Laced With Grace

It never fails.  As soon as I have something I NEED to do on the computer, it suddenly runs slow and then a pop-up tells me “updates are available.” I’ve fallen for this trick before- I downloaded the “updates” only to find the computer does exactly what it did before.  To me- it wasn’t worth the interruption.  Apparently updating  software is a little like updating your haircut- no one but you may notice.  Or, everyone will notice because it is THAT bad…

I usually argue for a few minutes with the screen and then click “postpone, remind me to update again later”.   After an hour of reminder every 10 minutes, I have to repeat the process.  I swear the reminders get more ominous… “security patch is now available” “necessary updates, recommended” And maybe once or twice an “update now, or your computer will implode” warning has popped up.  

Eventually- the computer’s nagging wins.   (Or the cat moves and I can access the keyboard) I update.  I click “download”… then hold my breath and wait…(does time actually slow down when a computer updates.. or is it just me?)  The box closes.  Then, I click the “re-boot now or your identity will be stolen within 6.5 seconds” button… or whatever else the screen (threatens) tells me to do. 

I am still leery of the outcome.  However, inevitably, the computer re-boots and all is fine.  Security patches protect me in ways I don’t understand, and I (usualloy) find the files I was working on, still intact. Version 2.0 proves better than beta. I am relieved and maybe even more efficient.

I’m sure there is some deep psychological reason why I delay the updates… fear of change, fear of the unknown, laziness etc.  Whatever the reason, I do it every-time.  I delay the update.  God and I have been having a similar situation, lately.  I sense He wants to do some updating of things (namely, me) … I keep clicking “update later.” Patiently, He pops up again…. reminding me of the necessary updates… I argue about how everything is running along pretty fine and can’t we just leave things as is?  Besides… what if we run into problems with the install? Like a loving parent, he persists.

Eventually…. I give up… I let Him update, me- not my hard drive.  I listen and hear something in his word I never heard before.  I see an attitude in desperate need of changing,   I am confronted with a sin I need forgiveness for… or I sense a download of his love and encouragement straight to my heart.

When I finally do allow him to update- the changes may be small, even unnoticeable to others- or they may be dramatic.   Either way, I am not the same.  I am Me- Version 2.0 (OK- so more like V2,000.0 but you get the point;) I am different.

Today- I have a question, are you clicking the “update later” button with God?  Are you afraid of the possible changes, or challenges of the updates He may want to make?  Me too.   But- I’m thinking, Me V. 2,001.2 could only be, more like Him…….Update is always an upgrade,  with God.  Let’s let the master programmer make the necessary changes, together-

(Luke 24:23) “They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels…”

Today, I had a colossal revelation. While I was standing in front of the mirror waiting to jump into the shower, I thought I would do a modest work-out.

Well, actually my work-out consisted of two repetitions of arm lifts over my head, you know, to try and build up those biceps? I would bet that the total time invested in this petty, egotistical and maybe even humiliating venture was probably no more than 5.8 seconds.

I would like to say that what caught my attention and caused the abrupt stop to my calisthenics were a wonderful revelation, and not a fleeting image of horror but I’ll let you be the judge.

Alas, swaying to a rhythm of aerodynamics, not like a beautiful peaceful cadence that you would expect on a Caribbean cruise ship but more like a ripple effect caused by the physics of nature. So now, what I am seeing is real. I think. Ever seen the wave at a ballgame? Got it?

The additional growth behind my arms, flying in air, my angelic ways have landed me a new role in life with my Heavenly Father. I have arrived and I am finally in the process of getting the newest and most innovative model of budding angel wings. Yep, that is the only logical explanation I can really cipher out of what I am seeing.

I can’t believe that some people would be such skeptics to even think that, you know, it might be….fat. I’m so glad you guys know better!

With these wings, comes great responsibility.

Have we not, are we not, partakers of riches of the Kingdom of God? Are we now given tremendous trustworthiness to hear His gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) at His given moment that will bring glory to His Throne?

And so as a small bird learning to fly with their new wings, we will make many attempts. Meaning—we will fail, we will fall. Notice– even as a partaker, our Papa loves and trust us no matter how many times we do fall.  It reminds me of when my children were learning to walk, with each attempt, I clapped. And each time they fell, I encouraged them on. Never once did I love them any less. Do you think our Abba would ever love us less?

He calls us to be faithful, not successful. Otherwise, what did we need Jesus for? (Gal 2:21)

The day will come when we will receive our final wings, full and glorious. They will be handed over to us by our Heavenly Father as we stand before Him.

Until then, we can remain an accomplice to the life of an Angel and reep the blessings bestowed from the showers of the life lived from the Supernatural.

Thus, we are all Angels in training…..

Did I mention to you that I think I noticed something quite interesting the other day when I shot a look from a side view of my stomach? Oh my, maybe this is landing gear for when we….                    Happy day… Happy landing…

Saturday was one of those days….I flung the windows wide…the breeze was blowing, the curtains were billowing–one of those days when you just want to flood the house with the freshness of the outside air.

There are days—many of them, when I just feel like I need to fling open my heart for the Holy Spirit to blow through and permeate my soul and life. I need “freshening up”. I need a new scent. I am beginning to “smell” stale—musty…tired even. I need to be revived in my spirit as Peter was on the day of Pentecost!

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4

Immediately following this awesome action by the Holy Spirit, Peter was empowered to preach as never before! The first revival was heard in the land since Christ had been crucified and had been resurrected! He felt the “power” of the Holy Spirit! He was revived in spirit—rejuvenated! Boldness came over him like never before! (Read the account in chapter 2 of Acts)

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

Can you IMAGINE that? Can you FEEL the power? Do you FEEL the sense of urgency that Peter felt—to tell—to share—what he had? I do. Every time I read this. I want that in my life! I want that power—the boldness—the sense of urgency to tell it—share it—and live it!

“But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

He’s looking for us…you and me…Where will He find us? Living it up—not really concerned about others? Shopping for things we don’t really need? Neglecting the very things He has placed in our lives to tend to? Or— on our faces seeking Him? Trying to be more like Him. Soaking in His Word. Praying for His Spirit to give us a new “smell”.

I love this time of year (with the exception of allergies)…I enjoy opening the windows to the fresh morning air and sunshine. I need the sunshine. Too many rainy days and I begin to feel “rainy” on the inside. I need the Sonshine even more though. I need the Spirit of the most High God in my life—daily. I realize that more than ever.

“No more goofing around, Angie. Get busy. Tell ‘em. Share with ‘em. Be what I’ve called you to be. A witness. Feel the power in the Wind.”

Father in heaven, as never before, I need you. And I know it. Without a doubt. With my whole heart I want to be what You desire. Not what I desire. Take me. Mold me. Reshape me into something useable. I am Yours. Help me to feel the urgency of that daily. Empower my life with Your Holy Spirit. I seek You continually. Help me to know You more. As I read Your Word, make it sink in. Make it stick. I love You with my whole heart—I believe Your Word entirely. Give me boldness to share. In Your most holy Name~Amen.

Trusting Him,

Angie