There are a lot of times when I will cook an extra large pot of soup so I can keep some and freeze it for later. This works so nicely in the winter when I want hot soup for lunch, no fuss, and its homemade!
However convenient that is, it just doesn't translate into our spiritual life. God didn't teach the Israelites to live on leftovers. He taught them to expect freshness. You can't bottle up today's experience and expect to be able to pull it out of the freezer in a week and use it again. God is about fresh, new, and unpredictable.
I guess its like eating a box of crackers in Alabama in June. Once you open that box, you better eat it up, because in a half an hour, they will be stale and soggy. When the Holy Spirit comes, He will bring you what you need for that moment(a fresh box of crackers). Don't expect to be able to re-create that experience in an hour, cause your crackers will be stale and no one will want to eat them. People know the difference between stale and fresh. Ask Him for freshness and we will be able to be what God needs us to be exactly when we need to be it.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Desperate Dependence
"When brokenness appears in our lives, openness appears in the Heavens" - Tommy Tenney
Psalms 34:18-19 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them.
While I don't go seeking to be crushed, or to live in a state of brokenness, I do want to live in a state of desperation or dependence, which at times, can feel like brokenness. Its most often the desperate who seek God for peace and depend on Him in that season. When life is easy, we usually aren't running to the alter or continually seeking after God like we would if were were in a desperate state.
The Lord has challenged me several times in my life. These seasons caused me to cling to Him desperately needing Him to guide me through the uncharted waters. I was taking a risk that required faith and to dwell in His "secret place". I don't want to say fear kept me there, instead it was out of a striving for approval, the "Well Done" and knowing that without the Lord, I would fall short of His plan.
God has again challenged me to stay always in that dependent state. I also challenge you, if you are in a place in your life where you are not in that "desperately clinging to His coat tails or you will fail" place, should you be? We should not only be doing things that we can easily handle on our own, but we should be stepping out of our comfort zone into places God has designed for us. This Risk will create desperation, and dependence that will lead us to an open Heaven and allow God to move in your life and in the lives of those around you in ways you never could have created or imagined without Him. Likewise, when we are confident in His covering, we are more willing to take greater risk, because we know where He has led us, we will not fail. Today's surrender is Tomorrow's freedom.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb5zQv9kXW4
Listen to this for a little treat.
Psalms 34:18-19 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them.
While I don't go seeking to be crushed, or to live in a state of brokenness, I do want to live in a state of desperation or dependence, which at times, can feel like brokenness. Its most often the desperate who seek God for peace and depend on Him in that season. When life is easy, we usually aren't running to the alter or continually seeking after God like we would if were were in a desperate state.
The Lord has challenged me several times in my life. These seasons caused me to cling to Him desperately needing Him to guide me through the uncharted waters. I was taking a risk that required faith and to dwell in His "secret place". I don't want to say fear kept me there, instead it was out of a striving for approval, the "Well Done" and knowing that without the Lord, I would fall short of His plan.
God has again challenged me to stay always in that dependent state. I also challenge you, if you are in a place in your life where you are not in that "desperately clinging to His coat tails or you will fail" place, should you be? We should not only be doing things that we can easily handle on our own, but we should be stepping out of our comfort zone into places God has designed for us. This Risk will create desperation, and dependence that will lead us to an open Heaven and allow God to move in your life and in the lives of those around you in ways you never could have created or imagined without Him. Likewise, when we are confident in His covering, we are more willing to take greater risk, because we know where He has led us, we will not fail. Today's surrender is Tomorrow's freedom.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb5zQv9kXW4
Listen to this for a little treat.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
No Credit Needed
Yesterday was NOT a shining moment for me. I felt overwhelmed by little things, short tempered, and as a result, didn't respond like Jesus would have. Well, I'm pretty sure He never went to His room and screamed into His pillow.
Fast forward eight hours and I find myself at a Youth Worship meeting. I love to worship, but I found myself going over my day, finding all the reasons why I really had no right to come before my Father. I felt like I had nothing to offer Him. Then He gave me this picture:
He was handing me a gift. I was trying to pay for it. I emptied my wallet, my bank account, maxed out my credit cards. I was empty and broke. I looked at Him and said, "this is all I have. I don't have enough to pay for it." As always, He kindly responded "I know, you never will. That is the point. Bring me what you have, and I'll cover the rest."
This is a classic lie and from the evil one. The lie that we can only come to God in a perfect or paid for form. Jesus never wants our "stuff" to get between us and Him. We make our temperament and natural affinities barriers to coming to Jesus. He pays no attention to it, because He only needs what you have, no matter how much or little it is.
Jesus says "Come after me" Mark 1:17. He asks us from across the pond "Jump in and follow me". If I just can't, He comes after me. Immediately, He has His arm wrapped around my shoulder and is walking with me on the beach, until I can jump in deeper. He takes us as we are, and He loves us as we are, but He won't leave us where we are.
Fast forward eight hours and I find myself at a Youth Worship meeting. I love to worship, but I found myself going over my day, finding all the reasons why I really had no right to come before my Father. I felt like I had nothing to offer Him. Then He gave me this picture:
He was handing me a gift. I was trying to pay for it. I emptied my wallet, my bank account, maxed out my credit cards. I was empty and broke. I looked at Him and said, "this is all I have. I don't have enough to pay for it." As always, He kindly responded "I know, you never will. That is the point. Bring me what you have, and I'll cover the rest."
This is a classic lie and from the evil one. The lie that we can only come to God in a perfect or paid for form. Jesus never wants our "stuff" to get between us and Him. We make our temperament and natural affinities barriers to coming to Jesus. He pays no attention to it, because He only needs what you have, no matter how much or little it is.
Jesus says "Come after me" Mark 1:17. He asks us from across the pond "Jump in and follow me". If I just can't, He comes after me. Immediately, He has His arm wrapped around my shoulder and is walking with me on the beach, until I can jump in deeper. He takes us as we are, and He loves us as we are, but He won't leave us where we are.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Today is your Gifting
1 Corinthians 12:27 You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.28 First, God has appointed apostles in the church. Second, he has appointed prophets. Third, he has appointed teachers. Then he has appointed people who do miracles and those who have gifts of healing. He also appointed those able to help others, those able to direct things, and those who can speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before.
29 Is everyone an apostle? Is everyone a prophet? Is everyone a teacher? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages they had not known before? Do all explain what is said in those languages? 31 But above all, you should want the more important gifts. (Which is LOVE)
I have yet to meet a person who carries every gift at the same time. Not that I put it past God, He can do anything, but I'm not sure we need to be everything at once. I do feel like God is telling me to be ready to be something. Be ready for what I need you to be.
We may not be apostles, but we all have visions and dreams. We may not be prophets, but we are all called to encourage His people. We may not be great teachers, but all are called to teach what God has taught us. Not many have healing ministries, but Jesus told us to pray for the sick.
The point is there should be no excuse for us to sit around and let someone else do the job because its not your "gifting." The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to say, "Lay it on m thick, cause I'm going out into the world today, and I'm ready to shake it up!" We have no hope to minister in this world apart from God's anointing and the Love we are commanded to bring into it. Whatever form its in today, be prepared to be used and you will be.
Don't leave your world the same tomorrow as it was yesterday. Everyday is a call to change it. The Holy Spirit is in me for my sake, but He is upon me for the world's.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Preparing a way for The Way
Most of us girls wouldn't even think about going out of the house in our pajamas, without make up, or at the very least, brushing our teeth. I have a morning routine, empty bladder, comb hair, eat, brush teeth. Even if I'm not dressed when I bring my boys to school, I'd like to look decent from the windshield. I need to get myself a little bit ready, at the bare minimum.
I've had those other moments when I was not "ready" and I just quick run to the store because it just has to be done. Lo and behold I run into someone I know. Ug, yep, here I am in the raw. A little embarrassed that I couldn't even take the time to care for myself and show that I actually care for the outside world enough to give them something nice to look at. (Disclaimer: I'm not a superficial individual that only cares about what others think, but its a debt to society to at least brush your hair and teeth).
Sometimes I feel like that when I go out without reading my Bible, or praying, or singing a few songs of adoration for our Lord. Its the same thing. We need to be ready to minister to the outside world. If we skip the preparation of our soul, we won't even be aware of the need for it. When we are feasting on our Lord's presence we will see opportunities, we will be ready, we will be prepared to love, to look past wrongs, to do it God's way.
Its our debt to society to brush our teeth, fix our spirit on Heaven, and go to the store. Intentionally be aware of the basket, keep it off, and shine our lights. At my home church, Brandon Valley AG, our motto is Love God, Love people, Make a difference. But loving God has to come first, we won't be prepared to do the others with out feasting on our Lord first.
Oswald Chambers says "A Christian worker is the one who perpetually looks in the face of God and then goes forth to talk to people. The secret of the worker's life is that he keeps in tune with God all the time."
2 Corinthians 3:18 We all with open face beholding...the glory of the Lord
I've had those other moments when I was not "ready" and I just quick run to the store because it just has to be done. Lo and behold I run into someone I know. Ug, yep, here I am in the raw. A little embarrassed that I couldn't even take the time to care for myself and show that I actually care for the outside world enough to give them something nice to look at. (Disclaimer: I'm not a superficial individual that only cares about what others think, but its a debt to society to at least brush your hair and teeth).
Sometimes I feel like that when I go out without reading my Bible, or praying, or singing a few songs of adoration for our Lord. Its the same thing. We need to be ready to minister to the outside world. If we skip the preparation of our soul, we won't even be aware of the need for it. When we are feasting on our Lord's presence we will see opportunities, we will be ready, we will be prepared to love, to look past wrongs, to do it God's way.
Its our debt to society to brush our teeth, fix our spirit on Heaven, and go to the store. Intentionally be aware of the basket, keep it off, and shine our lights. At my home church, Brandon Valley AG, our motto is Love God, Love people, Make a difference. But loving God has to come first, we won't be prepared to do the others with out feasting on our Lord first.
Oswald Chambers says "A Christian worker is the one who perpetually looks in the face of God and then goes forth to talk to people. The secret of the worker's life is that he keeps in tune with God all the time."
2 Corinthians 3:18 We all with open face beholding...the glory of the Lord
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Sink or Swim
There is a vast sea, each of us are in it. Some of us are there on our own accord, others have been placed there by God himself. Each as a choice in how he will respond. One man will fight the seas. He will thrash, crash himself against the water, and flail his arms in frustration. He is left exhausted, unable to be still and rest. He is drowning.
But there is another man, he is moving in a precise pattern, without chaos and confusion. Other times he is saying completely still on his back, just floating. This man is building endurance in his sea, he is resting in this place he has been put.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalms 37:7
Sometimes we are not moving anywhere in life. We are just in a sea that can either swallow us, or create a strength and serenity in us that would not have been learned in any other environment. Cooperation with the Lord will bring these traits to us. Do not hurry yourself through these places. We are building endurance and character for another season. If we do not learn this now, we will not be prepared for the later things.
But there is another man, he is moving in a precise pattern, without chaos and confusion. Other times he is saying completely still on his back, just floating. This man is building endurance in his sea, he is resting in this place he has been put.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalms 37:7
Sometimes we are not moving anywhere in life. We are just in a sea that can either swallow us, or create a strength and serenity in us that would not have been learned in any other environment. Cooperation with the Lord will bring these traits to us. Do not hurry yourself through these places. We are building endurance and character for another season. If we do not learn this now, we will not be prepared for the later things.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Digging Wells
"When we do anything out of a sense of duty, we can back it up by argument; when we do anything in obedience to the Lord, there is no argument possible; that is why a saint can be easily be ridiculed." Oswald Chambers
Most of what God asks us to do won't make sense to the rest of our culture. The word submission is thought of as weakness. Pouring ourselves out relentlessly will leave us exhausted right? Paul found delight in that very thing. He was able to be a "door mat" and not have the self pity that usually accompanies it. He was able to find joy in this selflessness. (2 Corinthians 12:15 I will very gladly spend and be spent for you)
Isaac is a pretty good example of this.(Genesis 26) He just had a hundred fold harvest, by the way -that is a CRAZY big number, and was wealthy beyond belief. He has all his father's resources and more. He was on top! Then, the Philistines fill up his wells, and the king tells him to beat it. In the middle of a famine, Isaac was the only one succeeding. I bet that put a bee in their bonnet.
It would have been pretty easy for Isaac to throw his weight around. That would make sense, stand up for yourself boy! It was his duty!
Nope. You may know the story. He moves over ten miles and digs a new well. The Philistines fill it again. So again Isaac takes all he has and moves again. He does this 2 other times. No grumbling, no fighting. He simply keeps digging wells until they stop bothering him. He knew God had a place for him in this land. He just had to keep looking until he found it.
God wasn't moving Isaac out into the desert without water. He won't move us to the desert without water either. God never leads us to dry ground. We need to keep digging wells, no matter how absurd it looks to the others. The Lord will show us where to dig, its up to us to pick up the shovel and do some of the dirty work and keep worshiping. If we worship loud enough, we won't be able to hear anyone else ridicule us.
Noah didn't stop building in the midst of the mud slinging. Its imperative we keep ourselves in God's light and remember what He told us there. Its easy for us to doubt when we feel vulnerable. After Isaac's submissive obedience, God spoke to him for the first time and gave him a wonderful promise of an entire nation.
Friday, November 16, 2012
A Season of Gracious Giving
As a conservative I do not feel warmth towards the term entitlement. Feeling like you deserve certain privileges, often with out doing anything to earn them. I'm a hard working Mid-Westerner who will just do it myself, by golly! I don't need someone giving me anything, I'll work hard and earn my own reward. In fact, I'll just reward myself when I'm done!
But does this attitude inhibit my ability to receive good gifts from God and others? If it isn't okay to receive a gift without earning it then how will I ever receive salvation from Jesus? There will NEVER be anything I can do that will earn that one.
But does this attitude inhibit my ability to receive good gifts from God and others? If it isn't okay to receive a gift without earning it then how will I ever receive salvation from Jesus? There will NEVER be anything I can do that will earn that one.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
The fact is, God wants to lavish great gifts on us and rewards us. He wants us to ask.
Christmas is coming soon. Our kids are excitedly making lists full of gifts. As a parent, its hard to decide what to get them when they have so many dreams and desires. I would LOVE to bless them with every one of them. I can tell you, my kids don't really deserve it. Sure, they are great kids, but boy do they argue with each other. But there is nothing they could do to get me to not buy them Christmas presents.
But what if they didn't write anything on that list? How would I know what to get them? It wouldn't be any fun for me to shop, and there would be very little anticipation for them or me. No dreams and nothing to look forward to on either end. Half the fun for me is anticipating the look on their face when they open their presents.
Matthew 7:11
11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
If I can give good gifts to my kids without making them earn it, can I do that for others too? God doesn't love me because I earn it, He doesn't give only when I deserve it. Then neither should I. I shouldn't make others earn my love, or my gift.
This is a little painful to me as I watch our country spin without a foreseeable parachute. There are so many out there that don't seem to deserve my help. But God did not make me judge. He has called us to be gracious givers. Givers with unmerited favor, marked by kindness. Think of it also when someone wants to bless you. You don't have to earn it, deserve it, or even like it. Just take it, because its a blessing to the giver as well as the receiver
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Authority not Arrogance
Once upon a time I did a study about overcoming addictions. I used to fill my feelings with food. The thing that I had a hard time with was going before Jesus and crying about my sins. To be moved with sadness because of the sadness I cause Jesus by my sins. Its almost like they wanted you to remind yourself how horrible you were just so you would cling to Jesus.
The worst thing my kids can do is after a discussion on a mistake is to say "I am so stupid, I'm so bad, I'm a horrible person." So why would God want to hear us lament over how horrible we are? Do I go before God in prayer with a feeble heart? With a false humility, "uh, Jesus? If you see me, my sinful heart and all that I am not, would you maybe like to take care of this problem I have? But, I mean, only if you think I deserve it." Why would Jesus come to bring us a new Royal Heritage for us to stay tied to our old sinful one?
I believe the condition of our heart in our prayers weighs heavy on the influence of our prayers. It is our right to go before God. We are already seated with Him, Jesus has already brought us into righteousness, we do not need to sneak into the thrown room, we are to LIVE in the thrown room. We have every right to be there with Him, to expect Him to answer. He wants us to call life to the lifeless and light to the darkness. It is not arrogance it is authority.
The worst thing my kids can do is after a discussion on a mistake is to say "I am so stupid, I'm so bad, I'm a horrible person." So why would God want to hear us lament over how horrible we are? Do I go before God in prayer with a feeble heart? With a false humility, "uh, Jesus? If you see me, my sinful heart and all that I am not, would you maybe like to take care of this problem I have? But, I mean, only if you think I deserve it." Why would Jesus come to bring us a new Royal Heritage for us to stay tied to our old sinful one?
I believe the condition of our heart in our prayers weighs heavy on the influence of our prayers. It is our right to go before God. We are already seated with Him, Jesus has already brought us into righteousness, we do not need to sneak into the thrown room, we are to LIVE in the thrown room. We have every right to be there with Him, to expect Him to answer. He wants us to call life to the lifeless and light to the darkness. It is not arrogance it is authority.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
A New Class
In "high society", they hold heritage very close, legacy is a big part of who they are, and who their future families will be. They look to their past in order to know their future. Their lives are already laid out for them before they are born, they are looked as "black sheep" if they turn from their family road map and go their own way. (I know how this works, I watch the Gilmore Girls)
I don't really relate to that, I grew up like most of America, Middle Class. We value heritage, but very few of know anything that happened to our family a few generations back, especially what happened before the boat crossed the big ocean. Most of us middle classers value our current families, and the future of it higher than what our ancestors might think of or current trajectory. We don't really care what they would have thought, of course we are respectful and honor them, but we look ahead more than back. -Maybe its just me then.
But.....as soon as salvation became ours, we began living out of a different heritage, not high class, not middle class, or even lower class. -A lot of churches think we should be poor to be holy.- We began to live under the Legacy of Christ. He, and all of His ministry, are now our heritage. We are now wealthy, high class, and we should look back on that to see where our future is. Jesus was sent to give us that road map, so we could duplicate His ministry, His power, His presence to the Earth. It no longer matters what earthly family you come out of, because at that moment you said 'yes' to Jesus, He began writing a new identity and destiny into you. A destiny full of authority and a future full of adventure! Guaranteed.
We are now a new class, we are free from the chains of expectation, generation, and no longer locked into the hierarchy of the worlds order. I guess its the original "New World Order."
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Fence or Freedom?
I often get very tired when I'm reading. I think its genetic, when my mother sits, she falls asleep. Usually this is a pain in the butt, but yesterday it had meaning. I sat to read "Culture of Honor", a really great book by Danny Silk. (I love all that comes out of Bethel church in Redding. They got it together. ) So, I started reading a chapter that was talking about the 4 keys to unlock the New Freedom mindset of God. He was explaining that Abram had to leave his family, and God promised He would bless all families from his own.
And that's when I fell asleep. But, I still knew what was happening. I saw myself behind bars, not jail. Its was more like a really big wrought iron fence with no way out. Its grey and dingy here. I asked God what this was, He said it was where I was. Safe, protected, not in danger, but not taking any risk. See, in my life, I am safe, I am comfortable, there is little need to take risk. In fact, I really hate risk, just ask my husband. I'm a play it safe kind of gal.
Then in an instant I was Laura Ingalls running through the tall prairie grasses. *sigh, love the prarie* This is the place of danger and also excitment. I am open to all things to come at me, yet I am so free, its like I'm called to be here. I can breath, I can be who God created me to be, its beautiful, bright, full of yellow and wheat colors and full of expectation. I woke up, and I knew God was talking to me. Then life happened and I didn't get to finish reading.
This morning I began reading again, I stayed awake this time. Mr. Silk continued, (paraphrased) "God wants us to leave our identity placed on us by our family, He wants us to go beyond what they expect from us, He wants us to throw off our social-class world view and to begin seeing the way He sees, to begin living the way He lives."
We need to find a way out, and walk beyond of the fenced in yard. Sure the yard is everything you've ever known, its safe, its what you know, its predictable. But like all those pioneers, they took courage and went beyond what was expected of them, they took up the challenge to blaze a new trail. Its wasn't particularly safe, there was risk, but they rarely traveled alone. We will not travel alone either. The wide open spaces are waiting, and God is calling us to new things, bigger things, the truer things.
I will no longer associate myself with the worlds identity of me. (I know this is a process) I'm not just Sarah, oldest daughter, type A, stay at home mom, borderline crunchy granola mom. I am SARAH, princess to the King, hands and feet of the Creator, pioneer of the Spirit, worker unto the Lord....and so are you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=nFbMvFdRDvg&NR=1
And that's when I fell asleep. But, I still knew what was happening. I saw myself behind bars, not jail. Its was more like a really big wrought iron fence with no way out. Its grey and dingy here. I asked God what this was, He said it was where I was. Safe, protected, not in danger, but not taking any risk. See, in my life, I am safe, I am comfortable, there is little need to take risk. In fact, I really hate risk, just ask my husband. I'm a play it safe kind of gal.
Then in an instant I was Laura Ingalls running through the tall prairie grasses. *sigh, love the prarie* This is the place of danger and also excitment. I am open to all things to come at me, yet I am so free, its like I'm called to be here. I can breath, I can be who God created me to be, its beautiful, bright, full of yellow and wheat colors and full of expectation. I woke up, and I knew God was talking to me. Then life happened and I didn't get to finish reading.
This morning I began reading again, I stayed awake this time. Mr. Silk continued, (paraphrased) "God wants us to leave our identity placed on us by our family, He wants us to go beyond what they expect from us, He wants us to throw off our social-class world view and to begin seeing the way He sees, to begin living the way He lives."
We need to find a way out, and walk beyond of the fenced in yard. Sure the yard is everything you've ever known, its safe, its what you know, its predictable. But like all those pioneers, they took courage and went beyond what was expected of them, they took up the challenge to blaze a new trail. Its wasn't particularly safe, there was risk, but they rarely traveled alone. We will not travel alone either. The wide open spaces are waiting, and God is calling us to new things, bigger things, the truer things.
I will no longer associate myself with the worlds identity of me. (I know this is a process) I'm not just Sarah, oldest daughter, type A, stay at home mom, borderline crunchy granola mom. I am SARAH, princess to the King, hands and feet of the Creator, pioneer of the Spirit, worker unto the Lord....and so are you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=nFbMvFdRDvg&NR=1
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Shimmer and Glow
This is mica. A rock. A plain old rock. It peels away in layers, each layer is paper thin and slightly iridescent. Its really quite beautiful. But if you take those simple layers and add a little pressure, you make something that every woman covets. Sparkle! This simple rock changes into glittery beauty.
The Lord began speaking to me about "shiny" yesterday. He sometimes shows me who He sees as "shiny", I get the privilege of telling these wonderful people. I adore telling people how God sees them, pouring identity and destiny into lives. We are like these rocks. Plain, layered, and once we let God get a hold of us, He turns it into this beautiful glimmer that will catch the eye of the searching, the hurting, the world.
They may not even be looking for anything, but when you see something shining so bright, you look. We need to be able to see ourselves as God does. We each have a specific identity, uses, gifts; its our responsibility to allow God to change those characteristics from layered rock into shiny glimmer for all the world to see our God.
Are you afraid of being so attractive? Joshua 2:24 They said to Joshua, “Surely the Lord has given all the land into our hands; moreover, all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before us.” Some rocks change into glitter, others melt away and flow like magma. Its really God's job to transform the rocks, but we must be willing and obedient to shine. I really don't want to just melt away.
Do not be ashamed of what God made you to be. Shine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNcjzOmCWi0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNcjzOmCWi0
Friday, July 27, 2012
Homesick
Have you ever been homesick for a place that no longer exists? I often feel so hurt for those who loose their homes to natural disasters. They return home, to find nothing left. Nothing is the way it was before. I'm sure they are homesick for that past, but its just not there.
Sometimes I feel so heart sick for the past, for my old "homes." There are always spaces in time that you will hold dear to your heart. It almost makes you homesick to think back on them, wishing you could get that little piece back; but it no longer exists. That space is gone. God has moved you on to a new "home."
Lot's wife was obviously homesick as her husband dragged her from their destroyed city. She couldn't help but look back. She didn't fare well. Like her, I'm so tempted to look back and try to stay in the past, but I'm afraid I won't fare well.
The Lord has so much for me in my new place if I am willing to stop looking back, and begin letting go of what is comfortable, let go of what I've always known. I can, after all, trust Him. God doesn't force us out. He is so patient with us. God doesn't always move us into a larger home. Sometimes He asks us to downsize. There is no extra room for all the things we have accumulated over our lives. You know how it is, have a few kids, or "projects", and you can have quite a haul. This requires a little more work, its harder to move on if we have to let go of so much. But we can not hold on to everything, we have to purge our garbage to have God's treasures. He allows us the time we need to pack and sort and throw out our stuff. But all the time He is helping and waiting, He is also so busy creating us an even more beautiful space then the one He has moved us from.
Moving is hard work, back-breaking work. Packing, hauling, unpacking, but God is the ultimate moving crew. He is helping us relocate. And usually by the time you are done packing all our clutter, when we are done looking back, He already has the dinner table set, and the pictures on the wall. Awesome, now lets sit and feast with HIM!
Sometimes I feel so heart sick for the past, for my old "homes." There are always spaces in time that you will hold dear to your heart. It almost makes you homesick to think back on them, wishing you could get that little piece back; but it no longer exists. That space is gone. God has moved you on to a new "home."
Lot's wife was obviously homesick as her husband dragged her from their destroyed city. She couldn't help but look back. She didn't fare well. Like her, I'm so tempted to look back and try to stay in the past, but I'm afraid I won't fare well.
The Lord has so much for me in my new place if I am willing to stop looking back, and begin letting go of what is comfortable, let go of what I've always known. I can, after all, trust Him. God doesn't force us out. He is so patient with us. God doesn't always move us into a larger home. Sometimes He asks us to downsize. There is no extra room for all the things we have accumulated over our lives. You know how it is, have a few kids, or "projects", and you can have quite a haul. This requires a little more work, its harder to move on if we have to let go of so much. But we can not hold on to everything, we have to purge our garbage to have God's treasures. He allows us the time we need to pack and sort and throw out our stuff. But all the time He is helping and waiting, He is also so busy creating us an even more beautiful space then the one He has moved us from.
Moving is hard work, back-breaking work. Packing, hauling, unpacking, but God is the ultimate moving crew. He is helping us relocate. And usually by the time you are done packing all our clutter, when we are done looking back, He already has the dinner table set, and the pictures on the wall. Awesome, now lets sit and feast with HIM!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Home
Six months ago I was lead away from a place of comfort and family. I was being drawn away from everything I've ever known to be. A place where I was fed, a place where I had grown, a place where I thought I belonged. It was easy place, a place where I had been stitched in and was not easily removed.
If you ever find yourself in an easy place, just wait a few minutes and God will probably be asking you to move from there. Easy doesn't make you grow, its comfortable, and requires little faith. Its a great place for a little break, but vacation never lasts forever. Well, its not supposed to.
In January we were pulled from our home church. People would ask why we left, and while we had a few reasons, we really didn't want to be quitters. We are NOT quitters, but we felt like it was time to move. So it was hard to give an answer when we ourselves didn't really understand. I just kept telling them we had to.
It was not a move of comfort, but obedience. The threads that held us there had to be removed, it hurt, a lot. I longed for the days of comfort and predictability, the relationships that wouldn't come as easy anymore.
Since then we have been making a new home, but it was not easy. I still desired the past, and like Lot's wife, I looked back -thankfully, I'm not a block of salt. But I knew that what I once knew, wasn't there. That space in time was gone, and it would not come back. I had to trust that God would stitch me into a new place, a new family and that He had a plan and a place for us in this new season.
Lewis and I both received assignments, we knew the work to be done. I couldn't help it though, I still missed that past. Even so, I did the job God called me to do. I was sent to pray over my new home. I began walking out my assignment, and any others that come my way.
The other day I was praying over the women of my Church, and I began to see faces pop up. Some of the names I knew, others I did not. As they faces came up, they were stitched to the other one previous, a specific placing for each woman. This happened over and over until there was a beautiful crazy quilt of comfort, and warmth. A safe place of family.
Today at church, I was home. I can say this is the first time I've felt that this is my home. I have been stitched into my new family and I thank God that He didn't just leave me comfortable, but He saw that I could handle this. He has shown me how much I am capable of, I have been able to step out in a new way, and I'm overwhelmed by the love of my Lord, and again "Home."
If you ever find yourself in an easy place, just wait a few minutes and God will probably be asking you to move from there. Easy doesn't make you grow, its comfortable, and requires little faith. Its a great place for a little break, but vacation never lasts forever. Well, its not supposed to.
In January we were pulled from our home church. People would ask why we left, and while we had a few reasons, we really didn't want to be quitters. We are NOT quitters, but we felt like it was time to move. So it was hard to give an answer when we ourselves didn't really understand. I just kept telling them we had to.
It was not a move of comfort, but obedience. The threads that held us there had to be removed, it hurt, a lot. I longed for the days of comfort and predictability, the relationships that wouldn't come as easy anymore.
Since then we have been making a new home, but it was not easy. I still desired the past, and like Lot's wife, I looked back -thankfully, I'm not a block of salt. But I knew that what I once knew, wasn't there. That space in time was gone, and it would not come back. I had to trust that God would stitch me into a new place, a new family and that He had a plan and a place for us in this new season.
Lewis and I both received assignments, we knew the work to be done. I couldn't help it though, I still missed that past. Even so, I did the job God called me to do. I was sent to pray over my new home. I began walking out my assignment, and any others that come my way.
The other day I was praying over the women of my Church, and I began to see faces pop up. Some of the names I knew, others I did not. As they faces came up, they were stitched to the other one previous, a specific placing for each woman. This happened over and over until there was a beautiful crazy quilt of comfort, and warmth. A safe place of family.
Today at church, I was home. I can say this is the first time I've felt that this is my home. I have been stitched into my new family and I thank God that He didn't just leave me comfortable, but He saw that I could handle this. He has shown me how much I am capable of, I have been able to step out in a new way, and I'm overwhelmed by the love of my Lord, and again "Home."
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Laid Down Lover
You can love us more in a moment
Than other lovers could in a lifetime
So we’re gonna go where no one’s gone before
We’re gonna do what no one’s done before
We will be laid-down lovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb2oAt2GHx8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTUWBEIjlxc&feature=related
( I suggest you soak in this for a while. Steffany Frizzle knows how to lead a soul to touch glory)
This keeps whirling and whirling around in my spirit. It seems to be all I can sing, pray, and long for. The revelation that one moment with Jesus could and will fill my life beyond anything I could ever have from anyone here; its enough to knock me to the floor. I've sat on that thought for days. First comes love, always.
Through a deep love for Jesus arises a desire to go where He calls, likely uncharted territory. He doesn't need you to copy someone else's ministry, He doesn't usually use the same method twice. We are constantly going in a new direction. We must have accountability, mentors, and support, but we can't get our road map from them, because we are not going where they have. We are going and doing what no one has done before. Each of us, a custom calling.
We will be laid down lover, caring more for others and our Christ than about our inconvenience, after all, Jesus loves us more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime, this alone should draw us to follow at all costs.
This afternoon I sat down with my Bible, turned our my beloved song for this season, and let my Bible fall open. I don't often do this, but today I did. I was taken to Ezekiel 34. (Love me some old school prophets) God was rebuking the shepherds(Church leaders) for not caring for the flock(the church body), but only for themselves. They strengthened themselves, but let the weak be taken by the wolves. God continues to reveal that He alone will rescue the weak, take them to lay down on the mountains among good grazing land, and will judge each shepherd according to their works.
A shepherd should be a laid down lover, built in a character of sacrifice. These shepherds were more concerned with their comfort than for those they were to protect, and even went so far as to use them for their own benefit. God was pretty clear about how that made Him feel. Read and see for yourself.
Am I a laid down lover? Sometimes, when its convenient, when the kids are cooperating, when I'm not tired, hungry, or irritated. Hmm, maybe that's not quite right. Paul asks us to be an example worthy of Jesus' sacrifice. Something I've been working on for months, and will for a lifetime. I want to be a laid down lover at all times. ALL! This will require me to maintain an attitude of worship, if I'm constantly pouring out from a place where I know Jesus' love for me, the "more in a moment" type of love, I should be able to lay down, and go where no one has before.
Than other lovers could in a lifetime
So we’re gonna go where no one’s gone before
We’re gonna do what no one’s done before
We will be laid-down lovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb2oAt2GHx8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTUWBEIjlxc&feature=related
( I suggest you soak in this for a while. Steffany Frizzle knows how to lead a soul to touch glory)
This keeps whirling and whirling around in my spirit. It seems to be all I can sing, pray, and long for. The revelation that one moment with Jesus could and will fill my life beyond anything I could ever have from anyone here; its enough to knock me to the floor. I've sat on that thought for days. First comes love, always.
Through a deep love for Jesus arises a desire to go where He calls, likely uncharted territory. He doesn't need you to copy someone else's ministry, He doesn't usually use the same method twice. We are constantly going in a new direction. We must have accountability, mentors, and support, but we can't get our road map from them, because we are not going where they have. We are going and doing what no one has done before. Each of us, a custom calling.
We will be laid down lover, caring more for others and our Christ than about our inconvenience, after all, Jesus loves us more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime, this alone should draw us to follow at all costs.
This afternoon I sat down with my Bible, turned our my beloved song for this season, and let my Bible fall open. I don't often do this, but today I did. I was taken to Ezekiel 34. (Love me some old school prophets) God was rebuking the shepherds(Church leaders) for not caring for the flock(the church body), but only for themselves. They strengthened themselves, but let the weak be taken by the wolves. God continues to reveal that He alone will rescue the weak, take them to lay down on the mountains among good grazing land, and will judge each shepherd according to their works.
A shepherd should be a laid down lover, built in a character of sacrifice. These shepherds were more concerned with their comfort than for those they were to protect, and even went so far as to use them for their own benefit. God was pretty clear about how that made Him feel. Read and see for yourself.
Am I a laid down lover? Sometimes, when its convenient, when the kids are cooperating, when I'm not tired, hungry, or irritated. Hmm, maybe that's not quite right. Paul asks us to be an example worthy of Jesus' sacrifice. Something I've been working on for months, and will for a lifetime. I want to be a laid down lover at all times. ALL! This will require me to maintain an attitude of worship, if I'm constantly pouring out from a place where I know Jesus' love for me, the "more in a moment" type of love, I should be able to lay down, and go where no one has before.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Perfectly Messy
This is a crazy quilt. Beautiful in its own right, but a little messy for my taste. I perfer straight lines, that follow pattern, something a little more predictable. But I don't always get what I want. My days tend to resemble this crazy quilt more than this beautifully laid out plan. 
Here you can predict what will come next. Circle, diamond, circle...so on and so on. God has order, He has never changed from the begining of time, but I dare to say there seems to be no pattern. I'm sure He has this beautiful laid out plan for my life. It probably began looking like the second quilt; then I begin to rip at it. The enemy grabs his scissors and begins to cut into it. God grabs His thread and begins to stitch in a new peice, a new plan at the scene of the tears. This happens over and over, and everytime I mess up, He will do it again. At the end of the day, I am wrapped up in my lovely quilt that God has prepared for me. Its a little messy looking, there are still fringed edges. Even still, I'm confident that He is shopping for the perfect peice of fabric and thread to mend that edge. When I'm feeling cold and naked, I'll come to the Lord and ask Him to wrap me in the quilt He is constructing for me. Its mine, and it soothes like no other love, like no other clothing, more perfect than anything I could have designed for myself. Because He knows me better in this moment than I know myself. Jesus knows exactly what will fit in each place, I will trust and cover myself in His plan, no matter how messy the pattern may seem.
Jeremiah 29:1111 For I know the plans that I [a]have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Risky Obedience
Have you ever done something a little dangerous, something that if you didn't do it just right, your life would be at risk. Or worse, someone else's? If you have, you know the adrenaline rush that pulses through your veins, prompting you to have an acute sensitivity to space, time, and to throw out any other distraction. This often becomes intoxicating and could birth an "adrenaline junkie."
I'm NOT one of those people. I really don't like taking risks, and my most recent trip to Valley Fair left me gripped with fear. The best part, I faced them, I took the risk, and I was able to enjoy quite a bit of thrill. Its amazing what we can experience if we just throw off our fears, and just do it.
Obedience is really no different. The Lord has been challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk, and other's lives are hanging in the balance. I have the choice to play it safe, but if I do, its likely more dangerous than if I actually take the plunge.
Let me tell you a little story, not to glorify myself, or to make Sarah look like an amazing faith filled warrior (If you want to see me that way I can't stop you *wink*), but instead to encourage you to take a risk, and let God take the lead.
About a month ago our church was having an alter time of prayer for healings. Amazing testimonies have been coming forward ever since I started attending Brandon Assembly(which at this point was maybe a month). God is obviousally already working there.
A few days prior to this sunday meeting I was able to meet a mother who's daugher had not slept more than 4 hours a day for nearly a year. She was plauged with the severest acid reflux she could possibly have. She threw up everyday, and would never be able to heal from her hernia if this didn't stop. Any one of these would be enough for a family to deal with, but together, it had left her parents weary to say the least.
Back to the alter time... I saw her Mother and father bring up their daughter. I felt a sudden rush of adrenline. This is the Holy Spirit promping me to go foward and pray for them. My first thoughts were "I'm new here, I don't know anyone, why me? I just met them, they won't trust my prayers, My parents are here today! That would be inconvenient." The "adrenaline" pushed me foward, I was able to put the thoughts aside and focus on what God was saying. I went foward.
My mind kept trying to spew garbage at me "Can the Lord really use my prayers?" I kept reminding myself of the verse for the morning, The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective. I will lean on this, I know the Lord called me out to pray, I will do it. I feel bad that my faith is not more, but it is what I have, so it is what I brought before this tired family, and before the King of Kings. After the service I was able to share with them what I felt the Lord wanted me to say. I'll admit, I was still a little unsure of myself, but I was still obedient.
A few days later on Wednesday night, her mother excitedly told me that she had begun sleeping better, about 6 hours a night not 4! I was extatic. We would continue thanking God for His works to increase. The next week things had slipped back, we would not let that discourage, we were holding on to the promises of God. 4 weeks after the first Sunday, her mother reported she was sleeping almost all night, had not thrown up in 3 weeks, and the doctor said her acid reflux was now only mild!!! That was NOT me, it was GOD!
Now, I know it was God, but what would have happened if I wasn't willing to take the risk? What if I hadn't been obedient? Would God still have healed her? Probably, He can do that without me. But you know what? He didn't want to do it without me, He wanted me to experience that with Him, and her family. Through my obedience, my faith has skyrocketed. I know its not my power, I know its not Sarah McCarthy, but you better believe if the Lord is asking me to do something, I'm going to do it! I'm proud to say I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I'm an obedience junkie!
I know there are assignments everyday. Will I focus on what the Lord is calling me to or will I be distracted? Will I answer these calls with obedience or with the fear of man? Throw off your fears, your excuses, put aside your inadequicies and let the Holy Spirit guide you in obedience. The rewards are so much greater than the risk.
I'm NOT one of those people. I really don't like taking risks, and my most recent trip to Valley Fair left me gripped with fear. The best part, I faced them, I took the risk, and I was able to enjoy quite a bit of thrill. Its amazing what we can experience if we just throw off our fears, and just do it.
Obedience is really no different. The Lord has been challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk, and other's lives are hanging in the balance. I have the choice to play it safe, but if I do, its likely more dangerous than if I actually take the plunge.
Let me tell you a little story, not to glorify myself, or to make Sarah look like an amazing faith filled warrior (If you want to see me that way I can't stop you *wink*), but instead to encourage you to take a risk, and let God take the lead.
About a month ago our church was having an alter time of prayer for healings. Amazing testimonies have been coming forward ever since I started attending Brandon Assembly(which at this point was maybe a month). God is obviousally already working there.
A few days prior to this sunday meeting I was able to meet a mother who's daugher had not slept more than 4 hours a day for nearly a year. She was plauged with the severest acid reflux she could possibly have. She threw up everyday, and would never be able to heal from her hernia if this didn't stop. Any one of these would be enough for a family to deal with, but together, it had left her parents weary to say the least.
Back to the alter time... I saw her Mother and father bring up their daughter. I felt a sudden rush of adrenline. This is the Holy Spirit promping me to go foward and pray for them. My first thoughts were "I'm new here, I don't know anyone, why me? I just met them, they won't trust my prayers, My parents are here today! That would be inconvenient." The "adrenaline" pushed me foward, I was able to put the thoughts aside and focus on what God was saying. I went foward.
My mind kept trying to spew garbage at me "Can the Lord really use my prayers?" I kept reminding myself of the verse for the morning, The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective. I will lean on this, I know the Lord called me out to pray, I will do it. I feel bad that my faith is not more, but it is what I have, so it is what I brought before this tired family, and before the King of Kings. After the service I was able to share with them what I felt the Lord wanted me to say. I'll admit, I was still a little unsure of myself, but I was still obedient.
A few days later on Wednesday night, her mother excitedly told me that she had begun sleeping better, about 6 hours a night not 4! I was extatic. We would continue thanking God for His works to increase. The next week things had slipped back, we would not let that discourage, we were holding on to the promises of God. 4 weeks after the first Sunday, her mother reported she was sleeping almost all night, had not thrown up in 3 weeks, and the doctor said her acid reflux was now only mild!!! That was NOT me, it was GOD!
Now, I know it was God, but what would have happened if I wasn't willing to take the risk? What if I hadn't been obedient? Would God still have healed her? Probably, He can do that without me. But you know what? He didn't want to do it without me, He wanted me to experience that with Him, and her family. Through my obedience, my faith has skyrocketed. I know its not my power, I know its not Sarah McCarthy, but you better believe if the Lord is asking me to do something, I'm going to do it! I'm proud to say I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I'm an obedience junkie!
I know there are assignments everyday. Will I focus on what the Lord is calling me to or will I be distracted? Will I answer these calls with obedience or with the fear of man? Throw off your fears, your excuses, put aside your inadequicies and let the Holy Spirit guide you in obedience. The rewards are so much greater than the risk.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Faithful Obedience or Obedient Faith?
Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
The Lord is calling each of us " Come." Our spirits plead with our flesh to let go and to "Come" into what the Lord is calling us to. Sometimes we move out it great faith, like Abraham, being full of the knowledge of what God is comanding.. We are strong, rooted, and we know what He is asking of us. Although we are being asked to do hard things, like sacrifice our only son, we trust and know that God has our best intrest in mind. Our obedience flows from our faith in God.
James 2:21-24
21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
Personally, I feel more like Rahab. No, my house isn't "open for buisness." Instead of having great faith like Abraham, Rahab knew very little of God, and nothing of His plan. But her willingness to obey grew her faith and allowed God's plan to move foward, despite her knowlege or position of faith. The result was far more than she could have ever imagined.
James 2:25-26
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead
Sometimes Obedience is grown from faith and sometimes faith is grown from obedience. But the Lord is calling each of us to "Come."
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Relativly Speaking
I'm always left wondering why my thoughts trail the way they do. My thought patterns tend to wander, which if left untamed, can end up in some pretty precarious places. While sometimes distracted, sometimes this is a good thing. It allows God to move my motives, and my thinking to something he wants to teach me.
For whatever reason today, I was thinking about Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales. The same recorded number feels quite different. 30 Degrees Fahrenheit is pretty cold, but 30 degrees Celsius, not too bad. The temperatures are only relative to the varying degrees around it on the scales. Upon further thinking, everything is relative to what is around it.
You can tell I'm a "Good Christan" by the behavior of my peers, or my social surroundings. So if that is the case a "Good Christian" can vary quite a bit depending on who you associate with. We are human, we will always compare. Its how we figure out property value, job performance, physical fitness, and identity.
So while I might seem like I have it all together in one surrounding, I will fail hopelessly when put amongst my true comparison, Jesus. I often find myself fighting off pride. I see the world around me and I quickly But, I'm pretty sure my "Good Christian" pride adds an haze of smog around my candle in the wind. Luckily, this comparisson to Christ humbles me, its just what I need.
Jesus is the only thing we have to compare ourselves to. We are called to imitate Him. I will never succeed this side of Heaven, but I have a hope in redemption. That while compared to Him, I will never be "good"; it is though Him and His Spirit that I have the opportunity to overcome and to be welcomed into His presence. He is the only Good I will ever know, and I am for ever greatfull for His love and so glad He is willing to let me even be compared to Him.
For whatever reason today, I was thinking about Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales. The same recorded number feels quite different. 30 Degrees Fahrenheit is pretty cold, but 30 degrees Celsius, not too bad. The temperatures are only relative to the varying degrees around it on the scales. Upon further thinking, everything is relative to what is around it.
You can tell I'm a "Good Christan" by the behavior of my peers, or my social surroundings. So if that is the case a "Good Christian" can vary quite a bit depending on who you associate with. We are human, we will always compare. Its how we figure out property value, job performance, physical fitness, and identity.
So while I might seem like I have it all together in one surrounding, I will fail hopelessly when put amongst my true comparison, Jesus. I often find myself fighting off pride. I see the world around me and I quickly But, I'm pretty sure my "Good Christian" pride adds an haze of smog around my candle in the wind. Luckily, this comparisson to Christ humbles me, its just what I need.
Jesus is the only thing we have to compare ourselves to. We are called to imitate Him. I will never succeed this side of Heaven, but I have a hope in redemption. That while compared to Him, I will never be "good"; it is though Him and His Spirit that I have the opportunity to overcome and to be welcomed into His presence. He is the only Good I will ever know, and I am for ever greatfull for His love and so glad He is willing to let me even be compared to Him.
Ephesians 5:1
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Change of Plans
I feel my life has been a series of events to bring me to this moment. If you read my prayer journal, you will see this a lot...."Will you follow me anywhere? Will you worship Me anywhere? Even if its not considered glamorous by man's standards, if its in the quiet of your home, if its only for Me?"
Of course I say "Yes, Lord, I love you and I only want to be where You are, no matter where that is."
For the last several years, He has been taking me to places I was not comfortable. These experiences challenged every fruit of the spirit, my discipline, my trust in the Lord. I continued to answer my Lord with "yes." I'll be honest to say, it wasn't always a loud shout of confidence or joy, its not easy to be selfless or to be forced to look at your true self and motivations. I do have to trust that wherever He leads is the best place for me. There is no safer place than in His will and no fruitful place apart from His presence.
I have to give up my vision of His plan. I have to deal with my desire to please man and to be found worthy by the world. I want to be great, we all do, its a desire place there by God. How I measure greatness must only be held against God's definition, and its not usually a place of high profile or lots of attention.
Last week the Lord asked again, and I say "Absolutely, both feet in." He responded "NOW, TURN HARD RIGHT!" Seriously, it was as abrupt as I've ever experienced God.
As I turned, I saw a huge expanse of a room, full of an opportunity I had never seen myself in before. Looking at what lays before me I know will take extreme courage, trust, and an abundant amount of love. All of which will never occur with out holding on tight and running hard after Jesus. I thank the Lord He has been so gentle in the process, and I can see how He was working when I wasn't even paying attention. He is so gentle, never pushing us farther than we can go, but its not with out challenges or discomfort.
I am human, I fight the urge to panic, to fear, and to take control, but I have confidence in the love of my Jesus, will trust and know that I don't have to know all the plans, for He is working for me. And thus begins our home school journey. In the quiet of my home. "Yes Lord, I will follow you anywhere, I will worship you in the quiet of my home. I will, because you are here and you are good" Its not considered "glamorous" by mans standards, by all means its not a position of attention, but it is the place the Lord has called me to and in His presence there is greatness of many things.
Of course I say "Yes, Lord, I love you and I only want to be where You are, no matter where that is."
For the last several years, He has been taking me to places I was not comfortable. These experiences challenged every fruit of the spirit, my discipline, my trust in the Lord. I continued to answer my Lord with "yes." I'll be honest to say, it wasn't always a loud shout of confidence or joy, its not easy to be selfless or to be forced to look at your true self and motivations. I do have to trust that wherever He leads is the best place for me. There is no safer place than in His will and no fruitful place apart from His presence.
I have to give up my vision of His plan. I have to deal with my desire to please man and to be found worthy by the world. I want to be great, we all do, its a desire place there by God. How I measure greatness must only be held against God's definition, and its not usually a place of high profile or lots of attention.
Last week the Lord asked again, and I say "Absolutely, both feet in." He responded "NOW, TURN HARD RIGHT!" Seriously, it was as abrupt as I've ever experienced God.
As I turned, I saw a huge expanse of a room, full of an opportunity I had never seen myself in before. Looking at what lays before me I know will take extreme courage, trust, and an abundant amount of love. All of which will never occur with out holding on tight and running hard after Jesus. I thank the Lord He has been so gentle in the process, and I can see how He was working when I wasn't even paying attention. He is so gentle, never pushing us farther than we can go, but its not with out challenges or discomfort.
I am human, I fight the urge to panic, to fear, and to take control, but I have confidence in the love of my Jesus, will trust and know that I don't have to know all the plans, for He is working for me. And thus begins our home school journey. In the quiet of my home. "Yes Lord, I will follow you anywhere, I will worship you in the quiet of my home. I will, because you are here and you are good" Its not considered "glamorous" by mans standards, by all means its not a position of attention, but it is the place the Lord has called me to and in His presence there is greatness of many things.
Ephesians 3:12-21
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 in whom we have boldness and [a]confident access through faith [b]in Him. 13 Therefore I ask [c]you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, [d]for they are your glory.
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [e]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the [f]saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations [g]forever and ever. Amen.
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [e]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the [f]saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations [g]forever and ever. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)