When sense-knowledge truth contradicts revelation truth--the truth of God's word--then I start walking in revelation truth. I walk by what God has said in His Word. That which is in the spiritual realm is made real in the natural realm through my faith in the Word of God. My faith grasps it and creates the reality of it in my life (Romans 4:17)
So when you pray, believe that you receive whatever it is that you are praying for, and you shall have it. That's beyond natural thinking. In fact, the natural mind can't grasp it. The majority of the leaders of our churches today are sense-knowledge people. Sense-knowledge has taken the church captive. We are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Believe the truth and not a lie.
-Kenneth Hagin's Bible Prayer Study Course, p.4
17 December 2008
09 December 2008
He, therefore, is the devout man who lives no longer to his own will, or the way and the spirit of the world, but, to the sole will of God; who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common life parts of piety, by doing everything in the name of God, and under such rules as are conformable to His glory. William Law
02 December 2008
Killing me softly and growing the Kingdom
When God prunes he removes the dead. He removes what is not producing fruit. God prunes us back so that we can grow (John 15) and produce even more fruit. It may hurt when it's coming out, but he's actually taking out what has been killing us. Then he heals us with his mercy and anointing and allows fruit to grow from these former patches of death. We feel the pain because it is a wound of the flesh and it hurts when God removes it. But, the more we allow him to remove, the more like him we become and the more we can effectively love and positively affect the people around us. When we abide in the Light the dark areas of our lives will be exposed. I think I read on a water bottle one time that it had been "exposed under bright light to maintain its integrity." The same is true for us. When we are exposed, the Lord can change us and build our character. He removes the darkness and replaces it with light.
This removing of darkness, of death, is not something that we can do on our own. It only comes through surrender to the Lord.
“It is not virtue that can save the world or anyone in it, but love. And love is not at our command. We cannot generate it from within ourselves” (Temple 251). When God removes this death from us, he fills that void with life. And when we remain attached to the Vine, his life-giving blood [love] can flow through us. The word love, or agapao is used several times in John 15. This word is used in relation to being pleased with a person or thing. It does not denote the secret and eternal love of the Father for the Son, but that love which, exposed in the life and work and death of the son, is directed towards men, and is laid as it were us (Hoskyns). Agape is the love between God and man. It is the way that God loves man through us.
“When we feel the life of Christ ebbing from our soul, when we see our leaf fading, when we feel sapless, heartless for Christian duty, reluctant to work for others, to take anything to do with the relief of miser and the repression of vice, there is a remedy for this state, and it is to renew our fellowship with Christ—to allow the mind once again to conceive clearly the worthiness of His aims, to yield the heart once again to the vitalizing influence of His love, to turn from the vanities and futilities with which men strive to make life seem important to the reality and substantial worth of life in Christ" (Dods).
Killing our flesh brings forth more life and more fruit and it bring more souls into the Kingdom through the perfecting love of our Father.
This removing of darkness, of death, is not something that we can do on our own. It only comes through surrender to the Lord.
“It is not virtue that can save the world or anyone in it, but love. And love is not at our command. We cannot generate it from within ourselves” (Temple 251). When God removes this death from us, he fills that void with life. And when we remain attached to the Vine, his life-giving blood [love] can flow through us. The word love, or agapao is used several times in John 15. This word is used in relation to being pleased with a person or thing. It does not denote the secret and eternal love of the Father for the Son, but that love which, exposed in the life and work and death of the son, is directed towards men, and is laid as it were us (Hoskyns). Agape is the love between God and man. It is the way that God loves man through us.
“When we feel the life of Christ ebbing from our soul, when we see our leaf fading, when we feel sapless, heartless for Christian duty, reluctant to work for others, to take anything to do with the relief of miser and the repression of vice, there is a remedy for this state, and it is to renew our fellowship with Christ—to allow the mind once again to conceive clearly the worthiness of His aims, to yield the heart once again to the vitalizing influence of His love, to turn from the vanities and futilities with which men strive to make life seem important to the reality and substantial worth of life in Christ" (Dods).
Killing our flesh brings forth more life and more fruit and it bring more souls into the Kingdom through the perfecting love of our Father.
21 November 2008
Thoughts on corporate worship: A Divine Confrontation by Graham Cooke
We pray for the manifest presence of God but do not consider the conditions God requires for Him to come. We must build Him a habitation. Does God feel at home with us? Do we really care?.....We can tell a lot about a church by the quality of its worship. Worship is the key to God's heart and therefore the key to real growth. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts for the Lord and one another. We lay down our lives for God and one another (see Jn. 4:16). AS the love of God and one another grows, we are brought together in Him, and there is a powerful release of the Spirit. Worship is the natural outcome of such a release.
Whenever a church continuously struggles in worship, it is usually because of a relational issue within the church. We need breakthrough worship that flows out of anointed hearts joined together by what every joint supplies. Even the ordinary stones must cry out to the glory of God. How much more should we, as living stones being built together in love, become a temple of praise.
Among churches today we have two kinds of worship: synagogue and temple. Synagogue worship occurs when people come to church to hear the word of God, receive ministry, and be entertained. It represents the doing aspect of body worship. Often, because the main reason for meeting is actually people-centered rather than God-focused, this worship is usually reduced or restricted when time is pressing.
In temple worship, people come to praise God, to pray, and to make an offering. Their sole concern is for God Himself. This is home-building worship and requires a high level of adoration do God an mutual cooperation amongst people to be effective and glorious.
God seeks people to worship Him in spirit an truth (see Jn. 4:23). Worship releases the presence of God into our midst. That is why it is the key to God's heart. In worship we are completely taken up with Him.
Do our worship leaders spend more time motivating people to worship than acclaiming Christ? What type of worship songs do we sing the most? A true worship song is completely Christ-centered. Its sole focus is the total adoration and glorification of Christ. Many current songs are worship prayers dealing with our need or desire to worship Jesus rather than actually doing it.
Worship, then, is a major indicator of the church moving into the new wineskin, a different paradigm. If we have to spend a high proportion of our allocated worship time motivating people to get to a place of adoration that they should have been in when they first entered the meeting, we are in trouble spiritually.
In the new wineskin, people will come ready to worship. The worship bands are Levites with an anointing to take us into the high places of God's manifest presence. From the moment the first not is struck we are at 35,000 feet and soaring in the Spirit. We are meant to be eagles, dining on snakes and riding the thermals of high praise. Anything else is for chickens! It is possible to tell which churches have a strong revelation of the Lordship and majesty of Jesus by the strength, passion, and stamina of their worship. Many churches have good worship, but it is not enough. We must train our people how to corporately minister to the Lord. Currently many of our worship times consist of individuals opting in or out of worship depending on how they feel, on their current capacity to rise above their circumstances, or whether or not they like the songs or the music. Our worship can be a triumph of style over substance rather than a profound focus on the Person
of Jesus by group consent.
Churches that are moving into a new place in God are seriously upgrading their worship anointing. They understand the house of God priority. They are teaching their people how to minister to the Lord through deliberate, corporate focus on the attention on Jesus.
Whenever a church continuously struggles in worship, it is usually because of a relational issue within the church. We need breakthrough worship that flows out of anointed hearts joined together by what every joint supplies. Even the ordinary stones must cry out to the glory of God. How much more should we, as living stones being built together in love, become a temple of praise.
Among churches today we have two kinds of worship: synagogue and temple. Synagogue worship occurs when people come to church to hear the word of God, receive ministry, and be entertained. It represents the doing aspect of body worship. Often, because the main reason for meeting is actually people-centered rather than God-focused, this worship is usually reduced or restricted when time is pressing.
In temple worship, people come to praise God, to pray, and to make an offering. Their sole concern is for God Himself. This is home-building worship and requires a high level of adoration do God an mutual cooperation amongst people to be effective and glorious.
God seeks people to worship Him in spirit an truth (see Jn. 4:23). Worship releases the presence of God into our midst. That is why it is the key to God's heart. In worship we are completely taken up with Him.
Do our worship leaders spend more time motivating people to worship than acclaiming Christ? What type of worship songs do we sing the most? A true worship song is completely Christ-centered. Its sole focus is the total adoration and glorification of Christ. Many current songs are worship prayers dealing with our need or desire to worship Jesus rather than actually doing it.
Worship, then, is a major indicator of the church moving into the new wineskin, a different paradigm. If we have to spend a high proportion of our allocated worship time motivating people to get to a place of adoration that they should have been in when they first entered the meeting, we are in trouble spiritually.
In the new wineskin, people will come ready to worship. The worship bands are Levites with an anointing to take us into the high places of God's manifest presence. From the moment the first not is struck we are at 35,000 feet and soaring in the Spirit. We are meant to be eagles, dining on snakes and riding the thermals of high praise. Anything else is for chickens! It is possible to tell which churches have a strong revelation of the Lordship and majesty of Jesus by the strength, passion, and stamina of their worship. Many churches have good worship, but it is not enough. We must train our people how to corporately minister to the Lord. Currently many of our worship times consist of individuals opting in or out of worship depending on how they feel, on their current capacity to rise above their circumstances, or whether or not they like the songs or the music. Our worship can be a triumph of style over substance rather than a profound focus on the Person
of Jesus by group consent.
Churches that are moving into a new place in God are seriously upgrading their worship anointing. They understand the house of God priority. They are teaching their people how to minister to the Lord through deliberate, corporate focus on the attention on Jesus.
07 November 2008
I found this note on facebook from a friend of a friend. i thought his points were excellent. as we go through this very different season he reminds us of what our true focus should be...
First President Elect of ColorShare
Wed 1:31pm
It’s an honor to experience history in motion—my generation was able to see the first President elect of Color. A few generations ago, African-Americans were not even allowed to vote. This is a joyous occasion, to see the walls of segregation and inequality fall even more.
However, I’m frustrated that this race, in many ways, became about race.
I’ve heard many conversations of people discussing everything but the issues and crises of this nation as determiners of their vote. This bothers me.
Last night, Sen. Barack Obama became the President elect for America, but I’m still having a hard time believing that it happened—it’s all quite surreal.
I’m frustrated and confused why the American people would elect a man with certain stances and discrepancies:
• He has never proven his U.S. Citizenship (in light of him protecting his illegal aunt, I feel this is a legitimate issue)
• His “spread the wealth” terminology is clearly Marxist
• Sen. Biden acknowledged that their election would invite an international attack within the first six months
• His connections with a Racist church intent on putting down the “white devils”
• His political ties and riotous strategies for past Kenya elections
• His threats to “bankrupt” America’s coal companies (This supplies 50% of America’s electricity. With higher taxes, gas, and electricity, Americans are going to have a hard time paying for anything and everything)
And many more issues.
I’m frustrated that my generation has seen the death of journalism. From Fox to ABC, every media corporation exudes a bias. After every presidential debate, one could predict that Fox would say Sen. McCain won and ABC said Sen. Obama won. Newspapers like the New York Times explicitly communicated support of Sen. Obama. This is ridiculous. Every vessel of communication has been tainted. Don’t believe me?
Do you realize that, under President Bush’s administration, weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. He could have exonerated himself, but knew that terrorist organizations would attempt to seize the materials, so he hid them and sent them to Canada. The AP published this article, but most of America hasn’t heard about this. Most of America hasn’t heard about the successes in the middle-east. Why? Because we’ve seen the death of journalism. Nobody wanted to vindicate P. Bush’s administration—it would cost too much.
Our nation is going to change. Is it the change we want?
As a Christian, though, I’m not worried. I’m frustrated, angry, upset, concerned and braced to respond to issues of ministers forced to conduct homosexual marriages, recession in abortion, communist momentum, international weakness and poor economics, but I’m not worried.
As Christians, I think we sometimes depend too much on earthly government for righteous change. The world will only change for the better under one condition: hearts are changed.
For some reason, we’ve bought into the notion that laws will change a person, but that’s not true. Yes, as a nation we have invited death and immorality and we will be judged for this. But, in order to reverse this, it will not happen through the law—it will happen through changed hearts. Laws on molestation, crime and murder have increased, though we haven’t seen too much of a change. Why? Because hearts haven’t been changed.
It’s hard to expect someone raised in a post-Christian, neo-barbarian, nation to live up to imposed Christian ideals without having the heart behind it. Most of this generation can’t name half of the ten commandments, yet we expect them to live by it. In Acts 17, the apostles were accused of “turning the world upside down.” Not because they endorsed new legislation, but because they translated citizens from earthly kingdoms to the Heavenly Kingdom. The laws of abortion become irrelevant when a nation is discipled (as Mt. 28:19 commands us to do) with a conviction for life. The laws of murder become irrelevant when a nation is discipled with a conviction for life.
I feel like I’m rambling, but I’m confident that if we spend more time advancing THE KINGDOM, the kingdoms of this earth will develop as a by-product. This gives me hope. I see God running after souls and calling a generation to higher standard of holiness, activism and purpose. When people like you actually start leading others to Christ and training them to make disciples of all nations, we will see the change in America that we’re looking for.
God wants hearts, not civil obedience. Christianity is the great civilizer and moralizer of the Earth. As we do our part in the great commission, we will see our nation changed. Though I don’t see many Christians playing their part in the great commission, I do see some and I have hope that the LORD can use a minority to change the nation and the nations. God bless America.
-Pradeepan
First President Elect of ColorShare
Wed 1:31pm
It’s an honor to experience history in motion—my generation was able to see the first President elect of Color. A few generations ago, African-Americans were not even allowed to vote. This is a joyous occasion, to see the walls of segregation and inequality fall even more.
However, I’m frustrated that this race, in many ways, became about race.
I’ve heard many conversations of people discussing everything but the issues and crises of this nation as determiners of their vote. This bothers me.
Last night, Sen. Barack Obama became the President elect for America, but I’m still having a hard time believing that it happened—it’s all quite surreal.
I’m frustrated and confused why the American people would elect a man with certain stances and discrepancies:
• He has never proven his U.S. Citizenship (in light of him protecting his illegal aunt, I feel this is a legitimate issue)
• His “spread the wealth” terminology is clearly Marxist
• Sen. Biden acknowledged that their election would invite an international attack within the first six months
• His connections with a Racist church intent on putting down the “white devils”
• His political ties and riotous strategies for past Kenya elections
• His threats to “bankrupt” America’s coal companies (This supplies 50% of America’s electricity. With higher taxes, gas, and electricity, Americans are going to have a hard time paying for anything and everything)
And many more issues.
I’m frustrated that my generation has seen the death of journalism. From Fox to ABC, every media corporation exudes a bias. After every presidential debate, one could predict that Fox would say Sen. McCain won and ABC said Sen. Obama won. Newspapers like the New York Times explicitly communicated support of Sen. Obama. This is ridiculous. Every vessel of communication has been tainted. Don’t believe me?
Do you realize that, under President Bush’s administration, weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. He could have exonerated himself, but knew that terrorist organizations would attempt to seize the materials, so he hid them and sent them to Canada. The AP published this article, but most of America hasn’t heard about this. Most of America hasn’t heard about the successes in the middle-east. Why? Because we’ve seen the death of journalism. Nobody wanted to vindicate P. Bush’s administration—it would cost too much.
Our nation is going to change. Is it the change we want?
As a Christian, though, I’m not worried. I’m frustrated, angry, upset, concerned and braced to respond to issues of ministers forced to conduct homosexual marriages, recession in abortion, communist momentum, international weakness and poor economics, but I’m not worried.
As Christians, I think we sometimes depend too much on earthly government for righteous change. The world will only change for the better under one condition: hearts are changed.
For some reason, we’ve bought into the notion that laws will change a person, but that’s not true. Yes, as a nation we have invited death and immorality and we will be judged for this. But, in order to reverse this, it will not happen through the law—it will happen through changed hearts. Laws on molestation, crime and murder have increased, though we haven’t seen too much of a change. Why? Because hearts haven’t been changed.
It’s hard to expect someone raised in a post-Christian, neo-barbarian, nation to live up to imposed Christian ideals without having the heart behind it. Most of this generation can’t name half of the ten commandments, yet we expect them to live by it. In Acts 17, the apostles were accused of “turning the world upside down.” Not because they endorsed new legislation, but because they translated citizens from earthly kingdoms to the Heavenly Kingdom. The laws of abortion become irrelevant when a nation is discipled (as Mt. 28:19 commands us to do) with a conviction for life. The laws of murder become irrelevant when a nation is discipled with a conviction for life.
I feel like I’m rambling, but I’m confident that if we spend more time advancing THE KINGDOM, the kingdoms of this earth will develop as a by-product. This gives me hope. I see God running after souls and calling a generation to higher standard of holiness, activism and purpose. When people like you actually start leading others to Christ and training them to make disciples of all nations, we will see the change in America that we’re looking for.
God wants hearts, not civil obedience. Christianity is the great civilizer and moralizer of the Earth. As we do our part in the great commission, we will see our nation changed. Though I don’t see many Christians playing their part in the great commission, I do see some and I have hope that the LORD can use a minority to change the nation and the nations. God bless America.
-Pradeepan
19 October 2008
13 October 2008
05 October 2008
Hope
This was a hope-filled weekend. Yes, "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best" has been re-instilled.
04 October 2008
22 September 2008
things that make me happy
I decided to start keeping a list of things that make me happy. It's really quite therapeutic. There are so many things in life that I take for granted and do not savor an enjoy enough. So, this is the start of a deeper appreciation....
naps singing cheering writing music when the unexpected is better than the expected sangrias weekends away laughing hotel rooms full of friends being in the sun fresh air smell of clean laundry twinkle lights getting my hair colored being with someone I haven't seen in awhile sharpie colored markers fountains taking a great picture texture
big hugs from little kids flowers dead, alive, outside, inside finding new favorite music dancing ribbons painting
short road trips unveiling beauty in others feather boas clean feeling from the dentist gaudy jewelry packing pearls
long road trips being around books power hour cleaning weeping willows deep conversations coffee shops staying up late flying fabulous shoes fireplaces smoky campfire smell drinking tea talking in fake accents breathing in cold winter air making someone smile random trips eye make-up puppets on popsicle sticks vintage luggage new dresses castles good music New York beach standing in the ocean shooting stars country roads at night inside jokes party planning making plans teaching someone something they've never known playing in the rain jumping in puddles sleeping bags high-fives peppermint ice cream with brownies family creating something outside of myself getting a great idea smelling good the color green day dreaming learning something new when my friends can read my mind the word keytair discovery
naps singing cheering writing music when the unexpected is better than the expected sangrias weekends away laughing hotel rooms full of friends being in the sun fresh air smell of clean laundry twinkle lights getting my hair colored being with someone I haven't seen in awhile sharpie colored markers fountains taking a great picture texture
big hugs from little kids flowers dead, alive, outside, inside finding new favorite music dancing ribbons painting
short road trips unveiling beauty in others feather boas clean feeling from the dentist gaudy jewelry packing pearls
long road trips being around books power hour cleaning weeping willows deep conversations coffee shops staying up late flying fabulous shoes fireplaces smoky campfire smell drinking tea talking in fake accents breathing in cold winter air making someone smile random trips eye make-up puppets on popsicle sticks vintage luggage new dresses castles good music New York beach standing in the ocean shooting stars country roads at night inside jokes party planning making plans teaching someone something they've never known playing in the rain jumping in puddles sleeping bags high-fives peppermint ice cream with brownies family creating something outside of myself getting a great idea smelling good the color green day dreaming learning something new when my friends can read my mind the word keytair discovery
16 September 2008
10 September 2008
02 September 2008
Consistency (What I need)
1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity
2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.: There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility
4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness. dictionary.com
2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.: There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility
4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness. dictionary.com
20 August 2008
God Sustains His Servant
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
4 How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;
My ears You have opened;
Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
7 Then I said, "Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your Law is within my heart."
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation;
Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O LORD, You know.
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
And my heart has failed me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
Make haste, O LORD, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together
Who seek my life to destroy it;
Let those be turned back and dishonored
Who delight in my hurt.
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
Who say to me, "Aha, aha!"
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"The LORD be magnified!"
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40.
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
4 How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;
My ears You have opened;
Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
7 Then I said, "Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your Law is within my heart."
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation;
Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O LORD, You know.
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
And my heart has failed me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
Make haste, O LORD, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together
Who seek my life to destroy it;
Let those be turned back and dishonored
Who delight in my hurt.
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
Who say to me, "Aha, aha!"
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"The LORD be magnified!"
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40.
18 August 2008
09 August 2008
Develop Your Potential
Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines potential as "existing in possibility, not in act." Potential cannot manifest without form. Like concrete it must have something to be poured into, something to give it shape and make it useful. To develop potential properly you must have a plan and pray over that plan, you must have a purpose, and you must be doing something. Many people are unhappy because they aren't doing anything to develop their potential. In fact, many of them never develop their potential because they don't do anything except complain that they're not doing anything! If you want to see your potential developed to its fullness, don't wait until everything is perfect. Do something now. Start laying your hand to whatever is in front of you. You cannot start at the finish line. You must start at the beginning like everybody else.
Joyce Meyer's Ending Your Day Right
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines potential as "existing in possibility, not in act." Potential cannot manifest without form. Like concrete it must have something to be poured into, something to give it shape and make it useful. To develop potential properly you must have a plan and pray over that plan, you must have a purpose, and you must be doing something. Many people are unhappy because they aren't doing anything to develop their potential. In fact, many of them never develop their potential because they don't do anything except complain that they're not doing anything! If you want to see your potential developed to its fullness, don't wait until everything is perfect. Do something now. Start laying your hand to whatever is in front of you. You cannot start at the finish line. You must start at the beginning like everybody else.
Joyce Meyer's Ending Your Day Right
09 July 2008
Atmospheric Worship
What constitutes an atmosphere of worship? We have the tendency to lean towards music and "setting the mood" in our services. Typically the responsibility lays on the members of the band; if the band isn't with it, the people can't move in the Spirit. I accept responsibility for the band members, especially leaders being right with God, but whether or not people encounter God is really up to the individual. Even beyond music within the four walls, worship is anything and everything we do unto God throughout the day.
I heard a popular song today while working out--If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. Now, this whole song is talking about being the body of Christ (although its main focus is in a "church" atmosphere) and questioning the fact that if we really are the body, why do we not see fruit? As the song was playing, I was watching this man who was riding a bike. He first started whistling to the song and then raised his hands to it. Whoa buddy. Whistling, humming along, no big deal, right? But, to sit (on a bike, mind you) and raise your hands up to God in the middle of a workout facility---that's unashamed worship. The first thought that crossed my mind was. "Huh. I don't think I'd even really lift my hands to this song, regardless of the setting." I was intrigued and it made me think: Do I say that worship is anything we do in response to God's goodness and then turn around and judge another for the way (or where, ouch!) he worships? If I am part of the body then Christ is living in and through me wherever I am; and my natural response is always worship.
An atmosphere can be created but it cannot be contained. We choose each day to live in an atmosphere of self or God worship. We die to ourselves or we are as good as dead to God.
I heard a popular song today while working out--If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. Now, this whole song is talking about being the body of Christ (although its main focus is in a "church" atmosphere) and questioning the fact that if we really are the body, why do we not see fruit? As the song was playing, I was watching this man who was riding a bike. He first started whistling to the song and then raised his hands to it. Whoa buddy. Whistling, humming along, no big deal, right? But, to sit (on a bike, mind you) and raise your hands up to God in the middle of a workout facility---that's unashamed worship. The first thought that crossed my mind was. "Huh. I don't think I'd even really lift my hands to this song, regardless of the setting." I was intrigued and it made me think: Do I say that worship is anything we do in response to God's goodness and then turn around and judge another for the way (or where, ouch!) he worships? If I am part of the body then Christ is living in and through me wherever I am; and my natural response is always worship.
An atmosphere can be created but it cannot be contained. We choose each day to live in an atmosphere of self or God worship. We die to ourselves or we are as good as dead to God.
09 June 2008
Have you left your mark?
Tonight when I got home from work, I had a strange hankering for Chinese. This was surprising because I rarely crave this ethnic food group. When I walked into the place, the man working immediately stopped what he was doing to help me. No hesitation. Then he told me it would be a few minutes until it was ready after I ordered. They were making my food completely fresh (which at a buffet is rare). Then right before the lady handed me my fresh food, he handed me a Pepsi and smiled, "For you." I was taken aback. I really don't like Pepsi at all, I'm not gonna lie, but I felt so honored by this kind gesture. I really hadn't waited a long time for the food--maybe 5 minutes; he just wanted to bless me. He did, indeed!
I work every day in customer service and feel sometimes like it is a losing battle because other persons just do not care enough to make a difference in someone's life. Heck, I'm guilty, too! There are times when I worry more about finishing what I'm doing instead of immediately assisting the next member who walks in the door. This man at the restaurant had showed me service. I continued to think about it as a munched on my Chinese delicacies and I happened to read the can of Pepsi: Have you left your mark? Wow. Every day I have the opportunity to leave a mark in someone's life like this man had in mine. The smallest thing can have a huge impact. As a great leader once said, "You can either leave a mark, or you can leave a stain. You decide." Leaving a legacy is about more than saying something great or producing fabulous results. It is about serving others. It is about truly making a mark in someone else's life because you were willing to give up a little of yours.
I work every day in customer service and feel sometimes like it is a losing battle because other persons just do not care enough to make a difference in someone's life. Heck, I'm guilty, too! There are times when I worry more about finishing what I'm doing instead of immediately assisting the next member who walks in the door. This man at the restaurant had showed me service. I continued to think about it as a munched on my Chinese delicacies and I happened to read the can of Pepsi: Have you left your mark? Wow. Every day I have the opportunity to leave a mark in someone's life like this man had in mine. The smallest thing can have a huge impact. As a great leader once said, "You can either leave a mark, or you can leave a stain. You decide." Leaving a legacy is about more than saying something great or producing fabulous results. It is about serving others. It is about truly making a mark in someone else's life because you were willing to give up a little of yours.
03 June 2008
Be the Center
Jesus be the center
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
29 May 2008
20 May 2008
19 May 2008
I had a feeling the other day
that I had been defeated
walking through
this grayish haze.
But, I know that this suffering
is nothing compared
to future glory.
So, I place my trust in you.
I was walking in a dark place,
controlled by sin's strong snare
caught up so unaware
of the law of grace awaiting me
But, I know that the Spirit
now lives in me
and I belong to Christ
So, I place my trust in him.
You and I, we are in Christ
and nothing can separate us.
Not death, nor life, angels nor demons
present nor future
no power,
no height,
No depth.
We are held captive by his love
and set free by his grace.
that I had been defeated
walking through
this grayish haze.
But, I know that this suffering
is nothing compared
to future glory.
So, I place my trust in you.
I was walking in a dark place,
controlled by sin's strong snare
caught up so unaware
of the law of grace awaiting me
But, I know that the Spirit
now lives in me
and I belong to Christ
So, I place my trust in him.
You and I, we are in Christ
and nothing can separate us.
Not death, nor life, angels nor demons
present nor future
no power,
no height,
No depth.
We are held captive by his love
and set free by his grace.
18 May 2008
My Desire-Lyrics
You want to be real, you want to be empty inside
You want to be someone laying down your pride
You want to be someone someday
Then lay it all down before the King
You want to be whole, you want to have purpose inside
You want to have virtue and purify your mind
You want to be set free today
Then lay it all down before the King
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire to be used by You
You want to be real, you want to be emptied inside
And I know my heart is to feel You near
And I know my life
It's to do Your will
It's to do Your will
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire, to be used by You
Oo yea
This is my desire, this is my desire
To be used by You
All my life I have seen
Where You've taken me
Beyond all I have hoped
And there's more left unseen
There's not much I can do to repay all You've done
So I give my hands to use
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire, to be used by You
Oo yea
This is my desire, this is my desire
To be used by You
You want to be someone laying down your pride
You want to be someone someday
Then lay it all down before the King
You want to be whole, you want to have purpose inside
You want to have virtue and purify your mind
You want to be set free today
Then lay it all down before the King
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire to be used by You
You want to be real, you want to be emptied inside
And I know my heart is to feel You near
And I know my life
It's to do Your will
It's to do Your will
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire, to be used by You
Oo yea
This is my desire, this is my desire
To be used by You
All my life I have seen
Where You've taken me
Beyond all I have hoped
And there's more left unseen
There's not much I can do to repay all You've done
So I give my hands to use
This is my desire, this is my return
This is my desire, to be used by You
Oo yea
This is my desire, this is my desire
To be used by You
15 May 2008
A possibility...(1 Peter 3:7)
Is it merely physical? Or, could it be one who is actually assuming her God-given role--accepts a position of potential vulnerability? Weak-er implies the comparison to someone else who also is weak. We are co-heirs, partners. We are equal. And all of this...so that our prayers may not be hindered...
07 May 2008
05 May 2008
a Glory unveiled
but whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away
2 Corinthians 3:16
There was a glory known that faded. It was covered by a veil and it eventually disappeared. But, when I turn to the Lord, and all of his goodness passes in front of me and he declares his name is the Lord, showing mercy and compassion (for I couldn't endure it without!)...the veil is taken away. Now, I have seen the glory and it cannot be hidden. The radiance breaks forth to show that I have been in a holy place. And others notice. But, all they see is the glory; my face is hidden behind the magnitude of it.
It is a forever unfading glory.
2 Corinthians 3:16
There was a glory known that faded. It was covered by a veil and it eventually disappeared. But, when I turn to the Lord, and all of his goodness passes in front of me and he declares his name is the Lord, showing mercy and compassion (for I couldn't endure it without!)...the veil is taken away. Now, I have seen the glory and it cannot be hidden. The radiance breaks forth to show that I have been in a holy place. And others notice. But, all they see is the glory; my face is hidden behind the magnitude of it.
It is a forever unfading glory.
13 April 2008
The Christian Corporate Ladder
I have found that we have a tendency to look at our lives as Christians through the lens of the corporate world. How can I get closer to the Big Man. How can I climb this ladder to get what I want? Who am I passing on my way up? Ack! No--this should not be!
Life is about seeking God. It's really as if we pursue him horizontally rather than vertically. When we focus on him face to face our attempt becomes to gaze into his heart instead of trying to elevate ourselves above others to be close to him. Because of the choices we make in how we choose to pursue him and at what extent, some will seem "closer" to him; but, this doesn't make them "better Christians". It means when our focus is on him; it is not about who is around us and what they decide to do. My relationship with God is my relationship with God--no one else's.
God's love is for everyone in equal measure and there is no way to climb our way closer or earn more of it.
Life is about seeking God. It's really as if we pursue him horizontally rather than vertically. When we focus on him face to face our attempt becomes to gaze into his heart instead of trying to elevate ourselves above others to be close to him. Because of the choices we make in how we choose to pursue him and at what extent, some will seem "closer" to him; but, this doesn't make them "better Christians". It means when our focus is on him; it is not about who is around us and what they decide to do. My relationship with God is my relationship with God--no one else's.
God's love is for everyone in equal measure and there is no way to climb our way closer or earn more of it.
07 April 2008
My heart was hot, twisted up and scarred
by the hand of my enemy
Until the coolness of your grace poured out over me
releasing those chain-linked vines of destruction
Untwisting, settling, bringing to peace this heart of mine
Now it is held in your hand instead
safe and healed by the love in your scars
Keep it safe there, Lord, where I have no need of worry
You will defend from every angle
Beating again no longer bleeding...again
Pumping full life
Beating
BEATING
My heart is yours forevermore
by the hand of my enemy
Until the coolness of your grace poured out over me
releasing those chain-linked vines of destruction
Untwisting, settling, bringing to peace this heart of mine
Now it is held in your hand instead
safe and healed by the love in your scars
Keep it safe there, Lord, where I have no need of worry
You will defend from every angle
Beating again no longer bleeding...again
Pumping full life
Beating
BEATING
My heart is yours forevermore
06 April 2008
20 March 2008
Forever
The nails in your hands
The nail in your feet
They tell me how much you love me
The thorns on your brow
They show me how
You bore so much shame to love me
And when the heavens pass away
All your scars will still remain
And forever they will say
How much you love me
And I want to say
Forever my love
Forever my heart
Forever my life, it's yours
It's yours
08 February 2008
Hope in the Storm
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
The past couple of months have just seemed like a blah time for me. I just felt so unhappy without reason. I could look at all of the good things happening in my life, but I didn't feel excited about any of them; I just felt like I had started drowning in this deep sorrow that I didn't understand. This past weekend was the one of the worst times. My emotions were on a roller coaster and I didn't understand what was going on. And then Sunday night I just gave up. (I am so grateful that God never gives up on me and that he has also blessed me with friends who won't either.) I talked things over with a friend and started to feel hopeful. Then this week has just steadily improved. But, if someone asked I couldn't put my finger on what had happened to make it change--and to be honest, I was a little worried at first and didn't want to enjoy this new sense of peace because I was afraid it wouldn't last. But, it has. And it has only increased since then.
There were two nights this week when it was storming all night--thunder, lightning, the works--and I felt such peace in listening to it. Then tonight I read Psalm 18. As I was feeling like the waters were closing in on me, the Lord stormed down from heaven and rescued me. This is an incredible affirmation of his love for me. And now I know why this week has improved--why my general outlook on life has improved--he has saved me!! He delights in me. He doesn't want to see me drown and so he has defeated my foe and given me peace and hope in place of fear and depression.
Hallelujah
From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies, great bolts of lightning and routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke,
O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
The past couple of months have just seemed like a blah time for me. I just felt so unhappy without reason. I could look at all of the good things happening in my life, but I didn't feel excited about any of them; I just felt like I had started drowning in this deep sorrow that I didn't understand. This past weekend was the one of the worst times. My emotions were on a roller coaster and I didn't understand what was going on. And then Sunday night I just gave up. (I am so grateful that God never gives up on me and that he has also blessed me with friends who won't either.) I talked things over with a friend and started to feel hopeful. Then this week has just steadily improved. But, if someone asked I couldn't put my finger on what had happened to make it change--and to be honest, I was a little worried at first and didn't want to enjoy this new sense of peace because I was afraid it wouldn't last. But, it has. And it has only increased since then.
There were two nights this week when it was storming all night--thunder, lightning, the works--and I felt such peace in listening to it. Then tonight I read Psalm 18. As I was feeling like the waters were closing in on me, the Lord stormed down from heaven and rescued me. This is an incredible affirmation of his love for me. And now I know why this week has improved--why my general outlook on life has improved--he has saved me!! He delights in me. He doesn't want to see me drown and so he has defeated my foe and given me peace and hope in place of fear and depression.
Hallelujah
13 January 2008
a promise
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
01 January 2008
Iron in the fire
When an iron rod is in a fire it inevitably becomes like that fire; it becomes red hot. When we are in Christ we become like him, inevitably. And just as an iron cannot be made hot on its own outside of the fire, so we cannot become like Christ outside of him. Therefore, we become like what we're in. May it be Christ.
I cannot do my way into God's will. I need to be in Christ.
Holiness is unaware of itself.
-paraphrased words and thoughts inspired by Ed Wenger
I cannot do my way into God's will. I need to be in Christ.
Holiness is unaware of itself.
-paraphrased words and thoughts inspired by Ed Wenger
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