The Year of Jubilee!

It didn't start out that way, but you'll get there...


About two weeks ago I was verbally attacked in such a horrible and hateful way because of something I said. I had somewhat droppped out of a conversation because I didn't believe the same way, and when another person said something about it, I simply stated that I did not believe in cavemen. Now, just in case I am in mixed company, let me clarify - I do know that people took shelter in caves, dwelt there, hung up "cave sweet cave" signs however you choose to say it. I know this. I do not believe that man began as anything other than man. I believe that we are a wonderful creation of God, His most prized posession. So anyway...I really have never been so brutally assaulted, especially for such a small, non-leading, neutral comment. I mean it's not like I took out my Bible and started yelling that they were all going to hell. I have definitely come across people that don't agree with me, but I have always been able to have good conversation about it.
And listen people, if you ever needed confirmation on the power of the Holy Spirit, here it is. Because you all probably know me and you know that I have no problem letting people know when they have wronged me or my loved ones, and my desire was to come across that table and rip that woman a new one. But honey...the Lord held my tongue, enabled me to speak lovingly, and anchored my feet to the floor. Bless His merciful name!

Well this renewed for me a love for God's Word. I hated that the awful thing had to take place, but isn't it a great example of how God can take something so negative and make it positive?! I have been so filled with a desire to know Christ more and with more of a heart knowledge, not just a head knowledge. To know Jesus, have access to His word and so many study aids, to freely meet and discuss is absolutely the best thing!

We sang a song today at church called (I think) "These Are the Days". It talks about the days of Elijah and Ezekiel and the different phases of spiritual life we can go through. It was incredible as I thought on the words of that song and how they came alive and God spoke to me through those words in such a fresh way. All I have been able to think about is one part of the song, "this is the year of jubilee!" How I claim that!

Our pastor taught on Ephesians 3:14-21 and it was amazing how God confirmed things for me. And convicted me! 2008 was such a tough year for me and I have been satisfied with blaming it on everything happening around me. My pastor asked, "Who will repent, who will confess that they wasted 2008?" My heart was stung. I realized, I wasted 2008 with a vengeance! he asked more questions, "Do I believe that God is sovereign?" Unquestionably, yes.
"Am I living that belief out?"
"Is it evident?" Oooooooh. Maybe not so much.

This year as I lay claim to "the year of jubilee" I pray that you do too! And if you kept reading and I didn't lose you paragraphs ago with my ramblings, thanks!