Para la mujer latina
About Me
Fun Facts about Van Walton
My favorite smell: The way the earth smells after it rains.
My favorite sound: The first notes of a grand symphony.
My favorite way to relax: Sitting anywhere outside - on my front porch, on my deck, or by the lake, early in the morning with my first cup of coffee.
My favorite birthday dessert: a Peach cobbler baked by my husband. He’s my fave chef!
I will not eat: Avocado. They turn my stomach into a volcano that never erupts.
Technology I couldn't live without and why: My laptop - it takes me anywhere I want to go.
One thing that makes me smile: My sons' faces!
Friend Van on FacebookMy Resources
My book, From the Pound to the Palace, is available for $10
from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
My book, Little Halos, is available for $5.99 from Proverbs
31 Ministries.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Proverbs 31 Speakers
Links
Monday, September 15, 2008
MOVIN' ON AFTER MOVIN' IN MONDAYS
“I will be with you” as you move
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land they did so following the Ark of the Covenant.
Joshua 3 gives the details of the crossing. One fact stands out in this chapter: The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned several times! When I read the chapter and underline either Ark of the Covenant, Ark, or “it” (referring to the Ark) I count more than 10 times that the Ark is mentioned in 17 verses.
The Ark of the Covenant is an important factor in this move – the crossing of the Jordan River.
What does God want us to learn from Joshua 9?
Verse 10 gives us the answer: “ By this you shall know that the living God is among you…” Seeing the Ark go before them, the pilgrims were reminded, God is among you.
Do you know that? God is in your midst as your move into the next promised land He has prepared for you?
Do you have an Ark?
Here is a trivia question: Do you know what three items could be found within the Ark? (Hebrews 9:4)
The tablets of the Ten Commandments
Aaron’s rod that bloomed
A jar of manna
What can you take with you as you move to remind you of God’s presence?
I like to be reminded, not only of God’s presence, but of the many ways He provided for me and protected me in the past.
Do you know that past behavior is a predictor of future conduct?
If in the past God has cared for me, doesn’t it stand to reason He will continue to do so for me far into my future?
So what does this have to do with the Ark of the Covenant? The items stored in the “treasure box” were of great significance. They reminded the Israelites that God had given them direction: The Law. He had provided for their most basic needs: daily manna. He had protected them – Aaron’s Rod.
If you were to choose three things from you past that illustrate God’s care for you, what would they be?
I would include a picture of my parents because they introduced me to the Word of God encouraging me to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. My parents gave me direction, provided the necessary ingredients in my life for my most basic need-salvation, and protected me.
I would include the first testimony I ever wrote because it reminds me that God loves me and I made a choice to follow Him.
I would also include a copy of 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. This is the verse I felt God lead me to read when He called me to ministry. Over thirty years ago, after my third move, God showed me these verses as I sank deep into a feeling of rejection and abandonment. What was my purpose in life? Would I always wander around moving, never settling, always a stranger, a foreigner without a purpose? Then God let me see that He had a plan for my life. My sufferings and afflictions would be turned around to be points of empathy that I would have for other women who would also find themselves moving. My feelings of loneliness, sadness, and worthlessness could be used for the good in the lives of others.
These three things from my past always remind me that God has a hand on my life. When I doubt myself or God’s purpose for my life, I look at my Christian parents, I read my testimony, or I remember 2 Corinthians and my heart feels convicted.
Just like the Israelites I remind myself that God is in my midst – always has been always will be.
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land they did so following the Ark of the Covenant.
Joshua 3 gives the details of the crossing. One fact stands out in this chapter: The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned several times! When I read the chapter and underline either Ark of the Covenant, Ark, or “it” (referring to the Ark) I count more than 10 times that the Ark is mentioned in 17 verses.
The Ark of the Covenant is an important factor in this move – the crossing of the Jordan River.
What does God want us to learn from Joshua 9?
Verse 10 gives us the answer: “ By this you shall know that the living God is among you…” Seeing the Ark go before them, the pilgrims were reminded, God is among you.
Do you know that? God is in your midst as your move into the next promised land He has prepared for you?
Do you have an Ark?
Here is a trivia question: Do you know what three items could be found within the Ark? (Hebrews 9:4)
The tablets of the Ten Commandments
Aaron’s rod that bloomed
A jar of manna
What can you take with you as you move to remind you of God’s presence?
I like to be reminded, not only of God’s presence, but of the many ways He provided for me and protected me in the past.
Do you know that past behavior is a predictor of future conduct?
If in the past God has cared for me, doesn’t it stand to reason He will continue to do so for me far into my future?
So what does this have to do with the Ark of the Covenant? The items stored in the “treasure box” were of great significance. They reminded the Israelites that God had given them direction: The Law. He had provided for their most basic needs: daily manna. He had protected them – Aaron’s Rod.
If you were to choose three things from you past that illustrate God’s care for you, what would they be?
I would include a picture of my parents because they introduced me to the Word of God encouraging me to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. My parents gave me direction, provided the necessary ingredients in my life for my most basic need-salvation, and protected me.
I would include the first testimony I ever wrote because it reminds me that God loves me and I made a choice to follow Him.
I would also include a copy of 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. This is the verse I felt God lead me to read when He called me to ministry. Over thirty years ago, after my third move, God showed me these verses as I sank deep into a feeling of rejection and abandonment. What was my purpose in life? Would I always wander around moving, never settling, always a stranger, a foreigner without a purpose? Then God let me see that He had a plan for my life. My sufferings and afflictions would be turned around to be points of empathy that I would have for other women who would also find themselves moving. My feelings of loneliness, sadness, and worthlessness could be used for the good in the lives of others.
These three things from my past always remind me that God has a hand on my life. When I doubt myself or God’s purpose for my life, I look at my Christian parents, I read my testimony, or I remember 2 Corinthians and my heart feels convicted.
Just like the Israelites I remind myself that God is in my midst – always has been always will be.
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10 comments:
OH, My Sista...
Let's see...things I would take with me to remind me....
1) The lyrics & score to the song "Jesus Paid It All"...this song says it ALL for real! It never ceases to bring tears to my eyes, joy to my heart, warmth to my soul, and it has the uncanny ability to jolt me straight to my knees!
2) A photo of my entire immediate family: parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, neices, nephews, My man, my kiddos. These people are what keep me focused on my purpose in Christ. They are my prayer support, my spiritual guiders, my gentle rebukers, and my cornerstones of faith! They lift me up and keep me straight!
3) A copy of Beth More's BELIEVING GOD series (including workbook) It contains everything necessary (in my opinion) to secure one's faith in any circumstance. The 5 Statement Pledge of Faith is still vibrant in my mind. I find myself going back to my worbook over & over again. Just as a reminder of how we can truly put our faith in the One True God!
Toodles...I heart You a bunch!
Hi,my name is Lila. I just read today's blog.It is so amazing what you write.God has given you a special gift,a gift to spread His Word!!I would Love to have you be a new friend a sister in the Lord.And I would like to invite you to my group blog.It is Christians sharing their Love of Our Saviour Christ. believerofchrist54@gmail.com!!!God Bless You Lila
I came across your blog via your devotional. Nice to meet you! Stones of Remembrances--those memories I take along in my mind of the ways that God has worked in my life!! Thanks again for your thoughts in leading me closer to Jesus.
Loved your devo today Van!!!
love,
holly
Van,
Last week, I was working in the P31 office doing some work for Everyday Life. One of the things I was doing was retyping an old magazine article you wrote about a neighbor that you continued to pursue even when she didn't seem to want to be pursued. As I typed, it spoke to me. I called my neighbor when I got home and am trying to find a way to connect with her.
There is still fruit even from writings done long ago. Thanks!
Lynn
Sweet!
I'd take...hmmm...
1)children...I see Christ in them constantly! Pure innocence and trust.
2)elderly people...they can often tell you what Christ has done for them...gotten them through valleys and how important prayer is (because often they are trapped in chairs or beds and prayer is now their only way to serve)
3)my own scars...because I can see that they have healed so nicely with the help of my Counselor
Thank you Van! Nice exercise.
Van I loved todays devotion. As sometimes I am very intently focused on accomplishing my goals...and not paying attention to what else is around me!
May your day be terrific!
Hi Van my name is Diana I am so glad that I came across your blog It has really touched my heart my life has been a roller coaster ride not stable at all with some moving around as well, I believe God is showing me something here. He took me back. What I would take with me would be 1. a picture of my Brother Therman He is the one that first introduced me to the Lord, 2. My Wednesday nights women's Bible Study every one there was a blessing to my life.
3. All the memories I created with my Christian Brothers & Sisters. I don't have that any more so When I read your blog and the question it just brought tears to my eyes as I went back and realized what is missing in my life, Thank You and God Bless You Always. Diana
That was a beautiful post.
May we never forget the Living God is among us!
One of the things I would take with me...is my music!
The Lyrics and melodies have affected my life and lifestyle!
I am reminded of His Power and Provision over and over again and Worship Him!
Be Inspired!
Hi Van:
I wish I could take my friends Jane and Suzie with me everywhere but since that is not possible I hold them in my heart and mind all the love,compassion and wisdom of God that they poured into me...for the first 15 years of salvation I carried my bible with me everywhere...for the last 7years I only take it with me when attending bible studies, prayer meetings or service...I think it is time I begin to keep His word with me at all times...
Thank you for another thought provoking post.
In His Love,
Debrah