The Dipping

One of my favorite things to watch at Disney Parks, is the creation of food through the view of the outside windows.  These professionals have mastered the art of taking ordinary food and turning it into a piece of art by simply dipping it into chocolate or wrapping it in some type of fondue.

This simple act of dipping changes things as it does for our spiritual lives as well. 

Lately, I've been drawn to the verse in Romans 7:15 MSG
"What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise."

I get so frustrated at myself for doing or saying things I loathe.  I think negatively then speak it, Ugh! I am quick to respond in a fleshly, stinky way, Ugh!  I paralyze myself when I know I should move to action, Ugh! I doubt, Ugh! I take a bite of offense, Ugh!

Can I get an Amen?

We can't be too hard on ourselves because there is reason behind this, but reason with a solution!
If you continue reading on in Romans, it tells us that nothing good dwells in us, in our flesh (that's not very encouraging is it?). 

This is why mankind needs Jesus, because we need His grace and mercy and His word.  His word is the "dipping" process if you will.  When we read, study, and apply His word to our lives we are walking in His anointing, his "dipping".  He takes something ordinary and creates  something special.  He adds His grace and mercy to this creation because we live in a fallen, broken, sinful world.  Grace and Mercy don't excuse sinful actions, it just loves and grows us through it. 

When I am preaching, teaching to 2nd graders, parenting my children, communicating with my husband, relating with my friends....all these require God's supernatural anointing. I have nothing good in me without God! 

So daily, I seek His face.  Daily I read His word.  Daily I apply it.  Daily I hear His voice to correct me and don't see that as a bad thing.  Daily I ask Him to reveal qualities in me that need to go and ask for His forgiveness.  Daily.  This is all part of the "dipping" process. 

Speaking the Word over you: (from Romans 8)
I pray over my friend at this very moment.  I thank you that you gave them the Holy Spirit to help do the impossible in their lives. 
I pray that every moment that they are reading your word they are diminishing the ways of the flesh and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.  I pray that throughout the day they set their minds on things that please the Spirit and cast down the things of their flesh that are toxic....even their reasoning of the mind.  Show them that what sometimes seems reasonable to the world is not reasonable with You.  Remind them daily that if they live according to the flesh they will die. That is truth and it is in your Word!  Anoint my friend so they can be prospering in every area of their life! In Jesus Name....Let it be so, AMEN!

Jumpin' in for a Dip,
The Mrs. Pastor