Hey everyone! Just wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! I love you guys and I am so thankful for you! :)
Love,
ashlie
[新しいコレクション] Shout 宮野真守 164534-Shout 宮野真守
2 years ago
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Pray for revelation!
Hey everyone...
Just a lil prayer request to ask ya'll to pray for me as I am preparing the Thrive talk for tomorrow night. I am excited, God is always faithful! Pray with me that I will speak only what the Holy Spirit would have me to say, and nothing of my own thinking or imagination. Pray with the understanding and with great expectations!!
Until then...
ashlie
Just a lil prayer request to ask ya'll to pray for me as I am preparing the Thrive talk for tomorrow night. I am excited, God is always faithful! Pray with me that I will speak only what the Holy Spirit would have me to say, and nothing of my own thinking or imagination. Pray with the understanding and with great expectations!!
Until then...
ashlie
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
His heart still needs your prayers
I thank everyone for their prayers and for their thoughts and encouragment for my nephew, it really means alot and I am thankful for all of you out there, that are listening and praying continually.
My nephew got sent home from Cardinal Glennon Hospital about 4-5 days ago. Medication was to substain him as a method of trying to heal the large hole in his heart, know as Ventricular Septal Defect. While the homecoming was great, and we all enjoyed spending time with him, the joy was short as last night my sister and him returned back to the hospital in heart failure yet again. The doctors tell my sister that with a large hole this is normal for him to be in heart failure. What we dont want is complete heart failure. Even though this is normal, this is not a good diagonis. The doctors still want to wait until he is older to operate, but the constant being in heart failure does not look good.
He is having trouble breathing due to this adnormaility in his heart. It's hard to explain without the diagram but if you want to understand it better you can go to http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/heart/vsd.html and they have a diagram to look at that explains more.
I do not have anymore update on what they plan to do today except monitor him, I dont know for how long this time. My sister has had trouble getting him to stay awake long enough to eat, seems as though he gets so wore out being awake.
So prayers are needed for him, he is not even 1 month old and doesnt know anything that is going on, a miracle from God and he needs all your prayers and support as well as his mother my sister who struggles to watch her little child and feels powerless and can not help.
Thank you everyone!!
My nephew got sent home from Cardinal Glennon Hospital about 4-5 days ago. Medication was to substain him as a method of trying to heal the large hole in his heart, know as Ventricular Septal Defect. While the homecoming was great, and we all enjoyed spending time with him, the joy was short as last night my sister and him returned back to the hospital in heart failure yet again. The doctors tell my sister that with a large hole this is normal for him to be in heart failure. What we dont want is complete heart failure. Even though this is normal, this is not a good diagonis. The doctors still want to wait until he is older to operate, but the constant being in heart failure does not look good.
He is having trouble breathing due to this adnormaility in his heart. It's hard to explain without the diagram but if you want to understand it better you can go to http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/heart/vsd.html and they have a diagram to look at that explains more.
I do not have anymore update on what they plan to do today except monitor him, I dont know for how long this time. My sister has had trouble getting him to stay awake long enough to eat, seems as though he gets so wore out being awake.
So prayers are needed for him, he is not even 1 month old and doesnt know anything that is going on, a miracle from God and he needs all your prayers and support as well as his mother my sister who struggles to watch her little child and feels powerless and can not help.
Thank you everyone!!
Coincidence and Resurrection
I too am planning on copying and pasting this tidbit. It's not much but was very profound to me. Yesterday, Billie Sue spoke on the last half of chapter two of Touching Godliness through Submission in Sunday school. She touched on her experience of her dry time that she went through last year and the first part of this year, and how the Beth Moore Bible study helped so much, and she spoke about how she always asks for all the "r" words, Restore, Renew, etc. but never thought to ask for Resurrection...
As Christians we are called to die to ourselves, but I never thought if the whole concept in that way before, that even as we are to die (over and over, as new sins and issues arise or are unveiled), that we are to be resurrected into new life in Christ... That was so profound to me, just the new revelation on the subject. Just as in many times past, the simplest of concepts just breaks into my level of understanding in such a new, fresh, and powerful way.
Then Jennifer got up and gave the word that God had given her to share. She talked about us being unified as a body, and also she gave the illustration about a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying, but when it comes back, it bears much fruit. Resurrection
Then Pastor's message was on Yielding to our Heavenly Father. He used the example of Jeremiah and the potter's wheel, the remaking of our "pots" out of "available mud". He contrasted God's will to Our will, and gave scripture to show that it is most presumptuous of us to question the molding, and remaking that the Lord does in our lives. He basically asks, "Who are you to ask these questions, like 'What are you making?' and 'Don't you think a handle should go here?'". I thought it interesting how by asking about a "handle", it could be our desire to make sure that we have some control over our own lives and situations. Basically, we need to step back and try to look at God's perspective and his Larger Purposes, and that everything is intended for the purpose of gathering Israel and the Gentiles to Him, and that Salvation is the end to which we are to attain.
Anyway, the "coincidence". Sunday night, Gabe and I were reading out of the Beth Moore study on John. On Day 20, she is talking about the burial of Jesus, and how John must have felt such an emotional swing at the finality of the death of Jesus. She explains how, in our flesh, we seem to cling to the idea the "where there is life, there is hope." But how opposite that is for God. With him, where there is death, there is hope. But the death is not the end. With the resurrection comes the eternal hope. She gives the verse from John 12:24 "I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop." Then she goes on to say, " As a child bearing the name of Christ, if a part of you had died, in time it was meant to produce many seeds." She says "we stand on the edge of our cliff-like emotions looking into the deep cavern of our grief, and we're sure that the jump will kill us." Then her last paragraph really spoke to my heart. "We hear so much talk about the phases of grief: the shock, the anger, often depression, then, finally, acceptance. We're led to believe that acceptance of death is the final stage of grief. But if we are in Christ, the final stage has not come until we've allowed God to bring forth resurrection life and many seeds from the kernel of wheat that fell to the ground. Yes, we have come to acceptance, but not just acceptance of the death. Acceptance of the resurrection life. Don't stop until you experience it. Though it tarry, it shall come!"
I love how God hits us from all sides when he wants to drive a point home in our lives!
As Christians we are called to die to ourselves, but I never thought if the whole concept in that way before, that even as we are to die (over and over, as new sins and issues arise or are unveiled), that we are to be resurrected into new life in Christ... That was so profound to me, just the new revelation on the subject. Just as in many times past, the simplest of concepts just breaks into my level of understanding in such a new, fresh, and powerful way.
Then Jennifer got up and gave the word that God had given her to share. She talked about us being unified as a body, and also she gave the illustration about a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying, but when it comes back, it bears much fruit. Resurrection
Then Pastor's message was on Yielding to our Heavenly Father. He used the example of Jeremiah and the potter's wheel, the remaking of our "pots" out of "available mud". He contrasted God's will to Our will, and gave scripture to show that it is most presumptuous of us to question the molding, and remaking that the Lord does in our lives. He basically asks, "Who are you to ask these questions, like 'What are you making?' and 'Don't you think a handle should go here?'". I thought it interesting how by asking about a "handle", it could be our desire to make sure that we have some control over our own lives and situations. Basically, we need to step back and try to look at God's perspective and his Larger Purposes, and that everything is intended for the purpose of gathering Israel and the Gentiles to Him, and that Salvation is the end to which we are to attain.
Anyway, the "coincidence". Sunday night, Gabe and I were reading out of the Beth Moore study on John. On Day 20, she is talking about the burial of Jesus, and how John must have felt such an emotional swing at the finality of the death of Jesus. She explains how, in our flesh, we seem to cling to the idea the "where there is life, there is hope." But how opposite that is for God. With him, where there is death, there is hope. But the death is not the end. With the resurrection comes the eternal hope. She gives the verse from John 12:24 "I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop." Then she goes on to say, " As a child bearing the name of Christ, if a part of you had died, in time it was meant to produce many seeds." She says "we stand on the edge of our cliff-like emotions looking into the deep cavern of our grief, and we're sure that the jump will kill us." Then her last paragraph really spoke to my heart. "We hear so much talk about the phases of grief: the shock, the anger, often depression, then, finally, acceptance. We're led to believe that acceptance of death is the final stage of grief. But if we are in Christ, the final stage has not come until we've allowed God to bring forth resurrection life and many seeds from the kernel of wheat that fell to the ground. Yes, we have come to acceptance, but not just acceptance of the death. Acceptance of the resurrection life. Don't stop until you experience it. Though it tarry, it shall come!"
I love how God hits us from all sides when he wants to drive a point home in our lives!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
1 Corinthians 13
Hey everyone. I got kind of bored tonight and I felt like putting something on this blog. These are the notes that I wrote for myself when I taught at the Men's Bible study a few months ago. This was the first time that I ever taught the word and I hope you all enjoy my take on 1 Cor. 13.
I. Introduction: A. My First time teaching. Christ gave me gifts and teaching is one of them. (1 Cor. 12:7-10)
B. We all have these gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11)- It depends on the of the Body of Christ at a certain point in time. When I was asked to teach I knew that I could do it because it isn't me who is doing it, but the Holy Spirit that is within me. But what is my motive? Is it to glorify myself or God? Is it out of love or to feel prideful that I have this knowledge? *Key point: Love should trump all of our motives no matter what!
II. Review of 1 Cor.: Why is this chapter 13 in this letter to the Corinthians? Why did Paul write this? A. To correct the the Corinthians of setting gifts before loving on another. (1 Cor. 14:1) B. Divisions were also another big problem in this church (1 Cor. 1:12) Another thing to take in consideration is the fact that the Corinthians were seeking knowledge and wisdom, which isn't wrong, and they were not really loving one another as they ought to. (1 Cor. 8:1-3) C. There were also problems with how to use the gifts of the Spirit and the gift of the tongues was the most debated gift at the time.
III. 1 Cor. 13:1-3 A. Verse one: Right away Paul is bring up the tongues. 1st Tongues, 2nd Gift of Prophecy, 3rd Faith, 4th Taking care of the poor and needy, and 5th Giving up the body for Christ or martyrdom. I cam e up with a simple equation and it goes like this (No Love= Nothing). I am not downing Gifts of the Spirit or attacking what God has given us but if we use this gifts with out love then it could be less effective or have no effect at all.Remember James 1:17... "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights". It is important to note that love needs to be behind every single action or thought that we have when it comes to serving the Lord. B. Some of those actions that need to considered: 1. Praying- Ask yourself these questions: Why do I pray to God? Why do we pray for others? The should be out of love and have love behind all of it. We pray to God to get closer to Him and to love Him. We pray for others to edify the body of Christ out of love not to feel like we are more spiritual than someone else. 2. Studying / Hearing the Word of God. We should read or listen to the word of God (Bible and Sermons) not merely to accumulate knowledge but to receive God's love and mercy. (Example: When we hear or read something that seems sharp or hard to swallow we have to realize that it is God's love. Like a father to a son. (Hebrews 12:5-8) He will chasten us because He loves us. We need to come to this love because it is true love.
IV. 1 Cor. 13:4-8 A. What love should be or what we should strive to be like. Matthew Henry's Commentary says this about this section of the Bible: "True love to God and man is, a benevolent dispostion of mind towards out fellow Christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God"
* It is important to note that God sets value on love towards Him and not just merely knowledge.
B. Before we get into this section let us look at John 13 and John 15. (John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 17) This is what God commands of us to one another. To love one another as we love ourselves and to love God with everything that we have! This is an example of true love: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. This is the greatest love because Jesus Christ did this for us on the cross. He laid his life down for us. C. What love should be (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 1. Suffer long 2. It is kind 3. Doesn't envy 4. Doesn't parade itself( think of a parade and what a parade is all about... to be be prideful about something or some event) 5. Isn't puffed up ( this means not full of pride) 6. Hates sin 7. Loves truth 8. Bears all things 9. Believes all things ( of God) 10. Hopes all things (about God) 11. Endures all things. It is important to note that Love never fails! D. Verse 8: Love will always remain no matter what. If all gifts vanish and you have the love of God you have it all! If you have all the Gifts of the Spirit and not one ounce of God's love you profit or have nothing.
V.1 Cor. 9-13 A. We should realize that all of these gifts will one day come to an end. There will be no need for the gifts or prophecies, tongues, or even knowledge to build up the body of Christ. * Love will remain in heaven not the gifts. B. Verse 9 " That which is perfect has come" this is the kingdom or Heaven. "When i was a child": this is the state that we are in right now and we are children on Earth and "when I became a man..." could be when we go home to be with God. * Gifts of the Spirit could be considered as child-like matters and are needed on the while we are here on this earth until we are made perfect in heaven. But once again love has to be the main motive behind the gifts. C. Verse 12- This could once again be a metaphor for Earth and Heaven... that is all I am going to say about that!!! " See in the mirror dimly" could be when we are on the Earth and face to face could be when we are in Heaven. "I know in part" I know a little bit what I am like- on Earth "but then I shall know just as I also am know" more Clear in Heaven. - Also could be over time we start to see ourselves better as we grow in Christ and for what we are
VI. Conclusion: A. Verse 13: Love is the Greatest of all!!! Praise the Lord!!
Well everyone that was about it and I hope that you all enjoyed it. And if it doesn't sound right or something feel free to leave comments or questions that you would have for me.
I. Introduction: A. My First time teaching. Christ gave me gifts and teaching is one of them. (1 Cor. 12:7-10)
B. We all have these gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11)- It depends on the of the Body of Christ at a certain point in time. When I was asked to teach I knew that I could do it because it isn't me who is doing it, but the Holy Spirit that is within me. But what is my motive? Is it to glorify myself or God? Is it out of love or to feel prideful that I have this knowledge? *Key point: Love should trump all of our motives no matter what!
II. Review of 1 Cor.: Why is this chapter 13 in this letter to the Corinthians? Why did Paul write this? A. To correct the the Corinthians of setting gifts before loving on another. (1 Cor. 14:1) B. Divisions were also another big problem in this church (1 Cor. 1:12) Another thing to take in consideration is the fact that the Corinthians were seeking knowledge and wisdom, which isn't wrong, and they were not really loving one another as they ought to. (1 Cor. 8:1-3) C. There were also problems with how to use the gifts of the Spirit and the gift of the tongues was the most debated gift at the time.
III. 1 Cor. 13:1-3 A. Verse one: Right away Paul is bring up the tongues. 1st Tongues, 2nd Gift of Prophecy, 3rd Faith, 4th Taking care of the poor and needy, and 5th Giving up the body for Christ or martyrdom. I cam e up with a simple equation and it goes like this (No Love= Nothing). I am not downing Gifts of the Spirit or attacking what God has given us but if we use this gifts with out love then it could be less effective or have no effect at all.Remember James 1:17... "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights". It is important to note that love needs to be behind every single action or thought that we have when it comes to serving the Lord. B. Some of those actions that need to considered: 1. Praying- Ask yourself these questions: Why do I pray to God? Why do we pray for others? The should be out of love and have love behind all of it. We pray to God to get closer to Him and to love Him. We pray for others to edify the body of Christ out of love not to feel like we are more spiritual than someone else. 2. Studying / Hearing the Word of God. We should read or listen to the word of God (Bible and Sermons) not merely to accumulate knowledge but to receive God's love and mercy. (Example: When we hear or read something that seems sharp or hard to swallow we have to realize that it is God's love. Like a father to a son. (Hebrews 12:5-8) He will chasten us because He loves us. We need to come to this love because it is true love.
IV. 1 Cor. 13:4-8 A. What love should be or what we should strive to be like. Matthew Henry's Commentary says this about this section of the Bible: "True love to God and man is, a benevolent dispostion of mind towards out fellow Christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God"
* It is important to note that God sets value on love towards Him and not just merely knowledge.
B. Before we get into this section let us look at John 13 and John 15. (John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 17) This is what God commands of us to one another. To love one another as we love ourselves and to love God with everything that we have! This is an example of true love: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. This is the greatest love because Jesus Christ did this for us on the cross. He laid his life down for us. C. What love should be (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 1. Suffer long 2. It is kind 3. Doesn't envy 4. Doesn't parade itself( think of a parade and what a parade is all about... to be be prideful about something or some event) 5. Isn't puffed up ( this means not full of pride) 6. Hates sin 7. Loves truth 8. Bears all things 9. Believes all things ( of God) 10. Hopes all things (about God) 11. Endures all things. It is important to note that Love never fails! D. Verse 8: Love will always remain no matter what. If all gifts vanish and you have the love of God you have it all! If you have all the Gifts of the Spirit and not one ounce of God's love you profit or have nothing.
V.1 Cor. 9-13 A. We should realize that all of these gifts will one day come to an end. There will be no need for the gifts or prophecies, tongues, or even knowledge to build up the body of Christ. * Love will remain in heaven not the gifts. B. Verse 9 " That which is perfect has come" this is the kingdom or Heaven. "When i was a child": this is the state that we are in right now and we are children on Earth and "when I became a man..." could be when we go home to be with God. * Gifts of the Spirit could be considered as child-like matters and are needed on the while we are here on this earth until we are made perfect in heaven. But once again love has to be the main motive behind the gifts. C. Verse 12- This could once again be a metaphor for Earth and Heaven... that is all I am going to say about that!!! " See in the mirror dimly" could be when we are on the Earth and face to face could be when we are in Heaven. "I know in part" I know a little bit what I am like- on Earth "but then I shall know just as I also am know" more Clear in Heaven. - Also could be over time we start to see ourselves better as we grow in Christ and for what we are
VI. Conclusion: A. Verse 13: Love is the Greatest of all!!! Praise the Lord!!
Well everyone that was about it and I hope that you all enjoyed it. And if it doesn't sound right or something feel free to leave comments or questions that you would have for me.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Update on Kayden
Thank you so much for the prayers, still continue to pray....
Update is that there is good news, he may be going home soon and just be on medication. Which is what my sister wants, not having surgery and just fixing the problem with medication would do my sister's heart well. But baby and her are doing fine. So just a good update!!
Update is that there is good news, he may be going home soon and just be on medication. Which is what my sister wants, not having surgery and just fixing the problem with medication would do my sister's heart well. But baby and her are doing fine. So just a good update!!
So thankful...
I know this might sound cliche because this week is Thanksgiving, but yesterday's service at church stirred my heart SO much of all that I have to be thankful for. As different people were saying out loud the things and friends they were thankful, my heart just felt so full! We are so blessed.
I just want to say how very THANKFUL I am for each and every one of you. You guys bless me so much. All of you, whether we are long time friends, or just met, or only see each other once in a while...you are such blessings. I am so thankful for the friends and family the Lord has surrounded me with. I truly don't know where I would be without you all. I am humbled and touched by your love and faithfulness to our Savior, and also by the crazy cool opportunity I have to be a part of the 1830 ministry. May we continue to run the race with perseverance! Continue to pray for one another, love another, have compassion on one another, build one another up, sharpen each other, and press each other on towards Jesus!
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."
-Colossians 1:9-12
Love you guys so much! :)
With tears of joy,
ashlie
I just want to say how very THANKFUL I am for each and every one of you. You guys bless me so much. All of you, whether we are long time friends, or just met, or only see each other once in a while...you are such blessings. I am so thankful for the friends and family the Lord has surrounded me with. I truly don't know where I would be without you all. I am humbled and touched by your love and faithfulness to our Savior, and also by the crazy cool opportunity I have to be a part of the 1830 ministry. May we continue to run the race with perseverance! Continue to pray for one another, love another, have compassion on one another, build one another up, sharpen each other, and press each other on towards Jesus!
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."
-Colossians 1:9-12
Love you guys so much! :)
With tears of joy,
ashlie
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Kayden Charles Elliott
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE PRAYER WARRIORS!!!
My sister had a beautiful baby boy 19 days ago, 6lbs 9oz little champ named Kayden Elliott, he is her 2nd child and joined an adorable 3 year old sister Karlee.
Last night my sister had to take him to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, what we thought was a heart murmur, turns out to be now as VSD. Ventricular Septal Defect. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a heart malformation present at birth. Any condition that is present at birth can also be termed a "congenital" condition. A VSD, therefore, is a type of congenital heart disease (CHD). The heart with a VSD has a hole in the wall (the septum) between its two lower chambers (the ventricles).
Right now the doctors have decided not to do surgery but to let the medication work through IV’s to try to close this hole in his heart. If his heart does fail then surgery will be an immediate need. But if the medication does work they will still be looking at surgery, just later down the road 5-6 months from now. It’s easier to operate on a bigger healthy baby I’m sure than a 19 day old baby. I still do not have all the details but I do know that they will be in hospital for the next week so would you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We want a full recovery and a healthy baby boy to return home. They have to be in the hospital for a week for him to be watched closely as this medicines trys to take effect for his heart to remain working and not to fail.
Please think of my sister and my family when you pray and have quiet times this week. God is good and faithful. This will be a time of stretching for me and my family but through it God may have the glory. In every instance there is always good that comes out of bad.
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus (which was for our victory), that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."2 Corinthians 4:10-11
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."
"Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."Mark 11:24
Thank you to everyone for your prayers I will keep you posted as changes are made.
My sister had a beautiful baby boy 19 days ago, 6lbs 9oz little champ named Kayden Elliott, he is her 2nd child and joined an adorable 3 year old sister Karlee.
Last night my sister had to take him to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, what we thought was a heart murmur, turns out to be now as VSD. Ventricular Septal Defect. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a heart malformation present at birth. Any condition that is present at birth can also be termed a "congenital" condition. A VSD, therefore, is a type of congenital heart disease (CHD). The heart with a VSD has a hole in the wall (the septum) between its two lower chambers (the ventricles).
Right now the doctors have decided not to do surgery but to let the medication work through IV’s to try to close this hole in his heart. If his heart does fail then surgery will be an immediate need. But if the medication does work they will still be looking at surgery, just later down the road 5-6 months from now. It’s easier to operate on a bigger healthy baby I’m sure than a 19 day old baby. I still do not have all the details but I do know that they will be in hospital for the next week so would you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We want a full recovery and a healthy baby boy to return home. They have to be in the hospital for a week for him to be watched closely as this medicines trys to take effect for his heart to remain working and not to fail.
Please think of my sister and my family when you pray and have quiet times this week. God is good and faithful. This will be a time of stretching for me and my family but through it God may have the glory. In every instance there is always good that comes out of bad.
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus (which was for our victory), that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."2 Corinthians 4:10-11
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."
"Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."Mark 11:24
Thank you to everyone for your prayers I will keep you posted as changes are made.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
What is a True Disciple?
Hey there all i just first off wanna say hi to all of you. So i found this video of a clip from a sermon from a guy overseas and it really moved me. The things that i take so for granted, and the things that i am. And how there is a God who just wants me to worship him with everything i have, leaving everything else behind. So i really wanted to share the message with you guys so i typed it bless you all and may God change our lives never leaving us the same. May we come to realize that he is our very sustenance. We have a special stewardship from God..We must be holy. It wont take just five minutes..it will take our whole lives..and all of it. Love you all my brothers and sisters!!!
What is a True Disciple?
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mark 8:34) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? When you read the New Testament, you see that when people received Jesus, there was a cost; there was a price that had to be paid; there was a walk, which would be painful, requiring death to the flesh. But this is a necessary process. It is a hard way, it is a narrow way, and it is a way, which will lead to persecution for those who desire to live in the fear of the Lord. It involves death to the self. But it is a death, which is a sign of your love for God. We want to receive Him, but we don't want to give to Him. We want to enjoy Him, but we don’t want to suffer for Him. The spirit is dwelling among us. We want to come and receive, but we don't want to come and lay down our lives and sacrifice ourselves. And when it comes to the hard way, where you are to pay a price, where you are to sweat a little, bleed a little, then you run away. You desire not. God is calling on a generation, who will suffer, who will bleed, and who will walk all the way. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"(Mark 8:36) What good does it do for you to receive all these things? What good does it do for you to attain all this esteem and all this so called success? What good does it do, if you end up losing your life? Compared to the life which is coming- if you win it- the life which is now is of no value...Compared to the life, which is coming. It’s of no value. It is therefore a deadly poison, when the church replaces the Cross of Christ with seven steps to a better life. I want to give you just one step tonight: Die, Die to yourself! Lay down what is of yourself. Christ is calling you to be a follower of Him.. Someone who will give it all. Someone who will say: it’s not about me; it’s about your name. It's about your name being glorified and exalted through my life, no matter what it may cost me. Being a disciple if Christ means that everything in our lives reflects a perspective of eternity. Everything in our lives reflects the perspective that there is a life which is coming after this life. And we are motivated by this life. The only hope we have with regards to eternity, is what happened 2000 years ago, when He hung on that tree, naked and humiliated, beaten and bleeding. Dear friends, there are great consequences for not having this perspective. There are great consequences for saying: well, I'm just living my own life, and I want to live it in a way that makes me feel good. There are great consequences for not understanding what this is all about. Not having a strong, daily awareness about living for Christ and understanding what He did for us on that cross. The cross of Christ should be the very foundation of our lives; our all consuming passion and motivation- That which drives us; the very power, which causes us to live. If you desire to be a disciple of Christ, you must have the power of the Gospel in your life every day of your life. You must be aware of what Christ did 2000 years ago. Not just the story you heard back then, when you received Jesus. But it is something which is alive to you- where it is so real to you it's as if He died yesterday. And it moves you just as much as if He had. It must move us every single day. It must be a living reality to us every single day. This is where the power is. The power is in the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God for those who believe. It is a power, which causes your heart and your thoughts to be drawn towards eternity, rather than the things of this world. The Gospel is the power of God for those who believe. This means, it is God's power for us as Christians, because by definition, we are those who believe. The Gospel is God's power for us every day of our lives. And as followers of Christ, this power must be working in us, so that we can keep our hearts and minds focuses on that day when we will stand before Him. "For consider him", says Hebrews 12:3, "that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Consider Him! Keep your focus on him. Let it be Christ in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, and all through the night. Is He everything to you? Does He fill your thoughts? Does He fill your heart?
What is a True Disciple?
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mark 8:34) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? When you read the New Testament, you see that when people received Jesus, there was a cost; there was a price that had to be paid; there was a walk, which would be painful, requiring death to the flesh. But this is a necessary process. It is a hard way, it is a narrow way, and it is a way, which will lead to persecution for those who desire to live in the fear of the Lord. It involves death to the self. But it is a death, which is a sign of your love for God. We want to receive Him, but we don't want to give to Him. We want to enjoy Him, but we don’t want to suffer for Him. The spirit is dwelling among us. We want to come and receive, but we don't want to come and lay down our lives and sacrifice ourselves. And when it comes to the hard way, where you are to pay a price, where you are to sweat a little, bleed a little, then you run away. You desire not. God is calling on a generation, who will suffer, who will bleed, and who will walk all the way. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"(Mark 8:36) What good does it do for you to receive all these things? What good does it do for you to attain all this esteem and all this so called success? What good does it do, if you end up losing your life? Compared to the life which is coming- if you win it- the life which is now is of no value...Compared to the life, which is coming. It’s of no value. It is therefore a deadly poison, when the church replaces the Cross of Christ with seven steps to a better life. I want to give you just one step tonight: Die, Die to yourself! Lay down what is of yourself. Christ is calling you to be a follower of Him.. Someone who will give it all. Someone who will say: it’s not about me; it’s about your name. It's about your name being glorified and exalted through my life, no matter what it may cost me. Being a disciple if Christ means that everything in our lives reflects a perspective of eternity. Everything in our lives reflects the perspective that there is a life which is coming after this life. And we are motivated by this life. The only hope we have with regards to eternity, is what happened 2000 years ago, when He hung on that tree, naked and humiliated, beaten and bleeding. Dear friends, there are great consequences for not having this perspective. There are great consequences for saying: well, I'm just living my own life, and I want to live it in a way that makes me feel good. There are great consequences for not understanding what this is all about. Not having a strong, daily awareness about living for Christ and understanding what He did for us on that cross. The cross of Christ should be the very foundation of our lives; our all consuming passion and motivation- That which drives us; the very power, which causes us to live. If you desire to be a disciple of Christ, you must have the power of the Gospel in your life every day of your life. You must be aware of what Christ did 2000 years ago. Not just the story you heard back then, when you received Jesus. But it is something which is alive to you- where it is so real to you it's as if He died yesterday. And it moves you just as much as if He had. It must move us every single day. It must be a living reality to us every single day. This is where the power is. The power is in the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God for those who believe. It is a power, which causes your heart and your thoughts to be drawn towards eternity, rather than the things of this world. The Gospel is the power of God for those who believe. This means, it is God's power for us as Christians, because by definition, we are those who believe. The Gospel is God's power for us every day of our lives. And as followers of Christ, this power must be working in us, so that we can keep our hearts and minds focuses on that day when we will stand before Him. "For consider him", says Hebrews 12:3, "that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Consider Him! Keep your focus on him. Let it be Christ in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, and all through the night. Is He everything to you? Does He fill your thoughts? Does He fill your heart?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
First of all, I want to say that I am so excited about this blog. I have been wanting a way to stay connected with you Mexicoan people. I love to know what's going on in your lives so that I know how to pray for you. I also love it that I can share what's going on in my life so that you know how to pray for me. It's so awesome!
God has really been working on my a lot lately. He has been talking to me about the way I see things. Most of the time I see things through my fleshly eyes. When I look at people, it's normally through my flesh and I end up judging them when I really don't know what's going on in their lives. When I look at sin in my life and in the lives of others, I see it though my flesh and I end up making my sin look pretty good and everyone else's sin look terrible. When I look at God, I see him through the flesh and, depending on how I feel that day, He may look like a demanding master or a father who looks the other way when his child does something wrong or even a "wizard of oz." Another way that my flesh gets in the way is when I think about lost souls. I tend to forget that hell exists and just let those lost souls wallow in their muck.
The amazing thing is when God helps me to take off those flesh glasses and put on His Spirit glasses, my whole life begins to change. This is why I have to walk according to the Spirit every minute of every hour of every day. God longs to pour out His annointing on us because when He does, we change. We love Him more. We love our family more. We love our friends more. We love our enemies more. We see why sin is so bad and we see why God is so good. He begins to mold us and shape us into something new. When we see through our flesh glasses our vessel begins to crack. We are no longer useful vessels. But when He starts to mold and shape us, He makes us useful again.
"But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8
God has really been working on my a lot lately. He has been talking to me about the way I see things. Most of the time I see things through my fleshly eyes. When I look at people, it's normally through my flesh and I end up judging them when I really don't know what's going on in their lives. When I look at sin in my life and in the lives of others, I see it though my flesh and I end up making my sin look pretty good and everyone else's sin look terrible. When I look at God, I see him through the flesh and, depending on how I feel that day, He may look like a demanding master or a father who looks the other way when his child does something wrong or even a "wizard of oz." Another way that my flesh gets in the way is when I think about lost souls. I tend to forget that hell exists and just let those lost souls wallow in their muck.
The amazing thing is when God helps me to take off those flesh glasses and put on His Spirit glasses, my whole life begins to change. This is why I have to walk according to the Spirit every minute of every hour of every day. God longs to pour out His annointing on us because when He does, we change. We love Him more. We love our family more. We love our friends more. We love our enemies more. We see why sin is so bad and we see why God is so good. He begins to mold us and shape us into something new. When we see through our flesh glasses our vessel begins to crack. We are no longer useful vessels. But when He starts to mold and shape us, He makes us useful again.
"But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8
Master of Breakthroughs
Here's a summary of the message Pastor gave at Hideout on Sunday night...
Title: Master of Breakthroughs
Primary Verses: II Samuel 5:17-25
In this passage David had just been anointed as King over Israel. The Philistines heard of it and planned to come find him and kill him. When David gets word of this, he makes his way to a stronghold. Stronghold in this instance does not hold a the negative connotation that we might be used to thinking of from its usage in 2 Corinthians 10:4. Instead, the stronghold is as place of safety, protection, prayer, and close time with God (Psalm 57:1-3, Isaiah 26:20).
The Philistines come to the Valley of Rephaim to look for David. (verse 18)
(literal translation of Rephaim = band of giants uniting; energy)
When in this stronghold, David inquires of the Lord what he is supposed to do with this situation.(verse 19) While he was just crowned king, David does not assume that his own authority is the answer and turns to God for guidance and help. He is not presumptuous, but rather humbles himself before God and realizes his need for Him. Pastor emphasized that prayer is KEY - it is important for our flesh to resist the desire to do things on our own, and to submit to the Lord and inquire of Him what His will may be in situations in our lives. As David inquired to the Lord about the Philistines, the Lord promised to deliver them into David's hands. Then comes verse 20:
"So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, "The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water." Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim."
Literal translations: Baal = "master", Perazim = "breakthrough"
Because of David's humility and going to the stronghold, the Lord brought a breakthrough and victory from enemies seeking to harm David and his army! From this we can glean that God desires us to spend time with him in prayer, to seek Him, and as we do that God will bring victory in our lives and there will be breakthroughs! God is near to those with a broken spirit in a contrite heart (Psalm 34:18) and loves when we will humble ourselves and come to him.
Next verse - 21 "And they left their images there, and David and his men carried them away."
While they enjoyed victory, they did not keep the idols for themselves but got rid of them. Sometimes when we have victory in a certain area, we have to be careful not to focus back on ourselves. It's important to keep close to the prayer closet. With victory there can be the temptation to minimize or not be as fervent in the prayer closet because we don't feel the need as heavily as when we were faced with our enemy. We WILL face the enemy again! We should use the victories as an even further motivation to stick close to God, remain humble, and not trust in our own strength. Give all glory to God!
Verse 22 - The Philistines come back again! In verse 23, David once again inquires of the Lord. He doesn't assume that just because God brought victory that the same thing will happen again. God rarely does the same thing twice. :) This time God speaks to David again, giving him very specific, different instructions on how to attack the Philistines. David obeys the instruction of the Lord again and victory is won.
We can learn again not to assume that just because we've had victories in other areas, or even in the same area, that we can do it on our own the second time around. Perhaps God has specific instructions to give us in order to bring us to victory! We can only know this if we stay fervent in prayer and go often to the "stronghold".
Also...if we are struggling in any area - seek God in prayer! Inquire of him. Know that He is the Master of Breakthroughs and can bring victory as we humble ourselves and seek Him fervently.
Pastor also gave 4 key things to remember when it comes to breakthroughs and victories:
1. Keep in contact with God (Psalm 109:1-4)
2. Exaltation brings new attacks. "Greater levels bring different devils."
3. It is God who treads down our enemies.
4. There are always more Philistines!
Title: Master of Breakthroughs
Primary Verses: II Samuel 5:17-25
In this passage David had just been anointed as King over Israel. The Philistines heard of it and planned to come find him and kill him. When David gets word of this, he makes his way to a stronghold. Stronghold in this instance does not hold a the negative connotation that we might be used to thinking of from its usage in 2 Corinthians 10:4. Instead, the stronghold is as place of safety, protection, prayer, and close time with God (Psalm 57:1-3, Isaiah 26:20).
The Philistines come to the Valley of Rephaim to look for David. (verse 18)
(literal translation of Rephaim = band of giants uniting; energy)
When in this stronghold, David inquires of the Lord what he is supposed to do with this situation.(verse 19) While he was just crowned king, David does not assume that his own authority is the answer and turns to God for guidance and help. He is not presumptuous, but rather humbles himself before God and realizes his need for Him. Pastor emphasized that prayer is KEY - it is important for our flesh to resist the desire to do things on our own, and to submit to the Lord and inquire of Him what His will may be in situations in our lives. As David inquired to the Lord about the Philistines, the Lord promised to deliver them into David's hands. Then comes verse 20:
"So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, "The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water." Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim."
Literal translations: Baal = "master", Perazim = "breakthrough"
Because of David's humility and going to the stronghold, the Lord brought a breakthrough and victory from enemies seeking to harm David and his army! From this we can glean that God desires us to spend time with him in prayer, to seek Him, and as we do that God will bring victory in our lives and there will be breakthroughs! God is near to those with a broken spirit in a contrite heart (Psalm 34:18) and loves when we will humble ourselves and come to him.
Next verse - 21 "And they left their images there, and David and his men carried them away."
While they enjoyed victory, they did not keep the idols for themselves but got rid of them. Sometimes when we have victory in a certain area, we have to be careful not to focus back on ourselves. It's important to keep close to the prayer closet. With victory there can be the temptation to minimize or not be as fervent in the prayer closet because we don't feel the need as heavily as when we were faced with our enemy. We WILL face the enemy again! We should use the victories as an even further motivation to stick close to God, remain humble, and not trust in our own strength. Give all glory to God!
Verse 22 - The Philistines come back again! In verse 23, David once again inquires of the Lord. He doesn't assume that just because God brought victory that the same thing will happen again. God rarely does the same thing twice. :) This time God speaks to David again, giving him very specific, different instructions on how to attack the Philistines. David obeys the instruction of the Lord again and victory is won.
We can learn again not to assume that just because we've had victories in other areas, or even in the same area, that we can do it on our own the second time around. Perhaps God has specific instructions to give us in order to bring us to victory! We can only know this if we stay fervent in prayer and go often to the "stronghold".
Also...if we are struggling in any area - seek God in prayer! Inquire of him. Know that He is the Master of Breakthroughs and can bring victory as we humble ourselves and seek Him fervently.
Pastor also gave 4 key things to remember when it comes to breakthroughs and victories:
1. Keep in contact with God (Psalm 109:1-4)
2. Exaltation brings new attacks. "Greater levels bring different devils."
3. It is God who treads down our enemies.
4. There are always more Philistines!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Casting down everything thought......
Greetings and God Bless you all. For those of you who do not know my testimony I haven't had the easiest life, but then again who has.....I wont go into the whole ordeal or even certain events that has lead me into a constant battle I seem to come to more times than not. But I will say that past sin and even present sin has me up at night, has me distracted, has me out of focus and has me stressed and just weary at times. I have been leaning on Psalm 25 for a good part of a year now. I quote it, I pray it, I read it, I sing it, I say it, I breathe it. If I could roll it up in a blanket and sleep with it I probably would at this point.!! :) "To you O Lord I lift up my soul, O my God I trust in you" That very verse is enough for me to just feel my need for him, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths" I want to know God's ways and forget my own. My struggle is that with full intention and zeal and thrill and passion and excitement and love for God, I am in a battle of the mind. Not a condemned battle that I believe that I am not who God says I am but I have memories, flash backs, mind scars I would call them, that I just cant shake, and through prayer and the word I deal, but this is not an easy thing to live with especially when you feel as though these times have come and gone and had plenty of time to heal, mend, get over etc. But at last I am still burdened by the thoughts and distractions of past sins, I picture events, hear words, go through different times. I know that the Lord is faithful, but I am not. I am but dust and am still being molded and shaped by God.
"Casting down imaginations, and ever high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
My prayer request would be for define intervention spiritually, that my thoughts would become his and not my own, that I wouldn't admit defeat when my mind has wondered all day but instead pick up my cross and continue on, "Jesus is my model and my example by which my soul and body shall crawl for my weak legs to stand up and stand firm in the wonders that is him"-Deena.
Thank you all for your prayers and you encouragement, Love you all!! Have an awesome week!!!!!! :)
"Casting down imaginations, and ever high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
My prayer request would be for define intervention spiritually, that my thoughts would become his and not my own, that I wouldn't admit defeat when my mind has wondered all day but instead pick up my cross and continue on, "Jesus is my model and my example by which my soul and body shall crawl for my weak legs to stand up and stand firm in the wonders that is him"-Deena.
Thank you all for your prayers and you encouragement, Love you all!! Have an awesome week!!!!!! :)
11.14.08 Thrive Recap
So I didn't really have a title for what I shared on Friday...like I told everyone who was there, I actually had something else in mind to share but then felt the Lord prompted me to share this (something he had worked on in me the week prior, personally). I had shared with the group that I felt I just needed to be real and share what I was experiencing. Here's the gist:
Last week I was going through some tough things, and while I felt the Lord had really sustained me thus far, I was starting to slip a little. I'm sure you're familiar with the feeling...basically it happens when you hit a dilemma, and work really hard to give it over to God and trust Him with it...so things are good - like sittin on a fluffy cloud, not able to feel one bit of the turbulence. THEN here it comes like a thud in your stomach - DOUBT...insecurity..worry...lots of ways to put it but basically taking it on again instead of committing it to the Lord and trusting Him. There I go, the fluffy cloud gives way and I'm swirling around in the turbulence again. Yep, so that was me last Wednesday. I took my lunch hour to read my Bible and pray, knowing I really needed to take some time to talk to God. During this time I was kinda upset so I asked God to give me just a little tidbit to help get me through...I don't know what I wanted, just something!! I felt God prompt me to go to Psalm 31. Great Psalm, very encouraging. It talks about God being our fortress and rock, and pulling us out of the net. This was good! I could feel my spirit starting to lift, then in verse 5 the words jumped out at me, "Into your hand I commit my spirit...". Most of you probably know where this took me...Jesus quoted these words as he breathed his last breath and died on the Cross. So flipped over to Luke 23:46 (no, I didn't automatically know where it was, I had to look it up :) ) and read that account of Jesus' death. Suddenly, it clicked! God just began to show me that through this time of affliction that I (and others) were experiencing, I was getting a glimpse of what Christ did for us as Paul says in Phil 3:8-10 ...
"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
At this point I started to weep, just thanking the Lord for what He had done for me and for us! This really put things into perspective for me...that as I "commit my spirit (or whatever I'm dealing with) into His hands" and take part in the "fellowship of His sufferings"...life and resurrection would come from it! That it would no longer be me that lives, but Christ who lives in me! Galatians 2:20 sums it up pretty well -
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
I began to see that though these afflictions and trials are real and hurtful, I can rejoice in the fact that not only am I getting just a taste of the humiliation and pain that Jesus experience, but ALSO my own flesh is going through a crucifixion! As I am crucified with Christ and the flesh is cast away, the resurrection life of Jesus takes its place as I place my faith in Him and wow is that empowering! For me, the flesh in this instance is the need for control, the need to understand, to have resolution. As I die to those things, I am liberated to walk forth in the power of Jesus Christ because of the blood shed for me on the Cross! Not because of my own merit, but because it is by grace we are saved through faith! That faith is so key....we are reminded in Romans 4 that Abraham was counted as righteous not because of what he did, but because of his faith! I want that kind of faith! To have that kind of faith is to continue to trust God through the painful times of personal crucifixion, or dying to the flesh...knowing and having faith that there WILL be resurrection and life abundant as a result! Wow. I needed to hear that desperately. It seems like such an elementary truth, but it was living water to a thirsty soul last week. I looked up the Greek meaning of "commit" in these verses, and one of the definitions said "like food placed on a table". I thought that was cool, it reminded me of when I used to be a waitress at good 'ole Cracker Barrel. When I served a plate of food to a customer, I would never consider coming back while they were in the middle of their meal, and taking the plate of food away from them so that I could eat it myself. That would be crazy! I would've been fired! How many times do I do that with God? Hmm...just some "food" for thought...hehe :)
Let me share one last thing that during that time the Lord really used to put the bow on the package last week. God is so good like that, by the way!! The whole "personal crucifixion" idea is not exactly the most pleasant thing to thing about, because it obviously involves pain. Of course we know that it brings a good end, but it is also tough! But God is so good to give us hope and encouragement to help our poor little minds swallow it! Anyway...back on track. In reading Luke 23:46...the next verse (47) smacked me in the face - in a good way - and gave me just the little spark I needed to start running the race again. Verse 47 -
"So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"
WOW. Do you see that?? This centurion is a Roman soldier, quite possibly an unsaved pagan who didn't really understand what was going on. But as he witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and heard His words "into your hand I commit my Spirit"...he ended up praising God!! He suddenly got it - he realized the truth!! I tell you what, THAT is a miracle. And the resurrection hadn't even occurred yet. What this tells me is that as people see us dealing with the trials and difficult times in our life, and see us committing it to the Lord, trusting Him and keeping our chin up, God WILL be glorified! As we allow our flesh to be crucified, keep the faith, and contintually commit things to the Lord, miracles happen! We can also know that life and resurrection WILL occur as we crucify our flesh and through faith allow the Spirit to move in our lives. People are looking for that realness...for people who deal with real, everyday trials and tribulations and yet still are able to have hope, peace, and joy in the midst of it, and come out on the other side victorious.
Needless to say, that put a lil wind in my sails. :) Praise Jesus! Thank you God, You are indeed Mighty to save! May we continue to commit everything in our lives to You, holding fast to our faith...and stand back to see You glorified and move mightily!
Last week I was going through some tough things, and while I felt the Lord had really sustained me thus far, I was starting to slip a little. I'm sure you're familiar with the feeling...basically it happens when you hit a dilemma, and work really hard to give it over to God and trust Him with it...so things are good - like sittin on a fluffy cloud, not able to feel one bit of the turbulence. THEN here it comes like a thud in your stomach - DOUBT...insecurity..worry...lots of ways to put it but basically taking it on again instead of committing it to the Lord and trusting Him. There I go, the fluffy cloud gives way and I'm swirling around in the turbulence again. Yep, so that was me last Wednesday. I took my lunch hour to read my Bible and pray, knowing I really needed to take some time to talk to God. During this time I was kinda upset so I asked God to give me just a little tidbit to help get me through...I don't know what I wanted, just something!! I felt God prompt me to go to Psalm 31. Great Psalm, very encouraging. It talks about God being our fortress and rock, and pulling us out of the net. This was good! I could feel my spirit starting to lift, then in verse 5 the words jumped out at me, "Into your hand I commit my spirit...". Most of you probably know where this took me...Jesus quoted these words as he breathed his last breath and died on the Cross. So flipped over to Luke 23:46 (no, I didn't automatically know where it was, I had to look it up :) ) and read that account of Jesus' death. Suddenly, it clicked! God just began to show me that through this time of affliction that I (and others) were experiencing, I was getting a glimpse of what Christ did for us as Paul says in Phil 3:8-10 ...
"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
At this point I started to weep, just thanking the Lord for what He had done for me and for us! This really put things into perspective for me...that as I "commit my spirit (or whatever I'm dealing with) into His hands" and take part in the "fellowship of His sufferings"...life and resurrection would come from it! That it would no longer be me that lives, but Christ who lives in me! Galatians 2:20 sums it up pretty well -
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
I began to see that though these afflictions and trials are real and hurtful, I can rejoice in the fact that not only am I getting just a taste of the humiliation and pain that Jesus experience, but ALSO my own flesh is going through a crucifixion! As I am crucified with Christ and the flesh is cast away, the resurrection life of Jesus takes its place as I place my faith in Him and wow is that empowering! For me, the flesh in this instance is the need for control, the need to understand, to have resolution. As I die to those things, I am liberated to walk forth in the power of Jesus Christ because of the blood shed for me on the Cross! Not because of my own merit, but because it is by grace we are saved through faith! That faith is so key....we are reminded in Romans 4 that Abraham was counted as righteous not because of what he did, but because of his faith! I want that kind of faith! To have that kind of faith is to continue to trust God through the painful times of personal crucifixion, or dying to the flesh...knowing and having faith that there WILL be resurrection and life abundant as a result! Wow. I needed to hear that desperately. It seems like such an elementary truth, but it was living water to a thirsty soul last week. I looked up the Greek meaning of "commit" in these verses, and one of the definitions said "like food placed on a table". I thought that was cool, it reminded me of when I used to be a waitress at good 'ole Cracker Barrel. When I served a plate of food to a customer, I would never consider coming back while they were in the middle of their meal, and taking the plate of food away from them so that I could eat it myself. That would be crazy! I would've been fired! How many times do I do that with God? Hmm...just some "food" for thought...hehe :)
Let me share one last thing that during that time the Lord really used to put the bow on the package last week. God is so good like that, by the way!! The whole "personal crucifixion" idea is not exactly the most pleasant thing to thing about, because it obviously involves pain. Of course we know that it brings a good end, but it is also tough! But God is so good to give us hope and encouragement to help our poor little minds swallow it! Anyway...back on track. In reading Luke 23:46...the next verse (47) smacked me in the face - in a good way - and gave me just the little spark I needed to start running the race again. Verse 47 -
"So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"
WOW. Do you see that?? This centurion is a Roman soldier, quite possibly an unsaved pagan who didn't really understand what was going on. But as he witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and heard His words "into your hand I commit my Spirit"...he ended up praising God!! He suddenly got it - he realized the truth!! I tell you what, THAT is a miracle. And the resurrection hadn't even occurred yet. What this tells me is that as people see us dealing with the trials and difficult times in our life, and see us committing it to the Lord, trusting Him and keeping our chin up, God WILL be glorified! As we allow our flesh to be crucified, keep the faith, and contintually commit things to the Lord, miracles happen! We can also know that life and resurrection WILL occur as we crucify our flesh and through faith allow the Spirit to move in our lives. People are looking for that realness...for people who deal with real, everyday trials and tribulations and yet still are able to have hope, peace, and joy in the midst of it, and come out on the other side victorious.
Needless to say, that put a lil wind in my sails. :) Praise Jesus! Thank you God, You are indeed Mighty to save! May we continue to commit everything in our lives to You, holding fast to our faith...and stand back to see You glorified and move mightily!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Blogin' it for the very first time!
First off I just want to say that I have never done a blog before. Thanks to Ashlie(our fearless leader and creator of this blog) I going to give this a shot I guess. Well I guess the first thing that I would like to comment on is the 1830 group in general and what it has done for me in my life so far. 1830 is awesome! It is the church within our church and we are the next generation that will eventually take over the leadership of this church or other churches. It is a testing ground and a place to grow and learn more about God. It is a group that lifts each other up and is willing to love people where they are at in their life. It is a place where people can be themselves and not feel the condemnation that the world might give them. It is a great time to have fellowship with one another. First and foremost its purpose is to raise the name of Jesus up and praise His awesomeness!! I really don't think that I would be this solid in the faith if it wasn't for this group of young adults that have encouraged me to press on to get closer to Jesus Christ. It is cool to see what God is doing in that group of young people and to see all the potential that is in there. We are the giant slayers and we are like the small Gideon like army!! I just want to thank the leadership of 1830 for an awesome job they are doing. Pastor Ron is a very good leader and I want to thank him for being apart of the Hideouts that we have. Gavin and Ashlie are a great couple that strive to follow Jesus and are willing to preach what God has spoken to them. Caleb and Aimee are stellar as well and Caleb does a good job teaching when he does it. Last but not least is Arica. She is very nice because she helps with the food and man is it good when she makes it or orders it!! But anyway... to everyone else who has prayed for me or even just listened to me... Thank you all and God Bless you!!! Well I hope this was good enough for a my first blog entry!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Learning Submission
For the past 1 year and 9 months that I have been home from YWAM, God has truly done an amazing work in me. To many of you here on the home front, my life has been an open book as you have been apart of the grueling process that change can so often bring. Correction, that God can so often bring.
It is no surprise to me that we're hitting "submission" in Sunday School. This has been a major topic in my life throughout the past two years. Learning to submit is never fun nor easy, especially for any of us who are children of Adam. Naturally I am a very stubborn, selfish, prideful and impulsive person and I do not like to be told "no." Well as any good father would do when confronted with a child like me, he would pull out the belt or the rod of correction. My Father, my Heavenly Father, did just that. He set me down hard on the Potter's wheel and began to water me down as to soften me up.
When I first arrived home from YWAM I was on fire and ready to go, go, go. I was ready to minister and change my church because I knew that they were not where they needed to be spiritually speaking (I'm surprised no one stepped aside as to let a lightening bolt strike me, yikes). Thinking back now, I just shake my head at that girl. I won't get into too many details as to how the Lord dealt with me, but lets just say that the verse in Hebrews 12:6 takes on a whole new meaning for me. " For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts."
I felt when I first came home that I would only be home for a short visit, that it would be temporary until the Lord moved me elsewhere. I thought 6 months tops! As I say that I get a picture in my head of God holding on to my pants as I'm sprinting in place trying to break free so that I can run ahead. That's kind of what it felt like. I had the desire to sprint, to hit the track and take off....change the world for Jesus! But to my confusion and alarm the Lord kept telling me to wait, to be still and to stay. To quote a wise man that I know "the ways of God are slow, steady and sure." Boy did that go against the grain for me!
At first the only thing keeping me here at home was that I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that the Lord had called me here. I was determined to walk in obedience, however my attitude stunk. I cried, complained and threw many of tantrums but I would like to THANK THE LORD for friends like Ashlie and Pastor who served as crash pads for me. They drew close to me and helped me learn to walk. It was through their love and support that it became easier for me to be content and to really learn to submit. Not just to the Lord but to my Pastor, my 1830 leader, and to my brothers and sisters in Christ. God worked out alot of junk in me and worked in humility which I think is key to submission.
I am now really and truly enjoying my time here and home and am not looking to leave anytime soon. Time and time again Pastor would tell me that, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." I have found this to be so true. I'm experiencing that great gain and am loving it! I have learned that its not about just enduring a season, but embracing it and living it to its fullest for the glory of God. I wish I could better expose my heart before you because seriously I feel new and improved. :) God is so good and so faithful. He makes me laugh and do things that I could have never imagined myself doing. He thrills me and inspires me so much! Hallelujah! Amen!
It is no surprise to me that we're hitting "submission" in Sunday School. This has been a major topic in my life throughout the past two years. Learning to submit is never fun nor easy, especially for any of us who are children of Adam. Naturally I am a very stubborn, selfish, prideful and impulsive person and I do not like to be told "no." Well as any good father would do when confronted with a child like me, he would pull out the belt or the rod of correction. My Father, my Heavenly Father, did just that. He set me down hard on the Potter's wheel and began to water me down as to soften me up.
When I first arrived home from YWAM I was on fire and ready to go, go, go. I was ready to minister and change my church because I knew that they were not where they needed to be spiritually speaking (I'm surprised no one stepped aside as to let a lightening bolt strike me, yikes). Thinking back now, I just shake my head at that girl. I won't get into too many details as to how the Lord dealt with me, but lets just say that the verse in Hebrews 12:6 takes on a whole new meaning for me. " For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts."
I felt when I first came home that I would only be home for a short visit, that it would be temporary until the Lord moved me elsewhere. I thought 6 months tops! As I say that I get a picture in my head of God holding on to my pants as I'm sprinting in place trying to break free so that I can run ahead. That's kind of what it felt like. I had the desire to sprint, to hit the track and take off....change the world for Jesus! But to my confusion and alarm the Lord kept telling me to wait, to be still and to stay. To quote a wise man that I know "the ways of God are slow, steady and sure." Boy did that go against the grain for me!
At first the only thing keeping me here at home was that I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that the Lord had called me here. I was determined to walk in obedience, however my attitude stunk. I cried, complained and threw many of tantrums but I would like to THANK THE LORD for friends like Ashlie and Pastor who served as crash pads for me. They drew close to me and helped me learn to walk. It was through their love and support that it became easier for me to be content and to really learn to submit. Not just to the Lord but to my Pastor, my 1830 leader, and to my brothers and sisters in Christ. God worked out alot of junk in me and worked in humility which I think is key to submission.
I am now really and truly enjoying my time here and home and am not looking to leave anytime soon. Time and time again Pastor would tell me that, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." I have found this to be so true. I'm experiencing that great gain and am loving it! I have learned that its not about just enduring a season, but embracing it and living it to its fullest for the glory of God. I wish I could better expose my heart before you because seriously I feel new and improved. :) God is so good and so faithful. He makes me laugh and do things that I could have never imagined myself doing. He thrills me and inspires me so much! Hallelujah! Amen!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
God is in control
Hi everyone
Lately God has placed it on my heart so much to remind me that it is not about me but it is about him.
Paul said in Corinthians "who ever glories let him glory in the Lord"
This is such a powerful verse to me so many times when we are apart of something great people congradulate us on a job well done and we say thanks I worked really hard to make it happen. This may be true but we need to remember that without christ we could do nothing he is our source for everything. When people say job well done we need to automatically say praise god Praise god and give all the glory to him for he is the reason that it we were able to get it done.
I heard a quote one time I found to be very true, "God doesn't need us he wants us" God is going to change the world and he just wants to know if we want to come along for the ride.
So lets just remember that serving in the kingdom of heaven is a privaledge and not a right.
John: 15.16 Says "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit"
Just something to think about amen :)
Lately God has placed it on my heart so much to remind me that it is not about me but it is about him.
Paul said in Corinthians "who ever glories let him glory in the Lord"
This is such a powerful verse to me so many times when we are apart of something great people congradulate us on a job well done and we say thanks I worked really hard to make it happen. This may be true but we need to remember that without christ we could do nothing he is our source for everything. When people say job well done we need to automatically say praise god Praise god and give all the glory to him for he is the reason that it we were able to get it done.
I heard a quote one time I found to be very true, "God doesn't need us he wants us" God is going to change the world and he just wants to know if we want to come along for the ride.
So lets just remember that serving in the kingdom of heaven is a privaledge and not a right.
John: 15.16 Says "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit"
Just something to think about amen :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Reflections on submission...
So, I am going to bite the bullet and be the first one to post on here. :)
For the past 24 hours, our Sunday School lesson from yesterday has been kinda rolling around in my head (thanks Jay! - he be the new teach -) For those of you who don't know, we just started a new book for Sunday School...it is "Touching Godliness through Submission" by K.P. Yohannan. I'll be honest, haven't cracked it open yet, just skimmed over the back. However, I'm excited about it.
Yesterday Jay talked about how the natural speaks of the spiritual, using the solar system as an example of God's perfect order. He highlighted the way that each planet is specifically placed, but most importantly, the earth, and the exact distance it is held from the sun...not too hot, not too cold, but just right (thanks Goldilocks). He used this example (in much more detail than I'm giving) to show how God has set up the body of Christ with order...and how that order gives lots of room for differences, personality, talents, etc and yet through the order God has set up, when we submit to Him and to one another, things work! i.e. the planets in their placement and rotation are "submitted" to the sun, gravity, etc. The verse we focused on was Ephesians 5:21 -
"...submitting to one another in the fear of God."
That is an idea that runs counter to our culture's obsession with independence and individuality. Yes, God made all of us unique and with specific purpose. Yet, we are not meant to do it alone. I'll admit that this is something that the Lord has really worked hard on me in the past couple of years. Being the oldest in my family, I am used to doing things on my own, being in charge, and thinking for myself. It is not difficult for me to take initiative and overlook asking for help. Not because I don't like people, but usually because its just easier to do it myself and I don't want to "bother" anyone. Or, in all honesty, my pride says that I can do it better myself anyway. Sometimes when I am in a rough spot, it takes extra effort for me to reach out to others. I am generally pretty transparent about my "issues" but that isn't the same as allowing people to speak into my life and really being connected. I have really been stretched in the past year when it comes to truly submitting not only to God, but to the order he has set into place...His family (leadership, brothers/sisters in the Lord, etc). It is not easy, by my goodness it is ever rewarding!
Jay touched on the practical application to submitting to one another. Some of that means overlooking idiosyncrasies, offenses, preferences, and flaws that we might see in our brothers and sisters and putting on love, grace, and humility instead. Yes, there is a time for confrontation and "speaking the truth in love"...but I think sometimes we could afford to extend a little more grace! After all, how great is the grace that our Heavenly Father extends to us despite all the mistakes we make! In examining myself and my own heart, I've found that the more the Lord works on my heart to bring humility, the more I am able to love and extend grace to my brothers and sisters (still working on it of course). THAT is when the Spirit can truly move, because unity is there!
I could say a lot more on this...but I know others will have good stuff to say...
I'll leave you with just my heartfelt thanks. To all of you, whether you are here or far away. I am so incredibly thankful for the family God has given me through His body. Each of you have encouraged me at some point or another and played an intricate part in not just my life, but in God's order that He has set up for His family, the church. I don't know what I would do without you all! I am excited about what God is doing and is going to do as we continue to submit to Him, each other, and the plans that He has for His body.
Have an awesome day!
For the past 24 hours, our Sunday School lesson from yesterday has been kinda rolling around in my head (thanks Jay! - he be the new teach -) For those of you who don't know, we just started a new book for Sunday School...it is "Touching Godliness through Submission" by K.P. Yohannan. I'll be honest, haven't cracked it open yet, just skimmed over the back. However, I'm excited about it.
Yesterday Jay talked about how the natural speaks of the spiritual, using the solar system as an example of God's perfect order. He highlighted the way that each planet is specifically placed, but most importantly, the earth, and the exact distance it is held from the sun...not too hot, not too cold, but just right (thanks Goldilocks). He used this example (in much more detail than I'm giving) to show how God has set up the body of Christ with order...and how that order gives lots of room for differences, personality, talents, etc and yet through the order God has set up, when we submit to Him and to one another, things work! i.e. the planets in their placement and rotation are "submitted" to the sun, gravity, etc. The verse we focused on was Ephesians 5:21 -
"...submitting to one another in the fear of God."
That is an idea that runs counter to our culture's obsession with independence and individuality. Yes, God made all of us unique and with specific purpose. Yet, we are not meant to do it alone. I'll admit that this is something that the Lord has really worked hard on me in the past couple of years. Being the oldest in my family, I am used to doing things on my own, being in charge, and thinking for myself. It is not difficult for me to take initiative and overlook asking for help. Not because I don't like people, but usually because its just easier to do it myself and I don't want to "bother" anyone. Or, in all honesty, my pride says that I can do it better myself anyway. Sometimes when I am in a rough spot, it takes extra effort for me to reach out to others. I am generally pretty transparent about my "issues" but that isn't the same as allowing people to speak into my life and really being connected. I have really been stretched in the past year when it comes to truly submitting not only to God, but to the order he has set into place...His family (leadership, brothers/sisters in the Lord, etc). It is not easy, by my goodness it is ever rewarding!
Jay touched on the practical application to submitting to one another. Some of that means overlooking idiosyncrasies, offenses, preferences, and flaws that we might see in our brothers and sisters and putting on love, grace, and humility instead. Yes, there is a time for confrontation and "speaking the truth in love"...but I think sometimes we could afford to extend a little more grace! After all, how great is the grace that our Heavenly Father extends to us despite all the mistakes we make! In examining myself and my own heart, I've found that the more the Lord works on my heart to bring humility, the more I am able to love and extend grace to my brothers and sisters (still working on it of course). THAT is when the Spirit can truly move, because unity is there!
I could say a lot more on this...but I know others will have good stuff to say...
I'll leave you with just my heartfelt thanks. To all of you, whether you are here or far away. I am so incredibly thankful for the family God has given me through His body. Each of you have encouraged me at some point or another and played an intricate part in not just my life, but in God's order that He has set up for His family, the church. I don't know what I would do without you all! I am excited about what God is doing and is going to do as we continue to submit to Him, each other, and the plans that He has for His body.
Have an awesome day!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Welcome to Room 133!
Hello all! Welcome to the first blog site for the 1830 Young Adult ministry!
This blog it not meant to take away from the fellowship of corporate gatherings, but simply to give another opportunity to connect. Please feel free to share on the blog, but also remember to bless us all with your thoughts and testimonies in person as well through Thrive, Hideout, etc. This is a place for people to share prayer requests, testimonies, praise reports, encouragement, and essentially what God is doing in your life. It will also be a way for those who are not able to make it to stuff or live away to still connect and take part in what God is doing in each of our lives! I am going to do my best to post a summary of the messages from Thrive and Hideout as they come, as well as pictures from events.
Love all of you! Keep pressing on!
This blog it not meant to take away from the fellowship of corporate gatherings, but simply to give another opportunity to connect. Please feel free to share on the blog, but also remember to bless us all with your thoughts and testimonies in person as well through Thrive, Hideout, etc. This is a place for people to share prayer requests, testimonies, praise reports, encouragement, and essentially what God is doing in your life. It will also be a way for those who are not able to make it to stuff or live away to still connect and take part in what God is doing in each of our lives! I am going to do my best to post a summary of the messages from Thrive and Hideout as they come, as well as pictures from events.
Love all of you! Keep pressing on!
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