You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
Pre-Chorus:
I trust in You
I trust in You
Chorus:
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Armor-Bearers
Armor-Bearers
Duties of Armor-Bearers
In ancient times, an armor-bearer was a soldier's right hand man. In a time when soldiering meant hand-to-hand combat and heavy equipment, skilled armor-bearers were in high demand.
Shields
Armor-bearers carried massively heavy wooden and metal shields into battle for the warrior. He stood by the warrior as he fought, offering his shield when he needed it.
Weapons
Duties of the armor-bearer included keeping the warriors sword and weapons blades sharp. Besides the warrior, only armor-bearers handled the warrior's weapons. (taken from www.ehow.com)
1 Samuel 16:21-23
21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.
22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.”
23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.
1 Samuel 14:6-14
6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
8 “All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”
11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!”
“Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!”
13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.
Armor-bearers were incredibly important to the soldier they represented. Not only in the protection of their lives, but, as we see in Saul's case, in the protection of their spiritual health. They essentially did anything their leader told them with complete faith and trust. Similarly, the soldier entrusted their lives to the armor bearer, counting on him to protect him from behind during fighting, hold his shield when he could no longer stand to fight, and to be his constant friend and trusted companion.
How many of us are armor-bearers for others? We stand strong for them, watch their backs, sometimes carrying them through the rough patches. This seems to come as the more natural role for us. It's easy to push someone else through.
The hard part comes when we play the role of the soldier. Often times we are the ones "hard pressed on every side" with the enemy closing in around us. Or we find ourselves like Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings", at the top of Mount Doom. Unable to complete his mission, he falls on the ground in certain defeat. It is here that he is at his most vulnerable, and it is HERE where Sam Gamgee, his trusted travel partner and armor-bearer, tells him "Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!".
Just like Frodo needed Sam, we need each other. We need to accept each other's strong arm from time to time, allowing ourselves to rest. It is in moments like this that, I believe, God is stretching us most. We want to do it ourselves. But we can't. God gives us each other with our various strengths and weaknesses in order to function as a team; as the body of Christ.
Who can you run to and trust to hold your armor for you when you are weakened and left vulnerable by the enemy? Do you have someone? If not, it would be wise, in my humble opinion, to pray about someone you trust enough to take on that role. I am reminded of the words of the wise Solomon;
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Paul, likewise issued this exhortation to the church at Ephesus, in Ephesians 4;
"2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."
We need each other. Simple as that.
Duties of Armor-Bearers
In ancient times, an armor-bearer was a soldier's right hand man. In a time when soldiering meant hand-to-hand combat and heavy equipment, skilled armor-bearers were in high demand.
Shields
Armor-bearers carried massively heavy wooden and metal shields into battle for the warrior. He stood by the warrior as he fought, offering his shield when he needed it.
Weapons
Duties of the armor-bearer included keeping the warriors sword and weapons blades sharp. Besides the warrior, only armor-bearers handled the warrior's weapons. (taken from www.ehow.com)
1 Samuel 16:21-23
21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.
22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.”
23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.
1 Samuel 14:6-14
6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
8 “All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”
11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!”
“Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!”
13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.
Armor-bearers were incredibly important to the soldier they represented. Not only in the protection of their lives, but, as we see in Saul's case, in the protection of their spiritual health. They essentially did anything their leader told them with complete faith and trust. Similarly, the soldier entrusted their lives to the armor bearer, counting on him to protect him from behind during fighting, hold his shield when he could no longer stand to fight, and to be his constant friend and trusted companion.
How many of us are armor-bearers for others? We stand strong for them, watch their backs, sometimes carrying them through the rough patches. This seems to come as the more natural role for us. It's easy to push someone else through.
The hard part comes when we play the role of the soldier. Often times we are the ones "hard pressed on every side" with the enemy closing in around us. Or we find ourselves like Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings", at the top of Mount Doom. Unable to complete his mission, he falls on the ground in certain defeat. It is here that he is at his most vulnerable, and it is HERE where Sam Gamgee, his trusted travel partner and armor-bearer, tells him "Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!".
Just like Frodo needed Sam, we need each other. We need to accept each other's strong arm from time to time, allowing ourselves to rest. It is in moments like this that, I believe, God is stretching us most. We want to do it ourselves. But we can't. God gives us each other with our various strengths and weaknesses in order to function as a team; as the body of Christ.
Who can you run to and trust to hold your armor for you when you are weakened and left vulnerable by the enemy? Do you have someone? If not, it would be wise, in my humble opinion, to pray about someone you trust enough to take on that role. I am reminded of the words of the wise Solomon;
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Paul, likewise issued this exhortation to the church at Ephesus, in Ephesians 4;
"2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."
We need each other. Simple as that.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Love The Number 0
Finances
Brief Display
Total Cost $1392
Total Raised $1392
Amount Remaining $0
Ticketing Deadline 05.14.10
Amount Needed $0
Because that's how much more money I need for my trip. Not only was the entire cost of the trip provided, but God really showed off and provided the money for all of my vaccinations, my medications, domestic plane tickets, and for the extra supplies I need personally for the supplies! God is Good!! :)
5 days from now I will be on a plane on my way to Miami to meet my team, and head for Haiti. I am so excited to see what God has in store. Mesi Jezi.
Brief Display
Total Cost $1392
Total Raised $1392
Amount Remaining $0
Ticketing Deadline 05.14.10
Amount Needed $0
Because that's how much more money I need for my trip. Not only was the entire cost of the trip provided, but God really showed off and provided the money for all of my vaccinations, my medications, domestic plane tickets, and for the extra supplies I need personally for the supplies! God is Good!! :)
5 days from now I will be on a plane on my way to Miami to meet my team, and head for Haiti. I am so excited to see what God has in store. Mesi Jezi.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Trusting
Time is quickly dwindling down for my trip to Haiti. I got to talk with my Encouragement Rep last night, which was wonderful. We talked for an hour about how incredible this trip is going to be, and how much we've seen God move just in the preparations. I know our God is into details, because of all the little things that He's worked out and put together in the past could of weeks for this trip. I'm not completely sure what I'm getting myself into, but I know that God has something amazing in store for me, and the rest of my team. He's been streching me and challenging me in areas of my life that need work, and need to be given up to Him, before I ever set foot on an airplane. I'm trusting that whatever He's going to do, He's preparing me for.
I've been reading several blogs from missionaries on the ground in Haiti, and trying to do some research, to learn about the people that I will be serving. I've read several, but one for Real Hope for Haiti somehow flew under my radar. However I came across them today, and as I read, my eyes landed on this entry. And I sat at my desk at work with tears rolling down my face. Here's the stupid, selfish conversation with God that went on in my head....
How could you allow something like this to happen? Why didn't she care??? What in the world do I have to offer someone who is dealing with such awful things? Doesn't it break your heart to see your children suffering like this? (and on and on...)
Thankfully, God know's I'm an idiot and knows that I don't understand alot. He just listens and then lets me know that, yes; it does hurt Him. This world is an imperfect place. He took this little girl to be with Him in the perfect place, where He can hold her and love on her and she will be taken care of. And then I heard This is why I'm sending you.
HUH?
I haven't had the chance to hash this out, or clarify what I'm getting from Him, so that clarification with specifics will have to wait. But one thing I know for sure is that I desire more. I want to do something that will help others on more than just a surface level. I feel like I'm being called to something different. And at this moment I have NO IDEA what that means. :) I know that God is leading me somewhere new, and somewhere that is going to strech me more than I ever thought possible. I told Martha (my Encouragement Rep) last night that I feel that this trip is just a first step toward a bigger picture for where God wants my life...
Kinda scary-exciting-intriguing-alotofotherthingsthatIcan'tfindwordsforrightnow.
Joshua 1:9
I've been reading several blogs from missionaries on the ground in Haiti, and trying to do some research, to learn about the people that I will be serving. I've read several, but one for Real Hope for Haiti somehow flew under my radar. However I came across them today, and as I read, my eyes landed on this entry. And I sat at my desk at work with tears rolling down my face. Here's the stupid, selfish conversation with God that went on in my head....
How could you allow something like this to happen? Why didn't she care??? What in the world do I have to offer someone who is dealing with such awful things? Doesn't it break your heart to see your children suffering like this? (and on and on...)
Thankfully, God know's I'm an idiot and knows that I don't understand alot. He just listens and then lets me know that, yes; it does hurt Him. This world is an imperfect place. He took this little girl to be with Him in the perfect place, where He can hold her and love on her and she will be taken care of. And then I heard This is why I'm sending you.
HUH?
I haven't had the chance to hash this out, or clarify what I'm getting from Him, so that clarification with specifics will have to wait. But one thing I know for sure is that I desire more. I want to do something that will help others on more than just a surface level. I feel like I'm being called to something different. And at this moment I have NO IDEA what that means. :) I know that God is leading me somewhere new, and somewhere that is going to strech me more than I ever thought possible. I told Martha (my Encouragement Rep) last night that I feel that this trip is just a first step toward a bigger picture for where God wants my life...
Kinda scary-exciting-intriguing-alotofotherthingsthatIcan'tfindwordsforrightnow.
Joshua 1:9
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
so the first actual break down came tonight. we were watching a show where a kid's mom had just died and it showed him watching a video of one of his birthdays with her in it and for some reason, all i could think was "what if i die in Haiti? will that be my kids?" and then the tears came.
i know it's dumb. satan uses dumb tricks to try to move us away from where God wants us.
he won't move me.
I know my God has called me to Haiti and He will direct my paths. And with the resolve of the 3 hebrew boys in Babylon I know that "even if He does not deliver me I will still trust Him".
i know it's dumb. satan uses dumb tricks to try to move us away from where God wants us.
he won't move me.
I know my God has called me to Haiti and He will direct my paths. And with the resolve of the 3 hebrew boys in Babylon I know that "even if He does not deliver me I will still trust Him".
Saturday, April 24, 2010
20 days
I will be in Haiti in 20 days. The details are coming together. Time is moving in fast motion, all heading toward the day that I will head to Raleigh, get on board a train and head towards Miami on my way to Ayiti.
I know I've said this several times, but there is so much on my mind as I grow closer to the day I leave. I'm not afraid. I know that sounds strange, but I'm honestly not afraid of the actual trip. Even though this will be my first intense missions trip and first time on an airplane and first time leaving the country and first time traveling anywhere by myself....none of that worries me.
I'm sad to say it, but the one thing that really rattles me is being away from Tyler. I've always had him there. He's always been my buffer when I've had to deal with new and frightening things. He's the "been there, done that" guy. He knows almost everything. It's so much easier to let him take the lead when we're together. I've just always allowed him to be that rock for me. I know, sad. I feel as though one of the reasons God has called me to Haiti is to put me in a place and position where I have to rely on Him, and ONLY Him. No Tyler, no parents, no friends, no kids to hide behind. Just me, pressing into the Lord and allowing HIM to be my strength.
So here I go. Taking a step into the unknown, knowing that that step will be met by the One who has called me. The One who knows exactly how many days I have. Who sees and understands all that I am dealing with now, and that I will be dealing with on my way to, while I'm in and heading back from Haiti. I'm such a jerk human, with stupid human emotions and feelings. It's time to let go and give it all to my Daddy.
In case anyone else is actually reading this besides me and God, I am in need of about $1000 more to get me there. Satan keeps throwing crap in our path and making things pop up that require the money that I thought we could allot for the trip. Shots are costing more, etc. But I know that my God is faithful and will provide. He doesn't call us to something and then just leave us hanging on a limb without any way to get to where He's wanting us to go. So if you're feeling a tugging in your spirit to help a sista out ;) anything would be greatly appreciated.
I think this is all I've got for now. I'm exhausted. The kids and I have been at my parent's house over the weekend because Tyler is sick and it's easier to just move us out and not have to worry about any germs that may be lurking around the house until I know he's better. I didn't get much sleep last night, and haven't had much rest today...and truthfully, am just missing my better half. But I am enjoying getting to spend some time with the rents. So it's not all bad. I just miss my bed. :) It's a GREAT bed. I'll miss that in Haiti too.
Jules
I know I've said this several times, but there is so much on my mind as I grow closer to the day I leave. I'm not afraid. I know that sounds strange, but I'm honestly not afraid of the actual trip. Even though this will be my first intense missions trip and first time on an airplane and first time leaving the country and first time traveling anywhere by myself....none of that worries me.
I'm sad to say it, but the one thing that really rattles me is being away from Tyler. I've always had him there. He's always been my buffer when I've had to deal with new and frightening things. He's the "been there, done that" guy. He knows almost everything. It's so much easier to let him take the lead when we're together. I've just always allowed him to be that rock for me. I know, sad. I feel as though one of the reasons God has called me to Haiti is to put me in a place and position where I have to rely on Him, and ONLY Him. No Tyler, no parents, no friends, no kids to hide behind. Just me, pressing into the Lord and allowing HIM to be my strength.
So here I go. Taking a step into the unknown, knowing that that step will be met by the One who has called me. The One who knows exactly how many days I have. Who sees and understands all that I am dealing with now, and that I will be dealing with on my way to, while I'm in and heading back from Haiti. I'm such a jerk human, with stupid human emotions and feelings. It's time to let go and give it all to my Daddy.
In case anyone else is actually reading this besides me and God, I am in need of about $1000 more to get me there. Satan keeps throwing crap in our path and making things pop up that require the money that I thought we could allot for the trip. Shots are costing more, etc. But I know that my God is faithful and will provide. He doesn't call us to something and then just leave us hanging on a limb without any way to get to where He's wanting us to go. So if you're feeling a tugging in your spirit to help a sista out ;) anything would be greatly appreciated.
I think this is all I've got for now. I'm exhausted. The kids and I have been at my parent's house over the weekend because Tyler is sick and it's easier to just move us out and not have to worry about any germs that may be lurking around the house until I know he's better. I didn't get much sleep last night, and haven't had much rest today...and truthfully, am just missing my better half. But I am enjoying getting to spend some time with the rents. So it's not all bad. I just miss my bed. :) It's a GREAT bed. I'll miss that in Haiti too.
Jules
Thursday, April 15, 2010
...it's been awhile...
Much has happened since the last time I blogged. I know that I should be doing better with this thing, but with 3 kids at home and lots going on at work and church, the blog gets a little ignored. Sorry about that for the 2 people who actually probably read this...
I (officially) got my seat on the flight to Haiti!! Praise the Lord!! I know that He is in this completely, and know that He is going to get me there. Money is tight right now, and I know that there's a lot that will come up in the next 4 weeks that Satan will use to try to dissuade me from going, but I'm trusting in My Father that this is His will and I will stay strong. There is lots to do; paperwork to be filled out and sent off, shots to be gotten (yuck) and money that needs to come in. but My God is big. And He is in control.
I don't have a whole lot more to say, so I'll leave you with two things. The first are the verses that God has given me for this trip. It's hard for me to understand that He has truly chosen me for this trip and to really be His hands and feet to the people of Haiti. But these verses let my heart know that He has chosen me and is going to use me in a mighty way. The second is the lyrics to the song that has become my "Haiti Song". :) Enjoy.
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Listen to me, all you in distant lands!
Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth;
from within the womb he called me by name.
2 He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel,
and you will bring me glory.”
4 I replied, “But my work seems so useless!
I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand;
I will trust God for my reward.”
5 And now the Lord speaks—
the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,
who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The Lord has honored me,
and my God has given me strength.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
7 The Lord, the Redeemer
and Holy One of Israel,
says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations,
to the one who is the servant of rulers:
“Kings will stand at attention when you pass by.
Princes will also bow low
because of the Lord, the faithful one,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Shadowfeet {Brooke Frasier}
Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home, a land that i've never seen
I am changing, less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and i have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day
[CHORUS]
when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way
[CHORUS]
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things
You make all things
[CHORUS 2]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
I (officially) got my seat on the flight to Haiti!! Praise the Lord!! I know that He is in this completely, and know that He is going to get me there. Money is tight right now, and I know that there's a lot that will come up in the next 4 weeks that Satan will use to try to dissuade me from going, but I'm trusting in My Father that this is His will and I will stay strong. There is lots to do; paperwork to be filled out and sent off, shots to be gotten (yuck) and money that needs to come in. but My God is big. And He is in control.
I don't have a whole lot more to say, so I'll leave you with two things. The first are the verses that God has given me for this trip. It's hard for me to understand that He has truly chosen me for this trip and to really be His hands and feet to the people of Haiti. But these verses let my heart know that He has chosen me and is going to use me in a mighty way. The second is the lyrics to the song that has become my "Haiti Song". :) Enjoy.
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Listen to me, all you in distant lands!
Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth;
from within the womb he called me by name.
2 He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel,
and you will bring me glory.”
4 I replied, “But my work seems so useless!
I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand;
I will trust God for my reward.”
5 And now the Lord speaks—
the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,
who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The Lord has honored me,
and my God has given me strength.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
7 The Lord, the Redeemer
and Holy One of Israel,
says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations,
to the one who is the servant of rulers:
“Kings will stand at attention when you pass by.
Princes will also bow low
because of the Lord, the faithful one,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Shadowfeet {Brooke Frasier}
Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home, a land that i've never seen
I am changing, less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and i have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day
[CHORUS]
when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way
[CHORUS]
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things
You make all things
[CHORUS 2]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
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