A Promise to Come!
Journey Girls,
You cannot imagine how you have encouraged my heart and blessed my soul! We are just 24 hours into our journey together and I have already been so very blessed! Yesterday was AMAZING!! The outpouring of your love, support and encouragement brought me to tears serveral times throughout the day. I realized that I needed this journey more than anyone and I am so humbled that our sweet Jesus is allowing me to experiance it with you. You are truly a blessing to me and I want to thank each one of you. I love you all so very much!! Thank you for sharing in this journey with me from the bottom of my heart!
Remember "pinky promises" as little girls? Have you ever made a promise that you didn't keep? I am sure that I have failed miserably in this area many times. I know when my son Andrew was little, he never forgot a single promise that I made him and would always make sure that I followed through. I can hear his little voice ringing in my head, "but Mommy, you promised!" How could I pass up that adorable little boy? He always required me to follow through.
I was reminded yesterday how difficult it can sometimes be to keep a promise or a covenant so to speak. I wanted a diet coke so bad I could taste it! :) I imagined pulling through McDonald's drive thru and ordering a large diet coke with extra ice (my usual) and taking that first sip. I could almost feel the burning sensation as it went down. Aaaah! How refreshing! After all, it was my birthday! But then, I was quickly brought back to reality, remembering my promise. My promise to the Lord and my promise to my Journey Girls. "No diet coke and no sweets for 40 days!" I would like to say that I immediately went to the Lord in prayer, but my first thoughts went to BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!! (haha) I realized that I would not be partaking in that either. Then, I began to pray. . .
Praise God, He always keeps His promises! God is so faithful and so good. I love the passage in 2 Peter 1:3-4 which reads, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Praise God! He has given us everything we need for this journey! It is through His power and His Holy Spirit working in us that allows us to do what He has called us to do.
Sunday my husband preached on "The Promise of God." I learned a new word, a Hebrew word "Yom Habikkurim" which means "A Promise to Come." This came from the Old Testament concept of the firstfruits.(Leviticus 23:9-14; Exodus 23:19) The Israelites, on the day of Firstfruits (Yom Habikkurim) would bring the very firstfruits of their harvest before God to acknowlege the land He had given them and to celebrate. The Bible records many miracles that would happen on this special day. Jesus became our firstfruits! (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) He was the sacrificial Lamb. He died for our sins so that we might have life. He became our promise to come! We serve a risen Savior who gave His all for us! Thank you Lord!
He has many promises for us in His Word. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." Let's cling to His promises this new year! He wants to give you new hope, new life, new joy & a new passion for serving Him through serving others. No matter where you are on your journey with Him, rest in Him today. Know that we serve a a loving God who gave His life for you. His steadfast love never ceases. He loves you so very much and He has the very best ahead! Enjoy your time with Him today and know that I love you and I have prayed over each one of you.
Clinging to His promises,
Elisabeth
You cannot imagine how you have encouraged my heart and blessed my soul! We are just 24 hours into our journey together and I have already been so very blessed! Yesterday was AMAZING!! The outpouring of your love, support and encouragement brought me to tears serveral times throughout the day. I realized that I needed this journey more than anyone and I am so humbled that our sweet Jesus is allowing me to experiance it with you. You are truly a blessing to me and I want to thank each one of you. I love you all so very much!! Thank you for sharing in this journey with me from the bottom of my heart!
Remember "pinky promises" as little girls? Have you ever made a promise that you didn't keep? I am sure that I have failed miserably in this area many times. I know when my son Andrew was little, he never forgot a single promise that I made him and would always make sure that I followed through. I can hear his little voice ringing in my head, "but Mommy, you promised!" How could I pass up that adorable little boy? He always required me to follow through.
I was reminded yesterday how difficult it can sometimes be to keep a promise or a covenant so to speak. I wanted a diet coke so bad I could taste it! :) I imagined pulling through McDonald's drive thru and ordering a large diet coke with extra ice (my usual) and taking that first sip. I could almost feel the burning sensation as it went down. Aaaah! How refreshing! After all, it was my birthday! But then, I was quickly brought back to reality, remembering my promise. My promise to the Lord and my promise to my Journey Girls. "No diet coke and no sweets for 40 days!" I would like to say that I immediately went to the Lord in prayer, but my first thoughts went to BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!! (haha) I realized that I would not be partaking in that either. Then, I began to pray. . .
Praise God, He always keeps His promises! God is so faithful and so good. I love the passage in 2 Peter 1:3-4 which reads, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Praise God! He has given us everything we need for this journey! It is through His power and His Holy Spirit working in us that allows us to do what He has called us to do.
Sunday my husband preached on "The Promise of God." I learned a new word, a Hebrew word "Yom Habikkurim" which means "A Promise to Come." This came from the Old Testament concept of the firstfruits.(Leviticus 23:9-14; Exodus 23:19) The Israelites, on the day of Firstfruits (Yom Habikkurim) would bring the very firstfruits of their harvest before God to acknowlege the land He had given them and to celebrate. The Bible records many miracles that would happen on this special day. Jesus became our firstfruits! (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) He was the sacrificial Lamb. He died for our sins so that we might have life. He became our promise to come! We serve a risen Savior who gave His all for us! Thank you Lord!
He has many promises for us in His Word. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." Let's cling to His promises this new year! He wants to give you new hope, new life, new joy & a new passion for serving Him through serving others. No matter where you are on your journey with Him, rest in Him today. Know that we serve a a loving God who gave His life for you. His steadfast love never ceases. He loves you so very much and He has the very best ahead! Enjoy your time with Him today and know that I love you and I have prayed over each one of you.
Clinging to His promises,
Elisabeth
18 Response to A Promise to Come!
I am clinging too!!!
OK, I am going to be the first to admit that I have already failed at my fast...I was determined to fast from all carbonated beverages, especially Diet Coke, for these 40 days. Yesterday I made it but spent sooooo much time thinking about what I was missing that it almost consumed my whole "snow day" off. Yes, each time I did pray and asked God to give me strength and focus for this journey and He was faithful each time but it made me so aware of how controlled I am by things of this world.
Then today came and when I went to lunch, I went through Subway and ordered a 6 inch Club "Combo" as I always do... and it never even occurred to me what I was doing??? Even as I sat through my lunch meeting and ate the meal I had purchased, and yes, drank the large Diet Coke, it never even occurred to me that I was breaking my promise. It wasn't until I was in my car driving back to my office that it hit me like a ton of bricks!!! I failed, I broke my fast within the first 48 hours... it almost made me cry. I honestly felt so "out of control", but as I began to pray and confess and beg God to work with me on this... I realized that I haven't lost control enough!! I still haven't surrendered it all to the One who IS in control. I'm still trying to do it myself. I also realized how easy it is to fall back into habits without even knowing it...Satan is so smooth in that trap.
This evening I am begging Our Lord to help me give Him control of my life and this journey. Without Him, I will surely fail. Praise God that He is merciful to give us all another chance...as many times as it takes. I've started my fast again. Pray for me!!
Sisi, thank you so much for your inspiring words everyday---what a much needed blessing! =) So...first, I am giving up sweet tea!!! I am allowing myself only one teeny tiny cup in the morning(since it's my only caffeine fix). For those of you who know me well, know that this is huge! I usually have to have my daily run to McDonalds or Sonic for my route 44 sweet tea...at least once a day!! Yikes! But, NOTHING is impossible with God, right?! =)Also, Matthew and I are preparing for our first half-marathon in April and we have a pretty rough training schedule in the few months ahead. I am asking HIM to help me keep my committment and spend more time talking with God on my runs, instead of listening to my ipod!
I am SO excited to see how God leads as we journey together! Praying for you all! =)
Thank you so much Elisabeth for these encouraging words daily! I've already been looking forward to the fact that I have this for these next few weeks... I had the privilege of getting to do my first (can you believe it took this long?!?) Beth Moore study w/ Rhonda earlier in the Year... it was Esther and really prepared me for a rough year ahead...I am so thankful for this time of preparation with all you girls ... however I'm praying for a MUCH less eventful year as far as the pain goes... :o) I'm hoping for eventful in the other direction... but you know, really each of the things that happened has had a blessing attached...it is beyond my comprehension how joyful I feel that my dear baby, Amy, my grandma and Mike's grandma are all w/ our Daddy in Heaven... They are all already celebrating, so why should we be sad?
I did something different for my "fast"... I've added something...(And Hannah, I considered giving up my McDonald's Tea too... I could take it intervenously (sp?)... but I am cutting back... and now praying for you.. hee hee :o) but I've added learning to run for my fast...I've never been able to run more that 30 seconds or so at a time... and to be honest hadn't had any desire to learn, but it is what has been laid on my heart... I am fasting from my lazy mindset... and it is SO DIFFICULT already! As a matter of fact, I'd better get off of here and get some sleep b/c I'm meeting my cousin at 5:30am on a beautiful snow day off from school for day three of my training schedule... I'm shaking my head in disbelief that this is me as I typed that...but, God is doing a New Thing!!!! :o) Have a great day girls!
Rhonda thanks for posting our blog, that just shows us how much the enemy does not want this journey to succeed. But just hang in there, I will be praying for you. My fast has been coffee, and oh what a challenge. It is part of my morning routine and it has been rough. But when I think of wanting a cup, I think of how I am pleasing God by NOT drinking a cup. Please keep me in your prayers as well.
We can ALL do this journey with each others prayer's!!
GOD BLESS
FAITH- substance of things hoped for, the eveidence of things not seen....
I too have come to realize my FAITH in him is not where it should be. Surrending it ALL is so hard. Daily routine takes over, trying to do it all on my own has not worked. I need to have more FAITH and trust in my heavenly father to do exceedingly more than I can imagine. There was a time in my life when the material things is what made me happy, but when those things are no longer available it helps you to focus on the things that are truelly important. GOD, FAMILY and FRIENDS. Those are the people who love you no matter your faults. Nice cars, big houses, the best of educations mean nothing if you don't surrender to the one who allows you to have it. It is about focusing on the important things in your life, the now. And how you are praising him even for the little things in your life.
Psalm 9:1 says "I will praise you O Lord with my WHOLE heart, I will tell of your marvelous works, I will be glad and rejoice in you, I will sing praise to your name."
That is my testimony. God is good, he has done marvelous things in my life, and when I struggle I need to learn to cling to his word, for only he can pull me out of the pit I am in and wipe me clean. Praying GOD to do marvelous things for you all. Love ya.
Sweet Rhonda, NO WORRIES! I am so glad that we were able to talk yesterday!! I love you and I am praying for you. Praise God that today is a new day & we have a new opportunity to serve Jesus! Remember that the goal is not separation from things, but intimacy with God. You are doing GREAT and I am so proud of you. I know how hard it is to fast Diet Coke! :) Press on sister! Stay encouraged. Forget the past and strain ahead. I am right by your side. We are on this journey together!! Love you! :)
Hannah,
WOW! Sweet Tea! :) I am anxious to see you and you can help me begin to run as well. I love you and I am so blessed that you are on this journey with me. I praise Jesus for my little sister!! Praying for you too!
Sisi
Jennifer,
Thank you so much!! I am so happy to be sharing this journey with you! I know that 2009 was a difficult year for you and your sweet family. Please know that I have been and will continue to keep you in my prayers. God has an amazing year ahead for your family and I can't wait to see all that He has in store!
I LOVE Beth Moore! I am trying to figure out how to link her site on my page, so that others can go deep in God's Word with her. I just a little technology challenged. :)
One of my goals this year is to start running also!! That's awesome. My sister is going to help me get started. I will need lots of prayer! Maybe we can do a Disney Marathon together when we learn to run!! :)
I love you and I am praying for you! Stay encouraged!! Press on! :)
mzpeyton,
Thank you so much for joining this journey with me! I am praying for you! Have a blessed day!!
Vivian,
I love & appreciate you so much!! I love your emphasis on the simple, small things! I don't want to miss a single one of them. I am praying for you!!
Christy,
I'm still clinging!:)Praying for you! Love you!
Elizabeth,
I am finally on. I put the post on facebook also.Thanks for starting this group. At church last night in bible study your father said that he want's his children to follow the Lord wherever that may take them. He said we have all eternity in Heaven together. What a sacrifice to make as a father.You / Your family is a true example of what Christian means. I have not decided yet what I will fast since I just now got on here . I think it will be sweets since that is one earthly thing that I adore and have everyday. I am following you girl-- U GO Girl !
PS-- I know this blog is about being a servant and I will keep it like that but since this is my main communication with you I just had to tell you, you remind me of Beth Moore and resemble her also.
Thanks Elisabeth, I am so glad we got to talk last night too! Thank you so much for praying with me. I love you and miss you and wish I could give you a hug. I praise God for bringing you and your family into my life!!!
PS. I'm making it today! I almost ordered a combo meal at the Chic-Fil-A drive through today but I caught myself and only ordered the sandwich. One meal at a time!! LOL
Elisabeth! I litterally cried when you said maybe we could do a Disney marathon together! That would be SO amazing! (And of course would give me lots more motivation while learning! hee hee!) Isn't it amazing that God knows and cares about even the tiniest desires of our hearts!? (Mike and Tori are all for it too! Hee hee!) Love you!
Thank you Deb!! WOW! You are so kind. I am so happy that you have joined me on this journey! Praying for you!!
Rhonda ~ YAY!! I'm so proud of you!!
Jen ~ I got your inbox today!! That would be so awesome! Love you!!
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