I just wanted to reflect on where God has me on this trip. As I was planning my route before I left Virginia, I asked the Lord where He would like me to stay my first night in my van. He clearly said “Olive Oil” and I leapt with excitement. I had seen an olive oil ranch in my searches.
The reason I was excited, though, was because the hotel I’d be staying at when I arrived in California was Lamplighter Inn. “Of course! Once I get my lamp, I would need to fill it with OIL!” Far be it from me to be a foolish virgin, leaving my lamp empty! (Matthew 25:1-13) It spoke so clearly of entering into the presence of God, keeping that lamp ready at all times. But little did I know how hard it would be to press in.
In Virginia, my time with the Lord was so deep and sweet. It was no effort at all to be with Him. There was nothing more I wanted to do. But here, in a different territory, uff! A friend in California explained that the principalities in California are different. There is an authority I have in DC, having prayed there for so long, but I was breaking new ground. Of course there was also a lot going on initially with getting situated, going to the crusade, and all the traveling, but there was something so true about what she said. When I got to New Mexico, on my way to Texas, I stayed at a winery there called “La Viña”, and again God reminded me to always staying connected to the *vine*. (John 15:1-8) We are literally *nothing* and can produce no fruit if we’re not connected to Him.
Yesterday was Tuesday, and I attended the Bible study at my campground. Yes, our campground has a Bible study each week! God Bless Texas!! It was powerful. Our study was on 1 Peter, and the importance of being holy as Christ is holy. It tied so perfectly to where God has had me in John 1:1 — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I know this speaks of Jesus, but God has been speaking to me about how the same applies to us, too. Our *words* manifest Him. Or they’re supposed to. What words do we use, and do we represent Him well? If we’re truly connected to Him, our words bring His presence on earth.
During the Bible study, I shared a picture God had given me. We all have our RVs out here, and by each RV is a spigot that we connect our hoses to. God is the spigot, the source of the flow. We are the hose, the conduit that gets the flow where it needs to go. But for it to work, that hose has GOT to be connected to the spigot. If separated, that hose will run dry, and there is absolutely NOTHING it can do to bring a water flow with any amount of striving on its own. It *has* to be connected to the source.
Same with us. And this is where holiness comes from. It’s not something we can conjure up with good works or purposeful striving. It comes beautifully in relationship with the Lord. To be holy, is to be unseparated from God.
We are in a vital stage right now. And the devil wants to keep us separated from our Father so he can keep us from our call. Purpose to stay close to God at ALL times. Press in. We NEED it, especially now, for what’s coming. And HE needs it, for us to pour His glory on this earth.
Amen 