Have you ever thought about fear? I think it's safe to say that we all battle fear in certain areas and seasons of our lives; let's face it... we aren't superhumans. Fear creeps up on us in different forms. For example, you might be afraid that you're never going to start your career and instead you'll find yourself stocking shelves at Reasors with three different degrees, and a boat load of debt. Or maybe you're afraid that your parents are about to get a divorce and you blame yourself for not being "good enough" for your dad to stick around. Or maybe you're afraid of living a mediocre life, and never truly making an impact anywhere or on anyone. Maybe you're afraid that you'll never find the man or woman of your dreams, or that you'll end up with the wrong person. Maybe you want to see God in a new way, but you're afraid that if you lay hands on someone and pray for them that God won't heal that person and you'll end up looking like a fool.
There are billions of different fears that each of us deal with; however, I find that they are all a lack of trusting that God has the very best for us and that He will provide it for us at the appointed time.
This summer I am a nanny for a sweet family here in Tulsa, and my little kids are 2 years old and 4 years old. Each morning when I arrive to their house, they see my face and instantly assume that my arrival means that Mom is leaving them. As you can probably infer, this causes an emotion of panic to rise up in both of them. The mom is pregnant and at home on bedrest due to some complications, so she stays home every day; however, the little ones still plead to her each morning "Mommy, please don't go!" They are afraid that she is going to leave for work regardless of how many times she says that she's not leaving.
I think we sometimes act this way toward God in our seasons of fear. We see the face of a challenge before us, and we can't help but assume that we are facing this one on our own. We allow ourselves to believe the lie that the presence of hardship means the absense of God. This is one of the greatest lies the enemy will ever try to tell you. God is trying to convince us that He isn't going anywhere... He's never going to leave us.
There's a story in Daniel chapter 3 about three boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and they were living in Babylon among other men and women under a man named King Nebuchadnezzar. The King had created a giant gold statue and the people were told that every time they heard the sound of music they were to stop what they were doing and bow before the statue, and whoever did not bow down would immediately be thown into a blazing furnace. The three boys, however, did not serve the King. They served a higher King, a King they believed to be the King of all Kings. They paid no attention to King Neb, and refused to serve him or his gods. When King Neb heard of them, he was furious. So he called for the three boys and asked them if what he had been told was true. Here is their response: "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing fire, the God we serve is able to deliver us and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if He doesn't, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up."
"...But even if He doesn't..."
We are given a choice: Trust God or doubt. Too often we choose the latter. We don't immediately see the fruit of our prayers, so we fear that God is too busy and He's about ready to leave us. But at what point do we decide to relinquish our fear and our doubt and truly trust that God knows what He's doing... He is able, and He will... but even if He doesn't - will you trust that He is always good? That he hand picked you to be here at this time? That he planted those dreams and those passions and talents inside of you for a specific and important reason?
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. -Isaiah 40:26
He hasn't forgotten about you. Choose to trust Jesus, rather than fear your circumstances. He isn't going anywhere. He's on your team, and you can do ANYTHING through Him.
6.25.2012
4.11.2012
Liar
With Easter just behind me, I have been reminded over and over again that I am more than a conquerer in Jesus. I see the fiery darts of the enemy every time I turn around, and I'm tired of it. He thinks he's brilliant. He knows the weakness of the human battle. He sees our mistakes, our fears and our insecurities and he has made a game out of it. He's doing everything in his power to destroy us. He's made up the most ridiculous lies... depression, for example. It's a lie from the pit of hell. It's a trap that has been set up to hold us captive; to make us believe we are alone, or that no one has ever experienced our situation.
He has taken beautiful pure things and twisted them. Sex-trafficking. He has planted evil in the minds and the lives of men and women - he's made people into objects, and created the business of selling them. He doesn't stop there. Once these girls are rescued and out of the industry, he thinks he can keep them in bondage. He lies to them. He tells them they're worthless, used, unlovable.
What pisses me off the most is when he takes good things like non-profit organizations and ministries to put an end to these injustices and makes the public believe that these organizations aren't doing anything to help anyone. Or when the idea of "finances" builds a wall around the fact that people are being rescued and set free. He says, "don't buy into what these people are doing... the problem is way too big for them to ever do anything about the issue. Plus, they aren't doing what they should be with their money... so instead of finding your place in the "body" of Christ and "dying" to yourself just look out for #1."
Satan doesn't restrict himself to making up random lies, he takes the truth and barely twists it. He doesn't want the body of Christ to work together. He knows that we have the power - so he finds little issues to separate us. Maybe these will sound familiar: once saved, always saved vs. lose your salvation; charismatic vs. baptist; whether or not spiritual gifts are still relevant today; pre tribulation vs mid tribulation vs post tribulation... All of these are issues that we, as christians, get so worked up about. We disagree with one another, and separate ourselves from "those" believers.
This is the plot of the enemy.
People. Pay attention. When you get this, you'll walk in freedom. It will change your life forever.
Sickness, disease, injustice, depression, hatred, bitterness, selfishness etc. were destroyed and defeated at the cross. They no longer have power over us. We deal with these issues because we live in a fallen world, and sometime we have no control over whether or not they strike us or our loved ones; however, we do have authority in the Name of Jesus and it is time that we rise to the challenge and claim that power.
"Lifted up, defeated the grave, raised to life - our God is able. In His name, we overcome. For the Lord, our God, is able." - Hillsong
Because Jesus went to the cross, bore our sins and diseases, and rose again from it, we are no longer bound to sin. We are now more than conquerers in Jesus. We are victorious and we have all authority under Heaven. No weapon that Satan plans to destroy us can prosper (Isaiah 54:17) The report that the doctor presented is full of mere facts, and facts are subject to change. We serve a living God who has given us His Truth, and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32). We are called to come together as one - we are no longer separate people, but a team under one kingdom, one God and one common goal. We are to encourage one another, and build each other up (1 Thes 5:11). The scriptures warn us to not argue with other believers; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen (2 Tim 2:14).
We do not have time for fear or defeat. It's time for us to rise up and claim the authority that has been given to us through Jesus. Satan should be terrified of us - after all, We are on a mission to rob Hell.
He has taken beautiful pure things and twisted them. Sex-trafficking. He has planted evil in the minds and the lives of men and women - he's made people into objects, and created the business of selling them. He doesn't stop there. Once these girls are rescued and out of the industry, he thinks he can keep them in bondage. He lies to them. He tells them they're worthless, used, unlovable.
What pisses me off the most is when he takes good things like non-profit organizations and ministries to put an end to these injustices and makes the public believe that these organizations aren't doing anything to help anyone. Or when the idea of "finances" builds a wall around the fact that people are being rescued and set free. He says, "don't buy into what these people are doing... the problem is way too big for them to ever do anything about the issue. Plus, they aren't doing what they should be with their money... so instead of finding your place in the "body" of Christ and "dying" to yourself just look out for #1."
Satan doesn't restrict himself to making up random lies, he takes the truth and barely twists it. He doesn't want the body of Christ to work together. He knows that we have the power - so he finds little issues to separate us. Maybe these will sound familiar: once saved, always saved vs. lose your salvation; charismatic vs. baptist; whether or not spiritual gifts are still relevant today; pre tribulation vs mid tribulation vs post tribulation... All of these are issues that we, as christians, get so worked up about. We disagree with one another, and separate ourselves from "those" believers.
This is the plot of the enemy.
People. Pay attention. When you get this, you'll walk in freedom. It will change your life forever.
Sickness, disease, injustice, depression, hatred, bitterness, selfishness etc. were destroyed and defeated at the cross. They no longer have power over us. We deal with these issues because we live in a fallen world, and sometime we have no control over whether or not they strike us or our loved ones; however, we do have authority in the Name of Jesus and it is time that we rise to the challenge and claim that power.
"Lifted up, defeated the grave, raised to life - our God is able. In His name, we overcome. For the Lord, our God, is able." - Hillsong
Because Jesus went to the cross, bore our sins and diseases, and rose again from it, we are no longer bound to sin. We are now more than conquerers in Jesus. We are victorious and we have all authority under Heaven. No weapon that Satan plans to destroy us can prosper (Isaiah 54:17) The report that the doctor presented is full of mere facts, and facts are subject to change. We serve a living God who has given us His Truth, and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32). We are called to come together as one - we are no longer separate people, but a team under one kingdom, one God and one common goal. We are to encourage one another, and build each other up (1 Thes 5:11). The scriptures warn us to not argue with other believers; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen (2 Tim 2:14).
We do not have time for fear or defeat. It's time for us to rise up and claim the authority that has been given to us through Jesus. Satan should be terrified of us - after all, We are on a mission to rob Hell.
3.31.2012
Forty-Five Seconds
Have you ever been somewhere, or seen something, that completely opened your eyes to the immensity of an issue that before you had barely even acknowledged the existence of? I returned to Norman this past Sunday after an outrageous and thrilling week on the streets of LA. I went with a group of girls from Journey Church to help at the Dream Center during our spring break - I went with audacious prayers, and came back with am even bolder faith and dreams. There is a strangely different dynamic on mission trips within the US and ones outside of our borders. These people had heard the name of Jesus before, there was no language barrier, and they weren't ashamed to ask difficult questions.
St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the gospel at all times, use words when necessary."
I will never forget the importance of living that quote each day while we were in LA. If I wasn't willing to love them in a way that made them wonder what was different about me, I wasn't presenting Jesus the right way. You see, Jesus made people feel like they were important to him... I would go even as far to say that he made everyone feel like they were his best friend. If I do not leave people with a feeling that they are of value to me, I am absolutely wrong.
One night about seven of us went out to the streets of LA in the middle of the night to love on the prostitutes in the area. One of the men that we went with had created this specific ministry thirty years ago and had since been building relationships with the girls and their pimps as they came in and out of the industry. It all began when he saw a girl on the street and pulled over to talk to her. While he was asking her questions and listening to her responses, her pimp walked up and told him, "if you're not going to buy her, you need to go." Pastor Clayton continued to talk to the girl, and then started a conversation with the pimp and by the end of the night both of them had asked Jesus to come into their hearts. He didn't think he was doing anything great, other than being obedient to the direction of the Lord. Little did he know it would shape the course of his life.
While I was talking to Pastor Clayton, he told me that he usually gets about 45 seconds to talk to a girl before her pimp will intervene. Forty-five seconds. Forty-five seconds to make someone feel important. Forty-five seconds to plant a seed. Forty-five seconds give her hope. Forty-five seconds to make her wonder, "what is so different about that person?"
The way I see it is that on average we get about forty-five seconds or less with each person that we run into on our way to class, or in the halls of our workplace. We are way too consumed with our own lives and schedules... until we realize the importance of being present and knowing when to intervene in the lives of others. Once we realize that, everything changes.
I want you to first watch this video, and then to show it to one other person.
The purpose is not so that you'll live in fear, but that you'll realize that this could be any one of us. We are called to stand up for the ones who cannot stand up for themselves, but in doing that we must first be able to recognize the issue that is so plainly before us. We are given roughly forty-five seconds in passing to acknowledge and help the people around us. What are you doing to put an end to this issue? What will it take for you to stop what you're doing for someone else?
1.06.2012
All Authority
I was listening to Francis Chan online a couple nights ago while he was preaching at the Passion Conference in Atlanta to thousands of high school and college students, and he began his message by highlighting the importance of taking God literally. It seems that this is a somewhat common argument among different groups of people within the Christian community, and I believe that Francis' stance hit the nail on the head.
A new idea on Heaven and Hell has surfaced among a couple big name preachers, and they have begun to emphasis that a loving God couldn't possibly send anyone to hell... implying that they believe there is no hell.
"This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
The writer blatenly states that there will be a punishment for those who choose to not know God, and that punishment is eternal seperation from Him; being seperated from God is absolutely hell. When I think on the stories of the bible, I find it impossible to not take God at his exact words, because He has followed through with all that He has said. Follow me to Genesis 6...
Background: The earth had never experienced rain when God instructed Noah to build the ark... God was so angry at the human race that he was ready to wipe out every single living thing; every person, every animal and every plant. However, there was one man that was righteous and blameless and God went to him and told him exact instructions...
God said to Noah, "I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! - Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout the interior. Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat- lower, middle and upper. Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat- you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring a pair of every kind of animal- a male and a female- into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals." So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
This is just one example of taking God literally. He said He was going to wipe out the whole earth with a flood, and instructed a simple-minded human being to create a boat that would protect his family and all the animals. Noah, who had never seen rain, was quick to move. He didn't try to manipulate and pick apart the things that the Lord had told him, or try to figure out exactly what he was supposed to do. He simply did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
Think about it...
We don't usually hear about God speaking audibly to us with instructions, not that he is incapable, or that he doesnt; but we do have the word of God before us, and we believe that it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
A few commands come quickly to my heart as I write this...
Speak up for the those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. - Proverbs 31:8
This scripture commands us to act out for others. It is our duty and our responsiblity to protect all who cannot fight on behalf of themselves- unborn babies, victims of domestic violence, women and children held captive in the sex trade... It means to literally use our voices to fight for them. It means to get out of our comfort zones and to make a scene - to go into the depths of hell on earth to snatch those babies out of the darkness.
I also believe it's important to take this scripture and apply it to our prayer lives. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and the authority we have over Satan and his schemes. It is our duty and our responsibility to intercede on behalf of the men who are enslaved by evil and who keep the sex trade in business - the traffickers, the clients, and the government. We should be on our faces for these men; taking authority over the evil in our world and loosening the binds of satan.
"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've recieved it, it will be yours." - Mark 11:22
You can pray for anything.
"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them." Luke 10:19
We have authority over all the power of the enemy.
He has given us distict instructions, people. To speak up, to give thanks in all circumstances, to walk humbly, to pray without ceasing, to rejoice always, to never repay evil with evil, to pray for those who hurt us, to flee from all evil...
It is time to take God literally... We have the authority to defeat any plot from the enemy. All sickness, disease, depression, bitterness, rage, anger, jealousy must go in the name of Jesus. Stop being afraid to ask God for what you need - from His very lips came these words, "You can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've recieved it, it will be yours."
He wasn't kidding.
A new idea on Heaven and Hell has surfaced among a couple big name preachers, and they have begun to emphasis that a loving God couldn't possibly send anyone to hell... implying that they believe there is no hell.
"This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
The writer blatenly states that there will be a punishment for those who choose to not know God, and that punishment is eternal seperation from Him; being seperated from God is absolutely hell. When I think on the stories of the bible, I find it impossible to not take God at his exact words, because He has followed through with all that He has said. Follow me to Genesis 6...
Background: The earth had never experienced rain when God instructed Noah to build the ark... God was so angry at the human race that he was ready to wipe out every single living thing; every person, every animal and every plant. However, there was one man that was righteous and blameless and God went to him and told him exact instructions...
God said to Noah, "I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! - Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout the interior. Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat- lower, middle and upper. Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat- you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring a pair of every kind of animal- a male and a female- into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals." So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
This is just one example of taking God literally. He said He was going to wipe out the whole earth with a flood, and instructed a simple-minded human being to create a boat that would protect his family and all the animals. Noah, who had never seen rain, was quick to move. He didn't try to manipulate and pick apart the things that the Lord had told him, or try to figure out exactly what he was supposed to do. He simply did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
Think about it...
We don't usually hear about God speaking audibly to us with instructions, not that he is incapable, or that he doesnt; but we do have the word of God before us, and we believe that it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
A few commands come quickly to my heart as I write this...
Speak up for the those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. - Proverbs 31:8
This scripture commands us to act out for others. It is our duty and our responsiblity to protect all who cannot fight on behalf of themselves- unborn babies, victims of domestic violence, women and children held captive in the sex trade... It means to literally use our voices to fight for them. It means to get out of our comfort zones and to make a scene - to go into the depths of hell on earth to snatch those babies out of the darkness.
I also believe it's important to take this scripture and apply it to our prayer lives. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and the authority we have over Satan and his schemes. It is our duty and our responsibility to intercede on behalf of the men who are enslaved by evil and who keep the sex trade in business - the traffickers, the clients, and the government. We should be on our faces for these men; taking authority over the evil in our world and loosening the binds of satan.
"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've recieved it, it will be yours." - Mark 11:22
You can pray for anything.
"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them." Luke 10:19
We have authority over all the power of the enemy.
He has given us distict instructions, people. To speak up, to give thanks in all circumstances, to walk humbly, to pray without ceasing, to rejoice always, to never repay evil with evil, to pray for those who hurt us, to flee from all evil...
It is time to take God literally... We have the authority to defeat any plot from the enemy. All sickness, disease, depression, bitterness, rage, anger, jealousy must go in the name of Jesus. Stop being afraid to ask God for what you need - from His very lips came these words, "You can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've recieved it, it will be yours."
He wasn't kidding.
1.03.2012
All Things New
I think we could all agree that we are getting tired of making New Years Resolutions that we never stick to... Every year around New Years facebook and twitter explode with people tweeting about how silly New Years Resolutions are because "you can change you ways any day of the year". Maybe you want to lose weight, or go to the gym everyday, or not drink as much, or laugh more, or learn how to do a something new, or study more, or say yes more often, or treat yourself to some "me" time. Maybe you have a list of things you want to put into action in the year 2012...
Whether you're one of those who don't believe in New Years Resolutions, or you're one that thrives off of them - consider these thoughts: Although it may be true that we can make adjustments to our lifestyles any day of the year, there is something about January 1 of a new year that paints the picture of a pure slate. 2012 is brand new. This year you can do whatever you want to do. You can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. What are your dreams? What is your vision?
This year for Christmas, my mom got each one of us a notebook and on the inside she had written Habakkuk 2:2-3...
Then The Lord answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it, may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time, it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it, for it will certainly come, it will not delay."
If you don't have a vision for your future or even for this year- ask the Lord for one. If you do... Write it down. The Lord has put dreams and passions and desire and a vision inside of you for an extraordinary purpose. You are here in this city, on this day for a purpose. No one else was created for the exact same reason you were. You are so important and you play a vital role in this place. Open your eyes, pick up your pen, and write down your vision. What do you want to do with your life? What do you feel the pull towards? What tugs on your heart?
Write it so plainly that a runner that rushes by will be able to read it. Keep it in front of your eyes, so that you do not forget it. Do not let the enemey rob you of your vision. If you don't see the fruit of your vision instantly, wait earnestly upon God... He turned water into wine, divided the red sea in two, knocked down the walls of Jericho, healed countless people, set captives free. He can surely handle your dreams. In fact, He is the one who gave them to you.
This is important people:
Do not ever be afraid to dream big. There is no such thing has dreaming too big. Jesus himself says that we must become childlike in our faith to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Do you have an imagination? Use it!
Maybe your vision of 2012 is choosing every single day to forgive that person who tore you apart, and turned your world upside down... maybe your vision is to work for the FBI. You are fully capable of pursuing those dreams, because the bible says that we are more than conquerers in Christ Jesus. In Him, all things were created, and through Him ALL things hold together.
My vision for 2012 is to speak life into women in whatever form or fashion that takes on. I live in a sorority house with 85 other girls, and on a campus with thousands of students and hundreds of professors. There is no way that I'm here by accident - I have a vision, and I'm going to keep it before me to remind myself why I'm here.
My vision for life is to go into the very jaws of hell and rescue the souls of the women trapped in the Red Light Disctricts around the world. I want them to know that they were created to dance in white dresses, and that they have a reason to sing. I want to tell them about Jesus and the way that He delights in them, and that He longs to hold them and sing over them. I want these women to know that Satan does not get to lie to them anymore. I want them to know the Truth. I want to show them how grace works, and play with their hair, and teach them how to sustain themselves by working in different ways. I want them to know that they were not created to be enslaved to lust and rage and bitterness and depression and hatred. I want them to experience redemption. This is what makes me come alive. I have no idea how long it will take me to get there, or how much money I'll have to raise, or who I will be going with... If I'll find myself a million miles away, or on the streets of Los Angeles; but I do know that when I keep the vision in front of my eyes, and I walk in the way of the Lord, he will take me to where I need to be... every single day.
What makes you come alive? 2012 is a new year - it doesn't matter what you've done in your past, or the heartbreak that you hold onto. This year is brand new, and you have the opportunity to do whatever you want. Ask God to show you His vision for your life... Make this year a masterpiece. Your very own picture that proclaims the goodness of God for the world to see. This is what you were created for.
Find your passion, and pursue it. The world needs people who have come alive.
Whether you're one of those who don't believe in New Years Resolutions, or you're one that thrives off of them - consider these thoughts: Although it may be true that we can make adjustments to our lifestyles any day of the year, there is something about January 1 of a new year that paints the picture of a pure slate. 2012 is brand new. This year you can do whatever you want to do. You can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. What are your dreams? What is your vision?
This year for Christmas, my mom got each one of us a notebook and on the inside she had written Habakkuk 2:2-3...
Then The Lord answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it, may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time, it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it, for it will certainly come, it will not delay."
If you don't have a vision for your future or even for this year- ask the Lord for one. If you do... Write it down. The Lord has put dreams and passions and desire and a vision inside of you for an extraordinary purpose. You are here in this city, on this day for a purpose. No one else was created for the exact same reason you were. You are so important and you play a vital role in this place. Open your eyes, pick up your pen, and write down your vision. What do you want to do with your life? What do you feel the pull towards? What tugs on your heart?
Write it so plainly that a runner that rushes by will be able to read it. Keep it in front of your eyes, so that you do not forget it. Do not let the enemey rob you of your vision. If you don't see the fruit of your vision instantly, wait earnestly upon God... He turned water into wine, divided the red sea in two, knocked down the walls of Jericho, healed countless people, set captives free. He can surely handle your dreams. In fact, He is the one who gave them to you.
This is important people:
Do not ever be afraid to dream big. There is no such thing has dreaming too big. Jesus himself says that we must become childlike in our faith to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Do you have an imagination? Use it!
Maybe your vision of 2012 is choosing every single day to forgive that person who tore you apart, and turned your world upside down... maybe your vision is to work for the FBI. You are fully capable of pursuing those dreams, because the bible says that we are more than conquerers in Christ Jesus. In Him, all things were created, and through Him ALL things hold together.
My vision for 2012 is to speak life into women in whatever form or fashion that takes on. I live in a sorority house with 85 other girls, and on a campus with thousands of students and hundreds of professors. There is no way that I'm here by accident - I have a vision, and I'm going to keep it before me to remind myself why I'm here.
My vision for life is to go into the very jaws of hell and rescue the souls of the women trapped in the Red Light Disctricts around the world. I want them to know that they were created to dance in white dresses, and that they have a reason to sing. I want to tell them about Jesus and the way that He delights in them, and that He longs to hold them and sing over them. I want these women to know that Satan does not get to lie to them anymore. I want them to know the Truth. I want to show them how grace works, and play with their hair, and teach them how to sustain themselves by working in different ways. I want them to know that they were not created to be enslaved to lust and rage and bitterness and depression and hatred. I want them to experience redemption. This is what makes me come alive. I have no idea how long it will take me to get there, or how much money I'll have to raise, or who I will be going with... If I'll find myself a million miles away, or on the streets of Los Angeles; but I do know that when I keep the vision in front of my eyes, and I walk in the way of the Lord, he will take me to where I need to be... every single day.
What makes you come alive? 2012 is a new year - it doesn't matter what you've done in your past, or the heartbreak that you hold onto. This year is brand new, and you have the opportunity to do whatever you want. Ask God to show you His vision for your life... Make this year a masterpiece. Your very own picture that proclaims the goodness of God for the world to see. This is what you were created for.
Find your passion, and pursue it. The world needs people who have come alive.
12.06.2011
You Need Only to Be Still
Here's the backgound story:
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think the Isrealites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert." And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." So the Isrealites did this.
Pause. First we see the Lord is at work and He has a plan and as He reveals it to Moses, He describes exactly what Pharoah will think - The Lord knew what Pharaoh would think, and used it to bring himself glory. He had an elaborate plan with the purpose of capturing the attention of the lost Egyptians... continue-
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Isrealites go and have lost their services!" So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldy. The Egyptians- all of Pharaoh's horses and chariots, horsemen and troops- pursued the Isrealites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth opposite Baal Zephon.
Pause. The Isrealites were quick to obey God. God spoke to Moses, and Moses directed the Isrealites. It says they fled- They knew they were to get out of there. Then Pharaoh panics because Egypt has just lost their slave labor, so he sends his best chariots and horsemen to pursue the Isrealites. The Lord harded Pharoah's heart so that he would go after God's people; all perfectly orchestrated to make His name known among the Egyptians. Continue...
As Pharaoh approached, the Isrealites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Eghypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"
Pause. The Isrealites, after obeying Moses, who had been directed by the Lord, see the Egyptians marching toward them - and they are scared out of their minds. They begin to question Moses. They knew that God was speaking to Moses, and they knew they were to follow Moses's lead; but it didn't take much for them to doubt the plans of the Lord because it didn't look the way they thought it should. If they were obeying God, and doing what He had told them to do, then surely they should be protected, right? Nothing frightening should ever happen to them, right? Continue...
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Pause. He took God at His word. Moses knew that what the Lord promised would surely come to pass- so He continued to lead his difficult people, encouraging them to hold on. "Do not be afraid" he told them... "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Continue...
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Isrealites can go through the sea on dry ground. (He repeats himself...) I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharoah, his chariots and his horsemen. Exodus 14: 1-18
The story continues to tell of the power that Moses possessed because God had called him to deliver His people. Moses raised his staff and stretched out his hand over the sea and the Red Sea split in half and the water stood like a wall to the left and to the right of the Isrealites. As the Egyptians came in behind them, just as the Lord said they would, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea again and the water went back to it's place. The waters engulfed Pharaoh and his army; not a single one of them survived.
This is huge, people. Listen close! The Lord had a mysterious and marvelous plan for the Isrealites to be delivered from the Egyptians. God knew it was going to take a faithful servant, so he chose Moses to lead them. Time and time again, Pharaoh refused to let the people go, but God hardened Pharaoh's heart all along so that the Egyptians would know that God reigned over all. The Isrealites were tired of being in the desert, and they let the slightest bit of fear sweep over them and drain them of their faith- the Lord said, "WHY are you crying out to me?! Tell the Isrealites to move on!"
These people were literally looking their enemy in the eyeballs! Even when they doubted, God was still faithful. They were terrified, but still victorious because God cared more about catching the attention of the Egyptians than he did the Israelites fear.
Sometimes we face scary things - even when we follow the voice of the Lord, and we do just what He tells us to do. Sometimes, it doesn't look exactly the way we think it should. Sometimes He tells us "I am going to fight for you; you need only to be still." and Sometimes He says, "Let's go. We have to keep moving."
It is vital that we choose to walk by faith, and not by our mere sight. Our eyes and our spirits are too faint - we must put our trust in the Lord, and claim his promises over our lives. Sometimes the purpose of the plan is not to get our attention. Sometimes the plan is to use us as an instrument to gain the attention of someone else. We do not get to know all the answers; we only get to play a small and insignificant role in a furious and glorious love story. If the Isrealites had disobeyed God and stayed in Egypt because it would have been easier for them, they would have missed out on the story of God revealing himself to the Egyptians. The story ends like this:
And when the Isrealites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. -Exodus 14:31
God's power is constant, and everlasting. It doesn't change from one era in time to the next... He is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be forever. He is stronger than any cancer, any disease, any injury, any depression, any fear, any debt, any despair, any confusion, any frustration, any evil, any corrupt government, any sex trade, any broken family, any rage, any temper, any need... In fact, where we let God reign, those things must flee. We have authority over those things, because the spirit of the living God lives inside of us. Satan is exponentially weaker than we are. He has no power, and no reign. He is scared to death of the power in the name of Jesus. He trembles in fear. We HAVE to rise up, take authority, claim God's victory and promises, and give him the glory.
We don't get to know all the answers, we just have to trust that God's plan far outweighs our own - He knows exactly what He is doing, and he promises to protect us. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think the Isrealites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert." And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." So the Isrealites did this.
Pause. First we see the Lord is at work and He has a plan and as He reveals it to Moses, He describes exactly what Pharoah will think - The Lord knew what Pharaoh would think, and used it to bring himself glory. He had an elaborate plan with the purpose of capturing the attention of the lost Egyptians... continue-
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Isrealites go and have lost their services!" So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldy. The Egyptians- all of Pharaoh's horses and chariots, horsemen and troops- pursued the Isrealites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth opposite Baal Zephon.
Pause. The Isrealites were quick to obey God. God spoke to Moses, and Moses directed the Isrealites. It says they fled- They knew they were to get out of there. Then Pharaoh panics because Egypt has just lost their slave labor, so he sends his best chariots and horsemen to pursue the Isrealites. The Lord harded Pharoah's heart so that he would go after God's people; all perfectly orchestrated to make His name known among the Egyptians. Continue...
As Pharaoh approached, the Isrealites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Eghypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"
Pause. The Isrealites, after obeying Moses, who had been directed by the Lord, see the Egyptians marching toward them - and they are scared out of their minds. They begin to question Moses. They knew that God was speaking to Moses, and they knew they were to follow Moses's lead; but it didn't take much for them to doubt the plans of the Lord because it didn't look the way they thought it should. If they were obeying God, and doing what He had told them to do, then surely they should be protected, right? Nothing frightening should ever happen to them, right? Continue...
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Pause. He took God at His word. Moses knew that what the Lord promised would surely come to pass- so He continued to lead his difficult people, encouraging them to hold on. "Do not be afraid" he told them... "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Continue...
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Isrealites can go through the sea on dry ground. (He repeats himself...) I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharoah, his chariots and his horsemen. Exodus 14: 1-18
The story continues to tell of the power that Moses possessed because God had called him to deliver His people. Moses raised his staff and stretched out his hand over the sea and the Red Sea split in half and the water stood like a wall to the left and to the right of the Isrealites. As the Egyptians came in behind them, just as the Lord said they would, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea again and the water went back to it's place. The waters engulfed Pharaoh and his army; not a single one of them survived.
This is huge, people. Listen close! The Lord had a mysterious and marvelous plan for the Isrealites to be delivered from the Egyptians. God knew it was going to take a faithful servant, so he chose Moses to lead them. Time and time again, Pharaoh refused to let the people go, but God hardened Pharaoh's heart all along so that the Egyptians would know that God reigned over all. The Isrealites were tired of being in the desert, and they let the slightest bit of fear sweep over them and drain them of their faith- the Lord said, "WHY are you crying out to me?! Tell the Isrealites to move on!"
These people were literally looking their enemy in the eyeballs! Even when they doubted, God was still faithful. They were terrified, but still victorious because God cared more about catching the attention of the Egyptians than he did the Israelites fear.
Sometimes we face scary things - even when we follow the voice of the Lord, and we do just what He tells us to do. Sometimes, it doesn't look exactly the way we think it should. Sometimes He tells us "I am going to fight for you; you need only to be still." and Sometimes He says, "Let's go. We have to keep moving."
It is vital that we choose to walk by faith, and not by our mere sight. Our eyes and our spirits are too faint - we must put our trust in the Lord, and claim his promises over our lives. Sometimes the purpose of the plan is not to get our attention. Sometimes the plan is to use us as an instrument to gain the attention of someone else. We do not get to know all the answers; we only get to play a small and insignificant role in a furious and glorious love story. If the Isrealites had disobeyed God and stayed in Egypt because it would have been easier for them, they would have missed out on the story of God revealing himself to the Egyptians. The story ends like this:
And when the Isrealites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. -Exodus 14:31
God's power is constant, and everlasting. It doesn't change from one era in time to the next... He is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be forever. He is stronger than any cancer, any disease, any injury, any depression, any fear, any debt, any despair, any confusion, any frustration, any evil, any corrupt government, any sex trade, any broken family, any rage, any temper, any need... In fact, where we let God reign, those things must flee. We have authority over those things, because the spirit of the living God lives inside of us. Satan is exponentially weaker than we are. He has no power, and no reign. He is scared to death of the power in the name of Jesus. He trembles in fear. We HAVE to rise up, take authority, claim God's victory and promises, and give him the glory.
We don't get to know all the answers, we just have to trust that God's plan far outweighs our own - He knows exactly what He is doing, and he promises to protect us. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
11.24.2011
For Those of You with Empty Chairs
Thanksgiving day sometimes seems to be a more difficult day than a joyful one. Many of us treat it as a day off of work, or a nice break from class; a day for a feast and some football. A day when lots of family comes, and new memories are made... But I can't help but feel the heaviness for most of America on Thanksgiving day. I know there is a story to be told beyond the turkey and fat pants.
Many of us sit down for dinner with an empty seat at the end of the table. Maybe it's where a mom or a dad or a husband or a wife or a sibling should be sitting. A mom that passed away 9 years ago, or a dad that walked out. A brother that is in rehab, or a parent that lies in a hospital bed hundreds of miles away. We feel a sense of lonliness, or defeat on days like today. We know that we have an abundance of things to be thankful for, but there is a thick and overwhelming feeling of losing someone that way outweighs our thoughts of thanksgiving.
It's okay to feel that way.
“My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours… it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity, as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us more powerfully and personally." - Frederick Buechner
There is a man who has played an extraordinary role in my life. He became one of my biggest fans, and greatest friends when I was about 8 years old. He taught me all kinds of things in life; how to throw a football was one among many. He took interest in my life, gave me a nickname, told me jokes... He knew exactly what it meant to be a friend and to have a friend - He taught me more about investing in people than I have ever fully realized, and it wasn't by a lengthy lecture, but rather the way that he lived his life. A few years later, He was used to teach me the power of prayer. He was diagnosed with throat cancer, and was given 6 months to live. I was 11 years old, and I knew that the bible says that "by His stripes, we are healed" so I thought I would take God at his word, and began to proclaim that over this man. He was fighting a battle for his life, and I knew that as his friend I was fighting it with him. I also knew that God was for me, and that nothing could stand against me. Eight years later He is still alive, and I've had the opportunity to see him come out of the valley of the shadow of death, and into the land of the living. I've seen him regain his strength, and learn how to eat real food again. God was reteaching him the way of life, but in a new light. I saw hope in his eyes, and heard joy in his laughter. A couple months ago he was diagnosed with pre-luekemia. Tonight he continues to battle for his life. My heart has been broken this week. I knew that I wouldn't be sitting across from him at dinner tonight, and it killed me. I have no doubt that he will be back at that table next year, but his story paints a picture of the millions of people who easily identify with me and with him.
This isn't easy, people. It's tough. It's testing, and heartbreaking and draining.
The truth is that God still sits on the throne. He is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be tomorrow. His Holy Spirit still dwells in us, and what satan intends for evil and defeat, God turns around for good. Sometimes it's really difficult to see the sun through the clouds; but it's always there. The truth is that you are not alone in your heartbreak or mourning or anger. It's okay that we feel those things, because it reminds us that we are human. We will deal with suffering and tragedy, but we get to walk in the land of the living, because Jesus already overcame the world. We are victorious. The truth is that tomorrow is a new beginning; a fresh start. It's a reminder that we are still alive, and we have a story to tell.
What did you learn from the individual that you're thinking about? Chances are they taught you that particular thing for a reason, and I believe that often times it's so that you will teach it to someone else. We have a role to play while we are here - We learn so that we can practice, and in return, teach.
You are still here for a purpose. Your story matters. Maybe it's time you tell it to somebody.
Many of us sit down for dinner with an empty seat at the end of the table. Maybe it's where a mom or a dad or a husband or a wife or a sibling should be sitting. A mom that passed away 9 years ago, or a dad that walked out. A brother that is in rehab, or a parent that lies in a hospital bed hundreds of miles away. We feel a sense of lonliness, or defeat on days like today. We know that we have an abundance of things to be thankful for, but there is a thick and overwhelming feeling of losing someone that way outweighs our thoughts of thanksgiving.
It's okay to feel that way.
“My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours… it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity, as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us more powerfully and personally." - Frederick Buechner
There is a man who has played an extraordinary role in my life. He became one of my biggest fans, and greatest friends when I was about 8 years old. He taught me all kinds of things in life; how to throw a football was one among many. He took interest in my life, gave me a nickname, told me jokes... He knew exactly what it meant to be a friend and to have a friend - He taught me more about investing in people than I have ever fully realized, and it wasn't by a lengthy lecture, but rather the way that he lived his life. A few years later, He was used to teach me the power of prayer. He was diagnosed with throat cancer, and was given 6 months to live. I was 11 years old, and I knew that the bible says that "by His stripes, we are healed" so I thought I would take God at his word, and began to proclaim that over this man. He was fighting a battle for his life, and I knew that as his friend I was fighting it with him. I also knew that God was for me, and that nothing could stand against me. Eight years later He is still alive, and I've had the opportunity to see him come out of the valley of the shadow of death, and into the land of the living. I've seen him regain his strength, and learn how to eat real food again. God was reteaching him the way of life, but in a new light. I saw hope in his eyes, and heard joy in his laughter. A couple months ago he was diagnosed with pre-luekemia. Tonight he continues to battle for his life. My heart has been broken this week. I knew that I wouldn't be sitting across from him at dinner tonight, and it killed me. I have no doubt that he will be back at that table next year, but his story paints a picture of the millions of people who easily identify with me and with him.
This isn't easy, people. It's tough. It's testing, and heartbreaking and draining.
The truth is that God still sits on the throne. He is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be tomorrow. His Holy Spirit still dwells in us, and what satan intends for evil and defeat, God turns around for good. Sometimes it's really difficult to see the sun through the clouds; but it's always there. The truth is that you are not alone in your heartbreak or mourning or anger. It's okay that we feel those things, because it reminds us that we are human. We will deal with suffering and tragedy, but we get to walk in the land of the living, because Jesus already overcame the world. We are victorious. The truth is that tomorrow is a new beginning; a fresh start. It's a reminder that we are still alive, and we have a story to tell.
What did you learn from the individual that you're thinking about? Chances are they taught you that particular thing for a reason, and I believe that often times it's so that you will teach it to someone else. We have a role to play while we are here - We learn so that we can practice, and in return, teach.
You are still here for a purpose. Your story matters. Maybe it's time you tell it to somebody.
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