The latest in our household is how much our cat loves my husband.
He is usually up at 5 am, makes coffee, unloads the dishwasher if needed (yes he does that!) and relaxes with a few cups of java and the news before going to work.
Only this morning there was no relaxing. This girl as I have written before is not a morning person. By that I mean I am not up at 5 am like he is!
He comes to tell me good bye along with this morning’s antics. Evidently the cat has mastered coming in through the Magic Mesh while holding a rather large rat in her mouth.
She has a grip on the rat as Mark walked in the room. Once she saw him she dropped the rat and meowwwwweeeddddd….like she was informing him of her great catch! The rat of course has a moment of freedom and takes off running.
My husband is very good at catching her gifts after a few summers ago it was a daily adventure. Later, once I was up it was obvious he had chased the thief by closing doors, rolling up the carpet runner, moving pictures, and leaving debris around the house.
Sweet Maxicat
Folks, this is not the end of this story.
Thinking he had caught the rat and shown him the trash can I left the back door cracked open in case she wanted back in. At that moment I saw her charging toward the steps and the door chasing this huge, fat rat in the house! I slammed the door shut just in time to prevent either of them from coming in. She then continued to chase him around the yard. When I didn’t see her, I went out and she had cornered the exhausted creature. Grabbing her by the neck I put her in the house and shut the door.
Searching for him myself he wasn’t as tired as I thought he would be. Chasing him back and forth hoping to get him out of the yard and give him his freedom, he stupidly hid where I couldn’t reach him.
As for the cat she has slept peacefully after her morning hunting season. I read recently cats leave their precious catch on the back door step or in our case in the den for 2 reasons:
As a gift of their appreciation for our love and affection for them.
They believe we are lousy at hunting so in an effort to teach us their great capabilities they bestow their gifts on our doorsteps.
The poor rat wanted no part of intruding our home. With no time to decide, he just had to run. Where he ended up didn’t matter as long as he evaded the arch enemy.
Aren’t humans like that? Often we run from who knows what we think is chasing us to a hiding place just for safety.
The key is to know our enemy, how to prevent a hostile takeover and who is really in charge.
Like the scared rat, we find ourselves in a bigger mess or the hiding place isn’t all it was cracked up to be. Escaping may be worse than what we thought was chasing us.
1. The first course of action is to understand your leader and his orders. (God) Ephesians 6:13-15 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
2. Follow the leader’s guidelines to implement a plan of attack and/or escape. Ephesians 6:16 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
3. Fill up on the right ammunition. Ephesians 6:17-18 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
So, are you going to be ready the next time a rat shows up at your door?
The Feline Maximus Decimus Meridius The Great Hunter
The admission of blinders on people is disturbing. I can say that because my blinders were quite large. Patience in getting them to open their eyes drags on my senses like a stubborn mule. I am not proud of such a confession but the absolute darkness so many people live in keeps me on my knees.
I have to control my spiritual emotions before I let loose a string of “you can’t see this?” or “you have got to be kidding me. If it was any closer to your face you would miss it.”
The unyielding sarcastic side of me can easily begin a tirade of ignorant euphemisms for the politically correct Christian. Either way I seek God to keep my indignant thoughts to myself for those who purposely string themselves up on a pole of foolery.
Been there and done that. I have no excuse for my frustration when trying to get the point across. Many in my past may have felt the same pain with me. Who knows who laughed at my own folly?
Memories of past materialism, fun for yours truly or the “all about me” signature rings loudly in my ears only that person no longer exists. The thrills of yesteryear are just that. Over. Finished. A learned memory.
The desire for worldly goods, frolic, fame and fortune never quite filled a satisfaction in my puzzled heart. Battles raged on between the thickness of my skull and the yearning in my soul.
So it is with the church. God’s people cannot resign themselves to let someone else pray. The church has become docile in its prayer life hoping others will do it for them. Wake up people! God is calling!
God gave us prayer to use because it has authority over the enemy.
Recently God revealed to me how powerful prayer is. Remember the Roman Centurion? He did not need for Jesus to go to his servant for healing, he believed all Jesus needed to do was speak the words and it would happen. Jesus couldn’t be everywhere all the time as a man. Ugh….you think Jesus was an example of how powerful prayer is no matter where we are?
Matthew 8:8 “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”
As much as I would like to be in two places at once, or transported in seconds, I am human not that I don’t believe God can’t perform such a miracle. So if I am here, and I need to pray for someone thousands of miles away is it any less powerful than if they were sitting in front of me? Oh, what an epiphany.
“Prayer for Dummies” would ask, “If prayer is so powerful why aren’t we on our knees more making use of such a God given gift?”
Oh, “I am too busy.”
“I am not sure it really works that well. God didn’t answer my last prayer.” (News Flash! If you think your prayer didn’t get answered it isn’t God’s fault.)
Prayer isn’t a onetime deal. The reason for prayer is to gain access to God for a relationship. Relationships take time and dedication. In this case the relationship should be all about God, not us.
God transforms us during the time spent alone with him. Daily seeking his presence is the most important gift we have.
This is not the time for apathetic slackers. Prayer is desperately needed to intervene on behalf of the return of the Lord.
God’s people are the lights of the world, the flowers in the midst of the weeds, the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
One precious hour with God can change history.
One hour with God can reveal any blemish in the blueprints of your life.
You know God is a pretty busy guy. Have you ever thought about that?
Very busy; he has an enormous amount of work to do every day. You might say he has a lot on his plate and his plate is quite large.
Stop and think about all he is doing; not done but what he faces in our generational era.
He has to be everywhere all the time. That in itself is exhausting to me.
God feeds the hungry, gives clothes to the poor, fights wars even though he hates war, saves marriages, rescues us from ourselves and fills the sky at night with stars.
God reforms his church, protects the missionaries, redeems the strayed, thwarts natural disasters, gives aid to those affected by natural disasters and composes ocean waves.
God sends foreign aid, guards our schools, beats crime, ransoms the lost, blocks violence, sends Angels to fight the enemy of the dark and lights the sky with a crescent moon.
God speaks for those who can’t speak for themselves, he cares for the widow and orphans, provides research for medicines, educates and trains his followers, scatters his flowers in green fields.
God heals through medicine (although I am sure he would prefer to heal the easy way) supports the homeless, provides needed earthly resources and wakes us up to a beautiful sunrise.
God topples evil nations, changes the guards of politics, ends the reign of dictators, confirms the constitution, weeds out corrupt politicians and ends the day with a sunset.
Shall I go on? The list is infinite. God is in control. God knows what he is doing.
God is busy, yet his first and foremost desire is to form a lasting personal relationship with every human being.
The concept that the Almighty God, JehovahYahweh even considers us as his most cherished creation is difficult to grasp.
The idea the King of Kings desires to teach, guide, protect, and provide our every need is nothing but overwhelming.
The realization the Chief Shepherd of the Universe chooses to speak to us, hear our prayers, listen to our gripes and complaints, forgive us, and deals with us at all is beyond my comprehension.
He must be God. Embracing his love for us is over the top, astounding, mind-blowing and bewildering. Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
If the Creator of the Universe takes time out of his busy life to speak to us, shouldn’t we do the same for him?
This is just America, not the world. The evidence is clear the media is more interested in promoting civil unrest, murder and anything disgusting.
The tone is negative rhetoric. Big talkers acting. Feuds are fought with demeaning gabfest. It is embarrassing.
What is worse is people fall for the lies….because they don’t know the truth. If they did the news would be opposite.
In the last 30 years I have witnessed this country decline in roller coaster fashion.
Issues we never discussed have become mainstream. Issues we never heard of are FrontPage news. Issues once thought to be ill-advised, hush-hush or deviant are accepted as normal by those who wish to promote such shameful aversions.
Explaining that to a 23-year-old is deafening. They can’t relate. Sadly, the younger generation has no idea what Ozzie and Harriet represented.
God is speaking and speaking loudly. Actually he is yelling. If you are blinded or don’t know the word, you won’t hear him. But this is what he is saying.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Who does this sound like? Weren’t the Israelites a difficult bunch?
Unfortunately the Israelites don’t have anything on America. We are the most grumbling, complaining, and selfish, backbiting people on earth.
But God put us here for a reason. America was founded on Godly principles. America is God’s alternative to freedom for others. He has used our people to give generously, back Israel and seek peace in other areas of the world. He built this nation on Capitalism; free market and enterprise and a constitution based on his word.
The sins range from betrayal to deception, murder and polygamy. Yet, this crowd of chosen ones of God had some important connections.
The inspiration of God was their livelihood, their driving force for good, the reason they were born. In the midst of a burning bush, pre-meditated death and the beheading of the forerunner to Christ, God was there. God showed up. God was in control.
Life for these elect was the fulfillment of Biblical history; preserving the lineage of Christ.
It just doesn’t get any better than that. No Hollywood movie could write a script comparable to the flood of all centuries or the richest and wisest man who ever lived.
My perception of these Biblical Kings, Queens and ship builder were set as examples for us.
Hard as that is to grasp, I find myself in many of their travels, dreams or a lover of all 2 and 4 legged creatures.
I can see myself on the ark with all those animals. Wonder if Noah had any Lysol?
Moses has always intrigued me. I relate to him as he told God he would not be a good deliverer. No desire here to deliver anything or anyone, but understand his position of
“Not me Lord, pick someone else.”
Esther was wise. Handpicked by God to become Queen to save the Jewish people, she still felt uneasy about her purpose. Who wouldn’t? Women were not respected. Sound familiar?
God instructed Joseph as a young man in a dream that one day his brothers would bow down to him. That went over well. Joseph knew God’s plan but did he know the suffering he would endure before it came to pass?
Joseph suffered heartbreaking betrayal at the hands of many who simply misunderstood him. He was sold, became a slave prisoner, was accused of adultery and subjected to vile and wicked treatment.
He never gave up. He stood with God and his promise for him. Ultimately his loyalty paid off placing him in the position of the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt.
God saw the whole picture. Joseph was the key to saving the lineage of Abraham.
Deuteronomy 28:9, 10 “The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you.”
The lesson learned here is to wait on God to teach us how to conquer.
The force of intimidation is widespread today. These men and women of God learned over time demoralizing a bully requires only a slingshot.
God’s plan doesn’t change. As we walk with him, the coercion of those who desire to thwart our journey is stopped dead in their tracks. The appeal we display is a mighty contending warrior for Christ even in silence.
The badgered hounds of society are no match for the Holy Spirit. The Bible says,
Luke 21:15 “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
In other words, your Philistines won’t know what really hit them.
Switch if off. Turn it off. Shut it down. And listen to God.
Our brains are overloaded. Our minds are being infiltrated with every possible thought imaginable. It is impossible in a society so technologically advanced to absorb the daily news, Wisteria Lane and government politics without losing some very important brain cells. And if that isn’t enough to enlist you to the local institution nothing will.
The enemy loves our busy minds. He uses them to his advantage. Unfortunately he knows more than we would like him to know. He knows what we like or dislike, our weaknesses and our fears. Worst of all is he is patient….his strategy is to take his time filling our loaded brains with lines like,
“You can’t do that. You aren’t skilled enough,” or “Go ahead. Jump in the fire. It won’t burn you.”
Hopefully jumping into a fire is an activity most of us would rather not do…but how often has he used other language to persuade us to believe him?
About 12 years ago I was a single parent, working and sick. The enemy is a coward. He used some of my sickest moments to fill my mind with deception, lies and vile falsehoods.
One night, lying in bed I heard the words, “You are going to die. Just give up. You will die and you ex-husband will get custody of your daughter.”
The devil was stupid. He should have known the one area that would keep me alive was my daughter.
At that moment I made up my mind I was going to get well and stay well because there was no way on God’s green earth I would let my ex-husband get custody of her. The devil’s words backfired on him reminding me of the one incentive to change my thinking.
God’s words are the opposite of the devil filled with love, hope and positive overtones. Positive thoughts give life, success and health.
The devil feeds us fabrications of fear, doubt, hate, and evil; anything to bring us down in despair, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
The key to determining the difference is God’s word. Learning his word expels evil. Using it, speaking it out loud will chase the enemy away. Avoid his negative, blurry, misrepresentations by not giving him a moment’s notice. Ignore him. Instead focus on God.
Have you noticed your thought patterns when you are tired? Have you sensed a shift from the positive to the negative? Have you thought certain thoughts and wondered, “Where did that come from?”
Be aware of what drops in your head. If it is distracting, dishonest or negative, don’t stay there. Renew your mind with God’s word; practice his positive outlook and believe it.
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This process takes time, effort and study, but well worth it. It is crucial to keep your focus on God allowing him to change your thinking.
Why? Our thinking affects everything we say, do, and how we act. Understand this is not learned over night. Don’t allow self-condemnation to set in which gives the enemy a foothold. Keep trying and trust God to teach you.
God reveals his character as we filter the evil out of our thinking leaving our minds free and clear to hear him. The importance of simplifying our lives increases the time we have to spend alone with God.
Today was a day I don’t look forward to. It comes but once a year, thankfully.
Maxicat
You would think with life as good as our cat has she wouldn’t tarnish her reputation by her agitated screaming on a trip to the Vet.
Yes, she needed shots. Yes, I knew this but she didn’t. Yes, I feel like a heel when I push her small body in the cat cage and the “wailing” begins.
The trip in the cat cage is as traumatic as the visit. A feralkitten when we found her, she has never adapted to forcefully being kept inside or placed in a position where freedom is not available 24/7. The outside world was her original home for the first year of her life so a caged 10 minute trip is cat prison to her even with my lame attempts to keep her calm. Nothing will suffice until she is out of the cat cage on her soil.
Arriving in the clinic, other pet owners wondered what I had done to this cat to make her behave like a crying toddler who just got spanked for not getting his way. Her constant wails brought one woman over to see her. She quickly realized Maxi was not interested, nor congenial.
Maxicat in Box
Finally the receptionist spoke up saying,
“That is one unhappy feline.”
Embarrassed, I said,
“Yes, she really doesn’t want to be here.”
The man next to me had 2 adorable little kittens. They looked about 6 weeks old, very quiet and still as they listened to this female lioness roar. He brought them over to look at Maxi who then let out the “wail of all wails.” He retreated as if she was going to launch an all out attack on his precious babies.
If that wasn’t enough drama, when the Vet called us back, Maxi refused to come out. We turned the cage upside down to make her fall out on the table only she backed herself up in the top wrapping her sharp claws around the cage bars.
She continues the whining as we one by one declawed her from the cage bars and she fell out. Amazingly she sat rather peacefully while she gave the injections. Once done she actually walked in the cat cage of her own accord.
A few wails and meow’s were all she could muster on the drive home.
Once I let her out, you would never have known the melodramatic performance she had just acted out.
Her child like behavior stems much from her past. Once a feral, always a feral as it rears its head in moments of restraint but I wouldn’t want her any other way.
I believe it is the “feral feline” remaining in her that is so captivating. Her agile ability to hunt, live independently, jump 6 foot fences at her age is a remarkable means of survival. She could live in the wild again if necessary and function quite well.
She is the epitome of cat; through and through. The hard, feisty personality she possesses kept her alive as the runt of the litter. At barely 9 pounds, and 10 years old she is the loudest cat I have ever heard. God left nothing to the imagination when he gave this girl vocal chords.
She is a talker; answers questions with “meow, meow” along with a variety of facial expressions and tail movements we adore. Her funny quirks and whimsical habits keep us laughing.
God has protected this cat. She almost died twice.
I am confident God knew animals would bring the best out in us humans. A cat of her breed and upbringing was a test of convincing her what love is. Her skittish and sensitive demeanor as a feral kitten affirmed rejection and fear in her young life.
Over time, showing her unconditional love, protection and provisions, she has opened her heart and allowed us into what was a depraved world.
As a result, we have been rewarded with an entertaining, lively and priceless “Queen of the Castle.” Or as my husband says, “Her Highness.”
“In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)
I dedicate this to a real woman of God; a blogger friend who wakes up my laptop with a perky good morning faith I wish I had. Her heart warms me with her joyful laughter as I read her posts. She has blessed me more than she knows and I am deeply honored to call her friend. God speaks to us in various ways; especially through Godly people as he has used her to do so with me. Please give yourself a treat and visit her blog. If you are like me and a very bad morning person, get a cup of coffee first. SHE IS ON FIRE EARLY! Here is her link: http://strader612.wordpress.com
This is a true story. I have no witnesses. No pictures; nothing to establish the credibility of it except the truth. For me this event was a major turning point in my life; you could call it “one of my DamascusRoad trips.” Yes, I said it was one of my Damascus Road trips.
The year was 1981 and I was not living the way I was raised. Church on Sunday, choir practice, girl scouts, Wednesday night dinner and Bible Study and then of course Bible School in the summer. These were just some of the reasons I darkened the church doors outside of the fact my parents made me go as a child. On this hot summer night I was far from any church door.
Driving home alone about midnight there wasn’t a car in sight. This sleepy town was usually in bed much earlier. I however was young and invincible; able to handle anything or at least my pride led me to believe such a lie.
Growing up in a family car business you would think I would have been taught how to change a tire. Why bother when I always had someone else to do it for me. This particular night I wish I had learned.
The back right tire had blown out and the car was veering off to the side. It could not have been darker as there were no street lights except for a few in the mall down the road. I managed to steer to the right into this empty parking lot before the tire completely gave out near the one mall light I could get to.
This particular mall was out in nowhere and way down in a ravine. Vision would be difficult in daylight to see the parking lot from the road, but almost impossible at night.
As I turned the car off, a fear set in I had never felt before. It was as if the devil had opened the passenger side door and sat down. It was tangible. Horrific thoughts saturated my fragile mind. Fears and torment of whom might come knocking on my windows swept over me like a storm.
I was shaking all over; the sweat poured down my face and I began to cry. I really didn’t know what I was going to do. At least it was summer and I wouldn’t freeze to death.
Cell phones did not exist back in 1981. Looking back having one would have changed this “earthly hell” completely. I was terrified to get out of the car to look for a pay phone; from where I sat there was none in sight.
Prayer
The fear by now had completely taken over my senses. Was I going to sit here all night alone and fearful to even look out of the windows of my car? Would it be morning before someone found me? How could I possibly sleep? Some stranger may attempt to open my non-electronic doors and grab me taking me into the unknown to do whatever they wanted. I cried more and slid down into the seat so no one could see me; not that anyone was around. It was then that a still, small voice I somewhat recognized told me to pray.
” Weeping” I said, “God, I haven’t talked to you in a very long time, but if you are listening, please help me.”
Drenched in my tears, thoughts of what to do clouded my mind. Terror-stricken to make a run for anything because there was nowhere to run to but being stranded, locked in my car was also just as frightening. I cried out to God for him to do something. Anything.
About 10 minutes after I first prayed I peered slightly over the top of my steering wheel. There were two lights on the highway in the distance heading my way. A transfer truck signals revealed he would be turning into this large, empty dark parking lot because there was nowhere else to turn. I remember thinking, “why is he coming here?”
He parked the truck about 50 feet in front of me but to the left. My heart was racing; I could feel it beating out of my chest I was so scared.
The Cross
A small black guy around the age of 30 jumped down out of the truck and waved to me. Realizing my fear he stayed about 20 feet from the front of my car and told me I had a flat tire. He said “I am here to help you. Do not be afraid. If you will open the latch to your left, I will get the spare tire in your trunk out and change it.”
He made it clear I did not have to get out and he would keep his distance. I motioned him to go ahead and pulled the trunk latch open. As he walked around to the trunk I noticed a rather large silver cross around his neck.
There was something very different about this young man. He was dressed in nice, khaki pants, with a short sleeved shirt. He had a baseball cap on his head and a beautiful smile.
It wasn’t his clothes or his smile that caught my attention. He possessed a natural countenance of joy and charisma. A purity and innocent strength surrounded this stranger as he passed by me.
All of a sudden I felt the evil leave the front seat as if it physically moved. Peace filled the inside of my car and covered me with protection.
He went to work as I sat there, waiting but not moving. Once finished, he walked in front of the car and spoke,
“You are ready to go. I put the spare tire on; just drive slowly and make sure tomorrow you buy a new tire.”
Holding a 20 dollar bill up to pay him, he shook his head and said “no thanks, the best thing you can do for me is go home, get some sleep and make sure from now on you don’t stay out so late.”
As he jumped into his truck, he waved goodbye and drove off.
The Realization
Safe and secure in my apartment I changed into my pajamas and began washing my face. Looking at myself in the mirror it suddenly hit me.
How could this person I had never seen before know my tire was flat?
How did he know I had a spare in the trunk? It was the right back tire. It was impossible for him to see it. For all he knew no one was in the car because I was hiding under the steering wheel.
Retracing his words he informed me I had a flat tire and a spare in the trunk. He also told me he had come to help me. It was as if he knew this information long before he arrived. Deep in my heart it felt like he knew me, as if he had been coached on my life story. The light went off in my head and I heard that voice again telling me,
Unsure of the true existence of angels at that age in my life, 23, I crawled into bed and pondered this thought. Did God care enough about me to actually do something like this and if so why? I didn’t deserve anything from God.
Years later….
The years have come and gone since that frightful night, but one thing I know for sure. In my adult walk with the Lord, I know for certain Angels do exist because God sent one to rescue me. I have no doubt in my heart or mind this man was a very real Angel.
I have never seen him again. Don’t know what his name was. He appeared out of nowhere as if he was sent specifically to rescue me.
He knew me. I could feel that he knew me. The timing of his arrival; the cross around his neck; his transcendent presence. The immediate removal of the fear in my car left as he walked by it leaving a supernatural peace that passed all my understanding.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The details have been reminders of God’s shelter of guardianship over my life.
I felt completely cared for; safely wrapped in a love so pure I knew I had experienced a divine visitation.
This is Revelation day. Yes. I keep having them. Not sure what that means. Oh. It’s only by the grace of God I know anything!
As Joyce Meyer says, “I may not be where I want to be, but at least I am not where I was.”
So be it with me. I maybe haven’t arrived, but I left. Left what? Who I was. And many of you should be thankful.
I am not one who picks out favorite verses; usually. As a result of wishy- washiness, my inability to choose interferes. Basically, it has never been on my radar. What radar?
Lately God has impressed upon me a verse I never paid much attention to, so I know this is from God. Ignoring this verse never entered my beleaguered mind. Avoiding it was of no consequence as I had no real use for it; or so I thought.
Now I have a favorite. The epitome of life in totality. The reason for everything.
Matthew 28: 20 “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
God gives us an instruction in the first line. Now, obedience is not always so easy…..if you know what I mean. It certainly helps in following God!
The second sentence, “and surely I am with you always…..to the very end of the age.”
Yes that is it!
My brokenness pales in comparison to his presence.
My weak insecurities are strengthened knowing he is in the room with me.
My perception of his companionship 24/7 gives me a “Leap of Faith” to trust him for solutions no matter what the issue may be.
As I write this I feel his presence. Visions, prophecies, speaking in tongues, the gifts are so deeply wonderful; but to live, each moment aware of him beside you is the Resurrected Cross of Jesus.
God will have to help me describe this.
You know it. Without a doubt you know he is always with you.
The awareness of his presence only shows up as you spend time alone with him. The Supernatural enlightenment breeds an inexplicable change.
Years ago, in my days of slight rebellion God showed up by sending me an angel which is a miraculous story in itself. At the time, my delayed comprehension of the angel never registered until I got home. Once it hit me, I had no doubt in my mind or heart, God had sent me an angel to rescue me.
God’s grace and mercy overshadowed my lack of desire for his presence. I admit I was awestruck that God would provide for me as he did when I deserved nothing but hell. To this day, I know the man who appeared before me was an angel sent by God.
What bothers me beyond my apostasy was I didn’t recognize the angel to begin with. I knew something was different; unique or unconventional about this guy and his arrival. The event predisposed what I now experience daily.
As for my newfound revelation of this verse, simplicity again takes precedence. The words have always been in the same place; the end of the book of Matthew. How many times have I uttered or heard “and I will always be with you.”
Like an “ah-ha” moment, or “rhema” the words jump off the page. Only these expressive words are a stroke of genius.
Walking or I like to use “sauntering” or “strolling” in the presence of God is the mercy-seat of Heaven on earth. You dwell. Abide. Perch. Crash. Park. Remain. Inhabit. Sojourn. Settle. Roost. Oh just go pitch a big tent.
You rest in a supernatural assurance of God’s consummate, unlimited, perfect favor.
And to think my stubborn, pig-headed heart has finally moved out-of-the-way enough for God to reveal his key to life for me in one sentence. A sentence written centuries before my grand entrance into this world was ever thought of!
Ok. I am beginning to dislike banks intensely. Protesting on the streets is not my idea of getting my way so I will pray. God can certainly do more than a loud mouth bunch of young people who have no idea what they are protesting.
Banking has become a farce. I would rather do like my ancestors and bury money in the yard. At least I would know where it was, what it was doing and who was not touching it.
A fee here, a fee there; they don’t care. Use to be if you needed to stop payment on a lost check it wouldn’t cost you your arm and now legs! Oh, and the paperwork. A pile of red tape cluttering someone’s desk they can’t find.
How do we survive the measure of expectations? What use to be simple is now an act of Congress: and we all know how that doesn’t work.
In other words, the world travels on money.
Simple is cheap. Complicated is expensive.
The air of complications is leaving many a soul weary.
Buying a house or a car these days reveals when you last relieved yourself.
Signing a legal document requires information from your long lost Aunt.
The Privacy Act forces us parents of college students to speak to at least 6 people in the school’s administration to find out if they got my check for the tuition!
Ordering a Credit card through your own bank requires both parties fill out an application longer than the SAT.
Itemizing your taxes requires an Organizer from your accountant. That excludes the accountant’s labor.
Forget insurance. They don’t pay for anything anyway. Why again do I have insurance? Oh, my husband says we need it. If they don’t pay for anything what am I paying them for? OH! Their trip to Hawaii. They must be meeting with the GSA.
I remember the days of old, easy and slow. Yes, I didn’t know how good I had it.
You know what people? God is still on the throne and his movements are the same. He is not making adjustments to his schedule according to ours.
He hasn’t changed his address, phone number or email. He’s always listening for our call or text. He wants it simple. We have muddled the disorder we already had.
American’s for sure don’t know the meaning of rest. We are supposed to work, but God says his rest in between each duty, praying to him will give us simplicity, peace, health and joy.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
Our entertainment overload is not only costly financially, but adds to time spent away from God.
Maybe that explains why there is so much depression, anxiety, fear and ill-will.
Maybe that explains why the lethargic view of life is running rampant.
Maybe that explains the hopelessness, anger and defeated attitudes.
The decision to keep or get your sanity back may depend on your simplicity or the lack there of. My sanity is rather important to me…..and those around me.
His realm of peace is another atmosphere away from man’s activities. That realm is found in his presence through our day. The self-assured, self –efficient perfectionist knows no such place. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in a circus of clogged up animation.
Productive, Godly work occurs during times of rest with him. The secret place of his presence is a miracle waiting to happen.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
A text & video blog striving to honor Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Bible lessons, devotionals, Sunday School studies and small group studies.
Did Jesus have a Facebook Page? 
You must be logged in to post a comment.