Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Boy do I feel like this verse says it all today. I am blown away as God is moving so powerfully all around me. The wind is in the sails and He is moving in ways that I could never even imagine. Each day is a new testimony of the work He is doing in me, at Grace, and in those around me. How awesome is our God! He is bigger than anything that could stand against me.
yet, I see Satan kicking up the dust around too. He is trying so hard to cause heart-ache, doubt, fear, sickness, and pain in so many lives. He wants nothing more then to tear down the work that God is doing. He wants to tear down, rip up, and destroy trust, and relationships.
Our God is greater. We need to stand firm in our faith. We need to hold on to the gospel, and be Christ-centered. We need to put on the armor, and remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, our battle is not ours to fight, but one to be placed in our Father's hands. Let's avoid being caught up in the trap of taking it on ourselves, allowing the theif to take our joy, and our peace. Take a deep breath, let go, and let Him guide the way.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Are you ready to walk on water?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
We are called to live by faith. We are to have confidence, trust, and belief in God. He is bigger than anything we can ask or imagine.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as it recaps those who had faith in God. Join me in reading this chapter:
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,[a] they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Copied from Biblegateway.com)
Throughout the scriptures we see many who wholeheartedly put their faith in God. They didn’t question what those around them would think, they moved forward with the call they were given, and God rewarded their faith.
So many of us (including myself) tend to want to walk on water, but let fear, guilt, others opinions, and our own doubt stand in the way of our faith. Walking on water is easy when you allow Christ to hold you up, carry you across, and you put all your trust in Him. What is God calling you to do? What ocean is He having you walk across? Are you putting your faith in Him, or are you sinking in doubt? My challenge to you this year is to walk on water – Put your faith in Christ. Let Him carry you to places that you never imagined you could go.
We are called to live by faith. We are to have confidence, trust, and belief in God. He is bigger than anything we can ask or imagine.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as it recaps those who had faith in God. Join me in reading this chapter:
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,[a] they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Copied from Biblegateway.com)
Throughout the scriptures we see many who wholeheartedly put their faith in God. They didn’t question what those around them would think, they moved forward with the call they were given, and God rewarded their faith.
So many of us (including myself) tend to want to walk on water, but let fear, guilt, others opinions, and our own doubt stand in the way of our faith. Walking on water is easy when you allow Christ to hold you up, carry you across, and you put all your trust in Him. What is God calling you to do? What ocean is He having you walk across? Are you putting your faith in Him, or are you sinking in doubt? My challenge to you this year is to walk on water – Put your faith in Christ. Let Him carry you to places that you never imagined you could go.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012 Blow me away!
2012: Blow me away!
I want to grow closer to Christ. Become more like Him. Know Him more. Be molded into the person He is calling me to. I want to be amazed by Him. Be lead by him. Seek Him. Put my wills behind to let His be first. I want to be blown away... I am excited about where God is bringing us. What He is doing in us, and being a part of something bigger than I can imagine.
This past year has been amazing seeing Him work. Watching Him move. Seeing lives changed, people saved, and being blown away at what He is doing at Grace Community Church. I know He's got more in store for 2012.
What are you looking forward to in 2012? What is He calling you to? Are you ready to be a part of something bigger than yourself?
Happy New Year!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Am I seeking Him, or following the wolves?
Throughout Pauls letters he addresses the need to stand for truth, beware of false teachers, and those who distort the gospels. This concept has become a passion of mine over the last year as I have walked through a few different situations where I have seen the gospel distorted, truth twisted, and people decieved. My heart is saddened by these situations, as I have seen people hurt, broken, and walk away from meaningful relationships, and for some even Christ.
As I have been wrestling with this, I have even questioned my own heart. Am I standing for truth? Am I distorting it to fit my own agenda's? Am I really hearing God, or is it my own selfishness that is leading my decisions, the way I handled things? and as I have searched my heart, my soul, and have sought God in it, I praise Him that as I keep coming back to the scriptures, He is confirming my decisions in these situations.
I have learned a lot through this year. I have learned more of who God is, how big is he is, and that he will continue to blow me away. I have also learned that there are those who will willingly walk away from this truth to fulfill their own desires, and claim to be walking in Christ.
We have a choice to make... We follow Christ in all his Glory, we surrender completely to Him, and risk it all to shepard, love, and guide those around us, or we become like the wolves who lead people astray. Our actions, our words, and our lives reflect one of two things - either we live for Christ, or we don't. Have I lived a life that reflects Him? Have I been a shepard, or a wolf? Do I portray Christ in my life? We all need to examine our lives daily. Live for Him, and let Him do the rest.
Galations 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or, am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a 'servant' of Christ."
I pray that my life refects one who is seeking the approval of God, not man. I know that I struggle with this - as I am a people pleaser by nature. I pray that as you read this, you also examine your heart. Seek Him. Let Him reveal truth to you. I pray that you will not be lead astray by the wolves, but allow the shepard to keep you close.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
"I believe that God can do the unbelievable."
As I begin to hear the stories of families who lost everything this weekend from Hurricane Irene, I look around and see how blessed I truely am. As I sit here stressed about what volunteers I need to fill, or what tasks I need to complete, there are people, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ around me, wondering what volunteers are going to help them salvage what remains of their homes. They've lost everything. The damage is unbelievable...
Just as the disciples in Mark 9:14-32, so often I think that I believe, but neglect to see that there is such unbelief in my inner-being. Lord, help me to believe even in my unbelief that you are able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine, in the little things of my daily life, or the big things. Help my 'hope' become 'faith.' God you are great, and even in my little faith, you do mighty things. "I believe that God can do the unbelievable." He can rescue those who are homeless, those who are brokenhearted, those who have lost everything... He is able.
Just as the disciples in Mark 9:14-32, so often I think that I believe, but neglect to see that there is such unbelief in my inner-being. Lord, help me to believe even in my unbelief that you are able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine, in the little things of my daily life, or the big things. Help my 'hope' become 'faith.' God you are great, and even in my little faith, you do mighty things. "I believe that God can do the unbelievable." He can rescue those who are homeless, those who are brokenhearted, those who have lost everything... He is able.
Friday, July 1, 2011
A new step in the journey
I am on the first step of a new adventure, a new journey in ministry. For about three years now I have felt God's pull on my heart to be more involved in Children's ministry. I have volunteered in both Graceland, and Promiseland during this time and absolutely love what God is doing in our children's ministry here at Grace!
After much prayer, I have accepted the position of Promiseland Director for a 1 year interim as Grace seeks to find a Full-time Children's Pastor. I am very excited about taking on this role, and watching how God works through me in the ministry.
God is blowing me away with what is happening here at Grace! He keeps going beyond my beyond in expectations, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us." (Numbers 14:7-8) God is leading me to new lands that are exceedingly good. I pray that he is pleased with me, and that he is glorified each day through this ministry!
:) May God bring you to a land flowing with milk and honey.
After much prayer, I have accepted the position of Promiseland Director for a 1 year interim as Grace seeks to find a Full-time Children's Pastor. I am very excited about taking on this role, and watching how God works through me in the ministry.
God is blowing me away with what is happening here at Grace! He keeps going beyond my beyond in expectations, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us." (Numbers 14:7-8) God is leading me to new lands that are exceedingly good. I pray that he is pleased with me, and that he is glorified each day through this ministry!
:) May God bring you to a land flowing with milk and honey.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Some personal thoughts...
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This is my prayer.
I want to go deeper. I want my heart to reflect Christ's. I want my words to reflect those of His heart, not mine. I want to stand for truth, and not waiver, yet have a heart of compassion while presenting it. I want to to be acceptable in His sight.
My God delights in me. Do I delight in Him? Are my words, my meditations acceptable in His sight? I hunger for that. I want those around me to know his love by my actions. I pray that I do things out of a heart of love, and not a heart of self.
My journey in going deeper in my marriage, my motherhood, and my ministry needs to first be centered on Christ. My prayer is that I don't lose that focus. Christ.
Please pray with me that I get better at this. My heart, and my flesh don't always reflect each other.
Lord, may the words of my mouth, and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to you. I need your help in this! Amen.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This is my prayer.
I want to go deeper. I want my heart to reflect Christ's. I want my words to reflect those of His heart, not mine. I want to stand for truth, and not waiver, yet have a heart of compassion while presenting it. I want to to be acceptable in His sight.
My God delights in me. Do I delight in Him? Are my words, my meditations acceptable in His sight? I hunger for that. I want those around me to know his love by my actions. I pray that I do things out of a heart of love, and not a heart of self.
My journey in going deeper in my marriage, my motherhood, and my ministry needs to first be centered on Christ. My prayer is that I don't lose that focus. Christ.
Please pray with me that I get better at this. My heart, and my flesh don't always reflect each other.
Lord, may the words of my mouth, and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to you. I need your help in this! Amen.
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