It was a bright and beautiful spring day, and I felt an excitement bubbling up in my soul. What was it? Life was already great. We had just left church. It was Resurrection Sunday. I couldn't shake the feeling that something good was about to happen. One of my biggest dreams was about to take shape.
Gazing into my mother's eyes, I leaned over and said, "God has already brought us together, but for some reason I feel like something even greater is about to happen." My mother and I had been separated for many years. I had been adopted, and both of us had cried many tears. Now we were together all the time, inseparable friends. God had shown Himself faithful, and the ploy that had kept us apart no longer had any power.
Now what could God possibly do to top this magnificent feat? My mom and stepdad left for an afternoon rendez-vous but promised to be back for dinner. The phone rang. It was my uncle with exciting news. "Your father contacted me today. He wants to know where you are. I wanted to call you before I gave him your number. Would it be alright if I gave him your phone number?"
My mind raced, my heart pounded with enthusiasm. Could it be that the man that I had searched for to no avail had actually found me? Could God be so big that he had simply looked down from His holy dwelling and pinpointed the exact location of my father for me? Most of all, could God be so compassionate that He had heard my cry and answered my prayer?
After speaking to my dad twice on the phone when I was twelve years old, We had lost contact. Now it had been ten years. On this lovely day as we remembered the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, God would resurrect a relationship in my life and give me another reason to celebrate.
Of course I said yes to my uncle's request, and by the time my mom had made it back, she walked through the door just in time to witness my father's phone call. Yes, just in time to see God's goodness! I am so grateful to God for His love toward His children. Some time later, I had the privaledge of introducing my earthly dad to our heavenly Daddy who had brought us together once again in His perfect timing. A year later my joy was complete when I saw my dad for the first time that I could remember in person.
My times are in thy hand... Oh how great is thy goodnes, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Psalm 31:15,19-20
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Perfect Timing
I was 12 years old, a big turning point in every girl's life (although rarely acknowledged). It was summer time, and I was going back to San diego, CA, my birth town. Sea World, the beach, the zoo, and best of all, a trip to L.A. for Disney Land! What could be more fun? But little did I know, God had bigger, better plans, even greater than I could have expected.
This particular weekend my girl cousins were spending the night at my aunt's house with me. Excitement was in the air, and I could hardly wait. My grandma, Mama as we called her, had just left to return to AL. I was to stay for a while longer, then return alone on the airplane like a big girl. I always loved going to San Diego. There was so much to do, and the weather was always perfect.
My cousins arrived,and we talked and played most the night until we could stay up no longer. The next morning, quite naturally, we were up and ready to go. The sun was shining, and the breeze was cool, then suddenly a change of plans.
"Ring! Ring!" the phone sounded. "Hello," I answered quickly. "May I speak to..." Did I hear right? Was the call for me? The handsome male voice on the other end of the phone began to speak again, "Hello." "Oh, yes... this is she. May I ask whose calling?" I had learned my manners from my 'proper' California uncle and aunt, the parents of the cousins who were there now eagerly listening . " This is your brother," the voice replied. "Excuse me!..." I could hardly believe my ears.
I had heard I had brothers and sisters but had never had any contact with them. They were on my dad's side. I had only ever seen pictures of my dad. Tall and handsome, but I had never even so much as heard his voice. I had dreamed of one day meeting him and my siblings, but it seemed a far off fairytale.
"Yes, this is your brother," the voice responded. This was the answer to the question, 'How could a perfect day get better?'!!! The conversation was far from boring as we pried into one another's lives. Of course, arrangements were made, and that day was like no other day I had ever had in San Diego. I also met my younger sister who lived in San Diego as well and heard my dad's voice over the phone for the first time in life that I could remember on that special day. Dad lived in Philadelphia, but now I could actually believe that my dream of meeting him would come to pass. I will never forget how I screamed when I found out that this young man was really my brother. At twelve years old, who could guess, I realized I could actually someday have nieces and nephews of my very own. I will always remember the way my heart pounded, the way his face looked, and the time we shared together thereafter. Surely, I will always be grateful to God for His perfect timing and His divine plan. Although other people's mistakes may affect our lives, God's goodness and love for us will never fail.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
This particular weekend my girl cousins were spending the night at my aunt's house with me. Excitement was in the air, and I could hardly wait. My grandma, Mama as we called her, had just left to return to AL. I was to stay for a while longer, then return alone on the airplane like a big girl. I always loved going to San Diego. There was so much to do, and the weather was always perfect.
My cousins arrived,and we talked and played most the night until we could stay up no longer. The next morning, quite naturally, we were up and ready to go. The sun was shining, and the breeze was cool, then suddenly a change of plans.
"Ring! Ring!" the phone sounded. "Hello," I answered quickly. "May I speak to..." Did I hear right? Was the call for me? The handsome male voice on the other end of the phone began to speak again, "Hello." "Oh, yes... this is she. May I ask whose calling?" I had learned my manners from my 'proper' California uncle and aunt, the parents of the cousins who were there now eagerly listening . " This is your brother," the voice replied. "Excuse me!..." I could hardly believe my ears.
I had heard I had brothers and sisters but had never had any contact with them. They were on my dad's side. I had only ever seen pictures of my dad. Tall and handsome, but I had never even so much as heard his voice. I had dreamed of one day meeting him and my siblings, but it seemed a far off fairytale.
"Yes, this is your brother," the voice responded. This was the answer to the question, 'How could a perfect day get better?'!!! The conversation was far from boring as we pried into one another's lives. Of course, arrangements were made, and that day was like no other day I had ever had in San Diego. I also met my younger sister who lived in San Diego as well and heard my dad's voice over the phone for the first time in life that I could remember on that special day. Dad lived in Philadelphia, but now I could actually believe that my dream of meeting him would come to pass. I will never forget how I screamed when I found out that this young man was really my brother. At twelve years old, who could guess, I realized I could actually someday have nieces and nephews of my very own. I will always remember the way my heart pounded, the way his face looked, and the time we shared together thereafter. Surely, I will always be grateful to God for His perfect timing and His divine plan. Although other people's mistakes may affect our lives, God's goodness and love for us will never fail.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
God Is, Jesus Is
We hear much about the character of God:
1.God is omnipotent (all-powerful).
2.God is omniscient (all-knowing).
3.God is omnipresent (everywhere, all at once).
These are characteristics we've all, for the most part, heard of and, to some degree, believe, but there are other aspects of God that must be revealed to us. This revelation only comes through intimate fellowship with the one revealed.
In the Bible, we read of the time when Jesus' disciples had a request quite like our own hidden desire. "Show us the Father. Then we will be satisfied," Philip said (John 14:8,author's paraphrase). The disciples knew that Jesus knew the Father. Jesus had previously told them that no one knows the Father except those to whom he revealed Him.(See Matthew 11:27 and Luke 10:22.) Philip was emboldened by Jesus' implication. "You see, and you hear. Many only wish they could see and hear the things you see and hear, but you get the special priviledge of knowing the Father," Jesus had said (Luke 10:23-24, author's paraphrase).
Although the Father was there revealing Himself to the disciples, they were totally unaware of it. From day to day, as they fellowshipped with Jesus, the Father was showing Himself to them. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the 'express image of God' (Hebrews 1:3).
I have often read that passage of scripture in John 14 and wondered why Jesus didn't just grant Philip's request. Why didn't Jesus, seeing that he was the Son of God, just take Philip on a little trip to see God? Why didn't he give Philip a vision, you know, just a little glimpse into the unknown? Isn't that what most everyone wants to see, a picture of who God really is, what He really looks like?
Now, I understand the goodness of God. I finally see the truth. Jesus did indeed grant the disciples request. For the remainder of the chapter, He took Philip and the disciples on a trip to see God. He opened their eyes just as he must do for each of us. His words brought light so that they could understand this truth. The truth - Everything that God is Jesus is! If we want to see God for who He really is, all we need to do is simply look into the face of Jesus.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world have blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
1.God is omnipotent (all-powerful).
2.God is omniscient (all-knowing).
3.God is omnipresent (everywhere, all at once).
These are characteristics we've all, for the most part, heard of and, to some degree, believe, but there are other aspects of God that must be revealed to us. This revelation only comes through intimate fellowship with the one revealed.
In the Bible, we read of the time when Jesus' disciples had a request quite like our own hidden desire. "Show us the Father. Then we will be satisfied," Philip said (John 14:8,author's paraphrase). The disciples knew that Jesus knew the Father. Jesus had previously told them that no one knows the Father except those to whom he revealed Him.(See Matthew 11:27 and Luke 10:22.) Philip was emboldened by Jesus' implication. "You see, and you hear. Many only wish they could see and hear the things you see and hear, but you get the special priviledge of knowing the Father," Jesus had said (Luke 10:23-24, author's paraphrase).
Although the Father was there revealing Himself to the disciples, they were totally unaware of it. From day to day, as they fellowshipped with Jesus, the Father was showing Himself to them. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the 'express image of God' (Hebrews 1:3).
I have often read that passage of scripture in John 14 and wondered why Jesus didn't just grant Philip's request. Why didn't Jesus, seeing that he was the Son of God, just take Philip on a little trip to see God? Why didn't he give Philip a vision, you know, just a little glimpse into the unknown? Isn't that what most everyone wants to see, a picture of who God really is, what He really looks like?
Now, I understand the goodness of God. I finally see the truth. Jesus did indeed grant the disciples request. For the remainder of the chapter, He took Philip and the disciples on a trip to see God. He opened their eyes just as he must do for each of us. His words brought light so that they could understand this truth. The truth - Everything that God is Jesus is! If we want to see God for who He really is, all we need to do is simply look into the face of Jesus.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world have blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
God Will Work His Plan
My word of encouragement for today comes from an 85 year old woman who called my house a few days ago by mistake. This beautifully spirited woman called looking for her daughter who once held the same phone number. That day I had actually been praying for comfort and help concerning God's divine plan for my life. The trouble came when trying to find out exactly how, in my own strength, to carry out God's calling, anxiety rose. I simply could not figure out just how 'I' could do it. How could I possibly do the expected? Where would I get the money? Who would help me with the children?
Heart heavy, mind cloudy, I knelt to pray. "Oh God, I need answers. Surely if you have called me to do this, You must have a plan. Surely you know the way although I do not. Help me see things the way you see them, and incline my heart to hear your voice." Somehow, I knew that I would receive the answer I needed quickly.
Just then the phone rang. 6:23 am. Who could possibly be calling at this hour? Her voice was soft and sweet as though it had been an angel. "Oh, I apologize, but no one lives here by that name. You must have the wrong number." But she proceeded to tell me who she was and her agenda: " I was looking for my daughter. Today is her birthday, and I just wanted to hear her voice and wish her a happy birthday. I'm 85 years old, and I don't have much longer to live. My daughter is 60. She use to have this number, but I can't find her."
As we hung up the phone, my heart ached for her. For some reason, I knew she was telling the truth. Somehow I could feel her heartbeat through the phone, but what could I do? I know! I should call her back and pray with her.
Truly a bold thing to do, but I mustered up the courage to do it. Hum, no answer, but then a return call. "Hello," I answered. "Hello," she replied, someone just called me." "Yes,"I said, "You just called my house looking for your daughter." "Oh yes," She responded, "do you know where she is?" "No maam, I don't, but God does. Can I pray with you?"
I could hear the tears well up in her voice as she answered, "Oh yes!" We prayed, then she spoke and I will never forget those words. "Why am I complaining to you," she said,"when the plan has already been set? I know God has a plan. I'm black, and I'm ugly,but God has been good to me. 'He' will work His plan."
And truly He has. Since then she has found her daughter. And me? Well, I am comforted by the knowledge that not only does God have a plan, but 'He' will work that plan in each of our lives if we will let Him.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Heart heavy, mind cloudy, I knelt to pray. "Oh God, I need answers. Surely if you have called me to do this, You must have a plan. Surely you know the way although I do not. Help me see things the way you see them, and incline my heart to hear your voice." Somehow, I knew that I would receive the answer I needed quickly.
Just then the phone rang. 6:23 am. Who could possibly be calling at this hour? Her voice was soft and sweet as though it had been an angel. "Oh, I apologize, but no one lives here by that name. You must have the wrong number." But she proceeded to tell me who she was and her agenda: " I was looking for my daughter. Today is her birthday, and I just wanted to hear her voice and wish her a happy birthday. I'm 85 years old, and I don't have much longer to live. My daughter is 60. She use to have this number, but I can't find her."
As we hung up the phone, my heart ached for her. For some reason, I knew she was telling the truth. Somehow I could feel her heartbeat through the phone, but what could I do? I know! I should call her back and pray with her.
Truly a bold thing to do, but I mustered up the courage to do it. Hum, no answer, but then a return call. "Hello," I answered. "Hello," she replied, someone just called me." "Yes,"I said, "You just called my house looking for your daughter." "Oh yes," She responded, "do you know where she is?" "No maam, I don't, but God does. Can I pray with you?"
I could hear the tears well up in her voice as she answered, "Oh yes!" We prayed, then she spoke and I will never forget those words. "Why am I complaining to you," she said,"when the plan has already been set? I know God has a plan. I'm black, and I'm ugly,but God has been good to me. 'He' will work His plan."
And truly He has. Since then she has found her daughter. And me? Well, I am comforted by the knowledge that not only does God have a plan, but 'He' will work that plan in each of our lives if we will let Him.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
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