Siestas! Greetings from Atlanta!
First and foremost, I want to say a big thank-you to the many of you who took the time to submit your tried and true recipes to this greedy siesta! They were all wonderful, and I can honestly say that I have tried more than a few already. I believe it was āWarm in Alaskaā who submitted the recipe for the roasted sweet potatoes, please correct me if I am wrong. Wow! Who would ever believe that fresh rosemary and crushed red pepper could transform a sweet potato into something heavenly??!!! They were unrealā¦and to be true to myself, I also had to add a few garlic cloves in the mix. Wonderful, I really could go on and on, but I will stop, for all of your sakes.
I am not sure if I informed you siestas that since I moved to Atlanta, I now work from home. This has brought about quite a few challenges, not the least of which is that I really miss the camaraderie that I have in my co-workers at Living Proof. Well, I have embraced this season of change from the hand of the living God and so have my mind set on staying positive about the minor difficulties. This has been quite difficult since about a month ago, not one but two of my computers were stolen, and then after losing an entire month of work, my brand new printer completely broke down. Now you can see why I am attracted to the kitchen as of late, since apparently my home office has some kind of demon. ļ I am seriously not exaggerating and this morning I woke up with such intense ambition to tackle my work day with both hands. Well, my BRAND NEW AND PRICEY computer apparently was not ready to wake up, because it honestly took an hour and a half to start the stupid thing. Well, as you can see, I did finally get the computer working, but as for my good attitude, it was completely shot out the window. I realized, after calling my Mom and vomiting my discouragement all over her at 8:30 in the morning, that something was going to have to happen or I was going to be a foul person to be around today.
The good news is that I know what almost always obliterates my bad attitude. This may sound silly, but when I know that I am inconsolable, I listen to the song āBefore the Throne of God Aboveā about three or four times, or however many times it takes to change my bad attitude. I happen to listen to Selahās version from the album āHiding Placeā but I am sure that there are many good versions of it since it was written in the mid-late 1800ās (written by Charitie Less Bancroft).
To use South Beach Diet jargon, these lyrics are not just white bread; these lyrics contain whole, unprocessed oats. I am humiliated by the metaphor I carved, but I mean seriously these lyrics are heavily saturated with great theological truths. Take a minute to read through them if you will:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there! The risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless, Righteousness
The Great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of Grace
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
With Christ my Savior and my God
By the time I get to the third verse in this blessed song (āBehold Him there! The risen Lambā), I can barely fight the tears back. My mind is always drawn immediately back to the vision that John sees in the book of Revelation of the risen Christ! If I could, I would take all day to break down the many wonderful theological truths that are offered in this song, but since we donāt have all day, I just want to record three of my favorite ones. To begin, the first verse presents Jesus very similarly to the way the book of Hebrews does, as our great high priest who is ever interceding for us. What could be better than that, I ask you? Next, the second verse reminds us of the great doctrine of imputed righteousness- namely, that when sinful man truly acknowledges Christās lordship and places faith in Him, that immediately the righteousness of Christ is transferred to his or her account. Truly, one of the major scandals of the gospel message is that just as Adamās sin is imputed to every human being, Christās righteousness is imputed to every believer and subsequently they are being changed into his likeness (Rom. 5:12; 2 Cor. 3:18). What great news! Especially when I have been cursing the computer all morning long!
Lastly, the third verse lifts our eyes to focus once again on the unchangeable I AM, who is equated with the person of Jesus Christ, I might add. Okay, now that weāve gotten to end of this, there is just one more theological truth I have to mention- our union with Christ Himself! This is one of my favorite doctrines ever! Romans chapter 6 is one of the main biblical sources that we derive this doctrine. I encourage you to read it today, it is just awesome. Our lives are hidden with Christ on high, and we have the privilege of identifying with Him in His life, death, and His resurrection. In a very real way, ladies, we not only died with Christ but the text says we were raised with Him in His glorious resurrection. Our lives are hidden with Him until the future age when we will reign with Him forever in the new creation.
Oh Siestas, take a moment with me to forget about flawed computers and broken printers and behold Him there! The risen Lamb! Our perfect spotless Righteousness! The Great Unchangeable I AM! THE KING OF GLORY AND OF GRACE!
Melissa, thank you. this siesta desperatly needed that encouragement today. taking my eyes off my dispair and setting them on Jesus!
Thank you, Melissa! So needed for today! I love what you said about Adam’s sin but God’s righteousness and being made into his likeness. I was reading Romans 5 this weekend and that part stuck out to me. I think God obviously wants me to hold on to that truth!
Thank you Melissa for my devotion today. I’m going to print it and study on it.
So glad your computer is working.
Thank you so much for checking in *today* and sharing this. I’ve been in some kind of funk and man, to read through that hymn is making me look to Him instead of myself!
Thanks Melissa for those words!!!I needed to hear them. With my husband leaving on Sun. for a 12 day trip to East Asia, money issues etc. that have robbed my focus today, I needed to take a moment to refocus on my God!
Believing God for Much!
Amanda in SC
Melissa, that is one of my absolute favorite songs in the world. And I very much needed the lyrics right now. Thank you!!! Awesome entry….I should really start printing out y’all’s entries and putting them in a binder so I can always have them to go back to. Y’all are so awesome for making this blog available to us and sharing with us.
♥
Oh girl, I hear you! My go-to song is “Lord You Are Holy”. That song jerks my butt right back in front of Him, at His feet, on my knees and full of praise and worship. It makes all the bad things disappear and reminds me of the wonderful things He has blessed me with, what this life is about – serving Him – and how great He is. Now I have to go listen to it…
Congrats on your move to The ATL. It’s a great town (minus the traffic). Have you found a home church yet?
Amen and Amen! An absolutely beautiful remembrance of Christ and all that He has done for us. I love, love, love that song too! I just heard it for the first time a couple of months ago (I had no idea it was written in the late 1800’s), but it has become my favorite! What a wonderful reminder that whatever we are going through dims in comparison to Christ. Amen, sister! Thanks for sharing with us today a Word! And thanks for “choosing joy” even amidst many technological difficulties:)
I put this CD on my computer weeks ago and I never noticed that song. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. I am learning thru the “Ascents” study that music is powerful and can change me even if it can’t change my circumstances.
I have been having a really awful day at work (at one point I had to escape to the ladies room because I was starting to cry). After reading this post, I am reminded that God cares about us and is with us in our struggles.
Thanks for the reminder.
Melissa:
You have said it all and so beautifully. Thank you for pointing us toward God. He is truly worthy to be praised. I will be praying for you. Thank you Kim B. in AZ
Melissa,
I read about the sweet potatoes and wanted to offer another version: peel, cube sweet potatoes lay then on a cookie sheet or stone pan, drizzle with olive oil, kosher salt and pepper. Roast 450 degrees for 15-20min. They will be yummy. My kids love them too.
Oh how I thank God for ya’ll. It is sublime to me the way God sends messages to us that are a THEME. I am at present doing Stepping Up. In fact I just finished my homework last night. I am on Psalm 124 WOW do I appreciate Miss Beth’s speaking what I am thinking. (My mommy said, someday you will wish you could be doing homework..I had to be 40 to get to that point but PRAISE GOD I got there.) I was reflecting privately about how daily life consumes me so much I forget that I AM WORTH SOMETHING because of the sacrifice Christ made for me. God has a mighty purpose for each one of us. Satan so much wants us to live in defeat, lies and discouragement (The evil one’s mightiest weapon in my opinion). I thank you for reminding me again today that my Savior lives within me and renews me daily to be more like Him. I am a Holy Spirit filled MIRACLE. Praise you Father and thank you for these wonderful women that keep “bringing it home”!!!!
Kristin
Camden, Alabama
I love this song too!!! The first time I heard it was on Chris Rice’s CD “Peace Like a River: The Hymns Project.” I was so blown away by the picturesque lyrics I could have gone to be with the Lord in that moment. Shane & Shane did a rendition of it on “Pages” that is equally as soul stirring. Oh, the theology, the imagery, the passion of those old hymns written in days long past. Makes you wonder what it will be like to sit down at the table with so many saints that have gone before us. And, to ponder the throne of God above where I may touch the hem of the garment of the One Who lived and died for me…and whosoever. Glorious grace! Mmm…Mmmm…Mmmm
Thank you Melissa. I needed to hear that and read Romans 6 so badly. I am teaching “A Heart Like His” and am struggling with some understanding in week 8. I love teaching Bible study but sometimes I need a word for myself and that is what I got from you today! Fly with Christ
Annie
Okay, Melissa… your post just gave me goosebumps all over and made me start to cry here in my corner of the world. A selection of songs sung by Selah got me through a terribly dark and difficult season this past year (to clarify: God used Selah and those songs to minister to my heart and get me through), and Before the Throne was the single-most effective song in getting my heart enveloped in God’s love, protection, and promises. It was particularly meaningful because one of the battles I faced was going before a head of school, board chair, and then members of the department of education and eventually a State Representative to plead our cause and try to get a poor policy changed and good law clarified that had a very difficult affect on our family. It was astounding to have God assure me through that song that no matter who I went before here on earth, and no matter the outcome – good or bad – when the most critical day of judgment comes, I will have a strong and perfect plea before God above because the sinless Savior who loves me and died for me will intercede and welcome me Home. Case closed.
SO, not realizing how much I could use that song again today, I went to open iTunes on my laptop (that crashed twice, and I too write from home — which, I’m sure you will agree, has the wonderful benefit of allowing for audible cries and groans as the spirit leads) to listen to Selah sing after reading your post, and it’s telling me I’m not allowed to listen. Not foiled because you encouraged me not to be, I retrieved my iPod, only to find it isn’t charged. And my headphones are nowhere to be seen. But my iPod is charging now, and I’ll find those headphones somewhere in this house. Until then, I’ll sing to the lyrics on your post, and then maybe get down low to praise the God of all creation who LIVES and cares for me — the Great Unchangeable I AM (even though my printer isn’t working this week either!!!).
— Linda in MN
PS: Thank you Melissa, Amanda, and Beth for providing such wonderful, fun-filled, meaningful, inspirational work breaks. You’re the friends I “chat” with as I write alone at home. : )
How we always need a little heavenly perspective when the things in this world break down!!
God is always on our side.
yesterday after a very hard day and a diagnosis at the dentist of large bill I just starting singing out “Jesus Lord of Heaven”.
taking things with a grain of salt is such great advice.
The Lord will take care of it all!! And we learn from all those situations that confound us and irritate us.
Amen!!!
Melissa,
I’m sorry your day didn’t start out very cheerful, but good job on hanging in there. I guess everyone has a song that is powerful enough to “snap them out of it”. For me that song is “We are the Reason”. I first heard it in the 1980’s by David Meece sang it. I think Avalon has done a version of it. It is a very powerful song for me. A reminder of what Jesus did for a fallen world,what he would have done for me if I was the only person on this earth. It puts things in perspective for me when I think i’m having an unbearable day.
Another song that does it for me is Jesus Lover of My Soul by
Darlene Zschech.
Ok I will stop. Hang in there and remember that you are covered in prays everyday.
Okay I am at work waiting to go into a meeting and read that beautiful song. Yes and I am crying. I am going to take your advice and print it out and keep it with me…when I am irritated beyond words at my work place, I will read it. Love you Siesta!!
Melissa,
I was so concerned that you were not going to be able to work with Living Proof–silly wasn’t I.
I hope you are settling into my home town. I’m sure finding the right church and getting into the routine of married life is a challenge but I’m sure it is also a wonderful blessing from God. He is so good.
Well, just wanted to say thanks for stopping by the Blog and letting us know how you are doing. I think I’m going to go back and look up that sweet potato recipe…it sounds great.
If you’re ever in Smyrna GA…come and see us. (Hurt Road Baptist Church)
Sheryl
Oh, this song is a balm to my soul. I break out in fresh tears each time I hear or sing those truths! This line, especially, banishes my gloom and self-indulgent thoughts:
“Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me”
Thank you for sharing it today.
WOW!! Well said Melissa. This blog is such a blessing to my life.
Our God is just awesome! I’ve never heard this song, but have got to go download it now!!! Those are some pretty powerful lyrics.
Sounds like you have had quite a ride in Atlanta!! I’m so sorry to hear about your computers. That is so frustrating! Praying for a much better afternoon!!
Blessings,
stephanie
It is so nice to hear from you Melissa! Sorry about the “computer demons” being on the attack. But on the good side of that attack was you highly insightful post, that I am sure will mean so much to all the siesta’s, myself included. the highlight for me was
“one of the major scandals of the gospel message is that just as AdamĆ¢ā¬ā¢s sin is imputed to every human being, ChristĆ¢ā¬ā¢s righteousness is imputed to every believer and subsequently they are being changed into his likeness”
I want to bask in that truth today (everyday).
Hows Alanta for you? I love the underground mall up there.
I had to say thank you, Melissa, and tell you that I’m certain that your blog post was in direct answer to the prayer I whispered this morning. As I sat down at my own computer, I asked my God to send me a word of TRUTH for my downcast and discouraged soul. (Okay… my specific prayer was “put something in my e-mail box that will encourage me today.” But hey, He knows I check the blog daily!!) Your post has lifted me. Thank you, and Amanda and Beth!! You are all such a blessing to me.
Thank you for making my morning, what a wonderful reminder that I really needed. You must make your mother proud.
Melissa, My heart is overjoyed with the words of that song!!! Thank you for reminding me what cd it is on. I went immediately and got my Selah cd Now I am heading into the kitchen to finish up some cooking I am doing for my granddaughters graduation party and will bask in the great theology of Before The Throne Of God Above. I need to know this today!
It’s good to hear from you. I pray strength & perseverance for you.
Because He Lives!!!
WL
Melissa, that song is new to me. Thanks so much for sharing the lyrics and your thoughts!
It is amazing how all our struggles, issues, and heart wrending circumstances pale in the presence of the King of Glory!! We are frail creatures of dust prone to wandering far away from our purpose of enjoying God’s presence. For his good pleaseure, we were created. A vessel to display his glory, we were created.
Thank you for the great word!
Blessings,
Robin
Such good stuff, Melissa! I homeschool and did not have a productive morning. I hate when I am a grouchy mom! I really needed to hear this! As I read Rom 6, this is what stuck out to me…. and I love it in the amplified! SO thankful that I dont have to walk in my old, yuck flesh…
6We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. 7For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men]. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also LIVE with Him
Dearest Melissa oh how I hate to hear that you have had a thief problem. I live in GA (actually I am an original) and I was so hoping you wouldn’t experience this problem. I am so sorry you have had to go through this. I hope you and Colin have safe days ahead and keep praising the Lord for His mercies on us and His blessings. Keep cookin’ siesta. Better days are ahead. And speaking of that I must go BACK to my local Kroger and pick up some tomato sauce that I forgot to get this morning for dinner tonight.
It’s good to hear from you. Looking forward to your next post.
God Bless
Amen and Amen!!! You said it so beautifully…I can truly understand why your mother is so proud of the young woman you have become and are becoming.
There is nothing like music to lift us out of a bad mood or attitude. I really like “Revelation Song” by Kari Jobe. WOW!! Sing that with her a few times and I dare you not to have a change of heart and attitude. It brings me to tears every time I listen to it.
Blessings to you Melissa,
Isaac’s Mom
Melissa,
Thank you so much for the reminder today. Following a not so fun Mother’s Day, conflict with the hubs, today we had a setback in our business. It so difficult owning your own business as each week has a crisis of some sort, although, each week brings opportunity for God to show Himself so faithful. I printed and am praying the lyrics to the song. I also work from home and yes it is a challenge, especially if you are a people person. God has taught me many things in the cave and I have come to appreciate the quiet. Grace and Peace, dear sister.
Oh, Melissa, God has graced you with the same gift for words that He gave your Mom. You paint such a vivid picture with words!
We watched the last day of “Stepping Up” today in my Bible study group. When Travis sang “God Bless the Broken Road,” we all just lost it. That leads me to my question, how did you and Colin meet? I would love to know the story behind that!
Blessings to you from Alabama!
You Moore women have such a God inspired way with words. What a wonderful way to start my afternoon.
Melissa, I have been dying to see if you would post your queso recipe- I am on the great queso recipe hunt! If you would share, one siesta would be greatly blessed!
Shane and Shane just put out a great version of the song on their newest album, Pages… they sing it alright, I guess (:)), but the sound of my 12 year old developmentally disabled daughter singing it from the backseat, with words that few understand, but perfectly along with the melody, is way better than Shane and Shane, or anyone really!! and I’m quite certain the Lord agrees with me on that!!
Amen, Siesta! I need this song on my i-pod. It truly puts everything in perspective.
I work from home also here in Atlanta, and it can really be lonely sometimes. But thank goodness God is always close by. Hang in there. He never fails.
Melissa, I love that song too, and just about any song made of whole wheat. The white stuff I can do without most days. I like songs with fiber!
Darling, I wanted to raise both my hands in the air in praise while I read this. Powerful. What a beautiful Savior. Teach, Teacher.
Amen and Amen, siesta!! What wonderful teaching.
Keep it coming…
Thank you Melissa for that encouragement today. You said it beautifully and right at a time when I really needed it.
I will be praying for you.
Anne in MO
P.S. What’s for dinner?
Beth–doesn’t your heart just turn “Mama cartwheels” when you read/hear something of this magnitude articulated through your daughters?
This morning, my nearly-3-year-old, Noah, brought me a metal cross that we keep on our entry table. He asked, “Mama, who died on dis twoss for aw hins?”
He had the most serious expression, like he was quizzing me just as I might quiz him when I teach his Sunday School class. I said, “Well, Noah, JESUS died on the cross for our sins because He loves us!” Seriously, he nodded his little head in approval and said, “Dat’s wite…dood job, mommy!” I was so tickled, yet SO thankful, that my two year old “gets it!” I just had to rejoice right there in the middle of the playroom floor.
So, as I read Melissa’s post, I can only imagine how you must wanna dance when you see your twenty-something daughter proclaim His Truth!
Siestas, may we all continue to talk with our children about the Lord when we rise up, when we lie, down, when we come in, when we go out, when we walk along the way….(all day, all day, as Miss Patty Cake would say)…may we always give Him praise! Lord, Jesus, we thank You for producing a harvest through the lives in which You’ve commissioned us to sow!
Melissa,
What a lesson!! I want to just fall face down right here…think I will. I, too, love that song — lyrics that are so powerful and truth. Follow it up with “How Deep the Father’s Love” and we can fight whatever comes our way.
Good Word today!! Thanks for bringing it.
Blessings,
Dori
You go, Girl!!! That was some good preaching. Thank-you!
Sorry about the computers.
I have the same feelings about “In Christ Alone”. Can’t hardly get through it without crying. AND, no one sings it like Travis!
Oh how I love Him who has redeemed me!
Melana in Wyoming
From the story your Mom tells of you having a new fresh notebook to this song, I identify with you on many things, Melissa. Yes. I even have motions my hands must do for this song. They are all a part of that surrendering process. Yes! Love it! Love you much and will be praying over that work space and the work itself (your offering before His Throne) for you, Sister!
Love,
holly
Hallelujah and Amen! Thank you Melissa….I have been blessed by your words!! I do have some go to songs to reshift my focus but my favorite go to passage is in Habakkuk 3….reworded a bit to fit the circumstance I am facing at the time:
Though the car does not start and there is no food in the fridge, though the computer crashes and there is no memory on the hard drive, though the dogs got out and are no longer in our yard,
YET I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Hab. 3:18-19)
Prayng that the details of our days begin to fall into place as we choose to rejoice and be joyful in God our Savior!
Y’all don’t have to publish this, and I am not looking to publicize my blog, but I received an email today from my church about some of our supported missionaries in Myanmar, and I would like for you, at LPM, to pray for them. š
Here is the address:
http://www.thewestiecrew.blogspot.com
Melissa,
Thank you. I so needed this word today.