Thursday, June 24, 2010

Part 6 ~ Chapter 46

I had a few technical problems with the blog this morning, but it seems like everything is working fine now. I'm sorry that I'm late posting (for those of you who like reading before 8am).

I was brought to tears by the story Beth shares on page 267 in which she spontaneously ministered to a group of women in India. I think what touched me most was that Beth met those women right where they were; in a very physical sense, yes, but also in a very spiritual sense.

It's amazing, to me, that emptiness and oppression would be the common thread that wove the women of India and Beth Moore together for such a Divine Time as she described in the pages of our study.

God truly is amazing and will use our weaknesses to show off His strength!

This entire chapter is yet another that I will hold onto and come back to often. To speak of all the murmurings and messages I received from the Holy Spirit this morning would be to take up a lot of your time, but here are some highlights I'd like to share:

~ I can think of many empty places in my life that have become the enemy's playground; places in which I've allowed the enemy to have a stronghold in my soul (mind, will and emotions). I encourage you to allow God to search you and know your heart... even your anxious thoughts and your worries. Take every thought captive to Christ and mold your thoughts to His. Strive to become like Christ in every way and every aspect of your life. He will make your paths straight.

~ Walk in obedience to His will. If you don't know how, ask Him for help and then lean on some God-fearing sisters who will hold you accountable to walking in obedience.

~ "If we pour out our lives to satisfy the needs of the oppressed, God will be faithful to satisfy our needs" (page 266, Beth Moore). While it took me a a long time to grasp this concept, I believe it. I have seen it. I have felt it. God will bless those who are empty of themselves and filled with His Spirit; then, turn around to praise Him by pouring that blessing out on others! We are all called to minister, and we'd be blessed to minister to others out of the overflow God has provided to us.

~ What happens when we abide in Him? We experience the peace that passes all understanding. Hallelujah! I don't get 1/2 of what goes on here on Earth, but praise God... He blankets me with a peace and a tranquil soul when I trust in Him and abide in His Word. Sleep (rest and peace) is so sweet when we are tucked in by the Creator and Provider of the Universe and all in which it contains.

I really could go on and on... this chapter is such a wellspring of thirst-quenching truths!

Let me leave you with this today: There is hope for the circumstances you are in...

"The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail."

Isaiah 58:11

Stop, Drop and Pray for the oppressed in our world today.