"O Naomi, O Naomi"

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A Hydrant or a Fountain?

"Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord and where he showed himself holy among them" (Numbers 20:11-13).

When Moses struck the rock in frustration, the waters gushed forth rather than merely flowed. God's waters were meant to be restorative- gentle and healing. Remember, He leads us beside the still waters for His namesake (Psalm 23). But the gushing of the waters, although it satisfied the people's thirst, it did not heal their spirits. I feel that all too often leaders become frustrated like Moses, and they hit the rock- they do not honor God as holy. By striking the  Rock, who is Jesus, with frustration, they disrespect God: " He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'(Acts 4:11). God's provision is present, is living, and  is active. 

Something else is worth noting in this story: the people's position before the rock. As the people lined up for water, they had to extend their hands to catch the living spring. Each individual had to open his hands and lift the live-giving substance to his lips. He had to take the living source inside himself. Each one had to drink, but to remain alive, one has to continue to drink.

I pray that we teachers will continue to walk with the Shepherd daily and drink from the living waters of His Spirit. As we rest with Christ, the waters flow that then fill and refresh us and then others, including teachers, staff, and students. When we try to teach out of  a parched spirit, we are literally forcing waters forth as we try to perform. Can one really drink from a fire hydrant better than a water fountain?

 

Sometimes, we give our lessons and opinions becasue they are demanded of us, not because we truly feel an unction or prompting to share. This coerced ministry does not truly restore anyone.

In John 7:38, Y'Shua declares, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Let the waters flow, not gush, through force. Pastors can also learn this lesson. They often through force and manipulation push the waters out to the people. This practice is absolutely wrong. Waiting and reverencing God and His Spirit are paramount.

 

My prayer is that the time in the desert and the years of wandering in  education will cause teachers to thirst for the living water of Christ, for we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5). Remember, teaching is one of the five-fold ministry gifts; it flows from Holy Spirit, not our own flesh.  Rest in Him.

 

Respecting the Rock,

MJ

 

Aiven Park, Worcester, South Africa

The Other Side of Aiven Park

Shipful

For many, a ship represents several ideas such as  a lucky business venture, or good news from afar. To some, it signifies romance or even the arrival information, but when the Lord told me that I was a ship, it was something more profound. I heard the same words describing me as a ship through the mouths of different people, at different times, and  different locales. For that reason, I have taken this image seriously.

The Word of the Lord came to me: I AM  A SHIP GOING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. THE SLAVE SHIPS WERE FORCED ACROSS THE WATERS INTO THE AMERICAS. NOW, HE IS SENDING ME BACK.  I have made stops at port of calls to fill up the hull of my boat with knowledge and compassion. All the years of study were to prepare me for such a time as this to build His schools.

The boat is impelled by oars, literally propelled by physical effort and strength. The boat is also impelled by the wind; clearly, the wind is the wind of the Holy Spirit. It is not by might,  or power but by My Spirit says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). In truth, it is my obedience plus the anointing that brings the increase.

While in this present Youth With A Mission school, I have learned more about relationship and team building.  For a ship is worked by mariners, sailors, not sailor. I must have a crew of stakeholders, brothers and sisters in Christ, who work alongside me. Someone must swab the deck, clean the hull, stock the fire, etc.

Like a ship, I wait for God for direction; a ship's course is frequently directed by the heavenly bodies:
"And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" (Acts 27:20).

A ship is guided from the helm by a pilot; my pilot is of course  the Holy Spirit. It is owned by an individual; Creator God is my owner. The master of my boat is Christ. Still storms, rocks, and often threaten the ship. Ships can be wrecked on the rocks and literally leave the faith. The rocks are the peril of sin as illustrated in the following verse:"Holding onto faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck their lives"  (I Timothy 1:19).

Quicksand consists of those sins that catch us unaware- it can be bitterness, animosity, and un-forgiveness. These things are hard to get rid of by ourselves. We must take soundings in our spirit so that we do not run aground. We can get stuck and unable to move because of the lethargy and lassitude. Deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7); we must stay in deep with God. Jesus told the disciples to come out into the deep if they were to catch fish (Luke 5:4). Shallow water will stop the ship. Therefore, soundings are usually taken in dangerous places where the ship is likely to become stuck:

"And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms” (Acts 27:28). I must constantly ask the question: Am I moving forward with God or am stuck?

Yet, there is still good news: when a ship is damaged, it can be under-girded with cables so that it can continue its voyage to port. The undergirding or the support of friends and family is integral to the ship's progress.When waters are calm, things are going well, but on rough water, which can symbolize danger, unreliable people, and disquieting circumstances will come. Rough waters are not easily broken, but the Master of seas is Jesus, and even the winds waves obey him (Mark4:41)

Finally, a boat must remain balanced: The mast of a  ship tall, vertical or near which supports the sails. Large ships usually have several masts depending on their size. My vertical relationship with God keeps me balanced, and if that relationship is balanced, maintaining relationships with others is easier and healthier.

A boat represents companionship, discoveries, protection from danger, safe refuge, and help in trouble. I am clearly on a journey where I am discovering who I am. There has obviously been a change of abode as Have moved from Texas to South Africa.

Bon Voyage,

MJ

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Mountain and Valley

The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people" (Exodus 13:21-22).

Hard. My calves and feet swollen from 36 hours of flight and transfers. Present. God. Miraculous. No one asked to check my luggage full of food- 3 suitcases no less. God was present to make sure I had some kind of meal on the plane every leg of the flight. When I got to the base, they offered to let me cook my own food and reimburse my money so I can buy food. In the past, my experience has not been a positive one in light of my eating needs (vegetarian and gluten-food). People have been gracious, but it has been quite busy here. It has been quite cold as the poem below suggests, and it takes some adjustment.

There is a wicked wind in Worcester

Wreaking havoc about the place

Stirring up dust storms

As it kicks up its heels

Caterwauling like a banshee

Down the mountainside

Like a Hillbilly on vacation

A screaming freight train

Completely of control

Breathing its icy breath

Down my neck and

Making me wish for

100 degree weather in Texas

Yet, I have you ever received an unexpected gift? Self-knowledge has been the unexpected gift that I have received in the few days I have been in South  Africa.  As part of my training in the School of Apostolic Pioneering, I took a test called "Strength Finders: which identifies the top five talents or strengths. After taking the test, listening to a lecture, reading the book, and a 2 hour coaching, I have discovered some important truths about myslef: who I am. I am an  intelligent achiever who enjoys learning through gathering resources and who can make stragegic decisions.

At the same time, I have been learning about myself. An achiever is someone who is goal-oriented and follows through the task. Learner is someone, as the name suggests, who enjoys the pursuit of knowledge. An inputter is a literal sponge; a collector and resource-distributor. As an auditory learner, I can hear something once and retain that information.  At times, I have felt like a ’know-it-all’ and awkward for knowing so much about so many different topics, but the love of study ought to produce something.

As a strategic person, I am discerning and look for the best possible option. Lastly, I am person of intellect- a thinker. The strength-finder book, test, and coaching have helped me to understand myself and individual strengths better. In fact, the five talents identified clarified some individual quirks that I have long resisted and hid. My five talents are achiever, learner, input, strategic, and intellection.

In terms of being an achiever, I immediately recognized myself in the list-maker not merely to do lists, but past accomplishments, gifts, and future desires. What I considered an irksome habit actually makes sense now. Another talent or rather a strength, comes from my ability to assess and gather resources. I gather literature, information, and things and disburse them as needed. I never before recognized this trend as a strength, but I realize better that mental and physical ‘packratting’ actually has spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional benefits.  With scripture, words of encouragement, books, advice on health and exercise, and knowledge in general my input strength is edifying those who receive it.

These exercises have helped me be more confident; moreover, as I read and listened to the descriptions of others’ strengths, I began to appreciate them more; In addition, things about those others I once found irksome lost their irritation. I gained a greater appreciation for the diversity in the body of Christ, and how together we get the job done. I also understood better my role in the Body- how I am needed despite my curious nature.  Yesterday, I reread the first blog I wrote; I could see so much of what God had done just as He promised, and that I still have a ways to go.

Thankful you for,
MJ