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.