All things work together for the good of the LORD. HE is with us who can be against us?
Submit all areas to HIM and watch what HE will do.
You can not get true satifaction in HIM by sitting in church on Sunday, attending Life Group or Bible study. You must enter into an authentic relationship with HIM and thirst and hunger for HIM. He will give you wisdom Proverbs 2
but you must seek it. He does not chase you. He offers you HIMself Provervs 1:7. You can take up or not but the benefits are great. FREEDOM....can you imagine? I can't wait until we are finished this and I have seen HIS freedom.
What are you doing different to allow yourself to experience freedom?
Do you know HIM and believe HIM?
Do you glorify HIM?
Do you find satisfaction in HIM?
Do you experience HIS peace?
Do you enjoy HIS presence?
I pray that as you draw closer to HIM you will experience HIM fully. This is your journey, may you find freedom!
Early on in the study Beth eluded to the idea that we tend to take on the behaviors of people we spend the most time with. Ask Mary what behavior of mine she has taken on. I too have taken on the behaviors of my good friend Amy and she has taken on some of mine. Fortunately for us they are behaviors that are not detrimental to our well being. I can take on these behaviors because I know Amy so well and I spend time getting to know her on a level below the surface of just a friendship. Imagine this is how GOD wants us to know HIM. In a way that we will take on HIS behaviors. People will see HIM in us. This behavior of Amy's and mine in Amy has not happened over night. It has been a 3.5 year journey and continues to grow. Sometimes we spend more time together sometimes life overtakes us and we are to busy to see each other. Because our relationship is one of truth and honest allowing us to help each other become the best version of ourselves, I sometimes long for her company when I have not seen her. You see Amy and I's relationship is a journey. A life that glorifies GOD is not something we attain at Salvation. It is a process that progresses as we spend time with HIM. A relationship that is valued and nurtured is one that will grow and become strong. If you leave a relationship on the back burner or allow the other person to do all the work it is not as fruitful.
How do you nurture and grow relationships? Are you hiding HIS word in your heart. Do you cry out to HIM? Do you rely on HIM when you are weary? Do you praise HIM when you are happy?
When Amy and I don't spend a lot of time together and I don't know what is going on with her I often begin to wonder and this sometimes directs me to misunderstanding. I may feel that she does not value the relationship we have or I may think she has become weary from my woes (cause she is the lucky girl who experiences them with me). It is when we are in sync that I feel most satisfied with our relationship. When we immerse ourselves in the journey toward knowing HIM we will find satisfaction. Salvation is amazing but can you imagine that peace that surpasses all understanding that knowing no matter what happens you are loved anyway. You always have a place to find rest and restoration.....In HIM. As my journey has grown this has began to make sense to me. I have always loved the LORD. But I know thirst for HIM I long to feel the Holy Spirit. I always think of climbing on top of that mountain and basking in HIM, eyes closed, arms lifted. What I love the most is the more I know HIM the less I want. I don't compare myself nearly as much (no perfectiton this side of heaven), I don't wonder why, I don't feel like a failure, I don't feel as frustrated. And the most breathtaking for me is the fact that this is a journey. It takes time. It is a process and I may become distant from HIM at some point and may begin to feel unsatisfied but I am redeemed and I am HIS! Hallalujah! In HIM I can experience abundant life and it can be fun! I remember as a teenager thinking...HMMMMM Christian life fun? Can't be. Although I did have a fun group of musicians from the church and once in a while you could find us on a Friday singing at the church. That was fun. I do aspire to sing on stage at church on day. I suppose they will have to give out earplugs with the bulletin that day:)
Words and phrases that keep resonating in me as I study....
Open the eyes of your heart.
Listen for HIS sweet whisper.
TRUST HIM. Proverbs 3:5-6 This is huge. Trust HIS word that says All things work together for the good of the LORD. HE is with us who can be against us?
Submit all areas to HIM and watch what HE will do.
You can not get true satifaction in HIM by sitting in church on Sunday, attending Life Group or Bible study. You must enter into an authentic relationship with HIM and thirst and hunger for HIM. He will give you wisdom Proverbs 2
but you must seek it. He does not chase you. He offers you HIMself Provervs 1:7. You can take up or not but the benefits are great. FREEDOM....can you imagine? I can't wait until we are finished this and I have seen HIS freedom.
What are you doing different to allow yourself to experience freedom?
Do you know HIM and believe HIM?
Do you glorify HIM?
Do you find satisfaction in HIM?
Do you experience HIS peace?
Do you enjoy HIS presence?
I pray that as you draw closer to HIM you will experience HIM fully. This is your journey, may you find freedom!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Be Free-Chisel Away
Ladies....
Please watch this! Let HIS spirit move in you and speak to your heart!
Remember..........HE LOVES YOU!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsfG6U2t57w
Cut and paste this site.
Thanks Jodi!
Please watch this! Let HIS spirit move in you and speak to your heart!
Remember..........HE LOVES YOU!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsfG6U2t57w
Cut and paste this site.
Thanks Jodi!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Manasseh
Manasseh was the grandson of Ahaz(the king who lacked faith in GOD and would not listen to Isaiah) and the son of Hezekiah. Manasseh is know in scripture to be the most wicked king. Interestingly enough however even though Manasseh did much evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke HIM to anger, GOD was merciful and offered Manasseh forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)but he would not listen so the LORD sent the captains of the army and hooked him and bound him with bronze fetters and carried him off to Babylon. When he was in affliction he called to the LORD and humbled himself greatly and prayed to GOD. The LORD heard his prayers and took him back to Jerusalem to his kingdom and the he knew that the LORD was GOD.
An example that GOD will take the least likely!
Often times like Manasseh we must first hit rock bottom before we look up! Do you recognize your captivity in order to avoid being hooked by the enemy? Are you crying out to HIM to reveal the yokes that bond you? Do you repent for your sins?
In order to experience freedom we must repent.
An example that GOD will take the least likely!
Often times like Manasseh we must first hit rock bottom before we look up! Do you recognize your captivity in order to avoid being hooked by the enemy? Are you crying out to HIM to reveal the yokes that bond you? Do you repent for your sins?
In order to experience freedom we must repent.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Hezekiah
Wow...what a lesson Day Four has been. Hezekiah was a man who wholeheartedly followed the Lord. He removed the idols his ancestors seemed to miss, he lead reformation and restoration in the people of the land and brought unity betweent the North and the South (aka Isreal and Judah). Hezekiah did not stop there. He honored God in the way he handled the attack of a mighty enemy.
Just when we thought...WHEW! A Godly Man who loves the LORD with all his heart and centered in HIS will for the people of the land....DUHN, DUHN, DAAAAA.....Satan struck Hezekiah and attacked this man who was STRONG IN HIM! Hezekiah stayed in HIM, crying out and praying even in the midst of fear...
Do you cry out to HIM in the midst of your fear? What do you do with your fear?
Whooops! Hezekiah forgot that our LORD is a GOD of mercy not merit!
IN times of success most of us can live good lives. Pressure, trouble or pain quickly removes a mask, a veil and reveals who we truly are in our hearts, in our inner being.
Who/How are you in times of hardship? Are you consistently faithful or do you worry what preassure, trouble, or pain may reveal about you?
Hezekiah gave credit to himself NOT the LORD! YIKES... He let his guard down and enjoyed the approval of the godless.
Are you humble in your possesions or do you boast what you have ie: cottages, a big house, a self made business, trips around the world, name brand clothes, who you know and "rub" shoulders with, how much money you have and spend on "stuff"....Is this for the approval and esteem of man...OR GOD? Who are you trying to win over man OR GOD? If it is GOD remember do not store up earthly treasures..........Pride can cost us here and now and those we leave to follow in our foot steps!
The point that hit me the hardest simply was that Hezekiah was naive. He was expecting an attack from Assyria that he missed the fact that someone else may be planning an attack...HMMMMM!!!! Do you sometimes miss an attack that is coming from other areas such as idols, sense of entitlement, the thought that you are above others (aka righteousness)
I challenge you to seek HIM and allow him to reveal to you yokes that are holding you back...We are all broken! ARe you serving HIM YES HIM with intention and purpose! Are you hearing HIS sweet, merciful whisper asking you to take up your cross and follow HIM daily? Are you authentic?
In HIM Authentically,
Michelle
Just when we thought...WHEW! A Godly Man who loves the LORD with all his heart and centered in HIS will for the people of the land....DUHN, DUHN, DAAAAA.....Satan struck Hezekiah and attacked this man who was STRONG IN HIM! Hezekiah stayed in HIM, crying out and praying even in the midst of fear...
Do you cry out to HIM in the midst of your fear? What do you do with your fear?
Whooops! Hezekiah forgot that our LORD is a GOD of mercy not merit!
IN times of success most of us can live good lives. Pressure, trouble or pain quickly removes a mask, a veil and reveals who we truly are in our hearts, in our inner being.
Who/How are you in times of hardship? Are you consistently faithful or do you worry what preassure, trouble, or pain may reveal about you?
Hezekiah gave credit to himself NOT the LORD! YIKES... He let his guard down and enjoyed the approval of the godless.
Are you humble in your possesions or do you boast what you have ie: cottages, a big house, a self made business, trips around the world, name brand clothes, who you know and "rub" shoulders with, how much money you have and spend on "stuff"....Is this for the approval and esteem of man...OR GOD? Who are you trying to win over man OR GOD? If it is GOD remember do not store up earthly treasures..........Pride can cost us here and now and those we leave to follow in our foot steps!
The point that hit me the hardest simply was that Hezekiah was naive. He was expecting an attack from Assyria that he missed the fact that someone else may be planning an attack...HMMMMM!!!! Do you sometimes miss an attack that is coming from other areas such as idols, sense of entitlement, the thought that you are above others (aka righteousness)
I challenge you to seek HIM and allow him to reveal to you yokes that are holding you back...We are all broken! ARe you serving HIM YES HIM with intention and purpose! Are you hearing HIS sweet, merciful whisper asking you to take up your cross and follow HIM daily? Are you authentic?
In HIM Authentically,
Michelle
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