Saturday, March 25, 2006

surrounded

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15-17)

Over the past weeks, I’ve experienced some of the same emotions as Elisha’s servant must have felt in being surrounded by the enemy. Each time I've begun to feel overwhelmed, the Holy Spirit has faithfully reminded me to lift my eyes heavenward for a fresh glimpse of the Father's wondrous glory. In the light of His glory, all of my fears are dispelled.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. (Psalm 27:3)

Live free! Live in Father's love!

Monday, March 20, 2006

gentle power

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:10,11)

I love these two verses in Isaiah 40 because they so beautifully illustrate how two seemingly incompatible characteristics, gentleness and power, are perfectly united in the Father's loving heart. Over the past months, the Father has gently gathered me in His arms and carried me close to His heart while manifesting His power in the midst of some very painful circumstances. In my weakness, His power has truly been perfected. As David said, "Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness makes me great." (Psalm 18:35)

Live free! Live in Father's love!

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

passion hunger desire

Excerpts from an email I sent to a friend this week -

At the beginning of last week, three words started resonating in my spirit - "Passion, hunger, desire!" As I sought the Lord, I sensed that these words represented His heart longings over His bride. I also sensed that just as we love because He first loved us, we have passion, hunger, and desire for Him because He first has these longings for us. When we see and receive these heart longings from Him, we will in turn have them towards Him.

Live free! Live in Father's love!