True Meaning of 'Ministry of Reconciliation'...

(Design from Rugged Country Collections / Hanger #6617 / Izzy 'N The Country - Pictured: Joey Buoy Booklet and Pampered Heart in Rugged Country gift-wrap.)


Yesterday on 'one' of my facebook postings I posed the question: What does reconciliation, within Biblical context, mean to you?  In response to the question I received the expected, usual answers.

Back in the year 2000, in my teaching days as Co-Pastor of New Hope Church, the LORD began a new work in my life in regards to that reconciliation. This work birthed in me a far greater depth of understanding as to what it truly means to be 'reconciled,' when used within the context of our relationship with God through Christ Jesus His Son.

Today, I will explain just a little bit of that revelation and hopefully give you something new for meditation.

First of all, I believe in going deeper by going to the original language and in this case we will go to the Greek:

Colossians 1:20 - And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Reconcile:  (Gk) - (So it's not 'greek' unto us :) - to reconcile completely, to reconcile back again, bring back a former state of harmony.

Question: What do we know about this 'former state of harmony' spoken of here, when it comes to actual relationship with God?  Think on that for just a moment or two!

While you're thinking... let's go a little deeper:

Reconcile: Gk - from, out of, for, off, by, at, since;
1) of separation
1a) of local separation, after verbs of motion from a place i.e. of departing, of fleeing...
1b) of separation of a part from the whole
1b1) where of a whole some part is taken
1c) of any kind of separation of one thing from another by which the union or fellowship of the two is destroyed
1d) of a state of separation, that is of a distance
1d1) physical, of distance of place
1d2) temporal, of distance of time
2) of origin
2a) of the place whence anything is, comes, befalls, is taken
2b) of origin of a cause

Really?  Well now, I tend to think that this gives us ample cause to pause - right here!  Don't you agree?

I'm being brought back unto a God who I've been separated from since nearly the time of the origination of man? Yes! Yes, indeed, that is absolutely correct!

Here's the best example of this same principle in a real life-like today reality:  When you've never met someone you were actually 'birthed from,' such as is the case in many instances where, say perhaps a child has been separated from his natural parent at birth. (Ahhh! We're putting it in proper perspective for you here.  So tell me, are any lights beginning to turn on for you yet?)

Oh, the elation over that discovery of the natural parent! Amen? You have heard of it, and seen the stories about it played out, even on television; haven't you?

Can I ask a pointed question at this point? What happens with these people?  What takes place on an emotional level with them upon their first meeting? Excitement? Sheer satisfaction in knowing that they've finally been brought back together with that 'one' that they belong with? Yes. At the same time we would be so completely foolish not to acknowledge the level of discomfort that exists in their first time meeting! After all, these people, who by all natural rights and reasonings should have known each other in a very certain, intimate way, comparable to no other relationship due to their natural bond, now instead find themselves to be completely estranged from one another.

Estrange: 1948 New Century Dictionary - that is without; foreign; To cause without, foreign. To cause to be strange or as a stranger; remove to or keep at a distance; also, to divert from the original use or possessor; also, to turn away in feeling or affection; alienate, the affections of.

2 Corinthians 5:18 - And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

Well now, here's the interesting revelation given me in 2000: In God's opinion there is a little but highly significant word tucked into that powerful and truly instructive and enlightening scripture of the Bible as it relates to our new-found relationship with God through Christ Jesus!!

For now ... 

And until next time when we will continue this discussion ...

Chalkin' it out with you ...

Here on imaginary black spaces.

Izzy Herriette & Co
ginger d. renken 

Genesis/Revelation/Deserves Consideration!

Have you ever heard this or considered it?

Why does the Bible begin with a book called Genesis and end with a book called Revelation?

Oh my, my, my!!  I GET SO THRILLED ABOUT THE WAY GOD TEACHES ME!!  I GET SO EXCITED ABOUT HOW HE OPENS MY EYES TO HIS TRUTHS!!

What does the word 'genesis' truly mean? 

Genesis: origin, origination, production, creation, bear, produce. origin; production; creation; mode of generation or formation; the first book of the Old Testament, so named as containing an account of the creation of the world.

And 'revelation'?

Revelation: The act or an act of revealing or disclosing; disclosure; something revealed or disclosed; a striking disclosure, as of something not before realized; the communication of religious truth by supernatural creatures; an instance of such communication or disclosure, or something thus, communicated or disclosed; that which contains such disclosure; as the Bible. Revelationist: One who makes a revelation, as the author of the Apocalypse; also, one who believes in revelation. Revelator: One who makes revelation. Revelatory: Affording a revelation.

Do you understand that God created man in a very particular image - in the beginning?  And what is a beginning? It is, in fact, a genesis?

You realize that the Bible from cover to cover, came to us, due to an interruption in that ‘very particular’ image of man, made by God, originally! Had Adam kept his garden and not fallen from that which God intended him to remain in; we would not have the Bible today. No needs!

Every word on the pages of what you hold in your hands, study and meditate upon with your eyes, mind and spirit, came only because we are a fallen away generation from that origin or that genesis!

So the Bible begins and opens with a ‘beginning!”  

Oh, how clever and wise is our Creator, God!  He shares by way of men inspired by His very own Spirit, everything that we missed and are in fact, still missing in humanity today.

Our all-knowing Creator ends this massive, detailed scribing, with a book entitled: Revelation!  Are you kidding? Are you getting a picture here?  Even a hint of what He might have been eluding to?

God would say, "Man! From the beginning (genesis), you were to be everything written on these pages!  Read through to the very end and you will come to, prayerfully, a ‘revelation of truth’ that will bring you right back to the intended, original genesis – In the beginning…Genesis 1:1.

In other words, God was saying that in order for us to make the full circle back to the beginning, we would have to have a 'revelation' for that!  I love it! Oh, I absolutely LOVE IT!!

Romans 11:33-36

King James Version (KJV)

³³ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
³⁴ For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
³⁵ Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
³⁶ For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Oh, Glory to God!!  Can we see it?  Can we believe it?  Can we grasp the awesomeness of our God?  His mind?  His means of communicating truth with His very own creation?

So, the very last thing to take place in God's divine order of things now, and to be accomplished by the end of this age, is that man will come to a 'revelation' of Him and of what He intended for man in the beginning.  When we see Him, when we see the Kingdom of our God...our genesis has once again, finally, just begun!!  

Mankind just took the long/wrong way around!

Chalkin' in out with you!

Here on these imaginary, black spaces.

Izzy Herriette & Co

ginger d. renken 

Posing for Positioning!

Years ago a wonderful man of God taught me that there are no "negative" thoughts with God. What? No negative thoughts?  Seriously?  I really couldn't even begin to imagine a life with no negativity!  Believing for good and not just in God but for good in and by God?  Too much!!  All new revelation of truth for me.

Yesterday morning in my prayer time and in His presence, He reminded me of this that I had learned so many years ago.  It was actually then (way back then) that I began to employ those principles in my life and saw such powerful results!  Thank you, LORD!  My entire life changed.

Through the years I've met so many Christians who have such difficulty entering into that reality in their Christian walk.  It is a fight of faith and a careful guarding of heart and mind, to keep one's self in proper place with believing, when surrounded by those who are in opposition to these truths.

For some reason, the Holy Spirit was speaking about this to me, (yesterday) and in this way:

"No negative thought!  Remember what that's like!  Only believing the positive outcomes! Consider the 'root words' of negative and positive and you will find a hidden message to empower."

Negate: To deny; negative; nullify.

Negation: The act of denying; a denial; the absence or opposite of what is actual, positive, or affirmative; also, a thing, or object of thought, consisting in the absence of thought, consisting in the absence of something positive; a negative thing; a nonentity.

Negative: Expressing or containing negation or denial; also, expressing refusal to do something; refusing consent, as to a proposal; involving or denoting subtraction.

Pose: To put or place; to lay down in words, asset, state, or propound. To assume or hold a position or attitude for some artistic purpose.

Posit: To place, put, or set; also, to lay down or assume as a fact or principle; affirm; postulate.

Position: To place, put, et down.  The act of placing of putting;; also, condition with reference to place; location or situation; hence, a place occupied or to be occupied, or a situation or site; a fortified position; proper or appropriate.

Positive: Arbitrarily laid down; determined by enactment or convention; also, explicitly laid down or expressed; admitting of no question; stated; express; definite; emphatic; also, confident in opinion or assertion, as a person; fully assured. Also, concerned with or based on matters of experience; practical; not speculative or theoretical; also, consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession, as opposed to the absence or want, of distinguishing or marked qualities or features.

Oh, yes!  To think in opposition to all the "goodness" of God is to negate everything he has promised, thus, negativity.  To believe in all that He has stated in his word to us, positions us and literally poses us for the corresponding outcome!  Oh, my!!

Enough said I think!

Chalkin' it out with you...

Here on imaginary black spaces.

Izzy Herriette & Co

Even when you feel like a Raggedy Ann!

Yes, Jesus still heals and He still directs our paths in ways that we wouldn't necessarily think He would...

Years ago, at a time of unimaginable "crisis and loss" for me, the LORD still used my life and I just couldn't make those pieces fit together at all, in my limited understanding of God.

I found myself, suddenly, out of a comfortable life, a castaway in the eyes of many and now thrown into a place of owning nothing, having no income and being all alone.  

For some strange reason (I was already in a walk with the "calling" of the LORD upon my life prior to this) at this very particular time when I really didn't know if I was going to make it or not, the LORD began to bring people to me; people who didn't know about Him.  Imagine that.

The little farm house that I landed in, with no furniture, not a stitch of anything, no vehicle, a bicycle to ride to work every day (five miles or more out of town with red birds diving at my head all along the way), began to fill up with people in much the same condition in life as myself at that time.

Even though I was 100% emotionally, mentally and physically depleted and my spiritual wholeness seemed like the last thing that may very well go too; I had a strong resolve in there somewhere because I was never willing to compromise my relationship with Him.

I lived there in that house, by faith.  A recording studio had been in the process of being built there in one of the small rooms and I was working daily, as much as I could handle to do so, to record the songs given me as the core of my calling.  

People that came (there were only a few to begin with) to stay at the farm, began bringing people home with them for visits.  There were bar bands from downtown and so much more.  Everyone wanted to see the studio and hear the music.  Believe it or not, they actually listened to the Christian songwriter, even though they were not confessing and most, not believing Christians.

Such ministry took place in that season of my life; unimaginable!  

I wanted to share this little experience of "healing" that took place one night, as we were all gathered in the kitchen, around the table, praying all together as was customary for us:

There was a young man, very troubled in mind and spirit, sitting at the table with a few others.  My now husband and I, were standing across the room from him, leaning on the kitchen counter - praying with everyone.  Suddenly, I saw an "angel" appear and walk over to Mark.  Mark had a knee that had been giving him such pain for quite some time.  I saw the angel kneel down, put his hand on Mark's knee and suddenly, Mark cried out with a loud voice, "Something just touched my knee!!  My knee!!  My knee!!  It's, it's healed!!" He got up from his chair and walked around in total shock. His knee had been, indeed, completely restored!

I didn't speak about the angel I'd seen at that moment, but later, my husband took me aside and told me he had seen an angel....  His story was identical to what I had seen as well. We did share with Mark, later, what we had seen and everyone was elated.

He has brought me through so much in my life, resurrected me I don't know how many times and even now on a daily basis it seems. I love Him SO for His priceless, matchless LOVE for me!  How many times over, He could have tossed me aside, as did even many of HIs own people but He has always chosen to my astonishment, to protect me, heal me, dress my wounds, restore, fan the flames when they were too low or too high and bring to me His abiding and powerful presence!

Needless to say, I have seen much into the "other side" from this side and I know where I'm going when all is said and done.  I know already that face, that voice, that tender and powerful, keeping LOVE of my Savior. He is my all in all and no one will ever take His place in my life or my heart!

He works today and everyday, just as scriptures tell us:

He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Amen!

Chalkin' it out with you on this imaginary black space.

Izzy Herriette & Co

(Leave your comments.  Is our chalk writing too small for you to read?  Let us know about that and/or anything else you wish to share with us here.  Blessings!!)

Chatter Matters!

C- Chatter
H - Holds
A - Accountability
L - Lovers of God and Man
K - Know and understand this!


Psalm 19:14 - King James Version (KJV) - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

That is some heavy responsibility for us as believers in a Holy God!  

At this point you'll think I'm changing subject on you but just hang on.

Have you ever felt inadequate in your own abilities?  Ever hindered by your limitations, especially in an area that you feel so convicted to be 'strong and influential' in?

We hear continually stories of those who overcome extreme odds in life and go on to accomplish tremendous feats in the face of adversity.

Hear my plight:

I pulsate with a calling to 'speak out' on behalf of my God, knowing full well, that I haven't a clue what to say or how to say it. I learned over the years in my walk with the Lord, that he equips and empowers us to do what he's called us to do, as we are bold enough to yield to His leading out of a love to obey him.

Here's a little study of the Word of God that may help you today:

John 16:13-15 - King James Version (KJV)- ¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.¹⁴ He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

These are powerful words, teaching us that we can actually hear from heaven, in our inner man.  We are now 'one' with another source of wisdom, knowledge, instruction and so much more!!  We are no longer limited to what we possess in and of ourselves.  Glory to God!

Luke 21:14-19 - King James Version (KJV)- ¹⁴ Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:¹⁵ For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.¹⁶ And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.¹⁷ And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.¹⁸ But there shall not an hair of your head perish.¹⁹ In your patience possess ye your souls.

Now, I realize these verses are in reference to a person being found in a situation of 'persecution' but I have found these words to apply to every area of life.  If I will not lean on my own understanding but in every situation operate in the overcoming mystery of this instruction of God, well, the outcome is beyond my imagination!  It will require of you, a true yielding and a relinquishing of your old way of doing things. The rewards will usher you into the ways of the Kingdom of God - prepared for you!

Proverbs 3:5-7 - King James Version (KJV) - ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Oh, the matchless workings of a God who we know so little about and he has invited us to come before Him for help with whatever we need:

James 1:5 - King James Version (KJV)⁵ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

So, back to chalkin' and having something worthy to say.  I have found this to be the absolute best way to fly:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - King James Version (KJV) - And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.² For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.³ And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.⁴ And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:⁵ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

My final words for today, and not my own, which I love because then I'm not responsible for their outcome:

1 Corinthians 10:31 - King James Version (KJV) - ³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Continue to 'chalk' it out!

Filling up those black/blank spaces.

Izzy Herriette & Co

CHALK about it. Let's get at it shall we?

Copyright 2012 / Izzy Herriette & Co


So, we have our chalk.  Now all we need is the board to write on.  For me, an entire wall of blackboard would do perfectly!

You've seen those in homes, today.  Right?  Oh, yes!  Urban style!  Moves me!

I'm sure I could do all of my walls like that and make plenty good use of every inch!  I can almost inhale, even now with anticipation, the "invitation" to express myself - everywhere - no limitations in filling all those spaces!  Just the thought!

So this is our OPENING and we hope to share much here with you on this imaginary black surface.

Bring your chalk, your board, and take a few notes as we...

Oh, and BTW (by the way for those who don't know), see all the folks moving in the background here?  I wonder if while they're traveling through their daily life, if they'll hear us, or hear our message.  If I were to stand somehow above the crowd with a loud voice and shout out what things we will write; would they even notice?  If those same walls we described, were set up before them, for the sole purpose of penning out a word or two to them, would they see it?

Help me with that!

Chalk it out here on the Izzy Herriette & Co - Blog!