I remember being a child and watching my mom do all the mom things and wonder how I would ever learn to do all of that. How do you know when to call the doctor? I'm still not sure of that one, bad example. What number do you call to switch your kids school, how do I drive, or even make more than toast for dinner? Its a good thing we learn along the way. I didn't learn all of this at once, but rather in small steps.
Things are no different in our relationship with God. Oswald Chambers has a quote that loosely says, God will not reveal more of Himself until we have been faithful and obedient with what He has already shown us or asked of us. I wasn't able to get my drivers license until I could prove faithful and obedient with my learners permit. My mom didn't let me cook on the stove until I showed responsibility with the toaster. God will not give you more until you have shown that you are ready. He knows what we can handle and what would be entirely too overwhelming for us. Thank God for that!
If you feel like God is not giving you more, take a step back and ask yourself again what He has asked you to do, or ask Him again if you've forgotten or lost sight of it. He'll illuminate the path and give clear direction. Maybe not the entire map, but at least a piece. Our job is to love first, and obey, beyond that, its not our job. We need to make sure we are doing what God has called us to do, be faithful in that, and let Him handle the rest. That takes so much pressure off when you know the entire universe isn't on your shoulders. This alone will give you the freedom to love and to do what God has called of you.
Sometimes this is a slow process. The other day my son wanted me to measure his height. He was the same, 47 3/4" that he was in November. "Mom, I thought I grew every night?" he said with disappointment. "You do, Jack, but sometimes its very slow." I replied. And so it is with us. Sometimes I feel like I'm standing still, barley moving in my relationship with God. But before long, I'll look back and see myself miles from where I started. God moves us at just the right speed. Be at peace with the pace, and faithful to the call.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Intentions
"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" was an old adage I learned in High School. Maybe you've heard of it. But I don't entirely agree with it. Words and actions even in the best of intentions are easily mis-conveyed, misunderstood, and misleading. The Internet has poured the gasoline of misunderstanding all over the written word. Its hard to tell a person's real intent when you aren't hearing their voice, or seeing their face; eye to eye contact goes a long way in a conversation.
I believe it all goes back to the heart. If we know someones heart, it is easier to discern their intentions. We sometimes don't understand the things God allows in our life, or the things He asks us to do, but if we remember His heart is good, then He will not fail us or ask us to do something without protection or a plan. This should be the same in our relationships with other Christians.
I know sometimes someone will say something to me, and it might sting a little. I have to take that, let the Holy Spirit wind blow on the open wound and show me what to do with this hurt. Do I take offence and run with it, pouring on the sorrow, and eating a tub of ice cream with it? Or do I use the Holy Spirit to discern the heart of the message and messenger? This latter option will take me much farther in my maturity with Christ and my relationships with people and allow me to learn so much more.
We need to be able to take criticism without hurt, we need to be able to not take offence for things that were not said out of condemnation. Sometimes our past hurts will turn warm words of love into hurling insults. The devil knows all bout your pains and will use any circumstance to put you right back in them.
In the same token, when we approach people we need to keep in mind that we are to encourage and edify, and correction without love is condemnation. No man can tie you to your sin, God hasn't given that authority to any man. We are to gently steer, pray for, and love each other. We were created as relational beings, offence and misunderstanding are the great isolators. And that is exactly where the devil wants you to be, alone. An easy target on the fence post.
There is a great story about this in 2 Corinthians 2. Paul talks to the Corinthians about what to do with the hurts of correction. Its not always easy, but sometimes it is nessesary.
I believe it all goes back to the heart. If we know someones heart, it is easier to discern their intentions. We sometimes don't understand the things God allows in our life, or the things He asks us to do, but if we remember His heart is good, then He will not fail us or ask us to do something without protection or a plan. This should be the same in our relationships with other Christians.
I know sometimes someone will say something to me, and it might sting a little. I have to take that, let the Holy Spirit wind blow on the open wound and show me what to do with this hurt. Do I take offence and run with it, pouring on the sorrow, and eating a tub of ice cream with it? Or do I use the Holy Spirit to discern the heart of the message and messenger? This latter option will take me much farther in my maturity with Christ and my relationships with people and allow me to learn so much more.
We need to be able to take criticism without hurt, we need to be able to not take offence for things that were not said out of condemnation. Sometimes our past hurts will turn warm words of love into hurling insults. The devil knows all bout your pains and will use any circumstance to put you right back in them.
In the same token, when we approach people we need to keep in mind that we are to encourage and edify, and correction without love is condemnation. No man can tie you to your sin, God hasn't given that authority to any man. We are to gently steer, pray for, and love each other. We were created as relational beings, offence and misunderstanding are the great isolators. And that is exactly where the devil wants you to be, alone. An easy target on the fence post.
There is a great story about this in 2 Corinthians 2. Paul talks to the Corinthians about what to do with the hurts of correction. Its not always easy, but sometimes it is nessesary.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Truer Story
My hearts longing has been to find the true romance between me and my maker. I know I'm supposed to be the bride of Christ, but I have no idea what that means, and my heart longs to know its purpose and to feel loved like I desire to be, to be truly loved like no human can offer. I've begun reading "The Sacred Romance" and it is revealing things of this nature.
John and Brent write out a beautiful story, reminding us that God is the main character in this spiritual reality, not just a puppet master, or an author writing the story from a safe throne of power. In order for us to know God's true heart, we have to realize that He is the main character. He didn't create us to have ultimate power over another, or even to love another, for as they say "God already has love happening within him and the Trinity." He made us to share the joy He has. He wants to share Joy with us.
There is a phrase in Jeremiah where God asks "What have I done for you to hate me so much?" This breaks my heart, knowing that we can cause God so much pain and anguish, espcecailly when He has done nothing to cause such a reaction. So then why are so many of us so hurt and so full of discord for our God? The devil has told us that we are the center of it all. He wants us to take focus of the Joy of Jesus, and put ourselves at the center of the universe. As soon as we do that, we have lost the joy set before us. We then begin to see God as a ruling power, and not a king of grace and joy. God's heart is good and is fighting for us.
For hundreds of years people have been intentionally turning their faces from God, thinking that He is just the author and ultimate power hurling down punishment from His thrown. The very ones God created for love and joy are the source of so much pain for Him. That was a risk He was willing to take for the chance to get to truly love and share a romance with us. Love and romance can not be forced, and we do not worship a God who forces himself upon us, He romances us.
He is constantly wooing you, trying to show you His heart towards you. Jesus wanted to come from Heaven, He wanted to leave His "King hood" to come and rescue the humble maiden. His heart is for YOU, He risks it all, He gives it all, He opens it all for you. For the chance that you will recognize Him, that you will receive the gift of true love He has already paid for.
John and Brent write out a beautiful story, reminding us that God is the main character in this spiritual reality, not just a puppet master, or an author writing the story from a safe throne of power. In order for us to know God's true heart, we have to realize that He is the main character. He didn't create us to have ultimate power over another, or even to love another, for as they say "God already has love happening within him and the Trinity." He made us to share the joy He has. He wants to share Joy with us.
There is a phrase in Jeremiah where God asks "What have I done for you to hate me so much?" This breaks my heart, knowing that we can cause God so much pain and anguish, espcecailly when He has done nothing to cause such a reaction. So then why are so many of us so hurt and so full of discord for our God? The devil has told us that we are the center of it all. He wants us to take focus of the Joy of Jesus, and put ourselves at the center of the universe. As soon as we do that, we have lost the joy set before us. We then begin to see God as a ruling power, and not a king of grace and joy. God's heart is good and is fighting for us.
For hundreds of years people have been intentionally turning their faces from God, thinking that He is just the author and ultimate power hurling down punishment from His thrown. The very ones God created for love and joy are the source of so much pain for Him. That was a risk He was willing to take for the chance to get to truly love and share a romance with us. Love and romance can not be forced, and we do not worship a God who forces himself upon us, He romances us.
He is constantly wooing you, trying to show you His heart towards you. Jesus wanted to come from Heaven, He wanted to leave His "King hood" to come and rescue the humble maiden. His heart is for YOU, He risks it all, He gives it all, He opens it all for you. For the chance that you will recognize Him, that you will receive the gift of true love He has already paid for.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Failure with Hope
Ug, you know that hopeless feeling you get when you know you've said something wrong? Now the words are out, the hurts are done and you can't take it back. All you can do is apologize, pray, and try to let Jesus take it from your sack of burdens. But the fact that something I've done, completely unintentionally, has wounded and has brought condemnation sits in the back of my mind, eating at me. I know that is not what I've been called to. God called me to encourage, to bring forth life and purpose the way He sees it.
I've been reading in Ephesians, I love Paul. I feel like he knows me, and I know him. I'm so glad he was obedient to God and wrote such encouragement to the body of Christ. I was reading out of Chapter 3 in the message, verses 8-13 especially, but all of it is so encouraging to me today.
8-10)And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
11-13)All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don't let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!
14-19My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
I often feel like I'm sharing things I don't even completely grasp. I don't have the full knowledge of God's love, His healing power, or even His intentions for my life, and here I am, called to encourage all of you when I don't even know. I'm human, I fall, I fail, I'm flailing, like a fish out of water. This place isn't comfortable, and I know I'm not perfect. Thankfully verse 11-13 reminds me, that when I'm trusting Jesus, I have the freedom to speak His heart and Jesus' voice. I need to be bold and speak the truth. I will not stop speaking His heart, I will not fear the words in my heart. For I know that when I'm in God's hands, I will excel more then I fail, I will do more good than harm.
My hope is then when others see me fail, they will also see how I overcome it. My prayer is that I handle it with grace and mercy from God. I will apologize for my shortcomings, knowing that I'm human, and I will not except condemnation from the devil. I will brush off the dirt, and keep walking, my head high, my heart filled with grace from God, ready to move where He leads. Because God can even use my faults to minister to others. He works everything for our good. Whatever circumstance I find myself in, I will give it wholly to Christ, knowing He is growing me through each experience and praying that He also grows His body.
I've been reading in Ephesians, I love Paul. I feel like he knows me, and I know him. I'm so glad he was obedient to God and wrote such encouragement to the body of Christ. I was reading out of Chapter 3 in the message, verses 8-13 especially, but all of it is so encouraging to me today.
8-10)And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
11-13)All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don't let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!
14-19My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
I often feel like I'm sharing things I don't even completely grasp. I don't have the full knowledge of God's love, His healing power, or even His intentions for my life, and here I am, called to encourage all of you when I don't even know. I'm human, I fall, I fail, I'm flailing, like a fish out of water. This place isn't comfortable, and I know I'm not perfect. Thankfully verse 11-13 reminds me, that when I'm trusting Jesus, I have the freedom to speak His heart and Jesus' voice. I need to be bold and speak the truth. I will not stop speaking His heart, I will not fear the words in my heart. For I know that when I'm in God's hands, I will excel more then I fail, I will do more good than harm.
My hope is then when others see me fail, they will also see how I overcome it. My prayer is that I handle it with grace and mercy from God. I will apologize for my shortcomings, knowing that I'm human, and I will not except condemnation from the devil. I will brush off the dirt, and keep walking, my head high, my heart filled with grace from God, ready to move where He leads. Because God can even use my faults to minister to others. He works everything for our good. Whatever circumstance I find myself in, I will give it wholly to Christ, knowing He is growing me through each experience and praying that He also grows His body.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Be Here Now
Sometimes I feel like Paul. Writing letters to the church from a prison cell. Now, I know my home should be a place of refuge and joy, but sometimes it feels like I'm stuck here, in a prison, and I'm trying to escape. Don't get me wrong, I love my journey through motherhood and all that God has given me, but I also struggle with the mundane daily grind, the screams of unhappy children, the unrelenting task of cleaning up after everyone. I fall short, and I don't always ask God to carry the burdens I feel, I forget that He has already given me everything I need to continue on with this assignment, so instead I try to escape. I find myself, far too often, hiding in front of the computer, trying to escape to a little bit of the outside world, I still sometimes slip up and use food to quench my frustration, I yell at the children God has given me, I get busy with cleaning and I sometimes just throw my hands up and give up with eyes full of tears. This is probably the best of all of them, when I realize that I can't do anything and I give it up to God. Unfortunately, I don't always do this first. I try to find ways to take care of it on my own.
Whatever is going on in that moment is my opportunity to share what God has given me to share. If its a crying child, I need to be the love of Jesus, show compassion and tenderness; if its daily cleaning, I need to remember this is a blessing to my family to care for them. I need to be present, I need to be there, whatever it is. I can't escape and try to run from my duty. I have one life to live, I don't want to cheat anyone out of the blessing God has sent me to give. Being present in each moment is the most precious gift I can give to anyone. I have a role to play that isn't replaceable by anyone else. You have a part that I can not play, we have to stand up and take our place, we need to be here now!
If you find yourself distracted by daily tasks, remind yourself to live in each moment. What is more important right now? Are the dishes more important than spending time with the ones you love, does it have to be done now? I'm not saying be lazy, don't clean, or don't take care of yourself or essential tasks, but I'm realizing the devil has used distraction and the need for perfection to pull me away from what God has called me to do. Make sure your life has balance and God is the weight that stabilizes you, make sure you are present, walk through every door God opens, and don't pass up the opportunity to be here now!
Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Whatever is going on in that moment is my opportunity to share what God has given me to share. If its a crying child, I need to be the love of Jesus, show compassion and tenderness; if its daily cleaning, I need to remember this is a blessing to my family to care for them. I need to be present, I need to be there, whatever it is. I can't escape and try to run from my duty. I have one life to live, I don't want to cheat anyone out of the blessing God has sent me to give. Being present in each moment is the most precious gift I can give to anyone. I have a role to play that isn't replaceable by anyone else. You have a part that I can not play, we have to stand up and take our place, we need to be here now!
If you find yourself distracted by daily tasks, remind yourself to live in each moment. What is more important right now? Are the dishes more important than spending time with the ones you love, does it have to be done now? I'm not saying be lazy, don't clean, or don't take care of yourself or essential tasks, but I'm realizing the devil has used distraction and the need for perfection to pull me away from what God has called me to do. Make sure your life has balance and God is the weight that stabilizes you, make sure you are present, walk through every door God opens, and don't pass up the opportunity to be here now!
Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Anticipation and Disapointments
As Christmas is here I can't help but be full of anticipation. I get so excited thinking about my families faces when they open their gifts, the time with family, and of course the Christmas goodies. But I can also be a very synical person. I remember as a child, Christmas very rarely lived up to the expectation. I always felt a little disappointed after all the presents were opened. To this day, I have to take my tree down the day after Christmas. Not because I don't like it, I love the lights and colors, but because it reminds me that its over. The joy and anticipation is over, a haunting reminder of how the holiday fell short of my expectation.
This is, in a lot of ways, how we come before God with our anticipation. We come expecting! I've talked about his before. But what are we expecting, Lights, Show, Action? God's plans don't always come they way we expect them to, which can leave us very disappointed in the outcome. People will fail and not put up their share of the bargain, leaving God to go to "plan B", even though He already knew that's what was going to happen anyway. God always has a plan A, what is best for us; but if we aren't obedient, He can only use what we or others are willing to give Him. Look at the Israelites, the promised land wasn't far from Egypt, they could have been there within a few days or maybe weeks. But since they weren't obedient, they were left pining for forty YEARS!!! This would bring some disappointment to your expectation of a promise, wouldn't it?
When God doesn't work the plans for us in the way we expected Him to we end up disappointed and thinking he has failed us or He didn't come through for you. This is far from truth. God's heart has what is best for you, even when people fail you. He knows how others will treat you, He hates to see you hurt, and He is constantly working things out for good on your behalf. He can use the hurts that others throw on you out of disobedience to shape you, draw you closer, and strengthen you.
Of course we hope for the best, we have to. Without hope we have nothing to live for, but we have to remember we live far from Eden and the perfection of Heaven. We need to hold our expectations loosely and allow God to do what is best. When we take our anticipation and our expectations and let God hold it along with our hearts, walking along with my God allows me to take anything that comes my way, knowing that He has my heart in His hands, anticipating a journey of joy, but not always of happiness. Expecting He will come through for me teaching and holding me along the way.
This is, in a lot of ways, how we come before God with our anticipation. We come expecting! I've talked about his before. But what are we expecting, Lights, Show, Action? God's plans don't always come they way we expect them to, which can leave us very disappointed in the outcome. People will fail and not put up their share of the bargain, leaving God to go to "plan B", even though He already knew that's what was going to happen anyway. God always has a plan A, what is best for us; but if we aren't obedient, He can only use what we or others are willing to give Him. Look at the Israelites, the promised land wasn't far from Egypt, they could have been there within a few days or maybe weeks. But since they weren't obedient, they were left pining for forty YEARS!!! This would bring some disappointment to your expectation of a promise, wouldn't it?
When God doesn't work the plans for us in the way we expected Him to we end up disappointed and thinking he has failed us or He didn't come through for you. This is far from truth. God's heart has what is best for you, even when people fail you. He knows how others will treat you, He hates to see you hurt, and He is constantly working things out for good on your behalf. He can use the hurts that others throw on you out of disobedience to shape you, draw you closer, and strengthen you.
Of course we hope for the best, we have to. Without hope we have nothing to live for, but we have to remember we live far from Eden and the perfection of Heaven. We need to hold our expectations loosely and allow God to do what is best. When we take our anticipation and our expectations and let God hold it along with our hearts, walking along with my God allows me to take anything that comes my way, knowing that He has my heart in His hands, anticipating a journey of joy, but not always of happiness. Expecting He will come through for me teaching and holding me along the way.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Why Do You Love?
I was casually looking through the "Sacred Romance" workbook by Eldredge and Curtis, there are little excerpts from other authors and little "windows" they call them to inspire thought on God. As I was reading an idea was sparked. "Hey, those 'windows' really work."
We all know God is supposed to be the most important thing, the first commandment it to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And I know we've all felt that we don't follow through with our part of the bargain. I remember as a child thinking " I love my mom WAY more than I love God." I was scared that by loving my mom more, who was real and tangible, would send me to Hell. When I got married, I thought it was impossible to ever love my God more than my husband, or my first born child. How can the love for God be as real and tangible as a person you can feel, touch, and speak audibly with? I'm now beginning to touch the surface of this kind of love, which is so deep I don't think I'll ever be able to wrap my human heart around it.
Why do you love those people? Everything you love about anyone is what Jesus is. I love my mom because she cares for me, loves me unconditionally, she disciplined me when I needed it, she was my life source. I love my husband because he makes me feel beautiful, he brings out the beauty God created in me, he romances me, he excites me and invites me into an adventure bigger than myself. I love my children because they are mine, they look at me with dependence, with love, and that I am the center of their universe, and they accept me no matter what I look like without makeup and a shower.
Now, why do you love Jesus, what is he to you? I love Jesus because he invites me to beauty, He draws me into love that is unconditional, He disciplines with love and not condemnation, He is my life source, He is the source of all adventure, I am His, I am dependant on Him, and still, I am the center of His universe. Everything He did was for us! Remember, we were the joy set before Him that enabled Him to endure the cross!(Hebrews 12:2)
If you are having a hard time loving some abstract thought of a savior, think of why you love who you do, because all that you cling to, and all that you love on this Earth, is everything that Jesus is and it is everything He has already offered for you.
We all know God is supposed to be the most important thing, the first commandment it to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And I know we've all felt that we don't follow through with our part of the bargain. I remember as a child thinking " I love my mom WAY more than I love God." I was scared that by loving my mom more, who was real and tangible, would send me to Hell. When I got married, I thought it was impossible to ever love my God more than my husband, or my first born child. How can the love for God be as real and tangible as a person you can feel, touch, and speak audibly with? I'm now beginning to touch the surface of this kind of love, which is so deep I don't think I'll ever be able to wrap my human heart around it.
Why do you love those people? Everything you love about anyone is what Jesus is. I love my mom because she cares for me, loves me unconditionally, she disciplined me when I needed it, she was my life source. I love my husband because he makes me feel beautiful, he brings out the beauty God created in me, he romances me, he excites me and invites me into an adventure bigger than myself. I love my children because they are mine, they look at me with dependence, with love, and that I am the center of their universe, and they accept me no matter what I look like without makeup and a shower.
Now, why do you love Jesus, what is he to you? I love Jesus because he invites me to beauty, He draws me into love that is unconditional, He disciplines with love and not condemnation, He is my life source, He is the source of all adventure, I am His, I am dependant on Him, and still, I am the center of His universe. Everything He did was for us! Remember, we were the joy set before Him that enabled Him to endure the cross!(Hebrews 12:2)
If you are having a hard time loving some abstract thought of a savior, think of why you love who you do, because all that you cling to, and all that you love on this Earth, is everything that Jesus is and it is everything He has already offered for you.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Joy Set Before Him
Hebrews 12:2 ...For the joy set before him(Jesus) he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. That must be some kind of Joy. A while back I was contemplating the fact that Jesus leaving Heaven wasn't so much a sacrifice, but a joy. Which led to me wondering if I'd have the same willingness to go into discomfort.
Running on the same thought of Jesus leaving Heaven being considered a joy, I can't overlook what the joy was. We are His joy. In this passage, the joy was us. Every human that God created for His Son was the reward for Jesus pouring out His blood and His life.
Of course I've learned this as a child in church, but so much of my faith I just took as truth without examining what it really meant for my life. If I really sit and think on this thought, I was the only thing that encouraged His endurance of the cross, my face flashed in His mind and all the pain He felt became tolerable and worth it all, because it is what had to happen for Him to spend eternity with me. I was the Joy set before Him. It was all for me. In my quest to find the true romance with my Savior, this is a cornerstone to finding His heart. To truly know this was His thought, and the depth of His love for me.
If I was the joy set before Him, I will make Him the joy set before me. As I go through this life, every trial, every painful situation, I will remember His heart for me. The hope of eternal Joy, knowing that every day, every breath is a chance to share the hope and the love, and the romance that my Jesus has for us. He wants to be our Joy.
For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. That must be some kind of Joy. A while back I was contemplating the fact that Jesus leaving Heaven wasn't so much a sacrifice, but a joy. Which led to me wondering if I'd have the same willingness to go into discomfort.
Running on the same thought of Jesus leaving Heaven being considered a joy, I can't overlook what the joy was. We are His joy. In this passage, the joy was us. Every human that God created for His Son was the reward for Jesus pouring out His blood and His life.
Of course I've learned this as a child in church, but so much of my faith I just took as truth without examining what it really meant for my life. If I really sit and think on this thought, I was the only thing that encouraged His endurance of the cross, my face flashed in His mind and all the pain He felt became tolerable and worth it all, because it is what had to happen for Him to spend eternity with me. I was the Joy set before Him. It was all for me. In my quest to find the true romance with my Savior, this is a cornerstone to finding His heart. To truly know this was His thought, and the depth of His love for me.
If I was the joy set before Him, I will make Him the joy set before me. As I go through this life, every trial, every painful situation, I will remember His heart for me. The hope of eternal Joy, knowing that every day, every breath is a chance to share the hope and the love, and the romance that my Jesus has for us. He wants to be our Joy.
Friday, December 3, 2010
His Quiet Whispers
Its been a few days since I've really felt God's voice pour into my heart. I've been praying for some discernment and clear directions for the near future. I only want to move when He asks me to, so here I wait.
I was reading in Ephesians the other day and came across chapter 1 verse 17 and 18, it says:
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Since I came across this on Monday, I've been praying it and expecting to hear His voice. But I know it may not be how I expect Him to speak. I have to be careful not to let my human ideals fog over how God is wanting to move. He doesn't always speak or move the way we expect Him to.
As I've been waiting I'm realizing that His revelation doesn't have to be mind blowing. Its the little things that will spark your heart to life. Jesus knew that I was praying for clear direction and He lead me straight to the Book, Chapter, and Verse to pray. This is His voice speaking to me, not exactly the way I thought He would, but He is still speaking, and I'm still listening.
I was reading in Ephesians the other day and came across chapter 1 verse 17 and 18, it says:
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Since I came across this on Monday, I've been praying it and expecting to hear His voice. But I know it may not be how I expect Him to speak. I have to be careful not to let my human ideals fog over how God is wanting to move. He doesn't always speak or move the way we expect Him to.
As I've been waiting I'm realizing that His revelation doesn't have to be mind blowing. Its the little things that will spark your heart to life. Jesus knew that I was praying for clear direction and He lead me straight to the Book, Chapter, and Verse to pray. This is His voice speaking to me, not exactly the way I thought He would, but He is still speaking, and I'm still listening.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Come Expecting
Matthew 21:22 When you pray expectantly, you are praying in faith. This means you believe God will answer before you ask.
Have you ever been on YouTube or been watching or listening a previously taped sermon and just feel the presence of God so thick it knocks you to your knees? I know I'm not the only one. His spirit is living! Which is why the Bible still speaks so many generations later. But I also believe it has to do with the receiver, you.
In a single service there will be many different interpretations to how the spirit moves. Where your heart is will make a great difference to the work that God is able to do in your heart. Do you enter into His presence expectantly? Do you have faith and know that He will answer your thirsty soul?
ex·pect (k-spkt)
v. ex·pect·ed, ex·pect·ing, ex·pects
a. To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of: expecting a telephone call; expects rain on Sunday.
b. To consider likely or certain: expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
2. To consider reasonable or due: We expect an apology.
3. To consider obligatory; require: The school expects its pupils to be on time.
4. Informal To presume; suppose.
v.intr.
1. To look forward to the birth of one's child. Used in progressive tenses: His sister is expecting in May.
2. To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses: My wife is expecting again.
Synonyms: expect, anticipate, hope, await
Expectantly? I put the meaning above; to look forward to the appearance or occurrence, to consider it likely. Do you come before Christ expecting to receive His spirit, do you expect to see Him move? Do you consider it likely? This makes a huge difference on how you will see the works of God manifest in your life and how you see Him using you. When I enter into worship knowing that He is going to show up, move me, knowing that I will feel His love, I can barley keep my feet on the ground. There is an unspeakable joy in the anticipation in our Maker. This is the thing I live for, communion with the Ruler of the Universe!
Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, whoever began a good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Confidence–adjective
1. having strong belief or full assurance; sure: confident of fulfillment.
Do you have the assurance that God will do what He says? He keeps his promises, His promise is "yes" and "amen". You have to say yes first for the Amen to come. You have to be an obedient, expectant, and willing vessel for Him to complete the work that He has begun, and amazing revelation and joy (the Amen) will come!
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Confidence and Expect have a common synonym, trust. Trust that God will show His face and perfect the work He has started in you. Expect Him to finish the good work. For it is not for our glory, but for God's.
Trust 1a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed
I am assured of the Character of God, His strength, and his ability. I know He can, He will, I expect, trust, and have all my confidence in Him.
Have you ever been on YouTube or been watching or listening a previously taped sermon and just feel the presence of God so thick it knocks you to your knees? I know I'm not the only one. His spirit is living! Which is why the Bible still speaks so many generations later. But I also believe it has to do with the receiver, you.
In a single service there will be many different interpretations to how the spirit moves. Where your heart is will make a great difference to the work that God is able to do in your heart. Do you enter into His presence expectantly? Do you have faith and know that He will answer your thirsty soul?
ex·pect (k-spkt)
v. ex·pect·ed, ex·pect·ing, ex·pects
a. To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of: expecting a telephone call; expects rain on Sunday.
b. To consider likely or certain: expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
2. To consider reasonable or due: We expect an apology.
3. To consider obligatory; require: The school expects its pupils to be on time.
4. Informal To presume; suppose.
v.intr.
1. To look forward to the birth of one's child. Used in progressive tenses: His sister is expecting in May.
2. To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses: My wife is expecting again.
Synonyms: expect, anticipate, hope, await
Expectantly? I put the meaning above; to look forward to the appearance or occurrence, to consider it likely. Do you come before Christ expecting to receive His spirit, do you expect to see Him move? Do you consider it likely? This makes a huge difference on how you will see the works of God manifest in your life and how you see Him using you. When I enter into worship knowing that He is going to show up, move me, knowing that I will feel His love, I can barley keep my feet on the ground. There is an unspeakable joy in the anticipation in our Maker. This is the thing I live for, communion with the Ruler of the Universe!
Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, whoever began a good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Confidence–adjective
1. having strong belief or full assurance; sure: confident of fulfillment.
Do you have the assurance that God will do what He says? He keeps his promises, His promise is "yes" and "amen". You have to say yes first for the Amen to come. You have to be an obedient, expectant, and willing vessel for Him to complete the work that He has begun, and amazing revelation and joy (the Amen) will come!
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Confidence and Expect have a common synonym, trust. Trust that God will show His face and perfect the work He has started in you. Expect Him to finish the good work. For it is not for our glory, but for God's.
Trust 1a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed
I am assured of the Character of God, His strength, and his ability. I know He can, He will, I expect, trust, and have all my confidence in Him.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Am I Really Willing?
As Christmas is coming upon us, I've been thinking about what a sacrifice it must have been for Jesus to leave his home in heaven. Think about it, he was living in heaven with his father and adoring angels. I can't wait to be there with all its glory, don't ask me to leave once I get there. It was all he ever knew, and he left it all behind because his father asked him too.
Two things strike me about this. Would I be able to suffer as much if God asked me? I would quickly reply "yes." But then if I think about it, leave heaven? Leave Heaven and go to a place where there is pain, where there is heartache, where there is evil, for me? Would I be able to give as much to my father, or anyone else for that matter, if He asks? Would I be willing to leave my life of comfort and go where He calls? Its easy to be obedient to God when its comfortable or fits easily into our life, but what about when its not? He calls us to be in the world, not of it. The world tells us to stay safe, "don't rock the boat", this is false comfort and fleeting, but if we are willing to have the courage, to "capsize the boat", to move with our Lord's leading we will have eternal comfort and rewards.
The second thing is, I believe Jesus wanted to leave heaven in pursuit for us. God made us as a gift to Jesus, his heart yearns for us. To be here on this earth with those he loved, those he fought for, those he could save, was the only way we would be able to be with Him forever in Heaven. He was willing to do anything for us to be with Him.
If Jesus is to be my example, I need to be willing and I need to want to sacrifice everything I have. I need to have courage. Courage is being willing to loose your life in an attempt at finding it. I need to be willing to loose everything I have on this earth to find life with Christ.
That is a lot to take in and I know there are still things I hold to in fear. I still want control over certain things. Its hard when you know this world has evil and bad things happen to even us who are protected by the blood of Jesus. Just look at Job. But we need to give our fears over to the Lord and know he is fighting for us, his heart is good, and he works all things for good and for his glory.
I pray God that I have the courage I need to follow you. Strengthen my soul, prepare my heart for your call. Go before me and make the way. I pray, Lord, that I do not go until you ask, I do not try to make my own way, but that I search for your true heart. That my life would be yours, that I would be your instrument. Take the fear of the unknown, let it instead be an adventure with the King of this Universe.
Two things strike me about this. Would I be able to suffer as much if God asked me? I would quickly reply "yes." But then if I think about it, leave heaven? Leave Heaven and go to a place where there is pain, where there is heartache, where there is evil, for me? Would I be able to give as much to my father, or anyone else for that matter, if He asks? Would I be willing to leave my life of comfort and go where He calls? Its easy to be obedient to God when its comfortable or fits easily into our life, but what about when its not? He calls us to be in the world, not of it. The world tells us to stay safe, "don't rock the boat", this is false comfort and fleeting, but if we are willing to have the courage, to "capsize the boat", to move with our Lord's leading we will have eternal comfort and rewards.
The second thing is, I believe Jesus wanted to leave heaven in pursuit for us. God made us as a gift to Jesus, his heart yearns for us. To be here on this earth with those he loved, those he fought for, those he could save, was the only way we would be able to be with Him forever in Heaven. He was willing to do anything for us to be with Him.
If Jesus is to be my example, I need to be willing and I need to want to sacrifice everything I have. I need to have courage. Courage is being willing to loose your life in an attempt at finding it. I need to be willing to loose everything I have on this earth to find life with Christ.
That is a lot to take in and I know there are still things I hold to in fear. I still want control over certain things. Its hard when you know this world has evil and bad things happen to even us who are protected by the blood of Jesus. Just look at Job. But we need to give our fears over to the Lord and know he is fighting for us, his heart is good, and he works all things for good and for his glory.
I pray God that I have the courage I need to follow you. Strengthen my soul, prepare my heart for your call. Go before me and make the way. I pray, Lord, that I do not go until you ask, I do not try to make my own way, but that I search for your true heart. That my life would be yours, that I would be your instrument. Take the fear of the unknown, let it instead be an adventure with the King of this Universe.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
For Where the Battle Lies, There Your Heart Begins
Life gets tough. There are forces working against us. As it says in Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We are at war from the day we are born, weather we ask for it or not. There is a force of evil, you may have heard of him. Satan is trying to disable you. You live in a world where evil exists, and in which God allows. But you are not made to just roll over and take it. God allows trouble into your life for one purpose. He wants you to fight. Christianity is not a passive religion! God wants you to learn how to grow strong in Him, how to stand firm in your faith, Isaiah 7:9 says "stand firm in your faith or you will not stand at all." When you are facing trials, this is a chance for you to learn to war in the spirit. Its a chance to stand up and fight, to take back what God has given you, to allow Jesus to push back the devourer, and to grow deep roots of faith. This makes us stronger and able to wield the weapons on others behalf, and take up the roles He created us to play.
Where is your battle? The battle is often in the strengths that God has given you. These may, for now, be your weakness because the devil too knows your strengths and weaknesses. If Satan can disable your strength, you will be disarmed and no longer a threat to him. Look deep, is it relational, emotional, situational? Don't just chalk it up to bad luck, depression, or your personality.
For me, I had always been hesitant to speak, and when I did, I'd replay the conversation for days afterward thinking of how I could have said things differently. This caused me to rarely speak, in fear of not saying the right thing. I didn't think I had anything to offer. God has opened my heart and has shown me I have much to offer, He created me with purpose. The devil had my tongue, and now my tongue is free to speak of the goodness of God. I am able to work in and through God's purpose for my life. I now pray that I have wisdom to share His heart and to bless others. It's not always easy being obedient, opening up my heart to the unknown and being vulnerable, but I know whose I am, and I know who I am in Christ. I have no fear that God is there, fighting each battle before I even begin.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Body of Christ
Last Wednesday my church had a Thanksgiving dinner. We all gathered in the sanctuary around tables filled with food, conversation, and thankful testimonies and praise. As they were sharing one of the ladies in our church shared how she felt such a presence of love and union like she had never before felt. And as she said that, my heart began to swell with love. I just wanted to walk around and love on every single one of them. Now, I have 3 kids, and that wasn't quite possible to hit everyone of them, but God has been giving me opportunities to love and encourage my church family.
Ever since that event, my heart has been swollen with love, and a burning fire of passion for these people. I have been praying Philippians 2:2 over my family at home and church. "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose". This verse is coming to fruition in this church body! If we are united in mind, love, spirit, and purpose, God will be able to use us to touch and reach the world. Weather collectively or individually.
This takes me back to the picture of the tree I painted a few weeks ago. If our roots, abiding in Christ's love, wrap around the "Church" and hold us together, binding us in the unity of Philippians 2:2 then we are whole, able to love and support a growing fruitful tree that will abound in fruitfulness and love. This is what God has planned for his church. To be the life-giving service for His people. To help us stand firm in trouble, to encourage us in need, to rejoice in goodness.
Now, this also goes beyond Crosswalk. I have friends in other church bodies that I feel united with. This is a "body of Christ", not just the "body of Crosswalk". God is uniting His people to do His work. Lets not overlook this, lets run with this. Jesus, bring us back to your feet, to your alter, to your heart.
Ever since that event, my heart has been swollen with love, and a burning fire of passion for these people. I have been praying Philippians 2:2 over my family at home and church. "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose". This verse is coming to fruition in this church body! If we are united in mind, love, spirit, and purpose, God will be able to use us to touch and reach the world. Weather collectively or individually.
This takes me back to the picture of the tree I painted a few weeks ago. If our roots, abiding in Christ's love, wrap around the "Church" and hold us together, binding us in the unity of Philippians 2:2 then we are whole, able to love and support a growing fruitful tree that will abound in fruitfulness and love. This is what God has planned for his church. To be the life-giving service for His people. To help us stand firm in trouble, to encourage us in need, to rejoice in goodness.
Now, this also goes beyond Crosswalk. I have friends in other church bodies that I feel united with. This is a "body of Christ", not just the "body of Crosswalk". God is uniting His people to do His work. Lets not overlook this, lets run with this. Jesus, bring us back to your feet, to your alter, to your heart.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Alterations at the Alter
alter:
1. To change or make different; modify: altered my will.
2. To adjust (a garment) for a better fit.
To change or become different.
1. The act, process, or result of altering or modifying: a change in facial expression.
2. The replacing of one thing for another; substitution: a change of atmosphere; a change of ownership.
3. A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another: the change of seasons.
4. Something different; variety: ate early for a change.
5. A different or fresh set of clothing.
Have you ever taken something to the tailor so it would fit you better? I love my tailor. She takes my clothes that don't quite fit and makes them flatter me. She takes the clothes and alters them. Do you realize that is what Christ does for you? God has been showing me that the "alter" is not only a noun. Its a verb! And its so much more powerful as a verb. An alter is a place to bring your heart to God, a place to war on behalf of others, a place to be filled with His spirit, but what takes place there is an alteration, an action. You shouldn't take your garment of praise there and leave without if fitting better. When you leave the alter, God should "fit" you better. And you can't wear Him the way you used to.
Once you alter a piece of clothing its hard to put it back the way it was. This is how we should be, once we allow Christ to alter our hearts, we shouldn't allow ourselves to go back, we can't put on the old clothes because they no longer fit us. Once we allow Him to replace our pain and sorrow with freedom and love, we shouldn't react to painful situations the way we used to. After the alter, we transition from "old" to "new". We put on our new clothes in Christ. So, if my life is an alter, my life is changed, I am new in Christ. I will not allow myself to hide behind the walls of pain. I will take chances, because I know I'm the same person God created, just a better "fit." God now "fits" on me, because He has altered me.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Hoarded Hearts
Have any of you ever been channel surfing and seen any one of the numerous shows on hoarders? Even the previews are enough to haunt a person. Piles and stacks of stuff, garbage, filth, and in some cases completely in-livable conditions. No, this is not a blog on house keeping....per say. But as I was laying in bed, praying for a friend, God showed me a wonderful analogy.
Have you ever seen one of the hoarders living in their house? They are stumbling, climbing over clutter, bombarded by things they think they are safe behind. But really it is only causing chaos, and hindering any healing.
A few weeks ago in the Captivating study one of the questions was, "What do you fear?" There were several answers ranging from "the loss or hurt of my children" to "not be what God desires". The question lead to the fact that if we gave those fears over to Christ, it would free our hearts to be open for more of Him. To be able to love, and move more in His power.
If our hearts are full of anything that is not from Christ, weather pain from past hurts, fears, or confusion from the enemy, then we are living in a "hoarded" heart. Even if it a "safe" place for you. Sometimes our "safety" is a wall that we have put up to protect ourselves from future hurts, because of past ones.
If this is the case we will not have the clarity to rightly discern what God is speaking to us. We will be stumbling around in chaos and clouded judgment and mostly unable to truly feel Christ's love for us. This is not the life Jesus has offered for us. This is not what our hope is in.
When we take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, things must align with Heaven! Ask God to do some "house cleaning." Empty what has been cluttering, whether its fear, pain, mistrust, or false safety, allow HIM to clean it. He has already offered, just allow Jesus to begin the work in you.
Have you ever seen one of the hoarders living in their house? They are stumbling, climbing over clutter, bombarded by things they think they are safe behind. But really it is only causing chaos, and hindering any healing.
A few weeks ago in the Captivating study one of the questions was, "What do you fear?" There were several answers ranging from "the loss or hurt of my children" to "not be what God desires". The question lead to the fact that if we gave those fears over to Christ, it would free our hearts to be open for more of Him. To be able to love, and move more in His power.
If our hearts are full of anything that is not from Christ, weather pain from past hurts, fears, or confusion from the enemy, then we are living in a "hoarded" heart. Even if it a "safe" place for you. Sometimes our "safety" is a wall that we have put up to protect ourselves from future hurts, because of past ones.
If this is the case we will not have the clarity to rightly discern what God is speaking to us. We will be stumbling around in chaos and clouded judgment and mostly unable to truly feel Christ's love for us. This is not the life Jesus has offered for us. This is not what our hope is in.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
When we take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, things must align with Heaven! Ask God to do some "house cleaning." Empty what has been cluttering, whether its fear, pain, mistrust, or false safety, allow HIM to clean it. He has already offered, just allow Jesus to begin the work in you.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Heart Pictures
I don't know what it is latley, but God has been giving me very vivid word pictures in my spirit. Today as I was worshiping with God, soaking in his glorious splendor, I was praying that I would soak him up. I saw a sponge. First it was sponge bob, hey, I have 3 kids under 7 and under. But then I saw a kitchen sponge, soaked. What does a sponge do after it has reached capacity? It drips, and leaves its print wherever it lands. I then began to pray that I would be a sponge filled with his anointing spirit,filled so full that everywhere I go I would leave God's print, every one I touch would be left driping with His spirit.
A few months ago I saw a local comercial for a paint store. It was in black and white and whereever this guy, who was carring a paint can, went or whatever he touched turned to color. I immediatle began to pray that I would be Him. That where ever I went, whatever I touched would be lit with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I've seen a woman, almost drowning in liquid, suspended, hair flowing, beautifully dancing, like a sycronized swimmer. Completley immersed in the love of God, lost in the Holy Spirit.
I want to be a vessle that will carry the Lord's anointing everywhere I go. I want God to use me to bring color to grey, beauty to dullness, that will nourish the thirsty, that will water the dry. I want to allow my spirit to enjoy his presence, to dwell there, to soak in him, to let go, lean back on him, hear his heartbeat. I want to be so close to Him that I can feel His breath whisper my value in my hear.
Let go, jump in deep, loose yourself in Him, be the vessel the Lord can use. You have value, you have beauty that others need. The Lord wants and needs to use you. Soak in His Holy Spirit, and take it with you. He is portable beyond the church doors. Don't let it drop off at the property line.
A few months ago I saw a local comercial for a paint store. It was in black and white and whereever this guy, who was carring a paint can, went or whatever he touched turned to color. I immediatle began to pray that I would be Him. That where ever I went, whatever I touched would be lit with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I've seen a woman, almost drowning in liquid, suspended, hair flowing, beautifully dancing, like a sycronized swimmer. Completley immersed in the love of God, lost in the Holy Spirit.
I want to be a vessle that will carry the Lord's anointing everywhere I go. I want God to use me to bring color to grey, beauty to dullness, that will nourish the thirsty, that will water the dry. I want to allow my spirit to enjoy his presence, to dwell there, to soak in him, to let go, lean back on him, hear his heartbeat. I want to be so close to Him that I can feel His breath whisper my value in my hear.
Let go, jump in deep, loose yourself in Him, be the vessel the Lord can use. You have value, you have beauty that others need. The Lord wants and needs to use you. Soak in His Holy Spirit, and take it with you. He is portable beyond the church doors. Don't let it drop off at the property line.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Healing Roots of Faith
This week I was praying about the questions in the study I'm leading and I saw a tree above, with deep strong roots in the soil. Entangled in the roots was a heart. The heart had been cracked and broken, but the roots had grown around it and had bound the breaks so tight it was now repaired. There were still seems where the damage had been, but it was no longer broken. This image has stayed in my head all week. I have been thinking back all week as to what this picture means.
I feel God is showing me our broken hearts will be healed with the roots we grow in and out of the trust of Jesus. As our roots become stronger and more plentiful, our hearts will heal more. Our roots become strong when we focus on God, and put our trust in Him. When we put our hearts under His authority, then He can bind it, heal it. Restore, Refresh, Revive, us and Remove all that does not line up under the authority of Christ.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday Morning Restoration
"There comes a time in the life of every believer when propositional truth is no longer enough. It will always remain central, the foundation for our faith. And sometimes it is all we have, and we can run far and long on it. But we are made for intimacy with God, not just knowledge about him."
This was in the study notes on Captivating last week. My eyes were really opened to the fact that a lot of us haven't really discovered the relationship that Jesus really desires and created us for. I was talking to the girls at my study last Wednesday about how I used to feel a very heavy burden in my relationship with God; I felt that if I didn’t do what was right I’d feel the wrath of God. I know quiet a few christians have this "Old Testament" view of God. The love of Jesus wasn’t the center of my relationship and true passion, Bridegroom passion, is lacking in so many of us. For a long time I was very dry, I was ready to be burnt up and blown away like chaff. I only had my fire insurance. I went to church, served, and “played the part” of godly mother. But I had no passion.
I was tired of the emotional highs and lows that seemed to follow the charismatic services. All of my life was riddled with such people who would have these great experiences at the alter, and there would be no change, nothing to show for it, no true, lasting heart change. I didn't want to be one of those people, I decided I wouldn’t peruse or go any deeper then I needed. I didn’t want my relationship with Jesus to be based on shallow emotion or heavy burdens. I didn’t want to put in the work it required to have true devotion and passion beyond the alter experience, so I stayed stagnant. But I was tired. I wasn't putting anything into my relationship with God, but what I didn’t realize was that the more I would give, the easier it would get. So now, I know there is no other option but to be real. To be the one to lay on the alter, pouring my life out to Him, but I will not allow my life to stay the same. No, this is not easy, it takes real effort to not fall back into the same ways of coping. I need to allow my heart to stay open to Jesus long after I leave the alter. My life needs to be an alter, set up before Him. Only then will we allow Him to restore our hearts, to have true heart changes that last past Sunday morning.
Ezekiel 33:31
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Jesus my Bride
I have had some amazing revelation over the last few days. I was listening to Mike Bickle’s teaching on what it means to be Christ’s bride, and him our bridegroom. –Highly Recommended- You can find it at http://www.mikebickle.com/.
I'm so glad God showed me these things. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around Jesus as the bride groom, God my father. Eww. Maybe that doesn't wierd you out, but I really don't want to marry my dad. But it really isn't anything like that. Not that I've found yet. I've only listend to the first installment of the teaching. I'm so excited to see what else God shows me.
So what I learned yesterday was that God made us for one purpose, as a prize for his son Jesus, to provide him eternal companionship. As if God wasn’t enough. But He knows Jesus’ heart and what would mean most to him. So he gave him US! The entire history of the world was planned and arranged in a way so Jesus could have us, a pure bride to commune with for eternity. Everything that has happened has happened to open our human eyes, and point to Jesus. In the end all will have to obey Jesus, weather voluntarily or forced. God doesn’t want to force us, all of history has been thwarting us to find our savior, your history and pain has allowed you to see who will fill your needs. I don’t want to be forced to be Jesus’ bride; I don’t want an arranged marriage. I want one filled with passion and joy, not judgment and obligation. I want to give him what he desires, what he deserves.
When he died, his eyes were on the prize. Do you know what that prize was? You! When we stop looking for our place in God’s kingdom, take our eyes off “me”, put our focus on Jesus, when we get a clear view of who Jesus is, what God had planned the whole time, our purpose is evident, our place is reveled, and revelation of his love will overflow. Then we will be willing to give everything for our Bridegroom.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
God's Initation
Isaiah 62:1-5
1 Because I love Zion,
I will not keep still.
Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,
I cannot remain silent.
I will not stop praying for her
until her righteousness shines like the dawn,
and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness.
World leaders will be blinded by your glory.
And you will be given a new name
by the Lord’s own mouth. 3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—
a splendid crown in the hand of God.
4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City”[a] or “The Desolate Land.”[b] Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”[c] and “The Bride of God,”[d] for the Lord delights in you
and will claim you as his bride.
5 Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,
just as a young man commits himself to his bride.
Then God will rejoice over you
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
I have been dwelling on this verse for weeks now. It is so powerful on so many levels, and every few days it seems that the Holy Spirit is revealing something new to me.
Last night I was reading in "Wild at Heart" about how God initiates us, and calls us by a new name. John Eldredge gave several examples of men whose names he changed, Abraham, and Paul, and how He took these and other wise men off to uncharted country to teach them His ways. This was mostly pointing to men, but I am now asking how this pertains in my life.
God has been revealing to me how He sheds our earthly comforts, He thwarts us so we can truly find Him. Long ago when boys were initiated they were told to go on extravagant missions to find, explore, and come back "men", mature adults capable of supporting their community and eventually their own family. God does the same to us so we can support His family, the Church, and seek lost souls. He calls us into the wilderness, places without comfort so we can find Him. These desolate places require us to lean on God alone. He shows us our weakness so he can make them stronger.
When God initiates us, he removes the names(wounds of our youth) we came to him with; burden, worthless, ugly, trouble, whatever you are carrying on your heart. Then as verse 2 says "you will be called by a new name , that the mouth of the LORD will bestow". This is a new name, your initiation has started. The new name is truth, splendor, beauty.
Now, I'm realizing his initiation is a very long process called life. We often ask the wrong questions of Him. "Why did God allow this to happen?, Why won't God let me succeed in this?" But as initiation continues, we now need a new set of questions, "what are you teaching me here? What issues in my heart are you trying to raise through this? What or How do you want me to see?" But now that we have our new name in Christ, we have put aside our wounds of our heart; we can handle things differently. We rely on God and not self. And when old wounds surface, remember your new name verse 4; Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,”[for the Lord delights in you! I can't think of any better initiation.
1 Because I love Zion,
I will not keep still.
Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,
I cannot remain silent.
I will not stop praying for her
until her righteousness shines like the dawn,
and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness.
World leaders will be blinded by your glory.
And you will be given a new name
by the Lord’s own mouth. 3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—
a splendid crown in the hand of God.
4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City”[a] or “The Desolate Land.”[b] Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”[c] and “The Bride of God,”[d] for the Lord delights in you
and will claim you as his bride.
5 Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,
just as a young man commits himself to his bride.
Then God will rejoice over you
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
I have been dwelling on this verse for weeks now. It is so powerful on so many levels, and every few days it seems that the Holy Spirit is revealing something new to me.
Last night I was reading in "Wild at Heart" about how God initiates us, and calls us by a new name. John Eldredge gave several examples of men whose names he changed, Abraham, and Paul, and how He took these and other wise men off to uncharted country to teach them His ways. This was mostly pointing to men, but I am now asking how this pertains in my life.
God has been revealing to me how He sheds our earthly comforts, He thwarts us so we can truly find Him. Long ago when boys were initiated they were told to go on extravagant missions to find, explore, and come back "men", mature adults capable of supporting their community and eventually their own family. God does the same to us so we can support His family, the Church, and seek lost souls. He calls us into the wilderness, places without comfort so we can find Him. These desolate places require us to lean on God alone. He shows us our weakness so he can make them stronger.
When God initiates us, he removes the names(wounds of our youth) we came to him with; burden, worthless, ugly, trouble, whatever you are carrying on your heart. Then as verse 2 says "you will be called by a new name , that the mouth of the LORD will bestow". This is a new name, your initiation has started. The new name is truth, splendor, beauty.
Now, I'm realizing his initiation is a very long process called life. We often ask the wrong questions of Him. "Why did God allow this to happen?, Why won't God let me succeed in this?" But as initiation continues, we now need a new set of questions, "what are you teaching me here? What issues in my heart are you trying to raise through this? What or How do you want me to see?" But now that we have our new name in Christ, we have put aside our wounds of our heart; we can handle things differently. We rely on God and not self. And when old wounds surface, remember your new name verse 4; Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,”[for the Lord delights in you! I can't think of any better initiation.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Restoration
This may not be news to many of you. But I stumbled across a new concept, for me at least. We all know Jesus came to earth as the ultimate sacrifice for us. To save us from death and to allow us the gift of Heaven upon our physical death. But did you realize, that is only part of it! Jesus is far more then "fire insurance", a way to keep us from Hell. His main purpose is to restore us.
When Jesus first entered the synagogue to begin his earthly mission, He opened the Scriptures and read from Isaiah 61. It says:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
That is what He has come to do! Are you broken, morning the loss or your youth? Do you feel like ashes, charred up remains of who you once were? He has relief for all of that and so much more. He offers to take all of our hurts and heal our hearts, but there is a catch. He won't barge in and take them, he has to be invited. It says in Revelation 3:20 20'Behold, I stand (A)at the door and (B)knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, (C)I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
He doesn't stop knocking after He is Lord over your life. He is knocking for access to your whole life, your whole heart. Then, and only then, can and will he begin to renew, restore, refresh who he created us to be. There is far more enjoyment to be had on this earth. We don't need to wait for heaven to feel this peace and release of pain. As for me, I'm not waiting until I die to know the true Glory of my God. He is inviting you to the same. Will you open the door?
When Jesus first entered the synagogue to begin his earthly mission, He opened the Scriptures and read from Isaiah 61. It says:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
That is what He has come to do! Are you broken, morning the loss or your youth? Do you feel like ashes, charred up remains of who you once were? He has relief for all of that and so much more. He offers to take all of our hurts and heal our hearts, but there is a catch. He won't barge in and take them, he has to be invited. It says in Revelation 3:20 20'Behold, I stand (A)at the door and (B)knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, (C)I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
He doesn't stop knocking after He is Lord over your life. He is knocking for access to your whole life, your whole heart. Then, and only then, can and will he begin to renew, restore, refresh who he created us to be. There is far more enjoyment to be had on this earth. We don't need to wait for heaven to feel this peace and release of pain. As for me, I'm not waiting until I die to know the true Glory of my God. He is inviting you to the same. Will you open the door?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Whats My Motivation?
Kind words and encouragement are always nice to hear. But it makes me think "why do I do what I do?" Does that make any sense? Why did I start this blog? Do I just want to write so I can hear the kind words of my friends? Honestly, I love to be encouraged, but its almost too much attention. I really shy away from it and I feel its not deserved. The only real encouragement I seek is from God. I want to be like Abraham, to be called a friend of God. That is the only acceptance I need.
I say this because, even if now I have my friends backing me up, it may not always be that way. Many of the prophets of the old testament were not listened to. I think of Ezekiel when God told him in Chapter 2 verse 5, "as for them, whether they listen or not -for they are a rebellious house- they will know that a prophet has been among them." When God gives us words, it may not always be well received, and you will likely be hated and very unpopular. This is shown over and over again throughout the Bible.
I have to remind myself, Proverbs 3:26, for the Lord will be my confidence and will keep my foot from being caught. God is my assurance, backbone, boldness, certainty, courage, determination, fearlessness, fortitude, reliance, spunk, tenacity. These are all synonyms of confidence and all things that my God is for me. I don't need men's approval, but God alone. It sure makes it easier when you have others on your side, but its not the reason I do what I do.
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared
I say this because, even if now I have my friends backing me up, it may not always be that way. Many of the prophets of the old testament were not listened to. I think of Ezekiel when God told him in Chapter 2 verse 5, "as for them, whether they listen or not -for they are a rebellious house- they will know that a prophet has been among them." When God gives us words, it may not always be well received, and you will likely be hated and very unpopular. This is shown over and over again throughout the Bible.
I have to remind myself, Proverbs 3:26, for the Lord will be my confidence and will keep my foot from being caught. God is my assurance, backbone, boldness, certainty, courage, determination, fearlessness, fortitude, reliance, spunk, tenacity. These are all synonyms of confidence and all things that my God is for me. I don't need men's approval, but God alone. It sure makes it easier when you have others on your side, but its not the reason I do what I do.
Proverbs 3:26 (New International Version)
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Did You Ask?
Have you ever volunteered for something at Church because you saw a need and knew somone had to do it.....and then, you hated it!? What! Jesus said His burden was easy and His yoke was light. Why is volunteering at church so much work, and why is it so hard to get anyone involved. I think they go hand in hand.
So many of us have experienced this senario. It scares us off, why would we want to be involved with anything else in church if its going to be so painful? A few years back our Church moved into our own building and we needed childcare workers. I love kids, so I volunteered for the nursery coordinator. I hated it. I loved those babies, but my heart wasn't in the work. I became resentful because it was so much work.
Recently I came accross a verse I know well.
Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
But this time, I saw another level to the verse. Unless the Lord builds the house, you labor in vain. Unless the Lord does the work, unless God has told you to do it, its all for nothing. It was an ah-ha moment. No wonder I didn't like being the nursery coordinator. Besides the fact I was in there every week, I had never even considered asking God if it was a job I should do. I just thought we were supposed to do whatever needed to be done. And that is true to some point, but we are only to do what God asks us to do. Imagine if we were all obedient, just think how smoothly Sunday morning would run.
The other day, My friend brought some light to the Mary and Martha story. It wasn't that Jesus didn't want Martha to clean, and cook, but He wanted her to do what He asked. Mary would have been more then happy to make Jesus a meal had he asked. But what He wanted, at that moment, was for them to come and spend time with Him. God had showed me over the summer that my desire for a clean home wasn't a problem until it interuped my time spent with Him. And for years it did. I had the Martha spirit of busyness. Until I realized this, I could never just sit and enjoy Him, I wasn't able to sit and let Him love on me. It took practice, God had to teach me how to be still in His presence. And now that I have learned to let Him love me, learned to sit at His feet; I have found a real place of rest. No matter what my house looks like.
I still clean, but when He asks, I sit at His feet, and I try to do it before He has to come calling. Before I jump in and serve in one more area, I ask God first. "Is this what you want me to do?" Because His burden really is easy, and His yoke is light, when you ask Him first.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Little Blessings
My husband and I took a few days off from the parent world. My wonderful parents came up and stayed with the kids for 2 nights. Ah, such sweet bliss to be able to eat dinner and actually have an adult conversation, not to mention sleeping in. If you call 7:30 sleeping in.
This last weekend was so much fun, but more than that, it was a chance for God to remind me of how much he cares for me. Remember on Friday how I said God searches the whole world for you. He reminded me again how he does this in so many ways.
We were at the Mall of America, I wasn't really planning on buying anything for myself, but when I stumbled across a pair of Levi's Jeans that fit perfectly, for $15 I couldn't pass them up. I remember trying them on in the dressing room and thanking God because they were such a blessing. I lost about 40 lbs, give or take a few, last year and I had to get an entirely new wardrobe, that is expensive. But God has helped me find some amazing deals along the way. I told my husband that God was just helping me obtain clothes since I was obedient and changed my eating habits. He kind of laughed it off.
Side note: My husband always asks me to pray for things he needs because he tells me "God hears your prayers better then mine". Not really, but I really think God wants to prove Himself to those who are searching for Him. He is fighting for me, even in my shopping trips, God is on MY side.
So, we continue shopping and stop at Old Navy. Lewis finds some really great shirts $8 per shirt, and I found a great deal on winter fleece sweaters. 2 for $16! The best part, it was Saturday only. Thanks again God, I was needing more sweaters. :)
Okay, but this really has to be the funnest part of the story. After a day of seeing God bless me this just knocked our socks off. We were at the Cheesecake factory, waiting our 40 minute turn. We really wanted to eat outside, but they couldn't guarantee a table. So just after we put our name in, I asked God to save us a table outside. Yep, 40 minutes later we were outside, AND, they messed up our order and we got our cheesecake for FREE! That's $16 in free cheesecake! HA!
Now, you may think these are all just lucky coincidences, and I probably would have thought that months ago too. But lately, I've been seeing God romance me in ways I never really gave Him credit for before. And I really feel that as soon as you begin to notice the things He does for you, He will begin to do more. Weather its because He will actually begin to give you more, or you'll just start to notice it, I'm not sure. But He loves to see our faces light up at the gifts he gives us. Weather its just a bright blue sky, or free cheesecake. He loves to bless His daughters.
Remember this verse?
Matthew 6:26
26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
This last weekend was so much fun, but more than that, it was a chance for God to remind me of how much he cares for me. Remember on Friday how I said God searches the whole world for you. He reminded me again how he does this in so many ways.
We were at the Mall of America, I wasn't really planning on buying anything for myself, but when I stumbled across a pair of Levi's Jeans that fit perfectly, for $15 I couldn't pass them up. I remember trying them on in the dressing room and thanking God because they were such a blessing. I lost about 40 lbs, give or take a few, last year and I had to get an entirely new wardrobe, that is expensive. But God has helped me find some amazing deals along the way. I told my husband that God was just helping me obtain clothes since I was obedient and changed my eating habits. He kind of laughed it off.
Side note: My husband always asks me to pray for things he needs because he tells me "God hears your prayers better then mine". Not really, but I really think God wants to prove Himself to those who are searching for Him. He is fighting for me, even in my shopping trips, God is on MY side.
So, we continue shopping and stop at Old Navy. Lewis finds some really great shirts $8 per shirt, and I found a great deal on winter fleece sweaters. 2 for $16! The best part, it was Saturday only. Thanks again God, I was needing more sweaters. :)
Okay, but this really has to be the funnest part of the story. After a day of seeing God bless me this just knocked our socks off. We were at the Cheesecake factory, waiting our 40 minute turn. We really wanted to eat outside, but they couldn't guarantee a table. So just after we put our name in, I asked God to save us a table outside. Yep, 40 minutes later we were outside, AND, they messed up our order and we got our cheesecake for FREE! That's $16 in free cheesecake! HA!
Now, you may think these are all just lucky coincidences, and I probably would have thought that months ago too. But lately, I've been seeing God romance me in ways I never really gave Him credit for before. And I really feel that as soon as you begin to notice the things He does for you, He will begin to do more. Weather its because He will actually begin to give you more, or you'll just start to notice it, I'm not sure. But He loves to see our faces light up at the gifts he gives us. Weather its just a bright blue sky, or free cheesecake. He loves to bless His daughters.
Remember this verse?
Matthew 6:26
26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Friday, October 8, 2010
A Daily Fight?
Okay, first off, I'm not committing to writing everyday. Unless God intervenes somewhere, it just isn't going to happen. But, God has been showing me how He restores us, daily. So, theres the name, plus nothing else was available. I guess He saved this one for me.
Over the last few weeks I have had an entire new outlook on my relationship with my Creator. I always knew him as gentle, loving, and caring. But I guess I forgot that God is also a fighter. I was reading "Wild at Heart" a few weeks back and I about wanted to jump out of bed! I highly recommend reading that book, even if you aren't a man. Its a window into who our God is, placing half his heart into man, and half into Women( Which is in the Captivating book).
Anywho, This concept of fighting for me consumes me. Just read this verse here:
Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Amplified: For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him (same verse, in the amplified)
Wow! He isn't just going to fight when you ask, He is actively seeking to give his strength and fight for you! What an increadable God we serve.
Oh and how about Psalms 18, my friend Carol pointed this one out to me. Amazing!
4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.
8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth.Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
9 He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
10 Mounted on a mighty angelic being,[b] he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind.
11 He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.
12 Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals.[c]13 The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals.
14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused.
15 Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
He not only Hears your cries, but it makes Him so angry when others are harming His daughters. He opened the heavens! He moved the entire earth because of his anger. See, He doesn't just do something when you ask, He seeks YOU out, He doesn't just do what you ask, He moves the Heavens and the Earth to protect the ones he loves.
I heard a quote recently from Gianna Jensen, an abortion survivor,
"Be nice to me, My Father rules the world"
I couldn't have said it any better myself. So today, ask yourself, how does He fight for you? Because if your heart is His, He already does.
Over the last few weeks I have had an entire new outlook on my relationship with my Creator. I always knew him as gentle, loving, and caring. But I guess I forgot that God is also a fighter. I was reading "Wild at Heart" a few weeks back and I about wanted to jump out of bed! I highly recommend reading that book, even if you aren't a man. Its a window into who our God is, placing half his heart into man, and half into Women( Which is in the Captivating book).
Anywho, This concept of fighting for me consumes me. Just read this verse here:
Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Amplified: For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him (same verse, in the amplified)
Wow! He isn't just going to fight when you ask, He is actively seeking to give his strength and fight for you! What an increadable God we serve.
Oh and how about Psalms 18, my friend Carol pointed this one out to me. Amazing!
4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.
8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth.Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
9 He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
10 Mounted on a mighty angelic being,[b] he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind.
11 He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.
12 Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals.[c]13 The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals.
14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused.
15 Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
He not only Hears your cries, but it makes Him so angry when others are harming His daughters. He opened the heavens! He moved the entire earth because of his anger. See, He doesn't just do something when you ask, He seeks YOU out, He doesn't just do what you ask, He moves the Heavens and the Earth to protect the ones he loves.
I heard a quote recently from Gianna Jensen, an abortion survivor,
"Be nice to me, My Father rules the world"
I couldn't have said it any better myself. So today, ask yourself, how does He fight for you? Because if your heart is His, He already does.
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