Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Broken and Poured Out

These last few days have been quite an adventure!

Thursday night, after my last entry, we went to N and T’s for dinner, and E and M came over to join us for Bible study. Normally, they would have gone to R and J’s, but since they were sick and had to cancel, they ended up with us instead. What a blessing! We had such a wonderful time of fellowship, sharing the Word, and encouraging each other.

At one point, NL mentioned something that stopped me in my tracks. He was reading about Jesus feeding the four or five thousand, and when he got to the part where Jesus broke the bread, he thought about us. He said he saw how we were being broken—just like that bread—so that many could be fed through us.

Wow.

I certainly feel like I am being broken. The trials, the uncertainty, the constant refining—it’s painful. But if this breaking means that we can be used by the Lord in a mighty way, then I pray we submit to His will with humble hearts.

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Friday was a full and powerful day.

It started with breakfast with SY, where we were able to work some things out and share our hearts with each other. I know the Lord was present in our conversation, guiding our words, bringing healing where it was needed. Then I had lunch with DA and got to update her on everything God has been doing since we last met. What an incredible thing to testify of His faithfulness!

That night, we had our marriage class, and it was so good. God, You are truly amazing in how You lead and teach us through each step of this journey!

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Saturday was a beautiful day, in every sense of the word.

Tom and I spent it together, just the two of us, enjoying the weather. We went for a walk up Purfoy, and on our way back, we stopped to pick up pecans from the trees lining the street. A simple joy, but one that reminded me of God’s provision, even in the little things.

As we were nearing our subdivision, we noticed a small dog with a broken line still attached to her collar—clearly, she had escaped from somewhere. Not knowing what else to do, we picked her up and walked down to some kids playing nearby, hoping someone would recognize her. Amazingly, the first boy we approached said she was his! Thank You, Lord!

I have to admit—I was worried about what we were going to do if we couldn’t find her owner. But yet again, the Lord provided a solution before we even had time to panic. He is faithful when we are obedient.

Later that evening, we went to the Womenade potluck, where a friend from Hope was there. It was such a joy to reconnect and share what God has been doing in our lives. One of the scriptures that Shelley read really resonated with me:

"Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous will live by his faith.'" – Habakkuk 2:2-4

That passage spoke so directly to my heart that I had to write it down here.

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Sunday was another full day.

We went to Hope in the morning, then spent time at K and S’s. We got to catch up with some friends there before sitting down with K and S for a deeper conversation. Later, we headed to E’s to spend time with family.

But in the midst of that joy, there was also concern. W had an infection in his thumb and finger, and by Monday night, red lines were creeping up his arm to his bicep. They had to take him to the emergency room. We’ve been praying for him and for their whole family, trusting God to bring healing.

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Monday morning was precious.

I spent time with M and her mom—two people I love so dearly. We laughed, talked, and shared our hearts. But as I opened up, I found myself unexpectedly emotional. I told them how much I love my life right now and how I don’t want it to change. I don’t usually dwell on the idea of going back to work, but apparently, my subconscious has been wrestling with it. As I spoke, tears came.

I think I’m afraid. Afraid of leaving this season of full reliance on God. Afraid of going back into the world, where it’s so easy to be distracted and self-reliant instead of God-reliant.

M gave me the most beautiful visual—she said she saw me in a flood, holding onto a rock. And as long as I was holding onto that rock, I was safe. But the waters kept rising, and debris kept hitting me, trying to knock me off.

Lord, I feel this so deeply right now. I know You are my Rock, but the waters are high, and the battle is relentless. Please give me the strength to hold on as long as I have to.

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In my time with KM going through Lies Women Believe, one of the lies that struck me was: God is not enough.

I don’t think that in my mind. But my worry, my doubt, my anxiety? They say otherwise. If I truly believed He was enough, why would I fear?

KM pointed out something that hit me hard—How insane is it to think that God is not enough, but that WE are?

The created questioning the Creator?

That truth convicted me in the best way. God, You are enough. You always have been. You always will be.

KM also described what she called the Yo-Yo effect. Some days, we feel safe in His hand. Other days, we feel like we’ve been flung out into the air, dangling by a string until He pulls us back.

That’s exactly how I feel. Some days, I am so confident in God’s promises. Other days, I doubt my own sanity. It’s like being held in His arms one moment, then being set down to walk on my own the next. And I don’t like it. I much prefer being held.

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Monday, CB sent me a Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin that spoke straight to my soul:

The Trumpet by Bill Burns -- February 11, 2008:
Do not be discouraged, My children. For do you not know that the Father Himself has written your name on His hand that He might not forget you? Nor will He ever. For He knows the trouble that you go through. He knows the trials that you endure. He knows those things that you are struggling with, but He also knows that you will have victory if you will simply turn your eyes upon Him and believe and have faith that prevails. He says today, "Persevere, My children, for in preserving you shall have victory and you shall want for nothing. For, I have overcome the world and all that is in it and so shall you in these the days of My glory."

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- February 11, 2008:
Beloved, watch for opportunities to make a course correction that will bring your life and situations into a divine sequence in My kingdom. These opportunities will come suddenly and provide a chance to advance. Solutions to things that have been a bother or concern to you will have the potential for resolution. Your part is to seek Me for wisdom and direction as you exercise discernment and personal integrity. Trust Me to make clear the way of progression, says the Lord.

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

Father, I thank you that you KNOW the trials and troubles that I am going through! Thank you for the strength to endure!! Help me to keep my eyes on you and TRUST that you will make my path straight and clear. I pray for wisdom and direction. Please open my eyes to see clearly as I yield myself to you more and more everyday.

This reminded me of James 1:5-8 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

Later, CB sent me another word:

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- February 12, 2008:
You've been on what seemed to be a strange and unsettling roller-coaster ride. Now, you find yourself somewhat disoriented and trying to figure out what was real and what was just your active imagination. Take a deep breath, let the proverbial dust settle, and refuse to take your emotions seriously. Arise out of the activity of your soul into the realm of the Spirit, and seek My face. I will give you wisdom and point the way to My perfect will in your life. I will clarify and separate what the enemy has tried to do and what your own desires have tried to obtain from spiritual truth and reality, says the Lord.

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" Psalms 27:14 

Yet again, another reminder to WAIT. To seek His face. To trust that He will lead me in His perfect timing.

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This morning, in our worship time, Tom opened the Bible to Isaiah 40:27-31:

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Lord, You are my strength. My shield. My Rock. My strong tower.

How could I ever doubt You?

And yet, I still do in my times of weakness.

Forgive me, Father.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

God Is Enough!

Amen and hallelujah! These past days have been a journey of trust, surrender, and revelation. I have been able to commit each day to the Lord, trusting Him for direction moment by moment. There is such freedom in knowing that He is able, He can, and He will guide me exactly where I need to be.

Tuesday, the check from the 401k arrived, and with it, the ability to pay the bills, buy groceries, and cover the rent for the 1st. My prayer is that my confidence will not be tied to what is in the bank but will rest in the truth that I walk by faith, not by sight. God is my provider—He is enough!

Each day, we continue to meet with the people God places in our path, waiting on His instructions for what is next. If He wants us to pack up and leave, He will make it clear. Until then, we remain present, learning and growing through every encounter. Tom has started reading books of the Bible to me, alongside the other studies we’re going through. We just finished The Complete Wineskin, and now we’ve read James, 1 John, and 2 Corinthians out loud together. It has been powerful to discuss Scripture this way, hearing the words aloud and letting them sink deep. The Lord has also been pressing on my heart the importance of the spoken word—praying out loud, declaring His truth, and speaking life.

Yet, in the midst of all this, the enemy has turned his focus onto our marriage. Tom and I have been struggling more than usual, likely due to stress and the spiritual attacks coming against us. I’m trying to stay aware of who the real enemy is and not revert to old patterns. I can’t say I’ve been perfect, but I’m learning. The marriage class we’re leading is a lifeline, reminding us both that our needs are met in God first—not in each other. It’s incredible how all my studies are blending together, reinforcing the same truths and confirming what the Lord is speaking.

Here is the Power-Minute last Friday:

POWER-Minute

February 15, 2008

DELIGHTFUL

“If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to believe in yourself. I read somewhere this week that truly brilliant people fail many times before realizing success. I believe that David knew this. He had stumbled MANY times, but he never fell. Instead, God said of him that he was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

Believe that you are capable of accomplishing any desire God has placed in your heart. He has given you everything you need to succeed. I know it may not look like it and you may not be able to see it, but it is so. Truth lies in the place where desire meets “want to.” You must have a “want to” in order to accomplish what you were sent here to do!!!

If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. But if the Lord delights in us, He will keep us from falling—He will uphold us with His hand!!! How humbling to know that He takes delight in us!!!!

I don’t know what you have had to face this week. I don’t know what you may have to encounter next week. But this I do know—God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). If He said it, He will do it!!!

God does not make mistakes. He IS enough. He does not lie. He is faithful and true!

A Celebration and a Fresh Outpouring

On Valentine’s Day, E and M invited us over for dinner, and we had a wonderful evening of fellowship, worship, and fun. We gave them a worship CD, and after listening together, we played Mexican Train Dominoes—such a simple but joyful time.

But the real celebration came on Sunday during the Acts Bible study. BA and E stepped into another room, and E received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues for the first time! M described it as a "bubbling brook," and his excitement was contagious. What a beautiful thing to witness—the Spirit moving so powerfully in him!

Oswald Chambers continues to challenge and encourage me daily, and I can feel the stretching and growth in my spirit. The theme of birthing has come up again and again—first as a spiritual battle, and now as something deeper. God is birthing something in me, just as He is in so many others. I may not fully understand what it is yet, but I know He is at work, weaving together something far greater than I can see.

Lord, I thank You for all that You are doing in my life. Help me to stay yielded, surrendered, and humbled each day so that I may receive all You have for me. Amen.

Friday, February 22, 2008

LC sent the following Word from Glory of Zion to a few of us this morning and it has some very interesting things in it…

Beware! The Enemy is Manipulating Your Emotions!

This past week while we were worshipping it was as if the Lord gave me supernatural vision and I saw our emotions. I could see that the enemy had made ploys against God's saints to block feelings in us, to stop us from gaining new zeal in the Lord. I saw Satan and his forces had erected hidden snares and were creating offenses to wound our well-being and capture our soul expressions, causing us to stumble and lose momentum. Our longing comes from the power of our desire, locked in our emotions. While the Spirit of God is creating a desire for the NEW, the enemy is attempting to ensnare us with old patterns, remove our creative unction, and bring many distractions into our lives. We must rise up now and say, I've got to have You to help me press through into this new place. Reorder my focus so I can pinpoint the enemy movements around me!

During the service, the Spirit of God began to speak the following:

Some of you are voicing that you have been destined to live at the foot of the mount. But I AM saying to you that I Am sending revelation to open your eyes and give you new vision. I hear many of you saying, I see the vision for my future but I have no strength to climb the mount and stake my claim on that which you have shown me. But hear Me NOW! I will cause you to be energized in the night and I will come to you with dreams. I will surprise you with visions in the day and your power naps will begin to produce light to guide you and energy that will cause you to arise and pursue My plan.

Your body, though it seems deadened and locked in a metabolic freeze, will begin to move in a new way, for this is a time of movement. During the next 60 days there will be much movement going on. The enemy has many ploys to stop you from advancing. You will think in your heart that you cannot attain the new place and you will feel like you have been left behind, but I will surprise you with Grace. Then you will say, What I didn't think I could attain, I now can grasp! I have positioned you at the foot of the mount to create a waiting strength in you. You will see Me in a new way when I come to lead you forward. You will feel a new stirring within your emotions. You may weep, but you will experience joy! I will have a people that must come up now! I AM beginning to knock on your door. In the next two months, do not hesitate!

I AM calling you up to a new place. There are avalanches that are forming and you must come above them to decree what I've shown you as you've waited at the foot of the mount this last season. If you will make your shift in these next two months to come up, you will save many from much destruction! The place that you've been positioned in this past season has created an anxiety within you over your future. You know that change is coming, yet you are anxious over the unknown. Let the anxiety die away. Praise Me this season and watch Me lead you up and overtake that which you have been fearing to overtake.

You have secured your place long enough where you are. Now I AM beginning to bring strength from My right arm to place in your right hand. I AM causing your left hand to rise up with new strength (interesting since in my dream I caught the rope with my "left hand"!). I will mount up with wings of eagles. You will move in and fly. Awaken, Awaken! Many have made their camp at the base of the mountain because the river and the water supply are there. However, do not stay in the complacency of last season, waiting for the provision before you start your journey to the new heights pack now and arise! Your provision is waiting at the next level. The river is making an unusual turn upwards. The course of the river is beginning to change. Jump in and go up! A new height, a new momentum and a new strength will enter your soul. Grab your bags and arise. Do not sit any longer in a low place. Arise! Arise! Arise, for your provision will come from level to level and height to height. Receive the grace to go up. Let grace abound. This is a season of super-abounding grace. These next two months you must receive GRACE!

This word mentions “60 days” and the “next two months” several times… We have said ourselves many times that we have provision for the “next two months” but we do not know what we will do after that… Then this says “However, do not stay in the complacency of last season, waiting for the provision before you start your journey to the new heights pack now and arise!” We have been waiting to hear whether we should pack or wait… And this specifically says “pack” and arises! Lord is this your instruction for us now?? I am praying for confirmation from other sources. I do not want to take just one thing that may or may not be for us but to have confirmation three times.

Lord, you know what we need to be sure and I know you will give it to us.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

The Battle for Unity

Tom and I are having a hard time. The enemy is relentless in his attacks on our relationship, and I can feel the strain pulling at us from every angle. Tom’s struggles are becoming more evident—his eating habits, his attitude, his behaviors—and I find myself slipping into my old patterns, trying to fix him. I know that’s not my job, but it’s hard to watch him wrestle with disappointment in God and the feeling that others see him as a failure. His insecurities are causing him to either overemphasize himself or seek attention, and in his frustration, he’s trying to control me more—directing, instructing, treating me like a child. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m struggling to keep my reactions in check.

He admitted that he thought he’d enjoy having me home, but now he feels like I’m constantly watching him, judging his every move. I’ve encouraged him to reach out to other men for support, but he insists they’ll call him when they’re ready. I see our extremes—me, always doing, sometimes too much; him, often waiting, sometimes too long. I pray that we can find a balance between striving and resting in the Lord.

I also had to set a boundary. I told Tom I need him to take back the role of initiating prayer and worship time. I don’t want to be the spiritual leader anymore. I need him to step into that.

The meeting with the pastor keeps getting postponed, now scheduled for March 5th. Tom is fixated on it, letting it eat away at him. He can’t seem to let go of his frustration, and I see his struggle with authority creeping in again.

To make things harder, my emotions have been heightened by PMS. Everything feels more intense, and last night at the marriage class, I found myself in a situation I couldn’t escape. Tom made some comments that embarrassed me—harmless in his eyes, but he kept going, even as I felt the tears welling up. At first, we were all laughing, but then the laughter turned to something else, and once the tears started, I couldn’t stop them.

I got up from the table, went into the kitchen, and blew my nose, hoping no one would notice. But of course, they did. The embarrassment only deepened, and I wanted nothing more than to run upstairs and lock myself in my room, just like I did as a child. The memories flooded back, and for a moment, I was her again—the little girl who hid away in her room all night after feeling exposed.

But this time, I didn’t run. With God’s help, I gathered myself, forced a sheepish smile, and reentered the room. I explained that my emotions were heightened, and we were able to move forward. Looking back, I see how the enemy tried to derail the moment—right when I was talking about what Christ’s death on the cross meant for us. He wanted to silence that conversation, but God allowed us to return to it later.

Lord, I need Your help. I want to get back on track—praying for Tom, supporting him in the way You’ve called me to. I pray against the enemy’s schemes in Jesus’ name. Strengthen our relationship, protect our marriage, and help us stand together against the real enemy instead of battling each other.

Amen.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pressing In

I feel so much better today! The weight of PMS has lifted, and with it, my perspective has shifted. It’s amazing how something so simple can feel so oppressive, and yet today, I see everything more clearly. I pray that if there’s something I can do to ease this struggle in the future, the Lord will guide me to it.

God has been working on my heart, reminding me to seek Him daily for His tasks, not just the ones I assume I should do. My struggle with staying busy—feeling like I need to earn approval—runs deep, but I want to surrender that completely. There are so many good things I could be doing, but even good things become distractions if they’re not directed by Jesus. And of course, God confirmed this lesson through my devotional time today! Both 90 Days with the One and Only and Lies Women Believe spoke directly to this, and even the Hope Journal lined up, covering the same story from another Gospel. Lord, I hear You! Give me strength each day to focus on You alone.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."

— Proverbs 2:1-11

Yesterday was a powerful day. My lunch meeting stretched over four hours as we talked about the needs of the church and the Body of Christ. Even after we prayed together, it felt like more prayer was needed. On the way home, I continued interceding, and when I got back, I canceled my evening plans and spent time in quiet before the Lord. It felt so good to simply be in His presence. I long for more of that.

Last night, something incredible happened. Tom and I started reading Emotional Healing by Jimmy Evans, and in the chapter on inner vows, God moved. Tom identified a deep, hidden vow he made as a child—something so painful that he had never even told me about it. For the first time, he renounced it and surrendered it to God. I did the same with vows I had made as a child. The weight of those old, unspoken agreements had been binding us for years, and in one moment of surrender, we were set free. Thank You, Jesus!

Looking back, I see how God has been preparing me for this. During a women’s conference at Hope, we were given time to reflect, and I had a vision of Jesus. He stood outside, surrounded by rolling green hills and a crowd of people. I was far back, able to see Him but not near enough to touch Him.

I heard His voice tell me, Press in.

Each person in the crowd represented something that stood between me and Him—distractions, fears, expectations. He urged me to push through, to not let anything or anyone keep me from Him.

Today, as I read about the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5, that vision returned. She pressed in—through the crushing crowd, through every obstacle—because she had faith that He would heal her. Am I pressing in? Or am I letting distractions, emails, and tasks keep me from falling at His feet?

Lord, give me the strength to see nothing but You.

"Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever." Psalm 28:6-9

Thank you Jesus!"

CB sent me a couple articles yesterday. Here is an excerpt from Apostolic Networks And The God-Family by Ron McGatlin:

Our natural minds can limit our ability to discern and participate in the realities of the Spirit and the spiritual realm. God’s design for mankind includes man’s mind serving under the Spirit of God as a tool for functioning in the physical world to bring forth the plans and purposes of Spirit God on earth from heaven. From the time of Adam’s partaking of the tree of knowledge man’s fallen mind has attempted to overrule God’s will and desires.

"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

The tension between living in the ways of the natural as opposed to the spiritual continues to be a factor for all seeking to function as sons of God in the natural world. The religious church system with its many denominations and hierarchical ruling structures is the product of natural thinking overtaking and replacing life in the Spirit. The ekklesia of God began in the Spirit and eventually it will finish in the Spirit even though many centuries of walking in the natural have brought devastation to the real kingdom of God from heaven on earth. Life in the Spirit has been eroded by the continued practice of walking in the natural mind or the flesh portion of the natural/spiritual makeup of man.

"Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" Galations 3:3

God’s people are the interface between the Spirit realm of God from heaven and the natural or physical world. The design of creation is to reflect the glory of God revealing His glorious character and nature of unchanging love, righteousness, wisdom and power far beyond human understanding. Only as mankind walks in the Spirit can he fulfill his place of bringing forth the will and plans of God from the spiritual into the natural.

Walking in the Spirit means our minds, will and emotions are saturated by the Spirit of God and functioning by the empowerment of the Spirit of Christ.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Desperate for Him

Tom and I read yesterday’s Oswald Chambers devotional today, and wow—did it hit home!

Our Misgivings About Jesus

"The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, You have nothing to draw [water] with, and the well is deep.’"
—John 4:11

Have I been guilty of thinking Jesus is not quite in touch with reality? That His promises sound wonderful but are just a little too much to expect? I realize now how often I say, “I trust God, but I don’t trust myself.” But the truth is even deeper—I have had misgivings about Him, not just myself. If I fully trusted in His abilities, I wouldn’t worry so much about my own!

I’ve placed limits on what I believe He can do, based on my own understanding. But He is Almighty—far beyond my reasoning, my experience, my strength.

"Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it."

Forgive me, Lord! Help me to stop pulling You down to my level, trying to fit You into my limited understanding. I am the created—you are the Creator! Teach me to walk in the new self You have given me, one that is righteous and holy in the truth (Ephesians 4:24).

Today, the Lord showed me something new—desperation. The woman with the issue of blood pressed in because she was desperate. She didn’t just want healing—she needed it. Nothing else mattered.

How desperate am I?

Right now, I feel more desperate than ever because of the situation God has placed us in. We are completely reliant on Him. There’s a part of me that wants this season to be over—to move on, to get back to normal. But another part of me realizes… this desperation is keeping me at His feet. It’s forcing me to cry out to Him daily.

And it makes me wonder—when this season ends, will I still stay at His feet? Or will I brush off my knees, say, "Thanks, Lord!" and go on my merry way?

No! Please, Lord, no!

I need to understand that no matter what my circumstances are—whether they feel good or bad—I am always in desperate need of You. I cannot do anything without Your strength and guidance. Lord, help me get there! In Jesus’ name.

The Impoverished Ministry of Jesus

"Where then do You get that living water?"
—John 4:11

The well is deep—deeper than the Samaritan woman knew. And deeper than I know.

How often have I limited Jesus because I assume He works the way I do? I think, "This situation is too deep, too painful, too difficult—even for Jesus." But He doesn’t draw from human strength—He brings living water down from above.

I don’t want to impoverish His ministry in my life by assuming He can’t or won’t work beyond what I’ve already seen. I don’t want to be a Christian in name only—having the right attributes but lacking true surrender.

He is Almighty.

I will not sit back and say, “It can’t be done.” I will believe that with Him, all things are possible.

Waiting on the Lord

"Do nothing apart from My leading. And I will definitely lead you and direct your steps… Trust Me completely," says the Lord.
—Marsha Burns

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!"
—Psalm 27:14

Lord, I will wait.
I will trust.
I will press in.

I am desperate for You.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Keeping Communication Open

Yesterday, I sent an email to A and C that ended up stirring the waters more than I expected. Apparently, my tone was misunderstood, and the response wasn’t what I had hoped for.

But even in the tension, there is good news—we are talking. We are sharing our thoughts and feelings openly, and I pray that the Lord will use this as a stepping stone toward greater understanding.

I was up past 2:00 AM writing them back, and then I couldn’t sleep because my mind wouldn’t stop processing everything. Today, I feel exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Father, I ask for Your wisdom and discernment in this situation. Help me to focus on the real issues and not get caught up in the emotions being thrown at us.

Keep me humble, Lord. Keep my heart soft and filled with Your love and compassion. I don’t want to react out of frustration or hurt—I want to respond the way You would.

Father, lead me in my words, in my heart, and in my actions. Let Your peace reign in this situation. Help me to listen well, to speak truth in love, and to trust You with the outcome.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here is yesterday’s Power-Minute:

WRAPPED UP, TIED UP, TANGLED UP

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ephesians 4:1

I don’t know who you are, but God wants you to know that your struggle with the call on your life does not have to be a struggle any longer!!! He has called you to be something great. Is He not God enough to make provision for that greatness? All He asks is that you walk worthy of the task. You may be sitting in prison, lying in a hospital bed, battling depression, or wondering how you are going to pay for your tuition. None of that matters to God. He knows what has you wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up, but He wants you to be bound to Him, not your issues!!!

Don’t waste another minute wrestling with what YOU see—start looking through HIS eyes and get a glimpse of yourself in the future because your situation looks much better than it looks right now!!! He desires that you use your gifts, resources, and power. He wants you to walk in His authority!!! Command your oceans to be still—say to your mountains they must be removed—tell your lame excuses to rise up and walk!!! He is well able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ask or think. So start walking!!!

Be filled with all the fullness of God,