Matthew 25
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming;[a] go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[b] in which the Son of Man is coming.
God is no respecter of persons, He gives us equal opportunity, and He is coming back for His bride. I know some of you are married. On your wedding day, did you show up half dressed? I hope not, I know I didn’t. It took me hours to get ready for the wedding. In the same way Jesus is returning for the church. He has given each of us assignments to get ready for His return. Verse thirteen says we don’t know the hour or day. He could come back at any time. We shouldn’t say “well I’ll just wait and take care of that later.” We have to live in the mindset that any hour, any day He will return. Our hearts need to be kept pure before Him. He is not interested in how much good we have done, but how much we loved him. Deuteronomy 6:5 says to Love the Lord your God with all of your, heart and with all of your soul, and with all of your strength.
When we love the Lord, our heart becomes sensitive like His, our interests and our pursuits become as His. When we are in tuned with God our spiritual DNA is activated and His power takes over.
To just love Him enough to stay out of hell is, well kind of selfish. There is no relationship there. When you love someone, you are interested in them; you seek to know more about them. In a pure relationship you contribute as much as you receive.
God offers His love equally although some of us don’t choose to receive it that way. He doesn’t look at the good verses the bad. He doesn’t have to because Jesus already paid the price for our past, present and future sins. He doesn’t look at our abilities but He looks for the one whose heart is prepared.
If you are waiting on an opportunity, there is no better time than now. If we want to stay in tune with Him, we have to be sensitive to His leading. I know we do this, but we can’t get distracted by things that keep our mind and hearts off Him. We have to keep the faith. When He places something on hearts and we wait and we wait and it seems like He is never going to answer. He will. I know I’ve waited on things for years before it was His time and then He stepped in and everything came together so amazingly. There are still things I am waiting on Him to fulfill but I don’t want even that to keep my eyes of Him, who He is, the creator of heaven and earth, Abba father, alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.
I have to keep my heart pure. My thoughts and my ways are not His ways. I have to seek after His heart so that my motives are pure. If I really want Him first in everything my actions will show it in how I spend my time, who I spend time with, the places I go, how I spend and save money, what I do with the resources He gives to me.
He wants every part of us, all the good and all the bad. He can make something beautiful out of our mess. It’s a supernatural kind of love and you will not find it from any other source but God himself.
This love is one that sweeps you off your feet and carries you on a path you never dreamed was possible. When He pours out His love on us and we are receptive of it, we become so filled that it’s like a broken faucet in a plugged sink that can’t do anything but overflow.
His spirit is alive within us, all of His gifts; everything we need has been given to us in abundance. He doesn’t just give it to us to keep to ourselves; He gives abundance so that it overflows.
We can’t have our cake and eat it too without first doing our part. We have to go to the store and get the ingredients, we have to prepare the cake, and then bake it. Then we have to be patient while it cools. Have you ever made a cake and you wanted it so bad, you have the frosting all prepared? That cake comes out of the oven piping hot. You know it’s going to take a while before you can put that frosting on. So you watch it, you come back a time or two with your hand over the top. You might even lift the pan to feel the bottom and if it’s not that warm, you might cheat and put that frosting on. But what happens when the middle of that cake has not cooled, you haven’t waited for the completion of the cooling and it looks good as you frost it? Minutes later your frosting sinks and melts into that cake.
We can’t get ahead of God. We will miss a step and make a mess. The frosting will melt and the cake will fall apart. Don’t miss his plan for your life by jumping ahead.
The first thing on our daily planner should be time with God. Throughout the day we should have little talks with him. That’s what the verse, pray without ceasing means. I think its first Thessalonians 5:17.
Most of the time we are trying to find time for God and work Him into our plans. It doesn’t work that way. He has to be the center of our hearts so that every decision we make has Him at top of it. It’s the only way we can stay in His will and purpose for our lives.
He’s ready to pour out on you an overflow as never before but you have to receive it.
Are you ready for the anointing today?
Don’t let your lamp run dry of His oil. The oil is a symbol of his spirit. Seek after Him and stay filled. The bridegroom is coming for you!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Are You There, God?
When I was little my mom read me this book called Are you there God? It was a story about a kid who searches for God, everywhere he goes. After he goes through several different places he discovers You are Here God, you are everywhere!
Yesterday evening our house was a little chaotic and I decided to get out and have some quiet time at the local train watching platform. It’s a great place to stop and have a picnic, park, watch the sun rise or in my case set and watch trains. Now to me the trains are not that exciting but to others, people from all over the world come to see our trains. I’ve lived here my entire life so trains are just a part of my day. We have both north and south tracks and are one of the busiest train tracks in the south.
I backed up into a parking space, opened the sun roof, and just sat back listening to local instrumental station. Slowly the worries of the day began to fade away as I just began to press into God. There is so much oppression all around it seems to be worldwide and taking over but here I found myself just seeking refuge in the presence of God.
I watched the sun begin to fall behind the clouds and the light framed around them just as God was filling me with His light. It was perfecting timing as I was seeking a fresh word.
I felt Him say, people are wondering if I am here, and I said Lord you are here, you are right here with me. And I quickly remembered that childhood book. How can we show others you are here when all circumstances around us seem hopeless?
I believe He has a word for you today. He hears you, everything your heart is crying out for and he is listening. Although your situation may not be changing yet, he knows you and is holding you in the palm of His hand.
There are billions of people in the universe and millions crying out to God and yet He hears each one of His children. Just as He heard my cry last night, He answered it. And I want you to know He does answer specifically and directly. He is not a genie up in the sky waving a wand. When I asked Him to speak a word, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on 2 Chronicles 34:27 and it says Because Your heart was tender and penitent and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants and humbled yourself before me and rent your clothes and wept before me, I have heard you, says the Lord.
It’s not luck or coincidence that I came to that verse it’s the power of the Holy Spirit revealing the truth that God is here and He is listening. The passage is actually a word for Josiah. He was only eight years old when he became king and he ruled for 41 years in Jerusalem. He was a good king, he was faithful to God and he tore down the alters that others before him had raised to baal. He was serious about reverencing the Lord. God honored his request even when all the land around him seemed to be corrupt and failing.
I think about our nation, the failing economy and many other nations that are far worse than what we could imagine and it’s just overwhelming. I feel as though I can’t do much but my heart cries out there is hope, I know Him!
I am just a small little dot among millions crying out, but He heard me and He answered. There are brothers and sisters globally ready to rise up and take their place in God’s plan.
Are you one who is crying out? He cares enough to send you a message today. You have been heard, it may look hopeless but don’t give up, stay fixed on Him and will heal you and your land.
You see we have to fight to stay in this place of rest and trust in Him. We will not always have the answers but know He does. He sees a much bigger picture than we do.
Psalms 91:1 says He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the almighty whose power no foe can withstand.
To dwell there means we need to stay there, keep in communication with Him, everywhere we are. Just like that book remember he is not conformed to stay in a church, an alter, a room, a closet, a tree, or the train watching platform in my case.
Here is here, right now in this place. If He is Lord of your life, He hears you now, your every cry. He is listening and answering you now.
Be encouraged today, we are fixed under the shadow of the almighty daddy whose power No one can overtake!
Amen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OS0HDhnuuA
Hillsong London "You Are Here"
(For those of you who tuned in this morning on Blog Talk radio, their server was down and we were unable to broadcast this episode, but hope to at a later time.)
Yesterday evening our house was a little chaotic and I decided to get out and have some quiet time at the local train watching platform. It’s a great place to stop and have a picnic, park, watch the sun rise or in my case set and watch trains. Now to me the trains are not that exciting but to others, people from all over the world come to see our trains. I’ve lived here my entire life so trains are just a part of my day. We have both north and south tracks and are one of the busiest train tracks in the south.
I backed up into a parking space, opened the sun roof, and just sat back listening to local instrumental station. Slowly the worries of the day began to fade away as I just began to press into God. There is so much oppression all around it seems to be worldwide and taking over but here I found myself just seeking refuge in the presence of God.
I watched the sun begin to fall behind the clouds and the light framed around them just as God was filling me with His light. It was perfecting timing as I was seeking a fresh word.
I felt Him say, people are wondering if I am here, and I said Lord you are here, you are right here with me. And I quickly remembered that childhood book. How can we show others you are here when all circumstances around us seem hopeless?
I believe He has a word for you today. He hears you, everything your heart is crying out for and he is listening. Although your situation may not be changing yet, he knows you and is holding you in the palm of His hand.
There are billions of people in the universe and millions crying out to God and yet He hears each one of His children. Just as He heard my cry last night, He answered it. And I want you to know He does answer specifically and directly. He is not a genie up in the sky waving a wand. When I asked Him to speak a word, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on 2 Chronicles 34:27 and it says Because Your heart was tender and penitent and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants and humbled yourself before me and rent your clothes and wept before me, I have heard you, says the Lord.
It’s not luck or coincidence that I came to that verse it’s the power of the Holy Spirit revealing the truth that God is here and He is listening. The passage is actually a word for Josiah. He was only eight years old when he became king and he ruled for 41 years in Jerusalem. He was a good king, he was faithful to God and he tore down the alters that others before him had raised to baal. He was serious about reverencing the Lord. God honored his request even when all the land around him seemed to be corrupt and failing.
I think about our nation, the failing economy and many other nations that are far worse than what we could imagine and it’s just overwhelming. I feel as though I can’t do much but my heart cries out there is hope, I know Him!
I am just a small little dot among millions crying out, but He heard me and He answered. There are brothers and sisters globally ready to rise up and take their place in God’s plan.
Are you one who is crying out? He cares enough to send you a message today. You have been heard, it may look hopeless but don’t give up, stay fixed on Him and will heal you and your land.
You see we have to fight to stay in this place of rest and trust in Him. We will not always have the answers but know He does. He sees a much bigger picture than we do.
Psalms 91:1 says He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the almighty whose power no foe can withstand.
To dwell there means we need to stay there, keep in communication with Him, everywhere we are. Just like that book remember he is not conformed to stay in a church, an alter, a room, a closet, a tree, or the train watching platform in my case.
Here is here, right now in this place. If He is Lord of your life, He hears you now, your every cry. He is listening and answering you now.
Be encouraged today, we are fixed under the shadow of the almighty daddy whose power No one can overtake!
Amen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OS0HDhnuuA
Hillsong London "You Are Here"
(For those of you who tuned in this morning on Blog Talk radio, their server was down and we were unable to broadcast this episode, but hope to at a later time.)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Good Grief
This morning I spoke on the topic of grief and referenced John 11. I asked is there such a thing as good grief? I really did not get to go into detail and felt like I left a few holes and I wanted to clarify some things. If you missed the show, this blog probably will not make sense to you. Take a listen first http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dreamingbig/2011/07/15/good-grief
Sometimes we feel that when something bad happens to us it is punishment from God. Having the favor of God does not mean that your life will be without troubles, pain or grief. We can read the book of Job and see that his trials were not because of something he did wrong but were for the glory of God.
Now that will not make sense to some people. Why would pain and suffering bring glory to God? Jesus suffered and died on the cross to bring glory to God, did He not?
All people who Jesus loves dearly do experience some form of grief whether it be from terminal sickness, temporary pain and sickness, job loss, significant life changes, or loss of loved ones. His main purpose was to save us from our sins. If we are believers, our main purpose is to live to glorify Him. Even in tough times God can use our situations to bring others to know Him and the power of Him dying on the cross and being raised from the dead.
Think about how much Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Why did He delay on getting there before Lazarus died? God had a plan even though to them it was very delayed.
Even in this we may say, well good for them, they got back their loved one, I'm still left without mine or all those healing stories are great but I'm still dying or I'm still suffering.
Life is a vapor, some have more days than others. Just as we take off our clothes and go to sleep, in the same way we will one day take off the body and die. All of our days are numbered and only God knows the appointed time.
I've lost three young cousins close together. Sometimes it's hard to understand why God would take a young person with so much life ahead. I can also see where God is glorified. It's times like these where we might actually take the time to think about how short life really is, how valuable the time we have here is and the relationships we have with family and friends. Some of us carry on with our life like an endless bank account wasting away our days on things that do not matter. I'll leave it up to you and God to figure out what does not matter. What would happen if you turned over everything you have and all that you are to God? Would the way you spend your time and money change? Would the way you view people and issues of life change? I think so.
Romans 8 tells us nothing, not even death can separate us from the love of Christ or keep us from the calling He has placed on our lives. In John 11:16 what Thomas meant by "Let us also go so that we may die with Him" is this. He was encouraging the other disciples. For us the dying of Jesus Christ should make us willing to die to ourselves whenever God calls us. We should be encouragers to fellow believers.
Well what about when we have faith and God does not answer? It's natural for us to doubt, but remember where doubt comes from. Doubt and confusion are never from God. In verse 38 Martha was worried about them opening the tomb of her brother and the odor of death. And Jesus responds to her, did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? You see we are worried about the little things when all the while God is seeing the big picture.
Our minds can't comprehend the things He has planned for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. You see the wisdom of man cannot understand the wisdom of God.
Only God holds the power and is in control. Even when He does not come through as we expect Him to we keep on believing and He will be faithful. Don't become a bitter person because life has not turned out the way you planned it or expected it or because you feel God has not answered in the way you wanted Him to answer.
God never changes, His power is always ready and available. As His children we are vessels of that power. In His time that power is released. But in order for it to be released we must believe and have faith and do not doubt!
Grief is a natural part of life. It is a good thing to realize how powerless we really are without Jesus Christ. It is a good thing we don't know everything but God does. Even more comforting to know that one day we will be in place where there are no tears, pain or sickness. Our time of grief can be of glory to God, which in turn is Good Grief.
Sometimes we feel that when something bad happens to us it is punishment from God. Having the favor of God does not mean that your life will be without troubles, pain or grief. We can read the book of Job and see that his trials were not because of something he did wrong but were for the glory of God.
Now that will not make sense to some people. Why would pain and suffering bring glory to God? Jesus suffered and died on the cross to bring glory to God, did He not?
All people who Jesus loves dearly do experience some form of grief whether it be from terminal sickness, temporary pain and sickness, job loss, significant life changes, or loss of loved ones. His main purpose was to save us from our sins. If we are believers, our main purpose is to live to glorify Him. Even in tough times God can use our situations to bring others to know Him and the power of Him dying on the cross and being raised from the dead.
Think about how much Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Why did He delay on getting there before Lazarus died? God had a plan even though to them it was very delayed.
Even in this we may say, well good for them, they got back their loved one, I'm still left without mine or all those healing stories are great but I'm still dying or I'm still suffering.
Life is a vapor, some have more days than others. Just as we take off our clothes and go to sleep, in the same way we will one day take off the body and die. All of our days are numbered and only God knows the appointed time.
I've lost three young cousins close together. Sometimes it's hard to understand why God would take a young person with so much life ahead. I can also see where God is glorified. It's times like these where we might actually take the time to think about how short life really is, how valuable the time we have here is and the relationships we have with family and friends. Some of us carry on with our life like an endless bank account wasting away our days on things that do not matter. I'll leave it up to you and God to figure out what does not matter. What would happen if you turned over everything you have and all that you are to God? Would the way you spend your time and money change? Would the way you view people and issues of life change? I think so.
Romans 8 tells us nothing, not even death can separate us from the love of Christ or keep us from the calling He has placed on our lives. In John 11:16 what Thomas meant by "Let us also go so that we may die with Him" is this. He was encouraging the other disciples. For us the dying of Jesus Christ should make us willing to die to ourselves whenever God calls us. We should be encouragers to fellow believers.
Well what about when we have faith and God does not answer? It's natural for us to doubt, but remember where doubt comes from. Doubt and confusion are never from God. In verse 38 Martha was worried about them opening the tomb of her brother and the odor of death. And Jesus responds to her, did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? You see we are worried about the little things when all the while God is seeing the big picture.
Our minds can't comprehend the things He has planned for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. You see the wisdom of man cannot understand the wisdom of God.
Only God holds the power and is in control. Even when He does not come through as we expect Him to we keep on believing and He will be faithful. Don't become a bitter person because life has not turned out the way you planned it or expected it or because you feel God has not answered in the way you wanted Him to answer.
God never changes, His power is always ready and available. As His children we are vessels of that power. In His time that power is released. But in order for it to be released we must believe and have faith and do not doubt!
Grief is a natural part of life. It is a good thing to realize how powerless we really are without Jesus Christ. It is a good thing we don't know everything but God does. Even more comforting to know that one day we will be in place where there are no tears, pain or sickness. Our time of grief can be of glory to God, which in turn is Good Grief.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Going Forward with God
We have been in a series at our church called moving forward. It has stirred my thinking and pushed me into action. There are a lot of things that hold us back from moving forward with God. In order to stay obedient to God we have to do the things He calls us to do.
At this time in my life He is calling me to move forward and take baby steps. A lot of times I think we have this vision of way out there and it looks hopeless because we are so far from the way out there we see. No one gets to the finish without taking the first step, and another, and another, etc.
Our relationship with Christ is a journey we take day by day. And the little decisions are what decide the outcome for the turns our lives will take.
Sometimes we make excuses of why things can't change in our lives. God is full of grace and mercy. When we first start following Him he holds our hands as we learn to walk. Then comes a time when He lets go and says come on, keep coming. When a baby is learning to walk he has to fall a few times before he learns how to balance himself. Just like us when we begin to put God first in our lives we take baby steps and each time He gives us just a little more. We have to learn to balance our lives around Him.
It's painful as a parent to watch our children hurt. God has that same passion and care for us. Some pain in life cannot be avoided such as when our loved ones pass away. Then there is the kind of pain that can be avoided. Pain that comes from wrong decisions we have made. God has given us a plan to walk out and we find it in His word. If you want to avoid that kind of pain ask for Godly wisdom. Make a choice to put God first in every area of your life.
In order to know Him we have to know His word, we have to make time for His word and make time to just rest in His presence. Be still and listen.
I've been setting aside special time to listen to God and I have heard Him. I always wonder why I drift away. It's because I have an enemy that is always trying to crowd my life with distraction so I cannot hear God's voice.
Years ago God put Africa on my heart and about five years ago specifically Mozambique. He has awakened in me the call to go to Africa, although I am not going to Mozambique I will be in Zimbabwe. It is amazing to watch how God brings everything together. For years I waited and I was ready to throw in the towel...But God! Right when all hope is gone He comes again faithful to finish the work He begins. He who begins a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! Amen I believe it! Do you believe it?
Just to look back and see where God has brought me from a life of pain and destruction to now is amazing. I had to make some tough decisions. I've had to leave some relationships behind. I've faced ridicule and backbiting but God has never left me. Anything I give up He gives back to me more than I ever expect.
I have a family who serves together. A long time ago that was just a far out vision, but now we are walking it out! To see the way God is raising up my children to serve Him is the ultimate prize for this mother!
All of us have dreams whether we share them with anyone or not. Some of you may have watched the Daytona 500 as Trevor Bayne won, a twenty year old rookie! That must have been an awesome moment for him. His mother was interviewed and she said this is something he has dreamed about and worked hard to get! No one would have believed he could have done it, but He believed. And HE WORKED HARD FOR IT! It takes our belief to move forward in the things of God. It's not every one's dream to be a worship leader, a pastor, or evangelist. May be your dream sounds too little. I want to be a good mom and wife! I want to be loving and gentle and I am believing God is working that out in me! How is that for a big dream!
Whatever your dream is, it takes two things...God....and the willingness to work for it. God sometimes miraculously blesses us but most of the time He has to walk us through things so we can handle the things He gives us. If God would have given me Africa the first time my heart was called I would not have been ready. We have to take time to grow in Him.
One of my pastors said he heard from a Christian leader that when someone is called, they need to be taken and put in a box until they are ready to come out. When God calls you there isn't anything that can stop us! When we go out ahead of Him, well lets just say we learn to be humble really fast. Lord knows I have been!
So don't give up on those dreams God has planted in your heart. Get close to Him and listen and wait. He will answer! I promise! AND HE CAN USE YOU IN THE WAITING! So don't sit and wait, start taking those baby steps toward Him!
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
That's our purpose, amen! We are all called to share the gospel in our unique way!
I want to close with a neat little instrumental worship video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DjBicTbgMk&feature=related
I love some of the scriptures shared.
Be blessed and until we are together again, keep Dreaming Big!
At this time in my life He is calling me to move forward and take baby steps. A lot of times I think we have this vision of way out there and it looks hopeless because we are so far from the way out there we see. No one gets to the finish without taking the first step, and another, and another, etc.
Our relationship with Christ is a journey we take day by day. And the little decisions are what decide the outcome for the turns our lives will take.
Sometimes we make excuses of why things can't change in our lives. God is full of grace and mercy. When we first start following Him he holds our hands as we learn to walk. Then comes a time when He lets go and says come on, keep coming. When a baby is learning to walk he has to fall a few times before he learns how to balance himself. Just like us when we begin to put God first in our lives we take baby steps and each time He gives us just a little more. We have to learn to balance our lives around Him.
It's painful as a parent to watch our children hurt. God has that same passion and care for us. Some pain in life cannot be avoided such as when our loved ones pass away. Then there is the kind of pain that can be avoided. Pain that comes from wrong decisions we have made. God has given us a plan to walk out and we find it in His word. If you want to avoid that kind of pain ask for Godly wisdom. Make a choice to put God first in every area of your life.
In order to know Him we have to know His word, we have to make time for His word and make time to just rest in His presence. Be still and listen.
I've been setting aside special time to listen to God and I have heard Him. I always wonder why I drift away. It's because I have an enemy that is always trying to crowd my life with distraction so I cannot hear God's voice.
Years ago God put Africa on my heart and about five years ago specifically Mozambique. He has awakened in me the call to go to Africa, although I am not going to Mozambique I will be in Zimbabwe. It is amazing to watch how God brings everything together. For years I waited and I was ready to throw in the towel...But God! Right when all hope is gone He comes again faithful to finish the work He begins. He who begins a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! Amen I believe it! Do you believe it?
Just to look back and see where God has brought me from a life of pain and destruction to now is amazing. I had to make some tough decisions. I've had to leave some relationships behind. I've faced ridicule and backbiting but God has never left me. Anything I give up He gives back to me more than I ever expect.
I have a family who serves together. A long time ago that was just a far out vision, but now we are walking it out! To see the way God is raising up my children to serve Him is the ultimate prize for this mother!
All of us have dreams whether we share them with anyone or not. Some of you may have watched the Daytona 500 as Trevor Bayne won, a twenty year old rookie! That must have been an awesome moment for him. His mother was interviewed and she said this is something he has dreamed about and worked hard to get! No one would have believed he could have done it, but He believed. And HE WORKED HARD FOR IT! It takes our belief to move forward in the things of God. It's not every one's dream to be a worship leader, a pastor, or evangelist. May be your dream sounds too little. I want to be a good mom and wife! I want to be loving and gentle and I am believing God is working that out in me! How is that for a big dream!
Whatever your dream is, it takes two things...God....and the willingness to work for it. God sometimes miraculously blesses us but most of the time He has to walk us through things so we can handle the things He gives us. If God would have given me Africa the first time my heart was called I would not have been ready. We have to take time to grow in Him.
One of my pastors said he heard from a Christian leader that when someone is called, they need to be taken and put in a box until they are ready to come out. When God calls you there isn't anything that can stop us! When we go out ahead of Him, well lets just say we learn to be humble really fast. Lord knows I have been!
So don't give up on those dreams God has planted in your heart. Get close to Him and listen and wait. He will answer! I promise! AND HE CAN USE YOU IN THE WAITING! So don't sit and wait, start taking those baby steps toward Him!
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
That's our purpose, amen! We are all called to share the gospel in our unique way!
I want to close with a neat little instrumental worship video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DjBicTbgMk&feature=related
I love some of the scriptures shared.
Be blessed and until we are together again, keep Dreaming Big!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Total Surrender
God is opening my spiritual eyes and ears. I woke up at 1 am praying in the Spirit. Earlier today I was listening to the song “You won’t relent until You have it all, my heart is yours,” and those words continued to speak to me. What things does God not have of mine? In talking with God this morning some things became clear. Why is it so important to give everything to Him? We cannot experience true worship unless He has it all. We cannot walk in His love and His power unless we are emptied and filled. We cannot operate in power unless our will is His will.
So God began to expose some areas where I was not totally surrendered. I agreed. Then He asked me to get on my knees before Him. I reminded Him it was early, cold, and my husband might wake up and see me. I was quiet warm and cozy. He made it clear that if I could not obey Him enough to get out of the bed and fall on my knees before Him at a moment’s notice with inconvenience I would not be able to move any further on this journey.
So I wrestled with His prompting for at least 10 minutes. I heard the scripture “The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.” He told me my spirit and will must be broken in order to receive His will. He had the power to call an angel to pull me out of bed. I knew that would probably happen next, so I got down on my knees by my snoring dog. I made sure to give him a nudge and disgruntled look. After all he was so warm and snugly. There were uno cards and a pick up sticks word game I had to maneuver through.
Once on my knees I suddenly had a full bladder. I was thirsty. I asked “is this necessary?” I was spiritually thirsty more than physically thirsty. I know from experience He does not let up until His will is done. So I prayed and waited. I turned to 1 Corinthians 4. Paul is warning the church that he is coming to check up on them. He is going through all kinds of challenges. He calls out Timothy to go to the churches. I read verse 3 first. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. Then I went back and read the entire chapter. Verse 1 says they were entrusted with the secrets of God and those given this level of trust must prove themselves faithful. We do not have authority to judge, only Christ has the authority. When you are operating in this realm it is easy to be puffed up because not everyone is given this level of knowledge. It is given for a specific purpose. It may take a lot of praying in secret and there will be many who will unknowingly tear you down. Our prayers and work go beyond the natural realm and we may never understand. Our purpose is to fulfill the callings God puts on our heart and obey swiftly. Arrogance has no place in this realm. The kingdom of God is not of talk but it is of power. Basically, we have a choice to be gently led or God will have to use who He wills to put us in our place. Glad we got that straightened out early! There are many voices out there and we have to be tuned into His voice and the only way to hear His voice clearly is to stay in total surrender.
I have been reviewing some of my blog entries. God is so faithful and amazing! I am preparing to go on a mission trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. Yes, God is finally moving in this direction! This has been my heart for so long and He is already teaching me so much! I will have to do an entry on nothing but the mission trip.
I close today with the awesome worship song that fueled my thoughts today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXR65YfWehI&feature=related
So God began to expose some areas where I was not totally surrendered. I agreed. Then He asked me to get on my knees before Him. I reminded Him it was early, cold, and my husband might wake up and see me. I was quiet warm and cozy. He made it clear that if I could not obey Him enough to get out of the bed and fall on my knees before Him at a moment’s notice with inconvenience I would not be able to move any further on this journey.
So I wrestled with His prompting for at least 10 minutes. I heard the scripture “The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.” He told me my spirit and will must be broken in order to receive His will. He had the power to call an angel to pull me out of bed. I knew that would probably happen next, so I got down on my knees by my snoring dog. I made sure to give him a nudge and disgruntled look. After all he was so warm and snugly. There were uno cards and a pick up sticks word game I had to maneuver through.
Once on my knees I suddenly had a full bladder. I was thirsty. I asked “is this necessary?” I was spiritually thirsty more than physically thirsty. I know from experience He does not let up until His will is done. So I prayed and waited. I turned to 1 Corinthians 4. Paul is warning the church that he is coming to check up on them. He is going through all kinds of challenges. He calls out Timothy to go to the churches. I read verse 3 first. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. Then I went back and read the entire chapter. Verse 1 says they were entrusted with the secrets of God and those given this level of trust must prove themselves faithful. We do not have authority to judge, only Christ has the authority. When you are operating in this realm it is easy to be puffed up because not everyone is given this level of knowledge. It is given for a specific purpose. It may take a lot of praying in secret and there will be many who will unknowingly tear you down. Our prayers and work go beyond the natural realm and we may never understand. Our purpose is to fulfill the callings God puts on our heart and obey swiftly. Arrogance has no place in this realm. The kingdom of God is not of talk but it is of power. Basically, we have a choice to be gently led or God will have to use who He wills to put us in our place. Glad we got that straightened out early! There are many voices out there and we have to be tuned into His voice and the only way to hear His voice clearly is to stay in total surrender.
I have been reviewing some of my blog entries. God is so faithful and amazing! I am preparing to go on a mission trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. Yes, God is finally moving in this direction! This has been my heart for so long and He is already teaching me so much! I will have to do an entry on nothing but the mission trip.
I close today with the awesome worship song that fueled my thoughts today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXR65YfWehI&feature=related
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
"How have you been?" reply..."busy"..."you know I'm just so busy."
It's a common question we ask and busy is a regular response. I'm not going to sugar coat this one.
I remember a time in my life where I was just busy, busy, busy. Then one day I woke up to reality and I have been trying to un-busy myself ever since. There is nothing wrong with being busy. In fact God does not want us to sit idle. We need to be busy about the right things. So how do we know what the right things to be busy about in our life are?
Start with writing some goals. Make a list of some short term goals, meaning things you hope to accomplish within the next six months to two years. Then make a list of some long term goals, meaning goals you hope to achieve within the next two to ten years.
Evaluate how you spend your time each day. Just take one week and jot down nightly what you did throughout your day. If you continue to do that day after day, week after week, will it get you to where you want to be on your goal list?
For example if my goal is to lose 30 pounds this year and I wake up eating cheese puffs every morning will that help me get to my goal? By the way I did that this morning and that happens to be one of my goals! Not to eat cheese puffs every morning but to lose 30 pounds this year!
If my goal is to restore a relationship but I continue to let bitterness and anger eat away at me, chances are that relationship will not be restored. I have to change something and start with myself.
If my goal is to be financially free but I charge the card, go out too much and carelessly spend I will not ever be financially free.
I as much as you would love to snap my finger and look like a supermodel. But I can't! It takes daily work. I need to eat right, exercise, and use lots of Avon!
The point is whatever your goals are be realistic! Be realistic in the time frame you give yourself to achieve them. You must start today to finish right!
First of all what and who are you trying to achieve this for? Several years ago my goal sheet would have looked like this...Buy a caddy...Live in a 2 story home with pool, Jacuzzi, white fence and marble floors, go to Disney every weekend. Sounds fun! Hmmm.
Here is the reality of that dream, large amounts of debt and no free time because I am too busy taking care of a house too large. My family is so aggravated with each other because we are so busy taking care of everything that the last thing we want to do is go to Disney together.
Let me also say I do not own a caddy. Nor do I live in a large home and unfortunately we don't visit Disney every weekend. However, I have a friend who is blessed to do so which I openly admit I am a little envious of and she gets a kick out of it.
I had a change of heart. Life is no longer be about me. Now let me also say "me" gets it's ugly self into the picture sometimes. My goal list 5 years ago looked more like this...
Restore relationship with family
Be a better wife and mom
Be financially free
Give time to others
Take better care of myself, lose weight
We are almost financially free with the exception of our house and long term security. Do we make lots of money...nope. I spend more time with my kids than ever! Both cars are paid for and we are able to give more. In fact with our current income we are considered poverty. We have been unemployed for the last year. Thank God we had a change of heart, otherwise this last year could have cost us a lot more, possibly even our marriage. We were able to give of our time more than ever this year and in the last year and a half I have lost 100 pounds. And don't buy the lie that it takes two incomes. It is a lifestyle choice. You will never get back time with your children. That's worth more than anything!
This was years of work, goal setting and keeping focused. This is what it is going to take for you to achieve your goals.
May be you really want a large home and all the work that comes with it. Have at it... not this lady's cup a tea! If you can afford some people to help you with your home, go for it.
I like to start with these questions:
Will it glorify God? How will it glorify God?
What does my spouse need from me?
Do my goals add to his/her need or take away from it?
What do my children need from me?
Does my goal add or take away from this?
I have found once these questions get answered you can come up with a list of attainable goals and have a more peaceful and joyful life.
You can have a better life if you start making right choices today!
Start today and finish right...and always dream big!!!!
Happy New Year....Welcome 2011!
and I always like to end with some tunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEyWWCw0PA&feature=related
It's time we break out...tear the walls down..we will be the difference for You now...Yeah that's what I'm talking about!
It's a common question we ask and busy is a regular response. I'm not going to sugar coat this one.
I remember a time in my life where I was just busy, busy, busy. Then one day I woke up to reality and I have been trying to un-busy myself ever since. There is nothing wrong with being busy. In fact God does not want us to sit idle. We need to be busy about the right things. So how do we know what the right things to be busy about in our life are?
Start with writing some goals. Make a list of some short term goals, meaning things you hope to accomplish within the next six months to two years. Then make a list of some long term goals, meaning goals you hope to achieve within the next two to ten years.
Evaluate how you spend your time each day. Just take one week and jot down nightly what you did throughout your day. If you continue to do that day after day, week after week, will it get you to where you want to be on your goal list?
For example if my goal is to lose 30 pounds this year and I wake up eating cheese puffs every morning will that help me get to my goal? By the way I did that this morning and that happens to be one of my goals! Not to eat cheese puffs every morning but to lose 30 pounds this year!
If my goal is to restore a relationship but I continue to let bitterness and anger eat away at me, chances are that relationship will not be restored. I have to change something and start with myself.
If my goal is to be financially free but I charge the card, go out too much and carelessly spend I will not ever be financially free.
I as much as you would love to snap my finger and look like a supermodel. But I can't! It takes daily work. I need to eat right, exercise, and use lots of Avon!
The point is whatever your goals are be realistic! Be realistic in the time frame you give yourself to achieve them. You must start today to finish right!
First of all what and who are you trying to achieve this for? Several years ago my goal sheet would have looked like this...Buy a caddy...Live in a 2 story home with pool, Jacuzzi, white fence and marble floors, go to Disney every weekend. Sounds fun! Hmmm.
Here is the reality of that dream, large amounts of debt and no free time because I am too busy taking care of a house too large. My family is so aggravated with each other because we are so busy taking care of everything that the last thing we want to do is go to Disney together.
Let me also say I do not own a caddy. Nor do I live in a large home and unfortunately we don't visit Disney every weekend. However, I have a friend who is blessed to do so which I openly admit I am a little envious of and she gets a kick out of it.
I had a change of heart. Life is no longer be about me. Now let me also say "me" gets it's ugly self into the picture sometimes. My goal list 5 years ago looked more like this...
Restore relationship with family
Be a better wife and mom
Be financially free
Give time to others
Take better care of myself, lose weight
We are almost financially free with the exception of our house and long term security. Do we make lots of money...nope. I spend more time with my kids than ever! Both cars are paid for and we are able to give more. In fact with our current income we are considered poverty. We have been unemployed for the last year. Thank God we had a change of heart, otherwise this last year could have cost us a lot more, possibly even our marriage. We were able to give of our time more than ever this year and in the last year and a half I have lost 100 pounds. And don't buy the lie that it takes two incomes. It is a lifestyle choice. You will never get back time with your children. That's worth more than anything!
This was years of work, goal setting and keeping focused. This is what it is going to take for you to achieve your goals.
May be you really want a large home and all the work that comes with it. Have at it... not this lady's cup a tea! If you can afford some people to help you with your home, go for it.
I like to start with these questions:
Will it glorify God? How will it glorify God?
What does my spouse need from me?
Do my goals add to his/her need or take away from it?
What do my children need from me?
Does my goal add or take away from this?
I have found once these questions get answered you can come up with a list of attainable goals and have a more peaceful and joyful life.
You can have a better life if you start making right choices today!
Start today and finish right...and always dream big!!!!
Happy New Year....Welcome 2011!
and I always like to end with some tunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEyWWCw0PA&feature=related
It's time we break out...tear the walls down..we will be the difference for You now...Yeah that's what I'm talking about!
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