Be On Guard!

Skylar (our miniature yorkie) and I just returned from taking out the trash to the trash bin. Just an innocent little walk. Even on innocent short little walks you must be on the alert. He and I just returned a few days ago from being on the farm for a week. We were outside often and there were times in which he wasn't ready to go back inside and help me by keeping watch while I unpacked boxes and totes. I know to be on the alert on the farm or when in the Dominican Republic, for slithering critters. When I am in town or in the city, I am not as alert.

Skylar being a city dog hasn't ever had an encounter with a snake until .... today ... in town. I was ready for this on the farm, but I relaxed today because we were in town in our own little yard. Mistake.

Yep, here was this mature women, who sometimes moves a little slow due to arthritis, reacting with movements like I was twenty again. RUNNING over to rescue Skylar from the slithering varmint who dared to even think about moving towards my companion. I scooped up rocks and sticks as weapons, forgot I was only wearing flip flops and went on the attack. Skylar moved when I yelled and stayed behind me as I went on the defense. Sure wish I had been wearing my boots or at least my Rocket Dogs.

Does this ever to us in daily life? We are on the lookout when we know we should but in our own little corner, our own home, our workplace, or (heaven forbid) in our own church seat, we let down our guard and the slithering enemy dares to move near. Quiet and sneaky, eyeing his prey, ready to attack when we least expect it.

The enemy is wanting to divide us so we will be separated and lack the combined strength to ward off an attack. Seeking to catch the weak or innocent among us while the mature ones are focused on a distracting moment. In 1 Timothy chapter 1, we are warned to be on guard at all times. Jesus went out on a limb asking us to be His hands and feet in ministry to others. We need to alert, being fearless in our struggle, keeping a firm grip on our faith and on ourselves. After all, this is a fight we’re in. It will be messy if we lose focus and forget to be properly dressed for battle. Keep the faith and be strong, don't be like "some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith." (1 Timothy 1 :19-20 The Message)

THERE WILL BE DOUBTERS AND NAYSAYERS

Have you planted your mustard seed?

Many of you know that Velvet has been ready to move since 2012. John has been ready since February 2016.

Waiting. This is difficult for Velvet. Velvet has come to embrace and love the promise of Psalms 46:10.

Since May 2012, Velvet has painted, downsized, repaired and waited. And waited some more.

There were many days where we would take one step forward and wait weeks, sometimes months, before God would say we could take the next step forward. People wore on Velvet when they asked the question "when?" It was kind how they showed care and concern. Velvet would steel herself and say, "Soon." Velvet came to tighten her grip of faith, focusing on the promise of Exodus 14:14.

Some people began talking, doubting it would happen. Velvet also found herself having questions and moments of wondering "God, did I hear wrong?" Some well-meaners and local spiritual mentors shared how they knew Velvet had heard God wrong. "You are to stay where we were 'planted'." A pastor's wife even encouraged Velvet to give up and be content in just having a passion for missions and raising awareness about missionaries on the field.

We are told there will be doubters and naysayers. There will even be errors that cause delays and increase waiting periods. An email arrived last week notifying Velvet there had been an oversight error regarding requirements for ordination. No other continuing education was needed for ordination. It could be her choice of elective study, not required study. Credit was being given for 49.5 hours of college courses from the days of her youth. Really? No, that can't be right. So Velvet asked again for clarification. Yes, it was correct. However ... there would still be a two year wait. There's that word again ... WAIT.

Last Friday a phone call, delivering news there are still questions being asked by spiritual overseers. Velvet could have sat down and wallowed in doubt, instead, she went into a bedroom and MOVED some very heavy furniture into the garage where it could be closer to going on the moving truck. Velvet continues to move in faith, trusting God's word. Trusting that God can move mountains. Trusting God can convince spiritual leaders this is His plan and purpose. Velvet knows it isn't her fight to fight, it is God's battle. Velvet can be content in the wait, because she is moving forward in obedience while she waits. "God, see that mountain over there? Some help please? Thank you."

Today, Velvet is in the 'waiting' room again. She has been told to wait for a phone call. A phone call with the results of the determination for clearance to once again travel to the Dominican Republic as a volunteer.

Last evening before church service, Velvet was once again asked 'when?' Kelly, a new follower of Christ asked, "Why would you need to wait when you are a volunteer and God has told you to go? Can't you just come and go as you please?" Great question! Here was Velvet's response, "It is about obedience. God has said go, we have said yes. We would like the blessing and favor of our denomination. So we are waiting on God to fight for us and show spiritual leaders this is His plan and purpose." It isn't always about us knowing that He is God, it is about the 'doubters and naysayers' knowing that He is God. Waiting could be so that others will have no doubt that God has shown His favor and blessing on you.

A year ago Velvet wrote a scripture on a postcard asking a mountain to moved - delays abounded, waiting became the norm, yet Velvet continued packing in faith. Friday, August 5, 2016, is moving day. It is official. What will Velvet be doing today? Moving more items to the garage to put on that moving truck. It helps to be busy moving forward in faith when you are waiting. Friday is our moving day and when it is time to go, Velvet wants to be ready. When the door closes on the moving truck and the journey begins, Velvet will take a photo and caption it FINALLY!!!

Some days all you may have is faith the size of a mustard seed ... plant it ... water it ... cultivate it ... feed it ... and wait. Watch your faith grow. Growing to heights of knowing God can do what man says is impossible.

...For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, ... you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20