I sit here, another beautiful Saturday morning... reflecting. SOOOO blessed by the peace and time to spend with on most Saturday mornings. Reflecting... purpose and service have been on the scrolling marquee of my brain lately. It is obvious to some the definitions of the words purpose and service. To some, though, it is not as obvious when trying to find the perfect "fit" for one's purpose and service. I am surrounded by it. I realize that I can honestly say that it is a struggle for me. I realize my struggle often comes from my own stubbornness... me trying to figure it out instead of waiting patiently with open ears for God. Somebody recently called me out on my stubbornness which usually brings a few things to light in my life... they are usually right to call me out and I appreciate it. But even with the stubbornness, somewhere part of that something has broken off. I can't really explain it, obviously if I am calling it "that something" but it is awesome to reflect over the recent happenings of my life.
I am completely blessed by the service of others... we all are at some point if we sit and think about it. I sit here watching two gentlemen mow our lawn... serving for a church ministry maybe they are familiar with or know exists... but maybe not. I didn't ask needless to say. I wonder if they realize the service they are providing. I look at the happenings within the ministry God will use this house for. I have seen the change and the growth and the service being provided to this ministry. I see service in all directions... all around me. I just finished reading through Isaiah 61. I am getting this beautiful, real life picture of what it might mean to have an "ancient city" rebuilt in modern day. I have a live picture of what it looks like to have "foreigners" serving, tending, and caring. It is absolutely beautiful. Within Isaiah 61 God reveals promises and feelings for us that I have never taken the time to think about in depth. A crown of beauty for ashes... oaks of righteousness. Both decently familiar as God did something completely stellar and blew my mind with verses one through three of this passage. *(I'll tell you the story at the end)*
The rest of that passage... the other promises are promises I have not paid much attention to because I've often gotten stuck on the first three verses.
-Priests of the LORD --> Ministers of God
-Feed on "treasures" --> Boast in HIS riches
-Share in honor --> Honor and love replaces shame and dishonor
-A double portion of prosperity --> Everlasting joy in HIM
-Suffering for His sake --> A faithful reward and everlasting covenant
Then there is a portion of this scripture that strikes some heart chords in me: verses 10 and 11.
"10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere."
It is more than amazing to think of feeling the way this passage describes feeling: OVERWHELMED by the Lord... feeling like a wedding day (yes I've dreamt of what that may feel like some day). And honestly God promises SO MUCH MORE... and that just BLOWS MY MIND!!!! It is a beautiful sight to look around at those who serve. I sat at an "Appreciation Dessert" gathering last night (Friday) at my church. It was beautiful to see those involved in service in our church and to think that I am a part of that. A little bit of God revealing purpose and service... I wonder when/if I have/will stop trying to figure it out. I have my times of struggle, wondering what God has for me or what He wants me to do with my life... the question of "purpose" shows its ugly face every now and then. It is in the times that I'm not necessarily "thinking" and that stubbornness breaks down a little bit that I can see "purpose and service" happening. It takes help breaking down my stubbornness and I am grateful for those who help me. I can see that part of "something" breaking away.
I still cannot define that something... and I don't think I am talking about my stubbornness but maybe I am and I don't realize it. I learn about it in me by watching the service in those around me and in listening to and learning from them. The stubbornness usually needs a kick in the rear by somebody before I will do some service... like singing for the worship team at my church. I am blessed by those willing to call me out and challenge me to get up and share a gift God has given. Who knew I would love it? Then again, why would God have me serve in a way I didn't love? I love to write... I pray it "serves" somebody for a greater purpose than just something to read. What I have been stubborn in and not faithful with is the small things: The little "notes" sent in an email or text to somebody struggling; a not written and handed over with a book and encouragement. I see I need to be faithful in the small things (Luke 16:10-12). God is showing me... He is teaching me... and I can see beauty in learning and listening.
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*"Oaks of Righteousness" Awesomeness*
Here are the series of God showing me something:
-Saturday March 24, 2012: Text a few people asking for the reference to the Oaks of Righteousness passage. I write about it that morning in my blog... Crowns of Beauty.
-Sunday March 25, 2012: First time to help sing and lead worship at church. Micah has me read Isaiah 61:1-3 to the congregation... Oaks of Righteousness passage.
-Monday March 26, 2012: Breakfast with God Devotional = Taproots... how if you cut the taproot of a plant/tree it'll live but may not grow. Challenges to be planted in the Word, firmly rooted in God, and relying on Him for nourishment. Then I start reading Chapter 11 of "A Confident Heart". The verse that starts the chapter --> Isaiah 61:3 --> Planted for His splendor --> Oaks of Righteousness.
-A week later on Monday, April 2, 2012 --> Encouraging Word from K-Love that is sent to my inbox: "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance." ~*Isaiah 61:7*~
-Thursday April 5, 2012 --> Quiet Moments with God devotional starts off with Isaiah 61:3. Realization hits that I should stop trying to "figure it out" and let God just SHOW me why He keeps taking me back to this passage.
-Monday April 9, 2012 --> "Who Holds the Key to Your Heart?" Chapter 2 starts with Isaiah 61:1-3 as the lead in to the chapter.
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