Taken during my flight back to Manila
August 30, 2011
At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped.
Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not journey.
So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the LORD they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the LORD they would journey.
So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey.
Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey.
- Numbers 9:18-22
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
- Hebrews 11:8
The plane took off at 5:30 in the afternoon, and my heart was just clinging to God for peace and protection. I prayed quietly during the entire flight, using my prayer language, for I had neither words nor energy to express the deep groans of my heart. My childlike request to my Abba Father was for Him to accompany me on this trip by sending me a strong angel to stand by my side, to protect me from the dark schemes coming from the kingdom of darkness.
As the plane descended on its initial approach to Manila, we experienced heavy turbulence, enough to make my insides churn. Outside the window I could see nothing but thick white clouds. There would be a few moments of stillness and I'd see patches of the sky, but before long, the plane would go through another thick cloud... and the turbulence was around us once again. I heard the whirring of the engines as the pilot tried to steady the aircraft.
We all heaved a sigh of relief as the plane touched down smoothly. It was 6:20 in the evening. The sun had already set, but there was still a bit of left over sunlight and the city was bathed in an eerie glow... like a surreal half-light. There was an unsettled peace in my heart as I walked out the terminal exit. I was still praying and holding on to Abba God.
I hurriedly walked towards Bay 12 where the shuttle buses were. Having had no time to prepare my suitcase, all I had was a backpack. But this turned out to my advantage because it was easy for me to take the fast train to reach my home. I boarded the shuttle bus, and in a few minutes I was at the train station.
It being the last day of a 4-day weekend, the trains were not full. On an ordinary weekday, the trains would have been jam packed. The ride lasted only about 25 minutes, but I was grateful for the peace that God gently wrapped around my heart as the train sped from station to station. It was not yet 8 p.m. when I reached home.
What an unexpected ending to this month! And yet, I had no doubt that things were happening for a purpose. I knew God has my life and my timetable in His hands. There was no inner struggle, only an ongoing prayer for Him to help me be a messenger of His peace.
I name this month Pilgrim.
A pilgrim is someone who embarks on a quest for something he considers sacred and of eternal significance.
Ray Stedman in his book Man of Faith says that a pilgrim can be identified by two symbols: a tent and an altar.
Referring to Abraham as the prototype man of faith, Pastor Stedman writes that pilgrims are tent dwellers who "hold material things loosely and are conscious of the fleeting, ephemeral values of what the world thinks important, a discontent with what the earth offers, and a hunger for something more."
They are also people whose lives are marked by prayer and true worship, building altars at significant stops in their journey. Such a man knows the prime importance of bending the knee and coming to a place of self-judgment regularly. He is aware of his constant need of cleansing; he never forgets his very life depends on God.
In a world where people bow before the altars of security, comfort and convenience, and live by the doctrine that material prosperity is the benchmark for success, those with pilgrim status are never highly esteemed. They are secretly looked down upon, probably even looked at with scorn and contempt.
But Jesus Christ Himself is the best example of a pilgrim while He lived here on earth. Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of God did not have a place on which to lay His head.
By faith, Abraham dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob... for he was looking forward to the city which has eternal foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
These days I am understanding what it means to live as a pilgrim for the remaining days of my short stay here on earth... to be like Abraham who looked forward to the city of unshakable foundations, and did not have a tight grip on the things of this world.
Jesus asks His followers this incisive question,
So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey.
Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey.
- Numbers 9:18-22
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
- Hebrews 11:8
Another month comes to an end today. Yesterday I had to make a quick decision to go back to Manila although it had not even been a week since I was last here.
The plane took off at 5:30 in the afternoon, and my heart was just clinging to God for peace and protection. I prayed quietly during the entire flight, using my prayer language, for I had neither words nor energy to express the deep groans of my heart. My childlike request to my Abba Father was for Him to accompany me on this trip by sending me a strong angel to stand by my side, to protect me from the dark schemes coming from the kingdom of darkness.
As the plane descended on its initial approach to Manila, we experienced heavy turbulence, enough to make my insides churn. Outside the window I could see nothing but thick white clouds. There would be a few moments of stillness and I'd see patches of the sky, but before long, the plane would go through another thick cloud... and the turbulence was around us once again. I heard the whirring of the engines as the pilot tried to steady the aircraft.
We all heaved a sigh of relief as the plane touched down smoothly. It was 6:20 in the evening. The sun had already set, but there was still a bit of left over sunlight and the city was bathed in an eerie glow... like a surreal half-light. There was an unsettled peace in my heart as I walked out the terminal exit. I was still praying and holding on to Abba God.
I hurriedly walked towards Bay 12 where the shuttle buses were. Having had no time to prepare my suitcase, all I had was a backpack. But this turned out to my advantage because it was easy for me to take the fast train to reach my home. I boarded the shuttle bus, and in a few minutes I was at the train station.
It being the last day of a 4-day weekend, the trains were not full. On an ordinary weekday, the trains would have been jam packed. The ride lasted only about 25 minutes, but I was grateful for the peace that God gently wrapped around my heart as the train sped from station to station. It was not yet 8 p.m. when I reached home.
What an unexpected ending to this month! And yet, I had no doubt that things were happening for a purpose. I knew God has my life and my timetable in His hands. There was no inner struggle, only an ongoing prayer for Him to help me be a messenger of His peace.
I name this month Pilgrim.
A pilgrim is someone who embarks on a quest for something he considers sacred and of eternal significance.
Ray Stedman in his book Man of Faith says that a pilgrim can be identified by two symbols: a tent and an altar.
Referring to Abraham as the prototype man of faith, Pastor Stedman writes that pilgrims are tent dwellers who "hold material things loosely and are conscious of the fleeting, ephemeral values of what the world thinks important, a discontent with what the earth offers, and a hunger for something more."
They are also people whose lives are marked by prayer and true worship, building altars at significant stops in their journey. Such a man knows the prime importance of bending the knee and coming to a place of self-judgment regularly. He is aware of his constant need of cleansing; he never forgets his very life depends on God.
In a world where people bow before the altars of security, comfort and convenience, and live by the doctrine that material prosperity is the benchmark for success, those with pilgrim status are never highly esteemed. They are secretly looked down upon, probably even looked at with scorn and contempt.
But Jesus Christ Himself is the best example of a pilgrim while He lived here on earth. Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of God did not have a place on which to lay His head.
By faith, Abraham dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob... for he was looking forward to the city which has eternal foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
These days I am understanding what it means to live as a pilgrim for the remaining days of my short stay here on earth... to be like Abraham who looked forward to the city of unshakable foundations, and did not have a tight grip on the things of this world.
Jesus asks His followers this incisive question,
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul?
- Mark 8:36
and loses his own soul?
- Mark 8:36
The answer is clear. He who tries to save his own soul will lose it in the end.
What profit is there indeed, to be driven by an agenda called Self... when all along God is offering us the choice to live the Christ life in all its fullness and abundance?
There are crucial decisions we make moment by moment that shape us and eventually define who we really are...
My choices define who I am...
Like the Israelites who moved when the cloud moved, I once again make the decision as this month ends that I would rather be guided by the cloud of God's presence more than anything else in this world.
Clouds in the Bible often stood for many beautiful things... protection, favor, guidance.
Above all, clouds stood for God's glory. Whenever Moses communed with God in the Tent of Meeting, the cloud of God's presence covered it.
The pillar of cloud always went ahead of the people to make sure that they knew which way to go.
And now, God's cloud is once again moving in my life... and there are important decisions that need to be made.
God is indeed the only reliable Promise Keeper. He is completely trustworthy! He never turns back on His word. He will never fail or forsake me.
In Him alone do I put my trust. To Him alone will I look for the provisions of this pilgrimage I am on.
As another month ends, I am building an altar of worship before my God who remains faithful to the end.
It is His unwavering faithfulness that motivates me to remain faithful to Him as well.
And at the end of this earthly life, when the time comes to see God face to face, I know that the scales will tip in my favor. All I want to hear are the words of my Father, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy and the rest of My eternal kingdom."
Then my days as a pilgrim and a sojourner will finally be over.
Help me, dear Lord, to make choices that count for eternity.
As you are calling me to a higher level of Kingdom living, to come out of my places of comfort and earthly security, help me to live a life that reflects heaven's values and upside down economy...
I choose to live a life that brings glory to Your name alone.
This month my grandson Elijah turned nine months old.
Here is my prayer of blessing for this little one who has filled our home with so much joy and laughter!
On this your ninth month, dear grandson, I pray that you will understand what it means to be a pilgrim here on this earth.
May God give you a heart like Abraham who did not live with a sense of permanence, but set his sights toward his heavenly home.
In faith I declare that you will be a true worshiper of God... believing that there is always more of God to know and to discover.
May you always take your faith to the next level... may you grow up experiencing God as the God of signs and wonders.
I ask God that you will always be hungry and thirsty for more of Him, and that you will live not for what this world offers, but always reach out to God for more of Him.
Indeed, Elijah, may you never lose sight of your pilgrim status as you grow and walk the uphill path to maturity.
Praying always that we who are responsible for nurturing you will serve as godly models of faith for you to follow.
May you never settle into a life of comfort and ease where you will be satisfied with less than what God has purposed for you... but rather I pray that you will be willing to enter uncharted territories to advance the kingdom of God.
Indeed, I declare today that you will not drive the stakes of your tent too deep... but instead, will always be ready to move with the cloud.
Even at a tender age may you learn to discern accurately when the time has come to move on, and gladly follow God's cloud as it leads you, my dear little one.
I believe that God has heard the prayer of my heart for you today, Elijah!
Love always
Nana
What profit is there indeed, to be driven by an agenda called Self... when all along God is offering us the choice to live the Christ life in all its fullness and abundance?
There are crucial decisions we make moment by moment that shape us and eventually define who we really are...
My choices define who I am...
Like the Israelites who moved when the cloud moved, I once again make the decision as this month ends that I would rather be guided by the cloud of God's presence more than anything else in this world.
Clouds in the Bible often stood for many beautiful things... protection, favor, guidance.
Above all, clouds stood for God's glory. Whenever Moses communed with God in the Tent of Meeting, the cloud of God's presence covered it.
The pillar of cloud always went ahead of the people to make sure that they knew which way to go.
And now, God's cloud is once again moving in my life... and there are important decisions that need to be made.
God is indeed the only reliable Promise Keeper. He is completely trustworthy! He never turns back on His word. He will never fail or forsake me.
In Him alone do I put my trust. To Him alone will I look for the provisions of this pilgrimage I am on.
As another month ends, I am building an altar of worship before my God who remains faithful to the end.
It is His unwavering faithfulness that motivates me to remain faithful to Him as well.
And at the end of this earthly life, when the time comes to see God face to face, I know that the scales will tip in my favor. All I want to hear are the words of my Father, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy and the rest of My eternal kingdom."
Then my days as a pilgrim and a sojourner will finally be over.
Help me, dear Lord, to make choices that count for eternity.
As you are calling me to a higher level of Kingdom living, to come out of my places of comfort and earthly security, help me to live a life that reflects heaven's values and upside down economy...
I choose to live a life that brings glory to Your name alone.
This month my grandson Elijah turned nine months old.
Here is my prayer of blessing for this little one who has filled our home with so much joy and laughter!
On this your ninth month, dear grandson, I pray that you will understand what it means to be a pilgrim here on this earth.
May God give you a heart like Abraham who did not live with a sense of permanence, but set his sights toward his heavenly home.
In faith I declare that you will be a true worshiper of God... believing that there is always more of God to know and to discover.
May you always take your faith to the next level... may you grow up experiencing God as the God of signs and wonders.
I ask God that you will always be hungry and thirsty for more of Him, and that you will live not for what this world offers, but always reach out to God for more of Him.
Indeed, Elijah, may you never lose sight of your pilgrim status as you grow and walk the uphill path to maturity.
Praying always that we who are responsible for nurturing you will serve as godly models of faith for you to follow.
May you never settle into a life of comfort and ease where you will be satisfied with less than what God has purposed for you... but rather I pray that you will be willing to enter uncharted territories to advance the kingdom of God.
Indeed, I declare today that you will not drive the stakes of your tent too deep... but instead, will always be ready to move with the cloud.
Even at a tender age may you learn to discern accurately when the time has come to move on, and gladly follow God's cloud as it leads you, my dear little one.
I believe that God has heard the prayer of my heart for you today, Elijah!
Love always
Nana
24 comments:
I was very touched by this posting. It especially spoke to my heart, the part about not making this earth our home. I was homeless at one time. I lived out of my car for four years. God has taught me, from that experience, that "home" is a relative concept - true "home" is, as you stated, being in the center of His will. Thank you for sharing ~ Blessings, Alice
I loved praying for little Elijah and his pilgrimage tonight. You describe our short journey so well and I, too, want to be led by the cloud of God's glory every day. Thank you for this inspirational post and thank you for your kindness and prayers for my family. It means so much.
Dear Lidj...I am so glad that this world is not our home. This post touched me deeply...what a blessing to have sisters in Christ who are ministering through their blogs. Thank you for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, reading this is a blessing
Oh, and Elijah is adorable.
Praying for you dear Lidj.
I read this earlier and thought you might like it...
"It is just a matter of time before you will be more like God than you are like you and heaven will be a but a final breath away." ~Max Lucado.
Sweet Lidj, How awesome it is to be guided by faith and walk as he directs...really living in the spirit instead of the flesh.. a pilgrim here on earth, oh that is what I want to be also. You know, you miss you dear husband so much, yet now you can follow Jesus without having to plan around your hubby. I don't mean this in a bad way, its just how the apostle Paul wrote that he wished we could be all as he. He was free to be used, as you also are now. My hubby loves the Lord yet not to the extent of how I feel...or how I desire to serve.. God has us right where He wants us to be, and will use us as we allow Him.. I love you dear sister..you are a shining humble light to me. I pray also for your grandson, and all your grandchildren and my own also, to be open and used by our Lord, without reservation. xxxx
Beautiful gorgious pictures!!
Every time I visit here I leave uplifted and reminded that His light is brighter than this world's darkness. That brings comfort and peace. This world is literally unraveling and falling apart at the seams .. yet God's Word cannot be moved. Thank you, dear sister, for such a bold life you lead in Christ .. always leading others to Christ .. showing the way. Hugs & much love,
love those clouds and that little guy....How blessed is He to have you in His world...praying for HIm....believing for God's best to be done in and through Him. As usual Lidj...you inspire....
What a scary thing it must be for others who were with you in that airplane as you experienced that nauseating turbulence. I pray that others witnessed your peace and your act of calling out to our Father and served as an inspiration that through that experience, they could also turn to Him. But what a beautiful sight to be on that level where you could see the clouds!
I'm always inspired by your journey because whether it's about comfort or suffering, it's comforting to know that we are not alone. Praying your prayer for Elijah. Beautiful baby! It was fun to see him enjoy that cupcake. May the Lord bless you and protect you and give you His discernment. May you have a fruitful time in Manila.
Dear Lidj,
I was blessed to see your name in my comment box. Thank you for the visit.
I find such peace in your post. I love that your peace went from being "unsettled" to being "wrapped."
I saw my walk in the passage from Numbers. And I say "Amen," for both you and myself, to your personal prayer for help from God.
I will remember the tent and the altar. May God show me the truth of that phrase and help me live it!
Little Elijah is blessed to have his Nana praying for him, and speaking blessings on him. May God answer your prayers for him in the proper time!
God bless you today, and every day of your pilgrimage.
Louise (aka Dimple)
Amen, Lidj...we are pilgrims passing through...such an inspiring post!
Thank you for stopping by my anniversary post and leaving a sweet comment...
Speaking of sweet...that little grandson and his Nana's precious prayer for him are doubly sweet!
Yes, Lidj--we seem to be in such similar spots, learning to be pilgrims in this place not our home. We pilgrims must trust there is time enough, and to pray the churning away. That's all I know how to do. Pray. Blessings, my dear friend.
Thinking of you my friend...prayers going up!
Lidj,
This morning I prayed for a fresh word from the Lord, have come through a few days of interacting with the world from more of a the flesh than a the Spirit. Coming away from days like this, I find worry begins to creep in, absorbing judgments and opinions of others rather than filtering them through the Spirit of wisdom. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of worship. While my flesh makes mistakes, it's when I am in worship, they take on right perspective in light of who He is, and how much more I desire to not make judgments without consulting Him. He's perfect. Thank you for reminding me of the cloud, and how striving for eternal things is still the best place to be, even when the worldly matters take precedence.
May the Lord provide for you daily while under His cloud.
Hi Lidj,
Beautiful photos! Beautiful post! You insprire and encourage and I thank God for you.I enjoy your posts so much and I know when I visit I will be so uplifted.
Have a wonderful day sweet friend.
Hugs
Dear Lidj....I have read your post and find that even though I am praying for you, I am (once again) uplifted and encouraged by what you share. I believe that the Lord will honor your heart as you continue this journey. He knows the outcome of the house situation...and will make a way for you where there seems to be no way. You will continue to be on my heart and in my prayers and I too, will pray for you in the Spirit...for He knows how we ought to pray. Blessings!
Dear Sister Lidj,
God is still in charge, He's counting your every hair on your head, that's how incredibly he's caring.
Please rest in his arms and let him fighht your battles.
From Felisol
Dear Lidj,
So thankful for your faith as you follow the LORD to a "new, higher plane."
I wanted you to know that you have an award over at my blog today. :) May God continue to lead, guide and direct you as your heart trusts in Him fully. :)
Love and hugs,
tammi
Elijah is a HONEY!!! Wish I could give him a great big hug.
You are so brave, Lidj! Traveling on your own. Well,not on your own, but with God. I just know He has big things planned for you. You are faithful!!!
Lidj,
God continues to give you His perspective on difficult things and a heart for the newest generation to live it out as well.
You, in your trial, have been a great comfort to me today...as I live in mine.
I'm praying 1 Peter for you....all of it that is applicable...and there is so much.
Amy
This was a comforting post to read Lidj to know the angels were watching over you through the turbulance. You seem to be on the threshold of a new discovery. Your baby grandson is so precious and so are your prayers for him. (To answer your question about my greenhouse, when the cold hits here I will close it down, I'm just happy to extend the growing season a little bit more with it!)
Sending love to you from halfway across the world! ~Lili
This is not our home; we're just passing through. However, it can be heartbreaking when life can be so difficult and people let us down. Praise God that your desire is to run to the Only One who can provide for all your needs.
I am praying for you dear friend. It seems to be a season of uncertainty. However, I love how you write about our pilgrimage. I too long to be on pilgrimage and allow the Lord to guide me. I do not know where I will be living in the next months and I have to admit there are times when that drives me to fear. But God ...
Through adversity we learn to trust God and to lean on Him. I think we are both having to do this and maybe it's a good thing, however painful.
Please know that I am praying for you and your daughter too. Precious Elijah is too cute and is fortunate to have a grandma who loves him so and prays for him. Our God is good and faithful.
Much love to you,
Debbie
Pilgrim...a tent and an altar...oh I will remember that...I too want to only go where the cloud of His presence is...
Blessings on your new journey...thanks for sharing your months end and your new beginnings
Dear Lidj,
Just wanted to tell that I'm think of you and praying especially for you just now.
Yours Felisol
Dearest Lidj,
I came on the right day at the right time to read a message that is pouring from your heart. Every word and image blessed me. This earth is not our home. It's a temporary pass through to get to our permanent place of residence...the home Jesus is preparing for us.
I pray for you and yours as I pray for me and mine that we will keep focused on what we are here to do in glorifying the Father in heaven. I don't know what your life has been like lately or the going's on but I do know from this message that you are living fully relying on our Abba Father and that's the best thing to do. I too, often, pray in my prayer language when my heart doesn't know what to pray...when words are silent and the heart is full. He gently edifies and encourages me. Strengthens me in the continued journey.
Your precious Grandson is adorable and I prayed a blessing over him as well.
Much love to you sister in Christ.
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