We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

by No Longer Wounded Minister on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 4:42pm ·

 

In 2 Timothy 1:4 (Amplified Bible) the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy stating he longs to see him.
4And when, as I recall your tears, I yearn to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
When we read verse 3 he says 3I thank God Whom I worship with a pure conscience, [a]in the spirit of my fathers, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers.

We can see Timothy was very dear to Paul. Paul prayed for Timothy night and day. He thanked God for him! In these two verses Paul sets the standard for Christian friendship. He shows us how to be a good friend in just two verses.

Writing encouraging letters was not good enough for the Apostle Paul. He longed to wipe tears from his dear friend Timothy. He wanted to have face to face genuine fellowship. That brought him joy. He wanted to be there, really be there, in person for his dear friend!

Please my fellow ministers! Do not get so consumed that we disregard those in front of our very eyes who need a touch, prayer, or hug! Technology is wonderful! It allows us to reach the masses in minimal time! However, there is no substitute to face to face fellowship, prayer, or communication. Don’t' avoid your friend or neighbor that is right beside you because you are so consumed with writing your an inspiring blog. in hopes of "saving the world". Make time for both. It's the human touch that will make all the difference.

Today, I send out a prayer request to some dear friends and prayer warriors. For several months I have been going through a fiery trail. Today, I declared that enough is enough! I cried out to the Lord! I prayed the situation would end and the lady coming against me (the enemy) would be blessed and her heart turned to God. All for His glory! A dear friend of mine, a wonderful minister, send a quick text back saying "I am praying". This is someone very dear to me, my best friend. Yet, am I her best friend? Our communication through this trail has been hit and miss (mainly miss). This is my iron which is supposed to sharpen me. I cry out to my Sister Friend "Help Sister I am drowning, I need you!” Do you hear me above the clicking of your keys blogging to sweet strangers? Will you get to me before I sink? Heeelllloooooo.....

I am not trying to condemn my sweet friend! By no means. This miscommunication today showed us both that the Apostle Paul had it right! Long to be with your dear friend. Call me and pray for me. Better yet, drive over and hold my hand and wipe my tears as we pray. Then give me a big hug!

Remember: We are the hands and feet of Jesus not just typing fingers! :)

Love and Healing!

Abra Abra Cadabra

During my workout class at the gym, I was stunned by nostalgia. The song Abra Abra Cadabra played. I immediately thought back to my childhood dancing in the hallway to that song. I loved it. No idea why at the time. In my childhood innocen...

ce I never thought much of the meaning of the song. I just thought it sounded cool and loved the chorus:

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

I could sing that for hours on end.

First, let me say I have no idea of the message The Steve Miller Band wanted to convey with this catchy hit. (Obviously sexual temptation may be a good guess). But today as I heard this popular 80s song God showed me that sin works just like the lyrics of the song. It can indeed reach out and grab ya as you’re all mesmerized by its appeal, the way it looks, feels, or sounds. And it will take you down in flames...... as the song states:

Every time you call my name
I heat up like a burnin' flame
Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

Yet there is HOPE! In 1 Corinthians 10:13 God promised a way out of temptation. And no matter if you messed up once or a million times, God mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23) He is always willing to forgive. So anyday can be your new start! Praise God for His incomprehensible Greatness!!!!
Thank you Jesus for giving me this revelation to share with others.



1 Corinthians 10:13AMP
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Watch Out For "Falling Blessings"

January 5, 2011

I am an avid Rockets fan and have been to several games. I always enjoy the games no matter where I sit. But of course I always wondered what it would be like to sit court side; right in the midst of the action. I joked with my friends that if I was ever blessed enough to sit court side the odds would have it that a player would crash into me.  But, I went ahead and declared one day God would bless me with court side seats. God’s blessings sometimes come as a shocking surprise. Today, out of the blue, I got a call and was invited to the game with court side seats. I sat there as an honored guest and received special treatment, uninhibited view, catered food from a private suite, the works. It was very nice. I had one of the best seats in the house. That’s what God wants for each and every one of us...His best. He doesn't want us to settle for less in any area of our lives whether it is a mate, home, job, children, finances, etc.  Once we receive and accept God’s love and acknowledge we are worthy of His best we will not want to settle for less! Just as I stated as I sat court side  the very front row...the best view...It will be hard to watch the game from the higher sections. I had a taste of the best. I accepted it and embraced it.  I knew I was worthy because I know who I am in Christ.  I am a child of the Most High God!  And, yes indeed, Kyle Lowry even crashed into me in the 4th quarter.  Don’t get me wrong, God’s best isn't necessarily material items. The bottom line is God wants us to have His very best because He loves us.  When you accept and embrace His best and have the view and experience of His best you will not settle for less.  Just like watching the game in the very front without anything blocking my view when we live by God’s favor and have His anointing upon us our view and judgment is clear—nothing is in the way to inhibit our view or cloud our judgment. The game seats show the contrast so well. God’s best could be the right mate, job, friends, a bargain of the shoes you wanted ... or even amazing seats at the Rockets game.  So let’s all bind our minds to the will of God and accept His best in every area of our lives!  We are Royal Heirs in Christ!  Be Abundantly Blessed!

John 1:12 (NIV) Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)

2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Deuteronomy 28:2 (Amplified Bible)

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)

20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

Happy Birthday Madison!

Happy Birthday Madison!

by Delena Richeson on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 10:53pm ·

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Ashton and I had a lovely time celebrating Madison's birthday! :) Not even death can take away memories which we have to cherish for a lifetime! Madison may have only been on this earth 3 years and 10 months but she gave me a lifetime of precious memories! Thirteen years ago today she changed my world in wonderful way when I become a Mommy! I will not understand why God took her to be with Him at such a young age until I see Him face to face but, I accept His will. Losing my firstborn makes me very emphatic and truly grateful to God for giving us His only Son to die for our sins so we may have eternal and abundant life. Losing a child is not easy, it's the biggest heartbreak I think anyone can experience. Watching someone you brought into this world leave this world is unnatural. I will not for even a second take for granted what my Savior did for me! Thank you family and friends for your support and prayers. Sorry I was not in the mood to talk on the phone. I was deep in the Spirit. God bless you all!

A Letter to my mother

A Letter to my mother

by Delena Richeson on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8:10am ·

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On this day 37 years ago, you gave birth to me.  Although I haven’t officially met you, that I recall, I want to thank you.  You chose to give me life. You carried me in your womb for nearly a year.  I wonder if you rubbed your belly and talked to me.  What did you want to name me?  Did you read the Bible to me? Do you believe in God because I surely do!  Are you a Christian?  If not, we need to work on that! Did you sing to me?  I wonder if I look like you.  Do I have your eyes, ears, feet, or hands?  Whose smile do I have?  I get a lot of compliments on it!   Am I part Native American?  I get asked that a lot.  It would be cool to know my heritage.  What’s my father like?  Do I have siblings?  There is so much I want to know.  What was it like to give birth to me then give me away? Did you hold me? I bet it tore your heart out.  I know in my heart you did it to give me a better life.  For years I wondered about you.  It’s so strange to miss you but not know you.  But we were connected; I lived inside your body before I was born.  You are my mother.  When I was a little girl, I fantasied about who you were.  I often daydreamed I was the love child of Madonna or perhaps my Aunt’s love child because she graduated high school the year I was born.  She had dated my track coach during high school.  When I ran track he showed me a lot of favoritism and I instantly thought I was his love child.  But I look nothing like him and I guess I had pure talent so he praised me for being a gifted athlete and for my relentless determination.  I was the only first-year runner to score enough points to earn my school letter.  Did you or my father run track?  It was odd growing up and not resembling my family.  We have similar skin tone, but I didn’t have the characteristics they did.  I could see how my Mom looked like my Granny and perhaps my Granddaddy, but he died when I was 5 so I don’t remember much about him.  My Daddy had my Pappaw’s big ears and my Mammaw’s eyes.  Whose eyes and ears do I have?

I’ve wanted to meet you but I didn’t want to break my Momma’s heart.  She said I could look for you but I could tell she would have been hurt.  She raised me, loved me, tried to protect me, showed me how to be compassionate, fed me well, and taught me how to shop!  My Daddy taught me how to detail and show cars and instilled in me  a love and knowledge of vehicles that is very unique for a female to have.  I wonder if we have similar interests.

Both my Momma and Daddy have passed on from this Earth and are with Jesus in Heaven.  You left me in good hands.  They gave me a worthy start and got me on track to becoming the amazing woman of God I am today.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor.  I’ve earned a Master’s degree and am seeking to pursue a PhD.  I love to learn.  I served 5 years in the US Air Force as a Personnel Officer and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain (O-3).  I currently work on a contractual basis for counseling and teaching when the right opportunities are presented.  I volunteer a lot at my church, Lakewood Church, as a Stephen Minister and Operations Assistant and I also do some freelance writing.  I mostly work from home because the position I am most proud of is Mommy.  My daughter will turn 13 this April.  I am so blessed God chose me to be her mother!  She is an incredibly wise and wonderful young lady!  She looks and acts so much like me.  I wonder if I look like you or have your mannerisms.  We have 2 teacup Chihuahuas, a 20 month old boy and a 14 month old girl as well as a teddy bear hamster and a Beta fish.  My daughter and I love animals.  Do you?

Thank you for giving me life 37 years ago today!  It is by far my best birthday gift ever!  Hopefully one day we can meet and discover the answers to my questions and build a relationship with you.

Love,

Delena

Forgiveness is Power!

Luke 6:27-28 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you".

Wow!  This is powerful stuff!  As a abuse SURVIVOR (not victim) this hits home!  I wasted so much precious time being angry and bitter because of the abuse and wrongdoing I overcame.  But God showed me how to forgive and pray for those who harmed me.  I stopped wanting revenge and let God vindicate me!  I now have peace and love in my life!  When we forgive, we don't admit what was done to us was right, we release ourselves from bitterness and anger and give the situation to God!  Praying for peace and love for you all!

Love and Healing!

Words of Wisdom from Grandma Alice Jane

This morning I watched a sermon on DVD from the 2007 Women's conference which Mike's grandmother, Alice Jane Schaffer Blthye, preached. I had the honor of meeting Alice Jane this summer on her 98th birthday. We are pictured here as she pulled me into her lap and gave me a bear hug. The world needs more Alice Janes! I pray that God uses me like he did Alice Jane and I can carry on her legacy once her time on earth is up. As Mike and I start enmeshing our families and begin our journey toward marriage it makes my heart smile to know I will become a part of such an anointed family. God
is so good!

One statement Alice Jane made during her sermon touched me. She said Jesus died for us and He needs us to live for him. God stopped me right there and showed me that means to carry out His works...to finish what Jesus started.

I will leave you with a few of Alice Jane's closing thoughts to ponder:
~Everything God gives us, He plans for us to give away.
~God has given us everything we have, now what are we going to give Him?
~There is so much fussing and fighting in churches today, it's a sin...God says love your brothers and sisters. Love, forgive, give to one another...
~God is waiting on the church to rise up and  be the arm that delivers this world. He is depending and counting on us.

Which way should I go???

I have a few major decisions to make in my life; serious, life altering decisions. These decisions affect several people I love so I do not take them lightly. During my morning quite time I prayed about these upcoming decisions and decided to reread Proverbs 3:5-6. But then went ahead and read the entire chapter for more clarification.  Verse 7 appealed to me.

Proverbs 3:5-7 in the Amplified Bible reads:
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own understanding.  In all of your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn entirely away from evil.

I read the commentary written by Joyce Meyer in my Bible. She stated she believes what God meant when He said in verse 7 "Be not wise in your own eyes" was "Do not even think that you can run your life and do a good job without My help and direction!"

Then I got some revelation. God's guidance isn't just a suggestion, it is and should be my road map, the standard, the only way. I have all too often did things my way and ended up with 2nd or 3rd best. Sometimes heartache and pain. But not anymore. I'm giving up. I'm not a navigator. God is!

Then I said this prayer which tremendously helped me and I hope it helps you as well:
Thank You Lord! Thank You that You run my life! That You are in control! I give You absolute authority over me, my future, and all decisions concerning me! Show me the path You've chosen for me. Make it crystal clear so I can not mess up Your plans for my life. I am at peace knowing You are in charge. I can not live an abundant life without You! Thank You for your guidance and provision.  May I glorify You all my days! I LOVE YOU!!! <3
Amen!

Marriage and Mismatched Socks

As I was going about my chores and doing my laundry, God spoke to me.  I have a specific location in my laundry center on the shelf above the dryer for the "single" socks; for those whose mate has yet to be found in all the madness of the laundry cycle.  As I was folding and putting away clothes I saw one sock I recognized.  I knew her mate was waiting in the "singles" area.  Socks are peculiar little creations just like us.  We can force a sock to go with one that is not its ideal mate; it is "almost perfect" but it is not the right mate - the one it was designed for, made for. 
In many ways, God made us just like the socks.  He designed a spouse for each of us.  But it will come at His appointed time.  We can go through life and "force" our match like with socks.  But it's not going to "feel" right or be designed the way God intended.  Bottom line, it's not God's best.  So just as I take special care of my "singles" on the sock shelf until their ideal mate comes along; God will take care of us until our special mate comes along! 

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.Genesis 2:18 AMP Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing,  not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order,  and his Spirit will gather them together.Isaiah 34:16 NIV