Thicket Clearers

Have you ever heard someone say or maybe you’ve said yourself that you hate (or strongly dislike) Alabama or living in Alabama? There could be a number of reasons why that might be thought or said. I'm not from Alabama and I've not made that statement but I've heard it more than once. For sure, the state of Alabama is often the brunt of many jokes that generally carry the connotation of ignorance, poverty, prejudice or backward rather than forward thinking and the like. Maybe the frustration for some is a desire to see more miraculous works of God in our state and/or a deeper passion for the things of God here. Certainly, that is needful across our nation and the globe.

But, did you know where the name Alabama comes from and what it means? I must confess, I’ve lived here for twenty years and did not know until this week.

I am growing in appreciation for my job and what God is doing and how He is blessing every day in our workplace. The opportunities He is opening up for those with eyes to see His kingdom in action is astonishing at times. Over a year ago, the door was opened and we began a weekly devotional time at the office. Pastors and ministers from around Birmingham are coming to share the message of God and it’s beautiful to see such a vast picture of what God is doing across our city through numerous denominations and ministries. We were introduced to yet another bi-vocational minister this week who made a statement, really just in passing that referenced the name of his ministry, Path Clearer, Inc. He briefly shared why it was called Path Clearer and how it relates to his ministry being based in Alabama (although he is very active in other states as well as in missions across the globe) and I said to myself, "Whoa, what did you say?" as he went on with his message.

I couldn’t get his opening remarks out of my head and I had to call him later and ask him to share with me further what he knew and where I could research and verify that information. His whole devotional was great by the way, but for the purposes of this post I wanted to share this portion of the message from the Lord in hopes that it might encourage others in the body of Christ ministering here in the mission field of Alabama.

The name Alabama is derived from Choctaw alba, 'plants', 'weeds', plus amo, 'to cut', 'to trim', 'to gather' - that is, 'those who /clear/ the land.' If you research the history of this state, you’ll find a lot of references to the name meaning thicket clearer or path clearer. Now, let that soak in a while and then shout "Hallelujah" with me at just the thought of it! Is that not just like our God to take the weak, the small, possibly the runt of the nation and cause it to rise up and clear the path, i.e. "prepare the way" for the Lord? Isaiah 40 vividly pictures the coming of God from on High to rescue His people. Verse 9 says "Shout!" for "Your God is coming!" (NLT) And the picture is symbolic of a path or highway being cleared out for the entrance of the Almighty! All of us whom God has called to minister in whatever capacity in this "neck of the woods" have a mighty glorious calling for such a time as this. I want to be a part of seeing God’s Kingdom come to the earth in glorious splendor and in whatever realm or capacity our Father so graciously allows me to partner with Him in that. Don't you?

Alabama, you are the thicket clearer!

My Beloved

Mercy & Grace, what is the difference?

"Mercy is God withholding the punishment we rightfully deserve. Grace is God not only withholding that punishment but offering the most precious of gifts instead.

Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isaac.
Grace provides a ram in the thicket.

Mercy runs to forgive the Prodigal Son.
Grace throws a party with every extravagance.

Mercy bandages the wounds of the man beaten by the robbers.
Grace covers the cost of his full recovery.

Mercy hears the cry of the thief on the cross.
Grace promises paradise that very day.

Mercy pays the penalty for our sin at the cross.
Grace substitutes the righteousness of Christ for our wickedness.

Mercy converts Paul on the road to Damascus.
Grace calls him to be an apostle.

Mercy saves John Newton from a life of rebellion and sin.
Grace makes him a pastor and author of a timeless hymn.

Mercy closes the door to hell.
Grace opens the door to heaven.

Mercy withholds what we have earned.
Grace provides blessings we have not earned."

David Jeremiah, Captured by Grace (Integrity Publishers, 2006), 23.

The Lord is Near

No matter what is going on in our lives, let us...

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you." ~Philippians 4:4-9 (AMP)

Make a list of all the things you love about the people in your life. Think on these things...