1 Peter 2:9

But… You (WE) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you (we) may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you (us) out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Recently the staff, leaders, volunteers of Cheerful Hearts retreated to Christ Walk in the Valley together. We were all asked to bring a ministry offering for just one chosen hour. Because…we are all priests. God has chosen us to share and proclaim to one another the goodness of God. Because He is God, there was a thread throughout the weekend. Stones…. Cornerstones and living stones. Spiritual markers. We asked God to walk us through the significant times in our lives where we saw Him show up and deliver us, save us from ourselves, times we knew He was working in our lives and things changed. We could look and see the before and after affects of the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The word but is a transitional word in scripture. These spiritual markers are when we knew we had arrived at a crossroads of significance.  But God…decisions were made with His direction and His hand guided us through water, desert, or however the trial looked in our lives. Maybe now is a good time to review the spiritual markers in all our lives. A new year is approaching and there is no better time to look back and take inventory and offer thanks for His marvelous light as we wait with heart felt anticipation for His new move, free to be future focused.

We were called to anoint our lips with Frankincense, knowing as priests our words have the power of life and death.  We found ourselves with sparkly black rocks from the woods as a reminder of the coal used in Isaiah 6. “Look this coal has touched your lips. Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out” And then I heard the voice of the Master: Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” I spoke up, “I’ll go. Send me!” We shared the need to open our lips and speak our words and share our stories. Be encouraged by this-They triumphed over (the accuser) him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11

The wrap around presence of God was there. A new concept to many. His shield protects us and envelops us and His mighty arms are over us. The passion translation of the Bible uses this reference over and over with such tender sweetness. Go and explore for yourself. He is everywhere around us. Take some time to sense His presence.

Sisters, we are His mighty oaks of righteousness. There may be seasons of interior growth that cannot be observed in the tiny acorn. But…don’t think for a minute that it’s not happening. …Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display His glory. Isaiah 61:3. We are called to stand tall in whatever season we find ourselves in knowing that He already has  the answers.

We hope and pray that Cheerful Hearts will always be all the above in the community where the Lord has seen fit to plant the ministry.