Below is a greeting and prayer I've recently written a prayer ministry that I started in 2007 as a means for God to teach me consistency. The ministry belongs to God but he chose me to facilitate. I have been blessed by this portion of my journey. Moreover what you are about to read is in reference to my most recent experience with God. An experience God refers to as "The Wells".
I pray that this is a blessing to you. I shall continue to share my experience with you as God continues to fill the wells with "Living Water" John 4, Genesis. 26. Members of this ministry have receive weekly experience and prayer from me. The ministry is on Face book. Its called The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much If you are on Face book and interested in joining please do so. Blessing to you.
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March 26, 2010
Good Evening Prayer Family,
Blessing to you in the Name of our Father in Heaven and His Son Our Savior Christ Jesus and The Comforter The Holy Spirit.
I would like to continue this greeting by saying you all have been in my prayers and I have specifically asked God on all of our behalf what to pray for regarding the Prayer Family. His Word. SURRENDER.
With this weeks prayer I will post a series of songs to encourage you throughout the week as you prayerfully begin or continue your journey of surrendering.
I would like to share a portion of my testimony which some have been privy too. I have been on a specific journey with God which begin in January 2010. A journey which was quoted by a friend as "this is going to be a good one". I agreed. However, It did not "feel" this way in the beginning. God worked diligently on my behalf in moments of sheer fear and frustration, misunderstandings and moment of emotional breakdowns.
He was consistent. He unpacked deep areas of my life which had been buried and forgotten. Deep, very Deep areas. WELLS (as he refers to these areas) used as the metaphors. (Gen. 26) He spoke plainly to me. Through means of our various communication. I need you to surrender "this" to me. I want you to push forward. Trust me. I have shown you what Radical Faith is, You know my word, You know I watch over it to perform it, You know it does not return void, You know ME, you abide with me. Now trust me, now...Start digging.
I prayed and asked God to take me to the Root. Take me to the bottom of the WELLS, so the unpacking, digging up of all the layers of dirt can be cast away and I can say, I HAVE FOUND WATER! LIVING WATER.
Prayer Family, this is only but a portion of what God is doing in my life right now. He had shown me that I have been alive and existing in this life but not LIVING. We all have history. Things that we have buried deep in wells and covered. Its time for you to Surrender. So God can take you too the areas in your life, to the roots of your trees, the wells that hold your Living Water, the caterpillar that will become your Butterfly,the boy that will become a Man or that girl who will become that Woman. Don't let the darkness keep you where light can sustain you. Its time to start experiencing real living...
This prayer if for YOU.
CALL ON ME-JEREMIAH 33:3
HEAVENLY FATHER I COME TO YOU IN JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME. I SURRENDER MYSELF TO YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. YOUR WORD SAYS IN JEREMIAH 33 VERSE 3 TO CALL UPON YOU AND YOU WILL SHOW ME GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS THAT I DO NOT KNOW. LORD GOD I COME TO YOU AND CRY OUT, I CALL UNTO YOU CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, I ASK YOU TO SHOW ME GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS, OF THE UNFATHOMABLE RICHES OF YOUR GLORY AND SPLENDOR, ALL THAT YOU ARE, HELP ME TO PLUMB THE DEPTH OF YOUR BEING AND KNOW YOU, I WORSHIP YOU, I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME, AMEN.
Blessings to you.
One last note.... Journey's are not easy. They are not meant to be. If you find one that is, ask yourself if your really on one. Each experience is unique. God Speed on yours.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friendship
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile,
nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when
he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing
to trust him.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
nor the kindly smile,
nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when
he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing
to trust him.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I've been waiting.... Part 2
It has been a moment.... patiently waiting for the time to write. But I have been on a journey, one of profound revelation. When Jesus say's he will do it for you. He means just what he says.
Thus far, he has taken me beyond the fruit of my concerns to the root of the matter to eradicate the weeds that sought to destroy the love he has for me. Being placed in the mirror of life to take a significant look at the one He loved from the creation of this earth, the one He knew before she was formed in her mothers womb, the one whom He loves with an everlasting love has been difficult. Still standing there, I have come to appreciate and love God more. He loves ME and there is nothing I can/cannot do about that. That may seem strange but what I am simply saying is-even if you don't believe in him; He still loves you. And if you do, you still don't have to do anything.
I don't have to do anything for His love. I'm already accepted. This is but a brief moment of sharing....
The journey continues, stay with me to see how the story begins.
Thus far, he has taken me beyond the fruit of my concerns to the root of the matter to eradicate the weeds that sought to destroy the love he has for me. Being placed in the mirror of life to take a significant look at the one He loved from the creation of this earth, the one He knew before she was formed in her mothers womb, the one whom He loves with an everlasting love has been difficult. Still standing there, I have come to appreciate and love God more. He loves ME and there is nothing I can/cannot do about that. That may seem strange but what I am simply saying is-even if you don't believe in him; He still loves you. And if you do, you still don't have to do anything.
I don't have to do anything for His love. I'm already accepted. This is but a brief moment of sharing....
The journey continues, stay with me to see how the story begins.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
WOMEN OF GOD
LORD, may we open our hearts to Your Spirit
and open our minds to Your plans.
Help us to serve those around us with loving and
willing hands. May we give You all the glory in
everything that we do; may we be women of God
with a passion for following You.
-A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
-Bookmark Warner press, inc.
and open our minds to Your plans.
Help us to serve those around us with loving and
willing hands. May we give You all the glory in
everything that we do; may we be women of God
with a passion for following You.
-A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
-Bookmark Warner press, inc.
MEN OF GOD
May your passion for the LORD be an all-consuming fire;
may sharing HIM with other be your single, true desire.
May knowing Jesus change your life as nothing else can do;
may you find joy believing HE has a plan for you
-"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
-Bookmark Warner press, inc.
may sharing HIM with other be your single, true desire.
May knowing Jesus change your life as nothing else can do;
may you find joy believing HE has a plan for you
-"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
-Bookmark Warner press, inc.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I've been waiting
There have been moments which have passed by great ones with so much love and joy expressed, I wondered how to capture them all to express there sentiments forever. I have yet to come up with an idea, so, they weigh deep within my thoughts basking within the flow and ebbs of my contemplations.
Of late I've thought of Job and how he wished his word were written down on a scroll, how he wished they were carved with an iron pen into lead or carved into stone forever, for those who'd come after him to know and believe that the Redeemer Lives.(Job 19:23-26)
Oh, taste and see... this is how I feel! I have been waiting to write and I shall wait some more as the conversation continues between my LORD and I. The experience of life, the great ones, and each experience is great no matter the cost. For every lesson caught, taught or learned wanes in the ebb and flows of my heart... waiting to be broken bread and poured out wine.
Of late I've thought of Job and how he wished his word were written down on a scroll, how he wished they were carved with an iron pen into lead or carved into stone forever, for those who'd come after him to know and believe that the Redeemer Lives.(Job 19:23-26)
Oh, taste and see... this is how I feel! I have been waiting to write and I shall wait some more as the conversation continues between my LORD and I. The experience of life, the great ones, and each experience is great no matter the cost. For every lesson caught, taught or learned wanes in the ebb and flows of my heart... waiting to be broken bread and poured out wine.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Present
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room ' s only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind ' s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present ."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings blessings to everyone who passes it on.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room ' s only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind ' s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present ."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings blessings to everyone who passes it on.
Christians by Maya Angelou
Christians
by Maya Angelou
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Son
My friend sent this to me in an email and I thought I would share this with you.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just beforeChristmas, There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly.... He often talked about you, and your love for art..' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.' The father Opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.' The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?' There was silence... Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?' Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, theRembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?' Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. 'We have $10, who will bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.' The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!' A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.' 'What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will... I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!' God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?' Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE God Bless. |
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sing O Barren One- For The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Have you ever been in a place where you needed to just shout so loud that only God would really understand how loud you were really shouting because no one else could hear you.....
I needed to give something to God. Something I had carried for 6 to 7 years. I gave it over to him and repented sincerely. Prayed earnestly. I cried unto Him as I was reading my bible. I heard my favorite words cleans me with hyssop and I went to Psalms 51. Tears staining the pages of my bible and shirt. Crying uncontrollably I knew I had been forgiven and He was giving me a new heart and creating right spirit within me.
As the Spirit of the Lord moved, I heard Isaiah, Sing o barren one and I knew it was Isaiah 54. I went and read it out of my inspirational bible and when I was done all I could do was cry the more. You see God had delivered me Sunday morning. God said, He is doing a new thing in me. He is rebuilding the city and because He loves me He took me to Ezekiel 36:26-38 the text he introduced me to 6 years ago which didn't make any since to me then, but is understood now.
I have never known God to give me a personal promise as I have heard others say God has done for them. Although I knew that all of Gods promises were mine. But I asked God "Did you ever give me a personal promise?" Nothing ever came to mind so I figured I had all of Gods promises anyway whether I received a personal one or not.
Well, in January 2009 God gave me a Four-fold promise.
1.Blessings are REAL
2.That He shall send me help from the Sanctuary-Psalms 20:2
3.He is going to give me the desires of my heart Psalms 37:4-7
3.He will fulfill all of my purpose for Him Psalms 138:8
Two month later I received a confirmation from the Lord through a friend on my birthday. I found my birthday email on this past Sunday, which I had printed off nine months ago.
The thoughts shared in my birthday email were the following from a sermon preached from Zachariah 4:1-10. My friend unaware of the original Four-fold promise of God shared the following.
1.God will empower you (by His Spirit)
2.God will remove obstacles
3.God gives promises
4.God gives hope
Two four-fold promises given exactly two months apart. The email with the second four-fold promise was found exactly at the time of God revealing to me that He has me in the palm of his hands. Confirming it the more as re-read my email. I tell you. I had three goals this year and one goal was to know God so intimately that I could see His face and I wouldn't have to go looking for him. All I can say is I want more and more and more of Jesus. I can not get enough of Him. I don't go looking for Him because He is with me all the time. I greet them in the morning, talk with them about what some would consider the menial things of the day, like what am I wearing to work or church or what am I eating today or I don't feel well today. Or Lord, Thank you for the Sunshine beyond the clouds and for riding to school with me. For the trees and grass and you know the menial things most forget about in life... Moreover,The revelation of who He is makes me desire His presence. It's about true worship.... knowing Him in The Spirit Knowing Him as The Truth.... and Worshipping Him in Both because HE IS.
He is,Always will be,and Always Shall Be the Lord that perfects that which concerns YOU and me. and I am sooooo thankful. Are you?
I needed to give something to God. Something I had carried for 6 to 7 years. I gave it over to him and repented sincerely. Prayed earnestly. I cried unto Him as I was reading my bible. I heard my favorite words cleans me with hyssop and I went to Psalms 51. Tears staining the pages of my bible and shirt. Crying uncontrollably I knew I had been forgiven and He was giving me a new heart and creating right spirit within me.
As the Spirit of the Lord moved, I heard Isaiah, Sing o barren one and I knew it was Isaiah 54. I went and read it out of my inspirational bible and when I was done all I could do was cry the more. You see God had delivered me Sunday morning. God said, He is doing a new thing in me. He is rebuilding the city and because He loves me He took me to Ezekiel 36:26-38 the text he introduced me to 6 years ago which didn't make any since to me then, but is understood now.
I have never known God to give me a personal promise as I have heard others say God has done for them. Although I knew that all of Gods promises were mine. But I asked God "Did you ever give me a personal promise?" Nothing ever came to mind so I figured I had all of Gods promises anyway whether I received a personal one or not.
Well, in January 2009 God gave me a Four-fold promise.
1.Blessings are REAL
2.That He shall send me help from the Sanctuary-Psalms 20:2
3.He is going to give me the desires of my heart Psalms 37:4-7
3.He will fulfill all of my purpose for Him Psalms 138:8
Two month later I received a confirmation from the Lord through a friend on my birthday. I found my birthday email on this past Sunday, which I had printed off nine months ago.
The thoughts shared in my birthday email were the following from a sermon preached from Zachariah 4:1-10. My friend unaware of the original Four-fold promise of God shared the following.
1.God will empower you (by His Spirit)
2.God will remove obstacles
3.God gives promises
4.God gives hope
Two four-fold promises given exactly two months apart. The email with the second four-fold promise was found exactly at the time of God revealing to me that He has me in the palm of his hands. Confirming it the more as re-read my email. I tell you. I had three goals this year and one goal was to know God so intimately that I could see His face and I wouldn't have to go looking for him. All I can say is I want more and more and more of Jesus. I can not get enough of Him. I don't go looking for Him because He is with me all the time. I greet them in the morning, talk with them about what some would consider the menial things of the day, like what am I wearing to work or church or what am I eating today or I don't feel well today. Or Lord, Thank you for the Sunshine beyond the clouds and for riding to school with me. For the trees and grass and you know the menial things most forget about in life... Moreover,The revelation of who He is makes me desire His presence. It's about true worship.... knowing Him in The Spirit Knowing Him as The Truth.... and Worshipping Him in Both because HE IS.
He is,Always will be,and Always Shall Be the Lord that perfects that which concerns YOU and me. and I am sooooo thankful. Are you?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Lost but on your way...
I am in the habit of asking the Holy Spirit questions like "what am I wearing to church next Sabbath?", "What would you like for me to do today for you?" or "Where am I worshipping on Sabbath?". Well, the conversation began Friday morning as I am brushing my teeth,and it goes forward like this.
Me- Lord, I am not interested in attending the conference, however, I know you already know this. How about New life?
Holy-Spirit-Niles-Philadelphia.
Me-Niles-Philadelphia! I don't even know where that is, I don't want to go there Lord, wherever there is.
Holy Spirit-Niles Philadelphia.
Me-(Extremely anxious now, because he is sending me straight out of my comfort zone.) Now, I began to negotiate, how about I go back to the Nations.
Silence.
Me-Lord, I don't like this feeling...it is uncomfortable. Niles-Philadelphia it is.
End conversation.
I processed all day what God was doing. I knew he had something he wanted to tell me that I was not going to get anywhere else.
Sabbath evening has come, I have prepared and ready to rest. I lay down with my word, my journal and spiritual formations book. I began to journal. I realized after about 30 minutes of writing I was holding my pen and sleeping. I woke, turned off my light and went back to sleep. it's about 8pm. At 11:24 pm the Lord woke me out of my sleep with a vivid picture of a friend. I prayed and turned back over. Well, needless to say he wanted to talk and I wanted to sleep but sleep would not come again until 3:40 am.
What the Spirit of the Lord wanted to do for me began at 11:24 pm. He spoke about Himself, he told me about Life beyond Regret, The Practice of Confession and The Guided Life, Receiving Guidance from Him, The Holy Spirit. He then took me to a sermon my father preached one week before he died, and I must say this was the most difficult because I did not think I could make it through the video. Nevertheless, I did and he taught me about Grace and the Reading of the Will. I return to sleep shortly after.
I am driving to church this morning following my mapquest directions to Niles-Philadelphia. I was okay until I thought a I took a wrong turn and pulled over to turn around and I asked
Me- Holy Spirit, am I going the right way cause I don't like being lost. I looked down at my directions and He said "keep going in the direction you were before you pulled over." So, I did.
Driving...I enter the city of Niles...my turn comes up and what do you know DETOUR.
Me- oh, Jesus what do I do now. I follow the detour hoping the street is parallel to the original street I was on.
Holy Spirit-follow the car in front of you.
I follow the car to the light but the light changed and the car turned left and I sat there not knowing what I was supposed to do. I looked at my direction and relized I was at the street I was supposed to take my turn on. It said to go East on Main. Now the street sign said Main street but no east or west and I am geographically challenged without a GPS. So, the light turns green and I go right and realize it was the wrong turn so I turn around and go in the other direction.
Me-Lord,I'm lost again because of this detour.
I keep driving straight looking for Broadway street and all I see it streets named after numbers. I keep driving and then I said.
Me- Lord, I am lost for the 3rd time.
then I heard this voice whom I knew was not the Spirit of God...just go home.
Me-Lord, show me the way, I'm still anxious, I hit a detour, got lost three times but I'm not going home show me the way.
I took a deep breath, pulled my car over and turned around and went in the direction from whence I came. Just as I was pulling into the business district, the Spirit said..
Holy Spirit-Look up.
I look up and there was the street I was looking for. I missed it but I found it. I turned the next corner and the corner after that and was at my destination. I arrived at Niles-Philadelphia 15 minutes late but right on time for the Spirit of God to finish the conversation he started with me the night before. It was powerful. And when I entered the church, the Dean of Admissions (whom I did not know he was),introduced himself and I in return and he said your not at New life this morning. I said, "I tried, but the Holy Spirit said no, and told me to come worship here this morning" he smiled and said Praise God. I said, I am.
The sermon was entitled "through the ups and downs" I laughed inside like Sarah did...The children's story even lined up with what God was saying to me..."Things that go together" I laughed again...
Then the analogy of the rollercoaster did it for me....Once your strapped in....you can't get off till the end of the ride....
John Ortber is the auther of The Life You've Always Wanted and you can find those chapters on the Holy Spirit and Confession in his book.
Me- Lord, I am not interested in attending the conference, however, I know you already know this. How about New life?
Holy-Spirit-Niles-Philadelphia.
Me-Niles-Philadelphia! I don't even know where that is, I don't want to go there Lord, wherever there is.
Holy Spirit-Niles Philadelphia.
Me-(Extremely anxious now, because he is sending me straight out of my comfort zone.) Now, I began to negotiate, how about I go back to the Nations.
Silence.
Me-Lord, I don't like this feeling...it is uncomfortable. Niles-Philadelphia it is.
End conversation.
I processed all day what God was doing. I knew he had something he wanted to tell me that I was not going to get anywhere else.
Sabbath evening has come, I have prepared and ready to rest. I lay down with my word, my journal and spiritual formations book. I began to journal. I realized after about 30 minutes of writing I was holding my pen and sleeping. I woke, turned off my light and went back to sleep. it's about 8pm. At 11:24 pm the Lord woke me out of my sleep with a vivid picture of a friend. I prayed and turned back over. Well, needless to say he wanted to talk and I wanted to sleep but sleep would not come again until 3:40 am.
What the Spirit of the Lord wanted to do for me began at 11:24 pm. He spoke about Himself, he told me about Life beyond Regret, The Practice of Confession and The Guided Life, Receiving Guidance from Him, The Holy Spirit. He then took me to a sermon my father preached one week before he died, and I must say this was the most difficult because I did not think I could make it through the video. Nevertheless, I did and he taught me about Grace and the Reading of the Will. I return to sleep shortly after.
I am driving to church this morning following my mapquest directions to Niles-Philadelphia. I was okay until I thought a I took a wrong turn and pulled over to turn around and I asked
Me- Holy Spirit, am I going the right way cause I don't like being lost. I looked down at my directions and He said "keep going in the direction you were before you pulled over." So, I did.
Driving...I enter the city of Niles...my turn comes up and what do you know DETOUR.
Me- oh, Jesus what do I do now. I follow the detour hoping the street is parallel to the original street I was on.
Holy Spirit-follow the car in front of you.
I follow the car to the light but the light changed and the car turned left and I sat there not knowing what I was supposed to do. I looked at my direction and relized I was at the street I was supposed to take my turn on. It said to go East on Main. Now the street sign said Main street but no east or west and I am geographically challenged without a GPS. So, the light turns green and I go right and realize it was the wrong turn so I turn around and go in the other direction.
Me-Lord,I'm lost again because of this detour.
I keep driving straight looking for Broadway street and all I see it streets named after numbers. I keep driving and then I said.
Me- Lord, I am lost for the 3rd time.
then I heard this voice whom I knew was not the Spirit of God...just go home.
Me-Lord, show me the way, I'm still anxious, I hit a detour, got lost three times but I'm not going home show me the way.
I took a deep breath, pulled my car over and turned around and went in the direction from whence I came. Just as I was pulling into the business district, the Spirit said..
Holy Spirit-Look up.
I look up and there was the street I was looking for. I missed it but I found it. I turned the next corner and the corner after that and was at my destination. I arrived at Niles-Philadelphia 15 minutes late but right on time for the Spirit of God to finish the conversation he started with me the night before. It was powerful. And when I entered the church, the Dean of Admissions (whom I did not know he was),introduced himself and I in return and he said your not at New life this morning. I said, "I tried, but the Holy Spirit said no, and told me to come worship here this morning" he smiled and said Praise God. I said, I am.
The sermon was entitled "through the ups and downs" I laughed inside like Sarah did...The children's story even lined up with what God was saying to me..."Things that go together" I laughed again...
Then the analogy of the rollercoaster did it for me....Once your strapped in....you can't get off till the end of the ride....
John Ortber is the auther of The Life You've Always Wanted and you can find those chapters on the Holy Spirit and Confession in his book.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Underwriting
Underwriting a term not used outside of businesses and agencies who perform this action on a daily basis. Nevertheless, it is a term which should be considered by anyone who evaluates their life.
Introspection, another term I use daily. Lately, when thinking about my investments. Evaluating my returns, debt and values [appreciation/depreciation]. Being ones own underwriter is important, I was reminded of this from a visit home.
In my early adult years I did not underwrite my life and I went bankrupt on more occasions than I care to remember. Making deposits where I expected high dividends and not investing in areas that I should have and knew were profitable; only to be disappointed at the end of the month when I reviewed my statement of life. Then tax season arrives and I am looking for a refund from some of my investments throughout the year but what I receive is a notice from the IRS [Insignificant Rogue Souls] who audit(remind you of all your poor yearly expenditures,want receipts, dates and transaction)me. Then they send me a bill of what I owe them. It was all I could do not to go away but I decided I was not making anymore investments and opened a Savings account instead.
This was great, keeping my deposits in one area, slow growing dividends but growing, no debt, returns monthly went directly into my account. Great I tell you, it was great, but it was too safe. Self-investment is good but it can't get in the way of life investments.
It was at this time I needed investment counseling. I learned the importance of determining my worth. However, this determination took a few years to perfect... and it still is not perfected, moreover it is a continual reassessment. Sometimes daily, monthly and there have been hourly reassessments. The point is are you underwriting your life. One important aspect is I have 24/7 support access and I use Him quite often{there is never a busy signal,no automated voice or voicemail}. I recommend him to everyone I come in contact with. So I recommend him to you too:)
I've made investments lately which I am paying high dividends,however all is not a loss because other investments have returned higher than I could have ever expected. A few adjustments here and tweaks there and the end of the month statement will be pleasing to my sight.
Think about it... how important is underwriting to you?
Introspection, another term I use daily. Lately, when thinking about my investments. Evaluating my returns, debt and values [appreciation/depreciation]. Being ones own underwriter is important, I was reminded of this from a visit home.
In my early adult years I did not underwrite my life and I went bankrupt on more occasions than I care to remember. Making deposits where I expected high dividends and not investing in areas that I should have and knew were profitable; only to be disappointed at the end of the month when I reviewed my statement of life. Then tax season arrives and I am looking for a refund from some of my investments throughout the year but what I receive is a notice from the IRS [Insignificant Rogue Souls] who audit(remind you of all your poor yearly expenditures,want receipts, dates and transaction)me. Then they send me a bill of what I owe them. It was all I could do not to go away but I decided I was not making anymore investments and opened a Savings account instead.
This was great, keeping my deposits in one area, slow growing dividends but growing, no debt, returns monthly went directly into my account. Great I tell you, it was great, but it was too safe. Self-investment is good but it can't get in the way of life investments.
It was at this time I needed investment counseling. I learned the importance of determining my worth. However, this determination took a few years to perfect... and it still is not perfected, moreover it is a continual reassessment. Sometimes daily, monthly and there have been hourly reassessments. The point is are you underwriting your life. One important aspect is I have 24/7 support access and I use Him quite often{there is never a busy signal,no automated voice or voicemail}. I recommend him to everyone I come in contact with. So I recommend him to you too:)
I've made investments lately which I am paying high dividends,however all is not a loss because other investments have returned higher than I could have ever expected. A few adjustments here and tweaks there and the end of the month statement will be pleasing to my sight.
Think about it... how important is underwriting to you?
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Blessing
Thursday, October 15, 2009, I attended my 2 pm Spiritual Formations class aka Personal Spirituality and Faith. I walked in the classroom and thought I had walked into the incorrect classroom, when the professor noticed my puzzled face and said, your in the right place if your looking for Personal Spirituality and Faith. I continued to my seat. Exhausted and recuperating from a long road trip I sat and waited for class to begin...
Lecture begins, Dr. Hall a seminary professor introduces himself and states he is standing in for Dr. Kidder, who is unable to teach the class today. It was at that moment that I said I'm going home. I don't need to be here today. Although my brain was saying lets go my body was not obeying the command. If you can imagine a struggle there definitely was one.
You wrestle not against flesh and blood is what I heard....For your struggle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. There was a fight and the flesh was losing. I did not understand why until Dr. Hall begin to talk about the one spiritual discipline that goes unnoticed. The Spiritual Discipline of Blessings.
Here are some thoughts from his lecture...
A recent edition of Christianity today listed over 30 spiritual disciplines
Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline list 12
There is One that is ignored
In search of the Blessing
Gen 27:34
“Bless me—me too, my father!
Without the Blessing Kids Can Grow Up to be . . .
Seekers—People who are constantly search for intimacy, but are seldom able to tolerate it
Shattered—live is marked by fear, depression, anxiety and emotional withdrawal
Smothers—Like a sponge suck every bit of energy from everyone else looking to have their unmet needs met
Angry—still emotionally chained to their parents through an unforgiving spirit which they take into other relationships
Detached—spend a life time protecting themselves from ever being hurt be someone again
The driven—seek to earn the blessing as perfectionist and workaholics
The seduced—look for lost love in all the wrong places
This is where the tears began to well up in my eyes..... I wondered does everyone in the world fall into one of these categories or is there someone out there who has experienced a perfectly well childhood and grown to be well balanced adults...
Dr. Hall then proceed to further explain the blessings of yesterday and today.
The Blessing Yesterday and Today
The Significance of the Blessing Biblically
How often do you think the word bless or blessing appear in scripture? (he asked this question and I answered 600, I was close and he was impressed)
Around 700 times
OT word for Blessing-Berakah
The transmittal or endowment of the power of God’s goodness and favor
Usually through the spoken word and often accompanied by the laying on of hands
Hebrews believed that the spoken word carried with it great power for good or for evil
Words once spoken had a life of their own
When a word of blessing was given, the speaker could not retract it
Gen 27
NT word for Blessing-eulogeo
From which we get the words eulogy and eulogize
Means “to speak well of” or “to express praise”
Most often the act of calling down God’s gracious power on someone
Luke 24:48-51
(sadly we do this when they are dead and gone an unable to appreciate the blessing of expressions or praise for them) a little backwards don't you think. I do.
Four types of Blessings
Spoken by God to people promising His favor (ex. Abraham)
Spoken by people to God—when we speak well of or express praise to God than we are blessing Him (Ps 103:2)
Spoken by God or people over things (Deut 28:4-5)
Spoken by one person to another, often in the name of God (Num 6:24-26)
Our Focus
Spoken by one person to another, often in the name of God (Num 6:24-26)
Within this last category of blessing—the word can have two meanings
General meaning—best kept in mind by the literal translation—to speak well of, to express praise
Luke 6:28
Specific meaning—the intentional act of speaking God’s favor and power into someone’s life, often accompanied by the symbolic act of laying on of hands
Gen 48:8-49:28
Mark 10:16
5 Powerful Relationship Aspects included in the Blessings
Meaningful touch
A spoken message
Attaching high value to the one being blessed
Picturing a special future for the one being blessed
An active commitment to fulfill the blessing
Each of these area Dr. Hall took the time to elaborate on....here is what was said...
Meaningful touch
An essential element in the biblical blessing
Touching was a graphic picture of transferring power or blessing form one person to another
A key to communicating warmth, personal acceptance, and affirmation
Jesus and the blessing of meaningful touch
Mark 10:13-16
UCLA study found that to maintain emotional and physical health, Men and women need 8 to 10 meaningful touches a day
Matt 8:1-4
A spoken message
Incredible power to build up or to tear down
James 3:5-6
Sticks and Stones
To see the blessing bloom in the life of others—Spouse, children, friends we need to verbalize our message. Good intentions aside, good words are necessary to provide genuine acceptance
Hard to give to others what we did not experience
Attaching high value to the one being blessed
Words we speak day in and day out in casual conversation, creates an atmosphere that either chokes and poisons the spirit of those we are in relationship with or blesses them
Prov 18:21
We have the daily choice of speaking death or life
Death-destroying their self-esteem with negative labels, nicknames, household reps, or self-fulfilling prophecies
Life—words that build up and bless others
How often get lost in daily shuffle of just living
Eph 4:29
Expressing High Value
You are important you matter
Prov 3:27-28
Time
Picturing a Special Future
Gen 27:28-29
Letting them know that they have something to look forward to
An active commitment
James 2:15-16
Commit them to the Lord
Commit ourselves to their best interest
Words of Hope
Year locust have eaten—Joel 2:25
You can start with a clean slate today—Phil 3:13
Countless people are waiting for someone to speak God’s blessing into their lives—Start today
Friends, and I do not use this word lightly. If I call you friend it is because you have earned a place within my heart and you are endeared to me. There is enough wisdom here in this lesson alone to keep you busy for the next year. Before I left Syracuse in August 2009 a woman approached me and said I have a word for you from the Lord. I humbly sat down and begin to pray silently to myself and waited for her to speak... she opened her mouth an prayed. She then proceeded to tell me as she called me by name that Blessings are real. She repeatedly said it until confirmed I heard what she said. She said God wants you to understand that they(blessings) are real do you hear Him. I listened intently, she said some other things and our conversation was finished. I believe God has Prophets/Prophetess who do what God tells them to do when he want them to do it. She spoke that word to me in January 2009 and what has resonated with me the most is Reshana, Blessings are REAL!
So, if you follow me, the class on Thursday was God speaking(reminding me) into me what he said to nine months ago and all I wanted to do was leave and go home. Hence, the struggle. When I thought of blessings, I thought of the monetary kind, health you know the ones we are all so concerned about. But what I took from that class that day is the five relational aspects included in blessings. There were other areas in which God continues to help me with, but I did not realize how much power lies within those 5 aspects until I thought about my FRIENDS. Something, I have been thinking about lately. I share this lecture and my experience as a hope that you are blessed with a profound sense to put into action those 5 relational aspects of blessings....because they are REAL.
I also would like to thank Dr. Hall for being a willing vessel that day, because he did not have to teach our class.... it could have easily been canceled. But you see, I believe in providence. God knows exactly what his children need and when they need it. He knows what I, Reshana needs. Thank you God, and thank you Dr. Hall.
Lecture begins, Dr. Hall a seminary professor introduces himself and states he is standing in for Dr. Kidder, who is unable to teach the class today. It was at that moment that I said I'm going home. I don't need to be here today. Although my brain was saying lets go my body was not obeying the command. If you can imagine a struggle there definitely was one.
You wrestle not against flesh and blood is what I heard....For your struggle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. There was a fight and the flesh was losing. I did not understand why until Dr. Hall begin to talk about the one spiritual discipline that goes unnoticed. The Spiritual Discipline of Blessings.
Here are some thoughts from his lecture...
A recent edition of Christianity today listed over 30 spiritual disciplines
Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline list 12
There is One that is ignored
In search of the Blessing
Gen 27:34
“Bless me—me too, my father!
Without the Blessing Kids Can Grow Up to be . . .
Seekers—People who are constantly search for intimacy, but are seldom able to tolerate it
Shattered—live is marked by fear, depression, anxiety and emotional withdrawal
Smothers—Like a sponge suck every bit of energy from everyone else looking to have their unmet needs met
Angry—still emotionally chained to their parents through an unforgiving spirit which they take into other relationships
Detached—spend a life time protecting themselves from ever being hurt be someone again
The driven—seek to earn the blessing as perfectionist and workaholics
The seduced—look for lost love in all the wrong places
This is where the tears began to well up in my eyes..... I wondered does everyone in the world fall into one of these categories or is there someone out there who has experienced a perfectly well childhood and grown to be well balanced adults...
Dr. Hall then proceed to further explain the blessings of yesterday and today.
The Blessing Yesterday and Today
The Significance of the Blessing Biblically
How often do you think the word bless or blessing appear in scripture? (he asked this question and I answered 600, I was close and he was impressed)
Around 700 times
OT word for Blessing-Berakah
The transmittal or endowment of the power of God’s goodness and favor
Usually through the spoken word and often accompanied by the laying on of hands
Hebrews believed that the spoken word carried with it great power for good or for evil
Words once spoken had a life of their own
When a word of blessing was given, the speaker could not retract it
Gen 27
NT word for Blessing-eulogeo
From which we get the words eulogy and eulogize
Means “to speak well of” or “to express praise”
Most often the act of calling down God’s gracious power on someone
Luke 24:48-51
(sadly we do this when they are dead and gone an unable to appreciate the blessing of expressions or praise for them) a little backwards don't you think. I do.
Four types of Blessings
Spoken by God to people promising His favor (ex. Abraham)
Spoken by people to God—when we speak well of or express praise to God than we are blessing Him (Ps 103:2)
Spoken by God or people over things (Deut 28:4-5)
Spoken by one person to another, often in the name of God (Num 6:24-26)
Our Focus
Spoken by one person to another, often in the name of God (Num 6:24-26)
Within this last category of blessing—the word can have two meanings
General meaning—best kept in mind by the literal translation—to speak well of, to express praise
Luke 6:28
Specific meaning—the intentional act of speaking God’s favor and power into someone’s life, often accompanied by the symbolic act of laying on of hands
Gen 48:8-49:28
Mark 10:16
5 Powerful Relationship Aspects included in the Blessings
Meaningful touch
A spoken message
Attaching high value to the one being blessed
Picturing a special future for the one being blessed
An active commitment to fulfill the blessing
Each of these area Dr. Hall took the time to elaborate on....here is what was said...
Meaningful touch
An essential element in the biblical blessing
Touching was a graphic picture of transferring power or blessing form one person to another
A key to communicating warmth, personal acceptance, and affirmation
Jesus and the blessing of meaningful touch
Mark 10:13-16
UCLA study found that to maintain emotional and physical health, Men and women need 8 to 10 meaningful touches a day
Matt 8:1-4
A spoken message
Incredible power to build up or to tear down
James 3:5-6
Sticks and Stones
To see the blessing bloom in the life of others—Spouse, children, friends we need to verbalize our message. Good intentions aside, good words are necessary to provide genuine acceptance
Hard to give to others what we did not experience
Attaching high value to the one being blessed
Words we speak day in and day out in casual conversation, creates an atmosphere that either chokes and poisons the spirit of those we are in relationship with or blesses them
Prov 18:21
We have the daily choice of speaking death or life
Death-destroying their self-esteem with negative labels, nicknames, household reps, or self-fulfilling prophecies
Life—words that build up and bless others
How often get lost in daily shuffle of just living
Eph 4:29
Expressing High Value
You are important you matter
Prov 3:27-28
Time
Picturing a Special Future
Gen 27:28-29
Letting them know that they have something to look forward to
An active commitment
James 2:15-16
Commit them to the Lord
Commit ourselves to their best interest
Words of Hope
Year locust have eaten—Joel 2:25
You can start with a clean slate today—Phil 3:13
Countless people are waiting for someone to speak God’s blessing into their lives—Start today
Friends, and I do not use this word lightly. If I call you friend it is because you have earned a place within my heart and you are endeared to me. There is enough wisdom here in this lesson alone to keep you busy for the next year. Before I left Syracuse in August 2009 a woman approached me and said I have a word for you from the Lord. I humbly sat down and begin to pray silently to myself and waited for her to speak... she opened her mouth an prayed. She then proceeded to tell me as she called me by name that Blessings are real. She repeatedly said it until confirmed I heard what she said. She said God wants you to understand that they(blessings) are real do you hear Him. I listened intently, she said some other things and our conversation was finished. I believe God has Prophets/Prophetess who do what God tells them to do when he want them to do it. She spoke that word to me in January 2009 and what has resonated with me the most is Reshana, Blessings are REAL!
So, if you follow me, the class on Thursday was God speaking(reminding me) into me what he said to nine months ago and all I wanted to do was leave and go home. Hence, the struggle. When I thought of blessings, I thought of the monetary kind, health you know the ones we are all so concerned about. But what I took from that class that day is the five relational aspects included in blessings. There were other areas in which God continues to help me with, but I did not realize how much power lies within those 5 aspects until I thought about my FRIENDS. Something, I have been thinking about lately. I share this lecture and my experience as a hope that you are blessed with a profound sense to put into action those 5 relational aspects of blessings....because they are REAL.
I also would like to thank Dr. Hall for being a willing vessel that day, because he did not have to teach our class.... it could have easily been canceled. But you see, I believe in providence. God knows exactly what his children need and when they need it. He knows what I, Reshana needs. Thank you God, and thank you Dr. Hall.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
God which mountain are you climbing for me today? because I'm right behind you.
I attended Pioneer Memorial Church this morning on the suggestion of one of the Deans of the college for Sabbath worship. It was a wonderful experience after I got over the initial nerve racking anxiety. I tell you, I never thought I had a problem with this before but it has proven to me that yes, I do.
I will save you the initial details of my freaking out experience and get down to the nitty gritty of things, shall I say. First, I would suggest you catalog this website into your fav's somewhere or podcast area www.pmcchurch.tv . Today's sermon was a continuation, and I look forward to getting session one.
Let's Go to 1 Samuel 1:14 "Lessons from the White Spider" II (the answers will be capitalized)
I am not going to re-preach Pastor Nelson sermon, I'm going to give you the exact same lessons to live by that he gave the congregation this morning.
Lesson # 1- God isn't dependent on NUMBERS. vs 14:6
-Gideon
-David
-Leviticus 26:8
Lesson #2-COURAGE is contagious. vs 14:6
-Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Lesson #3- With God you must climb with an "ADVANCE MENTALITY" vs 7-9
-Erwin Raphael McManus: Somehow Jonathan understood that when you're moving with God, you must move with and advance mentality. You move forward unless God tell you to stop. You advance unless God tells you to wait. There are certain things that you do not need permission to do. You've already been commissioned to do them [What would that be?] There are certain things you do not need a calling to do. You've already been commanded to do them" (Seizing Your Divine Moment 155)
Lesson #4-For some mountaintops the greatest challenge is the ARRIVAL, not the ascent. vs 11-12
-Elijah (Mt Carmel Experience-->[ top of the mountain] threat of death from Queen Jezebel ->ran for his life--> series of emotional events.
-"In the valley of humiliation, where men [and women] depend on God to teach them ad to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But the men [and women] who stand, as it were, on a lofty pinnacle [mountain]...-these are in gravest peril. Unless such [people] make God their DEPENDENTS, they will surely fall." (PK 60)
Lesson #5- LEADERS must LEAD. vs 12
-John Maxwell: "Leadership is INFLUENCE- nothing more, nothing less."
-1 Corinthians 11:1-"Follow MY example, as I follow the example of CHRIST."
Lesson #6-Speak FAITH into your climb and battle. vs 12
-Exodus 14:13,14- "Do not be afraid. Stand firm. The LORD will FIGHT for you; you need only stand still."
- 2 Chronicles 20:15- "Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the BATTLE is not yours, but God's."
-2 Chronicles 32:7,8- "With us is the LORD our God to help us and to FIGHT our BATTLES."
-1 John 5:4- "This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our FAITH."
-Almighty power is not in our FAITH; our faith is in the power of the ALMIGHTY.
Lesson #7- Stay "right behind" your divine Jonathan
"Climb up after Me"
I will save you the initial details of my freaking out experience and get down to the nitty gritty of things, shall I say. First, I would suggest you catalog this website into your fav's somewhere or podcast area www.pmcchurch.tv . Today's sermon was a continuation, and I look forward to getting session one.
Let's Go to 1 Samuel 1:14 "Lessons from the White Spider" II (the answers will be capitalized)
I am not going to re-preach Pastor Nelson sermon, I'm going to give you the exact same lessons to live by that he gave the congregation this morning.
Lesson # 1- God isn't dependent on NUMBERS. vs 14:6
-Gideon
-David
-Leviticus 26:8
Lesson #2-COURAGE is contagious. vs 14:6
-Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Lesson #3- With God you must climb with an "ADVANCE MENTALITY" vs 7-9
-Erwin Raphael McManus: Somehow Jonathan understood that when you're moving with God, you must move with and advance mentality. You move forward unless God tell you to stop. You advance unless God tells you to wait. There are certain things that you do not need permission to do. You've already been commissioned to do them [What would that be?] There are certain things you do not need a calling to do. You've already been commanded to do them" (Seizing Your Divine Moment 155)
Lesson #4-For some mountaintops the greatest challenge is the ARRIVAL, not the ascent. vs 11-12
-Elijah (Mt Carmel Experience-->[ top of the mountain] threat of death from Queen Jezebel ->ran for his life--> series of emotional events.
-"In the valley of humiliation, where men [and women] depend on God to teach them ad to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But the men [and women] who stand, as it were, on a lofty pinnacle [mountain]...-these are in gravest peril. Unless such [people] make God their DEPENDENTS, they will surely fall." (PK 60)
Lesson #5- LEADERS must LEAD. vs 12
-John Maxwell: "Leadership is INFLUENCE- nothing more, nothing less."
-1 Corinthians 11:1-"Follow MY example, as I follow the example of CHRIST."
Lesson #6-Speak FAITH into your climb and battle. vs 12
-Exodus 14:13,14- "Do not be afraid. Stand firm. The LORD will FIGHT for you; you need only stand still."
- 2 Chronicles 20:15- "Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the BATTLE is not yours, but God's."
-2 Chronicles 32:7,8- "With us is the LORD our God to help us and to FIGHT our BATTLES."
-1 John 5:4- "This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our FAITH."
-Almighty power is not in our FAITH; our faith is in the power of the ALMIGHTY.
Lesson #7- Stay "right behind" your divine Jonathan
"Climb up after Me"
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Trusting in the MAN with the Plan
Have you ever seen the movie final destination? I have and praise him....I am not on that path....I'm on Gods.
This morning I left NY at 4:23 am after a few hours of sleep. I awoke, reminisced for a few moments, prayed, dressed said my thank you and good byes. My twin and I were on the road. I had first drive. I drove from Syracuse to 96 miles outside of Toledo, Ohio. I was getting sleepy by then. We stopped gassed up the car and Ralph took over. I prayed through our travel, talked to the lord and was thinking through some scriptures. I was updating my progress along the way via face book and talking with my sister, Renee. As we continued on, I was reading Psalms 62 and verse 8
Psalm 62:8 (New International Version)
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
Just as I finished reading the last word, my brother said, the tire just blew, I said where, he said on the trailer, driver side. We pulled over, we were in a dangerous spot on the highway. The car shook fiercely as the trucks flew by at 70 plus miles per hour...(thanks to Indiana's speed limit). We sat there for a minute. I said, to the lord, okay, Lord we have a blown tire. My brother said we have to get out of the car. Its not safe. So we got out. Now, mind you one hour prior to this my cell phone was fully charged. When I went to call the trailer company for roadside assistance my phone battery began to die. I said, Lord, hold this battery life long enough for me to get this information to the operator. Midway through the call the phone died. I didnt have enough power to call them back but I had enough to leave a message on my sisters voice mail to pray.
One hour passed, we sat there, I was in the most peaceful state, singing one of my favorite 5 2 life songs, praising God, thanking him that the trailer didn't flip over and that my first reaction wasn't a complaint but a thank you. I told my brother you know people don't stop anymore to see if you need help... I wonder why that is..... he replied, I dont know... I sat down on the very hot side rail about 20 ft away from the car for safety reasons and this car drove by with some young people in it who waved at me. I wave back with a smile. I thought that was nice. Soon after that, a white van pulled up and Ed got out and said you two okay, we said yes, and asked if he was from the trailer company. He replied, no. He said he would send us some help. We both said thank you. Not ten minutes passed and a big Red truck pulled up and with a nice man who had been married to his wife for 30 years and I didnt get his name but he stayed there with us the entire time. His truck was equipped with one of those big yellow arrows that tells you to get over in the other lane. He said, your car is safe now, you can sit in it if you like. I trusted him. I returned to my car. We waited another hour, in that time the state trooper showed up and asked if the tow company had come and they hadn't. I asked the gentlemen in the big Red truck if I could use his cell phone to call the company again and I did. He was able to give them our exact location. The tow company was there in no time. When the tow man showed up, I asked him his name, he said Lee, I said Lee, I said a prayer for you. He said thank you and I will continue to pray for you until you are done. He smiled. God kept him, us and the man in the big red truck. The Red truck and tow truck waited till we were safely in our car and on our way. Now, here is the run down,
1. My tire blew on my trailer
2. It did not flip over and kill my twin and I
3. A fully charged phone died
4. I missed my housing appointment
5. I met three new people and prayed for them
6. The significance of the Three Men, the colors White and Red is overwhelming(I can't even begin to break that down for you right now)
7. I arrived at my appointed destination, B-S, Michigan at the Fullness of time.
8. I had the opportunity to spend the evening with my brother and sister-n-law and niece.
So all I can say is, Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a] whob]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b] have been called according to his purpose.
& Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Faith-Believe it or Not
What is Faith?
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past. It is by Faith we understand that the whole world was made by God's command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen.
Some examples:
- By faith Abel offered God a better Sacrifice than Cain, God said he was pleased with the gifts Abel offered and called Abel a good man because of his faith. Abel died, but through his faith he is still speaking.
- It was by faith that Enoch was taken to heaven so he would not die. He could not be found cause God had taken him away.
- It was faith that Abraham obeyed God's call to go to another place God promised to give him. He left his own country not knowing where he was to go.
- It was by faith that Moses parents hid him for three month after he was born.
- It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of the king of Egypt daughter. He chose to suffer with God's people instead of enjoying sin for a short time.
- It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the kings anger, Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see.
- If was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors so the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn of Israel.
- It was by faith that the people crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Is this something I can do
Letting go and letting God can be challenging. I have experienced this from time to time in my past and currently in my present . However, I have learned that God positions me in situations that are favorable and teach me how intimate He wants to be with me. I love this time with him and I leave these moments different from when I began. My current lesson is learning how to be still and enjoy the relationships he is setting up in my life. Connecting with people who I have known but did not know them on a personal level. I am enjoying this learning experience and I am taking in each sweet moment. These are the precious times we share with our God, but never underestimate or overestimate these opportunities with Him. These are teaching moments. It is good to take in what He has for us, but first things are first and that simply is getting out of Gods way, so He can do what he does best and thats being God.
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