Sunday, January 24, 2016

Make mine a double please

Make mine a double please It's almost impossible to forget the teachings from the Holy Spirit. They seem to be sealed on our hearts and minds in a special tender way. The Bible is also called the "Living Word" because it is alive. I am just now understanding and experiencing a fresh revelation of a scripture that I read a very long time ago. I felt that I was lead to scripture that contained the words,double portion. I remember going to my Pastor and asking him what his understanding of it was. I respected him and he respected me enough to tell me this, "Why don't you study it for your self and tell me what it means to you" I took the challenge and found some interesting facts. The culture back in the day when it was written was that the oldest son would inherit a double portion of the familys inheritance. (Deuteronomy 21:17) Since I am not the oldest son, but rather the second of four, and a daughter; I didn't feel that this applied to me in that sense. Honestly as far as any family inheritance was concerned, I used mine up already. My parents helped me throughout my life and I didnt feel worthy to accept any future inheritance for myself. Well, Elisha had a feeling that he may be inadequate in carrying out the role of successor when Elijah was preparing to retire. Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he left him. Elisha didnt ask for material wealth, nor did he ask for a selfish favor. He did ask for something that even Elijah couldn't give him. He asked for a double portion of his spirit". Elisha knew that he had very big shoes to fill and didnt feel that on his own he could carry out the demands of the job he was assigned. Elijah told him that his request was indespensable and that it must come from God. But, he gave Elisha a tip, and said that "if you see me when I leave you, then you will know if you have it or not". This story is in 2 Kings 2:9-18. So as the story goes, Elisha did see Elijah taken up into heaven with a chariot and fire and a whirlwind. So, God granted him his request. He felt more adequate and confident to move into his new position, especially when his peers saw the water part when the mantle of Elijahs touched the sea.He had gained the respect of his peers and knew where his help came from. Who doesn't like the concept of a double portion? I usually get two scoops on my ice cream cone. I go for seconds on a delicious entree. Lets not forget the television shows that show the man going into the bar after a rough day at work and he says to the bartender "pour me a double". He is usually seeing double by the time he walks out of the bar too. Marketing techniques are created around buying two of something.Like the buy one get one free ads that consumers are always faced with. Some are practical, and then others, well not really. As believers though, we inherit salvation and we inherit all things.(Luke15:31) Believers are heirs through faith and grace. (Galatians 3:29) Is'nt it awesome to know that we are worthy of the inheritance even if we are not the first born son. We can be the youngest or the anywhere in the sibling line up. What if, the story was to represent the Holy Spirit? When Jesus died on the the cross and was resurrected, He gave us his spirit to help us carry out our walk as Christians. We dont do it on our own power. Matter of fact we cant do it, but the Holy Spirits job is to give us that boost that we need. I have been witnessing this power while I am involved with a Recovery Home for women being resurected. While they were asking for donations for the home, the Lord gave a car when they asked for bicycles. When they wanted a small article in the paper about a local fundraiser, they got front page, that is my new revelation of the double portion. It is God being gracious and loving and giving a portion that wasnt expected. So, as I wrap up this post, I want to put this scripture in for you to study for your selves. Isahia 61:7 Instead of their shame, my people will receive a double portion. Instead of disgrace, they will inherit a double portion in their land and everlasting joy will be theirs. I am interested in your study results too. So, get out your books and dont be at the mercy of others interpretations, let it be taught to you by the Holy Spirit, and let the Living Word come alive,

Make mine a double please

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Dump the Chump

   It's been quite sometime since we've been together;
my mind and my body are amazingly better.
   We had a track record of about 15 years,
I must have cried myself a river of tears.
   I met all your home boys before I met you,
Budweiser, Nicotine and Mary-Jane too.
   They said that you were the King and
that nothing compared.
   I could hardly wait to  meet you and then;
I was double dared.
   The moment I felt you flow through my vein,
I knew my life would never be the same.

Things started out slow and I thought "You're Alright"
But, the first time I couldn't find you my heart was
strangled by fright.

Looking back I must have looked like a clown,
as I desperately chased you all over town.

  You became my best friend through thick and thin.
I now live to cheat, steal and lie; the epitome of sin.
   You left me for dead numerous times,
Stupid of me to believe all your lame lines.
   You can keep that perfume that you bought me,
It honestly smelled like death.
   The wardrobe you bought me proved
that I was a total wreck.
   Fear-Gear and Slim-Shady, I wore them every where I went.
I dont wear them any more, maybe I gave them up for Lent.

Now there is something I have to tell you while my throat has no lump.
This is way overdue: I Dump you Chump!

   I might as well tell you that I met someone new.
When I called Him, He answered and picked me up too.
   He put me in a jail cell to heal my deep wound.
The words that He spoke, made my seed of love bloom.
   He told me some things that I just had to believe,
because unlike you; He's not out to deceive.
   He said He was there when you left me for dead.
He said He was there when the cops had their guns to my head.
   He told me He was there when I overdosed,
and my lips turned blue.
I had to believe Him because all these things are true.
   I couldn't help but ask Him "how can you love me? I've been so disgusting and tough"
  He said "Baby girl, I saw right through you, a diamond in the rough"

You won't recognize me when you see me in town,
I'll be that sharp lady, wearing Peace for a gown,
   I got it the day The Wind blew me around.
It blew through my mind and went straight to my soul,
I'm no longer bothered by that dark empty whole.
   I no longer wear that deathly aroma of dope,
The new fragrance on me is called Hope to Cope.
   So, don't send out your posse`
named Guilt, Fear and Pride.
   Because I know the Truth and
I tote it by my side.

Just one more thing before I peace out,
I'm saying it loud, my heart has to shout.
Thank You for the pain that brought me hard to my knees,
I love my new life and the Real King, is pleased.
  

Monday, July 6, 2015

#A New Creature in Christ

    I was hoping to get a couple of pictures when I went to the beach the other day. I didn't know what I would find and then there it was. A ghost crab burrowing in the sand. As swift as a ghost he was out of the shadow and seemed to pose for my camera. His eyes on little stilts seemed to be saying "Please post me on facebook" So I did.
           I learned later that ghost crabs got their name because of their ability to disappear so quickly. They can burrow up to 4 feet in the sand. They tend to come out at night to feed on insects and just scavenge the beach. At the local fish market the crab barrel does not have a lid. The nature of the crab is to hold onto the crab when it tries to climb out.                               The Hebrew name for the crab is Sartan which means "who holds" and "who binds".

 Have you ever felt like you were trying to break free from something?  I've tried to break free from negative thinking patterns and toward more healthy ones. Its tough. Ive been recovering from a toxic relationship and a ghost of a memory will come out of the its burrow. It wants to feed at night when I cant sleep and scavages on my self esteem. It feels like it wants me to stay in that barrel of my past. Actually, the crab can't help itself because its just responding to it's nature. They even shed their shell but that doesnt change their nature.  Im going to take this subject a little deeper. If the crab would represent what sin is and does we may see it in a different way. Yes, sin is our nature. We were born with sin and yes, we will go out being a sinner. Thats a fact. The good news is that there is hope. Just because we go to church and believe in God, it isnt enough my friend. A relationsip is what is required. We dont change on our own. Of course we can do some self help stuff and for some people that is good enough. Not for me. I need more. I am a wretch through and through, to the core. We arent in a relationship alone. It takes at least another person or else it would be a self ship. So I am going to bring this home for you and get to the point of this post.  Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person, new creature. The old life is gone and the new life has begun.   2 Corinthians. 5:17.  With this being said, our sinful nature is the same. There is a process to endure. Remenber that we are now in a relationship so we aren't doing this alone. God wants to do His part. Let Him help. The Bible says that we must work out our own salvation. Philippians. 2:12     How do we do that? Good question! We do that by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:2    We dont read the Bible alone either. We are guided by the Holy Spirit. We are transforming through the Word of God. God loves us so much that He changes our hearts. He wants to do what He does best. He wants to be in a relationship with us. Ezekiel 36:26 says...I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.                                                                                                     Get out of the barrel my friend. Trust the process and become a new creature in Christ. Write to me with your comments and any questions.  God is faithful.