And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

During my morning quiet time, the Lord directed my attention to some large pine trees outside. The entire landscape is changing with spring upon us. The grass lush green, the azalea's deep coral, the Japanese walnut full of purple flowers. All bringing forth new life as expected with spring.

Pine trees on the other hand are evergreens, so there really is no expectation with this particular tree. However, I gazed upward and noticed numerous new structural growths appearing. Silent internal growth was manifesting in the natural with tender shoots all facing heaven.

It occurred to me as Christians there is an expectation as well. We are to represent Christ, and live a life that brings honor to our King. We desire beautiful growth as seen in spring with new life. Yet, we are to be as the evergreens; steadfast, flourishing, showing abundant life. To experience structural Christian growth, takes time and costs much. It requires time in the presence of the King. Spending time in the Word of God, prayer and pressing in for more from the Lord. It is during our quiet time with the Father that our internal structure develops, matures and eventually sends forth new structural growth. Yes, as seasoned women of God we can still grow, we maintain the evergreen status and still send forth new shoots.

As a Christian of many years, I have longed for a sweet spirit. I know several mighty women of God, who have a sweet spirit in the Lord; it is evident the moment they speak. This spirit is heard in their voice, it's on their countenance and seen in the way they carry themselves. These women are anointed of God. It didn't just happen; rather it is a direct result of time spent with the Lord. The scripture tells us we shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in our season. As evergreens do not wither, so are we to continually bring forth good fruit. The way to strengthen your walk and produce more fruit is to spend time with the King.

There is no substitute in Christian growth to spending time with the Lord. You gain more spiritual insight, clarity of scripture, and a deeper spiritual sensitivity if we drink from the "rivers of water" as the Psalmist states. Our rivers of water, the word of God, the Holy Spirit and access to the throne room through prayer.

I am continuing to press in for a sweet spirit. This would be structural change in my spirit. I'm certainly not where I want to be. However, I have seen changes in my attitude and my love for others, all natural manifestations of what's taking place internally.

Father, I thank you for changing my spirit to be more like you. I ask you to search my inner man and where flesh needs to be removed bring this to my mind. I long to be more like you, change me and sustain me as I wait on you.

Geri Hoggard

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But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isa 40:31(KJV)

"She will need a liver transplant in order to survive!" The words lingered in my ears, arrangements are being made to transfer her to MCV in Richmond,Virginia. "Your daughter is too sick for us to care for her at this hospital".

My day had started as usual. I was at work when an urgent call came through from my husband. He informed me our twenty two year-old daughter, had over medicated herself and the meds were in her system over twelve hours. Enough time to cause serious insult to her liver.

I rushed to the emergency room to be with them. Our daughter, a beautiful--young newlywed did not realize the dose of medication she took could potentially take her life. This was not a suicide attempt, only immaturity and a desperate cry for attention. Now a race was on to get rescue drugs in her to reverse any damage. The doctors had nothing positive to say and painted a gloomy picture of what was ahead.

The next several hours were a whirlwind. In the midst of the busyness a spirit of fear took up residence in me. I was a Christian but had never faced this type of challenge. My husband was full of faith, and spoke encouraging words words of life. I however, dismissed his voice and listened to the voice of doctors; after all they are educated individuals who spoke with authority and experience.

We were not allowed to ride in the medical transport with her, so we followed behind. Several hours after our arrival and with all medical testing complete, her room was quiet.

I opened my bible, the Lord directed me to Isa 40:31. The text was familiar but lacked comfort at this moment. All the negative words spoken to us this day had taken up residence within me. I felt spiritually bankrupt. I had no physical strength and very little spiritual strength. However, I knew my church family was praying.

The scripture spoke about mounting up, running, walking and not fainting. I was far from running and I barely had will power or desire to walk. Then the words "and not faint" caught my spiritual eye. I was intrigued. The scripture started with strength and went to complete fatigue. I realized I had not fainted (given-up).

Since I had not fainted maybe I could walk (trust Him), but how? He gently reminded me just like a baby, one step at a time. Walk and talk at the same time. It is natural for us we do it all the time, yet the concept is the same spiritually. Our words bring life and our walk is the action of faith.

My daughter was resting comfortably so I took a faith walk. In the end I was on the roof of the hospital. Dawn was breaking and the sun's rays were coming through a broken cloud cover. The rays encompassed the hospital complex with the appearance of the Lords glory all around.

Faced with a life and death situation as a Christian for over twenty years, I am embarrassed to say that I caved spiritually. This experience refined my walk. We were in a battle for my daughter's life. I'm blessed to say it ended in victory. My daughter left the hospital three days later.

Our God is faithful even in our weakness. Our words are powerful, so speak words of life my sisters, walk in your authority in Christ. When life gets difficult take baby steps, but keep forward movement in the spirit. You will one day mount up and soar like an eagle.

Lord, teach us to trust Your Word, as we trust You. Amen

Geri Hoggard

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Labels: Geri Hoggard