Creation Speaks

Observe the mountains and the trees; see the changing colors.  Notice that each tree remains the same, even though its outer appearance has been transformed.   “For I hold the foundation of the trees’ roots firmly in the ground, so that the changing of the seasons cannot uproot the tree, but rather…adds character and age to its’ trunks.”

Vibrant yellows, golds, rust, purple have replaced the soothing and peaceful shade of green for a time, for a new season is upon us.  And yet the tree accepts its course of change, by yielding and surrendering, henceforth showing its brilliant colors.

The Spirit of the Lord showed me that we too are in a season of change; some being called to leadership, some are called to action, laying down their lives for others, while some are led to a path of simplicity: learning to obey and follow the leading of the Spirit.  Some are in a season of weeping, some in a season of peace and joy.  Remember how the tree’s roots are firmly planted in the ground so that the changing of seasons cannot uproot its foundation?   We too, need to be firmly planted in Christ, so that the changing of seasons in our lives cannot uproot our foundation in Christ.

As the trunk takes on the lines of character and age, we too, take on a stronger character and receive the wisdom that comes forth after weathering the storms of life.  God would have us to wear the vibrant colors which are pleasing to Him than to wither away, dry up and turn brown because we were not prepared for them.

Originally written 9-2-89

The Rock

 

Carrie

Today, 10:43 AM

 

 

 

Exodus 33:21-23

“Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.  Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

 

Today as I read this passage, three points were highlighted to me that I want to share with you.  It’s been months since I’ve blogged , I hope that you’ll respond with your own insights.  I have missed my blogging circle of friends.

 

1)    Stand on the rock….  What truth are you planted on?  A) Your circumstance  B) What others say about your circumstance C)  God’s Word, what He (I AM) says about your circumstance.

2)    Put you in a cleft of the rock…He will hide you with His Hand of Grace as you call to seek Him in prayer.  His Hand covers you with His Peace and He will:

A) Protect you (from harm).  B) Provide for you (During your crisis or trial, or struggle),  C)  Reveal Himself (to you)  D)  Display His Splendor(through you), and yes….  E) Glorify His Name (because of Who He is, in you.)

3)    Then I will take away my hand…After a while, when the waiting is over, He allows you to see His glory in these things.  You can behold His glory because you have gazed intently on Him.  Sometimes, His Glory is displayed through the outcome, while at other times; His Glory is displayed in spite of the outcome of your circumstance.  He is ever the same, always, and your circumstance or outcome of them does not define Him, but offers a glimpse of Him. 

 

“MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”  EX. 33:14

The Aroma of Christ Part 3

The Aroma of Christ Series

Part 3

January 17, 2009

Today started a wee bit early for me, like 3:30 a.m.! In the quietness of the dark morning hour, I sat on our comfy brown sofa and pondered the journey of our younger son. Sometimes, we need the dark in order to see the light.

A quote I came across today: “You need both blessings and difficulties, because one without the other is neither.”

Looking back, it’s clear to see that every mountain of medical issues our son has been forced to climb; the ascent has only strengthened his legs and enlarged his faith, with time.

His journey has had a similar effect on my faith, as well. Perhaps his courageous response to each situation has caused me to grow in the deepest place of my heart. I have learned by his example, that we have a choice as to how we respond. He has shown me how to live out the Scripture, “that we can know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him…” Phil. 3:10 It’s not done by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit. Kevin’s walk in the unity of the bond of the Spirit empowers him to flow in the fullness of God’s grace.

I gain insights from imagery – learning simple truths by observing nature. Today while out walking, the trees seemed to preach a sermon to me. I was reminded that Believers in the bible are sometimes represented as trees, just as Jesus is referred to as our Oak of Righteousness. As I gazed at the tree, I couldn’t help but notice the enormous roots above the ground’s surface, which made me wonder just how deeply the root system reached below. That is when I began to feel a stirring in my heart, the message that the tree was trying to communicate to me: I am to send forth my tap root, deep down past the water table, to draw from the true source of Living Waters.

My son has learned to scale the mountains well. The joy of the Lord is his strength, his peace is like a river, Jehovah Nissi is the Lord his Banner. He has learned to hide in the shadow of El Shaddai’s wings and to build his foundation upon the Rock. The sweetest fragrance of all has come from his fellowship of sharing in his suffering. The aroma of Christ permeates the walls of his heart and the atmosphere of our lives. That’s why I call him: “Kevin from heaven.”

Fullness of Joy Acts 2:28

 

I received the most exquisite Christmas surprise ever!  My son Jason and his girlfriend Nathalie walked through the door of my father’s home on Christmas night- all the way from Italy!  For two weeks, we enjoyed laughing, telling stories, visiting with family and touring all over Los Angeles.  This morning, they arrived home safely, exhausted but filled with good memories.  Today, I want to share the hug, which I’ll treasure forever.

I had been preparing, or was it bracing(?) myself, for our final good byes with Jason and Nathalie. I kept sensing that the joy of the Lord would be my strength – if I would choose to focus on Him and his ways.

Today as I was held in Jason’s arms, the love of the Lord in our midst was so strong and sweet, that I simply could do nothing more than draw from the deep well of love between us as mother and son. I drank in the sweetness of the tender moment of our embrace, knowing it would have to keep me filled for a while. I am praising the Lord with a song in my heart for the blessing of these past two weeks with my son and Nathalie.

Of course the tears came, but not until after we pulled away, I was grateful for that. But the amazing thing is, I am not wallowing in sadness. I continue to be filled with joy. When I read this verse – preprinted on the bottom page of my journal, I knew it was God’s Word for me today: 1-09-09:

 

“You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” Acts 2:28

 

When I choose to gaze upon His face, His ways, and His heart….I can feel His Presence in the midst of all things. Focusing on Him instead of sadness, praising Him for the blessing instead of regretting the time apart, has brought so much joy to my heart today that I just wanted to shout a PRAISE TO HIM together with my friends!

Aroma of Christ Series, Attribute #3

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve received an enormous blessing, a Christmas surprise.   My son and his girlfriend walked in the door Christmas Night, all the way from italy!  I may not have an opportunity to post for the next Aroma of Christ Series for another week or so.  My time is full and my heart is blessed!  See you soon….thanks for checking in.

The Law of Love with Grace

 

Recently, I enjoyed a rich discussion with a spiritual son of mine about matters that I care deeply about.   His two questions challenged me and required some thought.  It is my hope that as a result of sharing this with you, you will be challenged as well. 

 

Although The Bible hasn’t changed, time and the media have caused change in our culture, and our mindsets.  Yet even the passage of time and the influences of the world cannot change the fact that we are still prone to sin, and wonder if we are  being punished?

 

1).  Does God still judge us and the world?  Does God use storms, earthquakes and natural disasters to judge the world under the new covenant?  

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law.  But the order of God, the nature of God, the hand of God; remains the same today as in the days of the Bible.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Being under the Covenant of Grace now, we are free from having to follow the Law of Ceremony and all that went along with it.  Jesus shed His blood for all of us and delivered us from what  was once required from man.  No more animal sacrifice, abstaining from certain foods, etc.  

God will judge on the Great Day of Judgment, and as to whether He works out His will through earthquake, fire, weather- it is my personal opinion that yes… some of these events are all part of the timeline and evidence of God’s will unfolding.  At the same time, I also believe that some of it has to do with the law of nature and the effects of man’s mishandling of the planet.  I believe they work together in His way, in His will, in His time.   God’s order is always intact and in place, even when the Enemy throws a lot at us and causes us to believe we are out of God’s order, and under chaos. 

 

2).  Does God discipline us as His children?  Specifically, does God use things that are painful to teach us? 

God is always teaching us.  The Lord, in His Divine Nature has the ability to know what we need in order to teach us how to become more like Him.  We all have different learning styles. Some learn from painful events, some learn from joyful events.  Because God created us, He is the only ONE who knows our DNA so intimately, that He orchestrates just the right sequencing of things, events, circumstances, in order to teach us about Himself.  

What is He trying to teach us most of all?  About Himself, and His love!   His measureless, endless, abundant love.  He wants to teach us to love with grace and wisdom.  He is LOVE, therefore He wants us to flow from, with, and IN love.   It is His way.  The gifts flow most powerfully and effectively with love.  

True Judgment belongs to God alone, as you already know.  But what I think we all need to be careful of, is that we often judge ourselves, without realizing we are doing so.  Some of us are more comfortable with the idea of being punished, reprimanded regularly, than we are with the idea that God’s love and grace are what He’ll often use in order to teach us, as well.  

Focusing on our depraved condition can be a tool in the hands of the Enemy which often robs us of the pure joy set before us. Reaching for and extending grace to ourselves and others is all part of flowing in the nature of God.  God doesn’t want us to feel judged and condemned, otherwise He wouldn’t say: “Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed” or, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  I believe He wants us to be so connected and intertwined in His love, that our focus becomes one of gratitude; an attitude of awe at the wonder of His great love for us.   Humility flows through the grace, love and power of Christ being revealed in us.  If we mistake humility with constant abasement of ourselves, we’re on the false path of self-righteousness.  

Why am I harping so much on this one little area?   Because as a Minister, I often encounter Believers who need to have this explosion of truth, an encounter with God’s love and grace.  This revelation doesn’t let us off the hook in striving to become more like Him; toward the goal of excellence and maturing as Christians.  But what it does do, this focus on God’s love for us… is it allows the very nature and breath of God to breathe life into us, to inspire us to do greater things, and to genuinely love the Body of Christ, as He intends.   Oh is this ever my passion, to share the love and grace of God.  The Holy Spirit will always convict us where sin is involved, and lead us to truth, where lies are preventing us from becoming more like Christ.

By submitting to the leadership and the authority of the Holy Spirit, I am daily challenged to grow, to make decisions and choices that will tame my flesh and nurture the Spirit of Christ within me.  Do I succeed in this daily?   What, are you kidding me?   Of course not.   Not only do I have flesh to war with, I’ve got this will of mine, in addition to my Italian heritage which constantly tries to override the process of transformation, hello?   But overall, the truth be told, I do enjoy a daily dose of living in God’s grace, and bathing in His love.  I appreciate the opportunities He brings, to share His love and grace with others in whatever form it needs to happen in that moment of time.  Sometimes He just wants me to listen; that can be the most powerful demonstration of God’s grace at work in me. 

 

 

 

Fragrant Garden

Fragrant Garden of Sweet Remembrance

In Memory of Mom… By Carrie George

Sometimes, the call for change is a beautiful one of transplantation, from earth to heaven. The Master Gardner loves the blooms of special ones so dearly, that He tenderly calls her to live in his garden of beauty forever. He will be fragranced by her beautiful perfume, and admire the delicacy of her presence forever, every day. When such a beautiful flower is removed from our bouquet, we see it as a fragrant lost. But the Master Gardner has chosen this exquisite blossom to remain with Him. He has replanted her in soil that is rich beyond imagination. Her fragrance and beauty will permeate the heavens. And every so often, He’ll send you a gift; by releasing the aroma of her sweet remembrance.

Part Two: The Aroma of Christ Series

Part Two

The Aroma of Christ Series

December 15, 2008

Carrie George

 

 

In Part One of this series, we looked at one of the several attributes of Christ –obedience.  Romans 5:19 ”Even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”   Jesus Christ’s life on earth was a walk of obedience, showing the way for us to walk after Him.

 

In building my series, through personal observation and study, I have drawn the conclusion that the aroma of Christ is intertwined with the Divine Nature and Character of Christ.  Perhaps, as we (not so divine nature) identify those qualities or attributes, we can begin to incorporate them into our daily living, so we might carry His sweet, fragrant aroma instead of our own.

 

The second attribute of Christ I want to highlight in Christ’s character, requires trust.   Although a subtle one, Jesus Himself powerfully demonstrated this attribute in the Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:39 (NAS) “He fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.’”  Have you already guessed the (fragrant) attribute of Christ I’m drawn to talk about here?

 

But first, allow me to share a modern day story that recently took place in a doctor’s office with my Daddy.  My father is the embodiment of what I believe a saint ought to be: His servants’ heart, his self-less ways, his faith filled life, have paved our way!

 

 My dad, at 89, runs circles around me.  His tireless energy and passion to serve others, keeps him going strong with the full measure of love and faith God has provided him.  That energy took a sharp and sudden turn on October 29^th when he complained for the first time, that he had been experiencing shortness of breath.  Immediately a CT Scan was ordered and we learned in a few days that the disease, which had been quietly sitting in his lungs for years, had suddenly turned aggressive.

 

His doctor appeared to struggle as he gazed at the man he had grown so fond of over the years.  Finally, after pacing a few times back and forth, he said: “Vince, you’ve got months, at best…to live!”  The air was sucked out of the room at the harsh pronouncement of his fate.  Stunned into silence, my husband and I and Daddy looked from one to the other, trying to find something to say.  My Dad’s chin quivered like a five year old, his eyes immediately filled with tears, and then he looked at me. 

 

Suddenly he became the parent again. Straightening up, he cleared his voice and pointing to me, he said: “Carrie, it’s alright.  I’m okay.  I’ve had a good life; it’s God’s will, His way.  We all have to lose our parents at some point, I’ve lost mine and you’ll lose yours.  Now, you go on and live your life, go forward, it’s God’s will!”

 

My heart quietly acknowledged the truth of his words, although the impact of them cut through me like a knife..  Amazingly, I also felt a comforting peace settle over my heart like a warm soft blanket just retrieved from the dryer. In that moment, my dad had chosen the most exquisite fragrant of all…Surrender.

Matthew 27:50 “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and surrendered (yielded up) His spirit.”

 

The Greek offers more than one word for: surrender.  The one that best describes the point I’m making is paradidomi: to give into the hands (of another).  Surrender in Hebrew is: Sagar: to deliver up, to surrender, give over.  (*More notes on surrender below.)

 

The aroma of Christ anoints, flows from, and perfumes His Beloved, as we permeate our heart with the sweet fragrance of Surrender. 

My dad’s quick response of surrender quickly ushered in the sweet aroma of Christ’s Presence there with us that day.

 

 I am savoring every day as a gift from God, with the time I am spending with my Dad.  His bright spirit, his positive attitude, his zeal for life is stronger than the doctor’s words.  Truly, only the Lord knows the number of days of our life, according to Psalm 139:16.

 

Psalm 116:15 is meaningful to me: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.”   Someday, hopefully a long way off from now, I will read these words over my Dad.

 

 

Note* Surrender: from Christian.org….”To give everything up to the Lord.  Lay it all down.  Surrender is not merely a once and for all experience.  It is continuous, day-by-day. 

Also discovered in my studies today the word “do”.  The Greek: prasso translates as: a lifestyle, as opposed to “poieo” which co notates a single act.

 

 May the sweet fragrance of Christ permeate our hearts as we learn to trust, and….SURRENDER.

Part One “Aroma of Christ Series”

Aroma of Christ Series
DECEMBER 15TH, 2008
Have you ever noticed a quality about someone that gives evidence to his or her close relationship with Jesus Christ? There are people whom I’ve met that make me want to curl up at their feet and just be in their presence. It is almost as though they are perfumed with a divine fragrance…the aroma of Christ.

In this series, I would like to develop several areas where we can begin to identify those Christ-like attributes as we ask ourselves:

“Is Christ manifested through me as the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place?” 2Cor.2:14

Recently, a very special young couple, single friends of mine; had decided to push the pause button on their relationship for a few weeks. After being together for a period of time, they had sensed that their hearts were giving them signals that needed to be pondered in prayer. Separately, alone with the Lord, the decision was reached that their relationship had to end, at least for now. They were trusting Jesus with the results, realizing it would cost them great heartbreak.  In the Hebrew language, what they did was: “Shama” which means: “to hear, listen, obey.”

Each conversation that I shared with the young man during his time of reflection brought with it a revelation of reverence and awe. As I listened to the contents of his heart, I realized I was in the presence of God’s beautiful gift of grace… a man with a pure heart! Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

My young friend had a heart to see beyond his own needs – he saw hers! He responded with a divine fragrance, clearly not his own. He saw her need to be alone with Jesus for this time, to help further develop her walk and her reliance upon Him again, instead of reliance upon their relationship together. He also realized that by giving this over to the Lord, he would now experience a deeper expression of his own worship and study of The Word and prayer. He saw that if he took this step of faith and let the love of his heart go, he would be obeying the leading of the Spirit’s guidance in his life. In the Greek language, my friend understood: “hupakoe: which means: to to submit and hearken to what is said.  It is the obedience of faith. This gave him a bittersweet joy and peace, mixed with sorrow. (See Note* below)

A sweet fragrance permeated the atmosphere of our phone call, filling my senses with the knowledge of God’s Presence, His Sweet Fragrance. Drawn to this aroma, I asked myself: “What is it about this young man that allows the extract of God’s Holy Oil be released with such power and grace?”

It had to be his Matthew 5:8 heart. He had purity of heart, which allowed him to see God.  It was his response to what he heard… Obedience with purity, the steps of a fragrant call!

May the Lord overflow you with the knowledge of His love…
Carrie

Note* The bitter waters of Marah, Exodus 15:23 were turned sweet when Moses cut a tree and placed it in the waters. My friend told me that the bitter sorrow he tasted could only be turned sweet… as long as his thirst was for Jesus alone, allowing Him to be his peace. Jesus, the Tree of Life, when added to the bitter waters of our circumstances, brings peace and nourishment. Every drop that we drink in the cup of our fate, adding Jesus to the mix brings us comfort and grace.

The Aroma of Christ Series

Have you ever noticed that some people just seem to carry a “heavenly scent” about them?  What does it look like to “permeate the atmosphere of our heart” in order to carry the Aroma of Christ?

Over the next few weeks, I will be doing a series called “The Aroma Of Christ” and I pray that these messages bring hope, inspiration, and truth as we ponder together how we might become more like Him.

Stand by and check in often, as I do not regularly post.  My hands are full and there’s never enough time to just sit and articulate the things God whispers to my heart.   I look forward to sharing with you and hearing the things God has filled you with, as well.  You are a blessing beyond measure!

Shalom,

Your sister forever,

Carrie George