Fresh Bread!

There is nothing better than fresh, hot bread and butter. Even before you taste it, the smell of it arouses your senses and you have anticipation that makes even a gloomy day full of sunshine. Well I had some fresh bread this morning, and even though many of you may not be able to identify – I’m still going to share it with you, because as I tell my children, if you;re privileged to live long enough – you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

This week I attended a conference in Seattle, Washington. It was a work-related conference, but there was enough time built in to see the city – a place I had never been to before. When I arrived on Tuesday night I was doing pretty well – on Wednesday i felt a little stiffness, but by Thursday – the day the conference went into full gear I was beginning to struggle going the long distances that I had to walkto each workshop.

By Friday the rainy cold weather had got to me and by Saturday, my physical challenges were overbearing – I couldn’t go on a tour of the city if someone paid me to go – instead of praising God first, I got my feelings hurt. I reminded God that I was the host of this group that traveled all the way from Chicago – and I needed to be at my best. The challenge continued…Now God has intervened too many times in my behalf for me to feel sorry for myself, but I confess I felt sorry for myself!

When I woke up this morning, i heard a song – I heard my Jon singing How Great is Our God, Sing with me How Great is Our God – and I began to sing the lyrics. As much as I don’t have a voice, God didn’t seem to mind, because He came and joined me in my hotel room. I felt His presence, I felt His love – He didn’t say anything – but my heart broke – I was so sorry that I had given place to the enemy and wasted a moment in shame for my struggles. God’s loving presence filled my heart and all was well! The rest of the day was glorious – the pains and stiffness left – the blessings continued as I rode back to Chicago alongside two spirit-filled Christians on a real Holy Ghost flight!

I was reminded of a friend of mine who had the same problem, and the answer he got…

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
“Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night…Job 38: (If you want to be really blessed, get out your Bible and keep reading!

God Bless You,
Maria