God Speaking
I just returned from the most amazing walk/run I’ve had in quite some time and I could scarce wait to get home to share it with you.
Have you ever experienced seasons when you just couldn’t quite feel a sense of God’s favor? I’ve been going through one lately – not because I believe God’s favor is not there but because He’s working out some things in my life that are just between Him and me. They are hard things because they are internal – matters of the heart. As a new believer we often begin the sanctification process with the externals. Somehow it seems if we clean up the vices people can see (smoking, drinking, cussing, and the like) then the hard work is over. However, what remains are the inner thoughts, actions, and attitudes of the heart and mind that aren’t so easily changed. I find the longer I walk with God, the more sorrow I feel over sin that would never have fazed me years ago because I was still busy working out the ‘big’ stuff. Not that any sin is more or less desirable in God’s eyes but we all have our own dross God is purifying out of us and if we were to see one another’s we may well say, “THAT’s? what you are so torn up over? Why that’s nothing!”
Well, it’s all huge to me and when it seems that I’m failing at something that shouldn’t be that hard, I allow Satan to lead me into a cloud of condemnation. Hence, the lack of a sense of favor. Something God has shown me continuously through this study of Romans 7 and 8 is that God only condemns flesh, not the person wearing it. We have a hard time separating a person from their actions but God loves the Spirit that indwells us, no matter how flawed its shell may be. It has also been a great comfort for me to learn that the ‘man’ of Romans 7 was not a carnal Christian but a mature one whose desire for holiness pervaded every part of his being. I want to be a girl who not only wants holiness but will allow Christ to crucify the flesh that prevents me from having a greater measure of it.
Okay, so back to my walk. I’m ashamed to say that I have just recently bought Mandisa’s ‘Only the World’ cd. Am I the only person in the world who didn’t have it? Anyway, this morning I had the iPod on shuffle and as I was praying to God for strength to overcome, for wisdom, understanding and practical application in teaching this very critical passage of Scripture, the song ‘God Speaking’ began to play. It may seem like I’m overspiritualizing but the entire time I had been running into the wind but during this song it shifted and it was the exact feeling of a hand being on my back gently pushing me along. I felt Him tell me, ‘I’m here and I Love You’. I have to tell you I ran with my hands lifted straight to the sky. I know the stock boys at grocery store next door thought I had lost it but that’s okay – they’ve seen my displays before. The most beautiful thing happened at the end of the song. As I was praising God for His presence, the sun burst through the clouds and shined so brilliantly I could do nothing but stand still in awe. I do believe God wanted to make a nature video of this song and wow, did He outdo Himself.
So I don’t really know if you wanted to know all that…Perhaps these were thoughts best left to my journal but I felt compelled to tell you today that God Loves You. I hope you feel that as you go through your routine. Sometimes, it just helps to be reminded.
And you know what?
If it counts for anything, I’m pretty crazy about all of you, too :)
Praise God for sanctification, and for the moments that we see it! Those times when I actually feel the hand of God on me are not as frequent as I would like, but when it happens, the whole world just stands still.
Thanks for the words of encouragement!
Xandra
Sounds like a great walk! What an inspiration!
Ah, I’m so glad that you shared this with us. I needed that, I needed to know that God loves me today and every other day. Thank-you for your continued blogging, it truly blesses my heart. Love you!
Thanks for another dose of uplifting….what a time that I needed it the most! Aint’ God Good!!
Praise God! That song speaks deeply to me, too.
Kelli
What a wonderful encounter! I got chills when the sun shone on your face! You don’t forget spiritual moments like that!
Great post!
Have a wonderful uplifted day!
Thank you – sweet post and one I definitely needed today.
I so related to your post. It is hard to put into words, isn’t it? It rings hollow compared to the experience within your heart in that moment. God reached in and touched your heart, gave you a hug. That is so awesome! I just love it when I can literally almost feel His arms around me. I think that could become quite addicting, so it seems He dishes those out sparingly…LOL!
Thank you for sharing that with us. I long for those moments when I know that He is speaking straight to me, and it is so hard to explain to anyone else. And you are not the only one, I do not have or have even heard the CD. Love ya!
I know what you’re talking about. I have enjoyed a particular run that was comparable to yours – like it was just me and the Lord. It was a praise and worship service out in the park all by myself. They are very cool experiences, and it doesn’t hurt to share with others.
I had an experience one time when I was running…ummmmm…walking on the treadmill in our study. Hubby has it facing the window cause he hates to look at the wall while he runs. Anyway, I was walking and listening to some praise music, and just couldn’t contol myself. If someone were walking by they would have wondered what had gotten into me. But the Lord was just moving in me in such a way that I had to raise my hands, shake them in the air and dance (try to anyway) while I was walking.
It was a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your’s with us today!
Angela
That is awesome… God does use the simplest things to make the BIGGEST impressions on us! It amazes me all the time! He’s so good!
I love it when God speaks to me that way. His beauty is everywhere!!
What a great experience, and aren’t you glad you recorded it? It is so easy to forget those moments when God is really speaking to us personally! I went through a time like you are describing (Godly sorrow over my sin that led to self condemnation) not too long ago. I was teaching on Romans 7 as well. The good news is that I did feel the Godly sorrow, the Holy Spirit is working. I just had to get beyond condemning myself so I could grow in grace. I do love the lessons in Romans – they are hard but they are rich!
~~Kelley
That song gets to me every time I hear it. I actually was listening to it yesterday, and it made me feel closer to God.
I think you are right about giving up the outward vices…that seems easy at times in comparison to the hard work that God is doing on my heart and mind. It is real easy if you are not careful to jump into condemnation… I too need to remember how much God loves me…
Thanks for the post!!
Wow! I love it! Love Him! God is so good, He so pursues us. I was just in awe the other day thinking of how far He has brought me. Remembering as a new Christian that i would have never thought of pride being a sin! He is so gentle and patient with us! So blessed to hear your story today! God give us eyes that look for You in our busy days!
I do need to remember God loves me and you are the second person toda to remind me of that. It has been an awesome day to know the Savior.
Love it! You are always such an inspiration and encouragement.
Kinda reminds me of when I’m cleaning. One spot doesn’t look very dirty because another spot is REALLY dirty. But when I get the REALLY dirty spot clean, all of a sudden the first spot looks pretty dirty after all because it’s now next to something clean instead of dirty.
And if you followed that, I’m impressed!
And pshaw! Glad to know you’re crazy about me! :-) Totally mutual, dear friend!
Oh amen and amen!
(How does one follow up God speaking, after all? I’d best not even try, except to point back to the One worthy of our praise.)
I listened to that CD today too!! (but no walking outside as the HIGH temperature was about -2!!!)
Your post reminded of of an encounter I had with God last fall I would like to share. I was going through some potentially serious health issues. Dealing with one, when another came on top of that. (I won’t go into specifics because that’s not the point of the story.)
One evening in the darkest week for me, I had the house to myself. I sat in our bedroom and listened to Aaron Shust’s CD “Whispered and Shouted.” Oh man, that CD had my laying on the floor crying and worshiping God and praying and praying and praying. I was praising God and working on accepting His will for me. I really don’t know how long I had been at that, but I eventually picked myself up off the floor and went out to sit on the deck. I sat there looking at the sky full of stars and asked God to show me His power.
I started singing, “Oh Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.” At that moment across the sky was a SHOOTING STAR!!! How cool is that??? I shouted and laughed and clapped my hands and said, “Yay God!!!” God is so awesome to do that for me.
So I got goosebumps as I read your post. God brought that moment back to me. Thank you.
Wow! God speaks to us in amazing ways. Thank you for sharing this moment with us. And no you weren’t the only one without Mandisa’s cd. I guess now I’m the last one. I have heard her music and it is beautiful. Take care and God bless, Cory
What an awsome day! Glad you shared it with us. God is good. I do not have the cd either. I was coming home form work listening to “My Redeemer Lives” holding up hands and crying and praying, feeling the Lord’s presence in my life this week. After I get home wondering if everyone on the road thought “GET OUT OF THE WAY A CRAZY WOMAN IS COMING!” but, you know what?? I just laughed. I don’t care what they think. I know MY REDEEMER LIVES! Thanks Lisa! Love You!
Thank you for sharing this God moment and not relicating it to your journal alone! :-)
Sometimes we all need those reminders that He loves us and is always with us.
Sounds like God gave you some of his almighty encouragement to continue on towards those big plans He has for you. And, you’ve given me encouragment too by sharing! Thanks for passing it on!
I’m SO Glad for the awesome encounter with Jesus that you experienced! I love it! And I, too, have lots of little and big things which God is pressing me to let go and let Him.
Will you pray for me this weekend? I’m headed on a women’s retreat in Buena Vista. I know that God is calling me to go alone for a reason–not sure why. But once I get there, I will be serving and helping. So pray that God will do whatever He has in mind.
I don’t have the Mandisa CD, yet. In another season, perhaps.
Thank you Sister!
Much love,
holly
PS I’d send you a lovely corn bag like my sister in law made for me, but alas, my sewing stinketh :)
I have two favorite songs on that CD – and that is one of them.
What a great story!
I had a day like that yesterday… I had been going through one of those growing seasons and man, was it painful. But yesterday, it was like the clouds were lifted.
God is SO good!
What an awesome testimony! I love that song too.
Can I add you to my blogroll? I stop by often but don’t always leave a comment. :)
typing w/ 1 finger….
i always laugh my head off when i come here but today you made me cry. love your post!
Wow Lisa, what an awesome walk! When I walk by myself, I tend to talk to God (out loud). I never really thought much about it until I had Carter and started pushing the stroller and talking. He thinks I’m talking to him and just jabbers back to me! That’s okay though, it just reminds me what a blessing he is!
Thanks for sharing your heart!
Lisa, your transparency is always a huge blessing to me. I know exactly what you’re saying, and I have heard from others lately who sense God drawing them closer, also. It’s as if “something” is in the air, and I believe it’s the Lord asking each of us who claim him as Savior to find their true selves and to allow him to renew their heart and guide their steps.
Thank you for reminding us all to open ourselves up to Him fully. I loved your description of the sun breaking through the clouds. (Keep an eye out for an email for more…) GOD BLESS YOU, friend.
You should go check out Boomama’s interview with Mandisa. That CD is awesome! How cool is that when God sets it all up perfectly. Just how He wants it. And that you were there to receive it. What a blessing He offered you!
I love when I’m in a worship service and experience He and I alone. I love when He paints His glory across the sky to show me He’s remembering me. I love when He pauses time so that the memory will last forever in my heart. I love when His word comes alive and pulses in my bones!
Thank you for sharing this post with us! What an encouragement for us to keep seeing Him every single day He gives to us!
Love, Amy
Don’t ya love it when that happens. To bad we can’t just live there. :)
I’m glad He whispered in your ear.
I think God wrote that lasta part just for me “how much he loves us” I have been going through some hard times to heavy to blog about but your post bless me to day.marina
I am going thru the exact same thing. Now that most of the “big sins” have been eradicated, God is pointing out all my little ones. I feel like I have a woodpecker on my shoulder..peck peck peck
I prayed for God to reveal my sin to me (a prayer I occasionally whisper, and then close my eyes and duck) so I am glad he is answering so faithfully but sheesh. I am not sure what is harder…wiping out the Big Ones, or the ‘little’ ones.
I have recited No Condemnation so many times over the last month. I should put it on a tshirt.