What's Next

I was looking up verses for something going on at church this week and got out The Message bible. I was SO blessed by how that translation words Revelation 3:20-22 and the first verse or two of chapter 4. Jesus is speaking and He says, "Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That's my gift to the conquerors! Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches." Read that again real slow, take in every word...

I love that! I see the Lord standing guard over the door of my heart and those I'm praying for. I open my hearts door and He enters my life and situation and sits down to fellowship with me, just like we literally do with those we love over a good meal. I sit at His table right beside Him as a conqueror, a victor, a winner in life...because I have the Winner on my side! And I remember that Jesus was a conqueror because He endured the cross. Then He whispers, "you can endure too." Nothing is impossible for Him.

Then chapter four opens with John writing, "Then I looked, and oh! - a door open into Heaven. (Picture that!) The trumpet-voice....called out, 'Ascend and enter. I'll show you what happens next.' I was caught up at once in deep worship..." (and then John describes seeing God on His throne.)

Sometimes we wonder what's going to happen next. God said to John that He would show him what is to come if he would fellowship with Him and enter into His presence. I want to know God's will for my life. What's next, Lord? What do I pray next? I want God to speak His will and His ways to my sons and my husband and He's continually teaching me to wait before Him and memorize His Word. It is my strength. Jude, verse 21 says to keep yourself in the love of God and wait for His mercy to bring life. I keep myself in His love by reading His Word and feeding on it throughout every day. And every day He gives new mercy that brings new life.

I praise You Lord tonight for Your great love!

Where is the Lord?

Tyler's gone again and I miss him SO much! Have you ever wondered, "where is the Lord?" Have you ever gone through a season of change when it seemed you begin to question everything? I have known the Lord for so many years and I know that I know He is God and He is with me, but entering this season of my life with its pain and loss is the hardest thing I've ever done. Don't get me wrong, having Tyler home for 11 days was glorious! But, driving him to the airport last Tuesday morning at 5 am and saying goodbye again just drove that knife right back into my heart wounding it as deep as it did last March.

I was so low earlier this week and the enemy knew it. And, you know, he always comes in for the kill...at the most opportune times. It seemed I was sinking lower and lower; and as much as I wanted to rise up...I couldn't. Ever been there? I found myself crying out to the Lord, asking, where are You? And guess what? After some time (it seemed a very long time)...He opened my eyes to see Him. Glory to You, Lord. I need Him so much! I absolutely would not make it without the Lord. And neither would you! Psalm 138, verse 3 came to me as the Lord was raising me up and I read, "in the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength in my inner self." (AMP) Without THAT, I wouldn't make it! Now tomorrow and the next day and the next, I will need it again. So will you! We must go to our heavenly Father and rely upon Him for every breath. He will not fail us! Everything else will, but He will not!

Call upon Him in your day of trouble and trust Him to fill your emptyness right now. He promises when we do, He will show us great and mighty things we wouldn't know otherwise (Jer. 33:3).

May your week be filled with new revelation of Who God is in your life! He "IS" near.