Showing posts with label redemption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label redemption. Show all posts
Friday, October 18, 2013
A little Encouragement: You don't have to be perfect!
I have been listening to Bill Johnson's current serious around the wisdom of Solomon. The first part of this story that is amazing to me and I had never picked up on is that the entire conversation with God and impartation of Solomon's wisdom occurred in a dream! I got to start praying for more intimate dreams! But the second thing that really stuck out to me this morning as I am coming off of one of the hardest days I have ever had in spiritual warfare is in 1 Kings 3:14. It says, "If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days." (emphasis added) There's some encouragement for you day! The standard that God uses as he imparts this amazing gift on Solomon is a man who had an affair and then arranged for his mistress' husband to be killed in battle! But even with those actions that I think the legalistic side of any Christian would characterize as one of the "biggies", God still tells Solomon if he walks like David, God will see that as a worthy walk! That has given me freedom today! I don't always have the best intentions and most certainly not the best thoughts. The enemy would have me believe that I can't be used of God after I fail in thought or action, but the Truth is as long as I repent of that and continue to seek God and do what He is asking, there is redemption, restoration and He will still. use. me! That encouraged me today....I hope it does you as well! It's FRIDAY! That should encourage you too! Be blessed today!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
No Greater Joy as Mom
We have a very exciting day today! I woke up with great anticipation. As a mother, I know that today is the most important day in the life of one of my children, and pretty significant in the lives of two others - as what we do today in those two will lead to what is happening in the other!
Today, my sweet Ava Claire will be baptized as a symbol that she has given her life to God! Her story is not like the other children, where we have a specific date she gave her life to the Lord. And once again, God reminds me it's not about me and my neat little story for the scrapbook, but He is writing my children's future. Which is such a great thing for many reasons, one of which, who knows when that scrapbook page will ever be made anyway!
I had started praying for Toben and Ava both to recognize their need for a savior. We have had very direct conversations and Bible study times to introduce Jesus as their savior, but neither one of them really grasped and could articulate the need or desire for Jesus to take their sins and rule their lives. Their salvation is one of the things I am believing God for in 2013.
About five or six weeks ago, I sat down with Ava to do her Bible study. We still struggle with finding a time to do Bible study with all the kids. It is very sporadic and inconsistent, but we are still working toward that goal! Maybe by the time Journey leaves home, we will have figured out a system. Just another part of the story that reminds me God is pursuing our children even when we aren't perfect parents! Praise God! Ava and I read Romans together where the scriptures point to a need for a savior to save us from our sins. I start to ask some questions to see if Ava has any clearer understanding, and she says, "Mom, don't worry! I already asked God to come into my heart." "When?!" I ask. "In Sunday school, we were singing songs, and I just felt close to God and asked Him if He would come into my heart and He did!" So I ask, "Did you tell anyone? When did this happen?" To which she very nonchalantly replies, "I don't know, a couple of weeks ago. And no, I didn't tell anyone, just talked to God about it!" So I do what any normal mother does, I grabbed her up and cried and told her how proud and excited I was for her! I asked her if she knew what the next step was, and she said, "Sure, I need to be baptized!"
Seriously, this girl has a crazy exciting desire for God's word! I know that over the past few months, God has been wooing her to Himself as I often find her in her room or in a quite spot in the house reading her Bible. She may not understand every Word, but the enemy does, and he flees when God's Word is read. And her spirit understands, and most importantly, the angels of heaven understand and are immediately sent to fulfill God's Word for Ava as she reads it out loud believing God means what He says and says what He means....truly a childlike faith!
"I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in the truth." 3 John 1:4 Truly walking that scripture out this morning as I am full of joy unspeakable as I prepare for church this morning knowing that one of these precious lives entrusted to me will demonstrate her desire to serve God all of her life. I used to think, that meant I had pretty well completed my spiritual job as a parent! However, now I know the truth is that, now I have the fertile soil to begin planting the seeds that will take root and grow into the foundation and beyond that she will need to live the life God has called her to live! Now we begin pouring into her to make sure she is equipped!
But I love her story because it is such a great reminder that we don't have to be perfect parents! I am not discounting the need for direct Bible study with our children, but it is reassuring to know that God pursues our children even when we are not perfect parents. He led Ava to Himself which is what the Bible says He does. We introduced her to Him through Bible studies, taking her to church and living a life that follows Christ ourselves - talking out some of the decisions we make with our kids pointing to God's direction as the reason. But ultimately, there were no fancy words or amazing prayer on my part...just a simple time with God in worship that brought Ava to the reality of her sin and the amazing answer in Jesus! I also love her story because it should encourage each of you who serve thankless hours in children's ministry! You never know what Sunday "Ava" will accept Jesus as their savior and not even tell anyone....you will know when you receive your reward in heaven! So THANK YOU, Ms. Lyndsey, Mr. Logan, Ms. Tonya, Ms. Jessica, Ms. Gigi, Ms. Linda, Ms. Megan and the others who serve in our children's ministry! Thank you for providing an environment that ushers in the Holy Spirit and allows Him to convict, speak to, and redeem children!
Along with that celebration today, we also are honored to stand before our church family and commit to raise Madison and Journey in a Godly home, pointing them continually to Him and equipping them for the life God has for them. We have taken so long because we dedicated Paizley the baby dedication right after Journey was born, and she didn't want to share it with Journey. The next baby dedication they had at our church at that time was the weekend Peighton was born. So we could not attend church that Sunday. So this is the first time since Journey was born and Madison was adopted that we could have the honor of dedicating them to God and promising to raise them in His ways.
To all who have spoken into my children over the years, thank you! We are so honored with family and so many friends and spiritual family who love the Lord and our children! The impact you have on our children does not escape us. And we truly are thankful for you!
Off to get ready....I have an amazing day ahead of me!
Today, my sweet Ava Claire will be baptized as a symbol that she has given her life to God! Her story is not like the other children, where we have a specific date she gave her life to the Lord. And once again, God reminds me it's not about me and my neat little story for the scrapbook, but He is writing my children's future. Which is such a great thing for many reasons, one of which, who knows when that scrapbook page will ever be made anyway!
I had started praying for Toben and Ava both to recognize their need for a savior. We have had very direct conversations and Bible study times to introduce Jesus as their savior, but neither one of them really grasped and could articulate the need or desire for Jesus to take their sins and rule their lives. Their salvation is one of the things I am believing God for in 2013.
About five or six weeks ago, I sat down with Ava to do her Bible study. We still struggle with finding a time to do Bible study with all the kids. It is very sporadic and inconsistent, but we are still working toward that goal! Maybe by the time Journey leaves home, we will have figured out a system. Just another part of the story that reminds me God is pursuing our children even when we aren't perfect parents! Praise God! Ava and I read Romans together where the scriptures point to a need for a savior to save us from our sins. I start to ask some questions to see if Ava has any clearer understanding, and she says, "Mom, don't worry! I already asked God to come into my heart." "When?!" I ask. "In Sunday school, we were singing songs, and I just felt close to God and asked Him if He would come into my heart and He did!" So I ask, "Did you tell anyone? When did this happen?" To which she very nonchalantly replies, "I don't know, a couple of weeks ago. And no, I didn't tell anyone, just talked to God about it!" So I do what any normal mother does, I grabbed her up and cried and told her how proud and excited I was for her! I asked her if she knew what the next step was, and she said, "Sure, I need to be baptized!"
Seriously, this girl has a crazy exciting desire for God's word! I know that over the past few months, God has been wooing her to Himself as I often find her in her room or in a quite spot in the house reading her Bible. She may not understand every Word, but the enemy does, and he flees when God's Word is read. And her spirit understands, and most importantly, the angels of heaven understand and are immediately sent to fulfill God's Word for Ava as she reads it out loud believing God means what He says and says what He means....truly a childlike faith!
"I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in the truth." 3 John 1:4 Truly walking that scripture out this morning as I am full of joy unspeakable as I prepare for church this morning knowing that one of these precious lives entrusted to me will demonstrate her desire to serve God all of her life. I used to think, that meant I had pretty well completed my spiritual job as a parent! However, now I know the truth is that, now I have the fertile soil to begin planting the seeds that will take root and grow into the foundation and beyond that she will need to live the life God has called her to live! Now we begin pouring into her to make sure she is equipped!
But I love her story because it is such a great reminder that we don't have to be perfect parents! I am not discounting the need for direct Bible study with our children, but it is reassuring to know that God pursues our children even when we are not perfect parents. He led Ava to Himself which is what the Bible says He does. We introduced her to Him through Bible studies, taking her to church and living a life that follows Christ ourselves - talking out some of the decisions we make with our kids pointing to God's direction as the reason. But ultimately, there were no fancy words or amazing prayer on my part...just a simple time with God in worship that brought Ava to the reality of her sin and the amazing answer in Jesus! I also love her story because it should encourage each of you who serve thankless hours in children's ministry! You never know what Sunday "Ava" will accept Jesus as their savior and not even tell anyone....you will know when you receive your reward in heaven! So THANK YOU, Ms. Lyndsey, Mr. Logan, Ms. Tonya, Ms. Jessica, Ms. Gigi, Ms. Linda, Ms. Megan and the others who serve in our children's ministry! Thank you for providing an environment that ushers in the Holy Spirit and allows Him to convict, speak to, and redeem children!
Along with that celebration today, we also are honored to stand before our church family and commit to raise Madison and Journey in a Godly home, pointing them continually to Him and equipping them for the life God has for them. We have taken so long because we dedicated Paizley the baby dedication right after Journey was born, and she didn't want to share it with Journey. The next baby dedication they had at our church at that time was the weekend Peighton was born. So we could not attend church that Sunday. So this is the first time since Journey was born and Madison was adopted that we could have the honor of dedicating them to God and promising to raise them in His ways.
To all who have spoken into my children over the years, thank you! We are so honored with family and so many friends and spiritual family who love the Lord and our children! The impact you have on our children does not escape us. And we truly are thankful for you!
Off to get ready....I have an amazing day ahead of me!
Monday, October 11, 2010
This Far
There seems to be a theme in my life, well I guess it should always be a them, so maybe a better thing to say is that God seems to be trying to teach me a truth about life in Him! I have said before that I know if I can do life on my own, I will. I hate that about my flesh, but I have seen me do it too many times to not recognize it.
People have asked so many times (and I have blogged about it previously) how I do what I do. It is ONLY through the power of Christ and the DAILY leaning on Him that I can parent six children, be wife to John and attempt to run a ministry. Anytime I get to a place that I feel like, "I can do this!", God says, "I know YOU can, so let's take another step of faith. I need you to TRUST ME, not do anything in your own strength!" John and I are at one of those places right now. I am not ready to make public the decision we are wrestling with, but let me just say that to me, it looks impossible! I have no idea how we would ever accomplish it without scarificing too much! I am usually the one initiating the crazy ideas and telling everyone, "WE CAN DO THIS!" This time, I am the one digging my heels in and saying, "No way!" I even uttered the words to John, "Even if God says we are to do ______, I think I will have to tell Him no." Dangerous place to be! Not one of my prouder moments! But I am scared! But God does not give us a Spirit of fear! So fear is not from Him. So when fear rears its head, I have to take it captive and make it obedient to God's word!
So what's the theme? It's what I am studying in my current Bible Study, Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed. It is that God wants me to go so far that I have to say, I am only here because of God! I could never have gotten "here" without Him. And more importantly, other people will see the situation and say the same thing!
I go to church yesterday pretty well resolved that I am telling God, No! on this one. In case you have never tried to tell God No!, let me just tell you, He doesn't take NO! for an answer! During worship we sung one of my favorite songs, I don't know the title, but it starts out Jesus, the Most Beautiful Names of All Names...and then it goes to "Be Exalted". I am raising my hands and singing with my whole heart, "Be Exalted!" and the Holy Spirit says, "Do you mean it?!" Of course I do! I have no greater desire than to see God be exalted in my life and the life of my family! That is truly my motivation for why I do what I do! And immediately, the Spirit rebuked me and reminded me of my answer the night before. So I sat down and got out a piece of paper and wrote down, "God cannot be exalted unless we say yes to the things He asks us to do that takes us beyond ourselves. Anything I can do in my own strength is not exalting God but possibly myself." Then I wrote out how that applied directly to the situation that John and I have been praying about.
Well, little did I know that this was just the beginning! I knew the title of the sermon, but it went in a direction that I had not seen from the title! It was on redemption....but it was on how we, the Body of Christ are in the redemption business because God is in the redemption business. Pastor Daniel brought one of the best, and possibly THE best message I have heard as it applies to the Body of Christ and our responsibilities as such. One of the points was that redemption is costly. It cost God His Son! So why am I not willing to pay whatever price I need to redeem the situations or people around me? That is, after all, how the world will see Jesus in the Body!
John was out of town, so I was there with all the kids. I didn't have any responsibilities second service, so I found a place to sit and wrote out some thoughts on what we have been praying about. I said, YES! I am still battling fear. I have NO IDEA how this will work, but I know it will take God! There are still some things that need to happen in order for this thing to be a reality, but I know I will not stop the ball from rolling myself. If God doesn't want this thing to come to fruition, He will have to be the one to stop if. I am moving forward.
Even knowing that and having the revelation yesterday, I find myself this morning asking God for direction. I am sure He is slapping his head and saying, "Did I not give it to you yesterday?" Like I say to my kids so many times, "Were you not listening?!"
How many times does God give us answers, but because they are hard or maybe not what we want, we just keep asking for an answer? "That couldn't be you!" What do you REALLY want me to do here? Are we really willing to do what He says? That is the bottom line! Are we willing to pay the cost to see Him exalted and redeem those around us for the Kingdom? I want to be one who say, YES! to all of those!
People have asked so many times (and I have blogged about it previously) how I do what I do. It is ONLY through the power of Christ and the DAILY leaning on Him that I can parent six children, be wife to John and attempt to run a ministry. Anytime I get to a place that I feel like, "I can do this!", God says, "I know YOU can, so let's take another step of faith. I need you to TRUST ME, not do anything in your own strength!" John and I are at one of those places right now. I am not ready to make public the decision we are wrestling with, but let me just say that to me, it looks impossible! I have no idea how we would ever accomplish it without scarificing too much! I am usually the one initiating the crazy ideas and telling everyone, "WE CAN DO THIS!" This time, I am the one digging my heels in and saying, "No way!" I even uttered the words to John, "Even if God says we are to do ______, I think I will have to tell Him no." Dangerous place to be! Not one of my prouder moments! But I am scared! But God does not give us a Spirit of fear! So fear is not from Him. So when fear rears its head, I have to take it captive and make it obedient to God's word!
So what's the theme? It's what I am studying in my current Bible Study, Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed. It is that God wants me to go so far that I have to say, I am only here because of God! I could never have gotten "here" without Him. And more importantly, other people will see the situation and say the same thing!
I go to church yesterday pretty well resolved that I am telling God, No! on this one. In case you have never tried to tell God No!, let me just tell you, He doesn't take NO! for an answer! During worship we sung one of my favorite songs, I don't know the title, but it starts out Jesus, the Most Beautiful Names of All Names...and then it goes to "Be Exalted". I am raising my hands and singing with my whole heart, "Be Exalted!" and the Holy Spirit says, "Do you mean it?!" Of course I do! I have no greater desire than to see God be exalted in my life and the life of my family! That is truly my motivation for why I do what I do! And immediately, the Spirit rebuked me and reminded me of my answer the night before. So I sat down and got out a piece of paper and wrote down, "God cannot be exalted unless we say yes to the things He asks us to do that takes us beyond ourselves. Anything I can do in my own strength is not exalting God but possibly myself." Then I wrote out how that applied directly to the situation that John and I have been praying about.
Well, little did I know that this was just the beginning! I knew the title of the sermon, but it went in a direction that I had not seen from the title! It was on redemption....but it was on how we, the Body of Christ are in the redemption business because God is in the redemption business. Pastor Daniel brought one of the best, and possibly THE best message I have heard as it applies to the Body of Christ and our responsibilities as such. One of the points was that redemption is costly. It cost God His Son! So why am I not willing to pay whatever price I need to redeem the situations or people around me? That is, after all, how the world will see Jesus in the Body!
John was out of town, so I was there with all the kids. I didn't have any responsibilities second service, so I found a place to sit and wrote out some thoughts on what we have been praying about. I said, YES! I am still battling fear. I have NO IDEA how this will work, but I know it will take God! There are still some things that need to happen in order for this thing to be a reality, but I know I will not stop the ball from rolling myself. If God doesn't want this thing to come to fruition, He will have to be the one to stop if. I am moving forward.
Even knowing that and having the revelation yesterday, I find myself this morning asking God for direction. I am sure He is slapping his head and saying, "Did I not give it to you yesterday?" Like I say to my kids so many times, "Were you not listening?!"
How many times does God give us answers, but because they are hard or maybe not what we want, we just keep asking for an answer? "That couldn't be you!" What do you REALLY want me to do here? Are we really willing to do what He says? That is the bottom line! Are we willing to pay the cost to see Him exalted and redeem those around us for the Kingdom? I want to be one who say, YES! to all of those!
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