I am not sure how you first came to know Jesus Christ. You may have first heard Him speak to you at an evangelism crusade or perhaps you sensed His immediate comforting presence during a certain extraordinary life experience. I have friends who have witnessed miraculous moments with Jesus Christ and I even have friends who have heard Him speak to them in their dreams. For reasons unknown to me, the Lord has never chosen to communicate with me through these sorts of experiential avenues. And I, in the past, have become a tad envious of those who have experienced God in these phenomenal ways. Please don’t read me wrong, Siestas. I am not questioning if God really does communicate with human beings in these miraculous ways, I ABSOLUTELY believe that He does. I am just saying that I myself have yet to experience Jesus Christ like this.
In brief, I was raised in a Christian home. Yes, I was raised by a woman who I like to call “the- Titus- woman- from-you-know-where” (but I say the word). I heard about Jesus Christ every single day. I was encouraged, if not enforced, to do a “quiet time” at a very early age. And I am so glad that I was but it remained vital for me to actually experience God for myself. So, in High School I began to question if I really “knew” Jesus. It wasn’t that I was living in a bunch of sin at that particular time; it was simply that I did not feel very connected to Him. I didn’t feel in my heart that He communicated with me.
So I called to mind a very basic verse in Matthew that says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). I certainly hadn’t had any exegetical training at that point, but I figured that what this verse meant was that the Lord would communicate with me if I truly sought His face. So I said to the Lord in my teenage heart, “Okay, Lord, I am going to spend the next few months seeking your face with all of my heart and then if I don’t sense your presence, then I really am done with all of this Christianity.”
So what I had intended to be a few months of seeking God through rigorously reading the Bible has become a lifetime passion for me. Yes, even more than cooking. What I found when I read the biblical text was something other-worldly. To me the biblical text was self-testifying. It simply spoke up for itself. I didn’t have to defend it or try to make it sound true, I simply read it and knew it was truth. This skeptic’s heart began to melt like butter. My mind had never been so stimulated, my heart had never been more encouraged, and my own worldly intentions had never been so thwarted. When I read through the pages of the Bible, the Holy Spirit testified to my spirit that I was a child of God. And even today, dear Siestas, when I distance myself from reading the biblical text, I feel my mind beginning to drift. I feel my heart slowly harden and I feel more prone to depression and despair. And not surprisingly so, I begin to feel more intoxicated by the pleasures of the world around me. It is like John Bunyan said, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book”.
One thing that my research of the Book of Esther has taught me is the significance of intentional remembrance. I have purposefully been bringing back to mind my first experiences of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is what I remember most: I came to know Jesus Christ when I took the time to read the actual content of the Bible for myself. This is why I have devoted my life to a shameless study of the biblical text. This is why I work for Living Proof Ministries, because we exist to exalt the power of God through the biblical text. We exist to loudly proclaim that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
I have been reminded afresh of the wonder of the Scriptures. I have found what my Mom said all of those years to be true. I have found that indeed, “there is no other book like it”. When you sit on your couch with your Bible in your lap, you are a witness to a miracle. This miracle is called Divine Revelation. And the miracle of divine revelation is not a “lesser miracle”; it is not merely what the rest of us “get” by default because the Lord doesn’t have to time to appear in another one of our dreams. There is no greater phenomenon than an almighty and holy God speaking to and through humankind. God has chosen to speak to you, dear Siesta, and to reveal to you the mysteries of salvation history: the knowledge of his glorious Son. Take a minute today to behold the miracle of the written word of God…take a minute to read the very best of all books. Behold and then tell of His glory.
I love you, Siestas, and wish sometime soon we could all have an old fashioned “pot-luck” around a massive round table together.
Melissa
While I was encouraged by this post, I was even more encouraged by Beth’s comment. Yes, I am seeking the Lord on a daily basis, yes, I believe His word is alive and active…but what I worry about is how in the world to raise these 4 precious little ones He has given me. An impossible task! I cannot even begin to imagine them as actualized adults…Help me, Jesus! I am too broken on my own…so I turn to Him every day for the wisdom to do what needs to be done TODAY…and trust me, my kids could make Dr. Dobson cry…so I worry. But seeing Melissa’s post from a mother’s perspective, and reading Beth’s response, was just what my heart needed to hear today. To trust God to raise them up, and give Him the space to do it. Thank you. Love, Michelle in California
i agree. God pseaks through His word. but i do know He does speak through dreams and such. Test to see if the Lord is good. Always comes to that. so true. we all have are own walk. that is why is it called personal realtionship. You are bless to have a gifted mom. but when all is said and done you are too the daughter of the Most High God. In His service, Jeanette
That was beautiful Melissa! Thank you for sharing your heart! Such a sweet reminder!
Emmy
Thanks Melissa. You are always so insightful. I love not only being a child of the one true living God- I love having sisters in Christ like you.
ps I still need a partner for the summer study
Rosie
WOW, you truely are amazing. I too love to read and study my Bible and learn what God has for me. I love doing this more than watching tv or any movie. We are told to become more like Him and to me the only way to do that is to keep my mind on Him at all times and pray continually. If not my mind will stray from Him and thats the time our enemy comes at us. Oh girl you are so smart for your age. May God continue to do a work in your life.
Melissa ….
Thank you for your words today …they spoke so dearly to my heart. I am amazed beyond words to the beautiful woman you have become in our Lord and Savior and it gives me great hope that my children will keep their eyes focused on His word.. they too are strong willed and reminded me alot when they were younger that “you can’t tell me what to do”… I know I must have looked like the titus women from you know where when that came out of my mouth. Good thing the Lord has softened me a bit over the years.
And I praise God for your Titus woman because when I was at the very lowest point in my life, I found her on Life today and then now 3 bible studies later and many more to go… I too again believe that God does love me too…!!! So blessing on you and your family and I can’t wait to see everyone in San Antonio…
Lots of Love Lichelle
P.S. are we ever going to see anymore wedding pictures????
I was raised in a “churchy” home. But I did not know what a personal relationship with Christ was till I was 21. What still amazes me, is that I knew I was being called by Him, I just didn’t know how to find Him. Thank God, literally for His faithfulness. He waited and kept calling till I found Him…Oh how grateful I am, that He did. Whoo, my throat is all lumpy.
Thank-you for this, Melissa!
Melana in Wyoming
WOW, Melissa. That was wonderful! I am so blessed to be connected to so many wonderful women thirsty for God and His Word and willing to encourage the rest of us to continue thirsting for His Righteousness! Thank YOu!
Sacha
Thankyou Melissa. Through health problems, homesickness (I moved countries!) and one thing on top of another, I have neglected my time with God and have never had doubts in my life the way I have over the last few weeks…..I need to do exactly what you did. In fact today I chose to check in to the blog when I was about to look at a different secular site, and I think God had a reason!
How great is His mercy.
love Ruth
Thanks Melissa…
You are a blessing…
And I am “IN” for the pot-luck. You just let us know when and where 🙂
Blessings to you!
like reading pages out of my own journey. thank you for sharing, melissa! may each and every one of us never “get over” the Word.
I’m in week 7 of the Believing God study. Talk about remembering!! It’s super tough! But remembering is good – it allows God to heal my deepest darkest parts of my life.
I was never in church as a child – didn’t go to church until I was 18 after the death of my father.
I pray to God I can be that Titus woman to my two young daughters – and my almost grown son.
Believing God has changed my life!
Looking forward to Deeper Still this weekend!
Julie
GA
Melissa,
Thank you. I think what you say is so powerful for someone who was raised in such a similar way and who has children of her own. I think we need to be reminded that just because you are exposed to Jesus and live in a home that follows Jesus, it is important to experience Jesus for yourself. It is a personal, powerful revelation that changes you forever. Thank you for sharing your experience.
To Rosie with 3 boys,
Do you still need a partner for bible study online? I could be you partner.
M in the OC
Great post! I am praying now in my life to just fall in love with his word.
AMEN! Melissa! you have blessed me like crazy today!
I feel like I’m going through a “dry spell” right now, spiritually. I wonder if I’m missing something sometimes, especially when I speak to or hear women like your mother who obviously have such an intimate and real relationship with Jesus Christ.
Your post reminded me of exactly why I am a Christian. Because when I get into God’s Word it’s so powerfully apparent to me that it IS. Kind of like “I Am What I Am.” It Is What It Is… Truth.
I feel like I’ve been drifting lately and I now realize that it’s because my personal Bible study has gone from daily to weekly, at best.
Must remedy that immediately!
Thank you, Siesta!
And all God’s people say “Amen”!
Melissa,
God has really been speaking to me through His Word ~~ and I love it!! He is so gracious to me. Thank you for posting and reminder us all of “The Miracle of Divine Revelation.” Dawn
Hi Melissa,
Thanks so much for your post.
Earlier today, I finally got around to writing a long-promised letter to a dear friend who told me a few months ago that he was giving up Christianity and becoming an athiest. I literally felt like I was shooting in the dark as I wrote — not knowing what kind of tone he needed or what truth he was ready to hear — but I prayed desperately throughout, and prayed as I finished.
I dropped the letter off with him a couple hours ago and drove off asking God if I had done all right. I think I just got an answer and a dose of peace right through your entry. You see, in the meat of the letter I told him to keep an ear open for God and that there was no other place he could more securely find it than in the Bible itself. In the closing I mentioned a passage I had read while writing (Jer. 33). Maybe he’ll feel curious enough to go read it.
I’ve never posted so long a comment, but I just wanted you to know what was going on in one corner of the world, and how our merciful Lord was using your words. 🙂 Thanks.
Thanks Melissa. You touched on many things I have pondered on and off. I am in agreement. I also needed to read Beth’s post as well. I have a precious 6 yr. old daughter that is used by God to work on my “fruit”! But she is also the first to talk to her friends about Jesus and heaven and tells them how to accept Him. Sometimes with the same “strong-will”. Glory. I know God gets the biggest kick out of us!!
I AM hoping this will be alright. I just read this article by John Piper & thought it EXCLLENT!! It so reminded me of what we are studying & learning through NOG’s. May it bless each & every one of you!!
Fighting Covetousness by Looking at Others
June 25, 2008
By John Piper
Read this article on our website.
This is overflow from a pastoral staff discussion on how to be free from covetousness. Fred Johnson had drawn our attention to Achan’s stealing and lying in Joshua 7:11. Jericho had fallen before Israel. The riches of the city were not to be taken. But Achan took garments and silver and gold. He hid them and tried to deceive the leaders.
Why did he do this? When he was caught, Achan gives the answer: “I coveted them and took them” (Joshua 7:21). Covetousness. He desired the silver, gold, and garments more than he desired fellowship with God.
There is no difference between the Hebrew word for desire and the Hebrew word for covet. Coveting means desiring something too much. And too much is measured by how that desiring compares to desiring God. If desiring leads you away from God rather than closer to God, it is covetousness. It is sin.
I suspect that the reason the Ten Commandments begin with the commandment “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) and ends with the commandment “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17) is that they are essentially the same commandment. They bracket the other eight and reveal their source.
Not coveting means not desiring anything in a way that diminishes God as your supreme treasure. And not having any gods before God means the same thing: Don’t treasure anything or anyone in away that competes with God’s supreme place in your life. Idolatry is what we call disobedience to the first commandment. And idolatry is what Paul calls disobedience to the tenth commandment (Colossians 3:5).
So the reason Achan stole and lied is because God was not his supreme treasure. He was not satisfied in all that God promised to be for him. That is probably why Joshua said to Achan, when he was found out, “My son, give glory to the Lord God” (Joshua 7:19). It demeans the glory of God when we prefer anything above him. That was Achan’s chief sin. Desiring gold more than God equals covetousness—which equals idolatry.
So the pastoral staff pressed in on this and discussed how we can keep our lives free from this dreadful condition—desiring other things more than God, coveting, being idolaters. We talked about the importance of the word of God. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11). Yes. Amen. We all agreed with that.
One other main suggestion emerged from Philippians. Paul describes the condition we all want to be in. He says, “Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7–8). That is exactly the opposite of covetousness. That is the opposite of idolatry. That is supreme satisfaction in Christ. That is freedom.
But how, Paul? Do you have a practical suggestion that we can use to fight for this satisfaction in Christ? Here is what we saw in Philippians 3:17, and it is striking: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Philippians 3:17).
Here is amazingly practical help for us: Pick out some people whose lives show that they treasure Christ above other things. Then “keep your eyes on them.” Watch them. That, Paul says, is a good way to conquer covetousness.
There are some folks at Bethlehem whose maturity and wisdom and spiritual fruitfulness in their marriages, for example, is so admirable that I look at them and think about them a lot. When I am struggling with what I should feel and do in my marriage, I think about what they would do. I think Paul means something like that.
I would only add that it is good to have some dead saints to “keep your eyes on” as well. That’s what biographies are for.
So we as pastors would exhort you all to flee covetousness. Topple all your idols. “Count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” Be in the word every day. But also find those who live this way and “keep your eyes on them.” What you will see, if you look carefully, is the power and the beauty of Christ. This sight will satisfy your soul. And your satisfied soul will keep you from stealing and lying. And your life will make God look supremely valuable.
Looking at you and Paul and Christ with joy,
Pastor John
Great post….we all need encouragement to keep digging into the Word!!! I’m doing “The Bible in 90 Days” study this summer and am loving it!! I’ve never read the Bible straight through like this, and although it is very different from an indepth study, I highly recommend it!! God’s word is so powerful and when you read it in this short time span it is very fresh. Thanks for posting…we all love you!!
Girlfriend. I do believe you are as annointed as your Mother.
What a powerful word.
Amen and Amen!
I thank you for your post. I would appreciate prayer for those of us who have given their lives to Christ but still have a hard time understanding God’s Word. I am currently very discouraged with how much I understand and also with the fact that often when I read, I actually come away feeling confused. I’d love suggestions, thoughts, and prayers. Thanks so much. I aspire to have the love and the life-giving power that comes from the Word someday just like so many of you.
How true that the Word is wonderful! I have a few times throughout my life (recently turned 70) gotten away from studying the Word of God. Now I am again hungry for it, and I thank God for your Mom who is used of God to present the Word in such a way that it’s also fun to study. I love “word” treasures that have been unlocked for me over the last couple of years. As I look back, I can’t remember why I’d get away from in-depth study, but Praise God! He is faithful and draws me back, and stronger each time. Our God is an awesome God!!
Winette
Yucaipa CA
Thanks Melissa,
It is often such a battle to just get into the Word, and once I do, I always think to myself, “why didn’t I just do this sooner?” I also pray for my kids that they too will have their own personal experience with God. Amy Grant gives a similar testimony about growing up in a Christian home with an awesome spiritual foundation, and then when she encountered God for herself it just added to that foundation and gave her “something to write about”. Beyond praying for my kids needs, and behavior, I ultimately pray for God to reveal Himself to them on an intimate, heart, level where they can’t deny Him. I too have an “I’m the boss” daughter. I love her spunk and wouldn’t change her for the world, because I know that it will serve her and her God well one day… I Believe, believe, believe!!
God bless,
Cindy R.
Melissa,
Wow! You are so wise beyond your years. What a great word about the WORD!!
It was your precious mother who nurtured in me a love for God’s Holy Word, too. Before I started attending Tuesday night studies at HFB, I never heard the Word of God come alive in such a powerful way. Now I am caught up in it, hook, line, and sinker.
Melissa, I am so proud of you. Really, truly proud of the beautiful woman in Christ that you are – inside and out.
May God bless you all of your days and May His face shine upon you and give you His peace.
I love you, Lil Siesta!
Roxanne
I don’t remember which study or even the exact words your mom used in this story about you; it’s probably the one illustration that sticks out most to me from all the studies-I guess the deatilas don’t matter because I got her point and the impression has never left…she found you sitting in her seat at the dining room table and you blurted something out about getting to know the Lord. That’s what I’ve remembered most about you: an honest hunger. It’s a testimony that encourages me to continually own my faith and to make it the very essence of who I am so that my own children are compelled to jealously seek a relationship with Jesus that is vibrant. Thanks for sharing, Melissa. Have a fabulous time with your mom this weekend! T.G.
Melissa,
I appreciate that you DO believe humans can hear audibly from the Lord. I have due to the EXTREME pain, surgeries, and hospital stays in the past two years. Some of it is shared on our website. However, many Christians do not believe this can happen and so I am reluctant to share about it..even though “Heaven” is so glorious and there is MUCH to tell. What I do encourage Christians to do, like you did today, is to read the Bible. Read God’s Word. Appreciate what He has left for us.
M
Don’t you know?
Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
You have some great expectations!
A Fan
Amen to your post and to your mama’s comment!
Love it!
Melissa,
Thank you for that! I remember hearing your mom say in one of her studies some years ago that she was madly “in love” with Jesus. I love Jesus but I continually tell God, “I want THAT! I want to be totally in love with You! Help me!” I see that same passion in you that I see in your mom…and I want that! I know there is no other way than to spend one on one time in His Word and at His feet. Nobody can do it for me. I’m horribly inconsistent with having a set quiet time where nothing is distracting me. I want to just DESIRE to have a quiet time with Him everyday. Does it just start with self-discipline and eventually become desire?? I DO love Him and talk to Him all day long. I just get frustrated with myself over my inconsistent quiet times.
Thank you for the great post girl!
Missy in SC
Excellent!
Becky Justice in NC
Amen, sister! What a powerful word about THE WORD! He is life and I pray that we never get over the miracle of divine revelation. He wrote this for us! Praise you, Jesus!
Oh Melissa,
You have a heart just like mine. The best place to find God for me is in the depths of His Word.
I love Him so, thank you for sharing such a sold out, sincere post about how you discovered God for yourself and the wealth of the relationship it brought into your life.
You are a sweet, sweet sister and bring so much to us. We thank God for you.
Blessings
there are none like Him! I feel the same way and have to stay in the word every morning and night or I am so prone to wander.
Melissa,
Thanks for reminding me of that verse in Matthew. So simple, but so needed!
Melissa, you are cool! Wish I was younger and lived in Atlanta so I could hang out with you!
That is good truth girl! Thank you!
I have tears in my eyes. God’s timing could not have been more perfect. Thank you for allowing Him to use you so effectively.
Melissa, you go girl! I love to read your thoughts, for you remind me so much of my son. He is a writer who loves God with all his heart. Don’t stop now!! We need more! More revelations! You are the real thing!
One day soon, Melissa, we will all sit at a wonderful banquet table. We will be fed the finest of food and the most marvelous of drink. It will be better than any “potluck” we could ever dream up…..even in our wildest dreams… Thank you, dear one for sharing so deeply and intimately from your heart.
Thank you Melissa. Your post was very touching and so true. Thank you and all of the LPM family that do so much for the Kingdom of God.
We love you.
Thanks for sharing! A good word indeed.
Melissa, I thank you so much for the wonderful words that you posted today. I have had a very similar experience in my walk with the Lord and you put it so well! You are much younger than I am but please know that your words ministered to my life and heart. You are a dear! Nancy
Thank you.
I, too, have found myself feeling “distanced” from the Lord as of late…simply because I haven’t been sitting at His Feet and listening to Him through His Word. Boy, you hit the nail on the head. I have resolved to get back to it. What a Feast it is, too!
And Beth, your comment gives me soo much hope for the wandering daughter I have as well. Thank you both, dear Sisters!
Oh, sweet mercy! Thanks for the blessing, Melissa!
Just had a thought–do you ever feel the need to explain the term “Siesta” periodically? I know what it means but wonder if newcomers are shaking their heads in confusion. 🙂
Oh my goodness. I just saw your mom’s comment. My 2nd daughter is strong-willed enough to make James Dobson cry too!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Beth, for those words of encouragement for my dear Ava!! (I’m copying them into my journal right now!)
Oooohhh Melissa! Beautiful post. That so resonates with me. I met HIM at 25 in a bar half drunk and I never fully recovered. You, my dear, are now that Titus woman from verse one in Titus that says you are a servant of the Word of God for the faith of His people and for the knowledge of the Truth that leads to godliness, changed lives! Love your one ardent passion—“now where is the God of Elijah” and the God of my mother? 2Kings 2:13. You found HIM and you are finding Him. You KNOW HIM or rather you are KNOWN by HIM. Gal. 4:9