Everything to Me

Those of you who read my blog often know that I often quote songs....God uses music to speak to me. Which...considering my absolutely NO MUSIC ability self, this is amazing.  I'm not a good singer and I do not play an instrument but I still love music....IF it's keeping my mind on the things of Jesus.  I listen to music in my car, at work, in the shower, at home when the kids and I are playing - every chance I get, I turn on what I call my "Jesus music." Well, not too long ago, I recalled the song by Avalon called "Everything to Me."  I remember hearing this song when I was a child but I had not heard it in a long time....the last time I heard it, I think my relationship with a church might have been everything to me but not my relationship with Jesus.  As a friend and I were talking about how much Jesus meant to us and how He was our hope everyday, she mentioned that song and I had to go listen to it. I played the song....heard just this first verse....and melted....

This song is so true!!! For so many years, Jesus was some distant person that I read about in a book...He wasn't real to me and I'm so very thankful that now, He's much more than history...He's my TODAY and TOMORROW. 

One Wednesday night a month, I have the absolute blessing of teaching and sharing God's Word with a room full of precious ladies - ranging from my age to retirement age.  The way that God has pieced us all together is amazing - our Wednesday bible study is not the picture that I every imagined but it's perfect because God CREATED it.  The details of life are always so much better when we let God have His Way.  :)  

Before each of these Wednesday night meetings, Landis takes the kids to my mother-in-laws house, usually about 45 minutes before all the ladies get here. I cherish this time....my house is quiet...it's just me and Jesus....so, I turn on my music....raise my hands to Jesus....sing, and thank Him for all that He has done for me and will do for me. The last two Wednesdays during this personal worship time, Jesus has spoken things to me that I want to share....about a month ago, as Jesus spoke to my heart....I found myself saying out loud, "Thank you Jesus for making Heaven more real to me."  When I said that, I stopped and asked myself, "Does this mean that I'm going to Heaven soon?"  And, the Spirit of Jesus quickly answered me with this, "No, you are not going to Heaven yet but Heaven has come down to you."  And....the tears began....Jesus was showing me that because I have been yoking with Him...because I have been pouring myself into getting to know Him better that I was beginning to reap those benefits of Heaven coming down to this world.  And, Jesus is so right....I am in a place right now where sometimes I am overwhelmed by Heaven's presence around me....everywhere that I go.  

In Luke 17:21, Jesus says, "You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there.' For the Kingdom of God is already among you."  I have read this scripture over and over but the other day, it became real to me....I (we, you) can experience Heaven right now when we grab hold of Jesus. I thank you Jesus that you are showing me Heaven!  

And....Jesus continued to speak last night....again, before the ladies arrived, I was standing in my kitchen, hands raised, praising Jesus, singing that song, "You are Everything to Me" and I began to call out these words....

Thank you Jesus....that you are everything to me....you are

-my righteousness with God 

-my friend and constant companion - you are always walking with me 

-my wisdom 

-my provider

-my fixer 

-my peace

-my rest 

-my healer 

and my JOY. 

And...all these things are heaven NOW to me.  

As the words came to me, I wrote them down....I never want to forget what Jesus speaks to my heart, which is one reason I take the time to blog.  Our strength in Jesus comes from testimonies that we have....in our weak moments, we pull strength from the times that we have allowed Jesus to fill us up with His Word and His Spirit...and, oh, how full I AM.  

This morning, I thank Jesus that I don't have to wait on eternal life with Him, I don't have to wait to experience Heaven...I'm experiencing it now....and, friends, you can to....just yoke up with Jesus....and He will show you the Kingdom...that's what He came to do.  

Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  (Matthew 11:29)

I have one of those days ahead of me where I will work from 7:30am to 8:00pm...these days only happen a few times a year and so many times I find myself dreading them BUT today, I will not...I appreciate Jesus' timing....He has reminded me that even on days that seem long, where my physical body and mind will be tired, that my Spirit can rest because Heaven is HERE, that I can find JOY in what the purpose of this day is....which is to let Jesus RISE up in me so others can see Him.  So...thank you Jesus for this beautiful day...I thank you that my day will be an amazing one....I thank you for the opportunity to organize the events that are happening in our school today and I thank you that many parents and students will be blessed with their time together this evening.  I thank you Jesus that you are my REST.  Oh, Jesus, I love you and I thank you for loving me.    

Have a blessed day, my friends...and, remember, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand...go grab it...it's rightfully yours, IN Jesus. :) 

Toddy