THREE YEARS LATER
So, Patti died three years ago.
My Testimony really began, three years ago.
Days away from meeting my new power-friend Teresa, true sister in Christ, carrying me away into powerful worship and apprenticeship.
My life ended and began, three years ago.
The above picture is something I got and framed for Patti as we entered, and she re-entered, into a life with Christ. I thought it was a wonderful quip. Bumpersticker-like.
Little did I know she would die so soon after we began. Called home, purposefully, on time, by the Lord Himself.
Calmly. Gently. Suddenly. Completely.
So three years.
I think often daily of Patti's words, pulling me up close to her waning breath.... and saying as she pulled my collar down close to her lips:
"Don't chase Andy, don't chase business. Your future... your future is that Faith of Yours."
Unto the very end, Patti was a clear and concise shortcut for me and my life.
Jesus walked into my Life like the Boss He is.
Like the Lord He is.
Like the King He is.
There is a Process:
I have to have
and
I have to want
the Spirit of the Lord upon me and my life and life actions.
I pray this to You again today, right now Lord.
PHILLIPIANS:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
God works IN ME.
As Andrew Wommack says, I am 33% Wall-to-Wall Holy Spirit.
I read everyday Lord.
I ask guidance several times a day, every day.
I know that being NEAR a thing is not the same as being IN and WITH a thing.
To know OF You Lord is not the same as being In Active Partnership with You Lord.
Holy Spirit, Activate fully in me full gifts and powers to Be the Church.
Be the Salt and Light, fully.
Why am I worthy to ask this?
Because God said so. His Word said so.
There IS NO CLEAN Vessel for God to use.
Look at the murderers, the prostitutes, the liars God has used - to reach me!
He loves us all and uses us all, when we invite Him, through His Holiness, and not never our own.
In my yearly sitting with the gift of Pat, and the miraculous seemingly last-minute healing by and forgiveness by and repentance by and deliverance of You saving us..... I have the same prayer for You Lord:
MORE of YOU
and
NONE of ME.
Work in my will, Lord.
I want to be used externally -
and I know that requires that I have to be influenced by You, internally.
I know Patti got it right, so fast and so completely.
Guide me Lord each step, each word, each thought.
Today I re-confess my sins and call out to You as Lord and Saviour.
How Blessed I am.
With Patti and this precious memory - leading into the Ultimate Blessing, of walking closer and closer with You Lord.
Another year begins... as I let go of chasing any business... and walking firmly and boldly and ultimately...in this Faith.
I pray over Bevvy today, especially, for Her Memory to bring her closer to You Lord.