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!