Blaryngitis....I have no blog voice!

Seriously, I keep clearing my throat (keyboard) and nothing is coming out!! I have gargled (googled) and brainstormed (binged) but nothing has helped!! I have many interests and many passions so having one blog to focus on one thing just wasn't suiting me any longer. Furthermore, did you know that when you have the desire to write about many different things it can be even more difficult to find your blogger's voice?

With that said, I have started another blog but this one will focus on the whole person: Faith, Fun, Fitness, and Food. It is called SeaChel's Trax. There you can find tools to help track your fitness levels and goals as well as find recipes and learn about events that focus on Faith, Fun, Fitness, and Food! You would be a huge encouragement to me and I would love for you to click over to my new blog and join on in!

SeaChel's Trax at http://seachelfitnesstrax.blogspot.com/.

Thank you so much!!!
Chel

Jesus is the Gate

I have begun to compile the different names I have taught about over the last 8 years and put the information all down on paper in lesson formats! I am so excited that the Lord has compelled me to take this journey!!!

Why you ask? I am so glad you asked!!!

The first name I decided to relook at is The Gate! Based primarily on John 10 and a wonderful sermon I heard from my pastor a couple of years ago. I am blown away! when I looked up the information on our Lord, The Gate, I was never so excited to find the hidden treasures in the nooks and crannies of the old testament! Now I am not going to fully go into all that a gate does but I do want to highlight some valuable insights that touched my heart.

X marked the spot in John 10 and several passages within the Old Testament.

In John 10 Jesus explains how He is the gate through which the sheep must enter - the eternal kingdom that is - but he explains it to them in a way they fully comprehend. See this crowd understood the idea of a Shepherd and how the shepherd not only guided the herd but he guarded them as well. As my pastor, Dr. Danny Howe, explained a shepherd who was traveling with his heard would often have to use temporary shelter for the sheep. Without the guidance of the shepherd the sheep would wander as sheep are prone to do so at night he would gather them all together. Not all shelters would have an actual gate so he would literally lie down in the doorway. This protected the sheep inside not just from what might come after them but also from their own tendency to wander.

2 Chronicles 23:19 tell us that, "He also stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the LORD’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter." (You are now the temple! And Jesus is your Gate not just the keeper but the entire Gate!)

As cool as that it is it just gets better the deeper you dig!

In Deuteronomy 6:1-9, we read how important the Word of the Lord is and in verse 9 we see a role it has been given, "Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." His Word is a gatekeeper! All throughout the Old Testament we see the significance of a gatekeeper and all the duties they are charged with and how it is an inheritance for them as well. In Deuteronomy chapter 6 we see the inheritance of His Word. It all ties together in a clear & concise way! I stand in awe!

Then as I began to dig a little deeper, I found a nugget of names neatly folded within one verse and significantly tied to the eternal inheritance and lineage of Jesus. In both 2 Samuel 23:15-16 and 1 Chronicles 11:17-18 I found a beautiful request from King David.

2 Samuel 23:15-16, "David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD."

1 Chronicles 11:17-18, "David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD."


I do not know what is running through your head right now but mine is reeling with eager anticipation to share what just broke through to my mind and heart!!!!

When the Israelites had their grateful moment in the desert for the provision from the Lord they poured out water as a drink offering to show that what they had received was beyond their own resources and straight from the Lord. They poured it out as thank you to give back to God what He had given them.

David is the line from which Jesus would come on earth.

Jesus is the water that gives eternal life - the Living Water.

Jesus told the woman at the well in the New Testament that we would draw water from Him and never thirst again.

When Jesus was pierced on the cross water flowed first from Him showing the end of His human resources - all His mortal body could do it did.

Now there is still more!!!

Jesus is not just the Living Water but He is the Bread of Life from Bethlehem which is the House of Bread!

So here was David - the line of Jesus - asking for the life giving WATER found in the WELL at the GATE of BETHLEHEM! The David poured out the water as an offering.
Now there is still a little more perfect treasure here:
See David is now in a stronghold (cross) and just prior to verses 15 & 16 we read all the praises David has for his Lord calling out the many names of Him who has made a way for him throughout his life. He speaks of his house (his line) and all that the Lord had promised him. These are recorded as the FINAL words of David where he follows it by pouring out a drink offering to the Lord.

This is a foreshadowing of Christ Himself through these mighty words and all because He is the GATE! The difference here is that David made a way for Jesus whereas Jesus made the WAY for us!

The Word of our Lord is flat out Amazing!
Abiding Still,
Chel

The Yo-Yo - A Toy or a Way of Life?

Do you have a Yo-Yo Diet when it comes to God's Will and Word? 

Do you often wonder, "Why?"       Me too!!!     
So this brings me to the name of Refiner the only cure for the Yo-Yo Worshiper!

My prayer dear Father is that me and all who read this will abide in the name of the Refiner and His fire that serves to make us look more like your Son!

There have been some crazy things happening in my household lately! Although some will have "their" opinions and others theirs, I believe that the Lord is refining not just my faith alone but the faith of this very household. I am seeing more and more Christians go through what seems to be "trials" and yes according to the book of James they are but I firmly believe it is the Refining Fire of the Lord upon His own.

I read this in 1 Peter 4:17, "For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

Not to lessen the Power in this Word to any degree but it was this verse which suddenly reminded me of Yo-Yo Dieting! Obey-Disobey-Obey-Disobey but instead of learning to “walk the dog” we end up living with the pigs! This is the life of the Yo-Yo Worshiper!


Depending on your perspective that was either funny or harsh but take heart when reading within the entire context of 1 Peter 4 you will see something beautiful! After all do we not read that He makes all things beautiful??? See Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."


Again with the ups and downs of the yo-yo here…. “time” & “eternity” We are governed daily by time but eternity is set in our hearts. So easy for us to be up and down isn’t it?

Now let's dig in!!!!

1 Peter 4

Living for God

I am not sure where these words will hit you today but I know that this particular chapter in 1 Peter sums up a lot for me in the past as well as my present. I have never been more confirmed with my convictions.


1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

I do not know if any of you have felt the pain of verses 3-5 but I certainly have. I began my high school years in this way....If I were to show up at a party the question was asked of me, "Rachele, what are YOU doing here?" By the end of my junior year the question was asked, "Rachele, where WERE YOU?"


This is not something I am proud to share, but it does reveal that there was a certain perception of me. Now what they did not know was that my father's girlfriend would buy alcohol for me and her daughter who was 4 years older. This began when I was 12! If that wasn’t awful enough, my father actually looked the other way. So “don’t drink, but I’ll look the other way while someone gives it to you”....Yo-Yo childhood with a yo-yo parenting??? One could easily slide into a Yo-Yo adulthood and Lord forbid Yo-Yo Worship. Too often as Christians we ask ourselves the following question when it comes to convictions "Should I or shouldn't I?" When you ask this question your Yo-Yo of  Worship could begin if your convictions you choose to bend.

You see dear brothers and sisters, although the things listed in verse 3 may not be sin in your life they are huge stumbling blocks to many believers. Many Christians have been diverted from an abundant life by the choices of this world’s pleasures. (Yo-Yo) And who hasn’t seen way too many lives taken from this world due to the “liquid spirit's” control? Yes that is right folks alcohol isn't called a "spirits" for no reason!


This begs the question, "Why would a child of the LIGHT want to live in the shadow of sin?"
(Yo-Yo) The sound boing-boing just keeps going on and on in my head!




7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Is it just me or do you find this passage interesting as well? "Be of sober mind so that you may pray." Ponder this one for yourself.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Love would and does change a lot of things.

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

I think this section is completed by reminding us it is not about us and that we should strive to be Holy since He is Holy. Now the problem is that we try to be perfect because He is perfect but we are only charged with being Holy not perfect. You, as a believer, are already set apart so live like one who has been set apart for His special purpose. (Phil 3:16 – Live up to what you have already attained) Live for HIM and you will see how loving and serving others will come much more naturally - or supernaturally. :)
Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse  YO-YO

So do we continue to be a "Yo-Yo Worshiper" gaining and losing holy ground like a Yo-Yo dieter? The answer is quite possibly is revealed in our response to the following verses of this chapter.

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

OK I AM TRULY FEELING VERSE 12 RIGHT NOW IN MY LIFE and looking for the glory! Yikes! I could claim a test and a trial right now and partly it is true but more than that it is about John 3:30...I must decrease and He must increase! (repeat that 10 times really really fast! and don't flip the creases.) If you ever wonder, "Why?" then John 3:30 is for you because we all need more of Him and less of ourselves. I will also hold tight to John 16:33 in my life and I will take heart and not lose hope because HE HAS OVERCOME THIS WORLD!

Oh how I love that His Word is woven so tightly together!

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

I don't know if those of usChristians here in America get as much of this from "the World" as we do each other. Where convictions are shared opinions are birthed, and where opinions are birthed divisions deepened. There is more of this in America going on IN our churches rather than outside of it. Either way praise Him that you bear His name! And it is quite fitting that verse 17 is next.



17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

His final word will be mine was well…..Continue to do good…..even when you have the ups and downs….even if you feel like a Yo-Yo!

Abiding Still,
Chel

The Rock

Today I am leaning on THE ROCK and rejoicing with people who bring others to Him. I heard a pastor say once that The Rock is softest place to fall. I know and have felt the devestation of loss and the fear of losing it all but one has remained constant and unwavering in my life and that is Christ, The Rock!

I love that old hymn - southern gospel song I Go to the Rock. (the lyrics will be posted below)

It reminds me that HE will always listen.
It reminds me that HE alone is my foundation.
It reminds me that HE will never leave me!
It reminds me that HE is a refuge, a shelter, & a friend!
It reminds me that when I stand on HIM I will not sink.
I will always have a place to go....
                           AND
It reminds me when I feel rejected SO WAS HE. He was the Stone the Builders rejected!

I Go To The Rock by Aaron Jeoffrey 
I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock

I know, I know He's able



Where do I go

When there's no body else to turn to

Who do I talk to

When no one wants to listen

Who do I lean on

When there's no foundation stable

I go to the Rock I know He's able

I go to the Rock



CHORUS

I go to the Rock of my Salvation

I go to the Stone that the builders rejected

I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me

When the earth all around me is sinking sand

On Christ, the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,

I go to the Rock



Where do I hide

When the storms of life are threatening

Where do I run to

When the winds of sorrow blow

Is there a refuge (a refuge) in the time of tribulation

Cause I go to the Rock

I know (I know) He's able.



CHORUS



When the earth all around is a-sinking sand

On Christ, the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,

When the earth all around is sinking sand

On Christ the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend

I go to the Rock



I go to the.. I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock. I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock


Where are you running today? Where have you decided to fall? Are you sinking? Are the winds blowing you right off your feet? GO TO THE ROCK!

Abiding Still,
Chel

Our LORD, The Sovereign God

In my head I am hearing Carmen sing: Lord of All! He is a powerful and dynamic singer but he and none will ever hold a candle to our Lord, the Sovereign God.




Our Lord is completel in control even when we try to take the wheel. I have had some major ups and downs over the last two years and felt like my feet was on shifting sand most of the time. (This is how emotions, valid or not, can make you feel.)

If you have been rejected: He is still Sovereign!

If you have been abandoned: He is still Sovereign!

If you have been deeply wounded: He is still Sovereign!

If you have felt like a ship without a sail: He is still Sovereign!

         btw, if you set out to sea with "emotion" as your sail....there's holes in it. I'm just sayin'.....

If you have lost friends: He is still Sovereign!

If you have lost your way: He is still Sovereign!

If you have walked away: He is still Sovereign!

If you have done anything that you believe could never be forgiven: He is still Sovereign! Yes HE IS!

See the LORD, Our LORD, the Sovereign God reigns, daily. If we think for one instant He is not there we are wrong, our believing it doesn't make it real. He is still there even in this economy, He is still there when the package for which you have waited so long hasn't arrived.

What are you waiting on today? I love the ASL sign for waiting with hands and arms stable while the fingers are moving!
This is a great picture with two perspectives:

Anticipation of excitement OR Anxiousness in fear of what is to come. http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/w/wait.htm

Which way are you waiting on your answered prayer today?
Determine your stance while remembering: He is still Sovereign!


Abiding Still,
Chel

Sweetest Name of All: 5 Names a Week

Welcome!!! This blog is titled Abiding In His Name because that is the best and safest place to be in any day & age. God is our Father, King, Lord, and so much more. He meets us just where we are and His names are the Sweetest of All! I want to hear what He means to you and what name you have called Him. Biblical or not to share His character with me and others, after all His word is His character sketch and great sketches are meant to be shared.

I realize that some of you will have a hard time relating to God as your Father for obvious reasons. While others have a hard time with other His names of His due to hurt in our lives. Then there are times when we think He was absent from us when we did call out His name. I promise you, no God promises you that He will never leave you or forsake you. This is your opportunity to profess His name and appoint to Him the praises due to His name.

Recently I have had a hard time with my past and have come to know the God of Yesterday a little deeper. He has assured me that as far as the east is from the west He no longer remembers my sins. I can walk in freedom because God has chosen to see me through Jesus Christ.

1. Does something in your past render you to struggle?  How has the God of Yesterday assured you He was in control?

My stewardship has been called into account lately and I have come to meet with God the Provider, Jehovah Jireh. Was I fearing that He would not provide? Has not proven faithful? Of course I was acting in fear and of course He has remained faithful to me. I must thank Him daily for His provision in my life from husband and children to the joy I feel as I type this post. It all comes from Him, my Jehovah Jireh.

2. How has God provided for you lately? Have you recognized Jehovah Jireh in your life?

The Light of the World has recently asked of me why I would spend any time in darkness with my thoughts. He wanted to know why I would stay in a box instead of lighting up the world since THE LIGHT was in me. Recently in Sunday school while reading our Max Lucado study on the Book of Romans we heard a great story about being a light.

A farmer had lost his power so he took out his box of candles, (they were talking candles by the way). As he took out the first candle it said to him, “I am not ready to be lit. I have much more research to do before I fully understand what it means to be lit. Please put me back in the box.” When he pulled out the second candle it sadly proclaimed, “I have not prayed enough about being lit. Please put me back in the box and I will let you know when I am ready.” The next candle as you can imagine had something to say as well, it said, “I just can’t be lit, no one would listen to me and I just don’t have it all together yet and my light would not be good.” The fourth candle told the farmer, “I do not want to be lit alone, please put me back in the box. I will not be lit all by myself.” The final candle said, “I can’t be lit because it may change me. I like the way I look right now and I am not ready to be changed.”

3. The Light of the World has called you out of darkness and into His light to share Him with others. If the Light of the World were to pull you out of your “box” what kind of conversation would you two have?

I had a wonderful thing revealed to me during one my recent quiet times. I have often prayed that God would help to continually keep me on His path for my life and not allow me to veer to the right or the left. Then he showed me how it was much like bowling with a toddler or small child. I know what you are thinking, “what does this have to do with a shepherd?” When you take a toddler bowling you can ask for the gutter guards to be up so the ball will reach the mark. This gave me such a visual image of how the Good Shepherd keeps me on the narrow way. Since I have asked for guidance and protection when I wander He pops up the guards for me. Yes I get a few bumps and bruises along the way, but I am placed back on the path and sent on my way. He does answer our prayers and will help us stay in His will if we ask. (Plus, in keeping with the Shepherd analogy, I do not want Him to have to break my leg in order to trust His care for me.

4. The Good Shepherd goes after His sheep even if for only one when it is lost from the fold. How has the Good Shepherd guided you back in your life?

The Prince of Peace reminds me that I am to be a peace maker. A long time ago I was taught the difference between a peace keeper and a peace maker. A peace keeper could very well be simply sweeping things under the proverbial rug in order to avoid confrontation. Quite conversely though is the peace maker. They have the sovereign and understanding Spirit in the forefront of their minds and hearts. They long for restoration and authentic relationships. There have been some things I have had to lay at the foot of the cross and allow Him to deal with it His way because I know that His way will lead to true Peace.

5. How has the Prince of Peace ministered to you lately?



I can't wait to hear you share!!
In HIS Name, Chel

The Holy One

Today as I sat doing my quiet time, (thank you Lord for meeting me with me!!) I perused through 1 Samuel 21-22. I learned some great things about King David and while he fled from Saul who was seeking to kill him.


David knew to practice holiness each time he set out on a mission. I would believe that he knew it carried a daily significance. By this time Jonathan and David had spoken over whether Saul was really out to kill David or not. David set out and went to the priest for prayer and guidance. While visiting the priests, David asked for food. The priest had only consecrated bread to offer and they were welcome to it if they had kept themselves pure and clean. David assured the priest that the men's "things" were holy, as is what he required every time he set out on a mission. He also explained that even if the mission were not holy, he would be.

David's heart in this manner, although he lied to save his life which later led to the death of over 80 priests, reveals to us the manner in which we should face each day: Consecrated. Not only must we daily consecrate ourselves unto Him but we should also realize we have THE CONSECRATED BREAD within us as believers and should not walk around as if we were defiled.

We serve a Holy God and things that are unholy cannot abide in His presence. No matter my duties or job requirements for the day, I must make sure I am sanctified by the Lord. The things of this world easily defile us and make us unworthy of taking of the bread just as it would have been for the men with David, if they had been with women. We turn away from ourselves and the things of this world in order to be made into the image of Christ and be transformed by HIM so why do we insist on taking the Holy One to unholy places? Wherever we go, He goes. Whatever we drink or eat, He drinks or eats. Whatever we think we pour out on our Jesus. His light shines brightly and we know the secret things in our lives He is trying to flush out, yet we still insist to have it our own way. We act much more like Saul (the king trying to kill David) than we do David or even Jesus. I want to be called a woman after God's own heart and I don't think I can do that unless I am daily consecrated no matter my journey.

I must make sure that my "things" are holy and my life is honoring to the Lord. Each time my feet hit the floor all that is within must praise His holy name! My thoughts, my actions, my heart must be made holy by my Holy One. My life should reflect my beliefs, my actions should mirror His, and my goal must be to honor and please the Lord. (Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven!)

There is enough of this big old world to go around, but God who is even larger is what we need the most and see the least. We are called to holiness and called to a Holy One!


Thank you Lord Jesus that you have shone us the way and made known to us through your Word what you desire in our lives. I pray that you help me to live in a way that is pleasing to you every day no matter where you send me.

Chel