Archives for November 2016

When There Are No Words! Holy Spirit Series – Part 3

November 28, 2016

Sometimes there are no words. There may be a moment you can remember when something so tragic and heart breaking happened in the life of a dear friend, family member, or even your life. Were you there at that moment? Did you see it happen or were you there when they heard “the news”. In that very moment was there anything you could do or say to “make it better” or go away? Not really. What can you say in those moments? Or, was it you that experienced something so tragic and heart breaking in your life? A moment that took your breath away,

that paralyzed you in an instant, when reality hit you like a ton of bricks. There are no words to even explain the devastation or heartbreak you experienced. A moment when there are just no words.

When There Are No Words

Maybe you’ve had, or will have, times in life when you just have no words to describe what you are feeling and experiencing. You have no clue what to say, pray, or even how to begin; it’s simply unexplainable. We know from Part 1 in this series that if we have asked Jesus into our heart, He sends the Holy Spirit to live within us to help us. Thank You Jesus! This is the only way to survive the moments when there are no words. This brings us to Part 3 in the series on jobs of the Holy Spirit, intercessor.

^“26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 KJV

Paul, the author of Romans, confirms in Verse 26 that there are times when we just do not know how or what to pray – there are no words. In these situations, the Holy Spirit intercedes with prayer on our behalf. The verse states that His prayers, for our infirmities, are groanings that we can not understand. What exactly falls into the category of infirmities in this verse?

Physical Help

We see that Verse 26 begins by stating the Holy Spirit helps us with our infirmities by interceding for us. The word used for infirmities in this verse was derived from the Greek word meaning weakness, illness, or infirmity. Living in a broken world sometimes leads to broken bodies. Sometimes, with physical issues there are no words. Our pain is too great, or we may not know what is causing the problem. Maybe, we do not even know there is a problem yet. However, the Holy Spirit does know; He lives inside us. He is already working on our behalf and praying for us when there are no words.

Heart Help

Living in a broken world doesn’t just lead to broken bodies, but also those moments that cause a broken heart. As I was researching this topic, I kept coming back to the idea that heartbreak is also a weakness or illness. I wanted to check this idea; so, I kept researching. God led me to these verses.

“³He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds…⁵Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:3, 5 KJV

So, a broken heart IS an infirmity which even has wounds to bind. Those of you that have lived through a moment when there are no words can attest to this. So, the Holy Spirit works as an intercessor for us. He prays for us when we don’t even know where to begin. Verse 5 continues by stating that God hears, understands completely, and has the power to bind and heal our wounds.

So, in Romans 8:26-27 Paul explains that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf in times of weakness. I love what he says in the very next verse.

^“28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

If you are a child of God, everything in your life is all working together for your good – even the bad. This is how your Brewing Ground works. God brings you through your battleground of life to refine you, remove your “impurities”, and transform you to create a beautiful masterpiece. Yes, there is hope!

Let’s Put It All Together

Let’s take a look at the jobs of the Holy Spirit we have studied so far. In a moment when there are no words, immediately, the Holy Spirit begins interceding for you. He is praying for you and saying what you can’t. While He is interceding for you, He is also comforting you. Part 1 in this series focused on the Holy Spirit’s job as comforter. You are being wrapped in love and the arms of God. The Holy Spirit uses these two jobs together; comforter and intercessor, they go hand in hand. As this is happening, God hears, understands, and begins to administer first aid by binding and healing your wounds. When the time is right, the Holy Spirit begins to teach you something. Part 2 in the series focused on the Holy Spirit as a teacher. This is how God begins to purify you and use even the bad in life for good.

In those moments when you have no words, meet God for coffee or tea. His coffee shop NEVER closes. Read your Bible. Sit there still and quiet in the presence of God. Let the Holy Spirit intercede for you. Allow God to minister to your heart and heal your wounds. In those moments when there are no words, there is still hope. There is always hope with Jesus.

Let’s Brew in God’s Coffee Shop!

Can you remember a time in your life when there were no words? Comment below!

Teachings Of The Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit Series – Part 2

November 21, 2016

There once was a lady named Vanessa. She was given a job by God to blog. To share with all what God was whispering to her heart. The challenge was, she had to learn as she went. In the process of learning, she was served a big piece of humble pie! The best thing to do – just eat it.

Come laugh with me (and not at me please) as I share my story and my teachings of the Holy Spirit this week.

Once Upon A Time

Last week I began a series on jobs of the Holy Spirit. Part 1 of the series focuses on the Holy Spirit’s job as comforter. As I was led to the idea of the Holy Spirit being a comforter, I was inspired! For better or worse, my creative juices immediately began working and I

started writing about beds. It was a logical connection for my brain to illustrate what is being whispered to my heart.

As I was writing, I found myself wanting more information. “I want to know the Hebrew or Greek words that comforter is derived from.” As I was researching, I was coming to the Hebrew word shroud. This did not make sense to me so I double and triple checked and kept coming up with the same information. So, I thought, “This doesn’t make sense; but, I can totally work with this! After all, I’m talking about beds and God wrapping us in His arms and the Holy Spirit comforting us. This fits perfectly with what I am writing!” So, what do I do? Put all of this in the blog post of course.

Humble Pie

Fast forward a week to Part 2 in the series on the Holy Spirit. I began researching the job of the Holy Spirit that I was going to write about this week. Again, I wanted more information about the Hebrew or Greek words and meanings. I kept being led to the word infirmities. As I was looking up the word infirmities, I also kept being led back to a Hebrew word defined as Arnon. Upon further research I discovered Arnon is a river. Well, now it makes even less sense! What does a river have to do with infirmities or the Holy Spirit!?

So, I went back to the directions on how to use my book. Eventually, I see a small box which includes, in fine print I might add, that Hebrew numbers are normal font and Greek numbers are in italics. At that moment it hit me; teachings of the Holy Spirit! I went back to check my research again and verified what I did this week and last. So, of course I had the right number but I was in the wrong language section! Well, Hello! (Part 1 has been corrected.) Clearly the Holy Spirit was teaching me something and wanted me to change what I was writing about this week. This brings me to this weeks job of the Holy Spirit – Teacher. So, let’s get to it!

Teachings Of The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit teaches us truth through different means – guiding, revealing, whispering, and inspiring to name a few.

^“13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13 KJV

John 16:13 calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth. It clearly states that he guides us into all truth – God’s truth.

^“10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ¹¹For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. ¹²Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 KJV

These verses speak clearly about the Holy Spirit’s focused teaching on spiritual matters. 1 Corinthians 2:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit does not teach man’s wisdom, but only God’s spiritual wisdom. These teachings give believer’s their spiritual discernment and insight to help them through their daily lives.

Spiritual Truths

In that very moment of revelation about my silly mistake, this is what the Holy Spirit was teaching me. More obviously, how to correctly use my book so I can share correct information with all you sweet friends. But more importantly, during that split second there was also spiritual insight and teachings happening from the Holy Spirit.

First, you can’t forget to read the fine print. The details matter. I appreciate this because I am a detail oriented person. I need and use details; they are so important. This is part of what made these spiritual teachings significant for me.
Next, the Holy Spirit reminded me that the details also matter to God. He cares about the details in regards to us and our life. God cares about how we get through our Brewing Ground. He cares about our heart. He cares about how we feel. God even cares about the smallest, even seemingly insignificant, details in our day. And, unlike us, He does not miss a single detail. The Holy Spirit then immediately brought a verse to mind.

^“7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

God even cares about how many hairs are on our head! This seems like an insignificant detail to me; however, it is important to God. The details matter! What are some of the Holy Spirit’s teachings in your life right now? Comment below!

Let’s Brew through the Teachings of the Holy Spirit!

Where Do You Find Your Comfort? Holy Spirit Series – Part 1

November 14, 2016

The Trip

^“18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 KJV

I will never forget a weekend trip my family took. We stayed at a very nice hotel. This particular hotel had a great atmosphere; it was such a neat place. Then, (Dun, Dun, Duuun) it was time for bed. The beds were so hard we might as well have been sleeping on a concrete floor. There was no comfort to be found! Needless to say, we did not sleep; my entire body hurt. We were miserable all night. Furthermore, don’t you know this set the tone for us all to have a great day the next day – exhausted and hurting! Fantastic!! You might think if you are staying at an expensive hotel they could afford comfortable beds – right? Well, not this one!

Then, the following day came our dreaded second night! In fact, we actually

considered switching rooms or hotels or even leaving that night. But (sigh), we stayed. Of course, another terrible night. So, no matter how great the facility is, you better believe we will never stay there again!! As a result, it makes you wonder how this hotel is able to stay in business. I don’t see how they would have any return business! So, you can imagine our relief to return home to our own beds.

Returning Home

There is just nothing like curling up in your own bed! The comfort and relief your own bed provides is unrivaled. When you are exhausted after a long, hard, busy day – this is where you want to be. When you are physically sick or injured – this is where you want to be. This is where you go to find rest, healing, and restoration. Also, when you are emotionally injured – this is where you want to be. You don’t want to be in just any bed; you want to be in YOUR bed! No other bed can compare. For instance, other beds do not provide the same comfort, rest, and healing as your own. They just don’t!

The Bible Says

^“15If ye love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:15-18 KJV

God will give us a Comforter that will live with us forever; He will not leave us comfortless. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. When I began researching this verse, I found that two different words are used in the Bible for the word comforter. First, is a Hebrew word which means to actually comfort or console. It is used as a verb, the act of comforting. However, this is not the one used here in this verse. The word for comforter used in this verse is Greek and means counselor, helper, one who encourages and comforts. This word uses comforter as a noun; the Holy Spirit IS a comforter. So, as I continued my research, I found something interesting.

Jesus Teaches

There are only four times in the Bible where comforter, from the Greek word meaning one who encourages and comforts, is used. Every instance was in the book of John. In fact, every instance also happened to be the words of Jesus. Each time, comforter was actually part of a conversation that Jesus was having with His disciples when He was teaching and preparing them for what was to come after His death, resurrection, and ascension. So, lets look at the other 3 verses.

^“26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, … ²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

^“26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” John 15:26 KJV

^“⁷Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” John 16:7 KJV

Wrapped In Comfort

In all four verses Jesus is telling His disciples that the Holy Spirit is the comforter (one who encourages and comforts). John 14:15-18 refers to the fact that only those individuals that know Jesus and have asked Him into their heart will receive the Holy Spirit which will live inside them – comforting them. Now, this is what God whispered to my heart and how I wove all this together.

The moment you ask Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. This is your comforter; He is your heart’s “bed” with all your favorite blankets and pillows. Once this happens, God and the Holy Spirit immediately wrap you and your heart in love, help, and comfort. This is where your heart gets rest, healing, and restoration. This is one of the many jobs of the Holy Spirit; to comfort and minister to your heart when life is tough, while you are Brewing. So, when your heart needs to curl up in your very own bed, cover yourself with God’s promises! If you know Jesus, the comforter is there with you and will live in you forever. You are wrapped in promises and love; you will not be left comfortless. Thank You Jesus!

Please join me over the next few weeks as we embark on a series which explores more about the different job’s of the Holy Spirit and what it means for you.

Let’s Brew Wrapped in Comfort and Love!

What did God whisper to your heart about the comforter? Comment below!!

This Fall, Will You Fall Into The Arms Of God?

November 7, 2016

“3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Fall! What a wonderful time of year. There are so many things to love about fall. One, the weather begins to turn cooler; this is a nice reprieve from the hot summers in West Texas. Secondly, leaves! Lots of leaves (well, not really here in West Texas)! The trees (at least the ones we have) are so beautiful as the colors of the leaves begin to change. Eventually, there are leaves everywhere. I like to think of them as some of nature’s sprinkles; they sprinkle our landscape with beautiful fall colors! Third, it’s harvest time. Don’t you love the bounty of crops that fall brings. Apples, pears, pumpkins, different types of squash, figs, greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, and the list continues. When we think of fall, we think of “the harvest”. In actuality, each season has its own particular bountiful crops. Produce that is harvested in season is fresh and at its peak. Its taste, texture, and nutritional value are so much better; produce benefits from being harvested in its prime season. This is when it’s at its very best.

Each type of fruit or vegetable plant has a specific

way it should be cared for during the various seasons leading up to its harvest. If care is not taken while the plant is growing, there will be no harvest. Some plants are lower maintenance and easier to grow than others. Let’s take summer squash and zucchini for example. You plant these in the spring. In the right climate, they begin producing in the summer and can continue to produce fruit into the beginning of fall. (Yes, these are technically fruit because they contain the plant’s seeds – I looked it up to verify.) These plants are easy; you plant in one season and by the next season you begin to have food to eat and they keep producing throughout the season. Now, let’s think about apples. Once you plant an apple tree it has to grow for a few years before it is mature enough to produce any fruit. This type of plant is not as easy and requires more of a commitment and much more patience. Regardless of what you are trying to grow, you must care for it. Even if you choose easy plants, if they are not cared for properly they will not make it. You must choose the right location, prepare the ground, water them, and watch for weeds and pests. If these things are not done – well, the plants will die and there will be no harvest. There are a few things we can be sure of and learn from the seasons. Each season has a purpose and produces its own bounty. Work is required in order for there to be a harvest. Produce is at it’s best when it’s harvested in its prime season.

“3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

God made it clear in Ecclesiastes that we also have seasons in our lives. Seasons of good and bad. He also makes it clear there is a specific time and season for everything. Trust his perfect timing for this. This is our Brewing Ground. God uses the seasons of our Brewing Ground to grow us. He nurtures and cares for us. God uses each season to produce a particular bounty in our life at just the perfect time. But each season requires work and some seasons also come with many challenges. What season does God currently have you in? Are you in fall, in the midst of a bountiful harvest? Do you happen to be in winter? Are you on thin ice or does it feel as if everything is frozen and barren? Are you in a spring season; a time of renewal, new growth, and starting fresh? Or perhaps you are in summer; in the midst of scorching heat combined with a drought that seems like it will never end. Some seasons get you to your bounty more quickly. However, some seasons are like the apple tree. It takes lots of time to grow and mature before it is ever ready to produce any fruit. Regardless of your current season, know that it has a purpose and it will produce its own bounty. While navigating the seasons of your Brewing Ground, hold onto God’s promises.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

Keep going! There is an end to your season and you will reap a harvest! Rest in God and allow Him to renew you throughout your season.

^“5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5 KJV

If your season is painful or challenging and has you in tears – be of good cheer! There is a harvest coming and you WILL reap your bounty in JOY!

So, this fall I challenge you, and myself, to change perspectives. Will you join me in trusting God and fall into His arms. Let’s allow Him to hold us and carry us through our Brewing Ground and its current season. Let’s fall into His arms of grace, forgiveness, love, hope, help, comfort, joy, peace, and promises. Let’s trust God and know that He will use our season for His good. Let’s be thankful for our Brewing Ground, it’s season, and the harvest that is to come.

What season are you in? Will you join me this fall and fall into the arms of God? Comment below!

Let’s Brew in God’s Arms!