by Suellen | Faith, Prayer
I can hear you now. Frozen Words. What a strange concept! What on earth is she talking about?
I have to admit it’s an unusual way of saying what I have to say today, but its origin is very sound. Its origin is none other than the Bible.
So I’ll produce a little background. A few years ago as I was studying the Bible and reading along with no particular direction in mind, some verses leapt off the page at me. You know what I mean. Verses which had never meant that much to me suddenly took on a WOW status.
Psalm 147:15-20
He sends forth His command to the earth; His Word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; Who can stand before His cold?
He sends forth His Word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and His waters to flow. He declares His Word to Jacob. His statutes and His ordinances to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any nation. And as for His ordinances, they have not known them…Praise the Lord!
I stopped right there, and had to read and reread them. The more I did, the more the meaning became clear, and the more their meaning became significant for learning about God’s Kingdom.
These verses talk about two different “speakings” from God. The first is the speaking which sends His Word to the earth, but it’s frozen. It’s locked up, so that it’s hard to understand. “Who can stand before this cold?”
Then comes that wonderful second speaking. The Word is sent in such a way that the snow is melted and waters flow. This time there is a revealing to the children of God. This time the Words are understood and like refreshing waters they bring life and understanding to God’s people.
In the New Testament, we are introduced to two kinds of Word. The Logos, which is all of the Word of God and the Rhema, which is the Word which is spoken to us – personally. It’s revelation, or the truth within the truth.
That’s what these two speakings are referring to. The logos and the rhema. One is the general word for all to see, and the other is when that general word is melted into your heart and revealed to you.
What a beautiful image. The frozen word becoming life giving water as it becomes clear to you that God Himself is speaking that Word to you personally.
That concept of the frozen versus the melted – the ice versus the water, permeates every aspect of our walk with the Lord.
There are many people in our world today who know that the Bible speaks of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Yet that Word means nothing to them because it’s frozen. They don’t believe it or receive it.
But many of those same people will one day have that word speak to them again, and their lives will be changed. No longer will they see them as rigid words of someone else’s doctrine. They will see them as the Truth, and they will find those words speaking to themselves personally. From that moment, those people will never be the same.
Now let’s take a look at ourselves. God’s plan is so vast and His purpose so deep that none of us – not one – has received all of the revelation, the melted word, that He wants to pour upon our lives. So as we continue to read and study God’s Word, more and more of the Truth will be revealed to us.
Is there a certain area of your life which needs God’s special Word to you? Are you hurting because of problems in your family? Are you suffering from financial lack? Are you or a loved one sick? Are you crying out for a revival in our world?
Every area of our lives has a Word from God which applies to that. He wants us healed, whole, provided for, and spending our time helping to advance His Kingdom. Yet until we are able to hear Him speaking to those needs, we won’t have the faith we need to receive our answers from Him.
So what do we do? We find those words which apply to us at the moment. We then read them and reread them. We mutter them to ourselves, and allow the Truth to penetrate our spirits. As we continue, something amazing happens. God speaks those words to us in a way that we know they are true. No longer are they words on a page, they are now Words spoken to us personally.
Oh, that beautiful moment. We see it’s for us! We see it’s real and it’s personal! We are drenched in the reality that not only does God love us, but He wants the best for us.
Our wonderful Creator has turned the ice and snow into the melted Word of God – penetrating our innermost parts.
A beautiful moment indeed.
Forever Upward!
P.S. If you would like a compilation of some Covenant Scriptures, addressing many areas of your life, you may download them Here.
by Suellen | Awakening, Quotes
When we delve into the history of our country, it’s remarkable how many of our leaders were devout Christians. To know that for certain, we can take a look at some of their comments. Let’s take a look at some words from our fathers. You may be surprised.
John Hancock
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I John Hancock, . . . being advanced in years and being of perfect mind and memory-thanks be given to God-therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make and ordain this my last will and testament…Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it: and my body I recommend to the earth . . . nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mercy and power of God. . .
Will of John Hancock
Patrick Henry
Governor of Virginia, Patriot
This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.
Will of Patrick Henry
Robert Treat Paine
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears.
Robert Treat Paine, The Papers of Robert Treat Paine, Stephen Riley and Edward Hanson, editors (Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 1992), Vol. I, p. 48, March/April, 1749.
[W]hen I consider that this instrument contemplates my departure from this life and all earthly enjoyments and my entrance on another state of existence, I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the Author of my existence, in full belief of his providential goodness and his forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ, through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state, acknowledging with grateful remembrance the happiness I have enjoyed in my passage through a long life. . .
Will of Robert Treat Paine
Benjamin Rush
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
My only hope of salvation is in the infinite, transcendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the cross. Nothing but His blood will wash away my sins. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly!
Benjamin Rush, The Autobiography of Benjamin Rush, George Corner, editor (Princeton: Princeton University Press for the American Philosophical Society, 1948), p. 166, Travels Through Life, An Account of Sundry Incidents & Events in the Life of Benjamin Rush.
Roger Sherman
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Constitution
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. . . . that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God. . . . that God did send His own Son to become man, die in the room and stead of sinners, and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon and salvation to all mankind so as all may be saved who are willing to accept the Gospel offer.
Lewis Henry Boutell, The Life of Roger Sherman (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1896), pp. 272-273.
John Witherspoon
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I entreat you in the most earnest manner to believe in Jesus Christ, for there is no salvation in any other [Acts 4:12]. . . . [I]f you are not reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, if you are not clothed with the spotless robe of His righteousness, you must forever perish.
John Witherspoon, The Works of John Witherspoon (Edinburgh: J. Ogle, 1815), Vol. V, pp. 276, 278, The Absolute Necessity of Salvation Through Christ, January 2, 1758.
Many thanks to http://www.wallbuilders.com for providing these documents.
by Suellen | Awakening, The Church Awakening
The year was 1985 and our family was visiting my parents on the southeastern coast of Georgia. This is where I had spent my “growing-up” years, and I loved it. As my husband and I drove over the causeway to Sea Island, we were overwhelmed with the beauty – the huge Live Oaks, the windswept trees, the sand dunes, the meticulous landscaping, and the array of extraordinary vacation homes. Each home was unique, but each was manicured to perfection – and very expensive.
I had taken this drive many times over the years and had loved it. It was refreshing and intriguing to see the variety of homes and landscapes, and awesome to think of the money required to maintain such a lifestyle. Splendor and more splendor…
But this time it seemed different. (more…)
by Suellen | Awakening, Bishop Coleman
“What were the characteristics which caused your parents to be such great parents?” I asked. I was sitting at my dining room table with 6 of Bishop Hardy Coleman’s children, chatting about their life growing up. (Two of his children had gone on to be with the Lord).
The huge amount of responsibilities brought on by several thriving churches and the hard secular work necessary to provide for a large family never kept Bishop Coleman from showing his children the love and care they needed. He was always there for them, involving them in the ministry and the secular work whether it was farming or carpentry.
It was obvious that God’s hand had been upon their lives. All of them were now involved in God’s work to some capacity. Several of his children and grandchildren were ministers.
Certain things stood out as we chatted.
One, the Coleman home was a home of love. “Our parents loved each other unconditionally. They respected each other. There was never yelling in our home – at each other or at the children.”
Even when disciplining his children Bishop Coleman would show kindness. He was strict because his standards were high, but they always knew that the discipline was for their good. His love shown through even during the toughest times.
Secondly, Bishop Coleman and Ezera had an excellent manner of instructing those under their care. Bishop would take the time to teach and train his children – not just in spiritual things, but also in work skills. He always explained why there were certain requirements. While doing carpentry, for example, the sons learned skills which set them up for good positions later in life.
Thirdly, the Colemans were “totally real.” They didn’t teach one thing at church and live another way at home. They were consistent in living their lives for God – whether anyone was watching or not. Because of that quality, the Coleman children were able to “catch” many attitudes which would benefit them later.
Fourth, the Colemans were full of faith. When the teenage years hit and some rebellion arose, Bishop Coleman and his wife were faithful to pray. There was one season when one of the teenagers strayed away for awhile. During that time, Bishop Coleman had a chair which he had sitting close to him during every church service. It was a chair for the prodigal son when he returned. And return he did. The prayers of a righteous man avail much! (James 5:16).
Fifth, one attribute of Bishop Coleman which stood out to his children, was that he was unstoppable. Over the years there had been disappointments, as there are in any significant life. People had betrayed him. From time to time, finances had been lean. Churches had split because of arguments among the congregation.
Yet nothing could stop Bishop Coleman. He continued on – through the good times and through the bad. He forgave those who let him down, and he continued on. He wouldn’t stop.
That strength was one of the major characteristics which helped Bishop Coleman be so successful. That strength was also one of the characteristics which his children have carried with them. They too know how to endeavor to do great things. Their lives have also born much fruit.
Yes, Bishop is a remarkable man – and he has a remarkable family. All of them have been touched by God – and all of them show the blessing showered upon a man and woman who were so faithful to Him.
Remember, Forever upward!
P.S. You may check out Extraordinary: The Remarkable Life of Bishop Hardy Lee Coleman, Sr on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Remarkable-Bishop-Hardy-Coleman-ebook/dp/1503111725/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424964862&sr=1-1&keywords=suellen+estes
![Are You Ready For Awakening?]()
by Suellen | Awakening, Prayer
Many are talking about “awakening” these days. We are praying for it. We are believing God for it. Yet will we recognize it when it comes? (Glimpses of it are already here – can you tell)?
Do you know what an “awakening” would look like?
Some think that it means there would be large meetings where almost everyone present would turn their lives to the Lord. That may be the case sometimes, but not always. Some think that street preachers would suddenly begin seeing many salvations. Maybe so, but not necessarily. Some think that TV and radio ministries would be bombarded with requests. That could be, but again not necessarily.
You see, in the 70’s and 80’s (and maybe a little before), there was an awakening – and I was in on it. At the time, it was obvious that something unusual was happening. Looking back it is even more obvious. (more…)
