A Gentle Breeze

"The wind blows wherever it pleases.
You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  (John 3:8 )

As I sit outside this morning and hear the rustling of the leaves, it’s a gentle breeze that’s producing the beautiful song. It brought a smile to my face.

My grandparents lived in Fajardo, PR. Today I was reminiscing over a visit when I was a little girl.

My grandma’s house was surrounded by trees with lots of shade. Her balcony was huge, or at least it was to me. There was a little house in the back that I could enter. I remember a sewing machine and just a quaint room that beckoned invitation.

No matter where I was in her big lot of land, the trees covered everything. I could feed the chickens, catch slugs on the ground, or climb the mango tree and have a treat. At night, I would sit with my grandfather on the porch, taking in the lessons on how to play Dominoes.

It’s amazing how just the rustling of the trees can flood my mind and bring me back to a vivid childhood memory, a beautiful memory!

As the birds are singing this morning and only nature’s song is flooding my ears, the Lord also whispered to me.

He reminded me that my grandma, Felicita, was a Christian. I don’t ever remember going to church with her or even knowing or understanding the walk that she had with God. I do recall that after she died, she gave her bible to my cousin.

As life progressed, in my twenties, I, too, began to serve the Lord. My cousin became ill, and I remember visiting her at the hospital. As life was slipping away from her and the transition was approaching, I recall pulling out a Bible and reading from the book of Psalms to her. I began to encourage her and speak about the Lord and his goodness to her.

Sharing with other relatives, I pointed to my grandma’s Bible in my cousin's hand. She was not awake or able to converse, but I do know that the Word of the Lord has authority, and it's a testament of all God has left for us. I told my relatives, “Read to her from Grandma’s bible.” The hope of eternal life is in the Book.

Did Grandma go to church and pray for her family? I have been born again and know that once you have this treasure, you want everyone to have it! Maybe grandma did speak to me about the Lord, and I don’t remember. After speaking with my dad today, he said she was always praying, reading, and in church. Perhaps as I walked the land and climbed the trees, she had prayed. She wanted her entire family to encounter the Savior. Indeed, I have!

Even now the wind is blowing, and the trees are moving at the Lord’s command. Even now, the Wind of the Spirit is moving and speaking his purpose and direction over me.

Truly, before I was even born, he knew me.

Pray, read, and worship the Lord. Pray over your lineage that has not yet come forth. Cover those who one day will walk the earth, grandchildren, nephews & nieces. Pray for those who are rebelling against the Lord today. Pray for God’s intervention. Pray fervently and never forget that prayer affects today and tomorrow; it crosses over continents, causes change, and affects future lineage.

Thank you Lord for saving Grandma and saving me.

God bless you!~Liz

The Voice

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

Often, we speak of hearing God’s voice. But what does that sound like to someone who has never experienced Him?

Recently, I was at a restaurant. As I was leaving, someone called my name. As I turned her face looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. 

She recognized my voice from across the restaurant as I interacted with my friends.  Once I got up, she confirmed that the familiar voice indeed was mine!

The Word of God speaks of who he is and goes into great detail on how far he will go to reach us. 

Creation speaks of Him!

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)

I was embarrassed that I did not recognize my friend at first. But a few quick moments into the conversation, and I realized this woman had babysat my son for years. My son is a grown, married man now. It’s been years! Her ear was keen. Mine not so much.

Do we miss God sometimes?  Is our memory short-lived? 

Even above the clashing dishes, the loud laughter, and the din of countless conversations, she recognized the sound of my voice.

Can you hear Him calling?

What I’ve discovered is that our voices are unique. Imagine if your mom and dad had the same voice. That would be creepy! What if your favorite singer’s voice sounded like “Doc”, the inventor of the first time machine from “Back to the Future”? Hmmm, no need to download that song.

The unique sound of our voice is like a fingerprint.

It’s that uniqueness that makes me, me. Each of us have been created special and exceptional in God’s sight. The Scriptures note that we are created in His image. (Genesis 1:27)

As a little girl, I loved going to my grandma’s house. Years later, when she moved to Puerto Rico and the years of life were added, her voice was still Grandma’s voice.

Get a cold, and our voice might get raspy for a short time. Spend some time at the roller rink screaming over the noise and music, and our voices might get hoarse. But this unique feature is one of our trademarks. My voice is still mine.

God, who made us, is that way too. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) When God speaks through His Word, the heart of God is exposed and is the same from Genesis to Revelation. He loves us in Genesis and through Revelation.

That’s one way we recognize when he speaks. He does not contradict himself.

God, who created life, would not ask us to harm ourselves. God, who sent his Son as a payment for sin, does not want anyone to leave this earth without this gift.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

Have you heard him speak? Has he been calling you? 

His Voice is like no one else. When he speaks, things go into motion: creation, salvation, and the redemptive plan for mankind unleashed.

God speaks through His Word, the Bible. We get to know him better as we remain in it.

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:32-36)

Lie your back on the countless grains of sand. Look up to his handiwork, the stars that he placed in the sky speak of Him, our Creator. He is everywhere!

I pray that my ears and sight would become keener. Not only to recognize friends from my past but to recognize the God of my present and future!

He's everywhere! Can you hear him?

God bless you!~Liz

Fireflies

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Fireflies; it's the adventure of Summer days as a child.  Taking a hold of any empty jar, whether it was a glass baby food jar or an old jelly or mayonnaise jar, we'd empty them and we'd go around the neighborhood catching fireflies.  It's their bright little abdomen lighting up and begging us to capture them; once caught we couldn't wait to show them off;  it's our prize!

Today, are we shining bright; so illuminated that those around us want to "catch" what has been put into these jars of clay? When our lives are touched by the Lord; when our lives are changed and we experience forgiveness and newness of life, we shout it out to all who want to listen.  We experience this transformation like a butterfly bursting out of its cocoon. We are free, liberated and forgiven. Whooo...fly...fly....a freedom that's new and a weight that is gone. As time goes by, sometimes our light or joy becomes diminished.

Fireflies light up as a way to attract, to call out for a mate; a perfect design by God.  We go around catching them because their light is intriguing and interesting.  We marvel at the glow and have even discovered that the darker it gets as night falls, the brighter our little prize in the jar becomes!

I want my life to reflect such a light that those that are looking want to "catch" it.  In a world where hope seems gone, pain seems to be common and despair wants to rob and turn off our light; I want to shine even brighter, don't you?  Life is an experience with trials but with Christ he has enabled us to overcome.   May not always be easy, but yes, overcome! 

While catching these fireflies as a little child, I inevitably would accidentally hurt the firefly.  I got too close and touched it's little belly and my harsh hand would cause its demise.  It's like us, often in the midst of our walk, people say the wrong thing causing us pain; false accusation, jealousy, bitterness, anger all manifesting in actions that hurt one another.

Interestingly, I remember that even when I accidentally, in my curiosity, brought this little creature to its end, it's LIGHT continued to glow.  Even in death, this creature continued to shine.  It reminds me of Stephen.  While his accusers stoned him, he continued to glorify God, letting his light shine until the end. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep". (Acts 7:54-60)

There is plenty of darkness in this world we live in.  The smallest flicker shines bright in darkness. Find us faithful Lord and help us to overcome.  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.2 Corinthians 4:7


God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com

I Just Witnessed A Miracle

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Last night I witnessed the most incredible sight anyone could observe, the miracle of life! I knew my friend was in labor and that she would bring forth life soon so I decided to go visit her at the hospital. My thoughts were to go for about half hour and then return home. As I drove, a thirty minute journey I found myself in a construction circle that put me back on the highway going in the wrong direction. I could see the hospital but I could not get off the exit. So, I drove frustrated as I was, back toward home. "Lord, how could I get lost?" My options were to continue home or turn back and drive another 20 minutes in the opposite direction again. I was tired, but was compelled to finish my trip and make my hospital visit; so back down the highway I drove.

When I get to the hospital, my other friend, Shari was also visiting. We see "mommy" she is ready! The nurses arrive to let my friend and I know that we are now the "coaches" for this delivery. Coaches? Hey we did not sign up for this; we laughed and said, "ok, let's see how the night goes, but, we can't stay too late". So as the evening progresses so does the miracle of life. My friend Jasmin is so calm, nothing like those movies we see where the mommy-to-be is screaming. Oh, hmmm, ...I think that was me thirty years ago :)

What an incredible night! A little before 9PM, a little girl emerges on the scene, beautiful, perfect, breathing, flawless and singing a beautiful "song" to let the world know she has arrived. Knit together in her mother's womb; fearfully and wonderfully made by God! What a vision, what a wonder!

I am so glad I turned around and decided to go back to the hospital. I would have missed this marvelous testimony of my Creator God; the ability he has given us to be partaker's in his creative work of another life!

Jasmin & Chris, congratulations on the birth of your baby girl!

By the way, she is my "God-daughter", with middle name Elizabeth! Well, Elizabeth, just as your name says....may your life be pledged to God all the days of your life and may your heart search for the riches of the Lord; may you serve Him all the days of your life, acknowledging him in all your ways. I pray that out of those perfectly formed lips, that praise would rise affecting every "hearer" in your vicinity; pointing them to the Creator that made you! God is Awesome! I am inspired!


God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com

Fleas on Thanksgiving

Romans 12:7a NIV

if it is serving, then serve;

2013 Happy Thanksgiving!

 find myself communicating a lot this past week. I adopted Savannah Hope on Tuesday. She is a precious little thing. The newest kitten in the family.

Savannah spent her first night with us. The next morning, I was playing with her, and I thought I saw something move on her. Well, let’s leave it at that! I was scared and angry. I adopted Savannah from the same place I adopted Mercy & Grace. I was particular about the cat's health. Make sure she has no fleas; I have two other cats, and this could be disastrous. Well, lo and behold, you got it - this kitty cat has fleas. I was so overwhelmed. I drove immediately to the vet and had Mercy and Grace treated for the flea exposure. Luckily, they were not playing together. On the contrary, they were on opposite sides of the house, hissing and having spit fights.

So why this story? Well, it's Thanksgiving eve!

The Bible says that each of us has been given gifts from God. Many different gifts but the same Spirit, Glory to God! In my overwhelming, emotional state, I called my sister crying. It's the day before Thanksgiving, and we have fleas!

I have a new adorable kitty cat that I don't know what to do with. You see, my brother-in-law, a.k.a Dr. Doo-Little, is a master at taking care of kitties. He has rescued many, housed them, lost some to disease, but not once has he given up on any of these little creatures.

In my desperation, I asked my sister if she could come up to the house on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and have Dr. Doo-Little "un" flea Savannah.

Of the many gifts dispersed by the Spirit of God, I am always amazed at the gift of Service. The gift of Service is a behind-the-scenes gift; it does not announce, “Here I am. Look at me, see what I am doing.” No, this gift in operation reminds me of Jesus walking on earth. Jesus went around with words of life. He healed many, and then just slipped away in the crowd. No attention sought. It was an act of kindness to someone else.

My sister tells her husband, Dr. Doo-Little, that I was crying and in need. So what does a person who operates in this gifting look like; how do they respond? They pack the pork shoulder, throw the turkey breast in a bag, drive from New Jersey, in the middle of the precipitation (snow by my house), and arrive at my home the day before Thanksgiving to help! Help who? To help me!

He spent hours in the bathroom with Savannah, removing this infestation from this precious little tiny creature. In the morning, Savannah and Mom were doing much better. Oh, it does not stop there. Dr. Doo-Little got up early in the morning and drove two hours, round-trip, to pick up my dad and bring him to my home for Thanksgiving dinner. You see, originally we were to have Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house, but they did not consider it an inconvenience to pack up, drive in the snow, and come to my rescue instead.

By the way, Dr. Doo-Little's real name is Marty. In the middle of all this, Marty lost his dad the week before.

So this Thanksgiving, I want to give thanks to the Lord for Marty, for his selfless act of service.

BTW, help me wish him a Happy Birthday. Yes, his birthday is just a few days away. Happy Birthday Marty! God is so Good!

This Thanksgiving, thank someone who is always serving, a behind-the-scenes person. Let them know how much you appreciate God working through them!

God bless you!~Liz

www.LizRod.com

Who is Speaking?

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Ever woke up in the middle of the night with a thought that would not let you sleep, how about while driving home? Perhaps you are in church or at the grocery store, and the thought grips you. You are wondering, is it true?

The better question is: Who is speaking? Is it the Advocate or the Accuser? One promotes life, the other death. The one who pleads on my behalf, the one who intercedes and appeals for me, is the Advocate! The one who points the finger and tries to humiliate me or sows dishonor to the person the Lord is shaping and molding daily into his image, that is the Accuser.

Are you a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ? Think you are shielded from such thoughts? Even worse, they come in floods and try to suppress our tongues from praising God. They try to steal the joy that God has given us. They bring confusion and shame. They speak, ridicule, and belittle the believer who has been made in the image of God.

The Accuser promotes pride. The Advocate, my Avenger, fosters humility. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalm 25:9)

Often, when a thought tries to invade me, before I begin entertaining it, I ask myself; Who is speaking? Are these thoughts trying to make me feel better or worse? Do they come at me like darts, trying to leave scars? Has the accusation captivated my thoughts?

I am listening attentively, I am consumed by it, my focus is completely at its disposal; I have even forgotten to invite Jesus to the conversation. I have built an altar, and I have "worshiped" every thought that has come to destroy me. If I am not careful, I will begin to agree with it. I will partake in this ceremony of destruction; a demise to my spirit; a clear demolition of all that God has been building in me. I erect a "golden calf," and I am satisfied even as I engage in idol worship. Idol, an obsession that has taken me captive.

We demolish arguments and every pretentious thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Thank the Lord for his intrusion; for the invasion of his Spirit, the Avenger. Oh, a shield that is raised; a swift reminder to open my mouth and begin to exalt the Advocate, the King, my Redeemer. Come with a song and agree with the Word that became flesh. I ask my Defender to pulverize and bring the demise of these accusing thoughts that stem from the pit of Hell.

The question is, who is speaking? If the Lord wants to get my attention, bring correction to my life; he knows how to take this clay, melt it, mold it, break it, and reshape it for his glory.

The Accuser throws me into the fire and leaves me there to die.

Examination is good, but if it leads to guilt and I begin a destruction pattern that leads to death, I'm inviting Jesus to the party. He is the giver of Life!

A battle was about to begin last night, woke me up, but I called on the Name of Jesus! Hallelujah!!! Are you in the midst of a battle right now? STOP!! Call on the name of your Avenger, who knows how to crush our enemy.

God bless you!~Liz