I've entered a new season. My baby is almost 4. That means I have much more time to devote to . . . well . . . to anything other than constant baby/toddler demands. It has been LIBERATING to say the least.
As I have spent time with the Lord, he is challenging me to return to some spiritual disciplines I had to lay down during the season of pregnant/breastfeeding/baby/toddler (which was a DECADE of my life by the way!). Well, it's not that I didn't do these things for 10 years. I just couldn't do them with much structure or consistency!
It has been GOOD saying no to the flesh and embracing some consistent disciplines of meditation, prayer, reading, and fasting. I feel my spirit being strengthened. I am experiencing peace in my person, not just in my circumstances. I feel the negativity in my thinking melting away as I am able to have sustained times of meditating on the Majesty of Jesus. Most of all, my hunger for more of the Lord is increasing. It's a beautiful season with the Lord.
If you're a mom with little ones at home, please don't even consider changing anything that's working for you now. . . different seasons will come. If you're in a place where you have mind and time space, go ahead and consider the spiritual disciplines (if you aren't already). Jesus is totally invigorating!
Books I'm reading:
The Rewards of Fasting by Mike Bickle
The Way of the Warrior Series of 3 books by Graham Cooke
Song of Songs Study with Mike Bickle
Lots of IHOP prayer room music on the side
Showing posts with label God's Extravagance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Extravagance. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Rejoicing
Today I'm tired. But it's a really good tired. Last night I was up until very early in the morning worshiping our Jesus who heals, delivers and saves! It was actually a "Thank you Jesus!" party that one of my favorite people in the world threw on the anniversary of her 1 whole year of complete healing from 18 years of clinical depression! EIGHTEEN YEARS of medication to be functional! ONE FULL YEAR OF COMPLETE HEALING, NO MEDICATION, TOTAL LIFE CHANGE! The story makes me either cry or jump for joy every time I think of it or hear it.
Jesus is good. And He is loving. And He is healer and redeemer and savior and deliverer. I haven't written in awhile, but for no real reason except busy and feeling like I don't have much to say. But Jesus is amazing and faithful and good. Keep pressing in for Him to be all that He says He is. That's what He wants to be for you and me.
PSALM 27:13 "I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!"
Jesus is good. And He is loving. And He is healer and redeemer and savior and deliverer. I haven't written in awhile, but for no real reason except busy and feeling like I don't have much to say. But Jesus is amazing and faithful and good. Keep pressing in for Him to be all that He says He is. That's what He wants to be for you and me.
PSALM 27:13 "I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!"
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Deliverance Update
Just for the record, in case anyone was wondering if I've reached perfection in the area of patience, love and gentleness, I have not! :-) Deliverance has not caused me to be perfect but it has given me the ability to choose. You might laugh or scoff at that, but sincerely, there was so much force behind this struggle that I often felt like I reacted first, only second to think through my choices. And believe me, I worked and worked and worked at consciously CHOOSING to respond in love rather than anger.
I have lost it a couple times since the deliverance. But it doesn't carry the same force, the same magnitude. And it doesn't come with the same level of condemnation and shame. I think it must be how other people without demons of anger must handle their tension and frustration. The feelings still come but then I get to think through what to do with them.
So that's the update. Still praising Jesus!
I have lost it a couple times since the deliverance. But it doesn't carry the same force, the same magnitude. And it doesn't come with the same level of condemnation and shame. I think it must be how other people without demons of anger must handle their tension and frustration. The feelings still come but then I get to think through what to do with them.
So that's the update. Still praising Jesus!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Deliverance
I have been delivered of the spirits of anger, rage, manipulation and control. Plain and simple. I was afflicted by them for 13 years and now I'm not. Here's the story.
I have been delivered of demonic influence that affected my life four times prior to this deliverance experience (in similar dramatic fashion) so this is not entirely new to me. But it's been a few years since my last deliverance experience. I'm confident there have been more than 4 times of deliverance from demonic activity around my life and circumstances but to a lesser degree than I'm going to share about now.
All of you know that I have struggled with anger issues my whole married life. First they manifested mostly with Heath and then the more kids we added, the more out of control I felt, the more I was unable to keep in tact my controlled self that kept the anger from being directed at the kids. More and more I found myself reacting in anger, impatience, harsh words toward the kids. Not always but WAY more than I wanted (I wanted no anger and no yelling and no harsh words). All of these behaviors were magnified in my childhood experience and I remember the day as a little girl I told my mom I would never yell at my kids. She laughed and said, "It's impossible. You'll yell just like I do." In my heart, I vowed I would not succumb to this pattern and for a few years, I was able to hold it together only letting my anger and rage raise it's ugly head against Heath (for which I was also very remorseful.) But as this pattern increased in my parenting, I was haunted by my vow to break this generational cycle that was passed from my grandma to my mom and now to me.
I tried Bible studies on self control, getting rid of anger, anger management workbooks, parenting books, prayer, memorizing verses about our anger and its devastation in our lives and the lives of the ones we love, confessing my sins to my friends and fellowship groups and still no lasting victory. Over the last two years, since our lives have been more outwardly peaceful and stable, I have been able to implement more self control. But if all the conditions weren't right (lack of sleep, bad allergy day, bad eating day, schedule out of whack day, etc) my default was often yelling, impatience, and anger. It was better but not changed.
Earlier in January, I came to a Tuesday night prayer meeting feeling defeated and deflated and again asking for prayer for this issue in my life to be resolved, or whatever needed to happen in me. I have begged the Lord for freedom from anger for years now. For lots of those years, I thought the lack of freedom was my own fault. But in the last two years, I felt that I heard the Lord say to me, "Emie, I'm really not as worried about this as you are. I know your heart and you will be free." But every time I heard this from the Lord, I'd say, "BUT IN THE MEANTIME I"M RUINING MY KIDS!" I wasn't able to rest in the promise of the Lord that deliverance was coming. Now I wish I had. Still pressing forward for victory and deliverance, but resting in the promise that He was planning to do it!
So at the Tuesday night meeting, I was broken again before the Lord and my friends as I asked for prayer one more time. Jonelle came to me with a word that she felt this was more of a familial issue than my issue. In my heart I agreed but I still didn't have victory. The next week, we had visitors from Germany at our prayer meeting. I had a prophetic word for them that they were like a high speed train and could take people in the spiritual realm where they needed to go faster than they would get there otherwise. The following week, I found out they had training in deliverance prayer and were offering to pray for any of us who felt they needed deliverance.
Now, I'll be honest. Their style and maybe even a lot of their belief system, I wouldn't say I buy hook, line and sinker. But because I was so confident that the prophetic word I had for them was from the Lord and because Jonelle had JUST pointed out that the remaining issue of my anger problem was possibly generational stuff, the timing seemed to point to this being an opportunity I at least had to take.
With some trepidation, I made an appointment to have them pray for me with my friends Mike and Jonelle being there for support! After some worship, we started prayer and then they asked some questions and went after "things." For a large portion of it, I felt like I had no idea how to cooperate with what they were trying to get at (or out!) and though I really, really wanted to be free, I just didn't know if I was willfully hanging on to something or what. We took a break and I voiced my apprehensions and then we went at it again. Immediately, when she started praying the second time, I had a very vivid picture of my mom wrestling with something and trying to hold on to it, actually refusing to let it go. I shared the picture and then they went after generational issues, soul ties and things coming at me from my grandma and my mom. When they were done, I knew it was finished. I knew it. I felt it release and break off me. For the next week, I felt like I was missing part of me (the BAD part). I could see situations with the kids through different eyes. I started responding and not reacting (things I was TRYING DESPERATELY to implement but always felt like it was two steps forward pulling a ton of bricks and five steps back!). Now I could just do it. I felt like the little pipeline that was somehow connected to me from my mom and grandma that allowed generational demonic influence of anger, manipulation and control was finally disconnected and now I was simply ME! ME AND GOD!
I knew things were different and that FINALLY, after years and years of begging for freedom, I WAS FREE from the spirit of anger and control! Still I was tentative. I wanted to make sure this would last. Six weeks later, I am still walking out the freedom from the spirit of anger and control! I no longer feel the need to manipulate, control, or be angry at my family (where most all of the manifestations of these awful things came to the surface).
Next weekend, I get to speak at the women's tea. I'm speaking on our inheritance in Christ. Our inheritance in Christ is SALVATION, HEALING, DELIVERANCE, and much, much more. I am 100% convinced that this inheritance is just as much for this side of eternity as for the other side. But we must press in with faith and patience to inherit the promises. Heb 6:11. There are verses in Exodus where God says he heard the cries of the Israelites for 400 YEARS! Why did it take 400 years for the freedom to manifest? I don't know. But there was an appointed day of deliverance! In my life story, I have seen this happen over and over and over. I cry out for freedom, sometimes for years. . . often for long periods of time, and then there is an appointed day of deliverance! HE DOES IT and I'M FREE!!!!! I LOVE MY JESUS! THANK YOU, JESUS! And that's my most recent testimony of deliverance! To God be the glory!
I have been delivered of demonic influence that affected my life four times prior to this deliverance experience (in similar dramatic fashion) so this is not entirely new to me. But it's been a few years since my last deliverance experience. I'm confident there have been more than 4 times of deliverance from demonic activity around my life and circumstances but to a lesser degree than I'm going to share about now.
All of you know that I have struggled with anger issues my whole married life. First they manifested mostly with Heath and then the more kids we added, the more out of control I felt, the more I was unable to keep in tact my controlled self that kept the anger from being directed at the kids. More and more I found myself reacting in anger, impatience, harsh words toward the kids. Not always but WAY more than I wanted (I wanted no anger and no yelling and no harsh words). All of these behaviors were magnified in my childhood experience and I remember the day as a little girl I told my mom I would never yell at my kids. She laughed and said, "It's impossible. You'll yell just like I do." In my heart, I vowed I would not succumb to this pattern and for a few years, I was able to hold it together only letting my anger and rage raise it's ugly head against Heath (for which I was also very remorseful.) But as this pattern increased in my parenting, I was haunted by my vow to break this generational cycle that was passed from my grandma to my mom and now to me.
I tried Bible studies on self control, getting rid of anger, anger management workbooks, parenting books, prayer, memorizing verses about our anger and its devastation in our lives and the lives of the ones we love, confessing my sins to my friends and fellowship groups and still no lasting victory. Over the last two years, since our lives have been more outwardly peaceful and stable, I have been able to implement more self control. But if all the conditions weren't right (lack of sleep, bad allergy day, bad eating day, schedule out of whack day, etc) my default was often yelling, impatience, and anger. It was better but not changed.
Earlier in January, I came to a Tuesday night prayer meeting feeling defeated and deflated and again asking for prayer for this issue in my life to be resolved, or whatever needed to happen in me. I have begged the Lord for freedom from anger for years now. For lots of those years, I thought the lack of freedom was my own fault. But in the last two years, I felt that I heard the Lord say to me, "Emie, I'm really not as worried about this as you are. I know your heart and you will be free." But every time I heard this from the Lord, I'd say, "BUT IN THE MEANTIME I"M RUINING MY KIDS!" I wasn't able to rest in the promise of the Lord that deliverance was coming. Now I wish I had. Still pressing forward for victory and deliverance, but resting in the promise that He was planning to do it!
So at the Tuesday night meeting, I was broken again before the Lord and my friends as I asked for prayer one more time. Jonelle came to me with a word that she felt this was more of a familial issue than my issue. In my heart I agreed but I still didn't have victory. The next week, we had visitors from Germany at our prayer meeting. I had a prophetic word for them that they were like a high speed train and could take people in the spiritual realm where they needed to go faster than they would get there otherwise. The following week, I found out they had training in deliverance prayer and were offering to pray for any of us who felt they needed deliverance.
Now, I'll be honest. Their style and maybe even a lot of their belief system, I wouldn't say I buy hook, line and sinker. But because I was so confident that the prophetic word I had for them was from the Lord and because Jonelle had JUST pointed out that the remaining issue of my anger problem was possibly generational stuff, the timing seemed to point to this being an opportunity I at least had to take.
With some trepidation, I made an appointment to have them pray for me with my friends Mike and Jonelle being there for support! After some worship, we started prayer and then they asked some questions and went after "things." For a large portion of it, I felt like I had no idea how to cooperate with what they were trying to get at (or out!) and though I really, really wanted to be free, I just didn't know if I was willfully hanging on to something or what. We took a break and I voiced my apprehensions and then we went at it again. Immediately, when she started praying the second time, I had a very vivid picture of my mom wrestling with something and trying to hold on to it, actually refusing to let it go. I shared the picture and then they went after generational issues, soul ties and things coming at me from my grandma and my mom. When they were done, I knew it was finished. I knew it. I felt it release and break off me. For the next week, I felt like I was missing part of me (the BAD part). I could see situations with the kids through different eyes. I started responding and not reacting (things I was TRYING DESPERATELY to implement but always felt like it was two steps forward pulling a ton of bricks and five steps back!). Now I could just do it. I felt like the little pipeline that was somehow connected to me from my mom and grandma that allowed generational demonic influence of anger, manipulation and control was finally disconnected and now I was simply ME! ME AND GOD!
I knew things were different and that FINALLY, after years and years of begging for freedom, I WAS FREE from the spirit of anger and control! Still I was tentative. I wanted to make sure this would last. Six weeks later, I am still walking out the freedom from the spirit of anger and control! I no longer feel the need to manipulate, control, or be angry at my family (where most all of the manifestations of these awful things came to the surface).
Next weekend, I get to speak at the women's tea. I'm speaking on our inheritance in Christ. Our inheritance in Christ is SALVATION, HEALING, DELIVERANCE, and much, much more. I am 100% convinced that this inheritance is just as much for this side of eternity as for the other side. But we must press in with faith and patience to inherit the promises. Heb 6:11. There are verses in Exodus where God says he heard the cries of the Israelites for 400 YEARS! Why did it take 400 years for the freedom to manifest? I don't know. But there was an appointed day of deliverance! In my life story, I have seen this happen over and over and over. I cry out for freedom, sometimes for years. . . often for long periods of time, and then there is an appointed day of deliverance! HE DOES IT and I'M FREE!!!!! I LOVE MY JESUS! THANK YOU, JESUS! And that's my most recent testimony of deliverance! To God be the glory!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Life . . .
. . . has been full of blessing and trial the last few weeks with lots of things in between. When I'm in that place of tension or being pulled a hundred different directions, it's really hard for me to put anything worth reading into words. Someday you may get a good post, but probably not until holiday break!
~ We got a dog! This may confirm your suspicions that I have been comatose for the last several weeks, thus not hearing from me. While comatose, Heath slipped the dog into the family! :-) Actually, I willingly consented to this dog . . . miracles DO happen. She is a 4 month old doberman pincher. She LOVES the kids and is the most mellow big dog I've ever seen. The best part about having the dog in this season of life is that Heath takes her to work every day! Problems averted. I don't have to deal with the dog all day, she comes home to interact with us just long enough to keep her "fun" and not a nuisance, and Heath gets his baby.
~ We got a stray dog. . . that I can't get rid of! A few weeks before we got Zoe (the dobe) someone dropped off a little dog at our house (it happens often living in the country). We let it starve for almost two weeks because the pound was supposed to pick it up and never did. Finally I couldn't stand it and started feeding the little thing. So who does it love? Only me. Problem, I can't betray this poor little dog's confidence and use his trust in me to trap it and bring it to its death. If you need some target practice, come on out, but don't expect me to trap this little thing! UGH.
~ Abiel has bronchitis. She has been sick for nearly 2 weeks. She's pretty miserable. Please pray for her recovery. It seems very slow going.
~ Apple picking and processing. We had the opportunity to go apple picking as a family. I spent two full days with a handy dandy apple peeler/slicer/corer making apple pie filling (enough for 20 pies), applesauce, apple butter, and dehydrated apple slices. So this is the second miracle in this post. If you knew me 10 years ago, you would've laughed hysterically at the idea of me making anything homemade and spending 2 full days in a kitchen with boxes of apples! God is BIG!
~ Ministry. There have been good things and hard things. But I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, serving alongside anyone else, bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. I'm moving back into one on one discipleship role with several young women and that is thrilling to me! I feel alive when I'm able to walk along side teachable young women who just need a sounding board and solid biblical advice. But the MOST thrilling discipleship situation I'm in is with my own daughter! She has moved into junior high mode in every sense of the word. I keep praising Jesus for the privilege of pouring into my own daughter in the way I have poured into so many other young ladies over the years. I prayed and hoped she would let me into her life in this way, but it has been beyond my hopes as she shares her life, struggle, and joy with me. Thank you Jesus! This is by far, my favorite parenting stage to date!
~ School is moving right along and we are still very much enjoying it. Our charter school is phenomenal. Though it is public, we are allowed to teach whatever curriculum that suits our family and children! There are dozens of amazing educational opportunities and we are all thankful for the opportunity to be part of this community. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday and the other three days are packed with math, English, science, and history. I've become much more relaxed and am learning how to go with the flow of the day better than I used to, rather than trying to cram a set schedule down everyone's throat. We still accomplish what we need to do, with a lot more joy and better attitudes all around! Miracle number 3!
If you made it to the end of this. . . thanks for reading, for being my friend, for loving our family. I'm thankful for all of you this Thanksgiving season!
Happy Holidays!
~ We got a dog! This may confirm your suspicions that I have been comatose for the last several weeks, thus not hearing from me. While comatose, Heath slipped the dog into the family! :-) Actually, I willingly consented to this dog . . . miracles DO happen. She is a 4 month old doberman pincher. She LOVES the kids and is the most mellow big dog I've ever seen. The best part about having the dog in this season of life is that Heath takes her to work every day! Problems averted. I don't have to deal with the dog all day, she comes home to interact with us just long enough to keep her "fun" and not a nuisance, and Heath gets his baby.
~ We got a stray dog. . . that I can't get rid of! A few weeks before we got Zoe (the dobe) someone dropped off a little dog at our house (it happens often living in the country). We let it starve for almost two weeks because the pound was supposed to pick it up and never did. Finally I couldn't stand it and started feeding the little thing. So who does it love? Only me. Problem, I can't betray this poor little dog's confidence and use his trust in me to trap it and bring it to its death. If you need some target practice, come on out, but don't expect me to trap this little thing! UGH.
~ Abiel has bronchitis. She has been sick for nearly 2 weeks. She's pretty miserable. Please pray for her recovery. It seems very slow going.
~ Apple picking and processing. We had the opportunity to go apple picking as a family. I spent two full days with a handy dandy apple peeler/slicer/corer making apple pie filling (enough for 20 pies), applesauce, apple butter, and dehydrated apple slices. So this is the second miracle in this post. If you knew me 10 years ago, you would've laughed hysterically at the idea of me making anything homemade and spending 2 full days in a kitchen with boxes of apples! God is BIG!
~ Ministry. There have been good things and hard things. But I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, serving alongside anyone else, bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. I'm moving back into one on one discipleship role with several young women and that is thrilling to me! I feel alive when I'm able to walk along side teachable young women who just need a sounding board and solid biblical advice. But the MOST thrilling discipleship situation I'm in is with my own daughter! She has moved into junior high mode in every sense of the word. I keep praising Jesus for the privilege of pouring into my own daughter in the way I have poured into so many other young ladies over the years. I prayed and hoped she would let me into her life in this way, but it has been beyond my hopes as she shares her life, struggle, and joy with me. Thank you Jesus! This is by far, my favorite parenting stage to date!
~ School is moving right along and we are still very much enjoying it. Our charter school is phenomenal. Though it is public, we are allowed to teach whatever curriculum that suits our family and children! There are dozens of amazing educational opportunities and we are all thankful for the opportunity to be part of this community. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday and the other three days are packed with math, English, science, and history. I've become much more relaxed and am learning how to go with the flow of the day better than I used to, rather than trying to cram a set schedule down everyone's throat. We still accomplish what we need to do, with a lot more joy and better attitudes all around! Miracle number 3!
If you made it to the end of this. . . thanks for reading, for being my friend, for loving our family. I'm thankful for all of you this Thanksgiving season!
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Question of the day
Does God meet our lack with His supply when our lack is the fault of our own stupidity in the first place? :-)
I'm here today to say YES!! I very stupidly chose to drink a frappacino at 5:30 last night. I thought about the stupidity at 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 1:45, 2:45 and 3:15 - the last time I remember seeing on the clock this morning. Several times in the wide awake, middle of the night, I wasn't sure if I should even ask God to sustain me through the next full day of home school and ballet because my exhaustion was my own fault.
Today has had its moments (and it's certainly not over), but I have felt a miraculous uplifting! Thank you, Jesus, that this is the very core of your nature . . . covering us, supplying for us the strength, grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy, provision, love that we lack often due to our own stupid choices! Ok, maybe yours aren't "stupid" but mine are! :-) Happy good choice making to you today!
I'm here today to say YES!! I very stupidly chose to drink a frappacino at 5:30 last night. I thought about the stupidity at 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 1:45, 2:45 and 3:15 - the last time I remember seeing on the clock this morning. Several times in the wide awake, middle of the night, I wasn't sure if I should even ask God to sustain me through the next full day of home school and ballet because my exhaustion was my own fault.
Today has had its moments (and it's certainly not over), but I have felt a miraculous uplifting! Thank you, Jesus, that this is the very core of your nature . . . covering us, supplying for us the strength, grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy, provision, love that we lack often due to our own stupid choices! Ok, maybe yours aren't "stupid" but mine are! :-) Happy good choice making to you today!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Quote of the Day
This is a section from a book by Graham Cooke called, "Qualities of a Spiritual Warrior." It's a bit long but has ministered to me and many others I have shared it with in the last couple weeks.
Pg 101-103
"If our spirituality matters, it matters most under pressure. The Lord is with us always; he never leaves us nor forsakes [Heb 13:5]. He is our rock, an ever present help in times of trouble [Psalm 27:5]. He lifts us up above our enemies [Psalm 27:6]. He sustains us. His willingness to help us is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
"Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
When we dwell on our circumstances, we become circumstantial. That is, we are drawn up in all of the tiny details of the situation, often telling Him things He already knows - like He is the child, and we are the parent - explaining everything. We try to develop peace in the situation. We attempt joy, but it mostly feels false. . .
We do not live in our circumstances, we live in Christ. Our capacity to receive depends on our position. We can sit in the circumstances or be seated in Christ in heavenly places. We cannot do both; so a choice is required.
When the Father draws us to Him, He seeks to separate us from our circumstances. That is why He tells us to come away into our prayer closet. We come into a confined space where we can confide in Him. A closet is restricted place where we are shut in with God and the enemy is restrained. We do not take our problems into the closet; we take our beliefs, our childlike simplicity, our uncomplicated trust. We come to worship and adore - to get into the face of Father and relax.
We need His strength in order to prosper. His nature is so inspirational; it strengthens us immeasurably. His delight is contagious, His joy unbounded. His peace is a deep, rhythmic rest that renews our mind. We feel lighthearted in His Presence. We joyfully cast all our cares onto Him.
In times of incredible assault, adversity and pressure, I have entered my secret place and become so confined with the Lord I forgot my reason for entry. I have discovered later that the enemy got tired of waiting around (he has no access to patience; it's impossible for him) and decamped.
Allow the Father to separate you from your circumstances Cast your cares on Him; then come away with Him. Let the Holy Spirit take you upwards to the Father. You are in Christ - you can go anywhere! In the place of intimate affection you receive a revelatory perspective that empowers you to be resourced from Heaven.
On earth a crisis is perceived as a threat to our well being. In Heaven it is an opportunity to discover something. The turning point for us is being confined with God - being in a space that He fully occupies. He surrounds us, fills us, overwhelms us. We are astonished, mesmerized. He lets us look through His eyes, feel His heartbeat. Joy becomes unconfined in that small space. We rejoice because His viewpoint is so amazing that we want to rush out of heaven into our circumstances and live out what we are seeing."
Pg 101-103
"If our spirituality matters, it matters most under pressure. The Lord is with us always; he never leaves us nor forsakes [Heb 13:5]. He is our rock, an ever present help in times of trouble [Psalm 27:5]. He lifts us up above our enemies [Psalm 27:6]. He sustains us. His willingness to help us is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
"Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
When we dwell on our circumstances, we become circumstantial. That is, we are drawn up in all of the tiny details of the situation, often telling Him things He already knows - like He is the child, and we are the parent - explaining everything. We try to develop peace in the situation. We attempt joy, but it mostly feels false. . .
We do not live in our circumstances, we live in Christ. Our capacity to receive depends on our position. We can sit in the circumstances or be seated in Christ in heavenly places. We cannot do both; so a choice is required.
When the Father draws us to Him, He seeks to separate us from our circumstances. That is why He tells us to come away into our prayer closet. We come into a confined space where we can confide in Him. A closet is restricted place where we are shut in with God and the enemy is restrained. We do not take our problems into the closet; we take our beliefs, our childlike simplicity, our uncomplicated trust. We come to worship and adore - to get into the face of Father and relax.
We need His strength in order to prosper. His nature is so inspirational; it strengthens us immeasurably. His delight is contagious, His joy unbounded. His peace is a deep, rhythmic rest that renews our mind. We feel lighthearted in His Presence. We joyfully cast all our cares onto Him.
In times of incredible assault, adversity and pressure, I have entered my secret place and become so confined with the Lord I forgot my reason for entry. I have discovered later that the enemy got tired of waiting around (he has no access to patience; it's impossible for him) and decamped.
Allow the Father to separate you from your circumstances Cast your cares on Him; then come away with Him. Let the Holy Spirit take you upwards to the Father. You are in Christ - you can go anywhere! In the place of intimate affection you receive a revelatory perspective that empowers you to be resourced from Heaven.
On earth a crisis is perceived as a threat to our well being. In Heaven it is an opportunity to discover something. The turning point for us is being confined with God - being in a space that He fully occupies. He surrounds us, fills us, overwhelms us. We are astonished, mesmerized. He lets us look through His eyes, feel His heartbeat. Joy becomes unconfined in that small space. We rejoice because His viewpoint is so amazing that we want to rush out of heaven into our circumstances and live out what we are seeing."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Verses of the Day
Ephesians 1:3-8
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Rejoicing in Heaven TODAY!
Luke 15:8-10
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Today, there is GREAT REJOICING in the presence of the angels of God because last night, one precious young woman gave her life to Jesus to receive his salvation from sin, healing and deliverance here in Tulare County! Rejoice with us in her new life. And if you think of this precious young woman today, please pray that her new relationship with Jesus will flourish. I just LOVE Jesus! He is so much fun!
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Today, there is GREAT REJOICING in the presence of the angels of God because last night, one precious young woman gave her life to Jesus to receive his salvation from sin, healing and deliverance here in Tulare County! Rejoice with us in her new life. And if you think of this precious young woman today, please pray that her new relationship with Jesus will flourish. I just LOVE Jesus! He is so much fun!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Did you know . . .
. . . I love growth. As I walk the irrigation roads behind our house, I am amazed by the miracle of growth through the seasons: rich, bare, milk chocolate brown fields eventually turn into beautiful uniform rows that will soon hold seeds that contain life waiting to burst forth.
As I was meditating on the beauty of the green cotton and corn plants reaching for the sun, I was reminded how much I love growth in people. I love growth in myself. I am not the same woman I was five or two or even one year ago. I am growing. There are seasons of dirt. But I am now confident that even my dirt has potential to turn into green, life giving beauty! I'm just cooperating with the Master Farmer. He knows when to let me sit as dirt, when to plow me up and prepare my heart, when to plant His seeds and when to water. I get the blessing of bearing the beautiful fruit, but it's only in cooperation with the hard work of the Farmer! Thank you, Jesus, for my growth and all the seasons that are necessary for beauty to break forth. I am so very pleased to be cared for by You!
As I was meditating on the beauty of the green cotton and corn plants reaching for the sun, I was reminded how much I love growth in people. I love growth in myself. I am not the same woman I was five or two or even one year ago. I am growing. There are seasons of dirt. But I am now confident that even my dirt has potential to turn into green, life giving beauty! I'm just cooperating with the Master Farmer. He knows when to let me sit as dirt, when to plow me up and prepare my heart, when to plant His seeds and when to water. I get the blessing of bearing the beautiful fruit, but it's only in cooperation with the hard work of the Farmer! Thank you, Jesus, for my growth and all the seasons that are necessary for beauty to break forth. I am so very pleased to be cared for by You!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Verse of the Day
Psalm 138:1-3
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
------------------
I have been meditating on these for a couple weeks. All the verses are significant to me but the one in bold especially. I love it that God's promises to me (and there are many) are backed by all the honor of His name! Amazing! That should produce a confidence within me that nothing can steal. Thank you, Abba!
I have been meditating on these for a couple weeks. All the verses are significant to me but the one in bold especially. I love it that God's promises to me (and there are many) are backed by all the honor of His name! Amazing! That should produce a confidence within me that nothing can steal. Thank you, Abba!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Baptizing our kids!
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
Matthew 8:16-17 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. All the spirits fled when he commanded them to leave; and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through Isaiah, who said, "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."
Colossians 2:12-15 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross. In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ.----------------
It was our joy and privilege to baptize Abiel and Judah before the witnesses of our fellowship and family. They shared their testimony of Jesus making their hearts alive and then each shared a favorite verse that has been meaningful to them. Abiel's is John 3:16-17 and Judah's is Matthew 8:16-17. (see above)
Our family has come to understand that the work of Christ on the cross is not reserved only for the forgiveness of our sins but it is also for our healing and deliverance. God's idea of salvation is such a full picture, so complete and truly overwhelming! "When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth." (Eph. 3:14)
It was a great delight to hear Abiel and Judah give testimony of the comprehensive work of Jesus on the cross. It is our privilege to teach our children that once we have died with Christ, we now live through the power of the Holy Spirit moving within us, the SAME SPIRIT THAT RAISED JESUS (and us) from the dead!! Mind blowing! Thank you for your beautiful sacrifice on the cross and your resurrection through the power of the Holy Spirit that has given us life abundantly! We love you, Jesus!
Monday, August 2, 2010
My kids as flowers
On our weekend away, we did a lot of walking. As I came upon certain flowers, they would remind me of each of my children's personalities. Here they are.
This is Abiel Kay. Her name means "God is my father, rejoice." This flower was more vibrant in person (as all of them were). The center was a warm, glowing orange that reminded me of Abiel's heart and mind. She knows God is her father and that we love her dearly. These truths have set her heart and mind aglow. That warm glow radiates out of every part of her. She is as bright as the outer edges of these petals and brings this brilliance to those around her. We love you, Sunshine!
This picture doesn't do this stunning red flower justice! As we were walking along a predominantly brown and green path to the beach, suddenly my eyes were caught by this striking flower. It reminds me of Judah, a bit unassuming but bold and eye catching on the backdrop of normalcy! Judah Allen's name means "Praise with peace and harmony." We believe Judah will be a man who brings praise to Jesus with peace and harmony while leading others to do the same. As with this bold little flower, I believe Judah will have the ability to catch eyes and direct them to praising and worshiping the Creator. We love you Judah man.
Asher Chaim. "Blessed, fortunate, and happy life" is our Asher Chaim. This huge, "make me feel happy" flower caused an instantaneous smile! It's just like our Asher. Big, loud and out to make you smile without even meaning to. Keep being you, little man. We love you like crazy.
Elianna Charis, "God has answered me with grace (empowering Presence)." This flower wasn't on the path to anywhere but was in the store, neatly wrapped and ready to be delivered somewhere specific and special. I love the soft, bright color with a little bit of spiky. Ella. She's got a soft little heart in there and a whole lotta spiky everywhere else! She will be a young woman who knows that her God answers her with HIS empowering Presence. I'm confident she will take that beautiful truth to whomever she is with. Her whole little package of soft and spiky will be part of the gift to whoever and wherever she is delivered! We love you little beauty.All very different. All very beautiful. All very loved and appreciated for their unique beauty. Thank you Jesus, for my little flower garden.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Slacker or busy? . . . . Ummmm . . . Busy
Summer has hit full force and I did not make the transition from school to summer gracefully. Actually, it was a bomb and I'm just now getting back on top of life. I started several posts, one nice and neat and one honest. Both are still in my drafts! And right now, I'm not really going to talk about the last month except that I'm alive and Jesus is AMAZING! He has answered so many prayers of mine personally, of friends who are praying for big things, and of our prayer group.
Elianna Charis' name means "God has answered me with Grace." The working definition of "grace" that has meant so much to me is "God's empowering Presence." Truly, Elianna Charis is such a tangible reminder to me . . . almost daily, that I am in a season of learning, believing and SEEING that GOD ANSWERS ME. Not simply answers, but answers with HIS EMPOWERING PRESENCE. And if God's empowering Presence (Holy Spirit) is within those of us who believe in Jesus, what obstacle or plan of the enemy should prevail? It is our privilege and assignment to bring the Kingdom of God upon this earth. And when the Kingdom of God shows up through His Body. . . blind see, deaf hear, lame walk, demons flee, love pours in, broken hearts are bound up, hope is restored, strongholds are broken, Holy Spirit speaks, tangible Presence of the glory of God shows up, truth replaces lies, purpose and destiny is pulled out of people or poured in, true peace of God replaces anxiety and fear, joy replaces depression, and we just have a whole lot of FUN!
So in the bumpy transition into summer, with busyness in full swing (swim lessons, ministry, guests from all over, library days, roller skating days, chipped teeth, ear infections, 110 degree weather, park movie night, making blackberry jam, new kitty, and birthday parties) we have also experienced miraculous answers to prayer and real, tangible experiences of God's love though it's so great we'll never fully understand it! And life keeps going. Further Up and Further In!
Elianna Charis' name means "God has answered me with Grace." The working definition of "grace" that has meant so much to me is "God's empowering Presence." Truly, Elianna Charis is such a tangible reminder to me . . . almost daily, that I am in a season of learning, believing and SEEING that GOD ANSWERS ME. Not simply answers, but answers with HIS EMPOWERING PRESENCE. And if God's empowering Presence (Holy Spirit) is within those of us who believe in Jesus, what obstacle or plan of the enemy should prevail? It is our privilege and assignment to bring the Kingdom of God upon this earth. And when the Kingdom of God shows up through His Body. . . blind see, deaf hear, lame walk, demons flee, love pours in, broken hearts are bound up, hope is restored, strongholds are broken, Holy Spirit speaks, tangible Presence of the glory of God shows up, truth replaces lies, purpose and destiny is pulled out of people or poured in, true peace of God replaces anxiety and fear, joy replaces depression, and we just have a whole lot of FUN!
So in the bumpy transition into summer, with busyness in full swing (swim lessons, ministry, guests from all over, library days, roller skating days, chipped teeth, ear infections, 110 degree weather, park movie night, making blackberry jam, new kitty, and birthday parties) we have also experienced miraculous answers to prayer and real, tangible experiences of God's love though it's so great we'll never fully understand it! And life keeps going. Further Up and Further In!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Quote of the Day
"We're either occupied with ourselves or we are occupied with the revelation of the love of God."
"God doesn't start enjoying us after we mature but while we mature."
"Those confident in the love of God will love others better."
______
These are quotes from Mike Bickel's message on Mother's Day. A really phenomenal message on pursuing and receiving the love of God if you're on that quest.
"God doesn't start enjoying us after we mature but while we mature."
"Those confident in the love of God will love others better."
______
These are quotes from Mike Bickel's message on Mother's Day. A really phenomenal message on pursuing and receiving the love of God if you're on that quest.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Verse of the Day
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He. I am He who will
sustain you.
I have made you
and I will carry you.
I will sustain you
and I will rescue you.
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He. I am He who will
sustain you.
I have made you
and I will carry you.
I will sustain you
and I will rescue you.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Verses of the Day
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
All praise to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the source of every mercy
and the God who comforts us.
He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others.
When others are troubled,
we will be able to give them the
same comfort God has given us.
All praise to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the source of every mercy
and the God who comforts us.
He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others.
When others are troubled,
we will be able to give them the
same comfort God has given us.
The context of this passage is really about suffering for Jesus and persecution. In no way do I believe I am suffering for Jesus as we are grieving and moving to a new place. But I do know one of the great attributes of God is his ability to comfort. And so, I will let him comfort me as I will then need to comfort my children and possibly many others I meet on my journey. Blessings to you today.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Happy Easter
I John 4:9-10
God showed how much he loved us
by sending his only Son into the world
so that we might have eternal life through him.
THIS IS REAL LOVE.
It is not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us
and sent his Son
as a sacrifice
to take away
our sins.
I LOVE YOU, ABBA. . . because you loved me first.
God showed how much he loved us
by sending his only Son into the world
so that we might have eternal life through him.
THIS IS REAL LOVE.
It is not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us
and sent his Son
as a sacrifice
to take away
our sins.
I LOVE YOU, ABBA. . . because you loved me first.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
You're a Masterpiece!
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
WE ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE!!
1. God didn't just throw us together. We are a masterpiece.
2. A masterpiece displays the genius and glory of the Master artisan.
3. As a masterpiece, we were created with a uniqueness that will help us accomplish the "good works" that were prepared in advance for us to do! This reminds me of 2 Peter 1:3, "We have everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
4. No one can fill your shoes. There may be a million other bloggers or a million other businessmen, or a million other stay at home, home schooling moms or a million other people who do things similar to your own dreams and passions, callings or giftings. But just because there are a million of them, doesn't mean that they are doing YOUR good works. They can't! Only YOU can write what God prepared in advance for you to write. Only YOU can love those God prepared in advance for you to love in a way unique to you. Only YOU can lead those in your sphere of influence into greater understanding and freedom in a way unique to you. Only YOU can fulfill the good works prepared in advance for YOU to do.
So this post isn't to make anyone feel guilty for not doing enough. By all means, I'm all about NOT doing more than we are created to do! But if you find yourself holding back from doing things stirring in your heart simply because there are millions of other people doing it too, then move out! Somebody needs to hear you, see you, watch you, feel your hand hold theirs, have you pray for their situation. Somebody needs YOU, not Bill Johnson, not Oprah Winfrey, not Heidi Baker, Jill Briscoe, Beth Moore, or Erwin McManus, Francie Chan, Joyce Meyers, or any other big name minister, social justice worker, or public figure. Discover the masterpiece God created you to be and have fun doing the works he has prepared in advance for you to do. . . today, right now, in your home, at your job, in your sphere of influence. The world will be a better place because of it! :-)
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
WE ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE!!
1. God didn't just throw us together. We are a masterpiece.
2. A masterpiece displays the genius and glory of the Master artisan.
3. As a masterpiece, we were created with a uniqueness that will help us accomplish the "good works" that were prepared in advance for us to do! This reminds me of 2 Peter 1:3, "We have everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
4. No one can fill your shoes. There may be a million other bloggers or a million other businessmen, or a million other stay at home, home schooling moms or a million other people who do things similar to your own dreams and passions, callings or giftings. But just because there are a million of them, doesn't mean that they are doing YOUR good works. They can't! Only YOU can write what God prepared in advance for you to write. Only YOU can love those God prepared in advance for you to love in a way unique to you. Only YOU can lead those in your sphere of influence into greater understanding and freedom in a way unique to you. Only YOU can fulfill the good works prepared in advance for YOU to do.
So this post isn't to make anyone feel guilty for not doing enough. By all means, I'm all about NOT doing more than we are created to do! But if you find yourself holding back from doing things stirring in your heart simply because there are millions of other people doing it too, then move out! Somebody needs to hear you, see you, watch you, feel your hand hold theirs, have you pray for their situation. Somebody needs YOU, not Bill Johnson, not Oprah Winfrey, not Heidi Baker, Jill Briscoe, Beth Moore, or Erwin McManus, Francie Chan, Joyce Meyers, or any other big name minister, social justice worker, or public figure. Discover the masterpiece God created you to be and have fun doing the works he has prepared in advance for you to do. . . today, right now, in your home, at your job, in your sphere of influence. The world will be a better place because of it! :-)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
God is Provider
I have many stories of the amazing ways God has provided for us since Heath quit his job Jan 8th. I'm not sure if it's because there are so many stories or that there are so many transitions in our lives that I can't keep up. We made it to the end of February with empty cupboards but not empty stomachs. It's amazing what you can make with flour, sugar, oil and a bit of protein! Felt like I was back in Africa, squeezing out every ounce of creativity from my cooking brain! When we can't buy convenient packaged food, preparation takes 10 times longer (really I'm sure it does! I'll keep track next time)!
We ended the month with $2.77 to our name. I was at peace the entire month, even as we got down to 2 diapers, the last bit of milk, and the last load of laundry. But the moment it hit March 1st, I was in a bit of a panic. Hence the posts about defeating the worry monster! We didn't know how March was going to be covered, but Jesus had told me it would be (not to mention the promises in Scripture I was freshly encouraged by).
Within an hour of receiving the revelation of Luke 12:32 on March 1st and coming to true faith and peace about God's nature of providing, someone called saying they were sending $100 Walmart card in the mail. Within an hour of that, our ministry covering called and said we had a small amount in our ministry account. He asked if we wanted it deposited in our checking account! THANK YOU JESUS!! Again, it appeared to be last second, but God is never late.
Bills until the 15th (except for rent), food, gas and getting our taxes done was covered. I was at peace and Heath was up and down about it all. Jesus kept telling him, "Just wait. You'll see." This week we got the results of our tax return and it is the "you'll see!" We are in shock, awe, and thanksgiving as this is the biggest tax return we have ever gotten since we've been married. Breathing room. THANK YOU, JESUS!
There is so much more to share, but long posts rarely get read. I know. I hope at least one person in need is encouraged by God's Providing Nature. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He is the same for me and for you. He IS Jehovah Jireh, the Provider. He cannot go against his very nature. He is faithful and you CAN put your trust in Him. Praying for your provision. Blessings.
We ended the month with $2.77 to our name. I was at peace the entire month, even as we got down to 2 diapers, the last bit of milk, and the last load of laundry. But the moment it hit March 1st, I was in a bit of a panic. Hence the posts about defeating the worry monster! We didn't know how March was going to be covered, but Jesus had told me it would be (not to mention the promises in Scripture I was freshly encouraged by).
Within an hour of receiving the revelation of Luke 12:32 on March 1st and coming to true faith and peace about God's nature of providing, someone called saying they were sending $100 Walmart card in the mail. Within an hour of that, our ministry covering called and said we had a small amount in our ministry account. He asked if we wanted it deposited in our checking account! THANK YOU JESUS!! Again, it appeared to be last second, but God is never late.
Bills until the 15th (except for rent), food, gas and getting our taxes done was covered. I was at peace and Heath was up and down about it all. Jesus kept telling him, "Just wait. You'll see." This week we got the results of our tax return and it is the "you'll see!" We are in shock, awe, and thanksgiving as this is the biggest tax return we have ever gotten since we've been married. Breathing room. THANK YOU, JESUS!
There is so much more to share, but long posts rarely get read. I know. I hope at least one person in need is encouraged by God's Providing Nature. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He is the same for me and for you. He IS Jehovah Jireh, the Provider. He cannot go against his very nature. He is faithful and you CAN put your trust in Him. Praying for your provision. Blessings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)