I Hear the Sound of An Abundance of Rain

Anyone feeling "the squeeze?"  The pressure? Like birthing pains? It's downright uncomfortable, to say the least.  We know good things are on the horizon, don't we?  I mean, we all feel it.  We know it's coming.   But what about now.  Right now.  Right this minute.  Discomfort, right?  How do we get through THIS moment? And the next?  Until we have what has been promised?

In my spirit I keep hearing, "I hear the sound of the abundance of rain."  I know we've all been waiting.  And waiting.  And waiting.  But this is not the time to give up.  Not now.  For I believe there is a cloud, the size of a man's hand.  It may not look like much.  But it is there.  This is not the time to give up.  Call to it. Speak to it. See it.  Expect it.

For even though the cloud looks small, with it brings an abundance of rain.  I King 18:45- Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.  The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.  Do you hear this? The power of God came upon Elijah.  He ran.  Beat Ahab.  All that way.  That's what we can expect- if we don't give up.

Stir up your faith right now.  Yep. Even if you don't feel like it.  Declare the cloud coming, and bringing with it an abundance of rain.  Right into your midst.  No one can do it for you.  Don't depend on anyone else's cloud.  Or faith.  Participate in your future.  Expect the Rain.  And then run with the power of God.

It's Time for Gideon to Arise

Who was Gideon? Wasn't he just a biblical character? What about Gideon is significant now?

Well, Gideon was just an average guy.  In fact, in the natural, he was below average.  He says about himself  "My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."  Why in the world would the Lord say to him, "Go in the strength that you have and save Israel?" How ridiculous, right? It doesn't make sense.  Aha. Yeah.  God's ways don't always (or usually) make sense to us, do they?

In talking with several friends over the last several days, I am hearing a similar cry.  I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing.  I don't know what's coming.  I am nothing great.  Just average.  Just okay.  I don't have any great talents, skills. 

But for those of us who know our God, there is a whisper in our hearts:  It's gonna be okay.  I'm here.  Take it one step at a time.  Do what's in your hand to do.  You may not think you have anything great to offer, but that's where I step in.  I multiply.  I take the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.  It is in your weakness that I am made strong.  You can trust me.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.

So, back to Gideon.  What did God say to him?    "The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior."  What does that mean to us?  God sees us differently than we have seen ourselves. But this is a new season.  In this season,  God + me = mighty warrior.  I challenge you.  See things differently today.  Determine that you will walk in the "strength" that he has given you, and go forth.

Relationships Are Important

I got off the phone a little while ago with a friend- my cousin really, but my friend also.  It was so good to hear her voice, as it's been awhile since we talked.  We shared "life stories," and encouraged each other to keep pressing in, moving forward, promising to pray for each other.

After I got off the phone, I realized how refreshed I felt.  And I was grateful to know that I wasn't "in it alone" so to speak.  I was also struck by something:  God doesn't want us to "go it alone."  We were built for relationships.  We were meant to interact with each other, encourage each other, refresh each other.   But more than that, I sensed how important it is to be not only in covenant with God, but with each other.  It is important for our- not only survival - but our success in life. 

Covenant relationships give you the ability to be real in a secure environment.  It feeds our need for intimacy.  It offers an opportunity to exchange truth, in order to grow and be challenged; to become a better us.

It is important to choose wisely.  Do not develop an intimate relationship to a member of the opposite gender if you are married to someone else! Do not choose someone who does not know how to walk in love.  Do not choose someone who would not put you above themselves if needed. 

Give each other permission to speak openly, but respectfully.  Protect that relationship. Treat each other with honor.  And most importantly, always put God at the helm of your relationship. 

It's A New Season

Can you feel it? The air feels different. The sun feels different already.  Our schedules are different.  What does it all mean?

It is a new time, a new season.  A season with a fresh start.  Let's face it.  The last season was difficult for many of us.  The squeeze was on.  We had to persevere....did you?  Do you feel like you barely made it?  I know I did.

I have a renewed determination to enter this season with fresh hope.  I am determined to draw closer to the Lord this season.  To abide there.  It's His presence that refreshes me.  It's His voice that leads me.  It's His power that keeps me.

I'm grateful for a new season.  I am shaking off the dust of the old season- may there be no remnant of the "old" on me as I enter this new season.  No disappointments will accompany me there.  No weariness is allowed to go with me.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See? I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up- do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland....to give drink to my people..."  Is 43:18-20

Let's drink and be refreshed!

Sooooo......I've started a blog!

Yes, I've become a blogger, starting with this post right here :)   Why? Aren't there enough blogs out there?  I guess it boils down to this:  I love people.  I love being an encouragement to people.  I find such satisfaction in being someone who might just say (or write) something that could impact a life, or at least someone's day.   So let's take this blogging journey together..... and believe for great things!