Made for More

I've been reading bits and pieces of Lisa Osteen Comes' book; Made for More. She is very inspiring. Even the introduction hits in a powerful way! Here is a quote:

"'You've encountered many struggles in life, so I can only think that God must have big plans for you.'

My father said this to me...He knew that just because I'd know tragedy I wasn't a tragic figure, that just because I had a marriage that failed I wasn't a failure, that even though I'd suffered loss I wasn't a loser. He knew the things that happened to me didn't define me by their harshness or ugliness, their disappointment and despair. No, he knew I was more than all that and, if anything, my circumstances made more clear my resilience and tenacity, my promise and hope -- all I was mad e for and all I am becoming.

My Heavenly Father knows that about you, too.

No matter what you are going through, he sees so much more than the circumstances.  He sees that you are made for more goodness and hope, a promise of more than what you are now or how others would limit you to be, because he made you for more, for his pleasure and his good."

God has been just that good!

This video is a 2010 review of Mount Zion Apostolic Faith Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have had the pleasure of hearing many of the preachers featured on the video, in person. And yes, we believe in having "chuch." And yes, it does get just as exciting and just as hilarious as it looks on this video!

To be honest, even as I watched the video, I began to reflect on my own 2011 review. I found that one minute I was laughing and the next minute I was shouting all over the kitchen. God is just that good! 2011 has been perhaps one of the roughest years of my life! But, I thank God that I can still see his faithfulness!

Have you began to reflect over 2011 yet? Despite the struggles, can you look back and see God's hand working in your life? Have you praised him yet? Go ahead and watch the video. You might find the praise contagious!

Lessons from Bartimaeus

When they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Blind. Broke. Begging on the side of the road. What can be learned from a man like this?

Although his circumstances may have looked pitiful, Bartimaeus was no pitiful human being. He was neither frail nor feeble, but a remarkable example of faith and perseverance.

If you could just imagine, for a moment, the level of drive and determination that it took for a blind beggar to have the audacity to shout at the top of his lungs to a man that he could not see, but had only heard about, in an effort to receive his miracle. Just who does this man think he is? Why would Jesus of Nazareth consider stopping for him?

Bartimaeus was rebuked. Discouraged from his desperate cry. Imagine the people around him snickering, Why is he wasting his breath? Jesus is too busy for someone like him. He might as well quit!

Imagine Bartimaeus hearing the mocking. But, still he presses on; "Son of David, Have mercy on me!" he calls.

The result? Jesus stops dead in his tracks. "Call him." he commands.

See, Jesus liked folks who didn't give up easily.

Think about the woman with the issue of blood. The bible says that she had the issue for 12 years and had been under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, but only grew worse. Regardless of all the years of disappointment, after disappointment, after disappointment, she had enough tenacity left in her to say, "If I can just touch the hem of his garment, I shall be made whole!" (Mark 5:25-18)

People like this got Jesus' attention! People like this got what they wanted from the Lord! People like this, with a "I will not be denied!" "I will not be shut up!" "I will not be kept back!" in their soul, pressed on until the Lord gave them what they were looking for!

Jacob wrestled with the angel all night long and said "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Gen 32)

Joseph was still trying to operate in a gift he felt God gave him by interpreting dreams, although he had been sold as a slave and and had spent years in prison! (Gen 4).

After Jesus had already ignored and denied the Canaan woman whose daughter was vexed with a devil, the woman said, "Truth, Lord; yet even the dogs get of the crumbs which fall from the masters table!" (Matt 15:27)

These people were determined to get something from the Lord! And, guess what? They got it!

There is a saying, "God helps those who help themselves." We may not be able to locate an exact "scripture equivalent" of that phrase, but if we look at the word of God we will see a trend of people like Bartimaeus, who are fiercely determined and willing to put up a fight, consistently getting results from God!

Oh Lord, help me to be one of those people!

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb 11:6

Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience.

Heb 6:12

God Loves Me

When I became a born-again christian (John 3:5), about 10 years ago, it was really the truth that God loved me that radically changed my life! I "knew" that the bible said God loved us all, but I had not had the type of revelation on God's love that Joyce talks about below until I studied the love of God, spent time in prayer, and really took note of how God was answering my prayers.

That was about 10 years ago, and I think its time for a refresher course!

In the clips below, Joyce Meyer explains how she got a revelation on God's love for her and offers suggestions on how we can study and grow in our understanding of God's love. I think I am going to take her advice. Want to join me?

Suffer Well

"For Christians, rather than asking, "Why does God allow suffering? or even, "Why am I suffering?" we should ask, "How can I suffer well?"

In his book, Velvet Elvis, Bible teacher Rob Well writes, "Ultimately our gift to the world around us is hope. Not blind hope that pretends everything is fine and refuses to acknowledge how things are. But the kind of hope that comes from staring pain and suffering right in the eyes and refusing to believe that this is all there is. It is what we all need-hope that comes not from going around suffering but from going through it."

Let's pray that God will allow us the privilege and strength of suffering well...for our sake, for his sake and for the sake of those who don't yet know him." (Zondervan Women's Devotional Bible, pg 1496).

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ~2 Timothy 2:3

Wrong Way

Not long ago, some areas of my life took a turn for the worst. My response was not so good and I went on a little journey.

I found myself on a street called, Why. Why this? Why now? Why me? Why Street turned out to be a dark and gloomy place. It seemed to wind and turn, with no end in sight. But, I kept going. Eventually, I found myself on Woe Street.

To my dismay, Woe Street was even uglier than Why Street! Woe is me was the thought pattern there. The longer I stayed on that street, I realized that there was a party going on: a pity party. Even though it seemed like the party would make me feel better, I only became sadder and sadder. It was dark and dismal. Eventually, I even grew bitter and angry on Woe Street. There was no peace. No happiness. But, I kept going. Soon, I came to a street called, Hopeless.

Hopeless Street is a scary place. There is no light. There is no smiling or laughter there at all. I found that Hopeless Street only led to a dead end.

When I saw that Hopeless Street only led to a dead end, I wanted to get on a new route. But, I didn't know how! So, I decided to back up and turn around to go back the way I came. As soon as I did, I noticed a very small detour sign that read; Repentence Road. I hopped on!

As I drove down Repentence Road I saw that the sun was shining there! It was warm and calm. Soon, I passed by Humility Drive, Thankful Place, and Trust Boulevard. Finally, things began to look beautiful again!

I came back around to the place that I started my journey and I realized there was a Wrong Way sign on Why Street and an arrow pointing to an alternative route. It was called What Street. What does the Lord want me to do? What should I be learning from this? What does God's word say about this? were the questions being asked on this street and it was a much more peaceful and fruitful street.

I don't know where you are in your life, but take it from me; if you find yourself with unfavorable circumstances and you're tempted to go down Why Street, don't do it! Save yourself some time and pain and take the alternative route!

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

I Choose

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! (Deut 30:19)

I am learning more and more about choices. The verse above is a perfect illustration of the fact that God has laid before every person free will, blessings, and curses. He desires that we choose the blessings through obedience in his word, but it is our choice to do his word or not. He will not force his will on us.

So, today I choose...

faith over fear.

thankfulness over self pity.

humility over pride.

trust in God over worry.

God's plan for my life over my own.

hope over despair.

What are you choosing today?

"Frap me Lord"

Verb 1. frap - make secure by lashing; "frap a sail" lash - bind with a rope, chain, or cord; "lash the horse"

2. frap - take up the slack of; "frap a rope" tighten, fasten - make tight or tighter; "Tighten the wire"

In the series, The Incomparable Christ , Nancy Leigh DeMoss explains that Hebrew tells us,

Because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (2:18).

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (4:15).

He is the incomparable Christ. He was tempted but without sin

So, verse 16 of Hebrews 4:

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (4:16).

You see that word help twice in those verses. “He’s able to help those who are being tempted.” “He will give grace to help us in our time of need.”

I looked up that word in the original Greek language. It’s a word that’s used to describe a rope or a chain that is used to hold together a boat, a vessel that is falling apart. It’s called “frapping a vessel.” It’s wrapped around this vessel, and it’s used to hold it together.

It’s the same word that’s used in Acts chapter 27 when the apostle Paul was in this boat going to Rome and a great storm came up, and the boat was going to be shipwrecked. It says, “They used supports to undergird the ship” (v. 17). That word supports is the same word help. “He is able to help those who are being tempted.

I’ve come to love this picture because when our little “ship” is being storm-tossed, and we feel like we’re in danger of falling apart from being assaulted by the evil one, from being tempted and tried, Jesus is the one who holds us together, who undergirds us, who supports us. He can do this, He help us, He can hold us together, because He knows what it is to be tempted and tried Himself without ever having given in to temptation.

Doesn't that sound good? I don't know about you, but when the storms of life are raging, I'm so glad that I can depend on Jesus to "frap" me and hold me together!

Gifted With Purpose

I can appreciate a good liturgical dance. I can also appreciate good spoken word. This performance incorporates both. It was done in Chicago at the Apostolic Church of God and is very encouraging!

Moving From Fear to Faith

Let me tell you: the process of buying our new home was no piece of cake! In fact, I would describe the process as both long and grueling. Nevertheless, this process was one of the major life events that not only tested my faith, but brought me into a new understanding of the Lord.

Does God care about how long this is taking? Does he see how overwhelmed I am? What does he think? What lesson am I suppose to be learning? How do I get out of this test? What does God want from me? Am I believing enough? Am I doing enough? What is God's plan in this situation?

Oh friends, these are just some of the questions that raced through my mind as we went through many ups and downs during the homebuying process. I can't say that my faith was as strong as it should have been at each point. But, I continued to grow.

It would take me endless hours to really explain in great detail all the times and ways that the Lord showed up and worked out "the kinks" in order to get us to that great closing date. So, I will just tell you that he was awesome and faithful and on time;)

Furthermore, the following quote by Nancy Leigh DeMoss really captures some of lessons and insights I gained throughout the process. I love this quote and I have found it to be so true!

Worship God. Trust Him. Let Him teach you. Let Him speak.

Stop complaining. Stop wrestling. Stop doubting. Stop questioning God.

God is not indifferent, as Habakkuk had thought that maybe He was. God is not insensitive. God is not impotent. God is not passive.

God is in His holy temple. God is on His throne. God is in control, and God isn't just this great, cosmic God in control of the universe who somehow is letting the little details and circumstances of your life slip through.

He's not asleep. He's awake. He's alert. He's alive. He's active.

He's working in your life, on your behalf, in your circumstances, in your home, in your church, in your world. God is on His throne, so be quiet.

Don't fret. Don't be perturbed. Don't be disturbed. Don't be anxious.

In His perfect time, He will accomplish His purposes, so in the meantime, stand before Him in humble silence, in reverence, in awe. Trust in Him. The righteous shall live by his faith.

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss from the series Habakkuk: Moving From Fear to Faith

He's Working It Out

I have never been a big Shirley Caesar fan, but this song got me through today.

There was so much going on and right in the midst of it all, this song just started playing in my mind. I started humming it whenever I felt stress peaking its ugly head. It really helped calm me down.

You see how God does?!! Awwww, ya'll ain't sayin' nothin'!

Trust His Heart

Trust His Heart Lyrics

---

Trust His Heart, Artist - Babbie Mason from the Album - Various Songs.

All things work for our good Though sometimes we can't see how they could Struggles that break our hearts in two Sometimes blinds us to the truth Our Father knows what's best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway grows dim And you just can't see Him Remember you're never alone God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don't understand When you don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His heart He sees the master plan And He holds our future in His hands So don't live as those who have no hope All our hope is found in Him We see the present clearly But He sees the first and the last And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me to someday be just like Him God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don't understand When you don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His heart He alone is faithful and true He alone knows what is best for you So when you don't understand When you don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His heart

It will work out...

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."

~Ecclesiastes 9:11

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

~Romans 8:28

You just gotta love this song. It will work out for the good of them who love the Lord? How can you not love a song with a message like that?

Have you ever had to wait on the Lord? Have you ever had to fight and wrestle to hold on to a promise? Have you been wronged? Have you had a situation that looked impossible? Have you had to walk alone when no one seemed to quite understand? Have you had to cry? Have you had to fight to praise your way through?

Perhaps you're there now.

Either way, let this promise...

Things (meaning: whatever the situation)
will (meaning: indefinitely)
work out (meaning: prosper, rectify, conclude)
for the good (meaning: in the best possible scenario)
of them that love the Lord (meaning: you)

...carry you through it!

Give Your Soul a Good Talking-To

If you read Psalm 42 and 43, you will see that 3 times that David asked his soul this question:

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?"

After each time, he told his soul to do this:

"...hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:5,11 & 43:5).

The soul is comprised of one's mind, will, and emotions. David found it nessary and helpful to talk to his own soul and to encourage himself.

Today I found myself with a soul that was "cast down" and I had to tell it:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble"(psalm 46:1).

"...God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."(Hebrews 13:5)

"...and with his stripes we are healed..."(Isaiah 53:4).

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..."(Ephesians 3:20).

When was the last time you gave your soul a good talking-to? What have you been saying to it?

Just Because

You know I love me some CeCe. Here she is singing "We Welcome You"(Holy Father) from her Thy Kingdom Come album.

This song is in my spirit today. I have it on repeat. Why?

Just because He's holy. Just because He's worthy. Just because there's nobody like Him (shaking my head at the goodness of God).

What is Man?

Recently, I have been on a search for some specific books, materials, and videos that I thought would enhance what we are doing in homeschool. I wanted these things at an affordable price, if not free.

I searched the internet and the library, only to come up with a few things.

On Saturday morning, I took a trip to the library and was pleased to leave with the few specific books they had that I wanted. I brought them home and the girls and I devoured them right away!

Nevertheless, there were still quite a few things I couldn't find, but really wanted.

"Oh well, I guess I can figure it out later" I thought to myself.

But then...

While at church yesterday, a sister told me she crate of materials for me.

Here is the crate...

I'm sure I don't even have to tell you what is in it.

If you have been walking with the Lord for any amount of time, you already know that everything I have been looking for (and then some) is in this very crate!

The beauty of it all is I don't even remember praying and asking God to help me find this stuff. But, he did it anyway! Which means he is watching me and knows my heart! Lil' ole' me!

"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:4).

Sentiments From My Heart

I'm back! The Prayer Revival and the media fast ended today!

I am back to blogging and television viewing (though not quite as fanatically as before;) So, in honor of my "media-return," I thought I'd share a song with you.

I first was introduced to John Waller and his BEA-U-TI-FUL music while checking out this lovely blog. Below is a video featuring his song entitled, "While I'm Waiting." This is one of the songs we heard in the movie Fireproof (which you should really see if you haven't already).

Since the beginning to the 30-day Challenge, I have been working to build my faith through the word of God, and I am at a point where I am really learning how to wait on the Lord in faith.

Consequently, Wallers' song just so happens to capture the sentiments of my heart.

Enjoy!

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:14).

Born Again

The song playing on the video below is called Born Again and is on the most recent album from Third Day. Not only do I love this song, but I enjoyed the various pictures of people being baptized from the creator of this You Tube clip as well.

It brings back wonderful memories. Ah...nothing quite like that born-again experience, is it?

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John 3:3-7).

Going Deeper in God's Word in 2010

Do you realize that we have not just entered a new year, but a new decade?

Can you remember where you were 10 years ago?

Can you imagine where you will be 10 years from now?

When I think back on last 10 years of my life, I can't help but to rejoice over all of the amazing things God has done! I also can't help but to feel excited about the future and about getting closer to God in this next decade.

One way I want to get closer to the Lord is to grab hold of, and to spend more time reading and speaking the word of God. The 30-day Challenge is a great start, but I don't want it to end there.

In her book, The Power of a Praying Woman, author, Stormie Omartian outlines 10 great reasons to read God's word.

10 Good Reasons to Read God's Word

1. To know where you are going.
"...Direct my steps by your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me" (Psalm 119:133).

2. To have wisdom.
"...The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure. making wise the simple"(Psalm 19:7).

3. To find success.
"...This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it, day and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperouss, and then you will have good success"
( Joshua 1:8).

4. To live in purity.
"...How can a young man(woman) cleanse is way? By taking heed according to your word"(Psalm 119:9).

5. To obey God.
"...Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end..."(Psalm 119:33).

6. To have joy.
"...The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes"(Psalm 19:8).

7. To grow in faith.
"...So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

8. To find deliverance.
"....If you abide in my word, You are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"(John 8:31-32).

9. To have peace.
"...Great peace have those who love your law, nothing causes them to stumble"(Psalm 119:165).

10. To distinguish good from evil.
"...Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you"(Psalm 119:11).

With God's word, we can't go wrong! Let's grab hold of it and go higher in Him!

Declare Your Own Victory: 30-day Challenge

As we approach a new year, I am sure that all of us have many prayer requests before the Lord and many things we are hoping for in 2010. The truth is: if we are going to see these things come to pass, we are going to need one essential virtue: faith!

The word of God is filled with precious promises of peace, joy, healing, deliverance, provision, direction, help, salvation, hope etc. Nevertheless, we can only access these promises by faith.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

If you're like me, your faith could stand to be built some more! There are certainly areas in everyone's life that look dark and grim. There are circumstances that seem permanent and impossible.

We all have areas in everyone's life where we could stand to renew our mind, so we can think like God thinks. Hence, we need to read and speak the word of God over these situations if we are going to build our faith and/or renew our minds in these areas!

Hence, I'm inviting you to join me in the Declare Your Own Victory: 30-day Challenge!

How it will work:

1. Buy some index cards (and/or make some using card stock or paper).

2. Get 1 area that you want to build your faith in/renew your mind in and write the scriptures/biblical promises about that area on your index cards.

3. Between Jan 1, 2010 and Jan 30, 2010, take your index cards with your versus everywhere you go.

4. Speak the scriptures you have written on your cards several times everyday and praise God everyday for whatever you are believing Him for , no matter what is actually going on in the natural!

5. On Jan 30, 2010 write a post on your blog about something God has done in you or in your life as a result of the challenge!

If you are interested in participating in this challenge please leave a comment letting me know what area you are focusing on. You can be as general or specific as you want.

p.s. I will be meeting with some other friends and family who are participating in the challenge at the end of the 30-days to testify and hear about what God did as well. I'll be sure to share with you what happens!