Message Mount

Pastor Rickie Rush, of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, gave a wonderful message today from 1 Peter 4:12-13. It hit me on all cylinders about how we are anointed, yet may not be ready to lead. Our miracle is through the fire, yet when we make it to the fire, we stop. The devil, (who is a liar, by the way) licks his chops. Just preys on you and waits.

The thing is, to go through the fire, builds our character. Our trust in the Only One that matters grows. Our miracle is just right there--and some of us--well, heck, I'll be honest: ME! may think I got it all covered. I'm in control of it.

Wrong.

That's been proven --again-- here in recent times. Put your trust in the Only One that matters. I should really KNOW this already. He brought me through, not me. No matter how much I thought I was the strong one. I looked unto the hills from where my strength really comes (that's Psalms 121).

In the meantime, the sun still shines on this Sunday. Should clean my house--and I will--later. There's time before Desperate Housewives tonight, so got a walk to take and a cat to pet.

He didn't bring me this far to leave me.

I am blessed.

Easter Rise

Grand Easter Service spent at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, who spoke how we should not let a stone cover our grave. Basically, the stone was moved away from the tomb of Jesus and He was not there. In our lives, the stone is the devil who tries his best to not let you move. To not let you rise up. The devil tries to make you feel hopeless, helpless and isolated from your support.

The sermon hit me. It was how I felt pretty much this past entire week--a week I had off. To enjoy and celebrate my birthday. I did have a good time--yet, something hung over my head the entire time. My time wasn't like I wanted it to be. Due the stone that was over me. The stone I didn't push hard enough to move. As Pastor Rush said, the more the anointing the more the attack.

I understand that NOW. The devil doesn't want us to succeed at what we're called to do. Some times I think I've let God just to to voice mail. That needs to stop. Be thankful with what He brought me through--even if this week. He was with me all the time. Because of Him I am here. Because of Him I can go on.

This Easter Sunday was also an anniversary of sorts. On Easter Sunday 2003, I stepped foot in a church for the first time other than a child to recite a verse or a fan to hear the Osmonds bear their testimony, or even somebody's wedding. I went to church that day because I wanted to. Needed to fill a void in my heart. At my wit's end professionally and still mourned the death of my dad.

Easter Sunday 2006, was my first time back at church after my mitral valve replacement surgery. I'd just gotten the OK to drive a couple days before. Been away for almost two months. He had been in my house, to get me well, then it was my turn to go to His house. It was Resurrection Sunday-for both of us.

And today. The message Pastor Rush delivered touched me. Hit all the way home. I've been called to use the gifts God gave me. No more voice mail. I will listen to message first hand and not run. I'm destined. We all are. Do what you know you should do.

I am blessed.