Welcome to another Musing with the Lord, dear readers. I have found myself stymied and a bit frustrated lately. Of course, life is getting busy, and I tend to really get ahead of God’s timing.
When I haven’t had a time with many books selling at one venue, the thought began to form that maybe I need books for my event in mid-August. Remember, on Saturday, August 12th, I will have a book table at Henderson Heritage Day on the historical society’s lawn, Henderson, NY, from 9-3PM.
It was made clear to me today, thinking back to the individual sales/gifting I’ve done, that this book belongs to its originator, Father God. He inspired it by the Holy Spirit moving on me to write, just like the men of old who wrote the original Scriptures. What a privilege!
This book has led me to so many Kairos moments. Divine appointments straight from Father God to His children. It has opened unexpected opportunities when I least expect it. I just have to continue to keep my books in my vehicle, prepared wherever I travel. So if you see me, ask for my book and I can speedily produce a copy and sign it for you.
I love blessing people by gifting or donating, but if you can pay the $16.00 I ask, it will be sown into the audio version I’m working on, as well as my next book. Oh, and a tithe of the books I sell goes to the ACF Church building fund. Our church is bursting at the seams on Sunday mornings, so an expansion plan is in the works!
This is a book I just finished reading that impacted me. Brian Johnson, husband to Jenn Jonson, is the son of Bill and Benny Johnson, pastors at Bethel Church in Redding CA. Brian had his first encounter with an evil presence and anxiety at seven years old. His parents helped him learn how Scripture, prayers, and worship are how you battle anxiety and evil influence.
In his 30s, Brian experienced a panic attack that sent him to the hospital. As the EMTs worked on him and prepped him to leave the house, he made sure his three children could see him and told them, “This is when God becomes real kids!” After about six months of intense battle, God broke through and set him on a new path of intimacy. I recommend this book to anyone who’s life is touched with anxiety. God is faithful, and He is enough!
This book set me on a new path as well. My 100-day devotionals I told you about have been put aside for a bit. The morning after I finished Brian Johnson’s book, I woke up with the intro from Josh Turner’s song, “Would You Go With Me?”In my thoughts. I found the song on my phone and lay back, letting the Father invite me into His arms. This led to Brian Doerksen’s “Arms Of Love”/ I sing a simple song of love… then Charity Gayle singing “I speak Jesus”, followed with “There Was Jesus”, “Is He Worthy?” and “Holy Water”.
I said, “Yes, Lord, I will go with you.” I sing a simple song of love to my Jesus, my precious Savior, resting in his arms of love. I speak Jesus over every need I have and proclaim that Jesus, you were there every time I needed you. Yes! Jesus, You are worthy! Jesus, Your forgiveness is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips! I journal’s all of this and sense the Spirit wanting me to print the lyrics of these songs and meditate on what He’s saying to me.
Today, I journaled about a Kairos moment with a woman staying at the motel I was cleaning. Of course, it began with her sitting outside her room, reading. I took the chance to offer her a Christian memoir I’ve recently published. This led to a ministry session after I finished work. I had called my friend Pam before I went to work to see if we could do something this afternoon, but she was busy. Well, the woman at the motel is also named Pam! See how we make plans, but God has better ones for us?
Shalom to you all until we connect again. May the God of peace fill you with all hope as you trust in Him. May you overflow with love for those around you. Walk in peace and forgiveness as you follow Jesus. Amen.
This fruit grows as we abide in Christ, lean into Holy Spirit, and practice walking in these things. Notice, it’s “the work which His presence within accomplishes” and not our fleshly efforts. We all know people with gifts from the Lord that are accurate in using that gift, but the spirit behind it and their conduct do not match these fruits of the Spirit. For a vine to produce fruit it must be watered and tended. We can sow in the Spirit, feeding and watering the seeds Holy Spirit planted within by reading the Word and praying in the Spirit, and reap the fruit that will remain. If we sow in the flesh, starve and dehydrate the vine, any fruit will eventually die due to neglect.
In reality, this looks like an accurate prophet giving an accurate word, then delving into sexual sin, abuse of others… fleshly pursuits… which turns the word he gave into a falsehood. Many of us have been hurt/burned by Pastors, prophets, teachers, and others in authority. Lots of times love is shut out by legalism. Many have fallen away. They’ve turned against church in general, and certain ministers in particular. Lack of integrity and humility come to mind.
I encourage you to meditate on these things in whatever Bible gives you best understanding. The Holy Spirit is the one who plants the seeds of the gifts, but we must water and feed them, starving out the things of the flesh instead of starving the Spirit within. By the way, have you chosen a devotional for the year 2023 yet? With my upcoming trip to Tanzania, book to be published soon, becoming a trustee for our historical society, Pastor asking me to think about becoming a deacon in our church, on top of my other obligations, it will be a year of readjusting. I am leaning toward not working at the motel for the 2023 season. Though I enjoy the work and fellowship there, it is tough scheduling. I am praying for my employer’s need for workers to be met as I pray to the Lord of Harvest to send out more workers for the Harvest of souls! Needless to say, I’m waiting on the Spirit to show me how to do devotions in the new year. As usual, I plan to fast with our church January 1-21st, which is another topic to seek the Lord on how to do this year. My first prompt is to spend the 21 days in the books of 1,2 &3 John.
Musings along life's journey 