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Lead Me In The Way Everlasting

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Psalm 139:24 – And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

“What feels like an offense is, in reality, a door to our destiny. Consider Joseph, he suffered attempted murder, betrayal and slavery; he was unjustly accused and unfairly imprisoned. Yet Joseph took the injustice he experienced from men and transferred those offenses to the Lord, His almighty Redeemer. You see, how we handle offense reveals where we are yet controlled by our flesh. If you want to reach your destiny, you must become Christlike in your crisis. In a word, you must become unoffendable.” –In Christ’s Image Training

Pastor Francis Frangipane posted this today on his ministry Facebook page. It is a quote from one of his teachings in his training school. It impacted my life the first time I heard it and since. Every time he posts this, I repost and I will likely continue to do so. I do it because it is a reminder to me of my training, that my training continues and my need to keep pressing into the Lord to become Christlike and to become unoffendable.

Offense is one of my hardest present struggles. In and of myself I can’t let things go but I have learned that I must quickly give things to the Lord. We live in a society that “honors” offense and tries to create victims from those offenses at every turn. But holding on to an offense is like being underwater too long and unable to breathe. It creates that kind of desperation and draws you that close to death. Letting it go is like finally rising to the top and getting that desperate breath that calms. Oh yes, it is that freeing!!!

Even with knowing that, it is still not natural or always easy and almost never my first reaction. Oh, Lord! I pray for the day that it is. My flesh wants to hang on to so much. But, as many things are, I have learned that letting go of offense is a choice. It is a decision that you have to make and then lay it on the altar, walk away and let Jesus handle it. And then sometimes I have to make the choice not to go back and pick it up again. Offense is a huge stumbling block and distraction and the enemy loves it when we are so wrapped up in an offense that we are doing nothing fruitful for the Kingdom of God. I am still learning.

My prayer – HELP me, Father, today not to hold onto any offense. Show me where it is hiding in my heart and help me make the choice to cast it away once and for all so I can walk in unity and love and focus and bearing lasting fruit on the way everlasting…in Jesus Name! Amen!!!

Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Proverbs 17:9 – He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

2 Corinthians 6:3 – Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Romans 14:13 – Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

Psalm 139:24 – And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Posted in Hiding His Word

Lead Me in the Way Everlasting

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:24

“What feels like an offense is, in reality, a door to our destiny. Consider Joseph, he suffered attempted murder, betrayal and slavery; he was unjustly accused and unfairly imprisoned. Yet Joseph took the injustice he experienced from men and transferred those offenses to the Lord, His almighty Redeemer. You see, how we handle offense reveals where we are yet controlled by our flesh. If you want to reach your destiny, you must become Christlike in your crisis. In a word, you must become unoffendable.” – In Christ’s Image Training

Pastor Francis Frangipane posted this today on his ministry Facebook page. It is a quote from one of his teachings in his training school. It impacted my life the first time I heard it and since. Every time he posts this, I repost, and I will likely continue to do so. I do it because it is a reminder to me of my training, that my training continues, and my need to keep pressing into the Lord dot become Christlike and to become offendable.

Offense is one of my hardest present struggles. In and of myself I can’t let things go but I have learned that I must quickly give things to the Lord.

We live in a society that “honors” offense and tries to create victims from those offenses at every turn. But holding on to offense is like being underwater too long and unable to breathe. It creates that kind of desperation and draws you that close to death. Letting it go is like finally rising to the top and getting that desperate breath that calms. Oh, yes, it is freeing!

Even knowing that, it is still not natural or always easy and rarely my first reaction. Oh, Lord! I pray for the day that it is. My flesh wants to hold on to so much. But, as many things are, I have learned that letting go of offense is a choice. It is a decision that you have to make and then lay it on the altar, walk away, and let Jesus handle it. And then sometimes I have to choose not to go back and pick it up again. Offense is a huge stumbling block and distraction, and the enemy loves it when we are so wrapped up in an offense that we are doing nothing fruitful for the Kingdom of God. I am still learning!

My Prayer – HELP me, Father, today not to hold onto any offense. Show me where it is hiding in my heart and help me choose to cast it away once and for all so I can walk in unity and love and focus and bear lasting fruit on the way everlasting. In Jesus Name! Amen!!!

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. – Proverbs 19:11

He that covereth a transgression Seeketh love; but he that repeater has a matter separateth very friends. – Proverbs 17:9

Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. – Romans 14:1

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:24

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Texts from My Father

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I have friends that send me scripture verses via text or fb messenger each day. Different friends from different walks of life and different places. Today’s verses were just so encouraging, so perfectly spaced and flowed together so well so I wanted to share them as well as the sequence. Nothing like texts from friends but from my Father through His Word. I am blessed.

As I woke up. My praise!

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him ~ Lamentations 3:22-24

As I drank my coffee. My charge!

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:4-8

Second cup of coffee. My meditation!

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:4-7

As I started my work day. My prayer!

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. ~ Psalm 19:14
Posted in Uncategorized

Texts from my Father

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
I have friends that send me scripture verses via text or FB Messenger each day. Different friends from different walks of life and different places. Today’s verses were just so encouraging, so perfectly spaced and flowed together so well. I wanted to share them as well as the sequence. Nothing like texts from friends but from my Father through His Word. I am blessed.

As I woke up. My praise!
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him ~ Lamentations 3:22-24

As I drank my coffee. My charge!
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:4-8

Second cup of coffee. My meditation!
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:4-7

As I started my work day. My prayer!
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. ~ Psalm 19:14
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My Tongue Shall Speak of Thy Word

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

psalm-119-tau
Psalm 119:169-176 – TAU

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. 171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

When I truly look at God’s statutes, the commandments, and measure myself; when I meditate on this Word…I can’t help but be changed and realize how bad it is. How bad I am, how much I need Him, and how much I need to call upon Him. It wasn’t until I got into the Word regularly and God started opening my eyes that I understood deep down at a heart level just how sinful and flawed I was. And that understanding helps me to also see just a little of what David is saying in these verses today.

When I read this passage, I hear a man (the psalmist) calling upon God; but also a man singing praises. This passage is a prayer to the Lord and the focus of the psalmist’s prayer is on God’s wonderful ability to meet his needs as he trusted Him. I love all of Psalm 119 but when I read this passage it became personal!!! Because the needs of the psalmist are the same things I need. They are the same things you need.

What did Psalmist need? He said:

– I need Your Word. We never outgrow our need for God’s Word, no matter how long we walk with Him. There will always be something new. The psalmist asked for understanding and deliverance, for he knew that the truth would set him free (John 8:32)

– I need Your Hand. The idols of his world have hands that do not move or feel, but God’s hand is active on behalf of His people. His hand is righteous.

– I need Your salvation. Our ultimate salvation was found on the cross when Jesus died and then was put in that tomb and then raised on that third day. But I believe our need for His salvation means even more than that. Here salvation also meant deliverance from his enemies who were threatening him, but salvation can mean freedom from worry, healing from sickness, provision of funds to pay a bill or deliverance from satanic oppression.

– I need Your help. The writer prayed HELP ME earlier in verse 86 and isn’t that our cry. God’s hand can help us but so can His judgments. Judgments is another word for the Word of God, but it can also refer to the working of God’s providence in this world. The two go together because God always obeys His own Word when He works in this world. God helps us as He arranges the affairs of His world and our lives. He will accomplish His will.

– My Pastor (Jeff Johnson) said that the word “Tau” means “covenant” (an agreement between two people; to promise or pledge) and right in the middle of this prayer the Psalmist agrees to something. The Psalmist says, “teach me thy Word” and I will do two things: I will praise thee (my lips shall utter praise when thou has taught me thy statutes vs.171) and I will speak Your Word (my tongue shall speak of thy word vs. 172). Now that is a prayer God will answer. When you are in the Word you can’t help but let out that Word through your mouth. Study of the Word, preaching the Word, praise, and worship all belong together.

For years, I was good at doing. Doing specifically for God. I loved Him and I was grateful for His grace and I wanted to do something. I grew up learning the Bible…but the Bible, this Word hadn’t permeated my heart. I didn’t get it. And so, the doing took place of praise flowing out of my heart and onto my lips. There was no praise because there was not understanding, or admittance, of God’s statutes. It is not about our doing but we know we are not to just sit around doing nothing. God has a work He expects us to do on this earth. It says in Revelation 22:12 says,

When we meditate on the Word our hearts are changed and the overflow of our heart is love and the overflow of our love is praise and speaking His Word and then we DO…. God wants us to LOVE HIM and PRAISE HIM and then be obedient to what He tells us to DO but the doing comes as a “byproduct” of our love and praise from a heart that has meditated on His Word.

During the spiritual journey of the Psalmist that we read of in Psalm 119 we know that though he had many ups and downs, he always stayed himself on the Word of God. Now, how fitting is the last verse of 119? After 175 verses of proclaiming how great God’s Word is; how we treasure it; how we seek to follow with our whole heart, still the psalmist ended up saying and we also in our journey to be honest at times we must say… I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

– I need to know and declare, “I am Thy servant.” The psalmist admitted he had gone astray. He did not say that he had greatly sinned against the Lord or that he was rebelling. But even still, he had come to know through it all his own weakness and ignorance. I need to come to that place too. The servant had strayed BUT he knew he was still the servant of God and not the servant of sin, and he still remembered God’s Word and he has asked for help, so he won’t stray for long.

When the Word is opened to you because you have meditated on it and it becomes alive in your hearts too… you can’t help but realize that even though you too are prone to wander and stray and rebel…when you called upon Him for HELP He will come and in Him there is FORGIVENESS. ACCEPTANCE. LOVE. And that will bring you to your knees in worship. For WHO He is, and what He has done for us.

What is in your hearts today? Are praise and the Word pouring forth from your heart to your mouth? If not, why?

for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. ~ Luke 6:45
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A 9/11 Birthday

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

We all remember so many details and images of 9/11/01.

As I drove up the beautiful Colonial Parkway toward home that day, I wondered how it would forevermore feel to be one with a birthday on 9/11. How would those born on this day celebrate life in the midst of such death? I wasn’t born on this day so I don’t know why I had that thought. But I do know that God knows every thought or maybe He planted that thought in my mind, knowing I would revisit it many times in the coming years.

On 9/11/2006 at around 10:15am, the 5th anniversary of this Patriot Day, with the roll call of those that died playing in the distance, the supernatural power of God met the natural in my life. I found myself that morning alone. We had since moved from Virginia to NC and I was battling severe depression. This was not new, it had been going on for years but on this day I was tired of fighting each and every day to stay alive. Satan had me in a stronghold and I was almost convinced of my unworthiness. I almost wanted to die to relieve the pain I felt. Almost, because for reasons that even I do not know, I said a desperate and sincere prayer to Jesus. One word was all I screamed – “HELP!”

And then….as in the days of the Apostle Paul, I encountered the Living God.

His magnificent and radiant Glory filled my dining room/office. I had never seen such a light and never felt such a presence. His presence filled every crevice of that room including every part of me. I felt both incredible peace and holy fear. I fell onto the floor and for what seemed hours,  I lay there…prostrate under the weight of His Glory. I was as one of the dead in my physical body though more alive than ever before within. On that day, the Almighty God allowed me to see just a glimpse of Himself, He held me in His arms and allowed me to see the “Missy” that He created me to be and showed me how satan had worked to destroy me even as he had destroyed my own dad. My Father spoke to me words that will forever be engraved in my heart…Words no one can ever take away or dismiss. Heavenly words! I spoke to Him words that I will forever live by. On that day, He healed me, delivered me and changed this life for all eternity. On that day, I repented of my sins, forgave all who I had been so unwilling to forgive and then He forgave me and I accepted His salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.  On that day, I made Him Lord and King. After years of hiding the truth about myself and pretending to be saved because I had walked the aisle one time as a child, I was truly born again. Washed as white as snow. That was the greatest of miracles in my life.

My Father then baptized me with His Holy Spirit and I began to speak a language I didn’t know! A heavenly language that until that very moment I had never believed in. He promised to restore my life and that of my family. His promises are always true! It was a suddenly, parting of the red sea experience. I was changed in every way…physically, emotionally and spiritually. For me, much of it was instant and yet the changes continue even today. I came away with a burning love for Him and His Word. I gave up many things of this world that occupied my mind and time and I started seeking Him through prayer and fasting and His Word and I so saturated my life with Him that before I knew it my old self was unrecognizable to me in many ways. 9/11/2006 Jesus gave me my LIFE and 9/11/2006 I turned around and gave it right back to Him.

So tomorrow is my real, true birthday. There will be no cake, no worldly gifts. I know no way to celebrate than this – to remain filled with a heart of gratitude and devotion and indescribable love for my beautiful Savior and those He created. To do His will as best as I can through His strength. To never forget…remind myself daily of Jesus’ sacrifice and His love for me that brought me out of the place of impending eternal death and into this eternal life. Think about it…at a time when the pain and grief of an entire country was so much in the world’s focus…My Shepherd “left the ninety-nine” to come and rescue this sinner. The beautiful Lamb of God carried this lamb home…what a special gift to me! Thank you so much Jesus!!!!

And herein lies another truth….If He did this for me, He will do it for you too. All of it. He will heal, deliver, save, baptize. He will reveal Himself to you. He will meet you or come after you. He will draw you to Himself or draw you closer. If you feel you are in a place that you can do nothing else, just say the only prayer I did – “HELP!”

On this the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, I pray for the peace and comfort for all but most especially those still in so much grief. I remember and I honor the lost….and yet, as one born on this day it is a special day of HOPE for me. How does it feel to be born on 9/11? It feels humbling, yet also incredibly hopeful. I pray today that you too know my Jesus as your Savior and your Lord! He is the reason for my HOPE!

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Throw Back Thursday

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

TBT – one of my FB memories from a few years ago said, “For 4-5 hours every Tuesday my life makes perfect sense.” That status referred to my work at the food pantry where I was allowed to minister to the people by praying with them and sharing the love of Jesus through the Word and mostly by just talking with them and getting to know their stories. That food pantry was my promised land for a time. Truly a special time in my life.

For about 6 months this year my life made perfect sense as I worked toward and was on the mission to Tanzania. I never felt closer to the Lord and never so dependent but also never so confident and confident in the Lord as I was there. I learned much through my walk with Jesus in TZ. I declare often that Africa is indeed still a promised land for me and I want to return with all of my heart.

After I left the food pantry (and I was called to leave as sure as I was called to go) even as I pressed on and waited on the Lord for direction and the next step, my heart grieved…for His people, His place, His purpose, His promise. I feel right back there today so truly is TBT.

Still pressing on…In Jesus Name!

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Can God Count On You?

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Psalm 119:112 – I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.

As I heard these words this week it struck me that these  are the words of someone who is determined and willing to put in the hard work to complete the task. These are the words of someone that you can count on.

We all know people we can count on to be there for us, to listen to us,  to come alongside. We have people listening now and we can count on them. They are faithful to listen and to let us know they are and it means a lot to us. We can count on them and their support and prayers as they come alongside this ministry.

In the Bible, we have examples of people God could count on…..

Abraham

Genesis 18:17-19 – And the Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

God had a great deal confidence in Abraham. He knew him inside out. Abraham was sincere and desired to please God. He feared the Lord greatly and obeyed him. God could count on Abraham!!!

Job

Job is a wealthy man living in the land called Uz with his large family and extensive flocks. He is “blameless” and “upright,” always careful to avoid doing evil. (1:1) One day, Satan appears before God in heaven. God tells Satan about Job’s goodness and Satan argues that Job is only good because God has blessed him abundantly. Satan challenges God that, if given permission to punish the man, Job will turn and curse God. God allows Satan to torment Job to test this, but He forbids Satan to take Job’s life in the process.

In the course of one day, Job receives four messages, each bearing news that his livestock, servants, and ten children have all died due to invaders and natural catastrophes. Job tears his clothes and shaves his head in mourning, but he still blesses God in his prayers.

Job 1:22 – In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Satan appears in heaven again and God grants him another chance to test Job. This time, Job is afflicted with horrible skin sores. His wife encourages him to curse God and to give up and die, but Job refuses.

Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

I encourage you to read the book of Job but the point I want to make here today is that – Job is an example of faithfulness as he loses everything important to him yet remains faithful to God.

God could count on Job!

Noah, Moses, Mary – God could depend on them!

Can God count on you???? Can God count on me????

  • Can God count on me, to listen to his instructions and do his will?
  • Can God count on me, to be light in this dark world?
  • Can God count on me, to serve in my church and community with my God-given gifts and resources?
  • Can God count on me, to raise our children and grandchildren to love him?
  • Can God count on me, to obey him in every situation at all times no matter the circumstances?

Ask yourself that today – Can God count on me?

Posted in Journal, missions

Dust

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It was the last night in TZ and the team was heading back from Safari. It was a four-hour trip and we were all very tired. Halfway back, there was a traffic jam in Arusha so our guide decided to go the back roads to Moshi. The back road was Nelson Mandela Highway. It was a road sometimes paved, most times not. We passed the Nelson Mandela University. Very middle-class area in TZ, I thought.

And then he made a left-hand turn and the scenery changed. In an instant, we were on a small dirt road in the middle of a remote village. I grabbed my camera but just as I did I heard the Holy Ghost tell me to take no pictures so I put the camera down. Oh my, people everywhere, dressed every way, animals everywhere. No cars except those trying to get through. Thatch roofs and mud houses. We got about halfway through the village and a young girl was standing on a bridge yelling and pointing at us. She was mad and they said trying to put curses on us. We rolled by on that dirt road leaving clouds of dust and a group of people covered by it – breathing it unavoidable.

And with that realization, it started – the tears. I started crying. Weeping at first but then it turned into streams of tears and didn’t stop until we arrived in Moshi. Believe me…I tried to stop. Believe me…I felt like I was causing discomfort in the van and so I tried. But the Spirit of the Lord had fallen on me and what He allowed me to see on those streets even through my tears and what He allowed me to see of my own soul overwhelmed my heart.

Maybe the love of Jesus starts by not thinking our own dust is more precious than others very lives. Having some respect and love for who they are even if they exist with just the clothes on their back, a goat or two and even if we know they worship a false god. Having some respect and love even if they hate us. Having some respect and love most especially if we are just passing through. I am not sure an unreached people can be reached for the Lord by westerners (missionaries or not) who care about their own dust (time and their own physical conditions) more than relationships built on love and respect. That takes time and while it can be dusty and dirty is never that intentionally.

One of my thoughts as we rolled through – How can those Tanzanian villagers do so much with so little? How can we Americans do so little with so much? The point of my even writing this down is for my own remembrance, as I have no pictures to show of it. Most people will never see this or care what I write in this blog. But I also write it to say this…

LOVE your neighbor…and sometimes that looks like just slowing down.