New Mercies!

I sit here today with a joy in my heart that has been often neglected and more often ignored, but never absent. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, which dwells in the heart of those who allow Holy Spirit to plant and cultivate.

  I recall how Elijah mocked the false prophets and their god, simply because he knew the God he served. The scripture never said that they returned the gesture.
   Ever notice that no one came against Jesus as he turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple?
  Why do you feel the need to shrink back? Why do you accept defeat? Elijah had water poured on wood, so much so that great puddles were created AND THEN he called down fire from heaven. Where is that boldness and confidence in YOUR God? Are you cowering in the cave?

   It's so very easy to point fingers and point out the speck in your brother's eye - having to look around the plank in your own. It's high time you take a good look at who you believe your God to be. I'll bet good money on the truth that your grief and mourning has made him small, uncaring, harsh, and slow. I know, been there.
     God is doing some awesome things in my life - things I cannot share just yet - I'm not certain I truly understand it all myself. I just know that Joy greets me in the morning and covers me through the day. It is new. I am learning that it's Okay for me to be happy. I'm learning that it's in the Father's will for me to enjoy life in the land of the living and I've learned that standing doesn't have to burdensome - it is after all just a closer walk to Him. I have discovered me and I like me. Jesus likes me.
    Before I wrote this I read a blog about a comedian who died before his new CD came out. He spoke of how getting old gives you privileges you aren't afforded when you are young. People just chalk it up to old age. He said he'd get out of deep conversations and unwanted visits by asking "Who are you people and where is my horse?"
    I say that as children of the most high God, we should be seen as peculiar. We should be so like him that we are not of this world. It should be that no one but another believer could understand who we are. Standing isn't about your loved one coming home...it's about who they'll find when they do come home. It's about you trusting and believing that no matter what happens it's the Father's divine perfect will for your life. If he said you will not know divorce - YOU WILL NOT KNOW DIVORCE. If he has said trust him, for kingdom's sake - TRUST HIM.

    If you're struggling to believe because the people around you are contrary to your stand, purpose in your heart that God is your defender and say, "Who are you people and where is my horse?"

    Elijah did it. David did it. Jesus did it. Great company, great company.

Selah