I woke up early this morning. That in itself is unatural, I am a 6:30 am and after kind of gal but give me until about 8:30 before I can get going. As I write this it's 5:30 am. There is nothing better than to wake up in total quietness and get before Jesus. I reflected on the week passed and focused on the days ahead. I praise God for the way He works. I see so many times where Satan wants to come in and tear things apart but this morning I was assurred that Jesus has a plan.
The devotion this morning talks about Getting Past Your Past, by Joyce Meyer available at joycemeyer.org New Day New You 366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life.
The scripture referenced was Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts and the plans that have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for the welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome"
How appropriate for today. I could so easily get bogged down in yesterday but I serve a today God that offers a fresh start. Miracously as thoughts of yesterdays failures started to flood in the Holy Spirit took over and the Word began to speak to my heart and I begin to speak the promises and good plans over myself and my family. I could so easily question God on some of the things I am walking through but I have a peace today and am choosing not to do so. I am choosing to say Yes Jesus as You open the door Father I will walk through it filled with Your Power ready to take hold and come against the schemes of the devil. No weapon formed against me shall prosper and I will walk in Your Ways, not my ways and live with purpose and power for You. You are the potter and I am the clay, I am open to Your molding.
How Refreshing is it to be given a clean slate. When I worked as a ministry assistant I would write the prayer request on the white dry erase board in the hallway by our pastor's office. After some time the marker ink would absorb into the board. I would try and clean it with water and cleaner but it never would fully be white. The only way to solve the problem was to get a new one. That's what Jesus does for us. No matter how hard we try we cannot clean up our board but He comes with a brand new one and gives us a fresh start!
Joyce says "Whatever Satan has stolen through deception, God will restore doubled, if you are willing to press forward, forgetting the past. You have to let go in order to go on!"
I am envisioning opening a box, removing the plastic wrap and experiencing the smell of a new board.
May the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob open your eyes today, may His restoration be yours today as you seek to follow Him.
I normally have a song to close with but this morning all I really have is just a praise for restoration.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know! Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Our God is Greater
God's time, not mine. Wow, my last post was Sold Out. I have no explanation except God is good and always on time, but never early. He is on the move doing wonderful things. He has come through providing strength, health and peace this week.
We continue to walk through the valleys and the mountains look big but my God is greater, my God is stronger, higher than any other, my God is healer awesome in power, my God! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, amen thank you Jesus!
If our God is for us than who could ever stop us!
God is at work in a special way right now with my daughter as tonight she met her biological father for the first time.
I close with Mark 16:15-18 amplified version
15And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole [e]human race].
16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [[f]from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
17And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
We are in a new series this week at Celebration Church called The Underworld. To download the messages go to http://www.celebration.org/resources/messages/ the first one should be up on Monday.
We continue to walk through the valleys and the mountains look big but my God is greater, my God is stronger, higher than any other, my God is healer awesome in power, my God! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, amen thank you Jesus!
If our God is for us than who could ever stop us!
God is at work in a special way right now with my daughter as tonight she met her biological father for the first time.
I close with Mark 16:15-18 amplified version
15And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole [e]human race].
16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [[f]from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
17And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
We are in a new series this week at Celebration Church called The Underworld. To download the messages go to http://www.celebration.org/resources/messages/ the first one should be up on Monday.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sold Out
"Not my will but Yours."
What does that mean?
I think I am learning finally! Just take a moment and just reflect on what God has done. There is so much to give Him praise for! I say it over and over but there is so much power in praising the name of Jesus.
What does it mean to be sold out for Jesus?
Not following a bunch of rules but loving Jesus so much that His Word becomes alive our lives. I can't but surrender every part of my life. One day doesn't get it I need Him 24/7. That's how He wants us to be in constant prayer and in constant relationship with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (New King James Version)
17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Not bailing out when times get tough but continuing to praise and believe.
Understanding that sometimes the plans we think God has for us really were our plans in the first place and God has no responsibility to see those plans through.
Accepting His will no matter the cost. Giving up friends, losing social status, going to a different church, waking up early or staying up late to hear from Him.
One of the crazy things I have done this week, just when my schedule got rearranged beyond my control...I was driving and decided to pull over and park and just pull out my Bible and read. I think I must have done this 3 times. I have been so on the go!
I was led to go into a store where a lady prayed for me. How cool is that? God heard me. "I am tired and I've gone as far as I can"
That lady praying for me was Him saying "I am not finished with you yet, you keep at it until we are done" It was one of those rare physical God moments.
I have to put my calendar in His hands and say Lord do what you will, here I am.
It doesn't matter Lord what people say, Lord where do you want me?
I get chills just thinking about my way of thinking before. I have never been more fulfilled in my life. We have gone through some of the toughest seasons of life lately but God is so present!
I love talking to God throughout the day, just knowing He is there.
Sometimes I just have to stop everything and take a praise break. It's so good to fill up on Jesus. Turn off the tv, put down that newspaper and worship Jesus. He is so worthy to be praised.
Life is hard and sometimes it throws some hard blows but Jesus is stronger and He is faithful to see you through every task He calls you to do no matter how small or how big.
Being surrendered to Him in this way allows Him to reveal himself in a powerful way. Those who seek Him shall find Him, may He be yours today!
God is so amazing. I could write a book on what he has done in our family!
If I could just help you to see how great and powerful He is, how worthy He is, oh how your life would be changed and you would understand why I am sold out to Jesus!
I'm not sold out to church, to a pastor, to religion but to Jesus!
As I press on to another day, my focus is on Jesus and His will. I am listening to one my favorite songs from our church, Celebration Church Jacksonville http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k5w0H9t3tM&feature=related
What does that mean?
I think I am learning finally! Just take a moment and just reflect on what God has done. There is so much to give Him praise for! I say it over and over but there is so much power in praising the name of Jesus.
What does it mean to be sold out for Jesus?
Not following a bunch of rules but loving Jesus so much that His Word becomes alive our lives. I can't but surrender every part of my life. One day doesn't get it I need Him 24/7. That's how He wants us to be in constant prayer and in constant relationship with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (New King James Version)
17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Not bailing out when times get tough but continuing to praise and believe.
Understanding that sometimes the plans we think God has for us really were our plans in the first place and God has no responsibility to see those plans through.
Accepting His will no matter the cost. Giving up friends, losing social status, going to a different church, waking up early or staying up late to hear from Him.
One of the crazy things I have done this week, just when my schedule got rearranged beyond my control...I was driving and decided to pull over and park and just pull out my Bible and read. I think I must have done this 3 times. I have been so on the go!
I was led to go into a store where a lady prayed for me. How cool is that? God heard me. "I am tired and I've gone as far as I can"
That lady praying for me was Him saying "I am not finished with you yet, you keep at it until we are done" It was one of those rare physical God moments.
I have to put my calendar in His hands and say Lord do what you will, here I am.
It doesn't matter Lord what people say, Lord where do you want me?
I get chills just thinking about my way of thinking before. I have never been more fulfilled in my life. We have gone through some of the toughest seasons of life lately but God is so present!
I love talking to God throughout the day, just knowing He is there.
Sometimes I just have to stop everything and take a praise break. It's so good to fill up on Jesus. Turn off the tv, put down that newspaper and worship Jesus. He is so worthy to be praised.
Life is hard and sometimes it throws some hard blows but Jesus is stronger and He is faithful to see you through every task He calls you to do no matter how small or how big.
Being surrendered to Him in this way allows Him to reveal himself in a powerful way. Those who seek Him shall find Him, may He be yours today!
God is so amazing. I could write a book on what he has done in our family!
If I could just help you to see how great and powerful He is, how worthy He is, oh how your life would be changed and you would understand why I am sold out to Jesus!
I'm not sold out to church, to a pastor, to religion but to Jesus!
As I press on to another day, my focus is on Jesus and His will. I am listening to one my favorite songs from our church, Celebration Church Jacksonville http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k5w0H9t3tM&feature=related
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Learning to Walk
I was reading our devo today 1 Corinthians 4, Paul suffered a whole lot more than what most church leaders do today but we still need to find ways to encourage them. Their load is not light by any means. Could you carry your pastor's load? Hopefully there was not anyone arrogant enought to say yes.
Yet we complain about our leaders? What is up with that? I will be the first to admit I have done it. We have to be willing to help them and support them. After all if we are serving in the right church body, God has placed these leaders over us!
It's okay to admit we don't have it all together! Try approaching life like this...you came from dust and to dust you will return...you own nothing and everything you have comes from the provision of God. You are not here for your fame or glory but for His. Be a steward! Try being a steward of your words, your thoughts and your actions. Let Jesus show in the little things of life! This does not mean you can never achieve anything in life and you have to take everything that comes your way. Instead just weigh out your decisions starting with seeking God. When you achieve things just know it is because of Him and not you. Find your purpose in Him and let your life unfold from there.
God desires us to seek Him first in everything. We cannot keep Him in a little box and take Him out on Sunday or during the week like a genie and expect to live an abundant blessed life. He desires a personal daily to the minute relationship with us!
God is growing in each of us a passion to serve Him. He has a unique calling for you. He is planting gifts and talents inside of you for a special assignment that only you can do through Him.
I have been in a season of quietness. I think this blog post is almost opposite to my last.
The only way I can visualize and explain this is I feel like I have been in a box where I have been banging ”let me out!" I guess it is a good thing He hasn't let me out. I feel like that box has been placed in a crowded place and I am the size of little person (like on the movie Darby O'Gill). The flaps have been opened and I am standing up looking around and Jesus is saying "come on, get out."
"Now it is time to let that passion out, smile, be alive, be concerned, listen, love, observe” and I'm a little nervous because now I have to own up to what I have said. It's almost as if I am telling Him, "wait, I just need a few more minutes, could you close the box again." The box is gone and I'm standing like a statue and Jesus is tapping on my shoulder "stop standing there, do something" and I am saying "I don't know what to do" and I feel like His reaching down taking one of my legs and putting it forward and then the other. He says "now try".
This is experiencing God for me today. I thank God daily for the opportunies He places before me each day no matter how small.
I don't want to be found standing like a statue. My desire is to build up Jesus and speak love and life into others. Standing like a statue is being prideful because it means I am worried about what people think.
Not sure if you have ever heard an old gospel song (yeah I'm old school) "I can't even walk" http://www.songlyrics.com/charles-johnson/i-can-t-even-walk-lyrics/
My grandmother used to sing this song around the house with her hands raised. She might still do it, she never had a career or did anything super in most people's eyes but she is known for her love and compassion. Grandmother was my role model and watching her is what saved me. When things get tough...find her because Jesus is always near! She really exemplifies that song "down on my knees, I learned to stand, because I can't even walk without You holding my hand." Grandmother showed she needed Jesus in the small things like washing the dishes, doing laundry, cleaning and dealing with people. That's what we all need to show that Jesus present in the small things is huge, that is how He changes lives.
Thanking Him today for being with us in the small things today,
and dreaming big of walking it out!
Yet we complain about our leaders? What is up with that? I will be the first to admit I have done it. We have to be willing to help them and support them. After all if we are serving in the right church body, God has placed these leaders over us!
It's okay to admit we don't have it all together! Try approaching life like this...you came from dust and to dust you will return...you own nothing and everything you have comes from the provision of God. You are not here for your fame or glory but for His. Be a steward! Try being a steward of your words, your thoughts and your actions. Let Jesus show in the little things of life! This does not mean you can never achieve anything in life and you have to take everything that comes your way. Instead just weigh out your decisions starting with seeking God. When you achieve things just know it is because of Him and not you. Find your purpose in Him and let your life unfold from there.
God desires us to seek Him first in everything. We cannot keep Him in a little box and take Him out on Sunday or during the week like a genie and expect to live an abundant blessed life. He desires a personal daily to the minute relationship with us!
God is growing in each of us a passion to serve Him. He has a unique calling for you. He is planting gifts and talents inside of you for a special assignment that only you can do through Him.
I have been in a season of quietness. I think this blog post is almost opposite to my last.
The only way I can visualize and explain this is I feel like I have been in a box where I have been banging ”let me out!" I guess it is a good thing He hasn't let me out. I feel like that box has been placed in a crowded place and I am the size of little person (like on the movie Darby O'Gill). The flaps have been opened and I am standing up looking around and Jesus is saying "come on, get out."
"Now it is time to let that passion out, smile, be alive, be concerned, listen, love, observe” and I'm a little nervous because now I have to own up to what I have said. It's almost as if I am telling Him, "wait, I just need a few more minutes, could you close the box again." The box is gone and I'm standing like a statue and Jesus is tapping on my shoulder "stop standing there, do something" and I am saying "I don't know what to do" and I feel like His reaching down taking one of my legs and putting it forward and then the other. He says "now try".
This is experiencing God for me today. I thank God daily for the opportunies He places before me each day no matter how small.
I don't want to be found standing like a statue. My desire is to build up Jesus and speak love and life into others. Standing like a statue is being prideful because it means I am worried about what people think.
Not sure if you have ever heard an old gospel song (yeah I'm old school) "I can't even walk" http://www.songlyrics.com/charles-johnson/i-can-t-even-walk-lyrics/
My grandmother used to sing this song around the house with her hands raised. She might still do it, she never had a career or did anything super in most people's eyes but she is known for her love and compassion. Grandmother was my role model and watching her is what saved me. When things get tough...find her because Jesus is always near! She really exemplifies that song "down on my knees, I learned to stand, because I can't even walk without You holding my hand." Grandmother showed she needed Jesus in the small things like washing the dishes, doing laundry, cleaning and dealing with people. That's what we all need to show that Jesus present in the small things is huge, that is how He changes lives.
Thanking Him today for being with us in the small things today,
and dreaming big of walking it out!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Time Out
Today has been one of those days. Everything started off well and then things started going downhill. Life comes with these days whether we like them or not. It's all in how we take them. I guess I have learned to look at it this way, no matter what happens, the best thing that could ever happen already did and nothing can change that. I met Jesus and since then I have not had to face the world alone.
I know I recently talked about distractions and how the enemy loves for us to get caught up in everything except what God wants us to be caught up in. Satan is the author of confusion and doubt.
I'm glad Jesus was there today when everything went downhill. I wanted to throw my hands up and quit. I found myself crying and feeling like a failure. I made a stupid mistake, one unfortunately I have made before.
I caught myself as I began to think...you fool, who are you kidding...you can't even handle the small things in life...give it up...your house is a wreck...you worked too much today...you can't even stick to a schedule...and you want to do more...what?
I had to just flip the switch, change the channel and tune in to the truth. God is changing me from the inside out, He gives me grace when I need it, God accepts me just as I am, I am making progress, nothing can separate me from His love. God will take all things and work them out as I seek His will and purpose.
Tonight I had to just take a time out...Forget the day and just refocus. I turned on spa music and took a hot shower and just slowed down for a bit.
Time outs are important and on a day like today I needed one.
I put my kids in time out when they are acting out...mom's need time outs too sometimes.
If we don't purposely take time to refill and recharge we burn out. I was in the store today and I overheard a conversation. One lady said I am just running myself crazy, and the other lady said I know all about it. Life will be busy at times but there is no need to let it drive us crazy.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
There is nothing wrong with being busy, but what or whom are we being busy for?
We have to seek God with everything we have, our thoughts, our plans, our emotions, our actions, and our reactions.
Our family has been undergoing some changes this year and we are learning to let go of the drawing board and trust the plan as it is revealed. I make such a mess of things when I try to plan out my life.
Just today while driving I thought of that scripture Matthew 6:25-34 25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
And I thought a little deeper. You know how we might charge something at the store, or even a car payment, their is no guarantee we will be around to pay the debt we make. I kind of felt like God was saying you can plan it out all you want, but don't get carried away, how many people do you think plan there whole life out and one day something unexpected happens. It important to take care of and plan wisely with everything we have been given because first of all we don't own anything. We are temporary owners. It is not coming with us despite what some may think.
My brother and his wife are working to simplify their life and possessions. How freeing it is to let go of those things that bury us and weigh us down. God is waiting for us when we cry out, He is there helping us to cross the finish line.
Tonight I am dreaming big of crossing the finish line. I'm limping and in pain today but safe in the arms of Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
2Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.(A)
I close with this inspirational video a friend shared on facebook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDgVske63cY
I know I recently talked about distractions and how the enemy loves for us to get caught up in everything except what God wants us to be caught up in. Satan is the author of confusion and doubt.
I'm glad Jesus was there today when everything went downhill. I wanted to throw my hands up and quit. I found myself crying and feeling like a failure. I made a stupid mistake, one unfortunately I have made before.
I caught myself as I began to think...you fool, who are you kidding...you can't even handle the small things in life...give it up...your house is a wreck...you worked too much today...you can't even stick to a schedule...and you want to do more...what?
I had to just flip the switch, change the channel and tune in to the truth. God is changing me from the inside out, He gives me grace when I need it, God accepts me just as I am, I am making progress, nothing can separate me from His love. God will take all things and work them out as I seek His will and purpose.
Tonight I had to just take a time out...Forget the day and just refocus. I turned on spa music and took a hot shower and just slowed down for a bit.
Time outs are important and on a day like today I needed one.
I put my kids in time out when they are acting out...mom's need time outs too sometimes.
If we don't purposely take time to refill and recharge we burn out. I was in the store today and I overheard a conversation. One lady said I am just running myself crazy, and the other lady said I know all about it. Life will be busy at times but there is no need to let it drive us crazy.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
There is nothing wrong with being busy, but what or whom are we being busy for?
We have to seek God with everything we have, our thoughts, our plans, our emotions, our actions, and our reactions.
Our family has been undergoing some changes this year and we are learning to let go of the drawing board and trust the plan as it is revealed. I make such a mess of things when I try to plan out my life.
Just today while driving I thought of that scripture Matthew 6:25-34 25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
And I thought a little deeper. You know how we might charge something at the store, or even a car payment, their is no guarantee we will be around to pay the debt we make. I kind of felt like God was saying you can plan it out all you want, but don't get carried away, how many people do you think plan there whole life out and one day something unexpected happens. It important to take care of and plan wisely with everything we have been given because first of all we don't own anything. We are temporary owners. It is not coming with us despite what some may think.
My brother and his wife are working to simplify their life and possessions. How freeing it is to let go of those things that bury us and weigh us down. God is waiting for us when we cry out, He is there helping us to cross the finish line.
Tonight I am dreaming big of crossing the finish line. I'm limping and in pain today but safe in the arms of Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
2Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.(A)
I close with this inspirational video a friend shared on facebook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDgVske63cY
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Arms Open Wide
Jeremiah 30 (The Message)
Jeremiah 30
Don't Despair, Israel
1-2 This is the Message Jeremiah received from God: "God's Message, the God of Israel: 'Write everything I tell you in a book. 3"'Look. The time is coming when I will turn everything around for my people, both Israel and Judah. I, God, say so. I'll bring them back to the land I gave their ancestors, and they'll take up ownership again.'"
4This is the way God put it to Israel and Judah:
5-7"God's Message:
"'Cries of panic are being heard.
The peace has been shattered.
Ask around! Look around!
Can men bear babies?
So why do I see all these he-men
holding their bellies like women in labor,
Faces contorted,
pale as death?
The blackest of days,
no day like it ever!
A time of deep trouble for Jacob—
but he'll come out of it alive.
8-9"'And then I'll enter the darkness.
I'll break the yoke from their necks,
Cut them loose from the harness.
No more slave labor to foreigners!
They'll serve their God
and the David-King I'll establish for them.
10-11"'So fear no more, Jacob, dear servant.
Don't despair, Israel.
Look up! I'll save you out of faraway places,
I'll bring your children back from exile.
Jacob will come back and find life good,
safe and secure.
I'll be with you. I'll save you.
I'll finish off all the godless nations
Among which I've scattered you,
but I won't finish you off.
I'll punish you, but fairly.
I won't send you off with just a slap on the wrist.'
12-15"This is God's Message:
"'You're a burned-out case,
as good as dead.
Everyone has given up on you.
You're hopeless.
All your fair-weather friends have skipped town
without giving you a second thought.
But I delivered the knockout blow,
a punishment you will never forget,
Because of the enormity of your guilt,
the endless list of your sins.
So why all this self-pity, licking your wounds?
You deserve all this, and more.
Because of the enormity of your guilt,
the endless list of your sins,
I've done all this to you.
16-17"'Everyone who hurt you will be hurt;
your enemies will end up as slaves.
Your plunderers will be plundered;
your looters will become loot.
As for you, I'll come with healing,
curing the incurable,
Because they all gave up on you
and dismissed you as hopeless—
that good-for-nothing Zion.'
18-21"Again, God's Message:
"'I'll turn things around for Jacob.
I'll compassionately come in and rebuild homes.
The town will be rebuilt on its old foundations;
the mansions will be splendid again.
Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows;
laughter will spill through the doors.
Things will get better and better.
Depression days are over.
They'll thrive, they'll flourish.
The days of contempt will be over.
They'll look forward to having children again,
to being a community in which I take pride.
I'll punish anyone who hurts them,
and their prince will come from their own ranks.
One of their own people shall be their leader.
Their ruler will come from their own ranks.
I'll grant him free and easy access to me.
Would anyone dare to do that on his own,
to enter my presence uninvited?' God's Decree.
22"'And that's it: You'll be my very own people,
I'll be your very own God.'"
23-24Look out! God's hurricane is let loose,
his hurricane blast,
Spinning the heads of the wicked like dust devils!
God's raging anger won't let up
Until he's made a clean sweep
completing the job he began.
When the job's done
you'll see it's been well done.
******************************************
God has been so good to me even after all the times I have failed Him. It's good to know He gives His love, favor, forgiveness to me. So many times in my life I tried to earn it. I can never earn it, I will never be good enough and that's the beauty of Jesus. He is the only one and the only way. He is the only one who PAID the debt once and for all, placed his blood on the throne and covered all my past and future sins. No one else did this but Jesus.
I have reaped what I sowed sometimes the bad. God has used my failures to teach me more about who He is and how He sees things. I have to remember everyday that I need a Savior.
I like Jeremiah 30. Came across it tonight not looking to read anything in particular. I can relate. God knows how many stupid things I have done and said. Daily. God is always faithful, He will always finish what He starts. How true that rings to me in my own life tonight. My journey is just that, a journey. I have not reached my destination, but thank God I have passed through the valleys, stood on the mountain tops, lost my footing, found peace, love, forgiveness and mercy that comes only from Jesus.
God has been at work in me and I can look back now and say "okay God, I see now what you were doing" I didn't understand it then but now I do.
I reflected tonight on what a tough emotional year this has been. Loss of dear loved ones, job loss, teen parenting, homeschooling, business, weight challenges, transitioning in church, and numerous little things. I see some things I did right and some things I might have done a little differently. But God truly is working things out for our good. At times it may be painful. I cannot say that everyday I have woke up with a smile on my face, but I know God is holding me.
God knows there are nights when I can't sleep, cry and relive, remember moments with Jen. It's all a part of life. We will experience grief and pain. It's not all happy times. Our praising should not cease just because we are having hard times. Our joy should come from knowing who God is.
Today was an extra special day in my faith. I saw some prayers being answered, some doors being opened, and some chains being broken. My 4 year old miraculously survived crashing through a glass mirror. How he did this, I do not know. He walked away with a bruised knee and slice on the arm.
I have also come to see this year that when God is moving and trying to get you to a certain place, the enemy does whatever he can to stir up strife and cause a distraction. Praise God I have walked through this. I already know it is coming, but just like Jeremiah 30 says God will repay, He will cut off the enemy, He will cut off all those that dare come against Him (not just me). They are dealing with Him, because I am His. And He will not stop until He has completed and carried out His plan. If God be for me, then who can be against me.
Don't be quick to plan your own life. Put your life in the hands of God and don't take it back. Be ready to let something go at a moments notice if need be to answer His call.
I have not blogged because of time restraints but God has been at work in the many things I do each day and I have at so many times wanted too. I will continue to post as I am able.
Dreaming Big Reflecting on the past but standing with Arms Open Wide ready for today
I close today with Arms Open Wide by Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvNdybdyeOc
Jeremiah 30
Don't Despair, Israel
1-2 This is the Message Jeremiah received from God: "God's Message, the God of Israel: 'Write everything I tell you in a book. 3"'Look. The time is coming when I will turn everything around for my people, both Israel and Judah. I, God, say so. I'll bring them back to the land I gave their ancestors, and they'll take up ownership again.'"
4This is the way God put it to Israel and Judah:
5-7"God's Message:
"'Cries of panic are being heard.
The peace has been shattered.
Ask around! Look around!
Can men bear babies?
So why do I see all these he-men
holding their bellies like women in labor,
Faces contorted,
pale as death?
The blackest of days,
no day like it ever!
A time of deep trouble for Jacob—
but he'll come out of it alive.
8-9"'And then I'll enter the darkness.
I'll break the yoke from their necks,
Cut them loose from the harness.
No more slave labor to foreigners!
They'll serve their God
and the David-King I'll establish for them.
10-11"'So fear no more, Jacob, dear servant.
Don't despair, Israel.
Look up! I'll save you out of faraway places,
I'll bring your children back from exile.
Jacob will come back and find life good,
safe and secure.
I'll be with you. I'll save you.
I'll finish off all the godless nations
Among which I've scattered you,
but I won't finish you off.
I'll punish you, but fairly.
I won't send you off with just a slap on the wrist.'
12-15"This is God's Message:
"'You're a burned-out case,
as good as dead.
Everyone has given up on you.
You're hopeless.
All your fair-weather friends have skipped town
without giving you a second thought.
But I delivered the knockout blow,
a punishment you will never forget,
Because of the enormity of your guilt,
the endless list of your sins.
So why all this self-pity, licking your wounds?
You deserve all this, and more.
Because of the enormity of your guilt,
the endless list of your sins,
I've done all this to you.
16-17"'Everyone who hurt you will be hurt;
your enemies will end up as slaves.
Your plunderers will be plundered;
your looters will become loot.
As for you, I'll come with healing,
curing the incurable,
Because they all gave up on you
and dismissed you as hopeless—
that good-for-nothing Zion.'
18-21"Again, God's Message:
"'I'll turn things around for Jacob.
I'll compassionately come in and rebuild homes.
The town will be rebuilt on its old foundations;
the mansions will be splendid again.
Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows;
laughter will spill through the doors.
Things will get better and better.
Depression days are over.
They'll thrive, they'll flourish.
The days of contempt will be over.
They'll look forward to having children again,
to being a community in which I take pride.
I'll punish anyone who hurts them,
and their prince will come from their own ranks.
One of their own people shall be their leader.
Their ruler will come from their own ranks.
I'll grant him free and easy access to me.
Would anyone dare to do that on his own,
to enter my presence uninvited?' God's Decree.
22"'And that's it: You'll be my very own people,
I'll be your very own God.'"
23-24Look out! God's hurricane is let loose,
his hurricane blast,
Spinning the heads of the wicked like dust devils!
God's raging anger won't let up
Until he's made a clean sweep
completing the job he began.
When the job's done
you'll see it's been well done.
******************************************
God has been so good to me even after all the times I have failed Him. It's good to know He gives His love, favor, forgiveness to me. So many times in my life I tried to earn it. I can never earn it, I will never be good enough and that's the beauty of Jesus. He is the only one and the only way. He is the only one who PAID the debt once and for all, placed his blood on the throne and covered all my past and future sins. No one else did this but Jesus.
I have reaped what I sowed sometimes the bad. God has used my failures to teach me more about who He is and how He sees things. I have to remember everyday that I need a Savior.
I like Jeremiah 30. Came across it tonight not looking to read anything in particular. I can relate. God knows how many stupid things I have done and said. Daily. God is always faithful, He will always finish what He starts. How true that rings to me in my own life tonight. My journey is just that, a journey. I have not reached my destination, but thank God I have passed through the valleys, stood on the mountain tops, lost my footing, found peace, love, forgiveness and mercy that comes only from Jesus.
God has been at work in me and I can look back now and say "okay God, I see now what you were doing" I didn't understand it then but now I do.
I reflected tonight on what a tough emotional year this has been. Loss of dear loved ones, job loss, teen parenting, homeschooling, business, weight challenges, transitioning in church, and numerous little things. I see some things I did right and some things I might have done a little differently. But God truly is working things out for our good. At times it may be painful. I cannot say that everyday I have woke up with a smile on my face, but I know God is holding me.
God knows there are nights when I can't sleep, cry and relive, remember moments with Jen. It's all a part of life. We will experience grief and pain. It's not all happy times. Our praising should not cease just because we are having hard times. Our joy should come from knowing who God is.
Today was an extra special day in my faith. I saw some prayers being answered, some doors being opened, and some chains being broken. My 4 year old miraculously survived crashing through a glass mirror. How he did this, I do not know. He walked away with a bruised knee and slice on the arm.
I have also come to see this year that when God is moving and trying to get you to a certain place, the enemy does whatever he can to stir up strife and cause a distraction. Praise God I have walked through this. I already know it is coming, but just like Jeremiah 30 says God will repay, He will cut off the enemy, He will cut off all those that dare come against Him (not just me). They are dealing with Him, because I am His. And He will not stop until He has completed and carried out His plan. If God be for me, then who can be against me.
Don't be quick to plan your own life. Put your life in the hands of God and don't take it back. Be ready to let something go at a moments notice if need be to answer His call.
I have not blogged because of time restraints but God has been at work in the many things I do each day and I have at so many times wanted too. I will continue to post as I am able.
Dreaming Big Reflecting on the past but standing with Arms Open Wide ready for today
I close today with Arms Open Wide by Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvNdybdyeOc
Sunday, June 20, 2010
In the Fire
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego...now these guys were literally in the fire. You remember the story in Daniel 3.
The King, he ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." vs. 20-25
You see these men stood their ground, they knew their God, they knew His faithfulness, His power and authority. Their faith saved them. God was right there with them in the fire.
I think that is what He wants us to hear. In those times where fire is all around us, it is at that time when He is present the most. It is also at that time when others can see Him most working in our lives.
So next time the heat is turned up, remember God is right there with you, protecting you, glorifying Himself through you.
I close with Hillsong Glorify Your Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuj9cZqfi4g&feature=related
We live to glorify His name, not us, we must let Him purify our motives, our every decision and step.
Start by filling up in His Word, let it come alive in you today!
Dreaming Big of staying cool in the fire!
The King, he ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." vs. 20-25
You see these men stood their ground, they knew their God, they knew His faithfulness, His power and authority. Their faith saved them. God was right there with them in the fire.
I think that is what He wants us to hear. In those times where fire is all around us, it is at that time when He is present the most. It is also at that time when others can see Him most working in our lives.
So next time the heat is turned up, remember God is right there with you, protecting you, glorifying Himself through you.
I close with Hillsong Glorify Your Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuj9cZqfi4g&feature=related
We live to glorify His name, not us, we must let Him purify our motives, our every decision and step.
Start by filling up in His Word, let it come alive in you today!
Dreaming Big of staying cool in the fire!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Annointed Leadership
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLYxnrtBAVs
Watch the link above. Desert Song by Hillsong
Matthew 9:35-38 NIV. The Workers Are Few!
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
God is looking for a few good men and women to take their place in leadership and move the church forward. Do you have what it takes to go forward with God?
Here are a few things to ask yourself
1. Is there anything or anyone that I am holding anger or bitterness against?
2. Am I willing to risk everything for Jesus Christ?
3. Do I know what it means to be in Christ?
Have you ever carried hurt or confusion? I have. Sometimes things just are not settled in our spirits. We recognize an imbalance. Our first response is to get rid of what is hurting us. We live in a society that says everything should always be quick and painless. If something hurts, get something to get rid of it! Take a pill, take a drink and be merry. It’s all about your happiness and your comfort level.
Being a woman, sometimes I just jump to conclusions. I went through a period where my perception of conversations seemed short or shallow. People I used to have a connection with seemed to have changed. I felt cut off.
I realized the problem. I had put too much faith into this connection and not into Jesus himself. I questioned my faith, how did I get to this point? When did it happen?
The enemy wants us staying confused and not able to have peace. God never brings fear or confusion. That comes straight from the pit of hell. Why are so many of us hung up on this?
Life is full of seasons and some seasons are harder to let go of than others. Especially when God is growing and moving you ahead into something else. It means there will be pain and suffering ahead and trials that will test your faith.
Sometimes when God is moving us into these seasons He gives us a glimpse into the plans He has for us but leaves out the details.
This is frustrating as we want to know what is ahead and what we need to do to get there.
My human feminine instinct is to share and talk things through. What I have found though is sometimes God gives us information that should only stay between us and Him. I certainly am not qualified for the things God has called me to do, but after years of following His plan I can see how He is equipping me and qualifying me. It has nothing to do with learning a skill, but more of a receiving of a skill. Yes there is some learning, some hands on training going on but it is a supernatural transformation that is taking place.
We do need people to come along side us, mentor us, encourage us in our God given dreams.
Ask God to put someone in your life as this person.
People do not understand, even people who are close to you or think they know you. When you start talking about the things God is calling you to do all they can see is you. They see or have seen your failures, and they see the unfinished product. But God sees us differently.
He sees what we will become. He loves us as we are. He says come as you are. Not try and do everything right, clean yourself up and come to me, no He says come as you are with your dirt, drama and all. The church can’t do it for you; no one can do it for you. Only Christ can satisfy, cleanse, and heal. It’s most of the time a gradual change where God grows us into spiritual maturity. He has to walk us through things to purify our hearts and our motives.
So what do we do when people we are close to or people we trust hurt us? Bitterness causes a wall between us and God. We cannot hold any wrong thoughts about anyone and expect to be anointed to do the work God has called us to do. Everyone will not think or believe like us and it’s not our job to try and make them.
We may ask why do I have to walk through this?
I believe God lets things happen for a reason and I believe He is working it out for our good. Sometimes we get so comfortable that we have no desire to move ahead with God. We reach peaceful place and have no desire to revisit challenge and pain. This is when God must shake things up a bit.
Spiritually, I have learned from all this too…Be careful who you trust and who you share your dreams with and don’t talk until you know what you are talking about. I wish there was an emergency stop button to my mouth sometimes. I have also learned that being betrayed and hurt is inevitable.
The root of the problem is this: Where is your identity, is it in Jesus Christ alone? When we let the opinions of others keep us from doing what God calls us to do because it hurts, because it is hard, because it is embarrassing we are not fully embracing Christ.
Think about how God told Noah to build an ark and it had never rained. Here he is miles away from water building this huge thing, collecting animals and preparing for a flood. This was crazy. This was something that was unheard of, yet he obeyed. Despite ridicule.
You do not need a someone to tell you it’s okay to do what God calls you to do. You just need confirmation through scripture. Remember to wait on God, and when He is asking you to do it, be quick about obeying.
Your qualifications have absolutely nothing to do with God using you. God’s ladder is not a corporate ladder. He decides which step you are on and not those around you. There is no comparing yourself on this ladder or scoring up. It’s just a lot of grace and favor.
People are at all levels of spiritual maturity and we need to be sensitive to that. We should not take offense when people say or do hurtful things. God is our vindicator. We reap what we sow.
You can control your thoughts. Negative thoughts come from the enemy. When I let one negative thought in I am planting a seed. If I continue to water it and feed it, my garden will be filled with weeds of negativity.
If you catch a thought and ask God to change it then you plant seeds of power that overcome the enemy and help you bear fruit. Being close to God does not make us immune to deception and defeat.
Staying close to God however helps us recognize that it is happening. Correction hurts. God disciplines those He loves. Talk everything over with God even anger and little things because He knows anyway.
Just a few words of wisdom to leaders
You can’t give away something you don’t have. God is love, forgiveness, mercy, peace and hope. All that is in me, any good comes from God is in me. Nothing can separate me from God’s love.
Walking in obedience brings peace, fighting and questioning brings restlessness, confusion and doom. There is no place for sin in the life of a believer.
If you aspire to lead you must accept responsibility of your actions, your emotions, and realize everything you do may affect the life of someone else. We need godly mentors.
My purpose is to love God, love others and teach them about Him. Every day is a gift and I’m not guaranteed tomorrow. I am a steward of everything because everything comes from God. I am a steward of my talents. I should not procrastinate and daydream about where, when, and how but start doing.
It’s not my problem if someone else has a problem with talents God has given me. I am God’s and not my own therefore I should not care about anything else except serving Him to the fullest. I am not always right. I too have offended others.
Pride is a dangerous thing. Stay humble before God or He will help you. Believe me I know.
Listen to the first warning, the third might be too late.
God is no respecter of persons I am equal to everyone but gifted differently.
Do not judge, stop the thought when it enters. Stand up and fight for truth.
Jesus isn’t a wimp and there are times to be strong and firm about things. Jesus didn’t have to defend himself; He always stayed under the authority of God the Father.
If you see a need don’t wait for someone else to take care of it. Do it yourself!
I am part of the church and when I complain about it I am complaining about me. Step up to the plate, God has my back.
Bathe everything in prayer.
I would also like you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 5 and ask God to speak and move in your heart as you do. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=NIV
Watch the link above. Desert Song by Hillsong
Matthew 9:35-38 NIV. The Workers Are Few!
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
God is looking for a few good men and women to take their place in leadership and move the church forward. Do you have what it takes to go forward with God?
Here are a few things to ask yourself
1. Is there anything or anyone that I am holding anger or bitterness against?
2. Am I willing to risk everything for Jesus Christ?
3. Do I know what it means to be in Christ?
Have you ever carried hurt or confusion? I have. Sometimes things just are not settled in our spirits. We recognize an imbalance. Our first response is to get rid of what is hurting us. We live in a society that says everything should always be quick and painless. If something hurts, get something to get rid of it! Take a pill, take a drink and be merry. It’s all about your happiness and your comfort level.
Being a woman, sometimes I just jump to conclusions. I went through a period where my perception of conversations seemed short or shallow. People I used to have a connection with seemed to have changed. I felt cut off.
I realized the problem. I had put too much faith into this connection and not into Jesus himself. I questioned my faith, how did I get to this point? When did it happen?
The enemy wants us staying confused and not able to have peace. God never brings fear or confusion. That comes straight from the pit of hell. Why are so many of us hung up on this?
Life is full of seasons and some seasons are harder to let go of than others. Especially when God is growing and moving you ahead into something else. It means there will be pain and suffering ahead and trials that will test your faith.
Sometimes when God is moving us into these seasons He gives us a glimpse into the plans He has for us but leaves out the details.
This is frustrating as we want to know what is ahead and what we need to do to get there.
My human feminine instinct is to share and talk things through. What I have found though is sometimes God gives us information that should only stay between us and Him. I certainly am not qualified for the things God has called me to do, but after years of following His plan I can see how He is equipping me and qualifying me. It has nothing to do with learning a skill, but more of a receiving of a skill. Yes there is some learning, some hands on training going on but it is a supernatural transformation that is taking place.
We do need people to come along side us, mentor us, encourage us in our God given dreams.
Ask God to put someone in your life as this person.
People do not understand, even people who are close to you or think they know you. When you start talking about the things God is calling you to do all they can see is you. They see or have seen your failures, and they see the unfinished product. But God sees us differently.
He sees what we will become. He loves us as we are. He says come as you are. Not try and do everything right, clean yourself up and come to me, no He says come as you are with your dirt, drama and all. The church can’t do it for you; no one can do it for you. Only Christ can satisfy, cleanse, and heal. It’s most of the time a gradual change where God grows us into spiritual maturity. He has to walk us through things to purify our hearts and our motives.
So what do we do when people we are close to or people we trust hurt us? Bitterness causes a wall between us and God. We cannot hold any wrong thoughts about anyone and expect to be anointed to do the work God has called us to do. Everyone will not think or believe like us and it’s not our job to try and make them.
We may ask why do I have to walk through this?
I believe God lets things happen for a reason and I believe He is working it out for our good. Sometimes we get so comfortable that we have no desire to move ahead with God. We reach peaceful place and have no desire to revisit challenge and pain. This is when God must shake things up a bit.
Spiritually, I have learned from all this too…Be careful who you trust and who you share your dreams with and don’t talk until you know what you are talking about. I wish there was an emergency stop button to my mouth sometimes. I have also learned that being betrayed and hurt is inevitable.
The root of the problem is this: Where is your identity, is it in Jesus Christ alone? When we let the opinions of others keep us from doing what God calls us to do because it hurts, because it is hard, because it is embarrassing we are not fully embracing Christ.
Think about how God told Noah to build an ark and it had never rained. Here he is miles away from water building this huge thing, collecting animals and preparing for a flood. This was crazy. This was something that was unheard of, yet he obeyed. Despite ridicule.
You do not need a someone to tell you it’s okay to do what God calls you to do. You just need confirmation through scripture. Remember to wait on God, and when He is asking you to do it, be quick about obeying.
Your qualifications have absolutely nothing to do with God using you. God’s ladder is not a corporate ladder. He decides which step you are on and not those around you. There is no comparing yourself on this ladder or scoring up. It’s just a lot of grace and favor.
People are at all levels of spiritual maturity and we need to be sensitive to that. We should not take offense when people say or do hurtful things. God is our vindicator. We reap what we sow.
You can control your thoughts. Negative thoughts come from the enemy. When I let one negative thought in I am planting a seed. If I continue to water it and feed it, my garden will be filled with weeds of negativity.
If you catch a thought and ask God to change it then you plant seeds of power that overcome the enemy and help you bear fruit. Being close to God does not make us immune to deception and defeat.
Staying close to God however helps us recognize that it is happening. Correction hurts. God disciplines those He loves. Talk everything over with God even anger and little things because He knows anyway.
Just a few words of wisdom to leaders
You can’t give away something you don’t have. God is love, forgiveness, mercy, peace and hope. All that is in me, any good comes from God is in me. Nothing can separate me from God’s love.
Walking in obedience brings peace, fighting and questioning brings restlessness, confusion and doom. There is no place for sin in the life of a believer.
If you aspire to lead you must accept responsibility of your actions, your emotions, and realize everything you do may affect the life of someone else. We need godly mentors.
My purpose is to love God, love others and teach them about Him. Every day is a gift and I’m not guaranteed tomorrow. I am a steward of everything because everything comes from God. I am a steward of my talents. I should not procrastinate and daydream about where, when, and how but start doing.
It’s not my problem if someone else has a problem with talents God has given me. I am God’s and not my own therefore I should not care about anything else except serving Him to the fullest. I am not always right. I too have offended others.
Pride is a dangerous thing. Stay humble before God or He will help you. Believe me I know.
Listen to the first warning, the third might be too late.
God is no respecter of persons I am equal to everyone but gifted differently.
Do not judge, stop the thought when it enters. Stand up and fight for truth.
Jesus isn’t a wimp and there are times to be strong and firm about things. Jesus didn’t have to defend himself; He always stayed under the authority of God the Father.
If you see a need don’t wait for someone else to take care of it. Do it yourself!
I am part of the church and when I complain about it I am complaining about me. Step up to the plate, God has my back.
Bathe everything in prayer.
I would also like you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 5 and ask God to speak and move in your heart as you do. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=NIV
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I Have a Dream!
Do you have a dream, has God placed something special in your heart, a special calling on your life?
Today my family and I toured downtown Atlanta to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life as well as many other leaders in the civil rights movement. My daughter is home schooled and studied Georgia History and a special section on the history of the Civil Rights. It is not a fun thing to learn about the suffering of others. So many died for the cost of freedom today. It is so hard to absorb the evil and hatred displayed by so many. It was the way they were raised. They were deceived thinking since they were such good people (some naming the name of Christ) yet showing such hatred to others. What an eye opener. Made me take a look at myself today. How am I or am I not showing love?
I don't know about your family but my family when in tight quarters, lost on the road on a half country road trip with a teenager and a preschooler; things can get out of hand really fast. Add on top of that a mama who has an injured foot during that time of the month and a jobless dad. The dumbest things can try and get us off track. What happens to the love?
We visited several places in Atlanta and stayed with family, our poor family. One of the places we visited was Stone Mountain. What a beautiful place. God makes such awesome things. I became so involved in the beauty of the earth that I dropped to my knees also tearing my ankle to pieces and coming face to face with beautiful granite. Let me first say I had come to a complete stop before taking a one foot drop and was very aware of the drop and even stepping carefully I still lost my footing and suffered a very painful injury.
I was embarrassed, carried away by men on stretcher, hauled upside down to the bottom of the mountain in the back of a police expedition rescue truck. My husband and I had to leave my cousin-in-law with our 2 kids and her 2 babies to walk to the end of the mountain alone. Meanwhile a cable taxi at the top of the mountain safely carried a group of people to the bottom.
We could of been in that group but we chose to take a risk. We wanted to save some money but ended up spending over triple what it would have cost for the whole family to ride down safely. We had to see a doctor and pay for x-rays. We lost valuable time and caused a series of stress for our fellow family.
Not to mention the trip there should have taken 6 hours but actually took closer to 10. We left the sippy cup and still had to make several "I gotta go potty" stops. By day 4 in Atlanta my husband just lost it. I lost it and I thought "okay and I have another 10 days with these people, lets just turn around and go home."
Now this, this is the topper. Following my inspirational journey through Martin Luther's life of love. We were traveling down his old neighborhood trying to find his home so we could take a picture. Unfortunately a local commuter was brainlessly traveling through the historic district when they were in a hurry and we were in their way!
So they were beeping the horn continuasly and rearing at our car. As we approached the busy traffic signal I reached over while my husband was driving the car and honked the horn back at the other driver for him. I also proceeded to yell and wave out the window "Love you too, that's the spirit, pass the legacy of love on you mean person you!" Then my preschooler continued to repeat everything I said word for word over and over as I steamed listening to the double echo. My husband said that was great, sarcastically, as if he had never said anything out of anger. I began to justify myself in self defense. "Do we get mad when people stop to see alligators on swamp drive, NO, we drive around them!"
So I never know when God is going to show up, but He did today and in a big way compliments of my stupidity.
The moral of this true story, don't get so caught up in the learning that you forget about the doing. The knowledge of love is one thing but the expression of it is another.-Heather Vecera
And now I want to share with you some of my favorite quotes of MLK Jr.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
AND a 1:16 prophetic speech the day before he was killed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FiCxZKuv8
I close with an awesome music video by U2-Pride with scenes of Martin Luther King Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56mjwycKuXA
I know this is not my typical scripture and worship blog, but today what will you do in the name LOVE, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Greatest Love of All?
Dreaming Big of Freedom to Love today!
Today my family and I toured downtown Atlanta to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life as well as many other leaders in the civil rights movement. My daughter is home schooled and studied Georgia History and a special section on the history of the Civil Rights. It is not a fun thing to learn about the suffering of others. So many died for the cost of freedom today. It is so hard to absorb the evil and hatred displayed by so many. It was the way they were raised. They were deceived thinking since they were such good people (some naming the name of Christ) yet showing such hatred to others. What an eye opener. Made me take a look at myself today. How am I or am I not showing love?
I don't know about your family but my family when in tight quarters, lost on the road on a half country road trip with a teenager and a preschooler; things can get out of hand really fast. Add on top of that a mama who has an injured foot during that time of the month and a jobless dad. The dumbest things can try and get us off track. What happens to the love?
We visited several places in Atlanta and stayed with family, our poor family. One of the places we visited was Stone Mountain. What a beautiful place. God makes such awesome things. I became so involved in the beauty of the earth that I dropped to my knees also tearing my ankle to pieces and coming face to face with beautiful granite. Let me first say I had come to a complete stop before taking a one foot drop and was very aware of the drop and even stepping carefully I still lost my footing and suffered a very painful injury.
I was embarrassed, carried away by men on stretcher, hauled upside down to the bottom of the mountain in the back of a police expedition rescue truck. My husband and I had to leave my cousin-in-law with our 2 kids and her 2 babies to walk to the end of the mountain alone. Meanwhile a cable taxi at the top of the mountain safely carried a group of people to the bottom.
We could of been in that group but we chose to take a risk. We wanted to save some money but ended up spending over triple what it would have cost for the whole family to ride down safely. We had to see a doctor and pay for x-rays. We lost valuable time and caused a series of stress for our fellow family.
Not to mention the trip there should have taken 6 hours but actually took closer to 10. We left the sippy cup and still had to make several "I gotta go potty" stops. By day 4 in Atlanta my husband just lost it. I lost it and I thought "okay and I have another 10 days with these people, lets just turn around and go home."
Now this, this is the topper. Following my inspirational journey through Martin Luther's life of love. We were traveling down his old neighborhood trying to find his home so we could take a picture. Unfortunately a local commuter was brainlessly traveling through the historic district when they were in a hurry and we were in their way!
So they were beeping the horn continuasly and rearing at our car. As we approached the busy traffic signal I reached over while my husband was driving the car and honked the horn back at the other driver for him. I also proceeded to yell and wave out the window "Love you too, that's the spirit, pass the legacy of love on you mean person you!" Then my preschooler continued to repeat everything I said word for word over and over as I steamed listening to the double echo. My husband said that was great, sarcastically, as if he had never said anything out of anger. I began to justify myself in self defense. "Do we get mad when people stop to see alligators on swamp drive, NO, we drive around them!"
So I never know when God is going to show up, but He did today and in a big way compliments of my stupidity.
The moral of this true story, don't get so caught up in the learning that you forget about the doing. The knowledge of love is one thing but the expression of it is another.-Heather Vecera
And now I want to share with you some of my favorite quotes of MLK Jr.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
AND a 1:16 prophetic speech the day before he was killed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FiCxZKuv8
I close with an awesome music video by U2-Pride with scenes of Martin Luther King Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56mjwycKuXA
I know this is not my typical scripture and worship blog, but today what will you do in the name LOVE, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Greatest Love of All?
Dreaming Big of Freedom to Love today!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." John 1:32-34
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 19:20
I don't have much of anything tonight or this morning at 2 am. Just a simple illustration.
I don't know this to be true but I would imagine if someone were having a heart attack, a near death experience their flesh would fight against the spirit to continue to live. A heaviness of their body might come over them, they feel they can no longer hold on and as they go to take a last breath, suddenly the spirit kicks in and brings the body back to life. The heart that was minutes ago slowly pumping, pausing between beats is now pumping blood so rapidly through the body putting life into every part.
I believe it's like the Holy Spirit when He takes over our dead bodies and brings them to life. At one point He sets before us life or death and gives us the freedom to choose. Our flesh fights against the Spirit but when we let go and die we are baptized in Him and filled with new life.
The life we lived before is no longer, our minds are renewed, we begin to have a heart for the things of God and the material and superficial things of this world have less meaning to us than before. As we go deeper with God, like the heart pumping back to life we are filled in every part of our life. God is no longer to us some distant genie, He is our Savior, our Creator, our Redeemer and every breath we take is now for His glory.
You can experience God and know Him personally. There is more to this life than just knowing you are on your way to heaven. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit, empowers you to live the life He has called you to live.
When you attempt to live the good life on your own by doing good works or witholding from sin in your own power, all of it is useless. But when God is the driving force behind a transformation in your life, He gets the glory not us. He cares about our hearts. I pretended for so long and then one day I experienced the healing power of Jesus Christ. My whole life and thoughts changed. Do I still wrestle with the flesh, every day. But there is life here again where once there was death.
Lord help us to choose life everyday in everything. God empty us of ourselves and fill us with Your Holy Fire. Amen
I close with Jeremy Camp Empty me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl85EU33jgo&feature=related
Dreaming Big of Life today!
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 19:20
I don't have much of anything tonight or this morning at 2 am. Just a simple illustration.
I don't know this to be true but I would imagine if someone were having a heart attack, a near death experience their flesh would fight against the spirit to continue to live. A heaviness of their body might come over them, they feel they can no longer hold on and as they go to take a last breath, suddenly the spirit kicks in and brings the body back to life. The heart that was minutes ago slowly pumping, pausing between beats is now pumping blood so rapidly through the body putting life into every part.
I believe it's like the Holy Spirit when He takes over our dead bodies and brings them to life. At one point He sets before us life or death and gives us the freedom to choose. Our flesh fights against the Spirit but when we let go and die we are baptized in Him and filled with new life.
The life we lived before is no longer, our minds are renewed, we begin to have a heart for the things of God and the material and superficial things of this world have less meaning to us than before. As we go deeper with God, like the heart pumping back to life we are filled in every part of our life. God is no longer to us some distant genie, He is our Savior, our Creator, our Redeemer and every breath we take is now for His glory.
You can experience God and know Him personally. There is more to this life than just knowing you are on your way to heaven. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit, empowers you to live the life He has called you to live.
When you attempt to live the good life on your own by doing good works or witholding from sin in your own power, all of it is useless. But when God is the driving force behind a transformation in your life, He gets the glory not us. He cares about our hearts. I pretended for so long and then one day I experienced the healing power of Jesus Christ. My whole life and thoughts changed. Do I still wrestle with the flesh, every day. But there is life here again where once there was death.
Lord help us to choose life everyday in everything. God empty us of ourselves and fill us with Your Holy Fire. Amen
I close with Jeremy Camp Empty me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl85EU33jgo&feature=related
Dreaming Big of Life today!
Friday, May 14, 2010
I'M BACK AND ON FIRE!!!!
Let me just say that Thursday night at Shine Conference with Jentzen Franklin was overdue! We need to hear the anointed Word proclaimed.
I want to share with you through some of my personal journey.
As many of you know the last 8 months have been tough for me, my family and extended families.
I'm always growing and learning but I have to admit I have hit some spiritual dry spots and my faith has been tested this year.
There have been days where I have not wanted to wake up and face life. I have felt like a failure and asked God why. I still don't have the answers but today I received an anointing that has not been on me ever before. Through this I feel I cannot hold back from sharing with you this morning.
I am going to give you the shortest version possible of the events in my life that have brought me to this very place. So hang in there because I take you up to date. I have to do this for the people who don't know my story.
1. I was brought up in a Christian home-no home is perfect/as in my own parenting I don't always practice what I preach.
2. At the age of 9 I asked God if He really was there and if He was would He show me-He answered my prayers, I made a public confession and faith and was baptised.
3. He began growing in me at that age a passion for people. I loved my little group of friends, we studied Bible together. My cousin and I would talk for hours about Jesus and people and how we could make a difference. She always kept me in line. We talked about the families we would have one day and the things we would accomplish. I guess we married and had kids, neither one of us achieved our original dreams and my dream today is different than what it was then. But God was growing in me the ability to dream and grow, experience fellowship with a fellow sister.
4. The enemy recognized the call on my life and began to attack by the age of 11 I had drifted away from my upbringing, smoked my first cigarette. By the age of 12 I had smoked marijuana, got drunk and began to lean toward alcohol and drugs for a relief. Never became an addict but the potential was definately there. I now smoked a pack of menthol's a day and lost my virginity. A darkness came over my life which caused me to be depressed and suicidal. I attempted to take my life by swallowing a bottle of pills that I was taking to control my rapid heartbeat. But God had a different plan and after having my stomach pumped I survived. I hated my life, I hated everyone. I had already had multiple sex partners. This is the point where some of you will think I am sharing too much of my life with you.
This point where I tell you to GET OVER IT you have been brainwashed and are under a spirit of deception. Read your Bible who did God use? Sinners. No sin is greater than another it is all sin to God. We can't judge on our own standards, we have to judge ourselves by His.
Darkness is in the church. Stop hiding it, lets take care of it.
If I am not honest about what a I screw up I am or have been how I am going to reach anyone?
How can we? We may try, but if we have not got this figured out in our heart we will be the one who sits in church Sunday after Sunday, acts like a fool during the week (not even opening up the Word) and then tries to carry the power of God? What? God hears the prayer of the who? Been there done that, don't want to do it again!
Go ahead and serve yourself to death. What are your motives? Guilt? Can't say no? Stop whining, you don't want to teach the class, quit quenching the Spirit in the church. We need annointed leaders in the places God has called them to in their own areas of gifting. Enough of this fill in the spot mess.
Dear Lord I'm about to preach where was I?
5. I had been home schooled, Christian School, but I had returned to public school in 7th grade which was a nightmare. Teenagers/Teachers say and do things that can scar a person for their entire life if they let it. I started believing what people said about me and at this point I had no idea I had any defense against them. So I just gave up and became the person my peers said I was. The words of one of my teachers echoed over and over. I felt worthless. I felt my reputation was ruined so I should go ahead and finish it off. There was no hope for me.
6. I guess I had spurts of Jesus during this time where He was trying to pull me back in. But I walked away because I had let so much darkness in my life.
7. By age 13 I had been with more older teenage boys and I began a dangerous cycle of relationships, feeling devalued, worthless, incapable, and unloved. I hated the attention, I was seeking love. Love that I had not yet discovered.
8. By age 14 I fell in love (again what I understood at the time as love) with a boy five years older than me. I hope you are able to see the pattern of darkness. I was pregnant but lost the baby. I was trying to deal with an adult life with a child's mind but at the time I felt older. I had no idea the scars I was leaving on my life. After I lost the baby we split up. The memory of him is still there. I don't know how else to explain it but because there was so much darkness in my life it effected my entire being. The way I comprehended and dealt with life, my actions and reactions.
9. At this point I knew something was wrong and I talked to God about it, but I did not surrender. I had a few experiences with drugs where I was unable to remember what I did. At one point a friend had given me LSD. I talked to my dad and told him I wanted to stay home and wanted to change. I was crying out for boundaries. Somebody help me, anybody, does anyone understand. My life had completely torn apart my family. We were once active in church but after this and the response we got from the church what was the use? Nobody was equipped to help. There is a problem in our churches people. A referral and book and a little short prayer is not going to do it. Only Jesus. Where is the power of Jesus in the church, what have we done with it?
10. I continued to demoralize myself. I got involved in another relationship and my daughter was the only good that came out of it. God began to move and if he had not restored motherhood in me I don't know where I would be honestly. I was so angry I had lost the baby before. I put down the cigarettes, the drugs, the alcohol. But there was so much trash I didn't even know where to begin to clean up. I asked for forgiveness and I told the Lord if He would just walk me through this I would spend the rest of my life living only for Him. I wish I could say I did.
I was married at 15 and divorced at 16. Most teenage girls celebrate their sweet 16. My birthday was far from sweet. The only thing sweet about it was holding my baby girl knowing there was a reason to press on. I have a picture of that day me holding her feeding her a bottle and me blowing out the candles. Looking back that was a powerful time God was at work.
There were some people who stepped up to the plate and reached out a hand to me from our local churches. I had a baby shower I was given enough stuff to carry Ericka through the first 3 years of her life. I forgot to mention she was born two months premature and came out screaming with perfect lungs. They told me lots of things to be prepared for before she was born. But God had another plan. She was a miracle in more ways than one.
11. I still dealt with looks, people avoiding me, if looks could kill I would be dead. I forgot to mention I had to switch schools and temporarily quit school. I picked back up on smoking because I needed some kind of relief. I hated men, all I had seen was failure. My dad did not do away with me, he supported me the best he knew how. There were times when he said things that stayed with me. Things now I am remembering at this moment that I had forgotten about. Life was so tough then but God broke through.
12. I got my first real job. By 17 God had provided an apartment. I finished school. Because I made minimum wage I had to have rental assistance through section 8. There was a very long waiting list. But miraculously my name did not wait for months and months, I moved to to the top. I don't even know if the lady managing the complex could explain it.
13. This is where a change started to take place in my life. I sat there in my empty apartment that first night praising God. I have never praised God like that. But you will hear me say this a lot...the power is in praising the name of Jesus. I was on my knees with my hands lifted high just saying thank you Jesus. I knew it was a miracle. I can't explain what happened but I heard heaven that night. Angels singing the most beautiful music ever and every weight that had been on me was torn off and lifted. Pain was lifted and I felt weightless. I was back!
14. I'd like to tell you at this point I was completely healed and restored but there were many times when I slipped back into old patterns. I hadn't gotten over the past. But God had touched me, He had let me know in a physical way that He had His hand on me. Oh if I could take back the things I said and did. I was representing Christ but I had baggage, oh if I could take back my actions and erase those thoughts. It's done but it is not too late.
15. God brought people and things into my life to help me grow. Keep in mind I was not in a church at this time, this was all God teaching me. Would I have arrived here faster if I had connections with a church, may be so, doesn't matter, I'm here.
I could write a book with the details and the little miracles and events of my life but for the sake of time I have to continue.
16. I prayed for a car. I was dependant on my parents. My dad gave me their car and bought another one. I was promoted in my job. I guess I would have been a better witness if I had some accountability at this time. I screwed up with so many chances to help others. By 18 I was able to get a mobile home behind my parents and move back to my hometown. My mom had been my full time sitter since I was working.
17. God brought the man into my life I am now married to. That is another story. Okay short version He didn't believe in God. It wasn't until after we were married that He met Jesus. he hated church and church people. At this point I can't say I was that affectionate about them either. But I wanted God in my life and I pressed pass that and became a church person myself.
18. God began growing us together and we went through and are still going through a purifying process together. We lost a baby together, but God again blessed me with a son. That was almost 4 years ago. God is transforming our marriage and family.
19. I have to back up a bit. In 2005 I had been feeling a call on my life for a while and had been praying about it. I shared it with Ian and a close friend. An opportunity came available to serve as the church secretary. So that was my last real job. It was a great way a miracle in itself how God brought me to that position to grow. There are so many ways God worked in our lives at this time and I would love to share all of them, but for the sake of time I have to go on. It came time for that season to end.
This is where my latest breakthrough story begins. I had so many mixed emotions but God had other plans. It is my dream to be a stay at home mom, go to Southeastern University and complete my bachelors in Ministerial Leadership. I was on track for this goal.
In January my husband was laid off due to the economy and I was like okay God what are you saying? Did I make the wrong decision, should I have stuck it out longer at the church. Am I totally off base with the track I thought we were on. I began to question everything.
Then one thing after another began to happen. Ian's aunt passed away, then his mom, the an aunt and uncle on my side and tragically my childhood best friend and sister and her baby were killed in an accident. Remember the first part of this blog when I was kid on fire for God, the girl I sorta referred to as "my evangelist partner," that was her. Talk about heartbreak. I still cry at night remembering our times together. I can't even go to a funeral right now I am still hurting so bad from this.
It's only May and the last few months have been crazy. But again I don't have time to tell you every little detail or miracle, but God had other plans!
20. Finally, oh cool I ended on 20! Anyway this brings me to today where God is working in my life. As you can see this has not been an overnight process and it is still going on. I am still working to get the finances to pay for college by working a home business. My husband is still on the job hunt. God has been growing us to move forward. And now is finally the time. The peace is there, the fear has been numbed.
I was kind of avoiding Shine because I knew it might possibly make me own up to some things. But I pressed pass that and I registered. I vowed never to be in a women's group because we can be such mean people. But I have pressed through that and connected with a wonderful group of ladies. What's neat is God is bringing ladies in my life from all walks of life not just from Celebration and I have been able to share with them and pray for them. You see you don't have to be perfect to answer the call on your life. If you are waiting to arrive, I got news for you, you just arrived at today. While all this going on God is taking care of my business and I am nearing a record.
I heard Lisa Young speak and the things she said about marriage and family pierced my heart. I really wanted to go to the leadership break out session but I knew the one about family and relationships is where I needed the most work. So I pressed through and what a blessing.
Last night we had a speaker that brought a message that helped me break through the final chain. So I can't say what I am going to do tomorrow but I hope it is better than what I did yesterday and if I do something stupid in the process please forgive me.
I need to write a page on what he talked about. I literally felt the presence of God strong, like I did when I was 16. I prayed with the ladies next to me and believe it or not I found out my neighbor sitting next to me had the same first and middle name as mine. Go figure.
Anyway there is not an ounce of doubt left as to where God wants me. I know He is going to restore some relationships in my life and bring about good things. I actually went to bed early about 10:30 last night. I'm at the hotel.
I woke up wide awake at 2:30 and I knew I would not be going back to sleep. I had a clear message from God. He said You are worth it to me. You do not have anything to prove to the world except my son Jesus Christ and Him crucified in you. Forget all your worries! Except when I was jotting this down I wrote forgot instead of forget and forgot is past tense.
I'm moving past my guilt and shame, my hypocrisy, my religious deadness, my anger, my temptation and claiming my place in Jesus.
I will never be able to prove anything to anyone. It's irrelevant.
I'm not hiding in a corner, I'm preaching loud and louder than before. I may teach too but I'm going to Preach and Proclaim the Word of God. I'm going to get off my self pity and do some footwork for Jesus.
I know what's ahead but Jesus is on my side! And if He is for me who can be against me? I know some of you will and that's fine by me I don't answer to you.
I have to be obedient to the things God has called me to do. I'm starting today and look out because I'M BACK!!!
Be a woman or a man that in the morning when your feet hit the floor the devils says uh oh she/he is back up again.
Today I am dreaming big of being AUTHENTIC!
(copy and paste the links below)
I close with Break Free by Hillsong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmgWpjE_kdE
and an awesome clip that I relate to, how Jesus pulls us to himself.
Lifehouse Everything http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
You are all I want, all I need, everything Jesus!
I want to share with you through some of my personal journey.
As many of you know the last 8 months have been tough for me, my family and extended families.
I'm always growing and learning but I have to admit I have hit some spiritual dry spots and my faith has been tested this year.
There have been days where I have not wanted to wake up and face life. I have felt like a failure and asked God why. I still don't have the answers but today I received an anointing that has not been on me ever before. Through this I feel I cannot hold back from sharing with you this morning.
I am going to give you the shortest version possible of the events in my life that have brought me to this very place. So hang in there because I take you up to date. I have to do this for the people who don't know my story.
1. I was brought up in a Christian home-no home is perfect/as in my own parenting I don't always practice what I preach.
2. At the age of 9 I asked God if He really was there and if He was would He show me-He answered my prayers, I made a public confession and faith and was baptised.
3. He began growing in me at that age a passion for people. I loved my little group of friends, we studied Bible together. My cousin and I would talk for hours about Jesus and people and how we could make a difference. She always kept me in line. We talked about the families we would have one day and the things we would accomplish. I guess we married and had kids, neither one of us achieved our original dreams and my dream today is different than what it was then. But God was growing in me the ability to dream and grow, experience fellowship with a fellow sister.
4. The enemy recognized the call on my life and began to attack by the age of 11 I had drifted away from my upbringing, smoked my first cigarette. By the age of 12 I had smoked marijuana, got drunk and began to lean toward alcohol and drugs for a relief. Never became an addict but the potential was definately there. I now smoked a pack of menthol's a day and lost my virginity. A darkness came over my life which caused me to be depressed and suicidal. I attempted to take my life by swallowing a bottle of pills that I was taking to control my rapid heartbeat. But God had a different plan and after having my stomach pumped I survived. I hated my life, I hated everyone. I had already had multiple sex partners. This is the point where some of you will think I am sharing too much of my life with you.
This point where I tell you to GET OVER IT you have been brainwashed and are under a spirit of deception. Read your Bible who did God use? Sinners. No sin is greater than another it is all sin to God. We can't judge on our own standards, we have to judge ourselves by His.
Darkness is in the church. Stop hiding it, lets take care of it.
If I am not honest about what a I screw up I am or have been how I am going to reach anyone?
How can we? We may try, but if we have not got this figured out in our heart we will be the one who sits in church Sunday after Sunday, acts like a fool during the week (not even opening up the Word) and then tries to carry the power of God? What? God hears the prayer of the who? Been there done that, don't want to do it again!
Go ahead and serve yourself to death. What are your motives? Guilt? Can't say no? Stop whining, you don't want to teach the class, quit quenching the Spirit in the church. We need annointed leaders in the places God has called them to in their own areas of gifting. Enough of this fill in the spot mess.
Dear Lord I'm about to preach where was I?
5. I had been home schooled, Christian School, but I had returned to public school in 7th grade which was a nightmare. Teenagers/Teachers say and do things that can scar a person for their entire life if they let it. I started believing what people said about me and at this point I had no idea I had any defense against them. So I just gave up and became the person my peers said I was. The words of one of my teachers echoed over and over. I felt worthless. I felt my reputation was ruined so I should go ahead and finish it off. There was no hope for me.
6. I guess I had spurts of Jesus during this time where He was trying to pull me back in. But I walked away because I had let so much darkness in my life.
7. By age 13 I had been with more older teenage boys and I began a dangerous cycle of relationships, feeling devalued, worthless, incapable, and unloved. I hated the attention, I was seeking love. Love that I had not yet discovered.
8. By age 14 I fell in love (again what I understood at the time as love) with a boy five years older than me. I hope you are able to see the pattern of darkness. I was pregnant but lost the baby. I was trying to deal with an adult life with a child's mind but at the time I felt older. I had no idea the scars I was leaving on my life. After I lost the baby we split up. The memory of him is still there. I don't know how else to explain it but because there was so much darkness in my life it effected my entire being. The way I comprehended and dealt with life, my actions and reactions.
9. At this point I knew something was wrong and I talked to God about it, but I did not surrender. I had a few experiences with drugs where I was unable to remember what I did. At one point a friend had given me LSD. I talked to my dad and told him I wanted to stay home and wanted to change. I was crying out for boundaries. Somebody help me, anybody, does anyone understand. My life had completely torn apart my family. We were once active in church but after this and the response we got from the church what was the use? Nobody was equipped to help. There is a problem in our churches people. A referral and book and a little short prayer is not going to do it. Only Jesus. Where is the power of Jesus in the church, what have we done with it?
10. I continued to demoralize myself. I got involved in another relationship and my daughter was the only good that came out of it. God began to move and if he had not restored motherhood in me I don't know where I would be honestly. I was so angry I had lost the baby before. I put down the cigarettes, the drugs, the alcohol. But there was so much trash I didn't even know where to begin to clean up. I asked for forgiveness and I told the Lord if He would just walk me through this I would spend the rest of my life living only for Him. I wish I could say I did.
I was married at 15 and divorced at 16. Most teenage girls celebrate their sweet 16. My birthday was far from sweet. The only thing sweet about it was holding my baby girl knowing there was a reason to press on. I have a picture of that day me holding her feeding her a bottle and me blowing out the candles. Looking back that was a powerful time God was at work.
There were some people who stepped up to the plate and reached out a hand to me from our local churches. I had a baby shower I was given enough stuff to carry Ericka through the first 3 years of her life. I forgot to mention she was born two months premature and came out screaming with perfect lungs. They told me lots of things to be prepared for before she was born. But God had another plan. She was a miracle in more ways than one.
11. I still dealt with looks, people avoiding me, if looks could kill I would be dead. I forgot to mention I had to switch schools and temporarily quit school. I picked back up on smoking because I needed some kind of relief. I hated men, all I had seen was failure. My dad did not do away with me, he supported me the best he knew how. There were times when he said things that stayed with me. Things now I am remembering at this moment that I had forgotten about. Life was so tough then but God broke through.
12. I got my first real job. By 17 God had provided an apartment. I finished school. Because I made minimum wage I had to have rental assistance through section 8. There was a very long waiting list. But miraculously my name did not wait for months and months, I moved to to the top. I don't even know if the lady managing the complex could explain it.
13. This is where a change started to take place in my life. I sat there in my empty apartment that first night praising God. I have never praised God like that. But you will hear me say this a lot...the power is in praising the name of Jesus. I was on my knees with my hands lifted high just saying thank you Jesus. I knew it was a miracle. I can't explain what happened but I heard heaven that night. Angels singing the most beautiful music ever and every weight that had been on me was torn off and lifted. Pain was lifted and I felt weightless. I was back!
14. I'd like to tell you at this point I was completely healed and restored but there were many times when I slipped back into old patterns. I hadn't gotten over the past. But God had touched me, He had let me know in a physical way that He had His hand on me. Oh if I could take back the things I said and did. I was representing Christ but I had baggage, oh if I could take back my actions and erase those thoughts. It's done but it is not too late.
15. God brought people and things into my life to help me grow. Keep in mind I was not in a church at this time, this was all God teaching me. Would I have arrived here faster if I had connections with a church, may be so, doesn't matter, I'm here.
I could write a book with the details and the little miracles and events of my life but for the sake of time I have to continue.
16. I prayed for a car. I was dependant on my parents. My dad gave me their car and bought another one. I was promoted in my job. I guess I would have been a better witness if I had some accountability at this time. I screwed up with so many chances to help others. By 18 I was able to get a mobile home behind my parents and move back to my hometown. My mom had been my full time sitter since I was working.
17. God brought the man into my life I am now married to. That is another story. Okay short version He didn't believe in God. It wasn't until after we were married that He met Jesus. he hated church and church people. At this point I can't say I was that affectionate about them either. But I wanted God in my life and I pressed pass that and became a church person myself.
18. God began growing us together and we went through and are still going through a purifying process together. We lost a baby together, but God again blessed me with a son. That was almost 4 years ago. God is transforming our marriage and family.
19. I have to back up a bit. In 2005 I had been feeling a call on my life for a while and had been praying about it. I shared it with Ian and a close friend. An opportunity came available to serve as the church secretary. So that was my last real job. It was a great way a miracle in itself how God brought me to that position to grow. There are so many ways God worked in our lives at this time and I would love to share all of them, but for the sake of time I have to go on. It came time for that season to end.
This is where my latest breakthrough story begins. I had so many mixed emotions but God had other plans. It is my dream to be a stay at home mom, go to Southeastern University and complete my bachelors in Ministerial Leadership. I was on track for this goal.
In January my husband was laid off due to the economy and I was like okay God what are you saying? Did I make the wrong decision, should I have stuck it out longer at the church. Am I totally off base with the track I thought we were on. I began to question everything.
Then one thing after another began to happen. Ian's aunt passed away, then his mom, the an aunt and uncle on my side and tragically my childhood best friend and sister and her baby were killed in an accident. Remember the first part of this blog when I was kid on fire for God, the girl I sorta referred to as "my evangelist partner," that was her. Talk about heartbreak. I still cry at night remembering our times together. I can't even go to a funeral right now I am still hurting so bad from this.
It's only May and the last few months have been crazy. But again I don't have time to tell you every little detail or miracle, but God had other plans!
20. Finally, oh cool I ended on 20! Anyway this brings me to today where God is working in my life. As you can see this has not been an overnight process and it is still going on. I am still working to get the finances to pay for college by working a home business. My husband is still on the job hunt. God has been growing us to move forward. And now is finally the time. The peace is there, the fear has been numbed.
I was kind of avoiding Shine because I knew it might possibly make me own up to some things. But I pressed pass that and I registered. I vowed never to be in a women's group because we can be such mean people. But I have pressed through that and connected with a wonderful group of ladies. What's neat is God is bringing ladies in my life from all walks of life not just from Celebration and I have been able to share with them and pray for them. You see you don't have to be perfect to answer the call on your life. If you are waiting to arrive, I got news for you, you just arrived at today. While all this going on God is taking care of my business and I am nearing a record.
I heard Lisa Young speak and the things she said about marriage and family pierced my heart. I really wanted to go to the leadership break out session but I knew the one about family and relationships is where I needed the most work. So I pressed through and what a blessing.
Last night we had a speaker that brought a message that helped me break through the final chain. So I can't say what I am going to do tomorrow but I hope it is better than what I did yesterday and if I do something stupid in the process please forgive me.
I need to write a page on what he talked about. I literally felt the presence of God strong, like I did when I was 16. I prayed with the ladies next to me and believe it or not I found out my neighbor sitting next to me had the same first and middle name as mine. Go figure.
Anyway there is not an ounce of doubt left as to where God wants me. I know He is going to restore some relationships in my life and bring about good things. I actually went to bed early about 10:30 last night. I'm at the hotel.
I woke up wide awake at 2:30 and I knew I would not be going back to sleep. I had a clear message from God. He said You are worth it to me. You do not have anything to prove to the world except my son Jesus Christ and Him crucified in you. Forget all your worries! Except when I was jotting this down I wrote forgot instead of forget and forgot is past tense.
I'm moving past my guilt and shame, my hypocrisy, my religious deadness, my anger, my temptation and claiming my place in Jesus.
I will never be able to prove anything to anyone. It's irrelevant.
I'm not hiding in a corner, I'm preaching loud and louder than before. I may teach too but I'm going to Preach and Proclaim the Word of God. I'm going to get off my self pity and do some footwork for Jesus.
I know what's ahead but Jesus is on my side! And if He is for me who can be against me? I know some of you will and that's fine by me I don't answer to you.
I have to be obedient to the things God has called me to do. I'm starting today and look out because I'M BACK!!!
Be a woman or a man that in the morning when your feet hit the floor the devils says uh oh she/he is back up again.
Today I am dreaming big of being AUTHENTIC!
(copy and paste the links below)
I close with Break Free by Hillsong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmgWpjE_kdE
and an awesome clip that I relate to, how Jesus pulls us to himself.
Lifehouse Everything http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
You are all I want, all I need, everything Jesus!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Download: Mission Override Habit
It is said any habit can be done or undone when an action for or against it is done consecutively in 30 days. Obviously there are alcoholics, drug addicts, nicotine addicts, and other addictions that might take more time. I'd like to add food addictions to the over 30 day list. Even though I have lost a lot of weight this year sometimes I still fight with the mental addiction to food. Humans are capable of overcoming a lot but I don't believe they are capable of overcoming everything on their own.
Some of us may be addicted to worry or criticism. I know I have!
I want you to get a picture of some habit you have, it does not have to be a problem habit. Take a few minutes. Got it.
Okay lets get real simple here, brushing your teeth is a habit. It is something that has to be done everyday. Going to the bathroom is a habit. Obviously after preschool this comes almost without thought to most of us, that is until we get older and start losing control and must be conscious about it.
Now think of a habit you do now that you have not always done. My new habit is setting the table everyday after every meal so that it is always ready for us to sit down together and eat. It makes getting to the table a lot easier. This takes work to get all the dishes done, choose colors for the season, and always make sure there is enough silverware to go around. I even started putting out a teapot and tea so hot tea is available at breakfast. I started serving fresh cut fruit with redi whip in fancy dishes every morning just so we would make sure we get our fruit servings in. Bread can so easily take over if you let it as will processed foods. So I make the healthy stuff look good to us and avoid too much toast or cereal, etc.
To get back on subject, I really just want you to get a picture of what a habit is.
Now I want to talk about heart habits. I don't have to make a habit to love my children it comes naturally. I don't have to make a habit of breathing I was born breathing. I don't have to make my heart pump as it was programmed before I was born. Actually that is something I can't even control, that is kind of a neat thought. God designs us and installs some things in us, but sometimes we have to hit the download or finish button to receive the benefit.
Let's take this to the next level when you come to know Jesus Christ and He comes to live in You. Bear with this computer illustration, He downloads into your heart, your soul, your will and your emotions. He is sort of like an override button.
Have you ever had to reinstall a program, some files are still there but when you restore a program any new files will override the old ones. It's kind of how the Holy Spirit works in us. We have to run the program to make it work. In our lives we have to let the Holy Spirit run in our lives.
If we are constantly running the old system, eventually it gets bogged down and slow. We keep trying to put all these new things in but we keep getting error messages. It takes the power of God to override the junk in our lives. He can't work unless He is given space in your life to work.
Have you ever opened up the program files in your computer to find all these old programs still in there but never used. We need to free up some disk space. Delete some old things.
A computer only does what the operator tells it to do though some of us will argue differently, the fact is they only do what they are programmed to do.
God didn't create us to be robots, He created us humans with free will able to accept or deny Him. Some of your first responses to that may have been well I have accepted Him. Have you? If we were to do a full system scan on ourselves today what would we find? Have we been downloading viruses, cookies, and running slow on old files?
We may have accepted Him but have we downloaded Him? I hear this over and over "I started going to church when I was nine. I was taught to sit and be quiet, I was told to tithe, I was told to go every Sunday, I was taught to; the way we were brought up, what the church teaches is, that's way it's always been done and I don't question it, etc." I've said that.
What I found was though I was lost. Don't take everything that is fed to you. Seek the Lord and let Him help you discern the truth. So going to church might have been a good start but it is not the finish.
When I hit the download things have not ever been the same. Try and put a virus in what happens? WARNING: Your system is at risk, please click to resolve this issue. I have a new level of protection in my life. You see God downloads His love on us and it is so powerful that we begin to operate differently. He begins to send messages, you need to bless him or her, give a hug, write a note, forgive, admit, eat healthy, clean yourself up, etc. and the joy from all this begins to overflow and infect in a good way everyone that is around you.
Did you know there are people attending church every Sunday, some even serving as leaders and as pastors but they are lost. They know the book, they have been taught and repeat actions over and over out of habit but don't truly know the Jesus they speak of. How scary is that?
We can program ourselves to do good all day long but what does it profit us if we don't have eternal security, if we are not genuinely experiencing God?
Everything we do that is done out of selfish motives will be burnt up. How many times have I done things out of habit or to please someone else and not God. Pride is dangerous thing to have. Please don't fall like I have had to, I used to be involved in everything there was to be involved in at church and then God got a hold of me, "What are you doing?" You see the enemy can use good things to pull us away from a personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 says The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus came so that we may have life, life abundant until it overflows.
Would you take some time with me and lets take an evaluation of ourselves and our motives before a Holy God. He died so that you can have life now until it overflows.
Let's look together at 1 Corinthians 13 (Amplified Bible)
1 Corinthians 13
1IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [c] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.
4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([d]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
9For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
12For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as [e]in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand [f]fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been [g]fully and clearly known and understood [[h]by God].
13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Your heart must be downloaded with the supernatural love of Jesus Christ. We can't buy it, it is a free download!
If we ever want to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ and if the church wants to be powerful in this world we must operate under the love and power of Jesus Christ.
A church that operates on old programs and habits will just continue to do what it has been told to do but a church that downloads Jesus Christ in whole will be restored and used to communicate The Message to a lost and dying world.
Don't go to church out of habit, don't tithe out of habit, don't do good things out of habit. Seek God with all your heart, all your soul, all your will and all your emotions and all these things will be added to you. Joy, love, patience, peace, etc. You will be an effective witness, you can't help but be in relationship with other believers.
He will put a fire in you that can't stay shut up and you will infect others and the power of the Holy Spirit will spread rapidly through this world.
Once you are exposed to the Truth there is no turning back, put your hope, trust and faith in Jesus Christ and lean not on your understanding but on Him, Jesus, the rock, the only foundation!
I feel like Jeremiah tonight: Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer].
Don't contain the fire, download it and run it!
Worship the Lord ask Him to come to you and fill you, empty those old dead files, heal those viruses and restore you!
Dreaming big of total restoration today!
I close today with Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZpPIKmiMuo
Some of us may be addicted to worry or criticism. I know I have!
I want you to get a picture of some habit you have, it does not have to be a problem habit. Take a few minutes. Got it.
Okay lets get real simple here, brushing your teeth is a habit. It is something that has to be done everyday. Going to the bathroom is a habit. Obviously after preschool this comes almost without thought to most of us, that is until we get older and start losing control and must be conscious about it.
Now think of a habit you do now that you have not always done. My new habit is setting the table everyday after every meal so that it is always ready for us to sit down together and eat. It makes getting to the table a lot easier. This takes work to get all the dishes done, choose colors for the season, and always make sure there is enough silverware to go around. I even started putting out a teapot and tea so hot tea is available at breakfast. I started serving fresh cut fruit with redi whip in fancy dishes every morning just so we would make sure we get our fruit servings in. Bread can so easily take over if you let it as will processed foods. So I make the healthy stuff look good to us and avoid too much toast or cereal, etc.
To get back on subject, I really just want you to get a picture of what a habit is.
Now I want to talk about heart habits. I don't have to make a habit to love my children it comes naturally. I don't have to make a habit of breathing I was born breathing. I don't have to make my heart pump as it was programmed before I was born. Actually that is something I can't even control, that is kind of a neat thought. God designs us and installs some things in us, but sometimes we have to hit the download or finish button to receive the benefit.
Let's take this to the next level when you come to know Jesus Christ and He comes to live in You. Bear with this computer illustration, He downloads into your heart, your soul, your will and your emotions. He is sort of like an override button.
Have you ever had to reinstall a program, some files are still there but when you restore a program any new files will override the old ones. It's kind of how the Holy Spirit works in us. We have to run the program to make it work. In our lives we have to let the Holy Spirit run in our lives.
If we are constantly running the old system, eventually it gets bogged down and slow. We keep trying to put all these new things in but we keep getting error messages. It takes the power of God to override the junk in our lives. He can't work unless He is given space in your life to work.
Have you ever opened up the program files in your computer to find all these old programs still in there but never used. We need to free up some disk space. Delete some old things.
A computer only does what the operator tells it to do though some of us will argue differently, the fact is they only do what they are programmed to do.
God didn't create us to be robots, He created us humans with free will able to accept or deny Him. Some of your first responses to that may have been well I have accepted Him. Have you? If we were to do a full system scan on ourselves today what would we find? Have we been downloading viruses, cookies, and running slow on old files?
We may have accepted Him but have we downloaded Him? I hear this over and over "I started going to church when I was nine. I was taught to sit and be quiet, I was told to tithe, I was told to go every Sunday, I was taught to; the way we were brought up, what the church teaches is, that's way it's always been done and I don't question it, etc." I've said that.
What I found was though I was lost. Don't take everything that is fed to you. Seek the Lord and let Him help you discern the truth. So going to church might have been a good start but it is not the finish.
When I hit the download things have not ever been the same. Try and put a virus in what happens? WARNING: Your system is at risk, please click to resolve this issue. I have a new level of protection in my life. You see God downloads His love on us and it is so powerful that we begin to operate differently. He begins to send messages, you need to bless him or her, give a hug, write a note, forgive, admit, eat healthy, clean yourself up, etc. and the joy from all this begins to overflow and infect in a good way everyone that is around you.
Did you know there are people attending church every Sunday, some even serving as leaders and as pastors but they are lost. They know the book, they have been taught and repeat actions over and over out of habit but don't truly know the Jesus they speak of. How scary is that?
We can program ourselves to do good all day long but what does it profit us if we don't have eternal security, if we are not genuinely experiencing God?
Everything we do that is done out of selfish motives will be burnt up. How many times have I done things out of habit or to please someone else and not God. Pride is dangerous thing to have. Please don't fall like I have had to, I used to be involved in everything there was to be involved in at church and then God got a hold of me, "What are you doing?" You see the enemy can use good things to pull us away from a personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 says The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus came so that we may have life, life abundant until it overflows.
Would you take some time with me and lets take an evaluation of ourselves and our motives before a Holy God. He died so that you can have life now until it overflows.
Let's look together at 1 Corinthians 13 (Amplified Bible)
1 Corinthians 13
1IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [c] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.
4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([d]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
9For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
12For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as [e]in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand [f]fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been [g]fully and clearly known and understood [[h]by God].
13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Your heart must be downloaded with the supernatural love of Jesus Christ. We can't buy it, it is a free download!
If we ever want to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ and if the church wants to be powerful in this world we must operate under the love and power of Jesus Christ.
A church that operates on old programs and habits will just continue to do what it has been told to do but a church that downloads Jesus Christ in whole will be restored and used to communicate The Message to a lost and dying world.
Don't go to church out of habit, don't tithe out of habit, don't do good things out of habit. Seek God with all your heart, all your soul, all your will and all your emotions and all these things will be added to you. Joy, love, patience, peace, etc. You will be an effective witness, you can't help but be in relationship with other believers.
He will put a fire in you that can't stay shut up and you will infect others and the power of the Holy Spirit will spread rapidly through this world.
Once you are exposed to the Truth there is no turning back, put your hope, trust and faith in Jesus Christ and lean not on your understanding but on Him, Jesus, the rock, the only foundation!
I feel like Jeremiah tonight: Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer].
Don't contain the fire, download it and run it!
Worship the Lord ask Him to come to you and fill you, empty those old dead files, heal those viruses and restore you!
Dreaming big of total restoration today!
I close today with Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZpPIKmiMuo
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to you and your family!
I am so thankful that God loved me enough to send His son Jesus Christ to suffer a cruel death in payment for everything I have done that displeases God so that I can live eternally with Him. Christ came to earth as a man with flesh and bones, went through many of the same struggles as me and you but never gave in and never gave up. He was never swayed from His purpose and lived out a perfect life acceptable to God. He is the only one who has ever lived a life perfect and acceptable to God and that is why He gave His life and was crucified. He suffered rejection, pain, and sorrow but knew the love and will of His father. He went into heaven and presented His blood as the only perfect sacrifice for you and me. That is why He is the only way the truth and the life.
There is a lot if things to believe out there and I'm not sure where you stand but if you are not living for the eternal purpose, everything you are doing will one day go to waste and be forgotten One day this earth and everything living on it will be no more. One day we will meet our maker and we will hear either "Welcome in, well done!" or "Go away I never knew you"
It might sound silly to you. May be even you have heard it so much that you are numb to it, you agree with everything I have said but you are not living your life with passion. Christ died so that you can have life full of joy, peace, and love here on earth. I don't know about you but I have a burning desire within me everyday to live in this realm! Not everyday is perfect. Sure disappointment, rejection and pain will come and are a part of every one's life. Just remember that even Christ knew all of this, He understands and He cares for you. Although we may fail, Christ never fails. He wants a relationship with you everyday and every minute not just 30 minutes on Sunday. Don't just get involved with church, be the church! Open yourself to Him to be used everyday in someway as His representative. Let His love grow and come alive in you. Seek Him and His Kingdom and then all these things will be given to you.
So live today with passion and purpose and dream big. None of us are guaranteed the next second. Place your life in the hands of Jesus Christ who gave up everything for you.
May His love and power be yours today,
Heather
PS This has been a tough few months for us. Ian has been laid off for three months now. I have a lot to share but not enough energy to write them. In the last 2 months we lost Ian's aunt Marcia, his mother Lynelle, my aunt Gwendolyn and Uncle Jesse, my first cousin, sister and childhood best friend Jennifer and her baby Cassie.
God has been there with us through it all. There is an old hymn Through it All,
I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow;
They've been times
I didn't know right from wrong,
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation;
That my trials come
Only to make me strong.
Through it all, through it all,
Oh I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend on his Word.
I've been to lots of places
And I've seen a lot of faces
They've been times I felt so all alone
But in my lonely hours
Yes those precious lonely hours
Jesus let me know I was His own.
I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms
He brought me through
For if I'd never had a problem
I wouldn't know that
He could solve them
I'd never know what
Faith in God could do.
I close today with these songs Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0
and In Christ Alone by Travis Cotrell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvnpcKUrCo4
It is only through Christ that we are able to stand and praise God He has provided over and above our every need. He has blessed me with work, my health, my family and most of all my security in Him!
I'm remembering some old songs today even this one called The Lighthouse
There's a lighthouse on the hillside
That overlooks the sea
When I'm tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead me o'er
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
My ship would be no more
(Narrative)
It seems that everybody about us says
Tear that old lighthouse down
The big ships just don't pass this way anymore
So there's no use in standing around
Then my mind goes back to that one dark, stormy night
When just in time, I saw the light
Yes, it was the light form that old lighthouse
That stands up there on the hill
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be?
I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be?
And if it was not for the Lighthouse I would not have made it through the pain and suffering from scars of a battered past, the guilt and shame, being a single mother, rocky times in my marriage and the trials of being a mother today, grief and loss of loved ones, job loss, rejection from friends and family.
No matter what life throws at me or what is taken from me I can never be separated from the love that is from Christ Jesus my Lord!
What a reason to shout for joy!
Celebrating Easter He is Alive!
I am having some church up in here. He is Alive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0XXxs5b7rg&feature=related
I am so thankful that God loved me enough to send His son Jesus Christ to suffer a cruel death in payment for everything I have done that displeases God so that I can live eternally with Him. Christ came to earth as a man with flesh and bones, went through many of the same struggles as me and you but never gave in and never gave up. He was never swayed from His purpose and lived out a perfect life acceptable to God. He is the only one who has ever lived a life perfect and acceptable to God and that is why He gave His life and was crucified. He suffered rejection, pain, and sorrow but knew the love and will of His father. He went into heaven and presented His blood as the only perfect sacrifice for you and me. That is why He is the only way the truth and the life.
There is a lot if things to believe out there and I'm not sure where you stand but if you are not living for the eternal purpose, everything you are doing will one day go to waste and be forgotten One day this earth and everything living on it will be no more. One day we will meet our maker and we will hear either "Welcome in, well done!" or "Go away I never knew you"
It might sound silly to you. May be even you have heard it so much that you are numb to it, you agree with everything I have said but you are not living your life with passion. Christ died so that you can have life full of joy, peace, and love here on earth. I don't know about you but I have a burning desire within me everyday to live in this realm! Not everyday is perfect. Sure disappointment, rejection and pain will come and are a part of every one's life. Just remember that even Christ knew all of this, He understands and He cares for you. Although we may fail, Christ never fails. He wants a relationship with you everyday and every minute not just 30 minutes on Sunday. Don't just get involved with church, be the church! Open yourself to Him to be used everyday in someway as His representative. Let His love grow and come alive in you. Seek Him and His Kingdom and then all these things will be given to you.
So live today with passion and purpose and dream big. None of us are guaranteed the next second. Place your life in the hands of Jesus Christ who gave up everything for you.
May His love and power be yours today,
Heather
PS This has been a tough few months for us. Ian has been laid off for three months now. I have a lot to share but not enough energy to write them. In the last 2 months we lost Ian's aunt Marcia, his mother Lynelle, my aunt Gwendolyn and Uncle Jesse, my first cousin, sister and childhood best friend Jennifer and her baby Cassie.
God has been there with us through it all. There is an old hymn Through it All,
I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow;
They've been times
I didn't know right from wrong,
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation;
That my trials come
Only to make me strong.
Through it all, through it all,
Oh I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend on his Word.
I've been to lots of places
And I've seen a lot of faces
They've been times I felt so all alone
But in my lonely hours
Yes those precious lonely hours
Jesus let me know I was His own.
I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms
He brought me through
For if I'd never had a problem
I wouldn't know that
He could solve them
I'd never know what
Faith in God could do.
I close today with these songs Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0
and In Christ Alone by Travis Cotrell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvnpcKUrCo4
It is only through Christ that we are able to stand and praise God He has provided over and above our every need. He has blessed me with work, my health, my family and most of all my security in Him!
I'm remembering some old songs today even this one called The Lighthouse
There's a lighthouse on the hillside
That overlooks the sea
When I'm tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead me o'er
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
My ship would be no more
(Narrative)
It seems that everybody about us says
Tear that old lighthouse down
The big ships just don't pass this way anymore
So there's no use in standing around
Then my mind goes back to that one dark, stormy night
When just in time, I saw the light
Yes, it was the light form that old lighthouse
That stands up there on the hill
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be?
I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be?
And if it was not for the Lighthouse I would not have made it through the pain and suffering from scars of a battered past, the guilt and shame, being a single mother, rocky times in my marriage and the trials of being a mother today, grief and loss of loved ones, job loss, rejection from friends and family.
No matter what life throws at me or what is taken from me I can never be separated from the love that is from Christ Jesus my Lord!
What a reason to shout for joy!
Celebrating Easter He is Alive!
I am having some church up in here. He is Alive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0XXxs5b7rg&feature=related
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Today we said goodbye to my husband's mom with a memorial service. This was one of the toughest things I have done. I hurt for my husband. I guess I almost cry at every funeral because I hurt for the people hurting. But this one was different because it was family and I was seeing the hurt on loved ones faces. My eyes stayed with tears. Amazingly God was at my rescue. He walked me through every word. I was totally dependant on Him.
I don't have a real word for today, I'm drained, physically and emotionally. But I would like to share with you my joy and praises.
This was the first time meeting my husband's brothers. They are 21 and 19; I hate that we have missed out in being relationship with them but now we have an open door to make a change. That's what is going to count, where do we go from here?
In Georgia time it's almost 3 am. We laid a mom to rest, we reunited with friends and family, and insomnia doesn't change from the east coast to the west.
2009 and 2010 have been difficult years for us, but we are stronger and wiser. Through each of these trials I've learned to ask the question "how does this affect me eternally?" So I lost a wedding band, doesn't change my marriage. So we lost a job, doesn't change the fact that God provides our needs, not a job. So our computers crashed, there is always Bill. So we lost our earthly identity, not our eternal one! But the one on, so we lost a mom...yes that one affects us eternally. There is so many more things that should have been said to her.
I can't live quiet any longer. There is too much life to live. I've been given this life to use it to the full glory of God. This experience changes a lot of things. I realize that even though I haven't hit 30 yet, it is a possibility to lose a parent. I know I've said before that we have to live everyday like it's the last... Every conversation, every action with an eternal perspective. My life can't help but change. Does it mean that I am going to be perfect everyday from here on out, no. That's impossible and unrealistic. But striving toward that is half the battle. My life will be better for trying. Thankfully I can draw my strength from an eternal source, God the creator of all things. I'm a microscopic dot on the universal mat, but He knows me and loves me with an everlasting love.
He is worthy of me getting to know Him, to hear me say good things about the things He has done, to live in His directed paths. You are God Alone! Unchangeable, Unshakable,Unstoppable God that is what You Are!
Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song that says exactly that
Dreaming Big of His Love today,
Heather
I don't have a real word for today, I'm drained, physically and emotionally. But I would like to share with you my joy and praises.
This was the first time meeting my husband's brothers. They are 21 and 19; I hate that we have missed out in being relationship with them but now we have an open door to make a change. That's what is going to count, where do we go from here?
In Georgia time it's almost 3 am. We laid a mom to rest, we reunited with friends and family, and insomnia doesn't change from the east coast to the west.
2009 and 2010 have been difficult years for us, but we are stronger and wiser. Through each of these trials I've learned to ask the question "how does this affect me eternally?" So I lost a wedding band, doesn't change my marriage. So we lost a job, doesn't change the fact that God provides our needs, not a job. So our computers crashed, there is always Bill. So we lost our earthly identity, not our eternal one! But the one on, so we lost a mom...yes that one affects us eternally. There is so many more things that should have been said to her.
I can't live quiet any longer. There is too much life to live. I've been given this life to use it to the full glory of God. This experience changes a lot of things. I realize that even though I haven't hit 30 yet, it is a possibility to lose a parent. I know I've said before that we have to live everyday like it's the last... Every conversation, every action with an eternal perspective. My life can't help but change. Does it mean that I am going to be perfect everyday from here on out, no. That's impossible and unrealistic. But striving toward that is half the battle. My life will be better for trying. Thankfully I can draw my strength from an eternal source, God the creator of all things. I'm a microscopic dot on the universal mat, but He knows me and loves me with an everlasting love.
He is worthy of me getting to know Him, to hear me say good things about the things He has done, to live in His directed paths. You are God Alone! Unchangeable, Unshakable,Unstoppable God that is what You Are!
Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song that says exactly that
Dreaming Big of His Love today,
Heather
Monday, March 8, 2010
Saying Goodbye to Lynelle, Ian's Mom
You may have heard it said that death is the one thing everyone has in common
While that is true on one level,
On several others, death is not the same experience for any two of us
For some of us death will come at the end of a long life or a long illness
It may be something we wait impatiently for
It is likely to be a welcome release
For both the one who is dying
And the family and friends who have witnessed long suffering
For many of us, death will be a surprise visitor
with no time to prepare ourselves or our loved ones
With no time to plan how that death will be commemorated
With no clear understanding of “why”
We may ask Why did Lynelle have to die now?
It seems too soon
It seems too sudden
For Many of us those questions will never be clearly answered
They are mysteries
And we will have to decide how to deal with them
Whether to get stuck forever trying to get answers to impossible questions
Or whether to trust in our loving Creator
To leave the unknowable to the one (the only one) who knows
To trust that where we cannot see
a purpose or understand the timing of what seems to be a random act
our God is still the sovereign of all Creation
and all things work together to achieve God’s good purpose for our lives
While some of us will have more warning of our approaching deaths and may understand the how and have a better guess at the “why now”
All of us are left with one mystery – “what next?”
For those of us who know God personally we may not even think of the what next as a mystery
We Have become so used to trusting the what next to our God and our Savior
That we forget that we don’t actually “know”
At least not in same way we know where we are right now or
What is happening around us
And yet the only reason that we aren’t begging God to explain the “what next”
Is that we have faith that everything Jesus told us is true
He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us
And where he is, we will be also
Our place in paradise is assured
We trust (even though it is still a mystery)
That “we will not all die, but we will all be changed . .
That Death has lost its sting”
I’d like to suggest that the way to handle the suddenness of Lynelle’s death
Is with that same trust
Trust the Scripture from Ecclesiastes which says
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Trust that in God’s wisdom it was the appointed time for Lynelle
I think about Lynelle being a seamstress, all the neat stuff she used to design and make.
At Christmas and birthdays she would send us things like clothes, hair clips, scarf’s, blankets. She made Evan his curious George blanky and several outfits. She made me scarfs and Ericka hair clips.
One time she even sent a fur mitt that Ian and I had a time figuring out what it was for. Leave it to us…. Since she was a masseuse, a very good one at that she found things like fur mitts appealing. And yes we still have it, it’s a neat black and white design.
I couldn’t help to think about the unique gifts God entrusted her with, the talent to search through record after record of family history and put the missing pieces together. Many of us would not have the patience to do the things she did.
She spent years of her life acquiring new skills and studying and earning college degrees and certificates. Although she may not have come through on all her dreams she gave it all she had.
I think about Lynelle gardening. She loved plants, flowers, and any kind of garden. She loved to help others with her gardening skills. Not many of us have a talent for keeping things alive much less getting them to grow.
We may not be able to nurture a garden like Lynelle, or have the patience with a needle and thread but each of us have been given something, some gift to work with. I believe God chooses us for His own and calls us to Himself. He plants within us seeds of greatness. To some our seed of greatness may seem small. I’d rather die cultivating a seed of greatness and look pitiful to others here than live my life harvesting from a garden that looks beautiful but ends up withered and wasted in the eternal realm.
If God’s love is in us we have everything we need to fertilize our God given destiny. The most important destination is the one Lynelle just reached. She’s turning in her harvest right now in the presence of God.
Lynelle cultivated her love to her family by telling us she loved us, through her hands, through her talent of genealogy and story writing. God planted his seed of love in Lynelle’s heart, though it was short lived it grew, and it grew in us.
Each of us are born with a natural desire to seek that eternal love from our Creator. How we respond will determine our eternal destination.
I like to think Lynelle has reached her final destination dancing in the middle of the most beautiful garden soaking in that eternal love, the love she has waited for her entire life. There is no more pain, no more emphezema, no more worries and she is finally at peace, at home in the arms of Jesus. I can’t wait to join her there.
Lynelle had dreams and hopes for her children. Like any loving parent, she wanted even better, happier, and more complete lives for you than her own. I'm sure she also had dreams and hopes for herself and looked forward to a long life.
Ian, Travis, Cameron by the way you cultivate what is in your heart and live your lives, by living with honor, compassion, and joy, you can realize the dreams your mom had for you and even the dreams she had for herself. You are her legacy, and a wonderful legacy you are. May you live, give and love well.
And may my readers not only dream big today of God's love but receive it!
I close with two songs we will be playing at her service
"One More Day" by Diamond Rio
"I'll Fly Away" by Alison Krauss
While that is true on one level,
On several others, death is not the same experience for any two of us
For some of us death will come at the end of a long life or a long illness
It may be something we wait impatiently for
It is likely to be a welcome release
For both the one who is dying
And the family and friends who have witnessed long suffering
For many of us, death will be a surprise visitor
with no time to prepare ourselves or our loved ones
With no time to plan how that death will be commemorated
With no clear understanding of “why”
We may ask Why did Lynelle have to die now?
It seems too soon
It seems too sudden
For Many of us those questions will never be clearly answered
They are mysteries
And we will have to decide how to deal with them
Whether to get stuck forever trying to get answers to impossible questions
Or whether to trust in our loving Creator
To leave the unknowable to the one (the only one) who knows
To trust that where we cannot see
a purpose or understand the timing of what seems to be a random act
our God is still the sovereign of all Creation
and all things work together to achieve God’s good purpose for our lives
While some of us will have more warning of our approaching deaths and may understand the how and have a better guess at the “why now”
All of us are left with one mystery – “what next?”
For those of us who know God personally we may not even think of the what next as a mystery
We Have become so used to trusting the what next to our God and our Savior
That we forget that we don’t actually “know”
At least not in same way we know where we are right now or
What is happening around us
And yet the only reason that we aren’t begging God to explain the “what next”
Is that we have faith that everything Jesus told us is true
He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us
And where he is, we will be also
Our place in paradise is assured
We trust (even though it is still a mystery)
That “we will not all die, but we will all be changed . .
That Death has lost its sting”
I’d like to suggest that the way to handle the suddenness of Lynelle’s death
Is with that same trust
Trust the Scripture from Ecclesiastes which says
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Trust that in God’s wisdom it was the appointed time for Lynelle
I think about Lynelle being a seamstress, all the neat stuff she used to design and make.
At Christmas and birthdays she would send us things like clothes, hair clips, scarf’s, blankets. She made Evan his curious George blanky and several outfits. She made me scarfs and Ericka hair clips.
One time she even sent a fur mitt that Ian and I had a time figuring out what it was for. Leave it to us…. Since she was a masseuse, a very good one at that she found things like fur mitts appealing. And yes we still have it, it’s a neat black and white design.
I couldn’t help to think about the unique gifts God entrusted her with, the talent to search through record after record of family history and put the missing pieces together. Many of us would not have the patience to do the things she did.
She spent years of her life acquiring new skills and studying and earning college degrees and certificates. Although she may not have come through on all her dreams she gave it all she had.
I think about Lynelle gardening. She loved plants, flowers, and any kind of garden. She loved to help others with her gardening skills. Not many of us have a talent for keeping things alive much less getting them to grow.
We may not be able to nurture a garden like Lynelle, or have the patience with a needle and thread but each of us have been given something, some gift to work with. I believe God chooses us for His own and calls us to Himself. He plants within us seeds of greatness. To some our seed of greatness may seem small. I’d rather die cultivating a seed of greatness and look pitiful to others here than live my life harvesting from a garden that looks beautiful but ends up withered and wasted in the eternal realm.
If God’s love is in us we have everything we need to fertilize our God given destiny. The most important destination is the one Lynelle just reached. She’s turning in her harvest right now in the presence of God.
Lynelle cultivated her love to her family by telling us she loved us, through her hands, through her talent of genealogy and story writing. God planted his seed of love in Lynelle’s heart, though it was short lived it grew, and it grew in us.
Each of us are born with a natural desire to seek that eternal love from our Creator. How we respond will determine our eternal destination.
I like to think Lynelle has reached her final destination dancing in the middle of the most beautiful garden soaking in that eternal love, the love she has waited for her entire life. There is no more pain, no more emphezema, no more worries and she is finally at peace, at home in the arms of Jesus. I can’t wait to join her there.
Lynelle had dreams and hopes for her children. Like any loving parent, she wanted even better, happier, and more complete lives for you than her own. I'm sure she also had dreams and hopes for herself and looked forward to a long life.
Ian, Travis, Cameron by the way you cultivate what is in your heart and live your lives, by living with honor, compassion, and joy, you can realize the dreams your mom had for you and even the dreams she had for herself. You are her legacy, and a wonderful legacy you are. May you live, give and love well.
And may my readers not only dream big today of God's love but receive it!
I close with two songs we will be playing at her service
"One More Day" by Diamond Rio
"I'll Fly Away" by Alison Krauss
Sunday, February 28, 2010
It is Well with my Soul
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=3a0175c544b72e4861b9
or
I hope that link works. I've been having trouble with some links.
As many times as I have sung that hymn I never knew the story behind that hymn until a few years ago. I encourage you to watch the link and hear the story for yourself.
I was going to write about busyness tonight, but I will have to save that for another time. I'm just too busy. Just kidding.
I think some people feel God is far away from them because they don't see big miracles taking place in front of them. God does perform big miracles. I'm not sure if you believe the Bible stories as just that or if they are something much bigger than that to you. It's supernatural really. Kind of like how the words of the hymn came to Horatio G. Spafford. His pain and suffering was heavy but he was at peace. How is it that people can be at peace during times of grief, and suffering? How is it that people can remain with faith in a God who could have prevented it? Those are questions I've asked and been asked.I don't want to get in a debate or go too deep, but I want to share what is on my heart.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on the first date we had been on in I don't know how long, probably a year. A few things happened but let me give you a little background.
Last year we had a young adult egg hunt at our church. One large egg, the prize egg was hidden in the church dumpster. Knowing the people who hid the egg, I encouraged my experienced husband to go dumpster diving. It paid off as the egg was among a mountain of stench. Inside was a movie theater gift card, enough for two tickets!
Well we have been talking about taking a date night. Things just kept happening and we never did. So the opportunity came again and this time we jumped on it.
It was a busy Saturday and we were running late for a birthday party at the local skating rink. I grabbed my lotion so I could finish putting it on in the car. After the party we planned to drop the kids off at my parents and head to the theater. In the car the best I can remember I took off my wedding ring and sat it in my lap while putting on lotion. When we got to the party I got out of the car and I never remember putting the ring back on.
We dropped the kids off at my parents, made a quick stop at the mall to do something for my mom and then to theater to watch The Blind Side, what a great movie it was. It wasn't until on the way home Ian realized his wallet was missing. We knew we had it at the ticket counter, but after that we were not sure. We drove back to theater, crawled on our hands and knees looking for this wallet. I had just bought it for him at Christmas. He had the other wallet as long as I knew him. It even had embedded stickers Ericka had put in there when she was about Evan's age. It had family pictures, all kinds of important stuff, and cash.
Those of you who know the story of our life for the past few months understand this was a little heart wrenching. After all we just wanted to go out, we were not spending any money we didn't have, all we wanted was a night to be together, alone, without kids or anyone else.
We have had a season of trials but also a season of blessings so to all the sudden get another blow. It was like okay take a deep breath, what is going on here. We didn't say much to each other the whole way home. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut in times like these.
I slept hard last night, I think I stayed in the same position all night. Ian made it up for Sunday school late, but he made it. I was still getting myself and the kids together. While getting myself ready Evan sliced his finger on a picture frame. So I had this kid screaming and slinging blood everywhere. He was scared of a band aid. But either I am in shock again or I really have peace. I was not at all bothered that I overslept and missed Sunday school once again. I calmly got the band aid on the kid and we headed out the door.
It was then I realized I left my ring. I frantically searched and swallowed deep remembering my steps yesterday. Yes, I lost my wedding ring yesterday as well. One of the first things to pop in my thoughts was "you don't need that ring where you are going."
I waited on that ring. I wore an engagement ring for the first five years. We saved up to buy the wedding band. He surprised me for our fifth wedding anniversary with it. He put it on my hand for the first time during our renewal service. It was a beautiful marquis surrounded by a band of diamonds.
But yet again I didn't cry for some reason I had peace. I even found some humor in the situation. You religious people may have a problem with this but a secular song even crossed my thoughts, one I hadn't heard in years and I am convinced it was a Holy Spirit thing. The song basically says "Some people want diamond rings, some people just want everything, but everything means nothing if I ain't got you." At first it hit me as yes Lord everything means nothing if I don't have You. But Lord I have you and I have everything. Then of course the thought followed about Ian. Our marriage isn't over because he ain't got no cash and I ain't got no diamonds. These things remain, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE!
Thinking further tonight about what to blog about the hymn, It is well with my soul began playing out and I read about how the words came to a man who was under a lot more suffering than me.
But I related to
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
Lord you have taught me it is well with my soul, my soul is well and that is why I am at peace. The enemy wants me to believe that I am losing everything, but I am gaining everything. My faith, my hope, my trust and my love remains Lord for you.
Is it well with your soul today?
Dreaming of more faith, more hope and more love today!
or
I hope that link works. I've been having trouble with some links.
As many times as I have sung that hymn I never knew the story behind that hymn until a few years ago. I encourage you to watch the link and hear the story for yourself.
I was going to write about busyness tonight, but I will have to save that for another time. I'm just too busy. Just kidding.
I think some people feel God is far away from them because they don't see big miracles taking place in front of them. God does perform big miracles. I'm not sure if you believe the Bible stories as just that or if they are something much bigger than that to you. It's supernatural really. Kind of like how the words of the hymn came to Horatio G. Spafford. His pain and suffering was heavy but he was at peace. How is it that people can be at peace during times of grief, and suffering? How is it that people can remain with faith in a God who could have prevented it? Those are questions I've asked and been asked.I don't want to get in a debate or go too deep, but I want to share what is on my heart.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on the first date we had been on in I don't know how long, probably a year. A few things happened but let me give you a little background.
Last year we had a young adult egg hunt at our church. One large egg, the prize egg was hidden in the church dumpster. Knowing the people who hid the egg, I encouraged my experienced husband to go dumpster diving. It paid off as the egg was among a mountain of stench. Inside was a movie theater gift card, enough for two tickets!
Well we have been talking about taking a date night. Things just kept happening and we never did. So the opportunity came again and this time we jumped on it.
It was a busy Saturday and we were running late for a birthday party at the local skating rink. I grabbed my lotion so I could finish putting it on in the car. After the party we planned to drop the kids off at my parents and head to the theater. In the car the best I can remember I took off my wedding ring and sat it in my lap while putting on lotion. When we got to the party I got out of the car and I never remember putting the ring back on.
We dropped the kids off at my parents, made a quick stop at the mall to do something for my mom and then to theater to watch The Blind Side, what a great movie it was. It wasn't until on the way home Ian realized his wallet was missing. We knew we had it at the ticket counter, but after that we were not sure. We drove back to theater, crawled on our hands and knees looking for this wallet. I had just bought it for him at Christmas. He had the other wallet as long as I knew him. It even had embedded stickers Ericka had put in there when she was about Evan's age. It had family pictures, all kinds of important stuff, and cash.
Those of you who know the story of our life for the past few months understand this was a little heart wrenching. After all we just wanted to go out, we were not spending any money we didn't have, all we wanted was a night to be together, alone, without kids or anyone else.
We have had a season of trials but also a season of blessings so to all the sudden get another blow. It was like okay take a deep breath, what is going on here. We didn't say much to each other the whole way home. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut in times like these.
I slept hard last night, I think I stayed in the same position all night. Ian made it up for Sunday school late, but he made it. I was still getting myself and the kids together. While getting myself ready Evan sliced his finger on a picture frame. So I had this kid screaming and slinging blood everywhere. He was scared of a band aid. But either I am in shock again or I really have peace. I was not at all bothered that I overslept and missed Sunday school once again. I calmly got the band aid on the kid and we headed out the door.
It was then I realized I left my ring. I frantically searched and swallowed deep remembering my steps yesterday. Yes, I lost my wedding ring yesterday as well. One of the first things to pop in my thoughts was "you don't need that ring where you are going."
I waited on that ring. I wore an engagement ring for the first five years. We saved up to buy the wedding band. He surprised me for our fifth wedding anniversary with it. He put it on my hand for the first time during our renewal service. It was a beautiful marquis surrounded by a band of diamonds.
But yet again I didn't cry for some reason I had peace. I even found some humor in the situation. You religious people may have a problem with this but a secular song even crossed my thoughts, one I hadn't heard in years and I am convinced it was a Holy Spirit thing. The song basically says "Some people want diamond rings, some people just want everything, but everything means nothing if I ain't got you." At first it hit me as yes Lord everything means nothing if I don't have You. But Lord I have you and I have everything. Then of course the thought followed about Ian. Our marriage isn't over because he ain't got no cash and I ain't got no diamonds. These things remain, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE!
Thinking further tonight about what to blog about the hymn, It is well with my soul began playing out and I read about how the words came to a man who was under a lot more suffering than me.
But I related to
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
Lord you have taught me it is well with my soul, my soul is well and that is why I am at peace. The enemy wants me to believe that I am losing everything, but I am gaining everything. My faith, my hope, my trust and my love remains Lord for you.
Is it well with your soul today?
Dreaming of more faith, more hope and more love today!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thirsty
Last night I was so thirsty. I have been putting a lot of not so good for you foods in my body and I began feeling the repercussions of it last night. I didn't want to see or smell any kind of food. I just wanted water and lots of it. My mouth was dry and it felt so good going down.
As I was drinking the water that song "Come to the Water" by Tenth Avenue North began playing in my thoughts. If you have not figured it out, yes, I have a song for everything.
I normally would not post again so soon, but I felt compelled to ask the question what am I thirsty for this morning. I'm on my way to work in about 20 minutes, but what am I thirsty for? How about you, what are you thirsty for this morning?
Yes I am still thirsty for water this morning but I'm also thirsty for more of Jesus. Read this.
What was He offering her?
Love.
Hear the lyrics "Love is here, love is now, love is flowing..."
He knew who she was, He knows who I am, He knows who you are and still He is offering His love to you now. Have you received His love?
It's life changing, healing, and overflowing.
Dreaming Big of love overflowing,
Heather
As I was drinking the water that song "Come to the Water" by Tenth Avenue North began playing in my thoughts. If you have not figured it out, yes, I have a song for everything.
I normally would not post again so soon, but I felt compelled to ask the question what am I thirsty for this morning. I'm on my way to work in about 20 minutes, but what am I thirsty for? How about you, what are you thirsty for this morning?
Yes I am still thirsty for water this morning but I'm also thirsty for more of Jesus. Read this.
What was He offering her?
Love.
Hear the lyrics "Love is here, love is now, love is flowing..."
He knew who she was, He knows who I am, He knows who you are and still He is offering His love to you now. Have you received His love?
It's life changing, healing, and overflowing.
Dreaming Big of love overflowing,
Heather
Friday, February 19, 2010
Let it Rain
Let it Rain Lord, open the floodgates of Heaven, let it rain!
I love that song by Michael W. Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZfrbb9mg3A&feature=related
When we praise the Lord and give Him the glory and honor He is so worthy of, expect the floodgates of heaven to open. God doesn't just want our praise without obedience, He wants praise with obedience.
I've been quite on the blog this week as I have been busy being sick, being with my family and starting a new job while keeping my home business and cleaning job going. I have experienced a week of blessings, ones I would call the floodgates of heaven blessings. I also call them confirmation blessings to let me know yes, this is the way, walk in it!
Isaiah 30:21 And when you turn to right or to the left you will hear His voice behind you saying "This is the Way, walk in it".
The overall message I am hearing is turn back to God and His ways. Everything will eventually burn away into nothing and the only things that matter are those things which are eternal. Read the entire passage of Isaiah 30. Again its hard to keep my mind on me when my flesh, my talents, my legacy will one day be gone. The only thing that lives on is my relationship with Jesus Christ and my soul.
The most important thing everyday is to wake up and praise the Lord for another day. Another day to praise the Lord with every breath in every thing I do. Whether it be working on the job or with my business or being with my kids, being with family and friends. Once time has passed it is gone. I want to make the best of everyday by being obedient to God's call in whatever task He lays before me each day. Is today where I thought I would be? No, but I'm headed down the right path because I hear His voice saying Yes, this is the way, keep walking this way, we are almost there!
Today I am dreaming big of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and again, over and over WORSHIP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqBxizNZJ4&feature=related
Can you hear His voice? Are you still waiting, be faithful, be consistent, cry out to Him and soon He will hear your call and answer you from Heaven! Be encouraged today and keep dreaming big!
Heather
I love that song by Michael W. Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZfrbb9mg3A&feature=related
When we praise the Lord and give Him the glory and honor He is so worthy of, expect the floodgates of heaven to open. God doesn't just want our praise without obedience, He wants praise with obedience.
I've been quite on the blog this week as I have been busy being sick, being with my family and starting a new job while keeping my home business and cleaning job going. I have experienced a week of blessings, ones I would call the floodgates of heaven blessings. I also call them confirmation blessings to let me know yes, this is the way, walk in it!
Isaiah 30:21 And when you turn to right or to the left you will hear His voice behind you saying "This is the Way, walk in it".
The overall message I am hearing is turn back to God and His ways. Everything will eventually burn away into nothing and the only things that matter are those things which are eternal. Read the entire passage of Isaiah 30. Again its hard to keep my mind on me when my flesh, my talents, my legacy will one day be gone. The only thing that lives on is my relationship with Jesus Christ and my soul.
The most important thing everyday is to wake up and praise the Lord for another day. Another day to praise the Lord with every breath in every thing I do. Whether it be working on the job or with my business or being with my kids, being with family and friends. Once time has passed it is gone. I want to make the best of everyday by being obedient to God's call in whatever task He lays before me each day. Is today where I thought I would be? No, but I'm headed down the right path because I hear His voice saying Yes, this is the way, keep walking this way, we are almost there!
Today I am dreaming big of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and again, over and over WORSHIP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqBxizNZJ4&feature=related
Can you hear His voice? Are you still waiting, be faithful, be consistent, cry out to Him and soon He will hear your call and answer you from Heaven! Be encouraged today and keep dreaming big!
Heather
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)