Entrusted

Some of you may have started to believe that we fell off the earth, or have hung up our work and passion for women to know their Savior more each day. Neither could be further from the truth.
2013 started off with a team retreat for us, and a definite surprise. God was leading us to a new definition of what the team would look like. We weren’t sure we liked it, but we are thankful looking back that we were hearing His voice and truly listened and followed His lead. It has been a year of highs and lows for us all I am sure, but for us, we were, for the first time in a while, doing it separately more than as a team. He had called some of us to be quiet, some to lead out on our own, and some to prepare for a battle we had no idea was coming, but we were not given a release to hold a Ps51 conference or ministry event. All year.

What we had been was ENTRUSTED to follow Him.  Entrusted to walk where He led, even in face of fear and heartache. Entrusted to walk into place He was leading we would not understand. Entrusted not to leave our first love through it all! Praise God for His keeping power and faithfulness to His precious daughters! What have you been ENTRUSTED WITH?

“I know your deeds…and you have perseverance and endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Rev. 2:2-4

Entrusted not to leave our first love through it all.

Here are some of the things we were entrusted with this year:
 2 of us battled cancer
 3 of us are the Women’s Ministry leaders at our church
 2 of us had full care of aging and broken Mothers
 3 of us battled long term illnesses/sickness
 1 was inducted onto the Bd of Directors of Wise Hope
 1 was inducted onto the Bd of Directors of Wise Choices
 2 were called to lead youth in their church
 1 had full care of grandchildren
 2 of us were called to major career changes
 3 were called to hold down the homes while our husbands work out of town
 1 was called travel speaking for ProLife
 All were entrusted to keep ministering to others in all things.


THE REST OF THE STORY:
He is never done and always faithful!
His plans are never without purpose, and His heart always for growing us closer to Him. We are well aware of all we have been through this year, and humbled that He entrusted us to walk through it, knowing now some of the purpose behind it.
He has called us back together, reignited the purpose in us to go out and spread His love to others as a team again. You see, through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, NO MATTER WHAT WE ARE DOING OUR FIRST LOVE IS TO BE OUR FIRST LOVE! Once He gets that established within us, He can begin using us in a new way. It’s all about Him, not us, He deserves all the praise. Due to His all-sufficient grace we are but ENTRUSTED.
Many of you have been entrusted with battles, or blessings. Do not allow the situations to become your first love.

Worship the Creator of Life, not the life that’s been created. Life will change. The Creator of Life never will.

So, as we enter 2014, what will we all be entrusted with this year?

We love you all, and are blessed to be able to serve our Savior alongside so many of you.
Thank you for your heart and sharing it with us!

Entrusted,
Connie, Pam, Genine, Diane, Gail, Millie and Katrina



Here’s the exciting news for us of upcoming events:

New Website coming… www.psalms51ministries.org

January 5-26, 2014 Annual Corporate Fast
Starting the First Month focusing on our First Love

April 4-5, 2014 Psalms 51 Women’s Conference … put it on your calendars now!
“Real Women walking Real walks in Christ!”

Whatever you do...

A recent Facebook post impacted my life afresh this morning in a way I never imagined.

Here is that post:

I showed what I had posted about our little adventure to my daughter and after reading it and laughing that her mom would put it on Facebook, she looked at me completely seriously and asked the million dollar question... "Mom, what does this have to do with Ministry?"

As I tried to explain to her that ministry is not just standing up in front of people teaching or preaching the Word of God, or walking alongside someone as they place their trust in Christ for the first time, it is meeting needs, helping others, so many different ways and avenues of ministry in our lives. Then it happened, the words came gushing into my heart and out of my mouth ... ministry is pouring our lives out for others.

Not profound, not new, not anything I hadn't known before, but so timely and just what God needed me to hear.  Pouring myself out for others.  Not receiving 'at-a-girls.  Not things going my way.  Not things looking like I thought they should.  Not worrying about the nay-sayers, and can I just call it like it is, the haters.  Not looking ahead.  Not looking behind.  Not the crowds, or the lack there of.  Simply, earnestly, whole-heartedly pouring my life out for others.  No regrets.  No rewards.  No questions.

God places so many opportunities for ministry in our paths each and every day, and the trick is not to miss them.  I know I have missed my share being too busy or too focused on one thing or another.  Ministry is life lived intentionally meeting others needs whether physical, emotional, or praise the Lord when it is Spiritual.  We all have ministry to do.  We all have people around us who need a touch of Christ in their lives, and He has us in their paths to provide just that.

"Whatever you do in word of in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do...all you do...no turning back...no recognition needed ... pour yourself out for others. Ministry. I want this life.

 Thank You Lord for providing me a much needed reminder.  Amen.

Rosh Hashanah Anyone?

Sundown this evening marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah.  To many, that is not something that is typically “calendared” in your yearly experience.  For Christians, it marks some very historically important events.  For the first celebration, it marked the celebration of the day God created Adam and Eve, and in such, His entire creation prior to the Fall.  It also marks the Days of Awe, as well as the 10 days of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur, or The Day of Atonement, which will begin at sundown on Friday, September 13^th this year. 

Many have already quit reading and decided I have lost my mind and am going “legalistic” and “ritualistic” on them.  If you are still reading, that is not my intent or the passion of my heart as I observe these next 10 days.  I do believe that there is MUCH we can learn from our Hebrew and Jewish roots by way of reverence, duty, obedience, dedication, and holiness, but more than that, our Lord was Jewish and would have observed these days and so as we have moved into the age of redemption, we cannot fully grasp what we have gained without understanding more fully our heritage.  Context is vital in scripture if we are going to accurately see the fulfillment of the law met by the measure of unmerited grace Jesus Christ and the gospel represent. 

Here is what I mean in very simple terms.  As I observe this 10 days of repentance I will be asking the Lord to reveal to me such areas as where I am failing in my relationship with Him whether by simply taking His creation for granted, or possibly growing slack in my passion for prayer, hardening my heart to things that His is tender toward, closing my ears to His voice, distracting myself with business instead of being still in His presence to receive from Him His best, or heaven forbid, harming His reputation because of issues in my character or attitude.  You see, standing in awe of Him, His creation, and His presence was a priority in the lives of Jews from the beginning, but how much more should it be vital to us now that we have the fullness of the Messiah and His gospel?  I am thankful for the law which points out my sin, but I am eternally changed and grateful for the finished work of Christ and the provision of the Holy Spirit living in me and through me. 

As I reflect on and receive what the Lord reveals to me, I then as part of the days of repentance make it a priority to set things right with God first, with myself and my obedience, with my loved ones, and then with others.  As a Christ follower, hearing His voice is only as good as I follow what He says.  James says we should not be hearers only but doers of the Word.  The Word is not just the written Word, but also the living Word which is Christ Himself.  We must hear Him, and obey Him.  What a precious time on my calendar, a 10 day span, marking the Jewish New Year, but for me, a new season or season of renewal in my walk with Christ.  A time specifically set aside to do all I can to allow myself and position myself to hear from Him, and to do what He says as portrayed by the day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.  I don’t know about you, but come September those “New Years Commitments/Resolutions” are faded and mostly forgotten sad to say.  What a sweet time of slowing down and taking in a deep breath of reflection and renewal of passion for His presence. 

Do I observe every tradition they did? No.  Do I even pretend to know or understand them all? No.  Do I have to in order for God to honor this time of dedication in my life? No.  God knows our hearts.  This for me is a specific time set aside on my calendar to refocus, regroup, and renew passion.  I do try to study the traditions, learn more about the different aspects of these days in early practice, and honor the purpose set aside, but I am sure if you set days aside they will look different for you as well. 

I have barely scratched the surface of these High Holy Days.  I have just introduced the observances.  I have purposely not gone into detail of how they practiced these times, or how I typically observe them.  The point is this… the time is here.  The High Holy days are upon us.  Now that you have heard of them or been reminded of them, what will the Lord lead you to do with them?  For each of us it will look different and carry different implications.  My heart is overflowing with anticipation of what the Lord will do in my life over the course of the next few days.  My prayer is that no matter what it looks like in your life, or where it fits on your calendar, you will allow Him an extended time in your life to do what only He can do.  A time you purposely set aside to meet with Him.  A specific time you purpose to slow down, listen intently and with anticipation to hear His voice and respond.  Celebrate a season of renewal in your passion for your personal prayer time, revival in your personal quiet time, or a recommitment to obedience to His call in your life.  Set aside time just to stand in awe of the creator Himself.

The Groom and His Bride

Just had the privilege to see a mighty man of God going to visit his beloved in the hospital.  He had just been buzzed in the door to ICU, and was headed to see  his bride.  In his eyes and voice were two undeniable emotions.  The love for his sweet bride was piercing, even in just a few brief moments.  His heartache over her illness and desire to see her restored to health was just as transparent.

God immediately showed me a picture of Himself and His love and concern for HIS bride, the church.  His love for her is undeniable.  Who else would die for the bride but someone who was enamored with her and is willing to sacrifice whatever necessary for her to be His, to thrive, and to survive? He is passionate about her.  He knows what is in her best interest.  He tarries and hovers and cares for her.  He protects and guards her. 

 He is heart broken over her illnesses.  When she hurts he hurts. What illnesses you ask?  Apathy.  Prayerlessness.  Shut-ins.  Low blood flow.  Legalistic.  Callousness.  Lack of Biblical knowledge.  Lack of forgiveness.  The list goes on and on.  There are many illnesses the Bride of Christ is exposed and at risk of contracting.  His desire is to be her first love, and to have her so engrossed in His presence there is no room for illness to set in. 

The picture of the husband having to ask permission to get in the door to be present with his wife is a stark warning for us.  What has the Bride of Christ set up as deterrents for the Bridegroom being present in Her life?  We have limited His freedom to enter in.  We have set policies, procedures, and programs ahead of His presence.  We have legalism instead of liberty.  We cling to what we can see and what we can measure instead of what only He can do by being free to move about the body as He sees fit.  The Groom should not have to ask permission to be in the room with His Bride. 

I think this picture was so vivid to me for a few of reasons.  One, I missed being able to worship with my church family this week.  I love that I missed it.  I love that it is a priority.  I love most that I missed that special time with Him.  Personal worship is a priority, but there is just something special about the Bride coming together.  Secondly, I also admire this man I saw today greatly.  I love his heart.  It reminds me of Christ's heart for His people. Not a far leap for God to use that picture as a reminder of His heart which loves on an infinitely deeper level than we can fathom, even in Godly men.  And lastly, just life.  Sometimes God just needs to remind us of His heart for us, and His desire to be present.  What do I add to my congregation or the Bride as a whole?  Do I allow God to use me as a clean heart to enter into His presence or am I putting up roadblocks? Am I allowing Him to move freely or limiting His access?  Do I fully understand and convey to others His love, care and concern for His people or do I just spit out easy cut and dry rote with no passion for who they are in His eyes and His heart?

Lord, let me be a part of the Bride of Christ who desperately desires Your presence above all else.  Allow me to see the potential for illness.  Not for the sake of blame or negativity, but rather for alert, warning, and passionately seeking You in truth.  Let me be a part of the health of the body.  Help me also not add to roadblocks for Your presence.  Thank You for Your picture of love today through the life of one of Your servants.  Bless he and his bride as well.  Be present Lord! Let Your Bride function in health, truth, and beauty.  Love us, cover us, and protect us as we pursue You passionately.  Amen.

From Crazy to Confirmation

We all know that God can accomplish His will when and how He chooses.  Just sometimes you want to look up and ask, "Really?"

Over the last few weeks I have had the privilege to be in Austin for the purpose of testifying before the House Committee for the pro-life bill.  If you have missed all that just get online and look at any social media site for #Stand4Life. 

I would say the following conversation could ONLY take place in Austin, but that would just be tempting the Lord, kind of like saying "always" or "never".

This conversation took place with a very angry and glassy eyed young man, who only spoke to me in a yelling, low tone raspy growl.

He came face to face with me and yelled, "HYPOCRIT!!"
I (stunned of course) asked what made him say that.
His answer was just crazy ... "YOU ARE HERE TO SAY YOU STAND FOR LIFE, BUT YOU ARE WEARING POLYESTER BLEND!!"
My response? I had nothing!  I simply said, "Yes I am.  Thank you."

Now, not having a conversation quite like this one before, my initial reaction, and the one I had for days was very simple...that guy was nuts!  It just kept playing in my mind.

A day or so later, and I would not use her name had she not put it out there, Abby Johnson, a well known Planned Parenthood worker saved and turned Pro-Life Advocate, posted on Facebook and Twitter that we "desperately need some LGBTQ pro-lifers at the Texas Capitol" this coming week.  It flew all over me.  We can not begin partnering purposely with one lifestyle of sin in order to stand against another one.  Scripture is clear on this in several places.  One is Mark 3:24, "If a kingdom is divided against itself it cannot stand." Or maybe the verse about being unequally yoked.  Or how about Amos 3:3 "Can two men walk together except they be agreed?"  I just found it stunning that she was calling for this partnership.  I would have thought so had she said lets go to the local drug hangout and recruit some blue shirts as well.  What stunned me most, was the many positive comments she got for being inclusive and reaching out.  I am all for reaching out and caring for people right where they are, but there is a vast difference in that and aligning yourself with them.  The ends do not always justify the means, and if we will but be obedient with the means we can trust God for the ends.

So all this is going through my mind.  The enemy of course wanting the sheer numbers of comments to cause me to question my stance.  Ever been there?

Enter a study on remaining pure, set apart, and holy.  Enter the Holy Word of God.  Enter mixed fabrics.  Leviticus 19:19 says, "You are to keep my statutes.  You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, NOR WEAR A GARMENT UPON YOU OF TWO KINDS OF MATERIAL MIXED TOGETHER."  Deuteronomy 22:11 states, "You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together."

Passed smooth out!

Did that crazy man know His scripture that well?  I'm guessing by the way he earlier had been chanting, "hail satan", he did not know Jesus, but was He knowingly speaking scripture?  I just had him pegged as one of those granola guys.

I have no idea, but what I do know is God spoke it to me, and it had nothing to do with polyester blends!  It had everything to do with laws of holiness.  In order to walk in holiness and in the full counsel of God there are just some things that you do not bind together.  Righteousness with unrighteousness, light with dark, spiritual with carnal, sin and holiness.  God had confirmed where He wanted me to be on this issue by speaking through someone who most likely did not know the spiritual ramifications of his hollering. God has spoken in many ways, and through many types of people throughout history, and this time it was Mr. Pro-Choice. 

 The point of all this is simple.  First,stand for God's truth, extend grace and truth to those on the other side, but do not bind yourself together with lifestyles of sin in order to get the results you think are supposed to happen.  God will take care of the details if we will but stand firm in His truth and His love. Second, even crazy conversations and happenings in our lives can be used of the Lord if we are looking for Him in everything.  Lastly,  speak life.  What if I had told that guy how ridiculous I thought he was and then proceeded to shut him up with my smart mouth? I would be full of crow by now.  Not because of his intelligence, but because I would have mentally and verbally shut that conversation down to the point that I would not hear from the Lord on it to help me confirm what was truth in another conversation.  

God doesn't show up like we think He should sometimes.  He doesn't fit our mold.  But if we let Him He will speak life, speak truth, and speak grace...even through crazy people. 

A Time for New Life

Acts 17: 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'

Grass is peeking up, trees budding, flowers blooming, and baby animals being born.  Our barest human senses are reminding us that we are born desirous of birth and new life.  It is an innate part of us to be inspired by these things.

 However, birth and spiritual rebirth are only made possible by the Creator Himself, and are gifts to us from His Son, Jesus Christ.  They were purchased by Him on the Cross, and gift wrapped for us individually at His resurrection.  He gift wrapped our ability to be reborn and truly understand new life when He rose again on that third day.

 

What we fail to acknowledge, is that He knew the price all along.  He did not just endure the agony of the cross for a few hours.  He counted the cost for every healing, every act of mercy, every Word spoken in love, and every act of forgiveness.  All of these gifts would be paid for on the cross to come.  He loved us and counted us worthy of the price of the gift …and the awe inspiring gift wrap.  His work, completed, in power and majesty for the love of you and I.  And the gift continues today.

In the scripture above, read verses 27-29 as well.  Bunnies, eggs, baskets and bonnets are cheap substitutions for the gifts we truly need to celebrate.  Go to Him, not to buy a new dress, but to receive new life.  Spend time worshipping the One who died for you, not something you dyed.  Let’s celebrate The Resurrection, and hunt for Christ to deliver His gift of eternal life wrapped in the bow of His risen glory.  Let Christ Resurrect your life.

No other has the power.  No other has paid the price.  No other has defeated the grave.

Acts 2:21: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

He loves you.  Will you seek Him or cheap substitutions?

Predator

Today, as I sat outside a friends house, I was surprised to see a coyote approaching from a field behind her house.  Surprised because it was in this neighborhood where even though it is in the country, it is a development of homes on 1-2 acre lots.  Surprised at how confidently it approached so closely to her back fence.  It did not approach in attack mode, or in cowering manner.  It simply came sauntering up like it belonged there, and was a part of the neighborhood. 

My mind went to her dogs, and chickens, and goats.  Would there be a fight with the dogs trying to protect the home.  Would the chickens be easy prey for this predator to attack?  Would the goats run around blindly and aimlessly in fear wondering where to run for safety?

What I failed to see, and what the coyote didn't see until he got right up to the fence railing is that the main fence, posts and rails, that he could have easily fit through or under, was accompanied on the bottom half by wire.  This reinforcement has probably been seen by neighbors and onlookers as a way to keep the animals inside the property, but the owners knew it was also to keep them within a safe boundary to protect them from just this type of prey. 

Now, what my eyes saw, God translated into a spiritual picture of our lives, and even possibly our churches.  The enemy is close.  He is in our neighborhoods.  He is friendly in first appearance.  He is among us often enough that he knows how to approach in a manner that even almost looks like he belongs.  He does not just attack when we are isolated and alone. 

Our minds go, like mine did, to those around us.  The spiritual watchdogs, the babes in Christ who are easy prey, as well as those in our midst who have age old religion, but do not know for sure Who to run to when danger approaches.  So what about them?  Well, in this picture, the fence with its slats and rails represents our communities in salvation.  We are inside the protective arms and boundaries of our Salvation in Christ with others in our family, church, or Kingdom partners.  A body of believers whatever form that takes.  We have come into that property and inheritance by trusting Jesus as our Savior.  But that does not prevent the enemy from approaching, or even attacking.  What we must begin to see is that our God loved us enough to also provide us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The additional hedge of protection to keep the enemy from fully entering into our lives.  The impenetrable power of the Holy Spirit to lead, protect, advise, and stand guard around our lives. 

Where in our bodies have we neglected to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit?  Where have we let down our guard?  In our individual lives, families, and church bodies, where are we relying on "being in the fold" to be enough to keep us safe while we are here on earth?  Do not confuse what I am saying, trust in Christ resulting in Salvation is the ultimate gift, and is all that is required for God's eternal presence and involvement in our lives, but after that we can not just sit on the porch.  We must invite the Holy Spirit to guard us, we must continually pray over and check our boundaries and make sure we have not left holes in it or allowed them to wear down making us prey to enemy encroachment, and that we have not ventured past where the boundaries of our calling and presence of the Holy Spirit can accompany us.  We must realize that within our bodies there are believers at different stages of maturity in their walks and only the Holy Spirit can protect us all, guard us all, and keep us all within God's boundaries for our lives as Christ-followers. 

The picture was a sharp reminder that we must be on guard.  We must be diligent.  We must see the Lord's guidelines and boundaries as outlines for our own protection and the Holy Spirit active in our midst as a necessity in protecting us from the coyotes who think they might sneak in and wreak havoc.  God has given us this protection, and through His Word, the direction to safely manage inside the boundaries and provision of the Holy Spirit.   Let's not leave ourselves or those in our circles of influence vulnerable by ignoring the essentiality of the Holy Spirit. 

The Baking of Communion Bread

Our church has a tradition that each month someone takes a turn baking the unleavened bread for our Lord’s Supper that day.  Today it is my turn.  I will admit I thought it was pretty cool, but that is about all the thought I gave it.  I love communion services, and get the significance, but I just saw this as doing what I had signed up to do, and doing my part.  Had to make a run to the store the night before and set my alarm to get up a little extra early to do it, but that was ok…not a big deal.  Not a big deal…or so I thought last night.

This morning I awoke and it was a whole different story.  I found myself going back through recipes making sure to pick the one I thought would turn out the best, the one that wouldn’t taste like cardboard, the one I might not burn, the one that wouldn’t fall apart.  Even as I started mixing the ingredients, it began dawning on me that this was no mundane task. 

I do not want to “over spiritualize” this, nor do I pretend to know all the significance, but we can BE religious and doctrinal, or we can EXPERIENCE the spirit of the religion.  I have this morning truly experienced the doctrine and ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and had communion with my Savior standing in my kitchen all alone at 6am this morning. 

My mind went to the thousands of years that this supper of unleavened bread has been going on, and the millions of hands that have, now like mine, prepared it.  OK, so they did not have a Walmart or a Kitchenaid, which serves to remind me that this for them could have gone two ways.  It could have  been a mundane task, much more so that for me, or it could have been a joy to prepare a “meal” that served to honor what the Lord had delivered them from, and to this day, to celebrate His deliverance.  The kneading of the bread, the rolling it out, firing up the ovens, hoping it turned out well for their celebrations. 

Then my recipe called for “scoring” the loaf before you bake it, so it is easier to cut into small pieces when completed.  Scoring.  As I was doing it, God brought to mind all the times throughout all the years backs were turned on God, on His perfect love for His people, ignored, disobeyed, His heart broken, His people worshiping gods of their own making, scoring the heart of the Father.   Yet He was still willing to continue with His plan to redeem His people.  With everything He ever did pointing to this moment, this Last Supper in the upper room, where Jesus would visually show and explain His body broken for His people.  Tears flowed.  Still they didn’t get it.  Still we don’t get it.  It’s mundane.  We have heard it before. 

But as the bread came out of the oven, just as Jesus came out of the tomb, the aroma was sweet and inviting, and wholesome, and overtook everyone in the house.  This time, as I cut the loaf into smaller pieces, I wept.  Tears of joy, of disbelief, of love, and of embarrassment that I was in the kitchen bawling over a flat piece of bread.  But in a whole new way, and a brand new perspective, it was so real to me.  His love.  His provision.  His pain that I had a hand in causing.  His resurrection and eternal standing as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Our Salvation…our Bread of Life.   

Milk, Meat and Beef Jerky

As I have had care of my aging Mother after a recent fall, she has taught me a lot. With healing from two broken arms, balance issues, and other medical issues she has a lot to deal with.  I am not sharing this out of any other heart than the one the Lord clearly spoke to me today.  I am not putting her down, or talking badly about her.  I am pointing out human tendencies which I see in her, and God sees in me.

There is a desire to be independent that permeates all she does.  There is also a desire to be pampered and cared for and have her needs met by others, thus her nickname Petunia.  Seems like sometimes the two get reversed.  She is so anxious and desirous to prove her independence she tries to undertake activities she has no business doing alone.  Taking chances she should not take.  Refusing help she should not refuse.  Then there are times that on seemingly easier tasks she wants it done for her.  Things she should be able to do for herself.  Things that even in her state of healing should be simple and mundane.   

Today, as those characteristics crossed, and began to make me cross, God revealed my need to criss-cross my focus.  One question put me in line…”How unlike you is that really?”

Spiritually, how often do we try to go it alone in areas He never intended us to go?  Carry loads and burdens we were never intended to carry?  Take on situations that just are not safe for us on our own?  And yet in simple and seemingly mundane activities of our Christian walk and life we want to have God swoop down and take care of it for us.  Quiet time? No need, Gods got us.  Bible study each day? What for?  He’ll take care of us.  We are the milk drinkers who should be on meat who on occasion decide we are able enough and independent enough to bite off a big ole piece of beef jerky.

1 Corinthians 3:2-3a states, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it.  Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still living fleshly.”

Hebrews 5:12-14 goes further to reveal to us that “though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.  For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” 

So, as I daily ask my Mother to do what she can, and rely on me for what she can’t or shouldn’t, I do so with the fresh awareness that my Lord asks the same of me.

 

Freedom in Truth

Connie McCrary Psalms 51 Ministries A couple of months ago I was asked to write a devotional for a 40 day prayer guide leading up to the election. I was give 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5 as the passages to use. Did not know day of order it would fall in (15) nor that it would fall on this day of Vice-Presidential debates.  As Christians we are given an authority to stand firm on truth while clothed in humility.

The Love Chapter and the Chapter on Freedom and the Fruit of the Spirit.  We know both of them.  We have read them in part or in whole a hundred times over.  We can apply them in many different ways, but what on earth do they have to do with praying for an election and our country? Everything. These two chapters in scripture show us just exactly how Your presence is to be made real and lived out here on earth.   How can we spout religion and not show love, patience, kindness and truth in our relationships with others, even those we don’t agree with?  How can we claim to have all the answers for the times when we don’t walk in the truth of God’s Spirit in other areas? Do we really think the louder and more dogmatic we declare our opinions the more others will accept them?  Lord, please let us speak in truth and love. Burden our hearts to cry out to You for these characteristics in ourselves, our brothers and sisters, and our candidates. Show us that walking in the freedom of Your love makes us able to disagree and still be kind and non-boasting. Show us how to stand for truth in ways that are gentle, self-controlled, and patient. Remind us that we are standing in a place of freedom, a hope and a liberty so many around us do not have and cannot understand. Give our leaders the desire and anointing to walk in the spirit in truth, integrity, and unity.  Remind us that only through You and Your working love, freedom and truth in our lives will our nation ever truly be changed and will our people ever be motivated by grace to live in Your amazing purpose. Grant us these things Lord so that we lead others to Your freedom.

One Touch of the Master's Hand

I have been being treated for the last 10 months for what was believed to be a broken tailbone and a hip out of whack from a fall I took down our staircase last October.  On a side note, halfway up the staircase is not the best location for a lovely empty blue plastic Walmart sack.  Just saying.  Anyway, after that fall I could only describe the pain as what I felt was like a broken tailbone which I had had as a teenager which was also causing pain in my hip and all the way up my back into my neck.  I went to a chiropractor and was treated for several months without much relief.

This last week a friend talked me into going to her chiropractor.  He began with x-rays, which the other didn't do, and determined the cause of my pain.  There was no broken tailbone or a hip out of whack.  I had 2 vertebra out of place in my neck and the very bottom one as well looking as if it was pinching a nerve and possibly a disc.  TOTALLY different course of treatment.  Treated me one time, and I felt all the muscles in my back release like they have not done in months.

I am not writing this as a slam on any chiropractor, or as a sales ad for any other one.  I am not going to say one man is better than another or that this new chiropractor is the end-all, cure-all. What I am going to say is that it just was a very real and very personal reminder of how the Lord desires I live my life.

Here's the bottom line.  We all have lots of people in our lives.  Some of them are great people, people who know their stuff.  People who know the Word and live by it.  People who desire the best for us, and who give their input towards that end.  All of this is fine, and Godly counsel is wise, but our lives lived in the palm of the Hand of the Creator is the best plan.  One touch of the Masters hand and our lives line out just like my neck did.  I know to run to Him.  I know how much he cares.  I still get mired down occasionally by the voices of others and their desired influence on my life.  Take Job.  I do not think at all his 3 friends meant harm or hurt to him.  They simply didn't know what God knew.  Job had to wait on the hand of the Master, and that hand provided all he ever needed.  Sometimes, the Holy Spirit touches our lives and directs our steps in ways that make no sense to us, we just know its right.  The problem is that the Holy Spirit does not always make the rounds to all of our "peeps" and let them in on what He has told us.  The challenge is to lay ourselves in the hands of the Master, and follow after Him, with or without the direction of others.

One touch of the Master's hand heals.  It brings provision.  It brings clarity of purpose.  One touch can change the course of a life gone astray.  One touch can anoint.  One touch can bring life to dead marriages.  One touch can set churches on fire.  One touch can and will change your life forever.

Will you go to the Master today and ask and allow Him to touch your life?  I hope so.  You'll never go back.

Getting our mojo back...

Lessons from the Rangers…

As I sat at a Ranger game, I was amazed at the crowd.  Thousands of people piling into a stadium to see men compete against the enemy using their talents, gifts and abilities. No formal invitation, no “guest-list”, no “who’s-who” of attendees, and yet thousands knew and arrived to watch the game.  Once there, a mass mentality came over people.  With just 6 notes from the organ the entire stadium erupted with the response of “charge”!  A message ran across the banner of “MAKE SOME NOISE” and they would rise to their feet screaming and cheering and clapping.  Let their favorite player make a good play and their name was chanted over and over.  And heaven forbid the opposing team hit a home run, the person who caught it was peer pressured with “THROW IT BACK” and upon throwing it back, some other group would start screaming for the ball girl to throw it to them as if “if they don’t want it I’ll take it” after cheering them to get rid of it.  The American game.  And let it be noted, I was in that crowd and was up and cheering the Rangers on with the rest of them!

Here is what struck me…and there are some random thoughts here, so stick with me.  First, comparing game attendance to church attendance.  Why is it that we will flock to the stadium, but to the church we almost need an invitation handwritten in calligraphy, sealed and personally delivered.  Why don’t we just know when the game is and show up ready to cheer on the ones who have been gifted and called to lead the mornings worship and preach the Lord’s message?  Why aren’t we warmed up and ready to participate in the game by cheering them on with a hearty “amen” or participating in the worship with our entire heart.  Why aren’t we wearing our teams “colors” with pride?

Second, the mass mentality.  At first thought, it would be GREAT to have that mind control over the entire body.  Amen’s on cue, stand up, sit down, TITHE, even throw in the chicken dance every now and then just for the preachers entertainment.  But wouldn’t church be easy.  Get the whole crowd fired up and at the sound of the organ, “charge”.  But our God doesn’t work that way.  And thank goodness He doesn’t.  He is the owner who does send out those personal invitations.  Every person is important to Him as an individual. 

I giggle as I think of that 6 note run before the “charge” erupting. Where is our battle cry?  How loudly are we proclaiming it in our churches?  Do we even know who our opponent is for sure?  And do we realize that He is already defeated?  Our battle cry of “charge” is in reference to ourselves…charge out, charge onward, charge to the hurting, charge to the lost and dying all around us. 

The best picture though is of this stadium of witnesses to the battle below.  You see, God’s Word tells us there is such a thing.  Only in the Bible’s story, we are on the playing field, and the cloud of witnesses are those who have gone before us in faith, led the way, blazed the trail, charged ahead.  Can you picture with your spiritual eyes a crowd watching your life as you are on the field, called to use your talents, gifts and abilities to the glory of the owner of our team, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You are called to proudly wear the teams color of crimson right along with Him.  You are being cheered on by a stadium full of witnesses who are calling out your name in delight as you move forward through the game.  When the enemy “hits one out of the park” against you, they don’t throw it back, they hold on to it dearly as a spiritual marker for the next time when you make the play at the wall.  This great cloud of witnesses are not nameless thousands.  They are named, and described, and documented in the book of Life all throughout history, and there are even some given in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.

Go out to the game.  Whether you cheer on someone else God is using at the moment, or you run out onto the field yourself, know that God is with you, He has invited you to participate in this game individually and by name, and He is the owner of the team that has EVERY-season tickets and eternal membership.

PLAY BALL!

Life Interrupted

Yesterday was a life interrupted in so many ways. What was “planned” to be a visit to be there for support during a heart surgery turned to so much more. In the interest of this blog, things are oversimplified, and many details just cannot be shared due to time, space and privacy, but the theme is the same… as hard a day as it was yesterday, I would not trade it for having been anywhere else.


While at the hospital, God led me to go pray with a complete stranger who was obviously distraught about news of a loved one. Knowing no other details, He had me go over, kneel down beside her and ask that sweet lady if I could pray for her. She enthusiastically agreed. During the prayer, she spoke in tearful agreement with what I was praying. Yes, Jesus. Please, Jesus. Jesus. After I prayed she informed me that no one in her family or friends were “a praying person” and she had so needed that prayer. My comfort briefly interrupted. Her grief interrupted. Life interrupted.

I also had opportunity to visit a dear friends family member who had been in hospice care in the hospital for a couple of days and I had visited previously, even that morning. When I got to her room, she was still unresponsive, but sadly, alone. God led me to stay. Play some quiet instrumental music version of praise and worship songs. Pray with her. Read to her. Sit quietly with her. Upon return of my friend, literally within a very few minutes this loved one entered eternity. Tears. Prayer. Praise for peaceful passing. Packing up belongings. My comfort interrupted. Her lonely departure interrupted. Life Interrupted.

So what is the point? My life, and yours, is shaped by plans, priorities, comforts, and responsibilities, but there are times when God nudges you to be somewhere you just know you are supposed to be, and comfortable or not, Some of the toughest situations in life render the most amazing experiences with Christ. How humbling to be used in His plan. How powerful to be holding peoples hands when God changes their eternity, either in death or in life.

That day, the dear friend and I returned to the waiting room to hear news of a successful surgery. Waiting room full of thanksgiving and relief. As we all prepared to leave we interrupted life yet again. This time, it was interrupted before we all departed and got on with our daily lives, to stop, circle up hands and hearts, yes, right there in the middle of the waiting room, and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s hand during the surgery and upcoming recovery. Someone comfort interrupted…this time not mine. Walking away without returning to say thank you to The Master interrupted. Life Interrupted.

In all the ways yesterday was interrupted, God was glorified. I desire to live that kind of a life interrupted by His presence anytime!

On the way to the hospital early that morning, I was listening to a song, and praying it would be true all day…I believe it was…



“He Is Here” 


He is here, Hallelujah, He is here, Amen
He is here, Holy Holy, I will bless His name again
He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

VERSE 1

I sence an awesome moving of the Holy Spirit
I see His countenance resting on your face
I know that there are angels hovering all around us
For the presence of the Lord is in this place


CHORUS

He is here, Hallelujah, He is here, Amen
He is here, Holy Holy, I will bless His name again
He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

VERSE 2

I searched for peace among the shadow, dark and lonely
Gave up on finding that strong and lasting love
I tasted all the things that sin could think to offer me
But today I feast on manna from above

CHORUS

He is here, Hallelujah, He is here, Amen
He is here, Holy Holy, I will bless His name again
He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

Praise and Worship

Just as thankfulness opens doors for miracles, worship opens the doors of heaven for the real and palpable presence of God Himself.




Psalm 22:3 (KJV)


But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.


Our God, the One who called us to eternal salvation, The One who always has been, and always will be, The One who sent us the comforter in the Holy Spirit, The One who sacrificed His only Son, inhabits the praises of His people. He dwells and stays and hovers where there is praise.

Our fast is an act of praise and worship. Each hour we praise Him more for sustaining us. Each moment we realize just what a personal loving God He truly is. Each time the temptation of hunger or distraction or compromise hits…PRAISE HIS NAME! Turn up the worship music. Do a praise dance around the room. For The God of heaven and earth is there with you to strengthen you, to speak to you, to love on you. Offer Him an additional sacrifice of praise. Place your mind on worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. See if He will not show up mightily.

I know that day 3 is typically the strongest battle day with my dear body. That day will also be an incredible day of praise and worship! Crank up the music, make up your own song, sing your prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord, sing songs about the names of God…”Alpha and Omega”, “El Shaddai”, “Holy, Holy, Holy”. Lift up His name in worship. Lift up your act of praise and present your bodies a living sacrifice. It is our reasonable duty. It is our hope. It is our power from the Holy Spirit. And He alone is worthy. There is strength in His Name.  There is joy in His presence.

In all spiritual battles we face, praise and worship are key.  Why would we not want our Lord as close to us as possible when we face the enemy?  Why would we not praise Him before the battles end knowing He is victorious in all things.  He alone is worthy. Praise and worship and honor and glory belong to Him.  I am humbled to be His and be able to come before Him in praise.




Another great source of encouragement and teaching on fasting is www.jentezenfranklin.org.

Fasting Begins...Give Him Thanks!

Here is praying that you are feeling thankful this morning. Thankful that the Lord called you to this very special time with Him to begin the new year. Thankful that we serve a God who speaks to us, loves us, and cares for us.


He cares for us so much that I want you to know that He beat us to this day. You see, God sees the intent of our hearts. So as you began preparing for today to start the fast, our Loving Father began answering. Aren’t you glad we serve a God who does not have to see our completed obedience before it moves Him to act in our lives. Even with our own children, does it not spur you to action as you see your children beginning to turn from disobedience, their hearts soften to correction, their desires to be to live in obedience. Our Father loves us even more, and is acting in our lives from the moment our hearts turn to Him. Do you really think that the act of salvation only takes place at the altar? I believe that salvation takes place and it is the love and measure of faith that God alone gives that even helps us take that first step out of our pews.

Today, we are taking that first step in fasting. Our hearts have already heard Him calling to us. Our spirits have aligned with Him in obedience of following through with the fast He calls us to. He is already at work. He arrived at this time of fasting before we did. He issued the call to join Him here.

Spend today thanking Him. Thanksgiving precedes the miraculous.

Micah 2:13 HCSB
One who breaks open the way
will advance before them;
they will break out, pass through the gate,
and leave by it.
Their King will pass through before them,
the LORD as their leader.





Here's another great fasting resource from Campus Crusade for Christ...
http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting/01-personal-guide.htm

New Year's Newsletter

Majestic Humility

Entrusted

I don’t know about you, but I count it an honor to be a person who can be trusted. One who people know they are safe with, they can count on, who won’t back out on them when times get hard, one who is covenant minded instead of contract focused. I also want to be known as a person of faith, one who encourages others to walk faithfully by the way I live my life.


In praying this morning, I asked God to help me be that person. Help me walk in faith. Help others see Him in how I react to adversity. And then, what I probably already knew somewhere hidden in my heart was facing me head on. In order to be that person, I must accept that the only way to do that is to go through trials faithfully. Praying to be a person who models faith was intrinsically telling the Lord that I accepted the trials I would have to face in order to model that faith He gives us.

Sometimes in prayer, God reveals the necessity to sit back and ponder if I truly believe what I am praying. Do I truly accept those trials? Do I truly want to model faith, or is there something else I could pick? Let’s see…patience? Well. We all know how that works. Same principle. In order to model and live the characteristic we desire, we must face trials and temptations to exhibit something other than the desired result.

What if we shift our focus? What if we realize what is going on, and we come to the understanding that we have been ENTRUSTED with the trials of life. God has hand-picked us to shine His light in a certain situation, He has counted us TRUSTWORTHY to walk through this trial and complete the test in full faith. Faith not in the promise of a positive outcome, or our protection, or our promotion, but simply faith in the One who is the object of that faith and the supplier of all faith. Faith in Christ alone. We have not been blindsided with the loss of a job, we have been entrusted to walk that road in faith. We have not been cursed with the trials of life; we have been entrusted to live a life that brings Him honor and glory through them.

Entrusted…by God. That puts a whole new light on it. It is absolutely the person I want to be. I want to be entrusted in trials and tests, because I also know I will be enabled to walk through those situations with God getting the glory for however they turn out. You see, if we walk through the trial in faith, we win. The situation may or may not turn out as we had hoped, but if no matter the outcome we remain in faith, the victory and the glory are already gained, and they both point others to Christ. Not to mention the black eye it gives Satan. I am not advocating asking for trials, or being a martyr in life. I am crying out to Him for that renewed focus on those struggles when they find me in their path.

Philippians 1:29 states, “For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in [adhere to, rely on, and trust in] Him, but also to suffer in His behalf.” We don’t hear it that way very often do we? But it is true. It is a privilege to be entrusted by God for the glory of Christ, even and especially in the trials, suffering and persecution.

I thought on all this for a while during my prayer, and came to a conclusion. I would not dodge one trial and risk the privilege of my life bringing glory to Him. How about you?

2Timothy 1:8-12 Paul writes to Timothy, and to us, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”

Fall Newsletter