Papa God, Who Am I?

I asked Papa God this question one day:

Who am I?

He answered and I am to declare it on myself, because He did first.

I am

A saint

I am

Faithful in Jesus

I am

Blessed with

Every spiritual blessing

In the heavenly places

In Christ

I am

Chosen

Before the foundation of the world

Chosen to be “sons”

Adopted in His family

            through Jesus

            to God Himself

I am

Redeemed through His blood

I am

Forgiven

            According to the riches of His Grace

           

I am

His partner in all things

I am

His glorious inheritance

The first to hope in Christ

            joyful expectations

I am

Sealed in Christ through the Holy Spirit

I am

His Bride

I am

Full of His faith

            Spirit of Wisdom

        Spirit of Faith

I am

Seated with Christ

In the Heavenly realms

At His right Hand

            with His authority

Above and He put things under His feet

I am

Full of His fullness

My Birthday

I have been reading through "My Craziest Adventures with God, Volume 1" by Praying Medic (who is a good friend of mine).  These have been most inspiring.  His first book, "Divine Healing Made Simple", is a kind of "how to" when it comes to healing.  That was really good, but I have been even more inspired by his "Craziest Adventures with God".  Partly, I think it is because these are real stories. Fully human and fully in partnership with God.  I have discovered lately, that God really does wish to partner more and more with us.  Those encounters not only encourage us, but propels His will and plan for those that we come in contact with; Heaven invading earth, so to speak.

This is another journal entry from December 16, 2014.  My birthday.  After the encounter, I was higher than a kite emotionally.  I think I could have danced all night.  Anyway, this was my conversation with Papa God afterwards.  I find these debriefing times more valuable in my journey.

Me:     Good Morning, Papa!

God:   Good Morning, Sue.  Did you have a nice birthday?

Me:     Oh my yes, I sure did.  Thank you.  It was rather busy.  I wish I’d spent time with you more.

God:   I was watching and enjoying your joy.  It thrills me that you have so much joy. Want to know what else?

Me:     Sure.

God:   Your heart is so full; you spilled over to the woman at the Food bank.  I know you don’t like going by yourself, but I am there with you.  You can depend on that.  You broke through you own barriers and helped someone, right?

Me:     Yes!  Oh my goodness!  I couldn’t help myself.  She was doing some sort of exercise for her hand.  I know she had some sort of wrist issue.

God:   Yes, she fell on the ice and broke it.  She was suppose to play her viola throughout December but of course, couldn’t after breaking it and then having surgery.  She’s a wonderful musician. I love hearing her play.  (smiles)

Me:     Well, when she showed me her scar, I was a bit taken aback at first.  I think what went through my mind was – how do I pray over this?

God:   Yes, I know.  Your boldness took over and you stepped out of your comfort zone. Well done!  (Hugs me)

Me:     Thank you, Papa.  I still have more to learn regarding praying for healing.  When I read Praying Medic’s second book, I am encouraged. That little bit of encouragement pushes me.  What was really cool was when she felt her tendons and muscles being stretched and having more motion in her wrist!  That was cool.  I wish I had more time to pray with her.

God:   (Big Smile) Yes, that encouraged her; a wonderful gift to her.  I love to hear her play. She will play again and better. You began the healing she needs. She is spiritually aware,not a believer, yet. (smiles)  I am pursuing her. Your encounter with her was instrumental, so thank you for “stepping out of the boat” and giving to her.

Me:     Your welcome, Papa.  (smile)  I love you so much!

God:   (Smiles and hugs me) I know.  I love you more; beyond the stars and your universe. You are my daughter in whom I am well pleased.

But I Can't Smile

There are many things that I take for granted; a roof over my head, a car that drives me places, food on the table and clothes that fit me.  Daily things like taking a shower, eating breakfast somewhat leisurely, spending time meditating on God’s word and worshipping Him.  I have friends that are a wonderful support for me and my husband. A church body, who are really like another family to us.  I have opportunities to run (if my knees don’t give out), walk, have coffee with old friends, new friends, and laughing together.  I see God working in all of these everyday things.

I met a man whose name is Randal.  He is in a wheelchair, due to a severe stroke he had because he overdosed and was in a coma for quite a while.  I heard his story one evening while I was with a group down in Olympia for a Crazy Faith Feed.  Three of us were across the street at the transit station just talking and praying with people before the feed began.  It was so rainy, windy and cold. It’s just crazy weather that comes in November here in western Washington.

Randal is probably in his 50’s.  His whole left side is paralyzed from a stroke and he can’t smile. The muscles in his face are paralyzed by the stroke that he had.  He had been in a coma for quite some time and apparently the medical staff weren’t sure if he’d even wake up.  Well, he did. Since that time, he has done some therapy and works part-time in a special program.  He has also gotten to know God, at a certain level.  It wasn’t clear to me where he was in his relationship with God, but he knew who God was.

What touched my heart was when I asked Randal if I could pray for him.  He said yes.  Then he said, “But, I can’t smile.”  I looked at him and said, “That’s ok.  You smile in your eyes.”  His eyes got even brighter!  So, I prayed a blessing over him.  I asked God to restore to him what was taken.  Said amen, and was about to leave, when Holy Spirit stopped me.  I clearly heard Holy Spirit say, “ Hug him.”  I looked at Randal and said, “Randal, may I give you a hug?”  He said, “Yes, but I can’t smile.”  So, I bent down and gave Randal a hug.

One would think that a simple gesture like a hug would be easy.  But, this time it was so different.  As I bent down and wrapped my arms around Randal, I sensed that Jesus’ arms were my arms wrapping Himself around Randal.  As I hugged him, the hug went deeper.  Randal grasped my one arm with his good hand and held on.  The hug went even deeper.  I could feel the Presence of God around us.  This was amazing.  I have no idea how long that hug really was, but it seemed like a very long time. 

I broke apart, and looked into Randal’s eyes and he said to me,” I can’t smile.  I haven’t been hugged in 14 years.”  His eyes were moist with tears and so were mine.  Fourteen years is a very long time to not have any intimate human touch.  So, Jesus hugged Randal.  Through me, Jesus used my ordinary arms to hug another human being craving human touch.  Jesus.  He knew what Randal needed right at that moment; a hug.  I was there and Jesus knows that I love to hug people.  You know what?  I gave Randal another hug!  It was just like the first one.  And again, Randal says, “I can’t smile.”  “But, Randal”, I said, “You are smiling.  I see it in your eyes. Jesus gave you that hug because He loves you and knew you needed it.”

I left there and had that whole encounter in my thoughts the rest of the evening.  You know, the simplest things sometimes are the most needed.  I am blessed for having the opportunity to hug Randal. That made a great impact on me.  In fact, I count that to be probably the best GIFT I have ever given and received back. I think mostly because of the deepness of what happened.  I could FEEL Jesus' arms in mine as I gave that hug. It wasn't just His presence, it was Him working my arms.

This holiday season, we rush around trying to get so many things accomplished for whatever reason.  I encourage each of you to maybe, stop and look around you.  Ask Holy Spirit, “Who needs a hug from Jesus today?  May I be His arms?”   It will change your life as well as the person you give the hug to.