‘Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ‘
Joshua 6:4
Dear God,
Thank you for today. The song when I woke up was “what a God extended” (very specific I know). The entire song is powerful but the part that I love was when they start doing the medley with Great is they faithfulness. “All I have needed thy hands have provided”. It was a good reminder that even though I have a lot of desires, God has provided me with everything I need right now.
After the blog post yesterday, I read on Issachar and Zebulun. Not much on them except that they were seamen and scholars. I think what’s been really interesting is Leah’s role in this. Especially with the origin of their names. Their names came because she felt as if she got over Rachel and had finally won favor in Jacob’s eyes. Unlike Judah’s name, it wasn’t really about giving praise to God, but about besting Rachel. It’s so funny how much God uses siblings to showcase human relationship but also sin and the impact of it. We see how Leah’s pride continues to deepen the fracture within her and Rachel’s relationship, but also how Jacob showing Rachel favoritism over Leah brough upon this wedge. Really interesting.
Anyways, this fast. I woke up in so much soreness. First off I woke up 50 minutes after my alarm. Because I went to sleep at 330 am. Why? I’m not sure. I think that somehow because I’m doing a dry fast until 6pm, in my head, my life doesn’t start until 6. Which isn’t true. But somehow, I’m still up at 2AM and don’t feel tired. And to make matters worse, I’m trying to get more active so I wake up sore and tired and I can’t eat. And then the temptation is the sweets. Because even when 6 hits and I can eat, I’m not eating sweets (or soda). And I crave something sweet. Soo bad. Ugh just even writing about it makes me want. Envisioning ice cream on a cake with some chocolate (I’m just being honest here!). But, I know that my flesh is truly weak. And that I’m getting closer to you.
But I spent good time with you this morning. Going into Psalm 25. One thing that I caught was in v. 4 when it says:
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths." - Psalm 25:3 ESV
Another version says show me your ways. But I was really sitting on the difference between make/show and teach. Show basically means to reveal why teach is to guide instruct. Another way is that God will be there explicitly guiding us (so it’s not instantaneous). Whereas make can be immedidate. I thought that was really cool
I did a couple of things today that scared me but I think you’d be proud of. I sent a vn to a friend asking what our relationship was (ie is this just a time where we don’t talk as much). I think I just wanted clarification and to stop beating myself up because I had.
I also serve on the hospitality team at church. And one of the things I’ve been feeling was complacent. Like I wasn’t really doing it through the holy spirit but thru my will. And the Lord brought me to when Abraham was hospitable towards the stranger and the blessing that followed. Anyways, the scary thing was that I sent what God said to our hospitality team groupchat (I don’t like being perceived). I’ll share a bit of excerpt because I feel like I’m actually fully obeying God’s voice more and more because I’m hearing it clearer which is making me joyous.
…Yes, we serve coffee and greet people, but we are also a reflection of God’s hearts towards people (especially visitors). We are people’s first point of contact with xxx (church’s name) but also could be people’s first experience with God and church and I don’t want to take that lightly. I feel like we really embody Yahweh Roi (the God who sees) and we get to see those who feel unseen by others and may feel unseen by God in their current season and remind them that they are valuable and God loves them with a smile or a hey.
If it was up to me, I’d be silent, but I did. I’ve also been trying to be more active, so with the fast I’ve been going on walks. And the spirit told me to do a prayer walk for my Church and walk there. A little backstory. We currently rent so our church is actually in a school. Which I think is really cool because we can bless the school directly. And we have (Coat drives, back to school supplies), Anyways, I was a little scared because I didn’t know if school was still in session, but who am I to say no. And everyone needs prayer, but I feel like my church is going through warfare right now and really needs intercession. There’s a spirit of mediocrity, being satisfied in their sin and not pursuing more intimacy with God. And there’s also little transparency and communication. I fear there’s a lot of cracks and there is temporary solutions for very real problems and I pray that God restores the church and we’ll be aligned with what God wants for us. So, I walk to the school (25-minute walk). It’s also freezing and I’m freezing. (I want to set the scene right). I get to the school and all of a sudden God tells me. This is our Jericho walk around 7 times for victory.
Now, I’m scared out of my mind.
1) what if the kids see me and think I’m a creep because I’m hanging around
2) Will my knees survive (bad knees)
3) Is this really God’s voice or mine
4) Will this bring victory?
But as I’m thinking of my fears (and probably trying to add more) The Joshua verse comes to mind and I feel peace.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”
– Joshua 1:9 ESV
So, I walked. Hit 4 miles. And on the last lap I played the song Jericho by Paul Tomisin. And I believed in victory for my church. And I do believe that victory will happen, whatever that looks like. Even if it means pruning. Even if I’m not there to see the victory.
And here we are now. I’m about to end my day with some situps and plank. But I pray that I continue to listen to your voice and believe that my actions bring change because you are with me and using me as a vessel.
I love being your daughter and I love that I am hearing your voice clearly (through songs and voice)
Love,
Tisa Ibori