What happens when you invite six women to share a three bedroom condo, at the beach on a cold blustery winter weekend; only God was privy to the outcome in advance. Our only agenda was no agenda, trusting that God would take the lead and that the Holy Spirit would direct our step and actions..
Sandy, Chris, Debbie, Alison and myself attend Jacob`s Well, a contemporary Methodist service. Val, Chris` sister still attends the traditional Catholic church of her youth and Macy my, Lutheran pal, that God introduced to me on the Walk to Emmaus, all abandoned the requirements of our busy lives and agreed to share a weekend together.
Originally, I worried that too many women that worshipped together might overpower God`s agenda, with to much of "our church stuff," silly me! Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
No matter the season, there is just something about a visit to the ocean that soothes the soul. The two hour drive begins the decompression process, the sight of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, invites us to a place of peace and tranquility. Let the weekend begin, Father God!
Isaiah 48:17-18 This is what the LORD says---your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea."
The weekend began as we anointed one another with Myrrh, anointing oil from Sandy`s pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we laid hands on one another, prayed and invited the presence of the Holy Spirit. In a morning chat we invited each lady to share "whatever" she wanted. Soon to every ones astonishment, the whatever that we shared were truly beyond belief. "Were did that come from, that is not something I believed I would be taking about." Obviously, the Holy spirit was directing our discussion. 2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.
With love and tender compassion we listened and wholeheartedly ministered to one another. Tears flowed allowing healing, to begin or continue in unexpected areas of our existence. Thank God Marcy remembered a full box of Kleenex, maybe she just knows what happens when you hang out with, Linda!
Matthew 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken; "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three time." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Is it when you truly bring the light of Jesus to the darkness inside of us that we begin a process of in depth healing? You have to feel it to heal it! Are tears God`s way of flushing the lies and strongholds of deceit that hold us in bondage. I believe so!
God met each of us exactly where we were, with exactly what we needed, imagine that! As hostess of this weekend, I believe that God used this experience to strengthen my confidence as he prepares me to walk forward into His healing ministry.. ..Not to mention the buckets of tears, how much junk is still in my trunk?
I`m sure that each of us took something different from our time together; what a delightful way to spend time with sisters-in-Christ, for the glory of God. Sunday morning came to a close as Sandy sang a beautiful song, inviting us to remain and soak in His presence, she has a lovely voice. What a gift! Finally, we joined hands and sang, The LORD`S PRAYER, the sound of our voices singing in love and unity, brought Holy Spirit goosebumps all over my body.
Father God, I thank you for the off-season time share that Rick bought on EBay. Thank you for my desire and willingness to walk in and share your glory with others. I thank you, for the in depth healing that I have experienced. I pray for the continued healing for each lady that spent the weekend in Ocean City. Father God, what a blessing to spend so much quality time alone with you on Monday.....had no clue all those tears still needed to come out.....will they ever end? Thank you, for Rick, for his patience and love as I strive to walk this walk of faith and obedience.
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