Coming To Grips Within

Today at work, I was on guard. I was more alert than all the other times before, until I got this email from the Chaplain. He said he wanted to discuss with me the Gospel Service and the Music Ministry. I wasn't sure of how to take the email because it didn't convey too much. Nonetheless, I replied I would meet him in his office tomorrow afternoon (after my shift). Being curious as we all are, I went to my mentor. We talked a bit and then one thing led to another. We moved our conversation into the bathroom so we wouldn't be interrupted. We were in there for a good hour or two. She prayed for me and gave me advice, spiritual advice. Her words were stamped with God all over it, and He made sure I listened. How? I began to cry tears that somehow I had held back for a while now. These tears were acknowledgement of my needing to let go of anger and pride. I needed to become humble, submissive, and holy. Then she told me to be like Paul (in the Bible). He said he knew nothing, but we all know Paul was an educated man. So, in other words I had to not go by what I know, but instead go by what God tells me. When I don't know what to say, the Holy Spirit will speak.

Later this afternoon, the Gospel Choir guitarist came by to see me. We talked about the songs and he had a friend who is interested in playing the keyboards for us. Wow! Another musician has come into the midst. Isn't God good? Of course He is! As we began talking he told me about his life before God and his spiritual gift of music. He sings, but he takes it all out on his guitar. One thing led to another and you could tell the Holy Spirit was all over us. It was truly awesome. God gave me confirmation from this morning's word through talking to my brother in Christ this afternoon.

Then I go to Women's Bible Study. God was in the midst all over again. As we gave reflections of designated scriptures, God began to open the hearts, minds, eyes and ears of each woman present tonight. He had each one of us asking and answering questions in a way we could understand, but, more importantly, He brought us to Afghanistan to administer to one another, pray for one another, and encourage one another. In fact, we all had to come to grips with what God was saying to us.

1 In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 14 The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw His glory-the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father-and He was full of grace and truth. John 1: 1-2, 14

You can't help but see, hear, believe, and know that Jesus came to bring us God's Good News. We have Jesus because God loves us enough to sacrifice His only begotten Son. So, why do we keep God at a distance? Is it our sin, pride, guilt, anger, shame, lust or self? It's all of it. We need to remember that Jesus came as a human. He was made human to take away our sin. So, confess to him and watch Him take you into the marvelous light. That my friend is coming to grips within.

Song reads:
Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O' Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am - Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!