A Shower of Praise! (Miriam)

As I drove home in the rain today, I was thanking God for another "car wash"..lol. My car was filthy from the previous snow storm and in need of a shower from heaven. It was great to know that I was safe and dry inside while the Lord was making Jackie (that's my car's name) all clean again. She looked like she just came from the car wash minus the wax. I was inspired to get cleaned up myself!

Maybe I am the only one who gets their praise on in the shower. There is just something about being clean and pure before God that lends itself to praise. Many people sing in the shower. It's refreshing and there is a certain "newness" and "freedom" one can express while getting all clean. While taking my shower, the Lord reminded me of this past week's Wifestyle Image Network Youversion study on Miriam (http://www.a.youversion.com/events/320058). I could suddenly relate!

Miriam, who was Moses's sister is remembered for leading the women in praise after the miraculous crossing the Red Sea. The Lord identified who was for Him and who was against Him through the water. I love the symbolism in the Bible. Water is used a lot to describe the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:10, Matthew 3:11, John 3:5, Luke 3:16)

The water, the Holy Spirit of God will either be working for you or against you. It has the power to cleanse you and protect you, but it also has the power to submerge you. You can allow God to do the work to refresh you or be a tsunami to break you. Make no mistake, God is a rescuer, but He is also judge. We will all stand naked before Him and the shower of the Holy Spirit will reveal your dirt. We can either get clean now or be drowned later. I think I will keep praising Him in the shower.

Provision

God is a Provider!

We all have those moments where we are unsure that God is leading and guiding our lives and relationships, marriages and careers. Often, we can only see so far ahead. In our frailty and sin, we tend to doubt and question God's concern for our future.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God has an "expected end" and destination for us. When we stay in His will for our lives daily, we will not drown or be led off course as we navigate through life. Even in the storms of life, God in his sovereignty has paved the way!

Each morning,  seeking His face and praying over our day, sets the course. When I wake up, I look at my map to determine if I am still headed in the right direction or if I need to turn around and correct mistakes. God is always preparing us for what is next. That goes for every facet of life.

When I was single woman , I had to learn to not try to move ahead of God and rush marriage. The Lord had already laid out His plan for me. When I searched for Him with all my heart, He added the blessing of a husband to my life.

As a married woman, I am learning that staying in this boat with my husband and allowing him to steer is God's best. As a couple, God is navigating us.

Comparing journeys with others is not wise. There is simplicity in trusting God for your unknown. We always know that God leads us best, but sometimes we feel that life is too fast, too slow or we should be where someone else is. 

Proverbs 23:17-18 KJV

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

My prayer for us is that we accept and trust God's plan for us because He is good. We could not map out a better route for ourselves. May be learn to be led by the One who always provides the Way.

Women carrying the Seed (Tamar/Potiphar's Wife)

In this video, I discuss Genesis 38 & 39 which tell the stories of Tamar (Judah ' s daughter-in-law) and Potiphar's wife.




Here are some other things to think about:

What all does this seed represent?

What things in your life are acting to prevent the seed from growing or developing?

There are seasons of seed-bearing and harvest. Where do you find yourself now? How do you know?

I would love to hear your feedback on this study as well as questions and/or comments!