Day 191 of The Red Shoe Project is coming to a close. I have kicked off my RED shoes and am trying my best to deliver an accurate account of this day that has been jam-packed with "Goodies from God!"
WOW!
What a day!
I arrived early this morning to set up the chairs for our Bonfire Bible Study only to find that we were being bumped to another room due to a broken air conditioner. In this case, it was a bump UP to a larger, brighter, more conducive room for our ministry. It was the perfect venue! Last week we were totally grateful for the room we had. As I mentioned though, it already seemed like the room was half full. Today, the room felt like home! We are hoping and praying that God bumps us up permanently... at least until we outgrow that venue or until God provides us our own facility.
Yesterday's blog was somewhat prophetic of today's meeting. People came with needs and God met them. Not one person left the way they came. Bonnie presented a good Word based on Romans 12:1, "...offer your bodies as a living sacrifice..." and several women made apropos observations and comments.
The major take-away from today's lesson had to be the importance of allowing The Holy Spirit to cleanse you of your issues - junk - crap - stuff that's of no value and gets in the way of God really moving in your life. Prior to the meeting, Bonnie had a front row seat to a living illustration when she went on an inspection of a home where they discovered the septic tank filled to the brim and near over flowing. Needless to say, it had to be emptied. Yup! It's a messy job, but it has to be done. It's the same when it comes to our lives.
At the end of the meeting, we took time to pray specifically that The Holy Spirit would reveal to people what they needed to be emptied of.
After singing the chorus, "You won't leave here like you came in Jesus Name," people started clapping. Others joined in shouting out praises to God. It was exuberant and glorious all wrapped into one!
Next thing you know, someone shouted:
"Joy! Joy! Joy!"
Another responded loudly,
"We receive it in Jesus Name!"
Even another broke forth with,
"Victory! Victory!"
People continued to clap. One even stamped her feet victoriously!
Yes... there was no way anyone would be leaving there "the same." Women, here and there, began turning to the person beside them, laying hands on them and praying for their needs.
Boom! Down went this one. Boom! Down went that one.
Boom! Down went Bonnie!
One gal said,
"You don't understand!
This has never happened to
me before. I don't go down!"
LOL. Well... she does now. It was awesome! That's body ministry at it's best!
Leaving there, several of us headed to a nearby restaurant for fellowship and a bite to eat. Truly it was like the second course of "God's Goodies." The dear sister sitting beside me had such a passion for God's Word. The two of us got into a discussion on Women Warriors for God, Wielding the Word of God, for the Cause of Christ. Now that's a conversation that will stir you up!
Just then, Dr. Linda had to get back to the office. I wasn't able to get to her for prayer at the meeting, so as she passed me, I put her hand on my shoulder and asked her to pray. My shoulder has been dreadfully sore this past week. Quietly, right there in the restaurant, she placed her hand on me. I prayed quietly in agreement, and there it was: THE HEAT. I felt that warm healing power flow through her hand and into my shoulder. Thank you Jesus! Hey... it worked on my neck a couple weeks ago. I'm believing the same for this shoulder!
After everyone left, Bonnie and I met to debrief, testify and thank God for his goodness. Ultimately, we ended up at Starbucks, only to be met by a wonderful brother in the Lord who shared with us the mighty things God has been doing in his ministry. Wow! God is using him in powerful ways. Next thing I know, Bonnie asks him to pray for me and my ministry. He pulled out his special anointing oil, poured it on the palms of my hands and prayed up a storm that surely drove the devil miles away!
Looking at my watch, I realized I had to leave or I'd be late for my class tonight. I was facilitating a discussion group on The Book of Revelation. Oh no! Had I not been stirred up enough? Talking about End Time Events always puts a fire in my bones! And it did just that. What a meeting!
Hallelujah!
Now that's Glorious!
Jumping with Joy, shoeless!
Gail
