Monday, October 13, 2008

A Rhema Word

Do you learn by example or from personal experience? Sadly, in my life I have learned very few things by others' example. I will be the first to admit that I am not the smartest person who ever lived - not even close - not even in the top 50% 10%. But there are a few things that I do know for sure. Not the least of which is that all plastic plates are not microwave safe. How did I learn that? From experience (a freaky, fiery, smoky, kitchen stinking, microwave ruining experience). Unfortunately, the 'plastic plate in the microwave thing' is not the only thing I have learned from experience. I could make a long list of things that I have learned the hard way, but you don't want to read them and I definitely do not want to relive them. So, let me get straight to the point (yes, I know that is a new concept for me). One thing I know for sure is that when we draw close to the Lord, He will draw closer to us. When we sit next to Jesus with no one or no thing between us, we are able to lean in and hear His voice - not just hear it, but hear it clearly. Ten years ago, I didn't really believe that, but today I know it for sure. How? From experience.


Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking/studying about how God speaks to us. Specifically Rhema words that are spoken to us by the Holy Spirit. I have had a few of those type words spoken over me by the Holy Spirit in the past month (some I have shared here on the blog, others I am pondering in my heart). Why am I hearing God speak so often and all of the sudden? I think it is probably because I am finally REALLY listening.

Last night at church, the evangelist that was preaching in our pastor's absence mentioned Rhema words from God and my mouth fell open.....that was about the fifth time that word has been brought up to me since I began to study it..............when God wants to reveal something to you, He will drive his point home over and over through other people, experiences, television, radio, internet, ......get my point? He will use any tool He can to get our attention, including His own voice.

By definition, Rehma in Greek means "an utterance (indiv., collect. or spec.); by implication a matter or 'topic' (esp. of narration, command or dispute). From the primary verb Rheo (ρηω) to flow or run , as water; and the suffix ma(μα) , a finite dispensation or portion (eg. "charis", grace ; but "charisma", a portion of grace, (spiritual) gift, etc". For instance, Rhema is the same word used in the verses about the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:17 "Take the helmet of salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the (Rhema) word of God". Also in Matthew 4:4 "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Rhema is used all over the Bible when referring to a word straight from God, so don't worry, I haven't gone all Pentecostal Holiness on you (not that we couldn't learn a thing or two about worship from them).

I guess my point in posting about this is that I wonder if many of us REALLY believe that still God speaks. And if we believe He still speaks, do we believe that He REALLY speaks to us??? As I said earlier, I know for a fact that He does. In our earthly friends/families, when we get close to and confide in them, they are quick to come close and confide in us. Same with God, the more we seek to know about Him, the more He will reveal to us. If you don't believe that God can speak a Rhema word directly to your heart, I challenge you to earnestly seek Him in prayer and Bible study and be ready to listen, because He has so many things to tell you. Things you need to know, but can only hear if you are REALLY listening. How do I know? From experience.


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So, here are a few pics of our weekend. Kaden's Music Makers choir sang in church tonight. I have several pictures, but here is one of my favorites. He is serious about doing the motions!




Here are a few pictures of a local air show we went to on Saturday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol brought their helicopters and did a mock rescue. There were all kinds of planes, war planes, training planes, and helicopters that did fly bys (very looooowwww fly bys). The boys had a great time - boys love that kind of stuff!



A nice State Trooper let me take his picture with the kids in front of his car;-)


The boys in front of the THP Huey helicopter. They got to sit in it and pretend to fly it - I am telling you boys get excited over heavy machinery!


Watching the air show. There were parachutes, sky dives, fly-bys, and all kinds of other interesting things going on.









This one is for Meemaw. The boys wanted to see what it was like for her when she took her wild ride down Roan Mnt. and had to be taken to the hospital by WINGS Air Rescue.











Here is the Huey in the air - good times.













Happy Columbus Day!

13 comments:

Amanda said...

I KNOW for a fact He speaks too...I have been "REALLY" listening for the past several months...and Boy...has He had a lot to say!! I love it, though...and I want more and more and more and more and more.

Thanks for sharing your walk with us today.

God bless you, my sister.

donnaj said...

Please tell the boys thank you for the picture of the Wings helicopter. Your picture is the most I have seen of it! I only remember the can light over my head from my ride. A $14,000.00 ride without a view!

Mari said...

Great pictures - looks like a fun day!

Kelly S. said...

I BELIEVE!
Isaiah 65.24

ps. a sweet lady from my bible study works for WINGS.

ocean mommy said...

Oh I loved this!!! I needed the reminder this afternoon to LISTEN for that Word. :) I'm so guilty of trying to rush Him.

Those little guys are so cute...they look like they were in heaven this weekend!!

Have a wonderful week!
steph.

RefreshMom said...

I've always been grateful that I am a "learn by (others) experience" type. Seeing others stumble into pits that I'd rather avoid has always motivated me to choose a different path. Of course, my chosen paths come complete with their own pitfalls (most of which I don't see ahead of time), so there's still plenty for me to learn along the way!

And I know God still speaks too. Sometimes when I don't even realize I'm listening. Over the past year I've considered whether it was time for me to take on a more active ministry leadership role as the boys are getting older (a whopping 3 and 5) and we've been here a couple years. But each time I've entertained the thought God has made it plain through scripture, whether in our small group or BSF or whatever, that I am to stay the course of making my kids my primary ministry focus for now. Recent months have shown me the wisdom in that; reasons that I'd never have guessed at the time.

Thanks for the transparency.

Greg P. said...

I'm going to take your advice and get to know God even more. I've never heard of Rhema words, but, I want to get as close to God as I can. I know He still speaks to us today. Thanks for your good words today.

Fran said...

Hey girl..
I'm always needing a word from God but very specifically a now word. And, yes...10 yrs ago?? Wouldn't believed He would speak to me.

The pictures are sooooo cute. I love to watch the little kids sing bc they do so with such passion. They have much to teach us huh?

Hope y'all have a great day!
Hugs,
Fran

Krista said...

I've been away from the computer for about a week, and missed several of your posts. Today I've taken the time to go back and read them all. I've smiled, laughed out loud, cried, and rejoiced. Thank you for taking your time to write about your life and your faith in God. I have been in a funk lately, and am waiting on direction from God. I like what you said about listening for his words, and fixing my heart on him. I hope your week has gotten a little better, and you are in my prayers.

Eddie said...

Love the pictures of the boys and the fat highway Patrolman. Bet they really loved seeing all the airplanes etc; Look forward to seeing you guys soon. Love you all,Dad

Lisa Bolling said...

What an inspiration you are!!! I don't really understand Rhema words, but I'm going to find out.
I don't really feel that my walk with God is what I would like for it to be. I'd love to know some of the materials and resources you are using for your study.

Blessings!

Heidi Zawisza said...

Haven't read your post yet, so I have nothing witty to say...YET, but for now, I left you something on my blog...and I expect participation missy!!!! hee hee hee
I'm sure I'll be back after I read your post.....

Alana said...

I've never heard that term before, but I know what you mean and I do believe that God speaks to us that way. I've experienced it!