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Obedient Satisfaction

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.
Hosea 12:6

oh the great commands of Hosea: 'Sow', 'Reap', 'Break Up', 'Seek', 'Return', 'Maintain', and 'Wait'. all these commands demand some action, even waiting. i remember going thru a phase in my spiritual journey when i thot the Bible was a list of exhausting duties. do this, do that. but as i mature (a bit), i'm learning that obeying the commands is so much better than disobeying. there are blessings ('the blessing! - from christmas vacation!) which give joy. so in doing what is expected, a feeling of fulfillment satisfies my soul. this is a profound understanding for me. more often than not, i lack the feeling of my soul being satisfied. (aka - contentment) even if i weary myself in doing what is expected, my exhaustion is surrounded by a shower of righteousness. 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.' - John Piper.

Christ,
as the season of Your birth is upon me, i can sense a renewed passion to seek You. thanks for calling me to seek You, to place within me a desire to seek the real You. i give You praise and ascribe honor to Your name for the righteousness You shower upon me. how good it is to be in Your light. obedience brings about a righteous lifestyle... and only by Your grace am i made holy. Come, Holy Spirit, and sanctify this child. i want to know You more.
in Christ' Name ~ Amen.
*Gail *Susan *Devin

I Beg of You

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.
Dan 9:18-19

have you ever found yourself saying to someone, "i beg of you, please..."? when i was reading thru this passage in Daniel, my mind thot of that line. this is the extreme urgency with which daniel is crying out to God. i've prayed that way before, but it's been awhile since i was that adamant about something. (that's a confession.)

my friend Shottie has a great post about some issues. i want to encourage any reader to do what you can about the issues in the world. focus on something and move. pray for specifics for that issue. research the topic and find out as much as you can about it. get connected. plug in. do something.

Here's a brief list of international organization.

Make Poverty History

Unicef

International Justice Mission

Salvation Army on Sexual Trafficking

Compassion International

World Vision

YWAM Thailand

just to name a few off the top of my head. i love in the verse written above - 'We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.' not on our accord, but because of who God is. that is why we are motivated to act on behalf of others.
O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! Amen!

what are you doing about it?

World AIDS Campaign

Love Covers Over a Multitude of Sins

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
Prov. 10:12

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Prov. 17:9

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Pet. 4:8

in swahili: Zaidi ya yote, pen daneni kwa moyo wote, maana upendo hufunika dhambi nyingi sana. 1 Petro 4:8

so i bought the new sara groves cd. she's done it again. intertwined lyrics with music to make my eyes water and my heart sense the love of an amazing Father. this song, When It Was Over, gets me. not sure what it is about it, but the simplicity of the words and music enriched with forgiveness moves my heart to listen more closely to Jesus.

'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us.' (1 John 3:1) i rejoice that a love deeper than my understanding of love exists. i tend to think of love being amazing, but i add that it fails... i'm a doubter. somewhere in my past, someone who said they'd love me forever let me down. so my view on 'loving forever' is tainted. and i can't even point my finger on who this person is. guess satan stamped me with this trait from birth. but i am beginning to understand that a love deeper than anything i can perceive exists. and i'm being lavished by that love.

here's my confession, i'm so selfish that i think i am the only one who will keep my promise to love until death. again, i rejoice that a love deeper than my understanding of love exist.

somehow God put it in my heart to not hold grudges too long. i don't mean that as bragging rights, but it is true. most of the time, i forget what someone has done against me. so perhaps it's because i'm not very bright. but this 'forgetfulness' benefits me when it comes to covering over a multitude of sins with love.

i know i am the way i am today, because of the way i was raised. mostly i'm fearless - i was told that i can take on the world. i'm especially guarded - i went thru some rough childhood years of my brother being an alcoholic and drug user, and my parents giving him all their attention. i was the good kid - good at school and sports, so my parents didn't need to worry about me. my grandparents took me in and cared for me during those rough times. but thru those rough times, i never spoke of how i felt. i always hid my hurt with a smile. my friends at school had no clue as to what went on in my house, nor did my grandparents. i was the queen of hiding my feelings. i ran from the hurt and pain. and in my adult life, i still tend to lean that way.

when i was in middle school, a family took me on as their project. i don't think they intended on taking me on, but it simply happened that way. i entered their family as a babysitter and a kid from their youth group. they revealed to me that love covers over a multitude of sins. they didn't force me to talk of my family issues, but they knew about them. they loved me as i was. they invited me into their family, to share and love and trust. they taught me that to love, one needs to forgive; without forgiveness one cannot love. that was a tough lesson, because i had a great deal of hurt and pain to confess. this family, all 5 of them, taught me of Christ, humanity, and my responsibility to live what i believe. and to them i am forever grateful.

Sweet Jesus,
You've brought me out from the pit of despair. You've given me a love deeper than i can fathom. and Your grace that covers me is wider than i could ever know. i am a changed person because You first loved me. thanks for calling me to be holy, righteous, steadfast, beloved, blessed - and so many more. You've given me love to cover over all my sins - that is a multitude! and so i pray for You to use me as a vessel of this love which covers over sins. let Your forgiveness be known thru me. let me be sanctified thru You that You may be worshipped. let Your kingdom come, Father. Spirit, thanks for Your conviction which draws me to the throne of grace. You draw me close to the One whom i love. my heart rejoices that You've revealed to me this lavishing love. what made You love me when You knew what i was all about?
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen.

*Shottie *Derrick *Misty

Finding What Pleases God

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Col 1:9-12

And find out what pleases the Lord.
Eph. 5:10

a while ago i caught ephesians 5:10. it's just thrown in there. 'find out what pleases the Lord.' that is a loaded command. it's not going to the store and finding milk. it's not looking for the coin which was lost in the house. but that lady held a huge party over finding a 10th of her wealth. ...or maybe it is like that. honestly i'm not sure.

paul mentions that he asks God to give the colossians knowledge of God's will. surely God wants to give the colossians knowledge of His will. so in this case, paul and God have the same desires. i think that link between God's desires and what we desire needs to connect. 'pursing after that which moves the heart of God'

*bear fruit
*grow in the knowledge of God
*be strengthened with all power
seems like 3 basic rules to live by. but those all come from God. i'm not sure i've ever prayed for God to move in my life in those ways. i've prayed to know His will and to do it faithfully, but... first comes the hard work: getting on my knees and finding out who God is and why i should desires the things which please Him.

and i should be praying for others. because of those who have prayed for me, i am being filled with the knowledge of His will, being strenghtened and bearing fruit. i know the prayers of my grandma, a prayer partner i had when i was a kid, family and friends have truly been answered. this is why i am a seeker of Christ.

God,
i'm searching after what pleases You. reveal Yourself to me, because of Your mercy. You give to those who ask, so i'm asking to be filled with the knowledge of Your will thru all spiritual wisdom and understanding. i want to find out what pleases You and faithfully complete it. i know You've mentioned that You know the plans for me... but could You fill me in on those plans?

i lift up the SLR staff to You. seems like there are some obstacles popping around their plans. Father, you know the spiritual battle which rages, and You have the power to detain the enemy who wages war. protect these young people from the flaming arrows that fly by night. send Your spiritual wisdom upon these faithful servants. if they are not walking faithfully, convict them of their sin - send Your grace to draw them back. let this group be holy unto You. may You speak unto their hearts, having them listen to Your call. let their decisions be based on what would draw others nearer to You. if being in the chapel, so be it. if being outdoors, so be it. if being without music, so be it. whatever would please You most, let that be known to each of these servants. most importantly, above each of our agendas and thoughts on how we can best make You know, is Your desire. soften our hearts that we may listen to Your voice and hear what You are saying. close any plans which have arose from our desires alone. what do You want to say at SLR this year? what will it take to tear down the walls of sin and shame, and to let Your light shine to these students? how do You want to reveal Yourself to them? as Samuel had to learn to say, 'speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.' let this listening Spirit rest upon all who are helping with SLR this year.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen.
*SLR *Jenna *RJ

Listen to His Voice

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deut. 30:19-20

i got on a deuteronomy kick the last few days. been quite the interesting journey. there are some pretty graphic things in the book. (see Deut. 23:10) but then you stumble across some verses like the ones above. these three 'commands' are rocking my world...
*Love the Lord your God
*Listen to His voice
*Hold fast to Him

if all thru one day i could be reminded of these big 3... i would be changed, or more like - i'm being changed. to love God intimately... to hear God's voice... to hold God steadfastly.... incredible. this reminds me how intimate my relationship with my Dad is. he chooses to satisfy my desires with good things. (psalm 103:5) it doesn't get much more intimate than that.

so some friends and i are on this kick of memorizing a chapter of scripture. anyone wanna join? i'm attempting to memorizing psalm 103. so far i've made it to verse 6. needed to stop for a day and deeply consider how God works righteousness and justice to all the oppressed. too often i'm caught up in the moment of need and desperation, and forget to see beyond the physical. my heart goes out for some oppressed - those sold into sex slavery... and zimbabweans. not sure how zimbabweans are oppressed, but my heart goes out to them. i guess since HIV/AIDS is claiming 30% of the citizens... that seems like oppression of the spiritual natural.

there's another verse in deuteronomy which caught my attention. it's deut. 23:14 'For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that He will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.' God protects me and delivers my enemies to me. (when i think of enemies - i often think of demons.) and then my camp - my home, my heart, my thought life, my fleshly desires, anything which i hold dear - must be holy. where am i outta step with Jesus? where have i messed up? where have i disobeyed, not fought the good fight? and the reason why i am to be holy is so that God can be near. He is too holy to be near evil. that is a big thought for me. i know that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, but...

as i get older and hopefully more mature, i'm learning that obedience is more important than rules. that righteousness comes before rules. this is a tough understanding to me, cuz i'm pretty analytical, play-it-by-the-rules type of person. just as Jesus was healing on sabbath. Jesus must have thrown a huge wrench into the pharisees thinking. 'how could someone claiming to be 'God' disobey what we know is the way to righteousness?' i wonder that sometimes too.

hey Jesus,
thanks for opening my heart to know You more. thanks for allowing my questions to be answered. in james you promise to give wisdom to anyone who asks. well, i'm on my knees, humbled by Your greatness - begging for wisdom. i wanna know You and who You are. i desire to hear Your voice. i want to love You more. i want to be the one who holds fast to You. i desire those things. i want to be faithful, Jesus. thanks for hearing my pleas for help. thanks for giving me the strength to be obedient, even when it feels like everything within me is desiring to sin. Your grace is sufficient for me...keep that thought before me. Holy Spirit, i know You are in me - calling me out of darkness into Jesus's glorious light. You've rescued me from the chains of sin and death, and clothed me with righteousness, peace and love. thanks for giving of Yourself so that i can have life. You are my life. i'm only beginning to understand the depth of this statement. thanks for Your love lavished upon me.

*Sean *Stephen in Kenya *Philip @ YWAM

Meth

This is what the Lord says: 'Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace. Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.' 'In that day,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.'
Jer. 30:5-9

2 meth seminars and many thots about my brother... let's just say my prayer life has reached a new level for those oppressed by drugs. it is a spiritual battle, i am convinced of this. this morning when i opened by Bible, it fell on this 30th chapter of Jeremiah. i couldn't help but see how the parallel connection between this passage and those affected by drugs.

perhaps you can hear the cries of fear and terror coming from the users, their families and friends. or how about the men with their hands on their stomachs and their deathly pale complexion? i can see it so clearly - the illness that follows using drugs and alcohol. it is awful! it is a time of trouble, but God promises that the user will be saved out of it. Jesus will break that slavery of satan, and set the captives free. no longer will these users be enslaved by the drugs. these free men will serve the Lord instead of the drugs.

Jesus is our hope. He is the One to set the captives free. He saves those who call on His Name. in the past this verse has jumped out at me - maybe because it seems so redundant. 'Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise.' (Jer. 17:14) but i'm learning there is a much deeper understanding to these words. it takes Jesus to really save us... and heal us... We need Him. addicts need Him.

Jesus,
even as i learn the effects of meth and other drugs, i can't help but see that it is a spiritual battle. and tho the battle rages, the war is won. You've conquerered... tho i don't quite understand that completely. the war seems like all i see, tho i know this is only a battle. may You rise up workers who are willing to reach out with Your love to those addicted to meth and other drugs. come, Holy Spirit, in power and release these captives. let us run in grace to the throne of our Father. like a mighty wind or torrential rain - come and make Your Name known. we need You Jesus. equip us to train others to obey You.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen
*Derrick *Thomas *Kevin's friend

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you
Luke 6:27

He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30

great - by ten shekel shirt

I have always wanted to be
somebody who is great

To be great in, great in
your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes
you smile is everything

To love my enemies
To serve others until I
become the least

To be great in, great in
your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes
you smile is everything

Greatness in this world
is different than greatness
in your eyes

To be great in, great in
your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes
you smile is everything

To be genuine in my love
for others and for you is
to be great

Interceding with God

Then Samuel said, "Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the Lord for you."
1 sam. 7:5

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines." Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel's behalf, and the Lord answered him.
1 sam. 7:8-9

prayer... speaking with God... requesting God to do something... seeking wisdom from God... begging God to deliver us... thanking Him for answering our prayers... praising Jesus for saving us... isn't it amazing that the God of the universe desires us to speak with Him about what's on our hearts?

this passage, 1 samuel 7, speaks of samuel stepping up to the plate and crying out with God on behalf of the israelites. (did you noticed the word 'with'? how cool is that?) and i can imagine Jesus kneeling with His head to the ground, and Samuel next to Him in the same position. and all their words intertwined - where one ends the other begins. kinda how Jesus met with God on the mount of olives before He was betrayed.

hebrews 5:6 says, 'During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.' guess samuel did the same for His people. guess i should be doing the same for my people.

i know that life is lived in two realms, the physical and the spiritual. and tho i know of the spiritual, my focus tends to fall on the physical. and paul tells us that our battle isn't against humans, but against the spiritual forces manifesting themselves thru humans. (eph. 6:12) so tho it may not look like i am in a war zone, i cannot deny that i live in barracks. and with Jesus and samuel, my prayers shall be of the same urgency as they interceded with God to save their people from the enemies waging war against their souls.

denise and i were discussing some events which took place this weekend. saturday morning there was an accident involving about 50 students and leaders travelling to a christian spiritual retreat. on saturday this man gave denise's car a door ding, and acted as tho it was her fault. then on the way home from an event later saturday night, we were stuck in traffic b/c of an accident. let me re-emphasize: i cannot deny that i am involved in a war.

Jesus,
how can i be so oblivious to the war that is raging all around me? may Your grace flood over me, giving me wisdom on how to combat the forces of evil. help me to see past the physical and know who is under fire. sensitize my heart to not only see the war, but to use the weapons You've taught me to use. Your people are not defenseless, tho they too often fail to use their weapons. thank You for choosing me to be a soldier in Your army. i want to be a valiant fighter for You. let me not be ineffective.

Your protection around that bus shows of Your love. Holy Spirit, encompass each of these people affected by this accident to see that You love them and have protected them. i pray over the service tonight for the youth in our community. may You use the speaker to express the Truth You want us to hear. i pray against distraction, equipment failure, and unbelief. may lives be changed by the blood that cleanse us from sin. come, Holy Spirt, in power and might that we may see God clearly and be convicted of our sin and released from the chains of the evil one. You are God of all, and father to those who long for a dad. let us draw near to You, embracing the grace You have for us. set the captives free, Jesus, please.
in the power of Jesus' name ~ Amen
*Jack *Courtney *Melissa

Seasons

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 pet 5:10

personal restoration by Jesus. getting personal by making us strong, firm and steadfast. i want to experience that again. i have before, but i want to again. seems like it's been awhile since i felt this.

there are seasons in life; there are times of drought, times of plenty, times of rejoicing and mourning. lately it's felt like a drought, or the winter season when things seem dead and cold. i'm looking forward to a change in season. i can sense that a new thing is beginning. it may be a year, but i trust that a new season will come.

oh to be steadfast in the Lord, in my witness, in my boldness to share the gospel. 'steadfast' is one of those words that makes me think of my faith journey. i know some believers who i would consider steadfast - they inspire me to strive to know Christ more. and that knowledge of the Holy One leads to a faithful and steadfast believer.

hey Jesus,
You are the God of all grace. thanks for calling me to Your eternal glory. You tell us that if we believe in You we will suffer like You. and You promise to deliver us, restore us, and make us strong and steadfast. help me to know You more; open my heart to know Your voice. What are You trying to say to me? i quiet myself and wait for Your to speak.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen
*Sam *Lisa *Jack

Who's Great?

'O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?'
Moses ~ deut. 3:24

'For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'
Jesus ~ luke 22:27

when i woke up this morning, one of my first thoughts was how little time i've been spending in the presence of Jesus. perhaps i should have said, 'in the presence of Greatness'. as i think of the greatness of God, or in ways that Jesus serves me, i'm truly humbled that He would desire to call me into His likeness.

Charlie Hall has a song, psalm 126. check out that link to see all the lyrics. what great things can i attribute to God and no one else? how has He revealed His greatness to me? and another question: how has Jesus served me today? in today's society, we are taught (and commanded) to 'serve God', but this passage clearly says that He came to serve. i don't think i've ever thought of ways that Christ has served me. i think of ways that He 'blesses' me, but to think that Christ serves me is quite a different thought. use your imagination and envision Christ serving you. what image came to mind? to me, that image is pretty entertaining.

Jesus,
You have done great things for me. for You to serve me is a new thought, tho i should have known this all along. there is so much talk these days about doing great things for You that i forget to meditate on the great things You do for me. help me to learn from Your example. help me to take 'backseat middle' with joy, to give my offering with trust knowing You'll be honored, to surrender myself to the flames when they arise - for You've shown Yourself faithful in all these little things - and that makes You great. if lowering myself makes me like You, that so be it. and Amen.
*Jenna *Shelby *Devin

Exalted Vs. Humbled

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke14:7-11

so this is my confession: i don't especially get into the Gospel books. when the disciples were complaining to Jesus about always speaking in parables... i'm standing right there with them. see matthew 13 for Jesus's responds... insert knife in the heart, then twist!

so i'm trying to be proactive in reading the gospels. it's a challenge... partly cuz i stink at literature, poetry and abstract thinking. but grammar rocks! anyways...

this passage about taking a lesser seat so the host may offer you a better seat... what else can this relate to? how about asking for a raise? should we not ask for a raise, but instead wait for our boss to offer one? or how about backseat middle? (that's my favorite seat in the car!) does that have the same meaning? (i'm really trying to think outside of the box - it's hurting my brain.)

Jesus,
forgive me for being so ignorant. too often your parables seem like nice stories, but i struggle to relate them to my life. i begging You to teach me to think more like You. help me to understand - to hear and see and understand. i want to learn more about You - why You said what You said, and did what You did.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen
*Shottie *Karen & Paul *Derrick

Peace

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.
Nahum 1:15

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Peace: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. that definition comes from the webster.com website. i truly wonder if that is the kind of peace Jesus was talking about when He mentioned that He was leaving us with peace? or i wonder of this is what was meant by the good news be proclaimed? and i wonder if i know that type of peace? do i truly experience this peace to which Jesus was talking about? i want to know/experience/possess this peace Jesus gives.

Jesus,
too often i chase unworthy thots around my mind. these thots are nonsense, useless, and often unbeneficial. lead me to this peace which You claim to provide. teach me to not allow my heart to be troubled and to not be afraid. i love You, Jesus.
In Jesus's Name ~ amen.
*Sam *Pam *Marissa

Immanuel

The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
Ps. 118:7

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him "Immanuel" —which means, "God with us."
Matt. 1:23

i'm only beginning to get how amazing/spectacular it is that God is with me. He is my Immanuel. the Creator of the world, the Word became flesh, the Judge of all mankind, is with me. He chooses to remain with me, to befriend me, to help me and guide me and console me. i've know this all along, but for some reason this understanding is rocking my world.

this verse in psalm about God being my helper and thru Him, i may look in triumph over my enemies. i've learn thru the years that the word 'enemy' doesn't only mean people who are against me. it also means spiritual forces against me. debt. negative attitudes. selfishness. pride. unforgiveness. and the reality that thru Christ alone am i able to triumph against these is absolutely mind boggling.

i've been thinking about my debt alot lately. trying to find ways to get out from under it's burden. wishing i was free of it, so could be pursuing a life in Zimbabwe. but i'm brought to the reality that this is where God wants me. His discipline can be hard to take, but i know that He is with me. He won't leave me or forsake me. He knows my struggle, my desires, my hopes and dreams. He is my helper, able to get me out of this mess. and so i rest in Him, trusting that he hears my cries for freedom. but i still pray that He will give me the courage to remain where He would have me. Thy will be done.

Jesus,
forgive me for complaining about how terrible i have it. i need to have a attitude adjustment. i see now that You are my helper. You've not abandoned me or forsaken me. You are with me, and that is more important than what i want. so i place my trust in You, surrendering my wants and desires for Your will. Jesus, open my heart to praise You for where i am, what i have, and who You are creating me to be. soften me, cleanse me, purify me so that all i am is all You are. i love You. may You give me the courage to be where You would have me.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen
*Lacey *Jason *Steven

Hiding

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Ps. 119:11

this morning i awoke with this verse on my heart. and thruout the day this verse has popped into my thots. perhaps it's cuz i've been slacking on my time in the Word. perhaps it's cuz i have not been faithful in memorizing verses lately. perhaps i'm speculating. i really don't know. in any case, it has lead me here to blog about it.

so Shottie, Denise and i went camping last weekend. i had a blast. it was great to get away from the hustle of life and relax, hang out with friends and learn a thing or two along the way. i'm grateful that denise didn't hate all of it, cuz that would have made me sad; also, i'm grateful for shottie's willingness to share her camping experience with us. shottie's mountain pies ROCK!

so back to hiding God's word... thruout the weekend we didn't speak too much about Jesus, or our devotion to Christ, or what God is doing in our lives, etc. but i know that thru the experience God moved in each of us differently.

for me, it began on the way to setting up the tent. not sure how we got on the subject, but it came up about how we as Christians often fail to nurture baby Christians. we give them an invite to accept Christ, but then we fail to follow thru with them in their journey. and on saturday morning i began reading The Lost Art of Disciple Making. the book is about nurturing others to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. so far i am only about 20 pages into the book, but i can tell it is going to challenge me to be more open to make a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus,
thanks for saving me. my heart is changed because You love me. Thanks for the beautiful weather, the great friends and the experience of spending time outdoors. i give You my heart; lead me to whom You would have me disciple. let Your word be hidden in my heart that i may not sin against You. i want to be faithful in the little things. i want to obey You.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen
*Shottie *Shelby *Leah

Brokenness

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
Isaiah 58:9b-12

where to begin...???
first off, my heart breaks for the people affected by hurricane katrina. i wish there was some way i could get down and help those hurting, broken people. i wish i could take in a family who has lost everything - giving them a home filled with love and compassion. tomorrow i'm planning on going to atlanta to serve food to 'refugees'. (that word sounds so terrible...'displaced people')

in my head i have some projects i would like to build or construct. i would like to run away for a few days - go camping or shopping or something outside of being 'trapped in my home'. but each of these things all cost money. but they all seem quite selfish compared to 'spending myself on behalf of the hungry or satisfying the needs of the oppressed' to which i'm called. on friday i read this chapter in isaiah and it has JUMPED into my head and heart. i can't help but think how selfish i am...what a wretch i am. how can i be worried about the cost of gas, when there are so many dying because of lack of food and medicine?

Father,
i've prayed to have my heart broken by the things which break Your heart...and You have granted my request. i'm broken, saddened, hurting with those who are suffering. here's my offering - myself - use it for Your glory. may my hands serve You thru a heart full of praise.

and for the those affected by this terrible storm, i cry out to You for mercy. move Your children to spend on behalf of these hurting people. loosen the chains of oppression that Your light might shine forth. Holy Spirit, come and open the door for Your Truth to be heard and accepted with open hearts. let Your name be praised - let the revival begin in America. Come, Jesus, to Your people and let Your holiness be known among this country.
in Christ Name and thru the Power that Raised Jesus from the Dead ~ Amen

*City of Refuge Ministry *Tom & Steven *Mayor Ray Nagin

Who's Discipline?

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."
luke 1:18-20

so i was reading this verse last night, and thot to myself, 'i wonder if Gabriel chose (on his own accord) to discipline Zechariah for his disbelief, or was it God?' we know what happened when satan chose for himself to be like God. (How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! Isaiah 14:14) and if Gabriel chose for himself that Zechariah should be disciplined, than what other types of 'punishment' can these angels inflict?

i can't help but think about satan's conversation with God regarding Job. God and satan go back and forth about what satan was allowed to do to Job. satan had a choice to mess with Job, and God allowed him that 'pleasure'. satan was an angel -then converted to the dark side.

i can nearly hear denise's comments on this one...

Jesus,
You are Lord of all Lord. You knew satan before his fall. You know the answer to my question, about angels chosing to discipline on their own. so i ask You, do angels discipline on their own, or do they carry out your instructions only? i suppose if i knew the answer that my life would not be changed, but just knowing would rock my world.

in either case, i pray to You, knowing You are able to give and take away. You the Holy One of Israel - in the midst of this gaza evacuation. You are in the midst of the hurricane, as well as the heart beat of ministries who counsel illegal sexually trafficked young women. i trust You, and i place my trust in You - the omniscience One. and You know my desire to go on a mission trip.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

*Burke & Deena *Karen & Paul *Laura & Paul

To Know Jesus...

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10

many of us have heard this verse a thousand times. we know it - our heads know this verse. but do our hearts? do we get that the Savoir of the world, the Lover of our souls, the One who redeems us, is asking us to ask Him for whatever is laid upon our hearts?

i've been reminded lately of how i am to be in love with the man, Jesus Christ. when i read God's Word, i tend to read all the books except the gospels. why is that? i love the history books, the minor prophets, the epistles and revelation! what is it that draws me away from the gospels? i'm yet to find the answer to that question, but i'm forcing myself to delve into the life of Jesus, to rediscover the way he treated his disciples and the people of the culture. He was a man of power, yet gentle enough to look upon children as his own. that is an amazing man!

Lord Jesus,
how good is it to know You. You're drawing me in, teaching me of Yourself in ways that i could have never imagined. i love the way You allow me to see You thru Your Word. thanks for coming to earth and making Your dwelling among us. Fuel this desire to know You - my heart's desire is to know You and to do what You desire of me. surprise me, Jesus - i love surprises!
in Your powerful Name - Jesus ~ Amen

*Derrick *my Dad *Jerry

Stench

I've made myself available to those who haven't bothered to ask. I'm here, ready to be found by those who haven't bothered to look. I kept saying "I'm here, I'm right here" to a nation that ignored me. I reached out day after day to a people who turned their backs on me, people who make wrong turns, who insist on doing things their own way. They get on my nerves, are rude to my face day after day, make up their own kitchen religion, a potluck religious stew. They spend the night in tombs to get messages from the dead, eat forbidden foods and drink a witch's brew of potions and charms. They say, "Keep your distance. Don't touch me. I'm holier than thou.' These people gag me. I can't stand their stench.
isaiah 65:1-5

often it's difficult to see the Truth hidden within an event. this afternoon some adults were hanging out in the kitchen at our church and someone notice a rancid smell. some food had been left in one of the warmers for far too long. it made all of those present in the room gag when we discovered the culprit. it was so disgusting. there was some serious 'stench' going on!

so what's to be learned? i'm still trying to sort out my thots. i think of Mother Teresa and her example to the children living in the sewers of India. i think of these verses about how our actions can cause Jesus to gag - we become a stench in His nostrils. i think of Jesus and how he had to clean out the evil from within the temple/church. i think of how terrible the smell must have been when the romans raided Jerusalem, killing most of the Jews and piling their bodies in open pits. or when the raids in Rwanda thru genocide - wars in general. how must stench would all that killing cause? and personally i think of what my actions must smell like to Jesus. am i an aroma or stench? is what i do pleasing or appalling? am i a servant - or am i self-serving? oh so many questions from one experience which caused my nose hairs to cringe.

Jesus, cleanser of my soul, come and make me whole. i don't want to make you gag or be a rancid smell in Your nostrils. i desire to be an aroma which is pleasing to You and those around me. i want to serve. and if serving means cleaning trays with maggots, then so be it. i want to be faithful in the small things. You are my hope and salvation - i am stench without Your robe of righteousness encompassing me. i love wearing your as my garment. i praise You for this experience to realize how i trule desire to please You. and i praise You for cleansing my soul -for making me whole - for warm water to wash away the muck and grime - the filth which leads to sin.
in Jesus' Name - Amen.

I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
hosea 2:19,20

Betroth:
1 : to promise to marry
2 : to give in marriage
i'm contemplating the thot of Jesus promising to marry me. and not only bound physically, but in righteousness, justice, love and compassion. to find a man of compassion... now that seems to be a real challenge... (wink, wink)

Thank You for promising to marry me. that thot helps me to realize that i'm not unworthy of love or of someone treating me with respect. Your heart shines thru this statement, and it truly gives me hope that one day we will meet face to face - on our wedding day. until then, may You equip me to remain faithful to You.
in Your holy Name ~ Amen.

*Shamute *Jennie *Jennie

Seeking God's Will

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
psalm 40.8

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 thessalonians 5.16-18

wow i'm easily distracted. i've tried to update this blog for a week now... well, it's already friday. and as i begun to type i noticed these clip things at the edges of the crossbars on the window. they are plastic things that slide and a nail in the middle. never seen them before. and since i needed to find out their meaning, i had to move one, to see what it did. now that i know about these sliders, i can write about my thots. (lol)

so i've been house sitting for some friends of mine while they are in florida on vacation. house sitting is a great thing... get paid to live at someone's house. sweet deal. anyways, this house has this awesome window bench, and i love it. i've spent quite a bit of my time on this bench, praying, reading, hanging out. great hide-away! wish i had one with a great window view like this one. ok, there i go again, getting distracted...

so i have some friends who are struggling with knowing God's will for their lives. i've been there. after one year at college, i decided it wasn't my thing so i did something different. i got a map, pointed, and moved. (oh, and i found a job there too.) it was a God thing, tho i sometimes question if it was His will, or if He allowed me to take that path so i could learn some incredible lessons. in any case, i've traveled the world and discovered that my faith matters.

i've chosen some wrong paths along the way, but thru them Christ was next to me - and i was ultimately being held by Him. (by the way, i said, 'held' cuz natalie grant has this new cd out, and i really want to get it b/c of the song called 'held'.)

so about knowing God's will...sometimes we need to jump into deep seas to find it. even when the unknown is knocking at the door, it's ok to open it. strangers are strange because we've not taking the time to let them be friends. seek God, pursue with passion, love your enemies and your neighbors more than yourself. and on those days when you don't want to continue..force yourself anyway. don't give into the ways of the world. dream big. pray more. that's my advice.

Jesus,
for my friends who are seeking to do Your will, i pray for You to open their spiritual eyes to know You more. may Your passion burn deep in their souls to seek out what You want them to do. give them the courage to pursue You and their dreams. let their hearts be filled with You, Holy Spirit, that they may walk in confidence of doing what You desire for them. hold the fast, and let them do the same to You. Father, it is our desire that we do Your will. let Your will be done on earth, just as You're doing in heaven. i love You and praise You for allowing me to run after You.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

*Stacy *Brandon *Sarah

my Father's Day

"Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer." The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.
is. 16.4

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 john 3.8b

isn't it incredible how Jesus came to fulfill what was written about Him hundreds, even thousands, of years before He was born? our hindsight is 20/20, so our view is much different than what the people in isaiah's era experienced. their oppressor/aggressor vanishing meant that a king or ruler would have to die. guess our understanding isn't much different. Christ had to die, and be raised to life, in order for the devil's work to be destroyed. and what a relief it is to live under the new Kingship!

when i was reading this verse in isaiah, the part that mostly jumped out was this statement, 'be their shelter from the destroyer'. too often i feel that we as Christian are not living up to what we are asked to do. we are wonderful at making up every excuse in the book in order to justify our actions or lack of actions, but the truth remains that we are called to rescue people from the flames. and i am guilty to the 9th degree about making excuses. 'oh i don't know if i should say something.' 'i'm too busy to run over to their house.'

and my prayers can be mighty wimpy, too, 'God, you know the struggle they are going thru; please help them. amen.' if that were the conversation between me and a close friend - that close friend would ask, 'what do you want me to do?' -be specific. 'do you think that is God's best for them?' and hopefully many other question before running off and intervening. i claim that i know Jesus, and the He is a close friend. so why would the be any different than me speaking to a person with skin as opposed to Christ who sits at the right hand of my Father?

my Jesus,
i say that i know You, but i'm so quick to not take Your advice. You are the greatest Counselor ever, and yet often i choose to do as i wish - ignoring the wisdom You've offered me. Jesus, i desire to be a shelter for those who are being tortured/pestered by the destroyer. please give me wisdom and motivation to go out of my way for them. lay heavy on my heart those who need Your guidance, Your grace and Your love. You are the best friend i could ever ask for. You know me inside and out, and yet You want to hem me in, behind and before. that rocks! thanks for this beautiful father's day. this is Your day. let me glorify You today, Dad. i love You.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen.

*my dad *Cheryl *Burke

Fearing God

"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary."
isa.8:12-14a

those Words move me. the words of a true comtemporary... 'don't fear what the world fears; fear God and all the He can do.' if only our thinking could be transformed to get a real grip on these words.

all my personal fears - stresses - cares - would all be taken away b/c my faith would trust that God was truly in control. i would be able to simple state my whatever was going on in my mind to the God Almighty, and leave it there - not to make much of it. all i would need to make much of would be Jesus Himself. that would leave a whole lot more time for praising and exclaiming how good He is and how wonderfully He cares for me.

but instead i seem to stumble around the dark = following the world in its pattern of keeping my fears bottled up inside. with the mentality, that i'm a big girl and i can handle it. i'm anal; my mind races with too many thots of 'what if's?'.

my God,
i cry out to You because You are the Lord Almighty. You desire for me to trust You with a trust that is beyond my comprehension. i'm only beginning to understand how deeply You want to be to involved. i ask for You to deepen my the way i regard You as holy and the way i fear You. i want to be free from the worries which drag me down. You are able to take full control. give me wisdom, Father.
in Christ's Name ~ Amen

*Sam *Pantsy *Amanda

The Fool Says...

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
ps. 14:1

ever met anyone like this? someone who always is ragging you for your belief in God? an unbelieving corrupt person? or how about someone is seems to not do anything good or worthwhile?

life can really throw us some interesting twist and turns, but sometimes it throws us a bone. not sure why i'm posting about this verse, but it has been circling my brain - trying to find some meaning in it. so far i've been drawn to pray for my brother thru it. that's about it.

Dearest Jesus,
you are my rock. You've established by faith in You by revealing Yourself to me. and You are a glorious revelation. thanks for opening my heart to seek You, to feel You, to know You more deeply. i love You. and because of this deep love i'm draw to pray for my brother. he seem to be like to fool who says there is no God. and his ways often seem corruptible. but Your ways are perfect, and You desire for him to walk upright before. Please draw him in; let him see the likes of Your light. pull him from the sin which so easily entangles that he may sing Your praises. may he love You with a sincere heart, a faithfulness that is long, and may peace that is beyond comprehension descend upon him like a dove.
in Christ's holy Name ~ Amen

*derrick *deena *jenna

Author of Life and Faith

'You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.'
Acts 3:15

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb. 12:2

Paul, being filled with the Holy Spirit, stood before the men who came running to hear the message (v. 11) and gave them a speech which was difficult to hear and hard to take to heart. he told them that they've killed the author of life. then he goes on to tell them that Christ came to turn these men from their evil ways. i recommend reading paul's message in acts 3:11 thru the end of the chapter.

when i read those words i could nearly hear paul giving the message for me. i, in my brokenness, nailed Christ to the cross. and so i, also, 'killed the author of life'. that is tough for me to understand. the Christ whom i love, is the Christ whom i killed. but God, in His great mercy, raised Him from the dead. and i am a witness to that fact thru the Holy Spirit.

and so the Author of life who is alive is also the Author of faith. and that faith reigns in me. every thing i do, everything i think, every part of who i am is the way it is because of this Author. He has affected my life, and i will never be the same.

My Blessed Christ, it is good to remember my past, to see how You've transformed my life into who i am today. i am not sure how Paul knew that You were the Author of life, but that truth was deeply alive in him. and i, too, know that You are the Author of life and faith. i want to thank You for living in me, and for allowing me to abide in You. by being my Author, You pave the way for me to travel. and Your road is the best way, i trust that to be true. my faith is grounded in You; my life is firmly established in You. i am nothing without Your breath of life within me. You've awakened me from the dead - i was stillborn and You chose to revive me. for this, i am forever grateful.
in Christ's Name ~ Amen

*Allison *Linda *Herb

just want to give a shout-out to ganns.

Calm Yourself

Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—
isa. 7:4

for the last week i've been trying (discipling myself) to read the bible at least 3 chapters a day. it's been pretty incredible. not sure i consider myself postmodern or what, but i've been trying to lectio divina method. this is my dumbed down meaning.
4 parts - RMPL (i call it "rumple")
~r - read scripture
~m - meditate - think of other verses relating to the scripture/life lessons
~p - pray the scripture
~l - listen to what Christ is trying to teach you

guess i'm a sucker for those acronym methods of praying - ACTS is the one i've used for the longest time.

anyways.... last night i was reading this verse and it just jumped out at me. ~be careful... keep calm... don't be afraid... don't lose heart... those words seem to calm my fears. and then i remembered joshua 1:9 being a similar verse, tho that verse adds, 'cuz the Lord your God is with you.' good stuff!

prayer people: Amanda, Denise, Mom, Kimberly.

Drugs or Jesus

In my home town
For anyone who sticks around
You're either lost or you're found
There's not much in between
In my home town
Everything's still black and white
It's a long, long way from wrong to right
From Sunday morning to Saturday night

Everybody just wants to get high
Sit and watch a perfect world go by
We're all looking for love and meaning in our lives
We follow the roads that lead us
To drugs or Jesus

My whole life
I've tried to run, I've tried to hide
From the stained glass windows in my mind
Refusing to let God's light shine
Down on me
Down on me

Everybody just wants to get high
Sit and watch a perfect world go by
We're all looking for love and meaning in our lives
There's not much space between us
Drugs or Jesus

Everybody wants acceptance
We all just want some proof
Everyone's just looking for the truth

Everybody just wants to get high
Sit and watch a perfect world go by
We're all looking for love and meaning in our lives
We follow the roads that lead us
To drugs or Jesus

Oh I need You, Jesus
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Tim McGraw

i'm around.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

hey all - what's going on? i no longer 'should' make updates at work so that's been my trouble. i'm doing well and the new job is going very well. i'm lovin' it. today a trainer is coming in to help me out - to learn the program better - it's called 'servicom'.

these verses in colossians have been running around my head the last few weeks. something about the 'being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks'. as i grow older, and hopefully more mature, i'm beginning to see the connection between endurance, patience and being thankful. and even more so, the source of the strength comes from all power of His glorious might.

i'll try to be better at updating. sorry for the lack of input.

Thoughts

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
col. 3:1-3

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
phil. 4:8

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
rom. 13:14

ok, so i entered those verses above, and then sat staring at my monitor for about 5 minutes, pondering the sum of my thoughts. so it's time to jot down some of those thoughts. orginally i had thot about speaking of taking our thoughts captive (2 cor. 10:5). and how that is a powerful form of spiritual battle. how in the midst of our temptation struggles, we should force ourselves to think of Christ, and our death and resurrection in Him. (making it personal, i'm re-learning this stategy.)

then i jumped over to something i read the other day. a quote from chuck swindoll, "Life is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent what happens to you." the way we re-act to situations can change to direction of life.

then i jumped over to this series were are going thru with the jr. high at youth group. it's a study on the beattitudes. last weeks lesson was on being blessed when we are poor in spirit. i challenge you to ask a 6th grader what 'blessed' means. or ask them what "poor in spirit" means. you may be amazed at their definitions of these terms. i know i was.

so that's a brief tour thru my mind. random thoughts jumping from sermons to life experiences.

on a side note, irene has suggested this link. it's a bit disturbing - but very heartfelt. just warning there is some risque info on it. please read at your own risk.

Amazing Christ,
You perceive my thoughts; You know all about me. You're the One who searches me and knows me. i can't run or hide from You. nothing is hidden from Your site.

it still amazes me the way You use the Word to form truth in my life. as i turn to You for wisdom and guidance, You rain down Your righteousness in abundance. You fill my desires (ps. 145:16); You're my satisfier, my provider. so i give You my praise for hearing my prayers, for caring so lovingly, for carrying my burdens and healing my hurt. i love You so much, Father. thanks for being my Friend.

Father, You know all the concerns of my heart, and there are plenty. (new pastor and the flanders transition) (the family of dee and him beeson) (the frye's) (the visa situation and the china trip) (derrick) (ym of jumc) (ed's daughter) (recovery of jackie) (career path) (mission trip opportunity) (staff @ jumc) (hope's cruise and babysitting the kiddos) (SD trip?) oh so many others...

but all these are in Your care (and off my chest). i lay them down on Your altar. i can't change and heal and help any of these cares, but You can. You are able. and so i expect You to deal with them in Your incredible way of mercy and grace. thanks for letting me unbound my heart's desires to You.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen

*irene *tucker *isheanesu project

Struggling in Prayer

Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
Gen. 32:26-29

Jacob must have had bad blood with his brother, Esau. if you read a few verses earlier in teh chapter, Jacob was down on his knees - crying out for mercy, because he feared his brother was going to kill him and all his people. on his knees, jacob took God at his Word and stated that God had promised, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.' (gen 32:12) seems like a crisis of belief...

and then comes along the visitor of the night. Jacob and this stranger duke it out all night. finally it's daybreak, and the stranger wants to quit. (enter my questioning mind!) i wonder why ...the stranger wanted to quit when it becomes light? ...jacob was so eager to be blessed by this fighter? ...the stranger need to know jacob's name in order to change it. ...and i wonder how life would have been for a man named "struggles with God."? how would you like that name -'struggles with God'? seems a bit brash to me, but whatever, i guess.

and as it turns out - Jacob got the stranger's blessing...and an embrace by his brother. the prayer of jacob was answered in abundance.

Jesus,
i know You were the Stranger. Jacob called on Your Name and sought Your protection. and for some reason You blessed him in more ways than he could have asked for. and i know You do the same for me, and for this i'm grateful.

Your mercy is abundantly, new every day. thanks for carrying me in your hands, and for allowing me to dig deeper into our relationship. You are an amazing God, and You are trustworthy. so i place my trust in You, expecting You to supply my needs and heart's desire.

i have some friends who are struggling in relationships. may You grant them courage to speak their minds in a spirit of love and forgiveness. may You soften their hearts. please let them experience You thru their relationships with others. thanks for knowing us completely and for continuing to stretch us in different directions. life with You is not boring.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen.

*Kimberly *Denise *Jennifer

What's Stupid?

Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
prov. 18:13

Wise thinking leads to right living; Stupid thinking leads to wrong living.
eccl. 10:2

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
psalm 119:9

after youth group last night, i took some time to catch up on some proverbs. man, there is some good stuff in the Word of God! like this one, "The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here." (Prov. 17:24) i could go on and on about my reading last night, but you could read a few chapters of Proverbs, and you'll probably feel the same way.

so i have this habit of filling in people's sentences. i guess i get bored when people speak slowly and they don't get out what they are trying to say. but i've been feeling some conviction about this. laid on my heart have been two scriptures about this: prov. 18:13 (see above), and 1 cor. 13 (about what it means to love). if love is patient than it is not impatient. and so rushing people to get out what they are saying is not love. ...and so back to Jesus i return.

Christ,
You always seem to get my attention in the most odd ways...but i love it! thanks for being outside the box with me. thanks for knowing me completely and yet You still love me. that is amazing! i praise You for being the Christ, for suffering the abuse of men so that i may have a way to re-connect with You in a very personal way.

You know my short comings. You know how impatient i can get. so i lay this struggle down at Your feet. on the cross You conquered this sin, and covered it with Your sacrificial blood. there's nothing i can do to make myself more clean than what You've accomplished in the act of death on the cross and resurrection into Heaven. You've finished the work. and so i ask for You to rise up within me, creating a way for me to overcome this impatience. it's no longer my struggle; it's all Yours. be praised for rescuing me from the chains of sin. ony thru You am i more than a conqueror.

in Christ's name ~ Amen.

*Mitchell *Savannah *Courtney

Forgiveness

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
col. 3:12-14

as i grow older (and hopefully more mature) the importance of taking on these qualities becomes a need, and not just something i can 'work on'. (i don't want to count how many times i've used that phrase - i need to 'work on' this or that.) love can't happen with out compassion or kindness or humility or gentleness or patience. it just can't. and that is such a hard lesson for me.

i can work on all these qualities all i want, but until i allow Christ to move thru me with His love - all this 'working on' is meaningless - a chasing after the wind. and lack of these qualities comes down to my unwillingness to allow Christ to move mountains. so my struggle to see beyond the here and now, and to take on Christ's eternal perspective of people will only come to an end when i turn over my criticial and unyielding spirit. i yearn for love...but sometimes my discipline doesn't like the procress of surrendering to Jesus.

Holy Jesus,
i yearn to be more like You. i want to have Your qualities of love, humility, gentleness, compassion, kindness and patience, but i confess that i've failed to yield my critical spirit to You. so i surrender this negative outlook to You. this is a battle which You've already conquered, and so i'm a champion in a fight which continues to rage. You've paid the price and the deal is sealed. now i ask for You to fill me, Holy Spirit, with Your qualities. open my eyes that i may see people thru the same lens as You see them. and may You receive the praise for this transformation in me. thanks for guiding me closer to You thru this journey. i am homesick today, not to see my earthly parents, but to see my home in paradise where we can commune like never before. i desire You.

i know You've heard my prayers and requests for my brother, and i know in my heart that You've been with him thru this struggle. so i praise You for responding in Your time. You are excellent and great. and You are worthy to praise, forever and a day. You are so great. thanks for caring for derrick in Your perfect way. thanks for rescuing him from the depths of sin and death. thanks for releasing him from the sin which has entangled him. Your power is great and armored with strength.

Rescued

So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God's plan is that we all experience that rescue. Glory to God forever! Oh, yes!
Gal. 1:3-5

last night before falling off to sleep i had some interesting thoughts. it's an analogy, i suppose. 'better to have 2 singed souls than only one unharmed and one lost.' let me attempt to explain.

in an effort to save lost souls from the raging fires of hell, we, Christians, need to be willing to get singed. we need to reach down into the pits of hell and latch a strong hold onto our unsaved friends. and in doing so we'll be singe along with them, but we'll both be rescued. if we never try, they may never be saved.

now i'm not saying that we are the ones who rescue them. God is the One, and only One, who saves. we can be the 'medium' for which God's saving grace flows. and i believe we are called to be singe.

so i ask myself, 'for whom have i been singed?' and 'whom am i being singed for?' and honestly, i'm not feeling much heat right now for anyone besides my brother and his girlfriend. i've heard that he is struggling to be made whole, and i pray that he finds the only One who can make that happen.

Jesus,
i praise You for Your saving grace. i rejoice in the way You've opened my heart to know You. and because i know this wonderful love, i beg You to let my brother know Your love, healing and forgiveness. may You rescue him from the pits; please don't let him get burned any longer. he needs You so bad, Jesus. as tears fill my eyes, i fall on knees, begging for Your mercy.

You are able to save, and You are willing to save. You are God of this universe, and Lord over all mandkind. Your kingdom is forever and You reign from the highest heavens. You've heard my prayers and intercession, and i know You've prayed with me. thanks for caring and loving us, even though You know all our shortcomings. You are amazing. i love You, and praise You for moving in Derrick's life. i know that You've protected him from so much evil, and i know that You are present in his life, just as You are in mine. Your blood is sufficient for all our sin; nothing more needs to be done.

as i go, i'm filled with comfort, knowing You are at work. You long for Derrick's heart to be captured by Your love even more than i do. and that gives me great comfort. thanks.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen.
*Derrick *Deb *Wendell

well, this morning i had typed this long post about the one foreigner who returned to give Jesus the praise for healing him from leprosy. but when i clicked the publish button, it took me to a page to sign in. it was all very strange.

so in my previous invisible post, my thoughts focused around me returning to Jesus to say 'thanks' for giving me life. this man who suffered from leprosy was shunned by the multitudes, but this Jesus took the time not only to speak with him, but to heal him of his disease. that Jesus is the same Jesus who healed me from the disease of sinfulness which i could not find a cure. He accomplished what i could never do. and for that i want to be the one to return to Him with a heart filled with thankfulness and praise.

Jesus - Healer of my soul,
You're so good, and Your love endures thru my stupidities. You've taken upon Yourself all the disease and brokenness and restored us unto Yourself. thanks for giving to me what i could never gain on my own. You've healed me.

in Your powerful Name ~ Amen

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*kevin *dalit ministries *Kris

Be Peaceable

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
titus 3:1-2

i just had something happen at work which just got under my skin. working in an environment where i am the only female can be challenging.

this passage gets my mind off the reality of self, and see into the unseen which is eternal. (So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 4 Cor. 4:18) --learned that verse last night during our last crown bible study.)

this passages starts off w/ 'remind the people'. well, in order to not be hypocritical, then certainly we need to be the example of what we preach... this is where the trouble comes in. i need to be in the Word, finding what is says and carrying it out. no compromising. i need to be the one who submits to the government, to be obedient to the laws (includin the speed limit and allow the person on my right turn first), be ready to step up when i see something which needs to be accomplished, to hold my tongue and be in control of my thoughts at all times, put others interests before my own and peaceable, and to show true humility to all men. (for me the emphasis is on "men".)

i tend to be defensive around others who are demanding and controlling. i do not play with other who demand my attention...but i need to learn to. my spirit knows who i am, and my Spirit knows i need to change. so i'm stuck in this 'in-body battle'. it feels like the scene on the Looney Tunes when there is an angel on one shoulder telling me to do good, and the demon on the other shoulder is screaming to do the opposite. so i'm battling in my mind to be at peace, to submit and be obedient with a willing spirit.

Jesus,
You've been where i am. surely You were tempted to lash out against those who rose up against You. yet, You refrained. i pray for strenght and wisdom to refrain. to love those who persecute me and treat me unfairly. may You receive the glory for this change of heart. i can't change on my own, nor am i capable of loving those who are rude. Spirit, i know You desire me to be Christ-like...so i cry out to Your for help.

thanks for hearing my heart, for knowing my battle, for sustaining me thru this trial. You are surrounding me with Your love and understanding. Your grace covers me like waves of the ocean. thanks for divine grace. i love You.
in Jesus Name = Amen.

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*Shottie *David *Sarah

i've had some trouble updating the last 2 days...so i'm glad to see this is up and running again.

my tattoo 

Closeness of God

"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD , "and not a God far away?"
jer.23:23

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
psalm 139:7-10

rob bell. have any of you ever heard rob bell give a message? click here to listen. i enjoy his preaching style. i've seen him give 2 messages, and both times i left pondering what he had said.

so i was listening to the message about Teenage Liberation. and my thots drifted to thinking, 'where is God?', 'if God is present, why is all this misery happening?', 'how powerful is He?', etc. good questions... and He will answer all my questions (and He is the only One who gets me).

Jesus,
You are above all things - You are involved in history. You desire to be active in our lives - communicating Your heart to us. You are blessed above all.
tho i have many questions, You calm my cares and allow me to rest in You. You take me by the hand and sing Your love over me. then i'm changed - my fears are calmed and my heart is at peace. that comes only from You. You fill the hungry with good things. I am hungry for more of You.
in Your name - Amen

Unified Effort

I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Eph. 4:11-13

For the last two weekends i've been volunteering my time and effort with hundreds of middle and high schoolers at a camp in the north GA mountains. the purpose for the camp is to offer a place to experience God, and to develop and mature our faith. (as i typed the statement 'and to develop and mature our faith', i thot... 'this camp is not about us - it's about God and extolling His glory.' it's really not about us and our growth, but completely about He and His worthiness!)

and about unity...the staff volunteers rock! God has done an incredible thing thru these people. it's wonderful to work with others for a common goal - and do it without complaining and arguing. our hearts are unified and are spirits are melded together. we are all of one Head, one Spirit, one Purpose. and we are all at the camp to know that Christ loves us and that He desires to be in a thriving relationship with us. (my favorite word right now is 'thriving'.)

Jesus,
You amazing me. there is nothing boring about You. from the way You meld together minds to the way You warm hearts with Your love - nothing is boring or dull. thanks for allowing me to be part of Your purpose. it is amazing to me how You move thru Your people - those You've called by name.

i praise You for what you've begun anew with this generation. You've not forgotten us or abandon us. You're alive and active in our lives - more so than i've seen before. You've captured my heart with Your love, and now i see clearly. Your people still are able to display Your glory. You've shone Your light thru us, and now we see You more clearly. i could love You so many times!

may You continue to reveal Yourself thru Your people. Holy Spirit, may You equip us to continue to tell others of Your love. may You continue to let Your light shine thru those You've touched. ~ Amen.

Being Real With Myself

John Wesley asked these questions to him self everyday...
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I'm better ......than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying or self justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees ......who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what I am doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

so i'm gonna try to ask myself a few of these questions a day...

That What is Devoted Cannot be Redeemed

But nothing that a man owns and devotes to the Lord -whether man or animal or family land-may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the Lord.
Lev. 27:28

last night before falling to sleep i opened my Bible to chapter 27 of Leviticus. there are some very 'interesting' teachings in Leviticus. anyway, this one verse caught my attention.

my thoughts jumped to 'once saved always saved' theory. just a thought: when someone devotes himself to the Lord - He becomes most holy and cannot be bought back. now i realze this verse is speaking of possessions, but are our lives not possessions? slaves certainly become possessions.

now i am not sure what i believe about 'once saved, always saved', but i do know that when i devoted myself to the Lord, it was a serious commitment. my life has been changed forever. and Jesus is to blame.

Jesus,
thanks for entering into my life. You've changed me from the inside and out. i don't want to try to redeem myself from You. i know that i am lost in You, and You are found in me. thanks for residing in my inmost being. thanks for making my holy thru Your sanctification. although process is not easy, i am grateful You've chosen me. my love for You is great. thanks for always being faithful.
in Your precious Name, Jesus ~ Amen

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*Kathryn *Savannah *Iraq Elections

Worldly Traditions Vs. Commands of God

"He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
Mark 7:8

since traffic was flowing like a beaut this morning, i got to work 30 minutes early. and it was a God thing that i 'happened' to have a Bible in the back seat of my car. and on the way to work this morning i was challenged by, Leo Giovinetti to read my Bible for 1 hour a day for a week and see what changes happen within me. so for about 30 minutes i read.

and i came across these verses in Mark about the Pharisees and teachers of the law. these men were entrusted to teach the holy commands of God to those whom would follow. the Torah was their law. and they were obviously misguiding souls, because of their misconception of Scripture.

so i'm praying and asking my Father to search me and know me, and show me where i'm misguiding others. what 'traditions' have come into my life where i am not living the Truth? what has been passed onto me, which i've accepted as Truth, but is all a lie? whom has God entrusted to me to teach His holy commands? oh so many questions...

Jesus,
it amazes me how You can open up the Scripture each time i read Your Word. thanks for moving me closer to You. i pray with the psalmist, 'O Lord, search me, test me, and lead me in Your righteousness.' may You be my guide, my counselor, and the author and perfector of my faith. let Your light shine within me. and more than that, let us be led closer to You.
For and thru Jesus' Name ~ Amen.

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*Tricia *Bret *Fran

In the Know

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Mark 4:33-34

i love the way mark describes certain situations. he says that when Jesus was alone with His disciples, He explained everything. how incredibly awesome is that that? he didn't keep the Truth hidden, or have the disciples try to decipher it for themselves. He explained it. simple as that.

i feel that sometimes i struggle to understand the Truth. i go to the Scripture for knowledge and wisdom, but none seems to come. maybe because i don't go to the Teacher first. i go to the book, and search with my own strength and understanding, instead of going to the person Jesus, and waiting to hear from Him. there is a relationship which i sometimes ignore. Jesus is still alive and He longs to speak directly to me. He tries to get me to listen to His instructions, tho sometimes i'm too A.D.D. to sit still and pay attention. There's a song in Sister Act II which has these lyrics, "If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you got to wake up and pay attention." there's a great deal of wisdom in those simple words.

Hey Friend,
You are the greatest Teacher of all times. You spend time with Your disciples, and desire for them to come to You with their questions. so i come before You with open ears and a calm spirit, waiting to hear an answer from You. forgive me for seeking the book, without expecting You to say something directly to me. our relationship does matter to me. and i love times spent in Your presence. You have an incredible way of drawing me close to You.
may You continue to explain everything to Your disciples as they come to You for answers to the questions in their hearts. have us pay attention and expect to hear a new Word from You, the Word become flesh. thanks for revealing Yourself to me.
thru the power of Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Marty *Scott *my mom