Saturation- what I think it looks like

Last week, Pastor Scott Himes (from LifeChurch in Indianapolis) raised the topic of God's saturation in our lives. I had to resist the urge to write a 10 page answer on his page...

What would my life be like if it were completely saturated with God?

I personally think my life might seem a little out of control, or at least look that way to the others around me. There is still an illusion in my heart. I pretend to have everything under control. Knowing that it is only an illusion does not mean that I act accordingly. It just means that I get better at pretending to be in charge. Being completely saturated to me means finally letting go of the illusion...

Being completely saturated reminds me of one of my favorite passages in the New Testament:

"Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine" Acts 2:13

Saturation feels like intoxication. Intoxication courtesy of the Holy Spirit... the best kind of intoxication!

EED

Patience

Even though, I know that God answers prayers, it still takes my breath away to see Him work.

He loves to remind me to be patient, but it's so hard! He showed me today why I need to be patient, so I will be... Of course, it wasn't the answer I was expecting (surprise!), but it showed me that He does listen, and He does care. Now, if only I could do my part, and keep trusting Him. On a similar topic, one of my friends told me once that all I can do is keep doing the right things for the right reasons. I should probably write it on a poster and keep it beside my bed.

Thank you for your faithfulness, and the free blueberry cheesecake! YUM!

EED

Elom reflects on Scott's reflections: The Healing series

I fell a little behind on my reflections for different reasons. I am therefore making the executive decision to catch up by reflecting on parts 2 through 4 in the same post...

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" Hebrews 11:6

How can ordinary men and women accomplish extraordinary things in the name of Jesus? A little mustard seed of faith. Is that really all it takes? I wonder sometimes if the things I do or say have any influence on the people around me... I wish I could look into the future and see how my little friend D turns out in a few years; simply because a few small group leaders make it a point to show up weekly to spend time with him and the other kids we work with. I can already see some amazing changes in him, and some of the other teenagers. Talk about healing... It really warms my heart to see them getting out of their shells, and learning to trust...

It is easy for me sometimes to doubt and start thinking that God does not have time to intervene in my life, but a big part of believing in Him is to believe without seeing. I don't want to be a Thomas who doubts simply because I need to have facts and certainties to justify my faith. A couple of weeks ago, they showed a video testimony of someone who was cured from cancer, and right after the end of the video, there was a shout from the crowd: "It's me! I am here!". This person went on to say that they have been cancer free for a few years now... I probably would have believed the video testimony anyway, but seeing this person leap from their chair to praise the Heavenly Father was simply amazing! Over the past few weeks, I have talked a few people who have been physically healed, and I love the sound of gratefulness they have in their voice. They really are a living testimony of Our Father's goodness.

As a compassionate Father, God wants the best for us. I am convinced of that. Yes, we go through storms and other difficult seasons for different reasons (this week's topic), but He never leaves our side. He brings healing for different reasons, but ultimately I believe it is for us to become living testimonies, to share with others the comfort we have received...

EED

Kelly Ripa?

Me: I want to have Kelly Ripa's biceps!

JR: Cool! Do you know her work out routine?

Me: Hum no... I don't really want to work for it... I just want her biceps...

She laughs and calls me crazy!

EED

Don't let your dishes pile up...

I have been conducting an unofficial survey, asking some of the people I know:

Does it get easier, over the years, to trust in God?

By trusting, I mean, really trusting Him with every aspect of our lives. Surprisingly, the answers were all over the place. Without sounding arrogant, one of my friends told me that they worried less and less about material things because of their faith. It becomes a bit easier to trust Him, even though things don't always turn out the way they think they should. They are going through a very rough patch right now, and it deeply encouraged me to hear their testimony.

On the other side of the equation, another person I talked to feels that they have to work so hard to trust God's plans for them. They are also facing some tough circumstances, and they feel like God doesn't love them as much as His other children. It frankly made me really, really sad to hear them say that.

When I tried to answer this question for myself, I clearly saw a picture of a pile of dirty dishes in my kitchen sink. I don't have a dishwasher, and I have a tendency to sometimes leave my dirty dishes unattended, until I get to a point where I really need to do something. As I meditated on the meaning behind this picture, I realized how much I would love to have a clean and spotless apartment without having to work for it. I obviously can't hire a maid to do the work for me, so it's up to me to work toward keeping everything in order.

Does it get any easier? I don't know... I know that personally I need to work at it. I often need to remind myself of what He has done for me, before I can kick out any doubt out of my mind. I actually don't think I want it to become easier.

Well, I better get back to my dishes...or get a dishwasher maybe...

EED

Speaking of church family...

Who said that pastors can't be fun?




EED

Birthday wishes

Growing up, I hated the fact that my birthday was so late in the summer. All my friends were too preoccupied by the beginning of the school year (traditionally the first week of October), and would end up forgetting to call or stop by... This year was definitely different!

I feel so blessed, and loved today. I have always had my family by my side, and they have always been there for me. I really don't know where I would be without them. This year, God also blessed me with a church family, and their love never ceases to amaze me. I am not even sure of where to start describing God's faithfulness when it comes to the people who have entered my life. As of today, I have been adopted by three different mothers, and I have countless siblings in Christ. I love and care for each one of them deeply. I really don't need any presents this year. In fact, I spent the past few days simply asking for birthday blessings from my church family. So many blessings... so many wonderful words.

The following verse has been in the back of my mind for a few days, and today it really takes a personal and deeper meaning.

"Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name." Isaiah 49:1

I still have NO idea what is ahead of me for this year, or the rest of my life for that matter. All I know is where I was a year ago today. All I remember is God's faithfulness throughout this past year. All I asked from Him was one true friend, and He sent me an entire family.

Thank you Father.


Here is to one more year filled with more love and blessings.

EED

Note: when I talk about church family, I am not just talking about all my Vineyard friends, but the body of Christ as a whole. We really are one, big, great family!

1 more fun fact about me...

I suffer from a condition called: ornithophobia, also referred to as an irrational fear of birds

Here is the Webster definition of this condition:

"An abnormal and persistent fear of birds. Sufferers from ornithophobia experience undue anxiety about encountering and even being attacked by birds although they may realize their fears are quite irrational."

I am usually fine with smaller birds... I actually find hummingbirds very gracious and fascinating. The bigger the bird, the scarier, and the more nervous I get. Yes, I know this is quite irrational... What can I say?

EED

Elom reflects on Scott's reflections: The Healing series- Part 1

"I am the Lord who heals you" Exodus 15:26

My personal belief about healing? God heals.

Have I personally experienced it? Yes!

I may have not been physically sick, but I believe He has healed me in ways I could not have possibly imagined. Broken relationships, broken hearts, broken finances and so forth also need to be healed. One of the reasons I am so exited about sharing the good news, is that I have been healed, and I know He wants to heal the lonely, the sick, the poor, the discouraged, the doubtful... He wants to heal us in ways we never thought were possible.

Healing as a part of this series is defined (among other things) as total wholeness, not simply physical health. By looking at this definition of healing, it becomes easier for me to realize that we all have a gift of healing. And yes, I fully acknowledge that some people are more gifted than others when it comes to praying for the sick. When it comes to spiritual, relational, financial healing, however, I believe that we are all called to pray for each other's wellness. I am still challenged in this area, but I am finding that extending my hand for prayer is only intimidating because I try to anticipate people's negative reactions. The few times I have actually tried, the responses have been surprisingly positive... I simply love the following passage:

"Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.

The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4: 10-12

Teach me, Father.

EED

Jeremiah 29:11 (for my little brother)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This verse leaves me speechless every time I read it. What a wonderful promise! Never forget His promise, little brother.

I love you! (yes, I am embarrassing you again... sorry!)

EED

First steps

I saw my dad's eyes filled with pride when he gave me this picture this past May. My very first steps... I was an early walker. My dad says that I was in such a rush, I just couldn't wait to stand up on my own and start walking. I haven't changed much.

I wonder what I was looking at... My mom (my dad was taking the picture)? A goal? My own finish line? It almost looks like I am pondering or something, probably thinking:

-"Ok, I am up...now what?"

I feel like I have been running rather than walking with Him. I am not racing against anyone, I just find it hard sometimes to slow down. Maybe I am afraid that if I do, I might not have enough energy to keep going. I am not a risk taker, or an impulsive person by any means, that is I take at least 2 days before making any major decisions (just kidding!). Still, I find myself taking risks I never thought I could take, simply because I have faith. I rarely understand why I decide to step out of my comfort zone, but the reasons usually unfold over time.

-"Faith is spelled R-I-S-K"

I keep running because I want to get closer to Him, but also because I like the idea of encouraging others to do the same. I like to imagine that My Father in Heaven was as proud of me, as my earthly father when I took my first steps.

EED

Elom reflects on Scott's reflections: Apocalypse now? Part 3

-"Are you ready to extend the Kingdom?"

I was asked this question a few months ago, and not wanting to sound clueless, I said "Yes", instead of asking:

-"Huh? How do I do that?".

Thankfully, one of the things that happened when I said "Yes" to Him is that He has been showing me different ways to serve Him, and in effect expanding His Kingdom. It can be as simple as spending a few hours sipping on a yummy mango smoothie at Panera Bread with a young lady who has a few hours to kill and simply wants to talk; or as demanding as working 12+ hours days in New Orleans (Thank you God for protecting the city from Gustav).


"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." Luke 21:34

As a part of preparing for Our Savior's return, there is a warning not to be alarmed by the events preceding His return, and an encouragement to live life trusting Him. I can safely cross off "dissipation" and "drunkenness"... but the catch all term "anxieties of life" gets me every time. Quick example/confession:

-"Hi! My name is Elom and I am a planner (among other things)."

Planning is really useful, it certainly helps pay the bills on time...but in my case planning was also synonymous with feelings of anxiety, disappointment and all that good stuff... Working hard on this one (not my will, Lord).

I really enjoyed this series. I started slightly indifferent and worried when I heard the title, but fear quickly turned into HOPE. Here is a recap of what I have learned from this series:

- The end of times is coming. Not sure exactly when, but the signs seem to be piling up pretty rapidly.

- Don't be alarmed. There are numerous examples of God's mercy throughout the Bible for His children.

-Get ready for His return. The Master gave us a house to take care of until His return; as good servants, it's our job to always be ready to welcome Him back at any time.

"He who justifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon'.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.
Amen." Revelations 22: 20-21

EED

Politics

How do you help a group of 33 kindergarten-ers memorize Romans 12:10?

"Love each other deeply
Honor others more than yourselves"

1) Practice with them

2) Bribe them :)

EED