God's Power in Our Lives

Mirror Mirror

There is one thing in my house that always tells me the truth. It's brutally honest to the core because it can't be anything different. It was specifically created for one purpose and one purpose only. My reflection stares back at me as I glaze into the mirror. There's no hiding, no denying... that's me. There's a great sense of authenticity in our nakedness. As in my case, it's usually the authenticity that I'm trying to avoid. I instantly start picking apart my "authentic" self. My eyes focus on the things I don't like rather than the things I do.  

So this is where  a necessary perspective change comes in handy. As we journey through the idea of what it means to be an authentic woman, we pause to take a look in the mirror. We look past the insecurities that try to sabotage our confidence, and we discover the authenticity in nakedness. 

In the Song of Solomon, we are invited on the honeymoon of Solomon and his new bride. Upon seeing each other for the first time, Solomon expresses a powerful statement that redefines beauty.  "You are altogether beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you." (Song of Solomon 4:7) 

As I've been studying the Song of Solomon, this verse continues to resonant in my mind. At first glance, it's hard to believe. No flaws. Really? But if you give it further study and let it sink in, you will find that Solomon isn't telling her that she has the perfect body, but rather that her imperfections make her beautiful! He's appreciating her uniqueness! Everybody has flaws, but what Solomon is saying to his wife is, "Baby, you are my wife and I love everything about you!" And that my friends, is the definition of authentic nakedness. 

Now when I look in the mirror, I remember the power of God's Word and I embrace my uniqueness. I see the "flaws," but my perspective is different. Often this takes several reminders because this world portrays a very different image of beauty, but with God's Word in my mind, I have the power to overcome the worldly thoughts. And you do too! Authenticity looks at those stretch marks and sees them as a sign of your sacrifice! Authenticity looks at the extra layers as a soft pillow for your children's heads. Authenticity looks at the drooping skin as wisdom that comes with age. Authenticity looks at the wrinkles as many smiles that brightened the days of others. 

Nakedness is not something to be shamed off, but something to be embraced. You are altogether beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you! 

Embracing the skin I'm in, 

Emily

Isaiah 66:2

A NEW YOU

Ephesians 4:23 “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self…” (NIV)

Beginnings are thrilling, don’t you agree?  They are filled with anticipation, with hope and excitement.  With a new beginning we can put things behind us and move forward.  And let’s be honest, some things are better left behind.   

There are times that new beginnings can be more horrifying than thrilling I agree, and I have been in those places as well.  But with a new year upon us it brings the hope of new adventures to experience, new joys to delight us and even new trials to walk.  They await us in 2015.

As I look to the future and ponder the journeys yet to be taken and milestones that are yet to come my way, one thing burns in my heart.  I want to face them all, these terrific and even tragic and beautiful things, as a new me. 

I want new eyes that perceive what God is doing, to see how He is working everything out for His glory and my good (Rom 8, Ps 119:18, 1 Cor 2:9, Eph 1:18).  I want to experience every terrific moment with a new heart that is tender to His promptings (Ez 36:26).  I want new ears to know and hear His voice (Jn 10:3).  Wouldn’t it be cool to hear the sound of Angels’ wings?  I want new feet to walk out of my comfort zone (Isa 52:7-8). 

I want a new me!  I like me so I don’t want to get rid of me, I just want a new awareness, a fresh awakening.  2 Cor 5:17 tells us, “if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” and Ecc 3:11, “He makes everything beautiful in its time.” 

I’ll be made new by being in His word.  When I am in His word I’m being transformed (Rom 12).  I want to consume it, I want to live it, breathe it, speak it, EAT IT!! 

1 Chr 29:17 says God cares nothing for the surface – He desires our true selves .  This is the pursuit of Authenticity and this is what I want to frame EVERY new thing that is yet to be. 

(MSG)

Good Intentions...God Intentions

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." ~ Genesis 50:20

Don't those words just radiate comfort? Read them again and let them really soak in. Claim those words over your life today. As I complete my study on Genesis, Joseph speaks these words to his brothers shortly after the passing of their father, Jacob. These words not only brought reassurance and forgiveness for his brothers, but a profound truth for our lives. God's intentions are always good. This is a promising truth for us to remember. You and I are part of a greater plan. There is a significant amount of power upon your life that helps you influence others for the Lord. Paul so beautifully lays out God's intentions for our lives in Ephesians 1. 

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,  in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength  he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead...

Couldn't have said it more eloquently myself. I love God's Word. I highly recommend printing this passage and reading it until you have it memorized! I pray this over you, my friends. I pray that you would walk in a Spirt of wisdom, as you parent your children, work at your job, care for your husband, and serve in your church. I pray that everyday you would know Jesus better and more intimate. I pray that you would walk in hope and know that you are a powerful woman of faith! God takes whatever is intended to harm you and turns it into purpose! Just think, you are a part of a bigger plan and that plan includes saving lives! Your life is leading others to salvation when you walk in the confidence of God's plan. Yes, there will be days that are hard. But those days have purpose. You have a seal set upon your heart and you walk with power! You are an unstoppable force! Trust in God's intentions above all things because we know what he always follows through!

Until the whole world hears, 
Emily

When Opportunity Knocks

I don't believe that opportunity happens by coincidence. Just the opposite in fact, I think that every opportunity is laid divinely before you by a Father who has a well thought out plan for your life. I am currently reading through the book of Genesis. Right now, I'm venturing though the story of Joseph. While reading about Joseph's roller coaster of a journey to leadership, the Holy Spirit placed this formula on my heart.

God's favor + our obedience = opportunities

For the last three years, we've simply been obedient to the Lord's leading. I don't say this to brag, but only to offer proof that God does open doors of opportunity for his children. I'm sure my husband has felt a lot like Joseph over the past few years. Brian is a faithful follower of Christ. He's extremely loyal to his core and has outstanding character, especially his work ethic. God has laid a vision on his heart to lead a Holy Spirit-filled church in a small town. He has relentlessly pursued the credentials to be prepared when God calls him, along with holding down a full-time job and being an engaging husband and dad. He's weathering the storm right now as God continues to prepare him for his next great adventure of faith. I compare his story with Joseph's.

God had given Joseph a vision of leadership. Jealousy aroused from his brothers and long story short, he was sold into slavery. God's flavor was upon Joseph wherever he was and in all that he did. Whether he was a servant, a prisoner, or second in command, God's favor plus Joseph's obedience led to many opportunities for leadership. However, what really intrigues me is that every opportunity was born out of disappointment. I'm sure Joseph's vision to leadership didn't include being sold, becoming a foreigner, then gaining power, only to lose it because of a lie which landed him in prison for several years.

I say all of this to say, God is at work in your life. I've found that when disappointment is on one side of the door, opportunity is on the other when we walk with the Lord. The thing that set Joseph apart was his God. The thing that sets you apart is your God. Genesis 39: 2-4 says, "The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of the Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant." This exact thing happened to Joseph several times because he was faithful to God. I don't know what your prosperity will look like, but the Lord is with you and his favor will open up opportunity. He is equipping you to do the good works that he prepared in advance for you to do! (Ephesians 2:10) Because we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose! (Romans 8:28) You've been called, prepared in advance, and walk in the power of the Lord! Don't let life's disappointments discourage you because on the other side is God's favor poured out! Take comfort in who he says he is and who he created you to be!

Answer the door, it's opportunity!

Until the whole world hears,
Emily

The Glory Departed



1 Samuel 4:21a- ' She named the boy Ichabod, saying,  "The glory has departed from Israel"-- because of the capture of the ark of God...'

The Ark of God was a very significant part of God's Holy covenant with Israel. It represented that His very Presence and Power would be upon His chosen people, so long as they were in right standing with Him.  At this particular point in time, Israel was a mess.  Eli's sons were wicked, and even though Eli knew what they were doing, he did nothing to stop them.  Consequently, it was prophesied that the house of Eli would suffer terrible punishment. 

Later on, when Israel had gone to battle, they were defeated by their enemies, the Philistines, and the ark of God was captured (also note: Eli's sons had died in battle, and Eli died upon hearing the ark was captured).

Upon hearing this devastating news, one of wives of Eli's son gave birth to a baby boy and named him "Ichabod", meaning "The glory has departed."                     

The glory has departed.....


These words have weighed heavily in my heart and mind throughout this study.  As I pondered in my own heart the meaning, there was a quickening in my spirit.  my eyes then fell upon 1 Samuel 3:1b "In those days the word of the Lord was rare, there were no visions." (emphasis my own) This verse also made me think of another verse! (Don't you love when the Holy Spirit does that?!) Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint."

Is it any wonder, why Israel was in the condition it was in? They weren't seeking God; they were too busy doing their own thing.
Sisters, I feel it can be the same way with us.  We go about our lives doing our own thing, until the next thing we know, the power of God is sapped from our lives and then we truly begin to wonder if we're even walking with God at all. 


The glory has departed.....


I heard it once said, that the Holy Spirit is like a dove.  It rests upon us peacefully, but any sudden move or sound of displeasure, it quickly flies away.  I do feel we can offend the Holy Spirit by our words, thoughts and actions that are in opposition to God's Word. We can also choose to walk away from God by not regularly having time with Him.  So my question for you ladies is this: (believe me, I've asked myself this too!) Has the glory departed from your life? Do you feel like the power of God is at work in your life? Let's talk about it!



Yours in the Journey,

Shannon