Sunday Special Order

Gotta admit, eventho Pastor Rickie Rush of Inspiring Body of Christ Church, preached a shorter (for him) sermon today, the words still hit me right upside the head.

How DOES that happen?

Anyway, of late, I've wondered why things have passed me by, while others have prospered. With some of them, I do admit I didn't believe they deserved their prosperity.

Pastor Rush said the devil isn't after you for what you've done, but for what he knows God has planned for you. God has put desires in your heart, which you must tell Him. The devil knows this, and out to ruin you is the plan.Made sense to me. For I was born with one ear, my mom dies when we were both too young, the on-going inner fight of how I didn't need or want anybody's help for anything--to me, at the time, was a sign of weakness, if I did ask for help, and then the chums who have known me for years, either ry to poke fun at my Walk, and/or try to remind how I was once upon a time. OK--like I can really forget, and honestly, there are times I still smile at the memories, and/or they don't really like when I 'preach' on my blog.

Oh well and too bad.

And the stuff of present day. Pastor Rush said, while you wait in line, you learn patience. HA! Well, I'm still learning that--better than before, yet more to go. It's all about to have a special order. Something I need to get ready for. Seen images in my mind. Scary--yet like what I see lots. I gotta be close, because this scar from my little open-heart surgery reminds me everyday (especially when it itches) how far I've come.

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

Stay tuned.

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.

Sun Sunday

Rejoice in the day the Lord has made and be glad in it!

Headed to the Inspiring Body of Christ Church with Pastor Rickie Rush. You talk about a hallelujah kinda of time. Pastor Rush's message was on "Heavens Best and the Devil's Nightmare'. How God has always been up in you, yet you weren't ready to see what He has for you--so the Devil (who just happens to be liar) preyed on your weakness. The impatience of the wait for the Blessing, so you tried to do it all yourself--and failed. I am so guilty of this. To push where you should have learn patience. How you wait is key.

Nothing happens by chance. I picked a seat by a mom and daughter. They were first timers at IBOC. The mom was a cat person--so you know we became best friends. And the daughter, a sweet young lady that just got out of jail. She called it, "been away." I asked her if she planned to go back. No. She heard of IBOC on the radio, and God told her to get out of bed and come to church.

During Pastor Rush's chat with visitors who stood up (I visit enough so I quit standing up). He spoke with this young lady--OK after I pointed at her. She told him how she arrived this morning,--OK after she was a bit shy, and I whispered, "Tell him what you told me."
All SO good. I didn't know this young lady, yet I was proud of her. The young lady, on the other side of me--they both chatted to each other. They may have had the 'been away' thing in common.

We exchanged numbers and e-mails. She even asked me if I'd like to join her and her mom for lunch. I couldn't this Sunday, I told her, yet I would certainly take a rain check. Nice, nice people. And mom likes cats.

The Devil is a liar. Remember that.

Rejoice!