http://renereilly.org Motivational women's ministry keynote speaker for Christian retreats, events, MOPS, WExchange and Proven Way Ministries. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:46:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://renereilly.org/blog/2010/07/15/our-hope-our-husband-to-be http://renereilly.org/blog/2010/07/15/our-hope-our-husband-to-be Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:46:00 +0000 http://renereilly.org/blog/2010/07/15/our-hope-our-husband-to-be
It didn't take me long to realize that someone was missing from the wedding party...and that someone was the groom.

Did it ever occur to you that us gals begin looking for a husband the moment we step on the school bus for the first time? Our eyes begin to scan the aisle for him and we do not hesitate to take the empty seat, fully committed!

Ladies, each one of us was designed with this special "husband seeking" gene sewn into our DNA. Again our loving Father and Creator places in us a desire that points us directly to Him, our Husband to be, our Hope. And, remember hope is not a feeling, but a person...Jesus.

Throughout scripture the marriage union is a metaphor or picture of the relationship between God and His people (first Israel and then the Gentiles-that's you and me).

Scripture tells us:
Then at the time appointed by the Father, the Son, wearing many crowns (Rev. 19:12), will come for us, His bride (Mark 13:32). We don't know the day or the hour of His return, but we know the season (1 Thess. 5:1). We understand from Bible prophecy that the Lord's coming is near, even at the very door (Mark 13:29). Thus, we ready ourselves for the day we will hear the trumpet and the shout (1 Thess. 4:16) before we are caught up to meet the Lord, not on earth, but in the clouds (1 Thess. 4:17)

Now I know some of you out there may be thinking, "I have tried this marriage thing and it did not work out so good for me." Perhaps others of you have been happily married for several years or maybe not so happily married. Maybe you are yet single not having found "the one". You might even be asking yourself, "Why would a perfect God give His perfect Son to someone as imperfect as me? If the marriage is to be validated on my purity, I deserve only divorce or stoning because I sin miserably; I mess up constantly; I fail continually."

Good News! The validation of our relationship with our Bridegroom doesn't depend on our sinlessness, but on His. It is the vesture dipped in His blood (Rev. 19:13) that allows us to be presented to Him without spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5:27) Blessed are those who realize the price has been paid, the work has been done.

Dear beloved, If you have said, "Lord, I know I have sinned and failed, but I believe You love me and that You paid the price for me," Rejoice! Be glad! Celebrate! A future of romance and wedding plans await you!



]]> http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/31/setting-up-camp http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/31/setting-up-camp Sun, 31 May 2009 15:24:00 +0000 http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/31/setting-up-camp
Recently, my husband, Patrick and I took our two youngest children on a weekend camping trip. Upon arriving at the park we spent some time looking for that perfect camp site…you know the one…closest to the bathrooms. Bingo! Site secured. It took awhile to agree on which spot of ground was the flattest, but finally the tent was standing and the stakes were driven into the ground. The rest of the day was filled with swimming, hiking, cribbage, hamburgers cooked over the camp fire, and a good book. As the evening closed in, I pulled out the blankets and the “handy dandy” inflatable air mattress. Things were looking good until the motor on the air pump went out. Bye, Bye “handy dandy” air mattress. Hello painfully hard ground. With our heads lying at the elevated end of the tent, least a headache arise, Patrick and I quietly prayed that our chiropractor would be in the office on Monday. The kids played “musical sleeping bags” and “name the creepy noise” for a few minutes before sleep became a real possibility. Then the camp grounds came alive! We found ourselves smack in the middle of camp party central! The festivities continued into the wee hours of the morning, leaving our family painfully exhausted…literally. Thankfully the early morning wake up horn from the campers a few tents down also brought with it rain clouds and the perfect excuse to collapse the tent, stuff everything in the mini-van, and head for home at a swift pace. I admit I giggled a bit as we drove away and the first large raindrops fell on some late sleepers. As usual, I learned a couple of hard lessons on this trip…be careful where you set up camp and be prepared for rain!

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to find a place of peace and tranquility, the storms of life surround us and the rain comes down. Just like the motor on that air pump and the airless mattress we become burnt out and deflated, wondering where to go for rest and shelter. Sometimes, I just need the simple reminder that I can always have confidence in God’s protection. David prayed this prayer in Psalm 61:1-4
V1 Hear my cry, O God
V2 From the end of the earth I call to Thee, when
my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher
than I.
V3 For Thou hast been a refuge for me , A tower of
strength against the enemy.
V4 Let me dwell in Thy tent forever; Let me take refuge
in the shelter of Thy wings.

Let this be our hearts cry! Take comfort. You are not alone. The One who breathed the stars into the universe loves you and will never leave you. Cling to His promises with all your might when the wind blows and He will preserve you. He is our stronghold…let us not be shaken. We worship the Almighty One who calmed the winds saying, “Be still!”

Now the question is: Where are you setting up camp today?

]]> http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/08/chocolate-morsels-from-gods-word http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/08/chocolate-morsels-from-gods-word Fri, 08 May 2009 19:01:00 +0000 http://renereilly.org/blog/2009/05/08/chocolate-morsels-from-gods-word Belgium chocolate. As I closed my eyes and savored the last creamy "dream" bite, I realized that our time [...]]]> Belgium chocolate. As I closed my eyes and savored the last creamy "dream" bite, I realized that our time together was short. No matter how I tried to hang on to that luscious morsel, it melted away, leaving me somewhat sad and despondent...possibly due to bottoming out from the sugar rush!

As I sit here now, reading my Bible, having recovered from my episode of chocolate separation anxiety, I have to laugh out loud. Finally, something sweeter than chocolate! Something I can savor for...oh, say...like the REST of my life! "What is this amazing discovery?" you ask. The secret has been out for a long, long time. It is God's gift to us...living, breathing, life-giving...the Bible!

"Heaven and earth (like chocolate) will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." - Matt 24:35. "It is written, man shall not live by bread (or chocolate) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." - Matt 4:4.

What are you waiting for?..."Taste and see that the Lord is good." - Psalm 34:8 NKJ.

]]>