“My heart rejoices and triumphs in the Lord; My horn (strength) is lifted up in the Lord…My mouth has opened wide [to speak boldly] against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” 1 Samuel 2:1
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day an annual tradition which has been corrupted by a monetary commercial driven society. Mother’s Day was started when Ann Jarvis wished to honor her mother with a memorial service. Ann Reeves Jarvis her mother was the daughter of a Baptist Minister. During the American Civil War many people, especially children died from measles, typhoid fever, diphtheria as well as tuberculosis. The main culprit was living conditions in the home. She formed an organization known as Mother’s Day Work Clubs, women visited households to educate mothers and their families about improving sanitation and overall health. Both of these amazing women were fighters. They are the heart of Mother’s Day!
God has given us a very special position in the world…only women can bring new life. Our bodies were created uniquely to carry and protect. A vessel and safe place for new life. With that position we also are a refuge for those we love in this world. Why not extend that love, comfort and safety to others? Anyone we encounter?
God has also anointed us with great power…the power of the Holy Spirit which is a pure and supernatural power giving us all what we need to minister, heal and speak life in a broken world.
Matthew 10:1 says Jesus gave us authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Now that is power!
How can we use this power to help those in need? We can make ourselves, our homes, places of work a refuge for the hurting. In fact anywhere there are people we can offer refuge and light. I know through the years I have always tried to keep my home clean, neat and cozy because I felt when my husband and children came home they should feel loved. I may not know what they faced during their day so I wanted to create a place they would feel safe and loved.
Our words and attitude play a huge part in creating that safe place…no matter what we have faced that day we must bring those things before Jesus and allow Him to purify us. He will give us all that we need to be that place of refuge and light.
Awareness is another part of bringing refuge and light to others, slow down and take notice of those round you. Use God’s eyes to recognize the hurting. Let the Holy Spirit direct you! We live in a hurry up world, people bury their faces in their phones, sadly we have lost the need for human contact, our phones do that for us with social media taking over the need for eye to eye contact and conversation. Why not get back to that?
Several years ago I was at a Wal-Mart at the check out line. The line was long with 3-4 before me. As each person got their opportunity to check out they had no patience for the young woman working the register. I even heard one of them speaking rudely to her. Another grab his purchase and walked off in a huff. Finally there was one person in front of me. The cashier’s phone rang and she answered it. She was visual upset, she began working with the customer in front of me setting her phone down for a moment to complete the transaction. The customer was speaking under their tongue with much cruelty which just upset the young woman further. As I moved forward she picked up her phone and I heard her say “Please find it! Just keep looking!” then she hung up. “Hello” and she raised her head with tears in her eyes, I continued “Having a rough day? What’s wrong?” She explained how she had misplaced an earring given to her by her mother and it was very special. She didn’t realize it was missing until she looked in the mirror in her car before coming in to work. In that moment I felt the Lord say, “Offer her encouragement, pray with her right here and now!”
I wish I could say I just stopped right there and prayed with her but I hesitated and Satan won the battle.
I did offer her encouragement but I didn’t allow the Holy Spirit to take over. “I didn’t allow” is the key…How many times have you been in that same situation? You know God wants you to do something and you freeze, make excuses and just walk away.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
If we are going to truly make a different for Christ, take part in inviting those in need to received the love and grace found in Jesus…WE MUST BE BOLD!
We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us continually!
Ok I know your thinking, “How can I prepare myself to minister to others…be that place of refuge?” We must spend time in His presence “dwelling” in His shelter or secret place. That begins with meditating on His Word and praying, listening and waiting, and finding a spiritual mentor.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High…Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress…My God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalms 91:1-4
I recently tried just taking time to “dwell in His presence” wow it was fantastic! Look for my upcoming blog about it. There is just too much and this experience needs it own writing.
Be Blessed, Laurie
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 