Tuesday February 17, 2009 JUST STAND!
Joshua told the people, "Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the LORD will do miracles among you." Joshua also told the priests, "Take the ark of the promise, and go ahead of the people." They did as they were told. The priests who carried the ark of the LORD's promise stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Joshua 3:5-6, 17 What exactly does the Lord mean when He instructs His people to "purify" themselves? From the scriptures I looked up it means to get all cleaned up and ready, but I think it doesn't just mean physically - I think it means to empty ourselves of any false expectations and be ready to follow. In Psalm 51:10, David cried out to the Lord, "Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me." God wants us to have a clean heart, in other words, He wants us to have a humble, teachable spirit in order for Him to direct our paths. At times that may mean that we are to simply stand still and watch others pass by us. When the Lord told me to step in the water, using this very scripture, over ten years ago I didn't notice the part about standing still. However, in retrospect, I see that is exactly what He had me do. I have watched as those we have ministered to and prayed for others to go on to do greater things. I didn't get jealous or anything, I just wondered what in the world the Lord was up to! Now, I am beginning to understand. The ministry of encouragement is often very lonely. People come to you when they are in pain and need someone to listen to them and pray for them, but when things start getting better for them - they often forget you. That used to bother me; then God purified my heart. He let me see that my motives weren't exactly perfect - I ministered to people because I wanted them to love me - not Him! Well, that was twelve years ago. Once He brought me through the wilderness all of that "neediness" for acceptance and love began to diminish - slowly, very slowly. So, let me encourage you today. If God has called you to the ministry of encouragement or mercy you may be told to step into the water and watch God perform miracles while other people pass you by. That's okay, remember, eventually they get out of the water too! Father, I thank You and praise You for how deep Your Word goes. I am amazed that meanings are often hidden from us until we are ready to receive something new from You. I thank You that You don't force these teachings on us until we are ready to receive them. Thank You for allowing me to lift You up and allow people to see You and press on to the other side! ******************************************* O. Addison Gethers e-mail address : [email protected] or [email protected] window live messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/DBILG?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
