Yes, Orange. Specifically, Sweet Potato Orange.

Recently, my eating restrictions/allergies/etc. have become more strict as  my celiac has become extremely sensitive. Even a very, very, very small amount of gluten, gluten free grains, and many other foods are causing an intense reaction and damage to my body. Slowly, my eating is becoming more and more restricted.

As I felt myself greatly resisting the new “diet” internally, it hit me that some choose to eat this way. (I do realize that there is a difference in that they will not damage their gut with a little “cheat” or cross-contamination.) Why was I stubbornly inwardly rebelling? Simply because it was something that God chose for me instead of my being able to choose? Yup. My heart was resisting God’s chosen plan for my life. God spoke to my heart to be grateful through the situation.

I am seeing God change the rebellion to an embracing of His will. Please know it is still hard as I walk through this daily. Yet, I am reminded of Psalm 55:19. God is giving me these changes to help me fear and love Him more. Praise His Name! Psalm 119 is a blessing. Specifically verses 67 & 71 which reiterate how trials can draw us to Him. God is teaching me much about loving Him more than all – more than food. His Word is sweeter than honey anyway! Will I choose to be grateful for this trial which is drawing me closer to Him and teaching me so much? Will I be willing to accept what He brings? He gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

This process is not easy, I will admit. Yet, He still loves me and reminds me of that love. Today like a Father caring for His child, He provided what I needed. (Psalm 103:13-15) Today, when He showed that love, it was sweet potato orange. A friend gave my brother sweet potatoes cut into fry size to put in my fridge as a surprise for me when I came home. I can eat sweet potatoes, love baked sweet potato fries, but struggle to cut the sweet potatoes. She cut up several sweet potatoes into perfect fry shape. Her kindness was used of God greatly to provide comfort and love. Sometimes, God’s love is orange.

Yes, I know that it may sound funny to you that God’s love to me today was orange or that the new celiac struggles are such a challenge for me. Yet, this is my battle. I know that you have your struggles and battles, too. God loves you. He longs for you to know Him more even when that something is hard. Yet, in His love, He carries us through the hard times and uses them to draw us closer to Himself. How has God shown you His love today?

Do you know Him personally? If not, I’d love to share what He has done for me. You may contact me at myrical@mjbjer333.com.

Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

Isaiah 31:1, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses,
Who trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
Nor seek the Lord!”

Due to driving frequently in deer territory, I have deer whistles on my car to repel them from my vehicle. Recently, while travelling in the early morning hours, a deer ran right out in front of my vehicle. By God’s grace, I did not hit the beautiful creature.

My mind turned to the truth of God’s protection as my heart resumed it’s beating after the incident. God is our protector… not man, locks, burglar alarms, the government, and so on. He alone keeps us safe.

The world we live in is a very disturbing place. God is our Protector! He alone keeps us safe. Trust in Him, not man!

Psalm 46

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

At the Revive Tour on Friday, I was privileged to meet Nancy Leigh DeMoss and have a picture taken with her. Many had that opportunity. What surprised me was that upon hearing my first name, she knew my middle name and “knew” me. She even knew how to spell my name. She was interested in my story. That was quite an incredible surprise. I must admit, it made the conference even more special. I shared the experience with several close friends and family members.

As I thought about that, I realized something even greater. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords knows my name. He not only knows how to spell it, but knew it since the beginning. In fact, He created me. He loves to hear from me and spend time with me, but He doesn’t need to have me tell Him my story. He wrote it. Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:14-16.

So, shouldn’t I tell everyone I meet about Him? He loves me. John 3:16. I mean… He loves me. Should I not shout it from the rooftops. For, the good news is that He loves you, too! He wants to have a relationship with you and to have you spend eternity with Him!

I think I hear Him calling my name for some time with Him. If you want to know more about having a relationship with Him, please contact me at myrical@mjbjer333.com!

Today, I had the amazing privilege of attending the Revive Tour in Grand Rapids with Nancy Leigh DeMoss and the Revive Our Heart Staff. What a blessing! It was like a glimpse of what Heaven will be as we worshiped Him and learned more of who He is. TREMENDOUS!

From the time we entered the conference doors, God’s presence was evident. The music, messages, and fellowship were amazing. I came exhausted spiritually and physically weak, fatigued, and in pain. The day was amazing! God used it to spiritually uplift me and restore me.

My heart rejoiced as I watched the volunteers and the Revive team work together for God and show genuine love of Christ while doing it. The workers were real and approachable, and also lived what they taught. They were truly there to serve our Savior. As the day went on, I saw that they were not afraid to admit their own frailty and share how God is their help. This helped me more than I can express.

The distributed program had several articles in it. It seemed that each one was written just for me. They “hit home” along the same lines as what God had been speaking to my heart in my Quiet Times with Him. My heart began to be encouraged. My “seatmates” were such a blessing. The fellowship with other ladies who are on this journey to Heaven did my heart good. One precious saint told me as we said goodbye, “See you There!” Joy filled my heart at this reminder.

Shannon Wexelberg was the special music today. Her life has been changed through trials and suffering. The Holy Spirit used the music to minister to my needy, tired heart. Oh, What a Savior! Her music was such a blessing. Seeing her love for Him was precious.

Then, came the teaching by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I feel as if I know her after listening to her each day on the podcast as well as reading her books. She has become a godly example in my life. It was on the names of Jesus. Each name is so precious. Oh, the care that He has for us. It was wonderful reminders of how much He loves us and of the fact that He is always the same. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament! God reached down to this tired, needy child and lifted me up. My realization of who God is was rekindled. Oh, what a wonderful Savior!

I praise God for the ministry of Revive our Hearts. God has used these dear servants to help draw me closer to Him and make me thirsty for Him. He has used their teaching to help transform my life and the lives of those around me. Today, I was asked how Revive our Hearts has been used in my life. I was overwhelmed with the multitude of lessons I’ve learned and could only feebly stammer out a few ways. Afterwards, so many lessons came flooding back.

• It was through them that I learned that I was a practical atheist. I was living as if God did not exist although I am His child.
• My heart was lifted up in pride, control, manipulation, anger and bitterness.
• Lessons taught on Revive Our Hearts pointed me to our precious Saviour and revealed the lies I believed and that bound me.
• I have learned the importance and the way to memorize large quantities of Scripture AND apply them.
• I have learned how to study His Word and apply it to my heart.
• God has shown how He can use me in every season of life – just differently.
• God has been transforming me through His Word and consistent teaching of Revive Our Hearts.
• God has shown me how to choose gratitude and how important gratitude is to every area.
• I never cease to be amazed at how much He loves us and ministers to us right where we are. Last week, the sessions with Joni Tada came at a time when I needed the reminders that if God will not change our situation, He is ready to give the strength and provision of exactly what we need.
• Today, God reached down to restore this poor child of His as each song and message seemed to be directed toward me.

Today was an incredible blessing of being drawn closer to our Saviour. The music, teaching, and fellowship could not erase the pain and fatigue, but they drew my heart and soul closer to my precious Saviour. He is the only one who can help me in time of need!

Won’t you come to Him today?

I stood a mendicant [beggar] of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me.”
He said, “My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

There is an amazing story of this poem by missionary Steve Saint here (entire playlist story).

My furnace quit this weekend… in February… in the north. Ummm… brrrr…..

Thankfully, my brother and cousin are extremely handy. I began to pray that it would not be an expensive repair. God kept reminding me that He was in control and my Jehovah-Jireh, provider!  And, He provided. It was simply a dirty sensor. Once cleaned, voila! I have heat again!

It made me think about our lives. Isaiah 59:1-2 makes it clear that our sin separates us from God. Forgiveness is the theme of the Bible. Isaiah 1:18 and 1 John 1:9 are great verses along with the book of Romans!

So, is your spiritual furnace functioning properly? What sin is more important to you than being right with God?

God…

Father

Love

Mercy

Grace

Just

Pure

Holy

God.

My heart has been burdened greatly lately at the Mission Field here in America. The soil seems hard; the task impossible. Yet, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think! Ephesians 3:14-21

The vision of this mission field has me reading the great mission biographies of old. You know what I find? They LOVED His Word, LOVED to spend time pouring out their hearts to Him and listening to Him. My cry is, “I don’t have time for that.” Yet, truth shows me that I make time for what is important. Making time for God means that sacrifices must be made elsewhere. But, when the sacrifice is about giving up temporary for eternal, the “sacrifice” fades. I see that so often in my life I am caught up with the here and now instead of eternity as I am more concerned with my comfort and needs than His work and what matters for eternity.

God is showing me that Romans 12:1-2 is vital. He is to have complete control of my life. I give my life a living sacrifice whether that means physical pain, poverty, or hardship. Whatever will bring glory to Him is most needed!!!! He must increase. I must decrease! Where has God placed you to work for Him? What is your mission field?

There are so many distractions. Yet, eternity is at stake for many. What will I do? What will you do?