Disequilabration here we come! The short story . . . . we are making plans to return to Pemba, Mozambique and Thursday we heard that we are welcome back there.
Long story. . . .It's too long. Summary, Heath has come to feel that all his business endeavors here have been a mixed priority attempt to make enough passive income to support our desire to serve the poor and needy around the world. He's done with that struggle and has decided he needs to do what his passions are, what he feels created for, and allow God to be Provider for all our passion and dreams to bring His Kingdom to the ends of the earth. But let me just make it known. . . I've IMMENSELY enjoyed bringing His Kingdom to the Central Valley in my little sphere of influence these last 5 years.
God has been shaping a desire and dream in Heath to bring small business endeavors to developing nations, working to bring sustainable living help and teaching and provision. Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime. I wish you could hear Heath talk about all the dreams he has for 3rd world nations, bringing practical answers alongside of the Presence and Power of the Spirit of God. Both are the Kingdom of God among us. And Iris Pemba seems to be our best inroad to seeing these dreams come to life. And. . . they would love to have us back. And. . . ALL of my kids are excited to go back, which is the biggest miracle to me.
How am I feeling about it all? I am absolutely ready to go anywhere in the world. . . . except back to Pemba!!!!! Why? Because I know what I'm going back to. There is no blind excitement and adrenaline rush that will carry us across the globe this time. And I know I didn't manage it well 6 years ago. Am I a changed enough woman to do it well this time? Do I know more of God. . . enough of God to be able to walk out my door and not feel like I'm going to be a puddle of overwhelming sadness because I just don't know what my part is in helping fight against this great big, gigantic evil called poverty that ravages these beautiful children and families that I can't even talk to because I can't speak their language? Can I do this? I am so desperate for more of Jesus you can't even imagine my desperation right now. And as I am typing these words the song, Set A Fire by The United Pursuit Band is playing and the tears are flowing. "I WANT MORE OF YOU GOD!"
Please don't misunderstand my raw emotion. I KNOW we are supposed to go back. It's just that until I make new memories and have new experiences, the 6 months I have stored up are full of feelings of failure or at the very least, feelings of inadequacy. I will still be inadequate. I will still be emotional. I will still have very little idea of how to manage the amount of pain and sadness and need that will be right outside my gate. But I have Jesus. And He says He is enough. He is more than enough. Are You? Are You really more than enough for every single orphan I will hug? Are you more than enough for the villages underwater right now? You are. I have to believe it. I have to believe it or I will die. And I have 5 years of growth and change and experiences of the love of God that I am PRAYING with all my heart is enough to give me the strength to live this next adventure out in wholeness instead of hanging on by the skin of my teeth.
So there are my raw thoughts after 2 1/2 days of knowing we are moving. If you want more of a glimpse of the words my heart are singing, The United Pursuit Band has an album called "Endless Years." Many of the songs are putting words to all my emotion.
It will be a good adventure. I know it deep in my spirit. Now I hope my mind will come around! :-)
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Inspiration to Nonviolence
I think we should pay attention to what moves us to tears. Those stories, people, events are often connected to our destiny. What breaks my heart? Inspires me to move forward? If I continue to follow the Lord and walk through doors he opens and explore ideas he presents to me, I believe I'll find my life connected to the stories that move me to tears.
Martin Luther King, Jr and Gandhi inspire me. I cannot engage in their stories without sobbing. I recently read a short book called, "Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way," by Walter Wink. If you are moved by MLK Jr. or Gandhi, you really need to read this book. Really. What I'm saying is, READ "Jesus and Nonviolence." :-)
There is a beautiful strength in nonviolent, non-wimpy revolution. And Jesus was the greatest leader in this of all mankind. "Jesus, lead us first into your heart, in intimacy and then lead us wherever you would take us to bring your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."
Here's a link to part of Jason Upton's song, "Never Alone Martin." It's worth 5 minutes.
Thank you to all those who bring the love and justice of Jesus to a hurting world in bondage.
Martin Luther King, Jr and Gandhi inspire me. I cannot engage in their stories without sobbing. I recently read a short book called, "Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way," by Walter Wink. If you are moved by MLK Jr. or Gandhi, you really need to read this book. Really. What I'm saying is, READ "Jesus and Nonviolence." :-)
There is a beautiful strength in nonviolent, non-wimpy revolution. And Jesus was the greatest leader in this of all mankind. "Jesus, lead us first into your heart, in intimacy and then lead us wherever you would take us to bring your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."
Here's a link to part of Jason Upton's song, "Never Alone Martin." It's worth 5 minutes.
Thank you to all those who bring the love and justice of Jesus to a hurting world in bondage.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Loving long term
The older I get, the more convinced I am that Jesus is NOT in a hurry. . . almost ever. . . maybe never.
I've been loving my homeless friends for a couple years now, maybe three. There have been ups and downs in this relationship, often it feels like more downs than ups. But the last two months have been so sweet for me. Laurie has been asking more questions, and we're having more real, deep conversations about Jesus. Today she said, "I used to be afraid of Jesus coming back. But now I'm excited! I know he's gonna forgive me and everything will be right."
ahhhh. Jesus, you're not in a hurry. Teach me to love without timeline or any agenda but your love.
I've been loving my homeless friends for a couple years now, maybe three. There have been ups and downs in this relationship, often it feels like more downs than ups. But the last two months have been so sweet for me. Laurie has been asking more questions, and we're having more real, deep conversations about Jesus. Today she said, "I used to be afraid of Jesus coming back. But now I'm excited! I know he's gonna forgive me and everything will be right."
ahhhh. Jesus, you're not in a hurry. Teach me to love without timeline or any agenda but your love.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Seeing it differently
I'm reading through the Graham Cooke series "The Way of the Warrior." It has vastly improved my ability to think Jesus thoughts rather than replaying the tapes of discouragement, despair, or negativity. In this endeavor, I have found myself looking at situations differently.
For instance, I had a long day at the school with the kids. I hopped in the van, everyone buckled, turned. . . the. . . key, and . . . . . Hmmm. It wouldn't start. In the not so distant past, I would've immediately thought the worst, totaled up the amount we don't have to fix the van, and been in the "pit of despair" (Princess Bride accent please!).
Instead, I sat there a minute, commanded any little "breakdown demon" to leave and took a deep breath. Standing in the parking lot, just one car away from me, was a beautiful woman dressed in traditional Muslim clothing with her two little boys. I had noticed them out of the corner of my eye when I jumped in the van in a hurry. The thought zipped through my mind to greet her but I didn't. End of thought.
I got out to check the oil (for good measure) while the two little boys eyed me curiously. At that moment, I knew the van problem had NOTHING to do with little breakdown demons or a tune up. I was supposed to introduce myself to this family.
So I did. Nothing earth shattering. She didn't speak much English, but enough to welcome her and introduce myself. I said goodbye, hopped in the van, turned the key . . . and drove away!
Happy Jesus thinking to all of you!
For instance, I had a long day at the school with the kids. I hopped in the van, everyone buckled, turned. . . the. . . key, and . . . . . Hmmm. It wouldn't start. In the not so distant past, I would've immediately thought the worst, totaled up the amount we don't have to fix the van, and been in the "pit of despair" (Princess Bride accent please!).
Instead, I sat there a minute, commanded any little "breakdown demon" to leave and took a deep breath. Standing in the parking lot, just one car away from me, was a beautiful woman dressed in traditional Muslim clothing with her two little boys. I had noticed them out of the corner of my eye when I jumped in the van in a hurry. The thought zipped through my mind to greet her but I didn't. End of thought.
I got out to check the oil (for good measure) while the two little boys eyed me curiously. At that moment, I knew the van problem had NOTHING to do with little breakdown demons or a tune up. I was supposed to introduce myself to this family.
So I did. Nothing earth shattering. She didn't speak much English, but enough to welcome her and introduce myself. I said goodbye, hopped in the van, turned the key . . . and drove away!
Happy Jesus thinking to all of you!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Theology without experience can never be Truth. It can be right. It can be
accurate. However if it does not release people into personal freedom
and transformation, it is not the Truth. It is merely true. The Truth
sets us free." ~Graham Cooke
Thought provoking.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Long quote of the day
Praying in Faith by Steve and Wendy Backlund
Often people spend much effort and time praying over a circumstance hoping that time and quantity of prayer will bring the desired result. The hope is that perhaps faith will increase through this effort and thus the prayer will be answered.
This kind of thinking implies that faith is built by the amount of time and energy expended. We need to understand that faith does not come through our effort. Faith is a result of what we "know." Our "measure of faith" (Rom 12:3) will increase in proportion to the revelation we have of God's character, His love, and His promises toward us.
Often we do not realize the value of spending time with God when we are not praying for needs. The reason we worship, quietly wait in His presence, and search the scripture is mainly to build a relationship and to learn about the character, power, and love of God. Our intimacy and relationship with Him will have a direct correlation to our level of faith; not because it "earns" us more authority, but because it gives something for our faith to stand on.
Often people spend much effort and time praying over a circumstance hoping that time and quantity of prayer will bring the desired result. The hope is that perhaps faith will increase through this effort and thus the prayer will be answered.
This kind of thinking implies that faith is built by the amount of time and energy expended. We need to understand that faith does not come through our effort. Faith is a result of what we "know." Our "measure of faith" (Rom 12:3) will increase in proportion to the revelation we have of God's character, His love, and His promises toward us.
Often we do not realize the value of spending time with God when we are not praying for needs. The reason we worship, quietly wait in His presence, and search the scripture is mainly to build a relationship and to learn about the character, power, and love of God. Our intimacy and relationship with Him will have a direct correlation to our level of faith; not because it "earns" us more authority, but because it gives something for our faith to stand on.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Ponderings
Things filling my brain lately:
** Friendship evangelism, ie: just loving people, really loving them. All my beliefs about simply loving people to Jesus, really loving people without an agenda are being tested to the core. WAY more thoughts on this, maybe later.
** Deliverance: it's for the believer. For ME. I've recently had a deliverance experience that affirms my belief that believers can experience deliverance from demonic influence. I've experienced this in the past but it's been a few years. The fruit of the deliverance has been miraculous and maybe I'll share more on this later. I'm always open to questions if I don't get back to this in blog.
** God's timing in our freedom. He's really not in the hurry I'm in to get everything worked out! And when it's His timing. . . it just works out when I cooperate!
** Love stories, true stories, inspiring stories. I'm hooked on them right now. Maybe for a reason, maybe not.
** Seasons of life. In October, the Lord told me I was in a season of aging (like wine). Being the NOT wine expert that I am, I looked up what the aging process consists of. Very interesting, very insightful, feels right on in my life stage. More to say on this too. Are you surprised? :-)
** I'm preparing to speak at an Hispanic women's tea. Feeling inadequate with not much to say? YES. YES. YES. BUT, I AM confident that the Holy Spirit has something to say. Please pray I'll stay out of the way for Holy Spirit to speak! It's March 19th.
** TONS of crazy thoughts every Tuesday and Thursday after spending the day at our charter school with people from every walk of life (well, not quite every). The Lord has put four women directly on my heart and I've begun to build friendships with them. I truly love each of these women deeply and I know it's the love of the Lord. Please pray with me if you think of it. One woman is a lesbian who is due with her first baby in 2 weeks. I spent two weeks in deep sorrow when I found this out. I can only imagine it was the sorrow that comes from the heart of Jesus. One woman spent 10 years in an ashram (Hare Krishna) and has recently decided the hypocrisy and religiosity and heavy guilt of rules and regulations was not how she wanted to "know God." :-) One woman grew up Methodist, then Baptist, married a Jewish man, spent some time looking into Hare Krishna and currently thinks there's some higher being/God but can't imagine there's only ONE way to Him. But she said she's feeling compelled to share the true meaning of holidays such as Christmas with her kids. Her son is Judah's best friend and Judah frequently tells me of his very "Christian" conversations he's having with him! :-) The last woman is New Age and talks often of the Universe setting things up, etc. She had a nervous break down in past years. She recently went off her meds and is trying to cope without them. We have made good heart connections in a short period of time.
When I'm at home with time and space between me and the relationships, I'm confident I'm moving forward with the love of the Lord and obeying His voice in these precious frienships as He's intended. When I'm freshly outside of a conversation or interaction or day at the school, I'm bombarded with lies. Our prayer group prayed for me last week and I'm seeing this in a new "battle ground" way and really trying to have all the armor on before I walk into things.
I forgot how good it feels to share from my heart. To type away without wondering how it will be interpreted. Thanks for reading. But more importantly, thanks for loving and praying!
** Friendship evangelism, ie: just loving people, really loving them. All my beliefs about simply loving people to Jesus, really loving people without an agenda are being tested to the core. WAY more thoughts on this, maybe later.
** Deliverance: it's for the believer. For ME. I've recently had a deliverance experience that affirms my belief that believers can experience deliverance from demonic influence. I've experienced this in the past but it's been a few years. The fruit of the deliverance has been miraculous and maybe I'll share more on this later. I'm always open to questions if I don't get back to this in blog.
** God's timing in our freedom. He's really not in the hurry I'm in to get everything worked out! And when it's His timing. . . it just works out when I cooperate!
** Love stories, true stories, inspiring stories. I'm hooked on them right now. Maybe for a reason, maybe not.
** Seasons of life. In October, the Lord told me I was in a season of aging (like wine). Being the NOT wine expert that I am, I looked up what the aging process consists of. Very interesting, very insightful, feels right on in my life stage. More to say on this too. Are you surprised? :-)
** I'm preparing to speak at an Hispanic women's tea. Feeling inadequate with not much to say? YES. YES. YES. BUT, I AM confident that the Holy Spirit has something to say. Please pray I'll stay out of the way for Holy Spirit to speak! It's March 19th.
** TONS of crazy thoughts every Tuesday and Thursday after spending the day at our charter school with people from every walk of life (well, not quite every). The Lord has put four women directly on my heart and I've begun to build friendships with them. I truly love each of these women deeply and I know it's the love of the Lord. Please pray with me if you think of it. One woman is a lesbian who is due with her first baby in 2 weeks. I spent two weeks in deep sorrow when I found this out. I can only imagine it was the sorrow that comes from the heart of Jesus. One woman spent 10 years in an ashram (Hare Krishna) and has recently decided the hypocrisy and religiosity and heavy guilt of rules and regulations was not how she wanted to "know God." :-) One woman grew up Methodist, then Baptist, married a Jewish man, spent some time looking into Hare Krishna and currently thinks there's some higher being/God but can't imagine there's only ONE way to Him. But she said she's feeling compelled to share the true meaning of holidays such as Christmas with her kids. Her son is Judah's best friend and Judah frequently tells me of his very "Christian" conversations he's having with him! :-) The last woman is New Age and talks often of the Universe setting things up, etc. She had a nervous break down in past years. She recently went off her meds and is trying to cope without them. We have made good heart connections in a short period of time.
When I'm at home with time and space between me and the relationships, I'm confident I'm moving forward with the love of the Lord and obeying His voice in these precious frienships as He's intended. When I'm freshly outside of a conversation or interaction or day at the school, I'm bombarded with lies. Our prayer group prayed for me last week and I'm seeing this in a new "battle ground" way and really trying to have all the armor on before I walk into things.
I forgot how good it feels to share from my heart. To type away without wondering how it will be interpreted. Thanks for reading. But more importantly, thanks for loving and praying!
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!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Fulfilling Day
Today felt full and fulfilling. My allergies subsided enough today to actually think clearly and enjoy life, people, and my kids along with the crisp autumn, drizzly day. (Back in Oregon, I would've never added the "drizzly" part to the enjoyment section but California makes me long for cozy, drizzly days!)
Ella and I dropped the three kids off at school and headed to the public library. After our leisure in a perfectly quiet library, we headed off to our first ever Starbucks date! That in itself is fulfilling!
As we walked out of the library a sad man stopped me, asking for food, not money, food. John and Yolanda were obviously needy and in deep distress. I told them I'd be back with food. When I brought them back the groceries, I was able to offer them some love, dignity, and prayer. They soaked in all of it. I don't know what was more thrilling for me, being able to pray for Yolanda's kidney to be healed or giving her a long, long hug that she didn't want to let go of, all the while praying the love of Jesus into her heart.
As I pointed them to the hope of Jesus and His nature of Provider, we were all in tears there on the sidewalk in front of the library for all the passersby to see. It was a holy moment.
Jesus, I know you love John and Yolanda, no matter what their sins, struggles, situation or needs. I know you long for them to experience your love, forgiveness, freedom and healing. I pray that tonight, wherever they are trying to sleep, that you will speak to their hearts and let them know the love that you are pouring out on them. Thank you for hearing me. Amen.
Ella and I dropped the three kids off at school and headed to the public library. After our leisure in a perfectly quiet library, we headed off to our first ever Starbucks date! That in itself is fulfilling!
As we walked out of the library a sad man stopped me, asking for food, not money, food. John and Yolanda were obviously needy and in deep distress. I told them I'd be back with food. When I brought them back the groceries, I was able to offer them some love, dignity, and prayer. They soaked in all of it. I don't know what was more thrilling for me, being able to pray for Yolanda's kidney to be healed or giving her a long, long hug that she didn't want to let go of, all the while praying the love of Jesus into her heart.
As I pointed them to the hope of Jesus and His nature of Provider, we were all in tears there on the sidewalk in front of the library for all the passersby to see. It was a holy moment.
Jesus, I know you love John and Yolanda, no matter what their sins, struggles, situation or needs. I know you long for them to experience your love, forgiveness, freedom and healing. I pray that tonight, wherever they are trying to sleep, that you will speak to their hearts and let them know the love that you are pouring out on them. Thank you for hearing me. Amen.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
You never know!
You never know when "former missionary" status will come in handy. :-) Tonight, Heath wanted to go to a teeny, tiny church in a teeny, tiny town near our house to hear a missionary from Belize speak. There were several ethnicities represented in the 20+ of us present. When the little boys in the front row got too squirelly even before singing was done, someone made an executive decision to have children's church. Uh oh. The poor children's church teacher was NOT prepared and very frustrated that she had to come up with something in 2 seconds flat.
As I walked in front of her all the way to the class, Ella in tow, overhearing her mutterings, I wondered, "Do I offer help or would that be imposing?" We got into the room and it was clear that she was too flustered to figure out how to keep 15 rambunctious kids busy, much less learning for the next hour and a half. So I asked if she wanted some help. She was delighted and relieved.
I had no idea where it was going but I opened my mouth and Holy Spirit took over! We had so much fun learning that EVERYONE is a missionary and you don't have to go to any foreign or new place to practice living the life of a missionary. The kids learned that a true missionary is simply someone who loves Jesus and wants to share His Love and Truth with people around them. They embraced it! As we chose people at school to pray for all week and make effort to intentionally love and share Jesus with them, I could see the light in their eyes sparkle. They had a mission, a purpose and God needed them RIGHT NOW!
Super fun, Jesus. Thanks for the opportunity to impart some destiny into a few of your beautiful kiddos.
Ephesians 2:8-10
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about 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.
As I walked in front of her all the way to the class, Ella in tow, overhearing her mutterings, I wondered, "Do I offer help or would that be imposing?" We got into the room and it was clear that she was too flustered to figure out how to keep 15 rambunctious kids busy, much less learning for the next hour and a half. So I asked if she wanted some help. She was delighted and relieved.
I had no idea where it was going but I opened my mouth and Holy Spirit took over! We had so much fun learning that EVERYONE is a missionary and you don't have to go to any foreign or new place to practice living the life of a missionary. The kids learned that a true missionary is simply someone who loves Jesus and wants to share His Love and Truth with people around them. They embraced it! As we chose people at school to pray for all week and make effort to intentionally love and share Jesus with them, I could see the light in their eyes sparkle. They had a mission, a purpose and God needed them RIGHT NOW!
Super fun, Jesus. Thanks for the opportunity to impart some destiny into a few of your beautiful kiddos.
Ephesians 2:8-10
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about 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.
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 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!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Quote of the Day
"When the Spirit of God descends upon a man and overshadows
him with the fullness of His outpouring, then his soul
overflows with a joy not to be described,
for the Holy Spirit turns to joy whatever he touches. The
kingdom of heaven is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Acquire inward peace, and thousands around you will find their salvation."
St. Seraphim of Sarov
him with the fullness of His outpouring, then his soul
overflows with a joy not to be described,
for the Holy Spirit turns to joy whatever he touches. The
kingdom of heaven is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Acquire inward peace, and thousands around you will find their salvation."
St. Seraphim of Sarov
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!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Quote of the Day
"What the world longs for from the Christian faith
is the witness of men and women daring enough to be different,
humble enough to make mistakes,
wild enough to be burnt in the fire of love,
real enough to make others see how unreal they are.
So Jesus, let Your word not shine in our hearts but let it burn.
Let there be no division, compromise or holding back...
goad us to that daredevil leap into the abyss of Your Love..."
~Brennan Manning
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Personal Prayer Teams . . . Everyone needs one.
I am a firm believer in every person having their own prayer team in place. Why? Because God loves community and connectedness. He loves vulnerability and real relationship. He longs for us to be intimately connected to Him and to His Body.
Let's face it. It is far too easy to hide. It is far too easy, even for those involved in a church (big or small). It is far too easy, even for, and maybe especially for, those leading ministries. If we are all hiding from each other, putting on the happy face or ignoring those who can read through your happy face, where do we practice intimacy, true relationship, bearing each others burdens, walking with each other through messes, and love and forgiveness?
We started our personal prayer team almost 11 years ago. I have a small group of my closest friends who pray for my most intimate prayer needs and the messiest parts of me. I have a fairly large prayer team that covers us as we make our leaping decisions and are in battle for us on a regular basis. We try to be as vulnerable as possible with this group. We have an even larger group of people we don't know as well who are committed to praying for our family. I truly don't know how we would've ever made it through the last 6 years without them. We've learned how valuable this web of connectedness and friendship is. We've experienced the Lord speaking and leading us through these people in ways I simply cannot even describe in a post. It is the supernatural Body of Christ speaking to us, lifting us up, encouraging us, exhorting us. We are not alone. We are not an island.
I think every person needs a prayer team. No person is too insignificant. No issue too small to pray over. A prayer team helps you know you aren't alone in your marriage struggles, parenting struggles, work or life struggles. It's a safe place to share the wacky things rattling around in your brain that make you feel isolated and overwhelmed. And though I will pray for needs of ministries or missionaries that come in the form of lists and impersonal letters, it's even more invigorating praying for my friends. It's a privilege to hear and take the most intimate and personal needs of my friends to the throne of God. . . and then watch Him answer!
Start with a few of your closest friends who will love you no matter what you share. Ask them to be on your prayer team. Start sharing things with them to pray about . . . not gossip about, talk through until you're blue in the face, or try to fix. They are the ones you can text or email in the moment of struggle who will pray right now. There are days when I cannot get out of the fog in my head, or the condemnation, or the temptation. So I email my prayer team and literally within minutes, I can feel a change in the situation. Prayer works. Jesus hears us. Jesus answers.
Go ahead. Start your prayer team tonight. You won't regret it (unless, of course, you don't have any trustworthy, loving friends who will love you no matter what. :-) In that case, email me. I'll be your first prayer partner.)
I Thessalonians 5:17
"Keep on praying."
I Peter 1:22
"Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts."
Let's face it. It is far too easy to hide. It is far too easy, even for those involved in a church (big or small). It is far too easy, even for, and maybe especially for, those leading ministries. If we are all hiding from each other, putting on the happy face or ignoring those who can read through your happy face, where do we practice intimacy, true relationship, bearing each others burdens, walking with each other through messes, and love and forgiveness?
We started our personal prayer team almost 11 years ago. I have a small group of my closest friends who pray for my most intimate prayer needs and the messiest parts of me. I have a fairly large prayer team that covers us as we make our leaping decisions and are in battle for us on a regular basis. We try to be as vulnerable as possible with this group. We have an even larger group of people we don't know as well who are committed to praying for our family. I truly don't know how we would've ever made it through the last 6 years without them. We've learned how valuable this web of connectedness and friendship is. We've experienced the Lord speaking and leading us through these people in ways I simply cannot even describe in a post. It is the supernatural Body of Christ speaking to us, lifting us up, encouraging us, exhorting us. We are not alone. We are not an island.
I think every person needs a prayer team. No person is too insignificant. No issue too small to pray over. A prayer team helps you know you aren't alone in your marriage struggles, parenting struggles, work or life struggles. It's a safe place to share the wacky things rattling around in your brain that make you feel isolated and overwhelmed. And though I will pray for needs of ministries or missionaries that come in the form of lists and impersonal letters, it's even more invigorating praying for my friends. It's a privilege to hear and take the most intimate and personal needs of my friends to the throne of God. . . and then watch Him answer!
Start with a few of your closest friends who will love you no matter what you share. Ask them to be on your prayer team. Start sharing things with them to pray about . . . not gossip about, talk through until you're blue in the face, or try to fix. They are the ones you can text or email in the moment of struggle who will pray right now. There are days when I cannot get out of the fog in my head, or the condemnation, or the temptation. So I email my prayer team and literally within minutes, I can feel a change in the situation. Prayer works. Jesus hears us. Jesus answers.
Go ahead. Start your prayer team tonight. You won't regret it (unless, of course, you don't have any trustworthy, loving friends who will love you no matter what. :-) In that case, email me. I'll be your first prayer partner.)
I Thessalonians 5:17
"Keep on praying."
I Peter 1:22
"Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts."
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, February 21, 2010
Hearing God for yourself: PART 2
My last post on "Hearing God for yourself" brought in great dialogue. This is a subject I am immensely passionate about. I think this will be an ongoing blog topic for me since I long for more of the Body to know how to hear God for themselves. I want to share a few of my core beliefs that affect the way, frequency, and accuracy with which I believe I hear the Lord. These are my thoughts and experiences. They may or may not be helpful to you. I am not proposing that if you hold a different view on any of the points below that you cannot or are not hearing God for yourself. I am simply sharing my journey and what I have come to believe about God speaking to us as His Body, Bride, Children, Friends, Co-laborers, and His people whom he passionately loves.
Core Beliefs that affect my ability to hear the Lord clearly:
1. Jesus is THE WORD. (John 1:1-5) He loves to speak, to be heard, to be understood.
2. He is currently speaking to anyone who is listening. (Heb 12:25-29)
3. Those who call themselves followers of Jesus are to know his voice and will follow no other.
(John 10:1-5, 27)
4. God speaks in MANY ways. It is a fascinating study in Scripture to find the ways God has spoken through history and continues to speak. He knows no bounds! Thunder, donkeys, dreams, visions, prophets, and on and on.
5. God is over the top committed to relationship with each one of us. And relationship entails communication - 2 way communication. He calls us his friends! (John 15:15)
6. I have a deep conviction that when we say yes to Jesus, we are made new (2 Cor 5:17-18). The old is gone the new has come. Many people preach this and very few live it. Many people still live like they are scum, sinners, beggars, getting in by the skin of their teeth rather than renewed, reborn, full of the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead. I believe 1 Cor 2. It tells us that we have the mind of Christ through the Spirit of Christ within us. As a believer who is committed to being set apart for the Lord, hearing His voice, and walking in obedience, I am absolutely confident that my mind is not only capable of being in line with the mind of Christ, but that it often is. Does that mean I never struggle with flesh or have thoughts that are generated from a source other than the mind of Christ? No. But the longer I practice hearing the Lord and recognizing Him speak, the more quickly I can determine when a thought is my own or from the Lord. But in the beginning of my journey, I had to overcome this gigantic barrier of the underlying belief that I was evil in my core and I could never trust my heart or thoughts. Once the Lord revealed the depth of transformation that happened in me when I said yes to Him, I was able to believe the things He would speak to my mind and heart were actually from HIM!
7. When I talk about "hearing God," I mean the whole gamut of how the Lord talks. Some people get pictures, visions, dreams, Scripture, prophetic words from other people, the Spirit talks to their mind or spirit, journaling, just "knowing," and on and on.
8. I believe the less clutter of the world we have in our lives, the more clearly we can hear the Lord. I believe we will hear the Lord more often if we give Him time, room, and space in our mind, spirit, and physical environments. I believe it is important for us to monitor the input of the world, what we are meditating on throughout the week, and what we give ourselves to. In no way am I trying to be religious about this or set up "Thou shalts and thou shalt nots." Each person needs to be honest with themselves before the Lord about what is good and right and healthy for them in terms of entertainment, hobbies, and what we meditate on. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial (I Cor 6:12; 10:23) Phil. 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
9. The more grounded we are in Scripture, the more confident we can be that we are hearing the heart of the Lord. I will not go so far as to say that if you do not have a solid grasp on Scripture you cannot hear the Lord. Based on facts that many throughout the world are without written Scripture available to them, I simply cannot believe that the Lord will only speak accurately or clearly to someone who knows or has the Scriptures. I have seen children as young as 3 hear from the Lord and then speak the words of the Lord accurately. They had very little knowledge of the Scripture! If you know THE WORD, you can hear the Lord accurately. Because if you know THE WORD, you will have HIS SPIRIT alive within you. And the two will bear witness to TRUTH that is spoken to your heart and mind. But even in saying that, I have a deep value for being in the Scriptures and knowing what it says. The more we know The Living Word, His character, how He operates, and what He has said in the past, the more we will be able to accurately represent His heart, life, and words to those around us.
10. It's a learning and growth process. Jesus is incredibly patient! The more surrendered I am to the Holy Spirit, the more freedom He has to speak to me and through me. We are to continually be "being filled" with the Spirit of God.
I am very aware that there are many ways to see and argue with every point I have made. I'm not sharing in order to argue or convince anyone to see things the way I do. I simply want to share my journey in hopes that someone else will benefit too. Feel free to email me if you'd like to dialogue about it. Happy hearing!
Core Beliefs that affect my ability to hear the Lord clearly:
1. Jesus is THE WORD. (John 1:1-5) He loves to speak, to be heard, to be understood.
2. He is currently speaking to anyone who is listening. (Heb 12:25-29)
3. Those who call themselves followers of Jesus are to know his voice and will follow no other.
(John 10:1-5, 27)
4. God speaks in MANY ways. It is a fascinating study in Scripture to find the ways God has spoken through history and continues to speak. He knows no bounds! Thunder, donkeys, dreams, visions, prophets, and on and on.
5. God is over the top committed to relationship with each one of us. And relationship entails communication - 2 way communication. He calls us his friends! (John 15:15)
6. I have a deep conviction that when we say yes to Jesus, we are made new (2 Cor 5:17-18). The old is gone the new has come. Many people preach this and very few live it. Many people still live like they are scum, sinners, beggars, getting in by the skin of their teeth rather than renewed, reborn, full of the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead. I believe 1 Cor 2. It tells us that we have the mind of Christ through the Spirit of Christ within us. As a believer who is committed to being set apart for the Lord, hearing His voice, and walking in obedience, I am absolutely confident that my mind is not only capable of being in line with the mind of Christ, but that it often is. Does that mean I never struggle with flesh or have thoughts that are generated from a source other than the mind of Christ? No. But the longer I practice hearing the Lord and recognizing Him speak, the more quickly I can determine when a thought is my own or from the Lord. But in the beginning of my journey, I had to overcome this gigantic barrier of the underlying belief that I was evil in my core and I could never trust my heart or thoughts. Once the Lord revealed the depth of transformation that happened in me when I said yes to Him, I was able to believe the things He would speak to my mind and heart were actually from HIM!
7. When I talk about "hearing God," I mean the whole gamut of how the Lord talks. Some people get pictures, visions, dreams, Scripture, prophetic words from other people, the Spirit talks to their mind or spirit, journaling, just "knowing," and on and on.
8. I believe the less clutter of the world we have in our lives, the more clearly we can hear the Lord. I believe we will hear the Lord more often if we give Him time, room, and space in our mind, spirit, and physical environments. I believe it is important for us to monitor the input of the world, what we are meditating on throughout the week, and what we give ourselves to. In no way am I trying to be religious about this or set up "Thou shalts and thou shalt nots." Each person needs to be honest with themselves before the Lord about what is good and right and healthy for them in terms of entertainment, hobbies, and what we meditate on. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial (I Cor 6:12; 10:23) Phil. 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
9. The more grounded we are in Scripture, the more confident we can be that we are hearing the heart of the Lord. I will not go so far as to say that if you do not have a solid grasp on Scripture you cannot hear the Lord. Based on facts that many throughout the world are without written Scripture available to them, I simply cannot believe that the Lord will only speak accurately or clearly to someone who knows or has the Scriptures. I have seen children as young as 3 hear from the Lord and then speak the words of the Lord accurately. They had very little knowledge of the Scripture! If you know THE WORD, you can hear the Lord accurately. Because if you know THE WORD, you will have HIS SPIRIT alive within you. And the two will bear witness to TRUTH that is spoken to your heart and mind. But even in saying that, I have a deep value for being in the Scriptures and knowing what it says. The more we know The Living Word, His character, how He operates, and what He has said in the past, the more we will be able to accurately represent His heart, life, and words to those around us.
10. It's a learning and growth process. Jesus is incredibly patient! The more surrendered I am to the Holy Spirit, the more freedom He has to speak to me and through me. We are to continually be "being filled" with the Spirit of God.
I am very aware that there are many ways to see and argue with every point I have made. I'm not sharing in order to argue or convince anyone to see things the way I do. I simply want to share my journey in hopes that someone else will benefit too. Feel free to email me if you'd like to dialogue about it. Happy hearing!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Testimonies from Tuesday Nights
We have prayer meetings every Tuesday night. And EVERY TUESDAY is phenomenal. I could literally write pages of testimonies from our time on Tuesday nights. Most often I don't because the testimony of what God does in the life of someone else seems so personal to me. I hate feeling like I'm telling their story. Yet, God is doing such crazy, miraculous things among us, I can't hold it in! We have had so many medically documented miracles and healings, it astounds me! We've seen and participated with the Lord in seeing people healed in their spirit, soul and body. EVERY WEEK!
Just recently a gentleman shared that he has had breakthrough in his life since coming to the meetings. Last night, our dear friend gave testimony that when she went in to get her kidney stones blasted, the doctor came in after the initial x-ray and asked, "Have you been going to church? Because your kidney stones are gone!"
Cancer has been healed, miracles have happened in relationships, people come and are infused with the LIFE OF JESUS and HOPE THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. We behold the glory of the Lord and are reflecting Him with increasing measure.
And Jesus is pleased to co-labor with us. Yeah, He could and sometimes does heal and set free without our [His Body's] help. But He wants His Body to do His work. And His work is to set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and heal the lame, and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven! And wow, is He ever excited about seeing this work accomplished through a small rag tag group of us, normal people in a tiny little corner of Tulare County in California! Thanks Jesus for allowing the same Spirit that rose You from the dead to be alive and at work within and through us! We love You and give You all the glory!
Just recently a gentleman shared that he has had breakthrough in his life since coming to the meetings. Last night, our dear friend gave testimony that when she went in to get her kidney stones blasted, the doctor came in after the initial x-ray and asked, "Have you been going to church? Because your kidney stones are gone!"
Cancer has been healed, miracles have happened in relationships, people come and are infused with the LIFE OF JESUS and HOPE THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. We behold the glory of the Lord and are reflecting Him with increasing measure.
And Jesus is pleased to co-labor with us. Yeah, He could and sometimes does heal and set free without our [His Body's] help. But He wants His Body to do His work. And His work is to set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and heal the lame, and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven! And wow, is He ever excited about seeing this work accomplished through a small rag tag group of us, normal people in a tiny little corner of Tulare County in California! Thanks Jesus for allowing the same Spirit that rose You from the dead to be alive and at work within and through us! We love You and give You all the glory!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Knowing what God is saying to YOU
I am LONGING for more of Jesus, more of His Presence, more of His tangible glory to be reflected through me. It is a deep yearning in my heart and spirit. But I'm not always sure how to go about getting to that place of intimacy. I know it's just loving and worshiping and asking and receiving. But the "how tos" of it all can seem mystifying.
There are a million people with a million different ideas on how to press in for more of Jesus. And most of them are really great ideas. I talk to one person and they are reading through the Bible. Wow, I need to do that again. I'll find a read through schedule in a minute. I read someone's blog and they are spending concentrated time every day just worshiping. Wow, that's great. I love to worship. I'll do that at 3:00 when Ella is asleep every day. I chat with a friend and she is praying 3 times a day like Daniel did to get breakthrough in the things God has promised her. YES! That's right on. I'll try and pray three times a day like Daniel. I listen to a sermon about seeing God in the poor and homeless. EXACTLY. I'll make more concerted effort to stop for the one and spend time with my homeless friends and make more homeless friends. I just remembered something from the past that brought me into the Presence of God: 3 x 5 cards! When I wrote all the promises and current verses on them that God was highlighting and spent my mind time meditating on those throughout the day, I could FEEL God. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I need to do that again. I'll get some 3 x 5 cards today. I read a biography about Hudson Taylor and the way he practiced living out tangible faith was to give EVERYTHING he had away so that he had NO OTHER CHOICE than to trust God to be his provider. YEAH LORD, bring it on. Maybe I should talk to Heath tonight about giving the rest of the money we have away so that we can really practice trusting God to come through. Friends of mine are doing a Daniel fast. Fasting. I haven't done that for awhile. Maybe it's time to start another fast. Someone I read about is starting a soaking prayer room. Oh, I love to soak. Maybe I'll try and find a soaking prayer room near by and go there regularly. I have another friend in seminary and she is finding God in all sorts of amazing ways through deep study and classes. Maybe I could take an online course or find a Bible class around here somewhere.
Ok, so crammed into one paragraph, this is absolutely ludicrous. But you can stop laughing now because how many of us are doing this every day?! WHY do we do this? There may be many reasons, but I am convinced of one main culprit. The Body of Christ in general, isn't confident enough in how God is speaking to them personally. In general, we have been trained to "hear God" through trained professionals, people who write books, or someone who seems to be farther down the road with the Lord than we are. Yes, we will hear God through those avenues. But if we don't know how to identify His voice in our own lives, we will be living the above paragraph our whole life. And feeling frustrated at that. There is NO WAY I can do all those great ideas at the same time. And I believe it is highly probable that God isn't even asking ME to do any of those things RIGHT NOW!
In my journey into deeper places in the heart of God, it started almost 8 years ago with the truth that "My sheep hear My voice and they will follow no other" (John 10). From that moment on, I began asking God to clarify His voice in my life. The journey has not been without misunderstandings, embarrassing situations, and bumps and bruises as I learn to hear and obey what my beautiful Jesus is speaking to me. But I can tell you this: I know the voice of Jesus in my life more today than I ever thought possible 8 years ago. And I am praying like crazy that in 8 years, I'll be able to say the same thing! My suggestion to you? Ask God to clarify His voice in your life. Then clear some clutter in your mind and spirit to make room for him to speak. He is ALWAYS speaking (through the Written Word, His Spirit to our spirit, music, people, nature, prophetic words, pictures, books, sermons, really anything. . . maybe even a donkey!). Are we listening to what he saying to us personally, or are we simply listening to what He's saying to everyone around us? I promise, He has some great things up His sleeve for you. Have fun!
Hebrews 12:25 "See to it that you obey God, the one who is speaking to you. . . . "
There are a million people with a million different ideas on how to press in for more of Jesus. And most of them are really great ideas. I talk to one person and they are reading through the Bible. Wow, I need to do that again. I'll find a read through schedule in a minute. I read someone's blog and they are spending concentrated time every day just worshiping. Wow, that's great. I love to worship. I'll do that at 3:00 when Ella is asleep every day. I chat with a friend and she is praying 3 times a day like Daniel did to get breakthrough in the things God has promised her. YES! That's right on. I'll try and pray three times a day like Daniel. I listen to a sermon about seeing God in the poor and homeless. EXACTLY. I'll make more concerted effort to stop for the one and spend time with my homeless friends and make more homeless friends. I just remembered something from the past that brought me into the Presence of God: 3 x 5 cards! When I wrote all the promises and current verses on them that God was highlighting and spent my mind time meditating on those throughout the day, I could FEEL God. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I need to do that again. I'll get some 3 x 5 cards today. I read a biography about Hudson Taylor and the way he practiced living out tangible faith was to give EVERYTHING he had away so that he had NO OTHER CHOICE than to trust God to be his provider. YEAH LORD, bring it on. Maybe I should talk to Heath tonight about giving the rest of the money we have away so that we can really practice trusting God to come through. Friends of mine are doing a Daniel fast. Fasting. I haven't done that for awhile. Maybe it's time to start another fast. Someone I read about is starting a soaking prayer room. Oh, I love to soak. Maybe I'll try and find a soaking prayer room near by and go there regularly. I have another friend in seminary and she is finding God in all sorts of amazing ways through deep study and classes. Maybe I could take an online course or find a Bible class around here somewhere.
Ok, so crammed into one paragraph, this is absolutely ludicrous. But you can stop laughing now because how many of us are doing this every day?! WHY do we do this? There may be many reasons, but I am convinced of one main culprit. The Body of Christ in general, isn't confident enough in how God is speaking to them personally. In general, we have been trained to "hear God" through trained professionals, people who write books, or someone who seems to be farther down the road with the Lord than we are. Yes, we will hear God through those avenues. But if we don't know how to identify His voice in our own lives, we will be living the above paragraph our whole life. And feeling frustrated at that. There is NO WAY I can do all those great ideas at the same time. And I believe it is highly probable that God isn't even asking ME to do any of those things RIGHT NOW!
In my journey into deeper places in the heart of God, it started almost 8 years ago with the truth that "My sheep hear My voice and they will follow no other" (John 10). From that moment on, I began asking God to clarify His voice in my life. The journey has not been without misunderstandings, embarrassing situations, and bumps and bruises as I learn to hear and obey what my beautiful Jesus is speaking to me. But I can tell you this: I know the voice of Jesus in my life more today than I ever thought possible 8 years ago. And I am praying like crazy that in 8 years, I'll be able to say the same thing! My suggestion to you? Ask God to clarify His voice in your life. Then clear some clutter in your mind and spirit to make room for him to speak. He is ALWAYS speaking (through the Written Word, His Spirit to our spirit, music, people, nature, prophetic words, pictures, books, sermons, really anything. . . maybe even a donkey!). Are we listening to what he saying to us personally, or are we simply listening to what He's saying to everyone around us? I promise, He has some great things up His sleeve for you. Have fun!
Hebrews 12:25 "See to it that you obey God, the one who is speaking to you. . . . "
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