The Real Thing

From a letter I received from Kimm Car at      Community Bible Study:

Twenty-four hours ago, with absolute conviction, my twenty-year-old daughter said to me “I don’t like pudding.”  And so began a crazy conversation about the university’s cafeteria, high school lunch hours and what really happened to the items I packed in her school lunch.  “And I KNOW that I do not like pudding, chocolate or otherwise!”

I do.  So I pulled out 5 simple ingredients and went about the slow, time consuming process of making chocolate pudding from scratch.  OK, 6 ingredients but that’s because I am always looking for a way to add flavor and it worked because after the constant attention to whisking, stirring and tempering, I took a lick of the thick, hot, chocolate pudding-to-be and swooned.  Really, it was amazing.

My anti-pudding twenty year old was watching me.  She sniffed the hot chocolaty goodness and asked what was in it.  I told her.  “That’s all?  Maybe I’ll try it, but I know I won’t like it.”

She used an iced teaspoon, the long handle for protection I assume, and gathered a micro speck of still hot chocolate pudding.  She looked, sniffed and quite gingerly licked.  I cannot even begin to describe the delighted smile that spread across her face.  It was like looking into the face of a 2 year old on Christmas morning.  “This is . . . good.”

The problem was this; she had never had the real thing before.  She had always had “pudding” from a box, can or plastic cup.  Processed and fake flavored, it was called pudding, but it was not the real thing.

Last year, I started going to Community Bible Study in my county in North Carolina. I asked God for a single book to study at home and He gave me a single book, Revelations, and a study group of passionate women to go with it. I am forever grateful for His wisdom. These committed ladies in leadership have shown me and given me the 'real thing': consistent shepherding. And...accountability as I study the Word. First, I study at home with a study guide. Then, I meet with my core group to go over the study guide. Finally there is a short lecture on the meaning of that day's verses and how they apply to us today. When I leave, I feel like I have been surrounded with a shield of love and grace as we have delve into the word of God together each week.

Today, I started my second year of study. I am still experiencing the 'real thing' as well as giving back what I am learning to others. This year, I was also asked to joined the leadership team and work in the children's department. WOW! A double portion. Let the learning begin!

Are you experiencing the 'real thing'? Are you making time for quality Bible study on a regular basis? Some are able to be in a faith-filled group while others have no choice but to study the Word individually. Either way, your purpose will be the same: drawing closer to God through His Word as well as learning to listen to His Spirit. This is the only way to get through these tough times with victory. I pray the only question you are considering now is: Where do I want to begin? You may need to seek help but DON'T GIVE UP! 

There are tons of resources online. I use Blue Letter Bible to help me with my search for the truth between the verses. I have learned so much lately and the Scriptures are coming to life. I know it will happen for you too if you DON"T GIVE UP!!

Sell or Seed?

“I am sitting here listening to my grandparents gossip about their church. My Grandpa is fussing about the church wanting to give the pews to another church just starting out.” Jamie texted.

“Pray for them” I texted back.

“I will, but it does drive me crazy,” she texted back.

Then the Lord inspired me with this: “Sell or Seed,” I texted.

“Yeah, I know. I agree with you,” was her last text.

What is your meaning behind the words sell or seed, Lord?

There are two ways to dispose of the things we do not need any longer. First, we could sell the item. One item (pews) for a single profit (money received) -This way usually takes minimal effort and is safe. You know when and where your supply will come and how much you will receive. There is nothing wrong with this method of disposal.

After writing this first part, the Holy Spirit led me to study the 9th chapter of II Corinthians. In II Corinthians 9:6-8, I found the other way.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Sometimes, God will inspire us to plant the sellable item as a seed with no predictable profit. God needs our obedience so He can honor the request of another first. Then, He will multiply the planted seed to abundantly fulfill our needs. Unlike a sell, planting a seed will take faith with expectation until the profit of planting begins to show forth. God orders the multiplication (added favor, better deals, etc.) of a planted seed in such a way that all the glory/credit is His alone and not anything we could have done to help the process along.

Why does God inspire us to plant a seed instead of just sell our possessions?

God is looking for four attributes:
1. Cheerful people –who give from the heart of love and not begrudgingly because they had to compromise.

2. Obedient people -who are willing to risk to grow their faith.

3. Patient people -who are willing to wait on God’s perfect time for their abundant return

4. Declaring people -who will proclaim their victory stories of His faithfulness without fear. 

My friends, God wants His name and His deeds established on the earth above all. He has ordained us to have a part. First hand accounts of disciples are how the kingdom principles are best spread and believed. People hear your story along with your praise and thanksgiving for what God has done, their hearts can be soften and tilled by the Holy Spirit to hear the Gospel of Salvation.
 
As the end result of your generous seed, not only are the prayers of the saints answered but the fruits of your righteousness will have grown in a wealth of benevolence and encouragement too.

Do you have things you need to dispose of?

Do you desire a quick single reward or are you willing to wait for a multiplied reward that exceeds your expectations? Pray and search for God’s wisdom on where to plant and how to glorify Him with your resources. Then watch and see as you wait for His proclaimable glory to come forth. 

Transported To Lumberton

My friend, Cathy and I went to see a writer buddy of ours for the weekend. We traveled from Spindale to Lumberton where Jamie lived and then on to Wilmington for the girl’s weekend away. Friday and Saturday we had a wonderful time shopping, laughing, eating and seeing the sights. When Sunday came though, I knew we needed to get our friend Jamie back to her church by 9:45 am because she had to sing in the choir. We got up early and wasted no time getting ready. Yet in spite of our best efforts to get away by 8:15am, we were not able to leave until 8:30 am. We packed the car and I put the address into Rosie (my GPS). Rosie said we would not arrive until 10:00 am. Ok, I thought, we’re going to get there late and I hated to disappoint Jamie. So…I said a simple prayer, “Lord give us traveling mercies back to Lumberton and Lord…(feeling bold) transport us if You will. We are late and we could use Your help getting there on time. Amen.”

Not long after we had started our hour and a half trip, the low fuel light flashed on my dashboard. We should have filled up last night, I thought. Knowing there was no way I had enough gas to make the trip, I stopped for fuel. Feeling defeated again, I pumped the gas and prayed again, “Lord please help us.” When I got back into the car, I checked Rosie for an updated time of arrival, 10:10 am. Suddenly a scripture flashed through my mind, John 10:10.

“...I have come that you might have life

and have life more abundantly.”

Ok Lord, I thought, there is no way I can make up the time we have lost. It is in your hands. I will accept what you provide. I started the car and off we went.

When we were about 20 miles from our back roads destination, something unusual began to happen. Minutes started melting off of Rosie’s estimated time of arrival. I began to wonder what was going on. Nothing else seemed unusual. More minutes melted away. What’s going on Lord? I asked. No answer. More minutes melted off. When we finally arrived at the church, it was 9:43! That was 27 minutes faster then what Rosie herself had said AND 2 minutes faster than our original planned time to arrive. The Lord had transported us on time. Stunned and overflowing with joy, we popped out of the car praising Him for His wonderful answer to our simple earnest prayers. WOW, Lord! Thank you!

Later, while I was studying the scriptures for confirmation, I asked the Lord where was He during this event. He answered by showing me a vision of the side of my car. A large angel the length of my car was flying near the roof. I could see the air moving so fast past the angel and car that it looked as if we were traveling at a high rate of speed. That was all the confirmation I needed.

Some may choose not to believe or explain my excitement away. However, I believe we are coming into a time where God is waiting for us to advance our faith and accept miracles like this in our everyday lives. For those who are willing to believe, training has already begun. The time we have left to proclaim the gospel is short. For me, this incident was actually the second transportation in the last 2 months. The first one I questioned. The second one got my attention. I don’t know all of what God has planned for the future. But, I am excited and expectant. I want to do the great works He promised us. I pray each of you will become expectant, expand your faith and advance too.

Scripture references: Acts 8:39, John 6:21, John 14:5-18 
Recommended reading: Transported by the Lion of Judah by Anne Elmer