Saturday, March 29, 2014
MeccaMusing: A Lamp, A Light and at all times a Delight!
MeccaMusing: A Lamp, A Light and at all times a Delight!: Good Afternoon dear ones - I woke up very early this Saturday morning. I felt a bit oppressed yesterday and went to bed with one of thos...
Saturday, March 22, 2014
A Lamp, A Light and at all times a Delight!
Good Afternoon dear ones - I woke up very early this Saturday morning. I felt a bit oppressed yesterday and went to bed with one of those "nagging" feelings, like something might be wrong, kinda' thought I knew what it was, but then, decided maybe not.
Everyone of us have had that same feeling. If you haven't, I would like to meet you. I do remember whispering to the Lord as I closed my eyes, "All of you, Lord, none of me. Rest my heart, soul and body. Rest Frank tonight. Let us wake in your likeness. Good night sweet Jesus. Tell my sweet Daddy hello. Thank you that you neither slumber nor sleep."
I don't recall anything else until 5:30am when I woke up rested - but ole' negative Nellie was a bit irritated she hadn't been able to sleep a little bit longer on Saturday. I got over it pretty quickly though.
As I thought about a good night's rest, the powerful presence of my Savior and His mercy towards me, this verse came to mind, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 105:119. You might think that doesn't particularly fit; but in that moment I realized that in this busy week of travel, deadlines and expectations from everyone and everything in my life, I had neglected His Word. I rue the day I forget to spend time with the One I say I love above all and not even realize the absence of that lamp, that light, that delight! Its absence in the lives of believers should cause all of us to have a "nagging" or "tugging" at our hearts. Nothing should seem right in our world without the lamp, the light, and the delight and protection it brings.
I read where someone had commented that while we might never uncover all of the mystery and depth of His Word until we are made perfect and have all understanding, His Word is really meant to provide practical everyday guidance as much if not more than it is meant to amaze and challenge. My thought is when I can be amazed and challenged and the Holy Spirit makes it practical for me, (because there's nothing in His way) I am really "walking in the light as He is in the light and have fellowship with others of like mind." I John 1:7
Speaking of practical guidance, I have gotten to the place in my life where my mind just cannot keep up with everything I am trying to accomplish. I don't know if it's age or having too many things going on at the same time. In the past two weeks I have forgotten to take my luggage with me to the airport, gotten cash for a trip and then left it in the car along with my debit card, forgot where I put my credit card, etc. I have walked out of a room, forgotten where I was going or why, retraced my steps, had my "aha" moment, turned around and forgotten again. I saw a greeting card the other day that said, "remember when we used to laugh at old people - what was so d--n funny?" I say, "Exactly!"
These are the times that Frank says I will run over animals, fire hydrants and small children if I'm not more careful.
He has started leaving me little notes all over the house. On the dishwasher - "Do not open," so I won't open it during the drying cycle. A message on the floor in front of the door to the garage, "Heat," because I can't remember to adjust the thermostat, a sticky note in my purse, "have you got your phone," or "I really do love Mecca - Bubba."
Isn't that what the Lord Jesus does for us through His Word and through other believers who know and love His Word speaking truth into our lives? He leaves me reminders through His Word of the snares and traps the devil has set for me each day or the ditches and potholes I must avoid on a regular basis. Some of the snares and traps I've never experienced and wouldn't know to look for them without His prompting.
What I believe is that the Word of God amazes, confounds, illuminates, pierces, discerns, calls out, rebukes, comforts, convicts, wraps me in love, covers me in full armor, gives me wisdom, common sense, faith, perspective, quenches my thirst, feeds my soul, frees me from worry, is forever settled in Heaven, points out the ditches, potholes and traps of life and so much more. Trying to describe alI that God's Word does and means to the very air that I breath is like trying to "fill the ocean with ink or using the sky as parchment." Its benefits and wisdom are eternal and "past finding out." The more I understand the depth of God's Word, the more time I spend with its Illuminator, Author, Finisher of my faith, "light of the world" and the reason we will need no sun or moon in Heaven, the less "nagging" I will feel; and the fewer pot holes or ditches I will experience - and all of the pain as a result of those experiences.
Who can be silent about the infinite power of God's Word? My Heavenly Daddy says if I keep silent, the rocks will cry out. Who can forget it? The sad truth is, I can.
Not Christ in me, but "I" can, save for the constant, precious reminders from His heart to mine. May I never venture so far from the "light" that I don't even recognize it has grown dim and faded. My constant prayer is that I would be saturated in His Word, be filled with Him and void of me so that His light shines brightly - that He can use this broken, empty vessel to fill and use for His honor and glory.
I hope anyone reading this will begin saying on a daily basis, "Lord, none of me, all of you." In every situation, I have never found that prayer to fail. The only way that has happened in my heart is by yielding to His Word, in obedience to His commands with a sincere desire to know the heart of God through His Word.
Now, it you were raised a good Baptist, that sounded just like an invitation. We might be on the 14th verse of Just As I am, and somebody better respond so we can all go home for pot roast, potatoes, onions and carrots or maybe just a hot dog.
And for those of us who grew up in Sunday School, we all learned the simple yet powerful song, "The B-i-b-l-e, yes that's the book for me; I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-i-b-l-e."
Are you humming it now? Shout it, stand on it, believe it, and live it. Glorious, precious peace is waiting for those who do.
It is truly a lamp, a light, and at all times a delight (even as a wielding sword)!
Love to you all. Joyfully, Mecca
Saturday, March 8, 2014
MeccaMusing: MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All!
Have you read this yet? If so, have you found any "wonder" this week? Please share on Google on FB if this is a blessing to you. Where else could we share this? Wishing you all joy and wonder.
MeccaMusing: MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All!: MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All! : Dear Ones - It has been a beautiful weather day here in Atlanta, Georgia. I can see from some of the c...
MeccaMusing: MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All!: MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All! : Dear Ones - It has been a beautiful weather day here in Atlanta, Georgia. I can see from some of the c...
Sunday, March 2, 2014
MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All!
MeccaMusing: The Wonder of It All!: Dear Ones - It has been a beautiful weather day here in Atlanta, Georgia. I can see from some of the comments from family and friends in Te...
The Wonder of It All!
Dear Ones - It has been a beautiful weather day here in Atlanta, Georgia. I can see from some of the comments from family and friends in Texas that it is snowy, and ice is predicted again. We love this weather in Georgia, while those of you in Texas probably don't love the weather you are experiencing - or about to experience.
There are so many scenarios or circumstances with which we could sympathize and empathize, rejoice over, mourn about, and there would never be enough or space to recount them all - weather being one of them. It can stop our plans, ruin our cars, be dangerous to our health, among other things.
I have friends and family today who were not worried about weather. They celebrated birthdays and new born babies, while others mourned the loss of a loved one and gathered to honor a memory of a life cut short.
Some of us celebrated and expressed gratitude for the wonderful, long life of our parents, while others called to ask for prayer for ailing, aging parents or to report someone passed away.
Some of us celebrated great health or might just have great health and didn't even think to celebrate it; while others were ill, have been, don't understand what's wrong and needed prayer for wisdom for doctors.
Others were celebrating great promotions and raises at their jobs, while others were praying and trusting God to meet their needs; because on paper, in the world of what they could see, there was more money going out than coming it, and they were "truly" at God's mercy - but aren't we always at God's mercy? What a blessed place to be. We just don't tend to realize or acknowledge it when all that we see and feel is going well - humanly speaking.
I dearly love the story of George Muller who ran an orphanage in Bristol, England during the 19th century. He said in all of the time he cared for children, he never made his needs known to anyone other than God, and there was never a bill that went unpaid, or a meal that the children missed.
He was a giant of faith and once said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
One particular story I always remember reading was the time all of the children were seated for breakfast. They had cereal but no milk. Those who were serving the children were anxious and wondered if they should just tell the children to eat the dry cereal. George responded, "no, God knows they need milk with their cereal, and He will provide." To which they exclaimed, "but they need it now." At that moment, they heard a knock at the door. The gentleman delivering milk to the homes in the village told Mr. Muller that the cart had broken, and the milk would spoil before he could get it fixed (before the time of pasteurization) and wanted to know if the orphanage could use it all immediately. Mr. Mueller said they certainly could, thanked the gentleman and told the anxious help to please serve the children milk. Their prayer at breakfast included acknowledging God's hand in supplying the need.
Now to a 21st century story that might seem completely off subject, but just hang in there with me and continue reading. I was visiting the Primrose School on our Support Center Campus, when I stopped to observe a little 4 year-old-boy as he was leaving with his mother. They walked outside, and the door closed and locked behind them. All of a sudden I heard him exclaim, "WOW!" I stopped and opened the door just a bit so I could hear (I know, eavesdropping, right?) His Mom said, "what Jason, what do you see? He said, "Look, Mom, the trash truck is picking up the big trash can (dumpster). Can we stay and watch?" Mom didn't really answer, but stood there holding the little boy's hand as he held his hand over his mouth with eyes big with wonder. After the truck emptied the dumpster, set it back down and pushed all of the trash to compact it, the little boy said, "Mom, isn't that the coolest, neatest thing you have ever seen? That was amazing?" The Mom was sweet to stop for Jason because I am more than sure that as an adult, there was no particular wonder to that event for her - except that Jason saw wonder in it.
One is the story of the kind of faith I wonder if I have ever experienced. Another is the story of the kind of wonder at something that most of us wouldn't even notice or care about. One through the heart of faith made perfect, another through the eyes of a child. Here's the thing, the Lord Himself said our faith must be like the heart of a child, or it's not valid. "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:17
What is childlike faith - the kind that is perfectly trusting and views every moment of God's mercy, grace and faithfulness with wonder? I recently read something by Dr. Richard Krejcir that I thought beautifully explained childlike faith.
He said it was the "wonder and awe at what Christ did for us. It is a synergy of trust, hope, and unpretentiousness that knows the Lord loves us and will lead us. Because of our trust in the Lord, we are more able to take comfort in Him. Childlike faith sees the world as exciting and adventurous (even the dumpster is a WOW!), and worth pursuing with our faith so opportunities to please God override our complacency and the attitude of "been there, done that," even though we may have. It is a part of us that we should never lose. It enables us to maintain our humbleness and enthusiasm and not become just a subculture or routine! We are not to act like children towards others, but our faith and example must be authentic."
Authentic - real, living with integrity and dignity - none of us and all of Jesus. "Show yourself in all respects to be (A)a model of good works, and in your teaching (walk and talk) (B)show integrity, (C)dignity and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7 Webster says that showing dignity means being worthy of honor and respect.
I say this to myself with all sincerity - "Oh, Mecca, don't lose the wonder of Jesus, of His unfailing love, of His cross, of His resurrection power available to you every moment of every day, of every good and perfect gift, of your sight, your health, the wonder of sunset, the joy of spring, the awe of the whole of His creation, the abundance in the grocery story tonight - the trash can and the dumpster, the cart broken at just the right moment, the milk supplied."
I loved to hear George Beverly Shea sing, "The Wonder of It All." Thrills my soul - shoulders raised, big smile, eyes squinted, fists clenched, make me want to squeal thrilled. Here are the words:
There's the wonder at sunset at evening
The wondrous sunrise I see
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me
There's the wonder of spring time and harvest
The sky, the stars, the sun
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun
CHORUS
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
I think of the commercial (can't remember what it was advertising) with the daddy and little boy watching the sunset. As the sun goes down beyond the horizon, the little boy says in a whisper, "Oh Daddy, make it do it again."
We all have an audience with our Heavenly Daddy because of the wonder of His love. We can say with every rising and setting sun, "Daddy, your faithfulness and mercy, show it to me anew, do it again, Daddy, and with all of you and none of me, I will walk with integrity and dignity with purpose and passion, in transparency so that all with whom I come contact know that I have been in your presence."
Good Night, and Sleep Sweet, dear ones. Our Heavenly Daddy neither slumbers nor sleeps but watches over us through the night. Tomorrow is another blessed day of wonder because God loves us. Love to you all, Mecca
There are so many scenarios or circumstances with which we could sympathize and empathize, rejoice over, mourn about, and there would never be enough or space to recount them all - weather being one of them. It can stop our plans, ruin our cars, be dangerous to our health, among other things.
I have friends and family today who were not worried about weather. They celebrated birthdays and new born babies, while others mourned the loss of a loved one and gathered to honor a memory of a life cut short.
Some of us celebrated and expressed gratitude for the wonderful, long life of our parents, while others called to ask for prayer for ailing, aging parents or to report someone passed away.
Some of us celebrated great health or might just have great health and didn't even think to celebrate it; while others were ill, have been, don't understand what's wrong and needed prayer for wisdom for doctors.
Others were celebrating great promotions and raises at their jobs, while others were praying and trusting God to meet their needs; because on paper, in the world of what they could see, there was more money going out than coming it, and they were "truly" at God's mercy - but aren't we always at God's mercy? What a blessed place to be. We just don't tend to realize or acknowledge it when all that we see and feel is going well - humanly speaking.
I dearly love the story of George Muller who ran an orphanage in Bristol, England during the 19th century. He said in all of the time he cared for children, he never made his needs known to anyone other than God, and there was never a bill that went unpaid, or a meal that the children missed.
He was a giant of faith and once said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
One particular story I always remember reading was the time all of the children were seated for breakfast. They had cereal but no milk. Those who were serving the children were anxious and wondered if they should just tell the children to eat the dry cereal. George responded, "no, God knows they need milk with their cereal, and He will provide." To which they exclaimed, "but they need it now." At that moment, they heard a knock at the door. The gentleman delivering milk to the homes in the village told Mr. Muller that the cart had broken, and the milk would spoil before he could get it fixed (before the time of pasteurization) and wanted to know if the orphanage could use it all immediately. Mr. Mueller said they certainly could, thanked the gentleman and told the anxious help to please serve the children milk. Their prayer at breakfast included acknowledging God's hand in supplying the need.
Now to a 21st century story that might seem completely off subject, but just hang in there with me and continue reading. I was visiting the Primrose School on our Support Center Campus, when I stopped to observe a little 4 year-old-boy as he was leaving with his mother. They walked outside, and the door closed and locked behind them. All of a sudden I heard him exclaim, "WOW!" I stopped and opened the door just a bit so I could hear (I know, eavesdropping, right?) His Mom said, "what Jason, what do you see? He said, "Look, Mom, the trash truck is picking up the big trash can (dumpster). Can we stay and watch?" Mom didn't really answer, but stood there holding the little boy's hand as he held his hand over his mouth with eyes big with wonder. After the truck emptied the dumpster, set it back down and pushed all of the trash to compact it, the little boy said, "Mom, isn't that the coolest, neatest thing you have ever seen? That was amazing?" The Mom was sweet to stop for Jason because I am more than sure that as an adult, there was no particular wonder to that event for her - except that Jason saw wonder in it.
One is the story of the kind of faith I wonder if I have ever experienced. Another is the story of the kind of wonder at something that most of us wouldn't even notice or care about. One through the heart of faith made perfect, another through the eyes of a child. Here's the thing, the Lord Himself said our faith must be like the heart of a child, or it's not valid. "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:17
What is childlike faith - the kind that is perfectly trusting and views every moment of God's mercy, grace and faithfulness with wonder? I recently read something by Dr. Richard Krejcir that I thought beautifully explained childlike faith.
He said it was the "wonder and awe at what Christ did for us. It is a synergy of trust, hope, and unpretentiousness that knows the Lord loves us and will lead us. Because of our trust in the Lord, we are more able to take comfort in Him. Childlike faith sees the world as exciting and adventurous (even the dumpster is a WOW!), and worth pursuing with our faith so opportunities to please God override our complacency and the attitude of "been there, done that," even though we may have. It is a part of us that we should never lose. It enables us to maintain our humbleness and enthusiasm and not become just a subculture or routine! We are not to act like children towards others, but our faith and example must be authentic."
Authentic - real, living with integrity and dignity - none of us and all of Jesus. "Show yourself in all respects to be (A)a model of good works, and in your teaching (walk and talk) (B)show integrity, (C)dignity and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7 Webster says that showing dignity means being worthy of honor and respect.
I say this to myself with all sincerity - "Oh, Mecca, don't lose the wonder of Jesus, of His unfailing love, of His cross, of His resurrection power available to you every moment of every day, of every good and perfect gift, of your sight, your health, the wonder of sunset, the joy of spring, the awe of the whole of His creation, the abundance in the grocery story tonight - the trash can and the dumpster, the cart broken at just the right moment, the milk supplied."
I loved to hear George Beverly Shea sing, "The Wonder of It All." Thrills my soul - shoulders raised, big smile, eyes squinted, fists clenched, make me want to squeal thrilled. Here are the words:
The wondrous sunrise I see
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me
There's the wonder of spring time and harvest
The sky, the stars, the sun
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun
CHORUS
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
I think of the commercial (can't remember what it was advertising) with the daddy and little boy watching the sunset. As the sun goes down beyond the horizon, the little boy says in a whisper, "Oh Daddy, make it do it again."
We all have an audience with our Heavenly Daddy because of the wonder of His love. We can say with every rising and setting sun, "Daddy, your faithfulness and mercy, show it to me anew, do it again, Daddy, and with all of you and none of me, I will walk with integrity and dignity with purpose and passion, in transparency so that all with whom I come contact know that I have been in your presence."
Good Night, and Sleep Sweet, dear ones. Our Heavenly Daddy neither slumbers nor sleeps but watches over us through the night. Tomorrow is another blessed day of wonder because God loves us. Love to you all, Mecca
Saturday, February 15, 2014
MeccaMusing: Tired of Me, Part III - The Continuous and Victori...
MeccaMusing: Tired of Me, Part III - The Continuous and Victori...: Good Evening, Dear Ones - Soooooooo, anyway, as I was saying (back in September), I had been praying, "Lord Jesus, I am asking for all...
Tired of Me, Part III - The Continuous and Victorious Work of the Holy Spirit
Good Evening, Dear Ones - Soooooooo, anyway, as I was saying (back in September), I had been praying, "Lord Jesus, I am asking for all of You, and none of me, no matter the cost." Now you will understand why it has been so long since I have written. Apparently, there was a lot of "me" to get rid of. I have known for about the past month that it was time for me to start writing again, since every day the Lord has been prompting me to share what He has so lovingly accomplished in my life. When Frank told me he had been praying I would start blogging again, I knew it was time.
I believe there are many of us going through crucibles and trials, and that the Lord used my time in the fire to provide comfort and blessing to others going through a similar experience. The readership on the last two blogs was the highest of any blogs I had written. That's when you know the Lord is using it, when others read and pass it to someone else.
I am grateful because anything truly good "cometh down from the Father of lights in whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning." James 1:17. What a firm foundation for living that promise provides. The realization and constant reminder that anything good that happens is because of Him and not because of any merit of my own - provide a constant source of humility and dependency on Him. By the way, being in a constant state of humility and dependence on the only sure thing in this life is a respite for my soul and fills my life with joy.
If you have just a few minutes, keep reading so I can share about the continuous and victorious work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
The main lesson that I learned during my time of testing was that I often got the cart before the horse in my prayer life. Here's the simple but profound truth that penetrated my heart like never before. When I truly prayed, "Lord, today - every moment of this day, let my desire be, 'all of You and none of me,'" all other prayers seemed so much purer and more honoring to the Lord. He commands us to pray according to His will. Have you ever wondered if your heart's desire and the thing for which you were praying was His will? How often have I prayed, "Lord help me keep my mouth shut today." "Lord, help me to be disciplined." "Lord, help me to love you more." "Lord, help me to desire what you desire." "Lord, help me to be a better wife." "Lord, help me to lose weight."
None of those requests are bad, just faulty since I was asking the Lord to dig through the garbage of my heart to "help me." Here's what my precious Heavenly Daddy reminded me of night and day. "Faithful is He who has called you who also will surely do it." I Thes. 5:24. How precious is that. I know He has called me to "set a watch before my mouth," "love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul...." I know He wants me to take care of my temple and to love my husband more than I love myself. So, I know all of those prayer requests were things that would honor Him - that is, if that was my intent in requesting those things.
Here is what I realized. When my heart's desire is "Lord, all of you and none of me," the more I feed my soul on Him, the less "me" there is to help, and He shows Himself mighty by "doing it." That's what He means when He says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt. 11:30. When He does a thing, I am released from the weight of it. When I have to get a massage because my shoulders, neck and back are knotted up from anxiety, I have taken on a weight and burden my Heavenly Daddy never intended for me to carry. That's what all of me and none of Him will do for ya.
When He commands me to forgive, it is only when He is reigning in my heart that I forgive - because He does it through me. When that is a reality to me, there is no way I can take credit, be arrogant or proud. The only way I know to describe when I know the Lord is King of my heart and reigning supreme is "gentle rest and peace." There is truly no reason for worry, because the more of Him and less of me, the more He shows Himself faithful. I'm telling you right now, there's nothing like that kind of peace - the kind the world cannot comprehend. Makes me want to shout.
Here is the other simple yet profound truth I have known all of my life. There are powerful results of being saturated with the Holy Spirit - filled with all of Him and none of me. You know them as the fruits of the spirit - love, peace, faithfulness, joy, goodness, gentleness, patience, self-control, kindness. I actually had someone at work tell me the other day that there is a "gentle beauty" about me lately. Do you know how honoring that was to the Lord and humbling to me - that in spite of my frailty, He wanted to prove Himself faithful? What shone through was His glory. I have found myself being patient, overlooking things that would normally send me into a "tizzy," having peace when everything around me was quaking, having self-control. When we are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit, people are drawn to the light within us. Then, we have the awesome opportunity to be used by our Heavenly Daddy to profess Him before men by explaining the light. I have had the privilege of doing that very thing lately in a more powerful way than ever before.
When the Lord is doing through me what He has called me to do, He does a better job of choosing what to eat and when to exercise. When He is doing a thing, I don't crave and am not obsessed with those things that tend to weigh me down when it is more of me and less of Him, and I am asking for His help as I try to accomplish things in my own flesh.
I am at this time in my life in a constant state of prayerful gratitude for all of God's unfailing kindness and constant promise to never leave or forsake me. After I express my gratitude, my only request then becomes - "Lord all of you and none of me - let this my constant prayer be." He takes care of the rest. I am rejoicing in Him. The more I glory in Him and Him alone, the more crowns I have to lay at His feet. This wonderful song by the Gettys expresses my heart this evening with more grace and clarity than I could possibly express. I love you all. Thanks for your prayers. God is good all of the time. Joyfully yours - Mecca
May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing
With Your likeness let me wake
Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labor thro' the storm
You have called me to this passage
And I'll follow tho' I'm worn
Jesus guide me thro' the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne
I believe there are many of us going through crucibles and trials, and that the Lord used my time in the fire to provide comfort and blessing to others going through a similar experience. The readership on the last two blogs was the highest of any blogs I had written. That's when you know the Lord is using it, when others read and pass it to someone else.
I am grateful because anything truly good "cometh down from the Father of lights in whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning." James 1:17. What a firm foundation for living that promise provides. The realization and constant reminder that anything good that happens is because of Him and not because of any merit of my own - provide a constant source of humility and dependency on Him. By the way, being in a constant state of humility and dependence on the only sure thing in this life is a respite for my soul and fills my life with joy.
If you have just a few minutes, keep reading so I can share about the continuous and victorious work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
The main lesson that I learned during my time of testing was that I often got the cart before the horse in my prayer life. Here's the simple but profound truth that penetrated my heart like never before. When I truly prayed, "Lord, today - every moment of this day, let my desire be, 'all of You and none of me,'" all other prayers seemed so much purer and more honoring to the Lord. He commands us to pray according to His will. Have you ever wondered if your heart's desire and the thing for which you were praying was His will? How often have I prayed, "Lord help me keep my mouth shut today." "Lord, help me to be disciplined." "Lord, help me to love you more." "Lord, help me to desire what you desire." "Lord, help me to be a better wife." "Lord, help me to lose weight."
None of those requests are bad, just faulty since I was asking the Lord to dig through the garbage of my heart to "help me." Here's what my precious Heavenly Daddy reminded me of night and day. "Faithful is He who has called you who also will surely do it." I Thes. 5:24. How precious is that. I know He has called me to "set a watch before my mouth," "love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul...." I know He wants me to take care of my temple and to love my husband more than I love myself. So, I know all of those prayer requests were things that would honor Him - that is, if that was my intent in requesting those things.
Here is what I realized. When my heart's desire is "Lord, all of you and none of me," the more I feed my soul on Him, the less "me" there is to help, and He shows Himself mighty by "doing it." That's what He means when He says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt. 11:30. When He does a thing, I am released from the weight of it. When I have to get a massage because my shoulders, neck and back are knotted up from anxiety, I have taken on a weight and burden my Heavenly Daddy never intended for me to carry. That's what all of me and none of Him will do for ya.
When He commands me to forgive, it is only when He is reigning in my heart that I forgive - because He does it through me. When that is a reality to me, there is no way I can take credit, be arrogant or proud. The only way I know to describe when I know the Lord is King of my heart and reigning supreme is "gentle rest and peace." There is truly no reason for worry, because the more of Him and less of me, the more He shows Himself faithful. I'm telling you right now, there's nothing like that kind of peace - the kind the world cannot comprehend. Makes me want to shout.
Here is the other simple yet profound truth I have known all of my life. There are powerful results of being saturated with the Holy Spirit - filled with all of Him and none of me. You know them as the fruits of the spirit - love, peace, faithfulness, joy, goodness, gentleness, patience, self-control, kindness. I actually had someone at work tell me the other day that there is a "gentle beauty" about me lately. Do you know how honoring that was to the Lord and humbling to me - that in spite of my frailty, He wanted to prove Himself faithful? What shone through was His glory. I have found myself being patient, overlooking things that would normally send me into a "tizzy," having peace when everything around me was quaking, having self-control. When we are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit, people are drawn to the light within us. Then, we have the awesome opportunity to be used by our Heavenly Daddy to profess Him before men by explaining the light. I have had the privilege of doing that very thing lately in a more powerful way than ever before.
When the Lord is doing through me what He has called me to do, He does a better job of choosing what to eat and when to exercise. When He is doing a thing, I don't crave and am not obsessed with those things that tend to weigh me down when it is more of me and less of Him, and I am asking for His help as I try to accomplish things in my own flesh.
I am at this time in my life in a constant state of prayerful gratitude for all of God's unfailing kindness and constant promise to never leave or forsake me. After I express my gratitude, my only request then becomes - "Lord all of you and none of me - let this my constant prayer be." He takes care of the rest. I am rejoicing in Him. The more I glory in Him and Him alone, the more crowns I have to lay at His feet. This wonderful song by the Gettys expresses my heart this evening with more grace and clarity than I could possibly express. I love you all. Thanks for your prayers. God is good all of the time. Joyfully yours - Mecca
May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing
With Your likeness let me wake
Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labor thro' the storm
You have called me to this passage
And I'll follow tho' I'm worn
Jesus guide me thro' the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne
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