Same God . . . Different Year

I can't believe that it has been almost 2 years since our last post. I think it was because of some technical issues that we gave up on the blog . . . but not on our sisterhood or our spirituality. We've done some amazing studies between us all--First Place 4 Health; Beth Moore studies on Revelation and the Psalms of Ascent; The Purpose Driven Christmas; and studies in Acts, the Armor of God, and many other personal studies. A lot has changed with our church, as well. Some of us went separate ways, some of us stayed where we were, some of us finally found where we belonged, and some of us are still searching for the place where God wants us to be. But we are all still trying to have a close personal relationship with God.

Yesterday, Candice reminded me of the long-lost blog and I decided to look it up for myself. As I read the last post about my struggles as I was looking for a job and my "freak out" over my computer issues, I find myself in a similar position: needing to be reminded to put my entire trust in God and realize he will provide! I did find a certified teaching position almost a year after the last post, and I just finished my first year teaching. However, where I thought that me having that job would solve so many things in my life, I realized that God is probably saying what I say about many of my students: "I can't believe she hasn't learned this by now!"

He is still trying to teach me patience and humilty. I am still asking for help with my anxieties and unbelief. Every time I think that I've "learned my lesson," something in my life proves that I haven't and I find the Spirit leading me back to the familar scriptures to remind me I am only human. Just when I think I have it all figured out, He puts me in my place and shows that its not about me "figuring it out", its about me conforming to His will.

One positive thing that I can say about my last post is that my God did show me His will when I did patiently wait for it. I took long-term subs and assistant positions and was humble (as humble as imperfect me can be) and He answered my prayers and gave me an amazing opportunity in the school district that educated me and that is educating my children, not to mention at the school that's only minutes from my house! I have been the receipient of His blessings and He has answered many prayers for me and mine (and I'm sure many of you as well). I have seen the evidence of Him working in my life, and this certainly helps me to overcome my unbelief. And I just want to give my Amazing Heavenly Father all the glory, because it is His! If nothing else, I've learned that God doesn't always answer our prayers because we deserve it or because we need it. He often answers our prayers to bring Him glory. And that is all this life is about: to bring our Creator GLORY!

Another Example of Jehovah Jireh?

As I continue to fast, God has been revealing to me so many things I need to make sure I'm doing. I must place complete faith and trust in Him. I can't worry about my needs because I know He will provide me what I need. I must be patient without complaining, because we will answer my prayers according to His time and purpose. He has also revealed, in small doses, places in my life where I need to let go and allow Him to work.

Lately I've been a little discouraged over some technical issues I've been experiencing with my computer. I've talked with Dell a number of times and a technician has even been out to work on it. Still I'm having problems, and their only solution now is for me to send it back to them to be fixed. I've been reluctant to do this, saying, "I can't do without my computer! I rely on it so much. I need it for my job hunt!"

Now the problems are to the point where I am going to have to send it back to Dell. As I was preparing to pack it up, I realized this is another instance of how I must sacrifice something in my life for God. I must give up my reliance on my computer and trust that I only need God for my job search. I've filled out the applications; sent out resumes; checked the websites EVERY DAY. I've done my part . . . I've carried my burden. Now I must put complete faith and trust in Him, and wait for Him to reveal His will for me.

I know it seems silly, thinking that my computer being broken is some "sign" from God about changes that need to be made in my life. And although I know he didn't cause my computer to malfunction, I'm using this incident to continue to evaluate my life and search the places where I'm not submitting to God and giving Him full reign. I told Andrew its like He is pulling back layers of me at a time showing me where I'm putting an addictive beverage, or an inanimate object, or, as it really boils down to, my own will above Him.

So, I hope to see Jehovah Jireh in my life again soon. Again, the sacrifice of my computer is only a symbol of the greater sacrifice I'm making with my life. I am truly trying every day to submit to Him. Now the downside is I may not be able to blog on the name I've chosen for about 10 days. But I have chosen: Elohim.

Where Have I Seen Jehovah Jireh?

When I first read Kim's blog I wasn't sure that I had seen Jehovah Jireh, but after sharing my fasting story she pointed out that I could definitely blog about that. The more I thought about it, the more I realized she was so right. I am fasting from coffee to show my humility to God and to present a sacrificial spirit. At first I thought I was only sacrificing coffee. The blessing I received in return was growing closer to God because I used that ritual "coffee time" for devotion time instead.

But as I was praying one morning, I realized that sacrificing the coffee was just an example of a larger sacrifice that I must make: myself. I realized the ultimate reason for the fasting was for me to remember that I must submit myself completely to God! I must be able to sacrifice my entire self to serve Him! After I made this "revelation", I was completely elated.

One of the blessings I've received since realizing what it truly means to have a sacrificial spirit is finding out that Andrew's job is secure for another year instead of just through September. And in the heat of the summer as I try to push-mow my lawn, my Daddy gives me a riding lawn mower. These are small blessings, but blessings nonetheless. Thanks, Kim, for pointing out Jehovah Jireh in my life!

I am so excited to blog about "The Names of the LORD".
Ashley and Brantlee allowed me to blog first. Thank You!!!

I love learning a new characteristic of our Father. One way I have done that is by studying the different names He is called by the Jewish people. After all the bible was written by Jewish men. That is another story for another time.....
I had never heard of this topic taught on before and to be truthful I had never heard that God was called by different names ( if I did, I probably thought it was a cult or something). In my early walk with the Lord I went to a revival where I first heard this preached on. He was a young firey preacher that preached with passion and excitement. I loved that. I fell in love with this topic and began to dig. I have learned it (and still learning), taught it and experienced it and still experiencing it. I want to share these truths once more, because the "truth shall set you free". I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your heart and eyes to see your Heavenly Father like you have never seen Him before.

Jehovah Jireh-The LORD Will Provide-Gen 22:1-14 (Read it)
This story is hard to swallow because you look and see what God was asking Abraham to do...offer his own Son. We can easily think why would a loving God ask someone to do such a thing. Abraham was considered a "friend of God" (2 Chron. 20:7 & Isaiah 41:8). Abraham had many wonderful encounters with God. There was a certain amount of trust that Abraham placed in God. In Gen 22:5 Abraham tells his servants that he and his son (Isaac) would return. Abraham trusted God enough that he knew that God knew what was best. Well Isaac asked his father Abraham where was the burnt offering, and with trust and faith Abraham responded "Son God will provide". He goes where God tells him to go and as Abraham raises his head to slay his only son and angel stops him. Abraham looks up and sees a ram caught in the bushes. Isaac was spared and God had provided a ram to take Isaac's place. So Abraham called the mount "Jehovah Jireh", because the Lord provided.

Abraham obeyed and trusted + God provided = Blessed.

The world has seen Jehovah Jireh, He provided a sacrifice for sin by giving us His Son. Isaac is a picture of Jesus.

I have seen my Jehovah Jireh. 6 years ago I began to be a stay at home Mom. I trusted God and He provided for us and is still providing and blessing us for obedience.

Where have you seen Jehovah Jireh?
Blog it!!!!

Just Sharing my Heart with some Hard Truths

What great encouragement Ashley!!
Whenever I see the word "trials" , "sufferings" or "persecuted" my mind goes to our brothers and sisters in Christ that are apart of the underground church that are all over the world. Some many Christians believe this does not exsist. (Not trying to be a "Debbie Downer"). I am so thankful to live in America....the land of the free. We have the freedom to say JESUS in public, we can read our bibles in public, we have many bibles in our homes, we can come together on Sunday and worship Him freely. We are surrounded by opportunities to hear the gospel, to read the gospel and to hear wonderful worship music. We can put stickers on our cars and wear Jesus Freaks T-shirts!! I am thankful! But we can forget about our brothers and sisters that have trials we have never even thought about. Our brothers and sisters are being persecuted as we speak because they have a piece of the bible in their home. My heart breaks and years for them. Yes we have our own trials and when I am going through them, its a big deal to me....but then in a silent moment I think about my brothers and sisters in other countries that are being killed, beaten and burned because they are Christians and then my sufferings are nothing compared to theirs. Yes, I have gone through some tough stuff, but am I being killed for the gospel, am I seeing my husband tortued for the gospel, am I in prison for the gospel?Take time to pray for our brothers and sisters. They know how to " joy in their sufferings".

Enduring and Persevering

I just had a major breakthrough! I was studying chap 5 of James and reading about patience and suffering and endurance and perseverance. James instructs his readers to follow the examples of the prophets and Job, and of course we have the examples of the 1st century Christians as well. But I'm not in a lion's den like Daniel . . . I'm not covered in boils like Job . . . I'm not experiencing severe persecution like the Christians in James's time. I'm not even suffering like I've had during harder times in my past.

But God doesn't specify how great our sufferings must be. I just discovered that He will help me endure whatever I'm going through now, no matter how small, and help me to persevere IN FAITH! If He is mighty enough to help His faithful survive floods, fiery furnances, etc., He certainly is able to help me with whatever I'm dealing with: even a job search, buying a new car, or searching for a new home. I just have to be committed to putting my faith in him and persevering in joy through my so-called "trials" no matter how small I think they are.

Hi Sister Chicks!
Well the blog was down for a bit but we are back in business. Thanks Ashley!!
I am through with our study. I enjoyed reading it and enjoyed seeing myself in some of the authors writing. I said in the beginning of this that I wanted to really remember what I have studied and apply it to my life. I must say the biggest inspiration I have from this is....every time I sit down to read my bible I have...my bible, my journal, my bible dictionary and oh yeah..my new reading classes. I have learned to try and really look at what I am reading and explore God's word deeper and to follow the Holy Spirit's lead. God's word exciting!!

So.....what's next Sister Chicks????