At the Cross

I think about that day when He endured the scourging for me.

The day when the crown of thorns was pushed upon His head for me.

The day when He carried His own cross against His bloodied, torn up, bare back for me.

The day when His hands and feet were nailed to the cross for me.

With outstretched arms, He hung there for me.

I think of what he endured....so I weep.

I think of my sins......so I weep.

I weep because I'm so unworthy for a love so deep.

As I reflect on Good Friday, my soul hurts because of His suffering, yet it rejoices because it is the day when Christ showed me how much He loved me, so much so that He died a horrible death.

A death with a purpose.....for all whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

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Our sins were put on that Cross, friend.  We became cleansed and right with God when He became Lord of our lives.

And as He has become our Lord, He has asked us to follow Him and pick up our own cross.  Go through hard times for Him.  Suffer for Him.  Deny ourselves for the sake of the Gospel.

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.  Mark 8:34,35

He gave us His all, and He wants us to give our all to Him.



Here's another one of Pastor James MacDonald's videos of Christ's steps during Passion Week.  Watch it and I know you'll be challenged, but blessed!

Following Christ to the Cross, we come to Golgotha—the place where He who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf. Here Jesus suffered more than anywhere else, and here He demonstrated His love to the very end.

~Pastor James MacDonald

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. —Luke 23:44-46

Click on the link below to watch it.

Golgotha: He Suffered to the End.



He poured out His blood for us, the least we can do is pour out our lives for Him- bringing Him glory in all we do.

Life Changing Moments in the Garden

Has the Lord put a cup in front of you that you would like to remove?

A trial that is too difficult to handle?

One that brings you to your knees and leaves you covered in tears?

Has He brought you to the Garden; that place where He has asked you to surrender your will for His will?

Sometimes I feel like I live in 'the Garden' where I am constantly being asked to give up my way for His way; to die to myself.

Although I desire to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, I do realize how very difficult that is, because my flesh is in a continual, raging battle with my spirit!

Jesus had that moment as well.  He wanted His Father to take His cup away and let it pass by Him.  Yet, He ultimately submitted to God's will.  He came here to fulfill His purpose.  To do what His Father has called Him to do.

His life changed in the Garden and our life changed as well.  Because He made the decision to submit to His Father, He chose death so we could have life.

Your life can change in the Garden as well.  Is there something that you are battling with?  Is God asking you to release, relinquish or lay something down?  God brought you here for a purpose as well.  Are you willing to do His will?

Source: google.com via Kim on Pinterest

Here's another short video from Pastor James MacDonald depicting the Garden of Gethsemane and I just had to share it with you!  In fact, he has a video for each day of Passion week and I gotta tell ya, they are so encouraging, thought-provoking, heart stirring, and packed with his 'in your face', direct talk (which I love, by the way!)  I know you'll be blessed by them!  I've added a few more of his videos to this post since I didn't catch them in time to share them with you earlier.

Let them penetrate your heart and change you.

This week is a week like no other, covering the space between the shouts of “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and His journey to the Cross. Watch the clip below, then pray a prayer of surrender. Give to God whatever burdens you are carrying, in total submission to His will and His timing.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Click on the link below so you can view it.

Gethsemane: Are You Totally Surrendered to God?



Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” —Matthew 27:11

Today we meet at Jerusalem’s Antonia Fortress—the very place where the Son of God was questioned by Pilate and falsely accused by those who wanted to put Him to death. Let this reminder of His suffering stir your heart to worship during this holy week.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Antonia Fortress: Christ’s Suffering Continues.

As we continue following the footsteps of Christ, we’re in Jerusalem on the Via Dolorosa—the road of suffering. It is the road that Jesus walked, staggering toward the ultimate sacrifice with a heavy cross upon His torn and bloodied back. So often we try to refuse the trials that God allows in our lives…where would we be if the Savior had refused His?

~Pastor James MacDonald

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross… —John 19:17

Via Dolorosa: He Suffered Willingly.

Jesus Suffered Alone

We are in the midst of Passion Week and I just can't tell you what a time of reflection this is for me!

A time to consider all that Jesus endured.

The wrongful accusations.

The beatings.

The mockery.

The abandonment.  Left standing alone, despised, and rejected.......

All for our sake.  For our souls to be with Him for all eternity.

Here's a short video presented by James MacDonald (less than 2 minutes!) depicting the actual location that Jesus stood....ALONE where He was about to endure His trial.  I encourage you to take the time to watch it and reflect on all that Jesus went through for you.  I know you'll be blessed!

(Click the link below to watch the video.)

Caiaphas’s House: He Suffered Alone.

We’re on the steps of Caiaphas’s house in Jerusalem—the courtyard of the high priest where the Savior was left alone to endure His trial. As you reflect on Christ’s suffering, remember that we’re following in His steps. If you’ve felt like those you love aren’t there for you, remind yourself that Jesus also suffered—alone.

~James MacDonald

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” —Matthew 26:65-66

At times it may feel like you're alone in your trials, but remember that you are not.  Jesus is always with you, dear one!

Note: I am having blogging issues (ugh!) so hopefully this post and video came through okay, because the program won't allow me to view any post until after it is published!  As we work on the problem, please be prepared for some changes to this site in the days and weeks ahead.  Thanks for your graciousness.

8 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong During Trials...& a Marital Oneness Monday Link Up!

We had moved for the 4th time in 18 months.  I felt like I had a full-time job at a mover's company along with a part-time job working at Molly Maid's as I cleaned each home we moved in and out of.

The LAST thing I felt like was a wife!  Do my hair, put on makeup, look nice for my man AND have a loving countenance?  Ya, right!  Who are you kiddin'?  As exhaustion set in I could barely get out of bed in the morning, let alone look all pretty and be as sweet as pie for my Beloved.

But that was our way of life for sometime.  It was our new normal and I didn't know when it would end. It would've been easy to get stuck in a rut and have my marriage take a new course; a course that I wasn't interested in taking.

It was time for me to pull up my bootstraps and figure this thing out because the last thing I wanted was for my marriage to feel like it was just two people going through life who happened to live under the same roof.  I married my man for a reason, and the reason wasn't just because we were good at packing and moving boxes and rearranging furniture.

Trials will always be a part of life, and as Believers, we should expect them!

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

When the waves of the storm come crashing down, you need to figure out how to keep your marriage strong so your passion does not drown.  Here's some tips to help you.

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8 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong During Trials

1. Pray together.  By doing this, you are tapping into the spiritual side of your relationship which brings more intimacy between you and your man.  (If your husband is not a Believer, ask him if he wouldn't mind you praying with him during this difficult time.)


2. Encourage each other in the Lord.


3. Work hard to keep your focus off of yourself.  When life gets real hard, it is easy for selfishness to rear it's ugly head and it can tear down and destroy your marriage.  Pray for strength and self-control so the nasty and snide comments are not uttered from your lips.


4. Stay in fellowship.  Don't forsake the assembling of saints.  This will help nourish your soul and give you sustenance needed to carry on in difficult times.


5. Keep your perspective on the eternal things.  This will help lessen your fears, anxiety, anger, and discouragement.  Remember, your trial may feel like it will last forever, but in reality, it won't because this is not our home.


6. Plan to have some alone time even if it means you stay home and put the kids to bed early.  You need to recover, rekindle, and invest in your marriage so you can weather the storms.  Put forth the effort and be creative in making this happen.


7. Don't neglect the Marriage Bed.  You need the physical intimacy to help remind you that you are still husband and wife, not just two people living under the same roof going through hard times.


8. In case the waters are so deep and you find your marriage drowning, purchase some snorkeling gear or a deep sea divers air tank so you can breathe!  In other words, have a sense of humor and find something to laugh at, even if it is something stupid.

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13

I am a 'why' person.  I like to know what the point or the reason is for doing things.  So, let me give you the 'why' to doing some of these things for your marriage...

If you let your passion go....

If you are constantly at odds with your man....

If there is nothing loving about your marriage.....

EXPECT problems in wedded bliss.

And when problems become the norm, your love, your union will start to erode and break down.  Satan is very happy about this, by the way.  Then what could happen?....the talk of divorce comes up or a potential affair could be right around the corner.  God is not happy about this, by the way.

So, be fierce about protecting and safeguarding your marriage, ESPECIALLY during trials.  The last thing you need is to have a marital trial added to your existing trials!

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Please share your post on any and all things related to being a wife, i.e. homemaking ideas, ways you minister to your husband, dating ideas, and/or hearing what the Lord is telling you about your most important earthly relationship!

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When You're Married to a Lazy Husband

Based on today's economy there are many wives finding themselves in situations where their husband is no longer working or barely working to provide for the family.  In a prior post that I wrote, A Working Wife, Welfare, or a Wild Faith,  I mentioned that having a wild faith is not meant to be used as an excuse for a husband to be lazy, but unfortunately, for some that is the case.

Today I am going to address this issue in marriage, but first let me tell you that I wasn't planning on this post being a part of a series, however, the Lord led me to write other posts before this one.  So, if you haven't already done so, please read the following for a better understanding of this counsel.

#1  A Working Wife, Welfare, or a Wild Faith

#2  The Good Samaritan Wife

#3 When Your Faith is Deeper Than Your Husband's  (read this one if your husband wants you to get a job.)

We are all lazy.  Every single one of us.  No one would be exempt from this because in some aspect of our lives, we just fall short in the diligence department.  It's  human nature.

If you don't believe me, take a look at the disciples in Matthew 26.   Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the Garden of Gethsemane and He asked them to watch and pray in His darkest hour.

So, what did these men who spent 3 years with the Messiah do?  (Remember, one of these men, Peter, more specifically, Jesus was going to build His church upon him!)  Were they diligent in the task that the Messiah had asked of them?  Nope.  These spiritual giants took a nap and sawed some logs!  Jesus returns and rebukes them, tells them to wake up to watch and pray, again.  Then He leaves.   Upon returning to the disciples once again, He finds His closest friends, those that were most loyal to Him...sleeping again!  This is what Christ had to say about the whole situation:

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Mark 14:38

Let's face it, we are not as diligent as we'd like to think we are!

So before you move into reading about your man, please take a moment to read this verse.

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.  Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT)

Remember that you are not perfect either.

The intentions of this post is not to encourage you to have a critical or condemning spirit towards your husband, but rather, to come alongside of you to help you have a better marriage while you find yourself in a difficult financial situation.  Here's one more verse to help you have a gracious and loving heart before you read any further.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23,24

So, your man has lost his job, or his hours were cut, or business has dropped off and you can't afford to make ends meet.  Now what?

You see that he's not trying too hard to find new work and he's sitting at home in his pj's all day long doing a whole lot of nothin'.

This is what the Bible has to say about a man and work:

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat." Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.  2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

Those are some strong words to swallow!

Perhaps you have wondered if your husband has ever read those verses?  Maybe if you posted the verse up on the bathroom mirror it might help improve your situation?

Well, I strongly advise against doing this because it is not the wisest move you can make in the wifey department!

Instead, try something similar to this:

There's several different scenarios to what one would consider a lazy husband to be, so let's take a look at each of them.

Husband A

He fully takes his biblical role as a man providing for his family to heart.  He wants to be the sole provider and have his wife stay home to raise the kids and be a homemaker like the Bible states.  Yet, because of his lack of work, he feels useless and his situation seems hopeless.  Depression and despair become his companions and closest friends.  He becomes mentally paralyzed as if he has lost his way, and therefore, he could be viewed as lazy because the income that he is providing does not seem to be enough for his family.

Husband B

He is in denial about his situation.  He thinks everything will be just fine, yet, he is not dealing with his reality.  Bills are mounting up, pink notices are lying all over the place and he starts to act like an ostrich who sticks his head in the sand.  He is hoping that his financial hardship will just go away or that it will magically get better overnight.

Husband C

He's waiting to find the perfect job with the best possible pay and one that suites his job history, degrees, and qualifications.  He is not interested in settling for some unglorified position at Wal-Mart, because he is just too good for that type of work!  For help with this scenario, read, When Your Husband is Waiting to Land His Dream Job.

Husband D

He thinks his wife should get a job.   Maybe she had one at some other time in their marriage and he sees no reason why she shouldn't have one now.  After all, that gave him an easier life with less responsibility (along with more money).  What man wouldn't want a more leisurely and comfortable lifestyle?  It's human nature, girlfriend!  But now he is out of work and he is turning into Mr. Mom along with Susie the Homemaker and you are starting to resent him as you become the major breadwinner for the family.

Let's add a 5th husband...

Husband E

He could be a little of all 4, or various combinations from the above list.

As we move on to 'What To do in Your Situation', please take the following things into consideration because any of them can play a part in each of the scenarios above:

• Some men entered into the marriage before they were saved and they are still learning the biblical roles of a husband.  Or they were saved, but they too are still learning, (just like us as wives!)  Graciousness is needed.


• Saved or not, some men felt it was just fine for a wife to work, but at some point, the couple made the decision for the wife to stay at home.


• Some men are not concerned about holding on to what the Bible has to say because they don't want to give up their comfort or they are too proud to face tough and somewhat humiliating situations.

What To Do in Your Situation

• In all scenarios, pray first!  Then go talk to your husband making sure you have a loving heart.  Find out what his plan/direction is for your family.  This will help you to know where he is coming from.  Maybe he wants you to get a job, maybe his doesn't.


• Perhaps he feels that it is okay for you to get a job, but just for a short time.  If that is the case, ask him at what point you can come back home (if that is even an option).  Examples, marriage is starting to crumble, children are acting out, etc.  Know your exit point from the workplace.  Keep your eyes peeled out for potential red flags in the home and make the commitment to leave the workplace if your home life starts to go down the toilet, even if it means less income for you.  Make sure you and your husband are in agreement with this.


• If both of you are Believers, and your man is in denial (Husband B) about his situation and he refuses to communicate with you, then go to one of the Elders (men) of your church.  Ask them if they (the body of Christ) would be willing to feed you and your children if you ever get to the point where you have no money for food because your husband is not working.   You can still share your situation with them, but be ever mindful that you DO NOT tear down your husband in the process.  Remember, the two of you are 'one'.  In doing this, your man might just get admonished by another brother in the Lord, and because of this, he might be a little more diligent to find work.   Here is what the Apostle Paul had to say regarding a man not working found in the 2 Thessalonians passage:

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  2 Thessalonians 3:14,15

• If your man is Husband A, then stay the course laid out in the scriptures.  This is NOT easy.  It takes great faith and a surrendered life.  Both husband and wife need to be fully committed to God's will for their lives in this scenario regardless of how bad their life gets.  If this is your man, you need to encourage him greatly.


•  One of woman's greatest fears is the lack of financial security. We figure if our man can't provide the income, than we'll provide it for ourselves.  So, we veer off from the path that God has laid out before us and we take matters into our own hands.  Many, many women do this because they don't know what else to do.  Some don't really know the path or the role of a wife, so they figure they'll help their husband by getting a job even if their husband would rather them not.  But the idea of living a tremendously difficult financial life seems daunting to the wife.  This woman does not take into consideration what working will do to her marital relationship and the role that she has a mother and homemaker.

Whatever your situation, keep this in mind:  The more a wife steps up and takes control, then the less apt the man would be to step forward and fill the role that God has called him to.  Why?  Because the role is already filled and therefore, he is not needed.  That, dear one, is a DANGEROUS place for your husband to be!

My challenge and encouragement to you is this:  Don't allow your pursuit of comfort to tear down your marriage and family, because if you allow it, it will.  Not only will you have financial problems, but you'll have marital and family problems as well.  Satan would love to have another believer leave their spouse and have a broken family over monetary issues.

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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When His Purpose for Us Hurts

Today I am sick and have been now for several days.  It's just the flu, but I can't help but freak out mentality when I get ill.  I start hoping, praying, and pleading that the Lord does not take me back to that place...

That place that caused me so much pain and suffering.

That place that made me feel like I had no life.

That place where I was trapped in my own body.

That place were I looked fine on the outside, but on the inside I was a wreck.

That place where I just had to push through life.

That place that forced me to abandon my dreams.

That place where I was never physically enough for my family.

That place where I felt like a failure as a wife and mother.

That place where I felt useless for His service.

That place that still brings me to tears even as I type this now.

No, I don't want to go back to that place; that place called the land of chronic ill-health.

Since my body suffered with some many various issues over the years, I have certainly become well-rounded in the ill-health department.  And because of this, I've had many women ask me lots of health-related questions along with how did I live life in the process.  These are women, who are either in physical pain themselves, or it's their husband or children, and it's hard for them to not feel scared, frustrated, and helpless because of their situation.  My heart is always sad for them because I believe, at least for me, when one goes through the challenges of chronic ill health.....that, my friend, is a storm!  Your world is rocked.  The rug is pulled out from underneath you.  And you need to figure life out.

Some days it can seem like time is moving in slow motion and then there are other times when you feel like everyone else is living life all around you.   Although you may not look physically handicapped, you are.  Your spot in life is on the couch.

Pain.  Suffering.  Frustration.  Anger.  Apathy.  Depression.  Despair.   All of these become your new wardrobe.  You wear them daily and some days, you just can't take them off.  That's a wardrobe I'd like to throw out and never put back on, but we don't have a choice in this!

Lately, God has been stirring in my heart about the subject of chronic ill-health.  Recently, He has brought people into my life that are experiencing many of these similar issues.  In fact, just the other day, one woman said I probably help so many people because of all that I have learned in the alternative world of health.  I smile and let her know that my passion is to encourage women to live for Jesus Christ; to equip them so they can grow in Him, bring Him glory, and then ultimately, live a life poured out for Him.  Of course I will give them some tips here and there, but God has not placed on my heart a strong desire to write about one living a life of chronic-ill health, instead, He has asked me to do the following:

1. Write my story.


2. Equip and encourage women in their marriages.


3. Strengthen women in their faith (trials, whatever they are, will ALWAYS be a part of the believer's life.)  When a woman's faith is strong, she'll be able to weather any storm that comes her way.

Sure, there might be times when the Lord prompts me to write a post about homemaking, child rearing, living a frugal lifestyle, maybe even a post on homeschooling, but again, those topics are not the focus of The Alabaster Jar. They might show up from time to time, but they won't be the norm.  I'll continue to share my life because I believe that stories help people to see the bigger picture as they learn the biblical principles that I try to present, plus it shows them that I am real.

Just today I had a sweet on-line friend comment to me about her ill-health journey and our similarities, and she shared with me this verse and I thought it would minister to you as well (whatever your trials may be):

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

"but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him"......do you see that dear one?  Do you see that what you are going through is that the works of God might be displayed through you?  I do hope so!  You were put here on earth for a reason.  You are going through this trial for a purpose.  It may hurt.  But the purpose, if you shift your eyes ever so slightly, will outweigh your pain.  You, dear one, get to be used by The Almighty God because of your suffering.  All so He can be displayed......through you!  Don't lose heart.

I wrote this post about a year ago and for those of you that are new here, that have no idea what health trial I am referring to, I thought I'd share it with you in hopes that it would encourage you in your trials.

Lord, Why on Earth Would You Allow This?  (The Refiner's Fire, Part 2)

First, let me begin by telling you I had no intentions of writing this post anytime soon because, quite honestly, I did not want to mentally and emotionally relive the past feelings of my life where I experienced so much physical pain, long-suffering, hopelessness and times of despair as I walked with the Lord.  I knew at some point the Lord would have me share this part of my life with you, but I did not think it would be written now, in the middle of me telling you about our financial trials!

In fact, every time I’ve thought about writing on this subject matter, I would come to tears.  Just the other day as I was having a hard time coping with the reality that the Lord was going to have me face those many years of brokenness, I cried to Him and said, “Can’t you use my strengths instead of my weaknesses?   I am sure He was probably smiling down on me when I said that!

 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Lord, why on earth would you allow this?

I can’t tell you how many times I have asked the Lord that question.  All I’ve wanted to do since I gave my heart to Him was serve Him.  When I married, I wanted to make sure I lived a life where I brought respect and honor to my husband and that I served him as well.  When I had my children, I desired to raise them in the Lord as I spent time homeschooling them and teaching them to build God’s kingdom.  I did not understand why the Lord would allow my body to have one disease and disorder after another and for so many years.  But God had a plan in all of my pain and there was a purpose for it!

The story below was the beginning of my refining process.  If you missed part 1 of The Refiner's Fire you can read it here, just click on the link.

So because of God’s grace, I will briefly share my weaknesses.

 

The pain was unbearable.  When would it end?

It was 1998.  I had been saved for almost 2 years and married for one month.  I received a call from my doctor telling me I had pre-cancerous cells of my cervix and I needed laser surgery.  They were not sure if I would be able to have children as a result of the damage to my cervix.  I was not expecting to hear those words!  Here's God's hand in the midst of the heartache, fears, lost dreams and pain.  About a year later I became pregnant with my firstborn son and 1 year after he was born, I was pregnant with my second child.

However, little did I know that during my first pregnancy, a host of illnesses were brewing in my body and they were about to explode.  Over a 10 year period of time I saw one doctor after another for all of the diseases and disorders that were manifesting in my body.  There were days that my husband would send his assistant up to our house to watch my babies just so I could get some rest.  The night before I did not get any sleep due to severe joint pain, infections or vomiting which prevented me from getting any rest.  Many weeks I saw doctor after doctor for treatment after treatment.  For a two month period of time I saw 4 different doctors per week to help restore my health.  Below is a list of doctors that had treated me over the years:

·       A doctor of internal medicine

·       A rheumatologist

·       An ophthalmologist

·       Several gynecologists

·       A gastroenterologist

·       A clinical nutritionist

·       An alternative medicine doctor

·       A dentist to treat Periodontal Gum Disease

·       A physical therapist

·       An alternative medicine doctor for PMS and thyroid disorders

·       A doctor of Chinese medicine accompanied with acupuncture

During my time with them, they diagnosed me with:

·   An autoimmune disease of my glands known as Sjorgren’s syndrome.  As a result of this syndrome, I was unable to nurse my children but I did not know that at the time.  I had chronic fatigue and chronic joint pain.  I was constantly sick and I was starting to have vision problems.  The doctor told me I had abrasions on my eyes due to lack of moisture because my glands were not functioning, so he plugged my tear ducts.  I was also diagnosed as having border-line Lupus which is also an autoimmune disease, along with fibromyalgia and IBS.  Life long drugs were their answer to all my problems.  (We decided it was best for us to seek alternative treatment.)

·      In the alternative world of medicine I was treated for Candida Albicans which is an overgrowth of yeast in one’s body that can destroy the immune system.  During the course of 1 ½ years, I took over 90 pills a day which were natural supplements and my diet was restricted to protein and veggies.  (It was enjoyable to say the least.) sarcasm noted

·      Along with Candida, I was diagnosed with Leaky Gut Syndrome, because I had microscopic tears in my intestinal lining, and if that wasn't enough, I was also Insulin Resistance which was a precursor to Diabetes.

·       At one point in my life I was rushed to the ER by ambulance because I was doubled over in pain, unable to stand and I was constantly vomiting.  We thought my appendix might have burst.  After an ultrasound, a vaginal ultrasound and a CAT scan, they found that I had a ruptured ovarian cyst.  Little did I know I would experience that pain every month for the next 6 months.  I was soon diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.  My hormones were severely out of balance which caused an ongoing, monthly depression just before my menstrual cycle.  On top of all of that, my entire endocrine system was bogged down and I was functioning off of my adrenal glands which caused a lot of the chronic fatigue, the anxiousness and irritability.

·      In addition to everything else that was going on in my body, for 1 ½ years I had a severe vaginal and rectal infection that greatly hindered my ability to just get through the day.  The doctors had never seen anything like it and they did not know what it was.  (That was comforting to hear.) Just 1 month after my rush to the E.R. for my ovarian cyst, I had a Colonoscopy at age 34 to find out the cause of the rectal infection, yet, they could not see everything because of a blockage in my small intestine.  (Hmmm, I guess all of the years of chronic constipation would create a blockage!)  Again, no answers and no relief.   The medication that the docs gave me for my vaginal infection caused me to break out over my entire body with hives.  It was a Mother’s Day I would never forget.  I couldn’t take any more pain.  I felt like it was killing me.  All I longed to do is go home to be with Jesus.  That Sunday morning, my husband took me to the elders of the church for prayer and oil.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”  James 5:14

Throughout those long and painful 10 years, I had treatments that would range from:

·       6 months of nightly enemas with probiotics in them.  (I was 33 years old at the time and I felt like I was living in a body of an 80 year old woman.)

·    Taking natural progesterone that was injected into me rectally 3 times a day for at least 5 years because of my ovarian cysts.

·       I gave myself weekly B-12 shots in hopes that the fatigue would go away.

·     I was hooked up to an IV once a week for 8 weeks for chelation treatments hoping to rid my body of toxins.

·      At one point, my blood was run routinely through an IV that was under a UV ray light in hopes that the light rays would kill off any viruses in my body.

·      Not to mention all the disgusting green drinks and restrictive diets that I had to be on in order to restore my health.  (Eating soup with chicken feet in it was not enjoyable!)

Because we sought alternative medicine, the office visits, treatments and supplements were not covered by our insurance.  For 1 ½ years the cost for my health would range from $1000-$1500 per month.  Over the next 5 years, that number would decrease to $800 and then to $300 per month. There were days that I was becoming healthier.  One day in particular, I can remember the excitement I had as I shared with my husband that I was able to make my young boys lunch!

During year 5 of my health journey, I prayed for contentment. 

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain."  1 Timothy 6:6

I was tired of trying to restore my health and I no longer wanted it to be such a huge focus of my life.  I had to come to grips with the fact that I could not have the life that I longed for based on my physical limitations and I did not want my pursuit of health to become my idol.  For a few years my body was stable as long as I was still taking my supplements and limiting my diet, so I timidly stepped out to serve the Lord as we started a new ministry.

But shortly things got worse and they got worse at the wrong time!  My body started to decline once again and the supplements were no longer maintaining my health.  We were starting to have financial trials, (read The Refiner's Fire to know more about them,) and the cost of $300 a month for supplements that were no longer working did not seem like a wise purchase.

My health trial and our financial trials collided.  I did not know what to do.  I was becoming sicker and sicker and more of my organs were starting to shut down.  We had no health insurance and we maybe had $300 to our name.  Our home was now in foreclosure and I now had more responsibilities due to the new ministry.  I felt like I was drowning trying to manage all that was needed in my home because of the additional financial hardships as well.  Lord, why on earth would you allow this?

It is funny how our journey with the Lord is called our 'Christian walk'.  To me, it felt like a 'crawl'.  I never felt like I was in an upright position pursuing Jesus.  I was so broken and feeble that I daily had to crawl to Him.

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer." 2 Corinthians 1:4-6

God's hand of faithfulness has always been upon us even when I did not understand why God was taking us through this major storm.  When the IRS audited us, they found that they owed us several thousand dollars and the lawsuit that went on for 5 years, the plaintiffs dropped the case against my husband because there was no case.   See how God works!

The Lord is always with us but sometimes through all of the pain we can't see Him, feel Him, or hear Him.

He is with you as well.  He is refining you for a purpose that is just for Him so He can be revealed through you!  Don't get discouraged and don't lose hope.  He is always right there by your side when you are hurting and when you are questioning.

He was right by Job's side when he questioned the Lord as well.  And what was the Lord's response to Job?

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.  Job 38:4

Sometimes we are not going to understand everything that God takes us through.  We just need to be obedient and faithful to Him despite our hardships because God does not owe us anything. 

And he (Job) said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."  Job 1:21 (my emphasis)

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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I am linking up with:  Deep Roots at Home, Women Living Well, Winsome Wednesdays, Beholding Glory

Are Trials Really Good for Us?

Can I grab your hand and take you on a journey to see the remarkable things that God does?  I hope you will allow me to do so because seeing God at work is amazing and awe-inspiring.  When we see God’s faithfulness either in our own lives or in the lives of others, it strengthens our faith and breathes new life into us.  It is spiritually rejuvenating and I think all Christians need to be uplifted from time to time, especially in this economy.

Today, I am going to write on trials because we all experience them in one way or another.  As believers, we talk often of our trials but not all trials are the same.  Some trials we’ve brought on ourselves, and therefore God is chastising us.  When we are in habitual, unrepentant sin, our life is going to be hard and it is going to get painful.  A Biblical example of this would be David and Bathsheba.  We all know the story of this lustful adulterer, who then became a murderer (how would you like to have that as part of your reputation?).  Obviously, because David went outside of the will of God he was disobedient, and therefore he had consequences to his actions.  He was chastised as a result and thus he endured some hard times, aka- trials.  He most certainly was refined in the process because of his poor choices.  Of course, we when are in sin, we need to repent and get right with God.

Then you have others types of trials.  Trials that sift us, refine us, and that take us through the sanctification process as Christians.  When we are walking with the Lord and we are obedient as much as humanly possible, trials still come our way.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Here are some Biblical examples:  Daniel in the lions den, Joseph sold into slavery and then later put into prison, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace and of course our faithful friend, the expert on trials, Job.  Look at those men for just a minute and reflect on their lives.  They were honorable, filled with integrity and committed to pleasing the Lord, yet they lived in some tumultuous storms!  However, God saw it fit to put them through those things or allow them to happen so He could teach us and others to look to these men as an example of faith and trust in the Lord.  When you are in a trial like this one, you need to have the right perspective.

In my prior posts, I would write about what God had done in our lives as we were going through all of our trials, but today I am going to share with you our current situation filled with more uncertainty and hardships.  I would love for you to join me as we watch God together, use His miraculous hand to shut the lions mouth in my own life, if you will.

The last time I wrote you I told you that our dream home, located on Ashbury Lane, was going to be sold on the courthouse steps in April of 2010.  So, in March of that year, we packed up our home and moved to a rental house and lived there for 10 months…until God moved us BACK to the property on Ashbury Lane!  Ridiculous and crazy, I know.  (That’s a story in itself that I will tell at another time.)  We moved back to the home on Ashbury this past January, which is where we live now.

So here we are now, July 10, 2011.  Our home is scheduled to go to sale (again) tomorrow, July 11^th, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.  Now, let me take off my mask.  You know the mask I’m talking about.  I’ll call it the Christian mask that we wear that shows everyone that our lives are perfect. 

Here is our reality.  My husband, being in real estate, has no new clients that he is working with, so in the mean time he has been doing handyman jobs of all kinds.  You name, he does it and we are very thankful for the work that God has given him.  Up until this time, he has had some daily work but even that has died off and he has had no upcoming jobs.  Over the last month his transmission went out in his truck which cost him over $1500 and I ended up in Urgent Care twice, costing us an additional $200.  Here we are with just a few hundred dollars left in our pockets, no new work for my husband and a home that is going to be sold soon and this time, there is no money for us to move to a rental home.  In fact just this past week our phone was disconnected and the gas in our home was going to be turned off the following day.  As my husband shared all this news with me I asked him if he got the mail yet, to see if there was a check in it.  I knew that God was going to provide for us, but I just did not know how.  Soon my husband came in with a mail piece and he said listen to this.  I smiled.  I knew that God was doing something.  He read me the current electric bill which said we had a credit balance.  What?  How do we have a credit balance when we owed them from the last two months?  The bill said we had a credit of $500.  How is that possible we thought?  We never had $500 to give them.  I smiled at my husband and said I am sure the check they received for our bill had Jesus’ signature on it.  Oh and by the way, my husband received work that same day and a day later we were blessed with money for groceries.  Make no mistake about it, that's God's hand my friend!

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  James 1:2-4

We can either become better or bitter.

I never thought I would say this, because when I read this verse as a new believer, I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I had read!  Consider it joy?  What?  Why?  How is that possible?  But today, many years later and many trials later, I can say trials are a good thing because they strengthen our faith and trust in God.  As we come out of a trial, we are closer to Christ and perhaps we have a stronger resolve or conviction to follow Him, IF we have chosen to run towards the Cross and not away from it.  IF we have chosen to become BETTER as we look to strengthening our relationship with the Lord and not BITTER because we have a sense of self-entitlement.

The Cross is where we find hope, healing, refreshment, inspiration, encouragement and the strength to endure the path that is set before us.

In our society we often hear about two different perspectives on life.  One mindset being that the ‘glass is half-full’ and the other being the ‘glass is half-empty’.  I want to challenge you today and encourage you to try and change the way you think about your glass, (your life).  Regardless of your circumstances, whether they are financial, marital, health-related, etc., think of your glass as being FULL, full of the Living Water that is!

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."   John 7:38

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."  Revelation 7:17

God is doing amazing things in the lives of His princesses, but generally speaking, we are just too busy and too worried, anxious, fearful, consumed with our problems, etc., to stop and take notice of how He works things out in our lives.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

He has a great plan for you and me. 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Search for Him with all your heart and trust Him.


Let's go to the Cross together.  I’ll do the best I can in Christ’s strength and through this blog to lift you up and grab your hand when you are down, if you promise me to extend your hand to another when they are down.  That’s how the Body of Christ works.  It is the Holy Spirit working through the King’s princesses.  What do you think?  Do you want to join me on this journey as we tell others of His awesome works?

"A psalm of praise of David. I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds."  Psalm 145:1-6

You can learn more about our journey here at, Not My Will, But Yours Be Done.

4 Essentials Needed When You're in the Wilderness

Wilderness moments.

Times when you question your faith.

Times when you doubt.

Times filled with hurt.

Times when you wander.

Times when you're tempted.

Difficult times.

Bleak times.

Photo credit

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  Matthew 4:1

Take a close look at the above verse.

Who led Christ into the wilderness?  Did you catch that it was the Spirit?

When I read that verse and saw who it was that was responsible for the difficult times that Jesus was about to endure, it gave me such great comfort to know that is was the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ.   The Son of the Most High God.  The Messiah.  The Savior of the world.  His faith and allegiance to God was about to be tested.

Reading that verse helped me to know that my own wilderness moments were not only allowed by God but they were appointed by Him as well.

Here's what I have learned to take with me while in the wilderness:

The 4 Essentials

• A Guide-  God's Holy Word to guide and direct you in your times of fear, doubt, hurting, temptation, and despair.  Read His word.  Grab hold of it.  Hide it in your heart.  Breathe it in, make it your life and let it define who you are!

The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.  Isaiah 58:11

• Shelter-  God's love and protection to strengthen you from the harsh elements and ravenous attacks.

I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah  Psalm 61:4

And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.  Isaiah 4:6

• Water- Living water that is.  It is vital for you to cling to Jesus Christ during times of great weakness.

"But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."  John 4:14

• An Eternal Perspective- You will feel defeated and possibly lose your way if you're constantly looking at your temporal circumstances.  This time here on earth is not forever.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-3

Do you happen to know what took place and what was said to Jesus right before He was led into the wilderness?

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

As the Father spoke those words, I personally believe that the Son of Man had a mountaintop experience as He heard them.

Ponder this thought:  Mountaintop experiences are usually followed by times in the wilderness.

After Satan tempted Jesus this is what happened next...

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.  Matthew 4:11

Make sure you hold tight to the 4 Essentials when the Spirit leads you into the wilderness and don't forget that in God's timing, angels will be sent to minister to you as well!

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Graceful Faith in the Everyday, The Better Mom, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Women Living Well, Good Morning Girls, A Holy Experience

Thankful for Afflictions

Thanksgiving.  A day when it is a time to be thankful, but sometimes when life is hard, it is difficult to utter a word of thanks.

How could I see good in these afflictions?

Broken relationships with my family
Hurt by Christian women
Struggled in ministry to stay afloat
Years of chronic and debilitating illnesses
Lost of our home (twice)
A Christmas season when we barely had money for food, let alone presents (again)
The inability to pay for our rental home and then having to move again
Living with another family because we didn’t have a place to go
Dealing with my own fears, insecurities, failures, depression and rejection

How do I say, "Thank you Lord, for this life?"

Only because of Him.  Only because of His promises.  Knowing that all things work together for good.

My afflictions have produced good seeds.

They have:

• Strengthened my faith


• Deepened my convictions and resolve


• Brought me closer to Christ


• Weakened me; causing me to cling to Jesus, to rely on His strength rather than my own


• Given me the opportunity to watch for His hand of faithfulness upon my life


• Allowed me, a broken vessel, to be used by Him even though I am unworthy

When the seeds of affliction come falling down into the soil of your life, friend, let the Gardener pour His Living Water over you so you can produce good fruit.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

Yes, afflictions are hard in the physical sense, but good for us spiritually.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:11-13

Thankful for my afflictions because without them, I would remain more like me: sinful, selfish me, rather than more like Him.

Be thankful for your afflictions too, friend, because they can produce good fruit in your life as well!

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.  Hebrews 13:15

Live a poured out life for the Master,


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Broken but Useful

He stood at the top of a 10- story building while holding a vessel in His hands.  A vessel that was precious to Him.  A vessel that wanted to be used by Him.

Yet, He made the decision that it was best to throw the exquisite vase over the side of the building, shattering it.

The pot was now broken.

To the naked eye it no longer resembled a vessel, just tiny pieces.

Most would say it was no longer fit for use.   Something of value was now damaged beyond repair.  Or was it?

The Man at the top of the building was the Creator; He was the Potter and the vessel, His clay.

Even though He plummeted the vessel to its demise, He  knew what was best for the little pot for He had a great plan and purpose for it.

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.  Isaiah 64:8

Through His hands, what was once broken and of no use, was now being mended by the Potter.

 

That was me being dropped from that 10- story building as my body endured one chronic and debilitating illness after another.  Year in and year out.  Longing to be used by Him, but physically unable.  Broken and useless.

Why, Lord?  Were the thoughts that ran through my mind many years ago.

Yet, today He has given me a glimpse into His perfect plan.

 We are all broken and in need of our Potter because our brokenness comes in varying forms:

• A painful and disappointing marriage. (or singleness)


• Difficult or severed relationships.


• Prodigals.


• Financial hardships.


• Living with limitations.


• A fearful diagnosis.

Through the disappointments, hurting, and pain, He ever so gently fashioned the vessel back together again, but this time the vessel took on a new shape; one better than before.

He filled it with His might and power and sent it on it's way.

Calling out, "My grace is all you need, He said.  And My power works best in weakness."

The little vessel stood, for there was work for it to do.

One last thing He said,

Pour into others as I have poured into you.

Live a poured out life for the Master,



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Dying to Self...Is It Worth It?

Die to self. We hear this message over and over as Christians, but actually doing it is something all together very challenging. Last month I was reading in the book of Ezekiel, and as I read verse after verse and chapter after chapter, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor man based on all that God had asked of him. The Lord wanted Ezekiel to do some pretty tough things for Him and I couldn’t help but wonder if I were in that situation would I be as obedient and faithful to God as Ezekiel was? Would I die to myself like that?

Let me give you a brief summary of Ezekiel’s story.

He was carried off with the Jewish exiles to Babylon, and while there, he became a prophet of God. The message that he spoke was one of coming judgment for those still in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, though, his preaching was not well received by the Jews that were with him in captivity. 39 out of the 48 chapters of this book, Ezekiel warned of the coming wrath from the Lord. Destruction, disaster and doom were going to take place because of the peoples’ idolatry, wickedness and rebellion. It was a fun read. (sarcasm noted)

Now, we all have trials and at times, life can become very problematic, tiresome, and downright painful but after I finished reading this book, I thought to myself, “I have no trials and what God asks of me is nothing compared to what He had asked of Ezekiel.”

Read the following portions of Scripture and you will see for yourself some of the shocking things that Ezekiel went through. I am sure after you read it, you won’t think your life is so hard either!

"Stand up, son of man," said the voice. "I want to speak with you." The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. "Son of man," he said, "I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says! 'And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. "Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don't be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won't listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you." Ezekiel 2:1-8

"The voice said to me, "Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. "Fill your stomach with this," he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth." Ezekiel 3:1-3

Now, I don’t know about you, but that is not a very encouraging ministry to be a part of!

Think about it for a moment. God is telling you to go speak with His people, but by the way, they are not going to listen to you. They will threaten you and treat you harshly. Hmmm, I doubt that there would be a long line of people waiting to sign up to serve in that church ministry!

Let’s keep reading about our good man, Zeke.

"Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages. I am not sending you to a foreign people whose language you cannot understand. No, I am not sending you to people with strange and difficult speech. If I did, they would listen! But the people of Israel won't listen to you any more than they listen to me! For the whole lot of them are hard-hearted and stubborn. But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock! So don't be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels." Ezekiel 3:4-9 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says!' Do this whether they listen to you or not." Ezekiel 3:11

Just envision for a moment you're walking into a room filled with people like that and you have to give them a message of repentance! Generally, a message of repentance will not produce people who will like you. I am sure you would not walk out with many new friends, but rather lots of enemies!

God used the obstinate, Ezekiel to give a difficult, hard-to-swallow message to other stubborn people. For all of us that are hard-headed….God has a great plan for us as well! Since I am included in this list, I prefer to use a much nicer word like 'tenacious' instead. (smile) Maybe you're not like this, but you have a kid who is. Keep praying for them to be used by the Lord. God created them in a certain way just for His pleasure and purpose. He gave me one too! (smile)

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Let’s continue with our obstinate prophet’s story.

Prepare and eat this food as you would barley cakes. While all the people are watching, bake it over a fire using dried human dung as fuel and then eat the bread. Then the LORD said, "This is how Israel will eat defiled bread in the Gentile lands to which I will banish them!" Then I said, "O Sovereign LORD, must I be defiled by using human dung? For I have never been defiled before. From the time I was a child until now I have never eaten any animal that died of sickness or was killed by other animals. I have never eaten any meat forbidden by the law." "All right," the LORD said. "You may bake your bread with cow dung instead of human dung." Ezekiel 4:12-15

Sounds delicious doesn’t it?

When you read this, you can’t help but be thankful for the food you have in your pantry. As Ezekiel is cooking his food over dung, it is kinda hard to complain that you can’t afford to go out to dinner?

If you want your life to get easier, change your perspective.

Now here’s the part of Ezekiel’s story that broke my heart.

"Son of man, with one blow I will take away your dearest treasure. Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. Do not weep; let there be no tears. Groan silently, but let there be no wailing at her grave. Do not uncover your head or take off your sandals. Do not perform the usual rituals of mourning or accept any food brought to you by consoling friends." So I proclaimed this to the people the next morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did everything I had been told to do." Ezekiel 24:16-18

This portion of the Scriptures was difficult for me to read.

Ezekiel had already endured so much persecution and physical hardship (which I did not recount in this post) and I could not help but wonder why God would take away his wife and then have him not mourn about it. Poor guy!

Yet, here you have in Ezekiel 24:18,

"The next morning I did everything I had been told to do."

Bottom line: Ezekiel was obedient to the Lord regardless of what God had called him to do, regardless of what the Lord took him through, and regardless of what the Lord took away from him.

What a beautiful example of a God-fearing man. Ezekiel was more concerned about satisfying the Spirit rather than his flesh. He died to self. We can all learn a lesson from him.

Keep reading... the story gets better.

“During the twenty-fifth year of our captivity—fourteen years after the fall of Jerusalem—the LORD took hold of me. In a vision from God he took me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain. From there I could see toward the south what appeared to be a city. As he brought me nearer, I saw a man whose face shone like bronze standing beside a gateway entrance. He was holding in his hand a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod. He said to me, "Son of man, watch and listen. Pay close attention to everything I show you. You have been brought here so I can show you many things. Then you will return to the people of Israel and tell them everything you have seen." Ezekiel 40:1-4

God gave Ezekiel a vision of the new temple area along with the rooms for the priests, the altar, the division of land, etc. Imagine if you received a vision like that from the Lord.

Now here comes the best part of the story. My heart beats fast just reading this passage!

"After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground. And the glory of the LORD came into the Temple through the east gateway. Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple. And I heard someone speaking to me from within the Temple, while the man who had been measuring stood beside me. The LORD said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel. They and their kings will not defile my holy name any longer by their adulterous worship of other gods or by honoring the relics of their kings who have died." Ezekiel 43:1-7

Oh, to see the glory of the Lord! Wow, to be Ezekiel, what an honor for him. Yes, he did go through some horrendous stuff….stuff I don’t care to go through, yet, look at what the Lord entrusted him with? Can you see how Ezekiel continually died to himself and how the Lord blessed him? I do hope so!

We all want to be used in a nice, easy and uplifting way but sometimes that is not a part of God’s plan.
· Sometimes we are called to minister to rebellious and obstinate people; maybe even to those in our own family.
· Sometimes we are asked to endure a difficult life filled with persecutions and hardships.
· Sometimes we have to eat things that don’t taste very good (those that are on special diets for health reasons know what I am talking about!)
· Or for those who have endured the greatest of grief and sorrow because they have lost a loved one way too soon.

God has entrusted you with a great message; a message of Hope. I am sure He is either taking you through something very difficult or He is asking you to do something that you don't want to do, either way He wants you to DIE TO SELF. When you do that, not only do you bring Him glory, but in His timing, He reveals to you His glory as well. It is beautiful and it is worth all our pain and suffering.

Now don't think for one minute that I am always dying to myself...because I am not. I am a work in progress and I need to learn to daily lay down my life for Christ. In the meantime, I hoping to indulge myself in a bowl of ice cream tonight!

God ALWAYS has a wonderful plan for His children...we just need to remember that we are not here on earth to build our kingdom, but we are here to build His Kingdom.

Dying to self is worth it because we show others our hope in Christ; which is a way His glory is revealed.