Second Press

This weekend I went to a wonderful woman's conference where Pastor Kathy Hayes spoke on oil. She talked about how in an olive "garden" the way oil is harvested in they put the olives into a vat and pile them on at the bottom of the vat is a drain this is the first press and it goes straight to the temple this is extra extra virgin olive oil used for worship. The second press is when pressure is added this is extra virgin olive oil. It is used for personal nourishment, healing, balms and moisturizing. The third press is when oil is squeezed even from the seed that is used to light the lamps. This sermon was amazing but one thing that stuck out to me what Pastor Kathy's daughter Pastor Amy said you can't get to the third press without going through the second. Too many people want to move into being the light, into ministry but they haven't yet been fulfilled and nourished.

That got me thinking what does the second press look like for me. See God has been working on me for some years now on what other people think. He has been putting me in positions lately that are humbling forcing me to focus on what I know rather than what I think people think of me. I'm not a lay on your face in the carpet person I am a walk and talk with Jesus person. I may not read and study my bible chronologically I study based on a theme that God has put on my heart. I believe the second press is uncomfortable for many women because we are so used to pouring into everyone else that when we take the time to pour into ourselves it seems selfish. Or maybe that's just me.

The second press is a time of restoration, of nourishment, of preparation. What does the second press look like for you? I encourage you to find a scripture to remind you of why the second press is so important. For me its Galatians 1:10 "Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant."

Eternal Investments

Discipline: a branch of knowledge; a system of rules of conduct or method of practice;

Investment: the commitment of something with the expectation of some worthwhile result

Last night at service Brandon Dumas spoke on Luke 16:1-13 and I have been thinking about it all morning. I am in a weird place right now. I just got married and am currently a graduate student and housewife. I have always worked hard wherever I was employed I strove to be the best and often times obtained it. Now I am at home and God is telling me to be still. Last nights message was about investing in things eternal but there was one part of the scripture that really stood out to me. Luke 16:12 states, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?" As I was praying today God laid on my heart you have been faithful in that which was another man's now I am giving you some of your own. WOAH!! Me?!

So here I am sitting at home wondering what to do with myself. I have unloaded and unpacked I prepare meals and wash clothes, I clean up the house. Then I start to think what would I do it I were at work. Well I would be diligent I would give my best I would want to fight for promotion and recognition. Then it hit me.......Why aren't I that way with God. I invested my time and energy into the work place years expecting a return every two weeks but what about an hour a day with God uninterrupted. What about acting on the promises He has spoken on my life, what about basking in his presence all day, or taking care of His temple, my body. Oh this message on investment humbled me.

God's word is true and sound. If you work hard for another God will give you what is yours the question I pose is when He gives it to you will you be ready?