2 Corinthians 2:5-11 -It’s my duty to make sure that Satan does not win even a small victory over us, for we don’t want to be naive and then fall prey to his schemes.
Interpersonal relationships are often filled with disagreements and tensions. It’s common to hear someone long for the “good old days” of the New Testament when things were simpler and people were holier. But Paul’s ministry proves the first-century churches were no different. They were just as full of fights, tensions, and power plays as modern churches are. We should seek to be loving but also firm when the situation demands it. We should be quick to offer forgiveness to and seek reconciliation with those who turn back from their divisive actions. That’s what Paul did. [The Voice Translation]
I read this today from the voice translation, a synapses of 2 Corinthians 2. This really spoke volume to me and I had to share. Paul tells the church in Corinth to forgive the one who caused them grief and love him so that the evil one will have no room in our hearts. {Verses 5-11}
Just after the She Speaks conference I saw a comment from one of the attendees and realized she had offended me at the conference. {So it appeared to me} So right then the enemy took that thought and started to harass me mentally so much so I became vocal and my daughter heard me suggesting, "Mom you better message her and get it over with, you know you're just gonna keep talking about it." I complied, this is the conversation:
Me: Hi Martha, I'm the sister who wanted to include you in my video, when you made a negative comment and turned away. I felt embarrassed and now I feel it could taint my beautiful experience of the conference. Just wanted you to know that I was just making memories of my trip since it was my first time to the conference and North Carolina, coming from Toronto. Sometimes we have to be careful not to brush people off not knowing what issues they might be dealing with. I'm not upset about it though I feel a little thing in my heart and felt this would be therapeutic for me. Hope you hear my heart about this. Hope we'll get to meet next time. Blessings
Martha: Darling.... what in the world did I say to you? I'm heartbroken that I would hurt your feelings. What video? Please KNOW this, I would never intentionally in a million years say or do anything that would hurt a sister in Christ. How in the world can I make this up to you? Goodness, I'm so sad that I hurt you and made you feel embarrassed. Please forgive me.
Me: This message was more for me to let the enemy know that he can't use that one anymore. Don't feel bad, I have some things that are being renewed and because I felt a little nudge I had to deal with it . So in fact what you did, helped me, I guess I should say thanks, though you don't recall. This is how the enemy works to distract us from all the great things and wonderful friendships to focus on one slightly misunderstanding occurrence. Nuff said, It's done and I'm sorry for causing you any sadness, that was not my intention sis. Do me a favor and Laugh out loud, that's it he's a defeated foe.
Blessings
Martha: I'm so glad you reached out to me. So happy that we can hold up a hand to the enemy and say "No, you may not have our joy!" Thank you for reaching out to me. Because of your message, I reached out to someone over a misunderstanding. And we got it all straightened out.
Blessings!!
Me: Yaaaaay for the "Sisterhood." I love when that happens, I believe Daddy is smiling. Thanks for your understanding and for sharing your experience. My desire is to step up and deal with these occurrence at once, so the enemy won't have anything on me. Love the fact that God turned it around for His glory and our good. That's why I love Him. Remain blessed.
What impressed me the most was her quick response of “I'm heartbroken that I would hurt your feelings.” It bothered her that she might have offended me by her actions. Although it was my insecurities that lead us there, it took me a week to act on it, by the Holy Spirit’s leading. Thank God I did, because God wanted His girls to get the lesson. At the end of it all He got the glory and three sisters got rid of the junk and receive a blessing in our relationships. This, friends is what the enemy hates.
Romans 8:28 - We know that in everything God works for the good of
those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his
plan. {NCV}
Monday, September 10, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
GREIVE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth.” NIV
Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” MSG
“Although we can’t go back and change circumstances or relationships that wounded us, we can go back and process our pain with Jesus. In fact, we won’t heal from our hurts unless we do.” - Renee Swope
Have you grieved for the happily-ever-after you longed for but didn’t have. Those unfulfilled hopes can lead to bitter expectations. What if I wasn’t molested? How would my life be different if I had different parents or had my dad in my life growing up? These are some of the questions that haunt us from day to day, and year after year. As christian women, how do we move forward having these unfulfilled hopes and dreams? Many of us have been sold a bag of goods that say, when we accept Christ everything becomes new, all our past is gone. While the scripture says you are a new creature, we were not told that it was our spirit that has been renewed and our flesh now has to go through a process. Yes, process is a word you won’t hear often in church. I found out that there is a process that the church have missed and continues to miss. I heard a quote that spoke to me, it gave me the practical answer I’ve been looking for.
“Until you are healed from the wounds of your past, you will continue to bleed. You can bandage the bleeding with food, alcohol, sex, drugs, work, and religion, but eventually it will ooze through and stain your life. You must find the strength to open the wound, stick your hand inside, pull out the core of the pain and the memory, and make peace with it.” - Iyanla Vanzant {Emphasis mine}
I know what most people are thinking, wow this is good. I was blown away when I heard it myself, it allowed me to see in a practical way how I can “Get over my past” as it is said so flippantly in church sometimes. I see how I can let go of those unfulfilled hopes that is tied to past negative experiences. We’ve been told to get over it so much it annoyed me, and when I asked what was meant by it, the answer was so deep it didn’t help. You see I was looking for something a little more practical and someone to walk me through as needed. It came across as “Just use the scripture and faith.” Some things are meant to be walked through with another. Scripture talks a lot about twos. I think of Jesus and His ministry, how He took time to disciple and counsel those He called. If that were not enough He told them upon leaving He would send them another counselor. We need discipleship in the body of Christ today more than ever. Jesus knowing that we live in a fallen world made sure to set the example before us, added to that He sent us “The Counselor” to help us. (“The Holy Spirit, will be your counselor.” Jn. 14:16-17a) We have decided that we know better than Him it would appear, and so we are in a spiritual rut.
A few years ago (17) I had to go for counseling with my pastor’s wife. I was at a crossroads in my life and anger was ruining my life and ruining my family. I went to talk with my pastor and he suggested I meet with and talk to his wife. I had no idea what to expect but I went. By this time I was already having flash backs of childhood sexual abuse. In the process she asked me to write letters to those who abuse and neglected me. I had no idea that my anger was tied into those past experiences. I thought it was my husband and children frustrating me. So one night I began writing and the more I wrote the angrier I got to the point of pressing into the paper so that you could read it three pages below. Not only that but my writing went out of the line down the page; after many hours a lot of tears I finished. I brought it to my next appointment and we prayed and cried after which I burned them. I have to be honest it didn’t seem to make sense, but I can honestly say some weight was lifted and my process began. Over time I was able to share publicly without feeling the sting or the shame of sexual abuse.
That time of counseling sent me on a journey that I thank God my pastor saw in me more than meets the eye. I thank God for pastors and leaders that take time to invest their time in the lives of those they are put in charge of. It was those times at the alter, speaking over my life the things I couldn't even fathom then, but in time those words sank deep down into my heart. That’s where my passion comes from, it’s seeing women where I was back then, going to church Sunday to sunday, just existing. They love the Lord and they serve the ministry but no desire to move into a intimate relationship with Him. Going through my process made me realize that it’s worth it to feel the pain of getting the healing.
I’ve come to realize that this christian walk is a process that never ends. I am constantly being pruned and cultivated round about, and sometimes I think why am I going through this? The question is Why not? Everything in the earth realm go through cycles, humans are the only ones who question and fight it. No one loves pain but in reality pain is a must in the process of healing, just ask anyone who’s had any kind of surgery on the road to recovery. As we approach the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, I encourage, no I beg you to ask the Holy Spirit’s help to release those issues of your past that keep you stuck in a rut of spiritual mediocrity and into the fullness of God’s best for you. He has a plan for you that far outweighs the one you wish for yourself. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” MSG
“Although we can’t go back and change circumstances or relationships that wounded us, we can go back and process our pain with Jesus. In fact, we won’t heal from our hurts unless we do.” - Renee Swope
Have you grieved for the happily-ever-after you longed for but didn’t have. Those unfulfilled hopes can lead to bitter expectations. What if I wasn’t molested? How would my life be different if I had different parents or had my dad in my life growing up? These are some of the questions that haunt us from day to day, and year after year. As christian women, how do we move forward having these unfulfilled hopes and dreams? Many of us have been sold a bag of goods that say, when we accept Christ everything becomes new, all our past is gone. While the scripture says you are a new creature, we were not told that it was our spirit that has been renewed and our flesh now has to go through a process. Yes, process is a word you won’t hear often in church. I found out that there is a process that the church have missed and continues to miss. I heard a quote that spoke to me, it gave me the practical answer I’ve been looking for.
“Until you are healed from the wounds of your past, you will continue to bleed. You can bandage the bleeding with food, alcohol, sex, drugs, work, and religion, but eventually it will ooze through and stain your life. You must find the strength to open the wound, stick your hand inside, pull out the core of the pain and the memory, and make peace with it.” - Iyanla Vanzant {Emphasis mine}
I know what most people are thinking, wow this is good. I was blown away when I heard it myself, it allowed me to see in a practical way how I can “Get over my past” as it is said so flippantly in church sometimes. I see how I can let go of those unfulfilled hopes that is tied to past negative experiences. We’ve been told to get over it so much it annoyed me, and when I asked what was meant by it, the answer was so deep it didn’t help. You see I was looking for something a little more practical and someone to walk me through as needed. It came across as “Just use the scripture and faith.” Some things are meant to be walked through with another. Scripture talks a lot about twos. I think of Jesus and His ministry, how He took time to disciple and counsel those He called. If that were not enough He told them upon leaving He would send them another counselor. We need discipleship in the body of Christ today more than ever. Jesus knowing that we live in a fallen world made sure to set the example before us, added to that He sent us “The Counselor” to help us. (“The Holy Spirit, will be your counselor.” Jn. 14:16-17a) We have decided that we know better than Him it would appear, and so we are in a spiritual rut.
A few years ago (17) I had to go for counseling with my pastor’s wife. I was at a crossroads in my life and anger was ruining my life and ruining my family. I went to talk with my pastor and he suggested I meet with and talk to his wife. I had no idea what to expect but I went. By this time I was already having flash backs of childhood sexual abuse. In the process she asked me to write letters to those who abuse and neglected me. I had no idea that my anger was tied into those past experiences. I thought it was my husband and children frustrating me. So one night I began writing and the more I wrote the angrier I got to the point of pressing into the paper so that you could read it three pages below. Not only that but my writing went out of the line down the page; after many hours a lot of tears I finished. I brought it to my next appointment and we prayed and cried after which I burned them. I have to be honest it didn’t seem to make sense, but I can honestly say some weight was lifted and my process began. Over time I was able to share publicly without feeling the sting or the shame of sexual abuse.
That time of counseling sent me on a journey that I thank God my pastor saw in me more than meets the eye. I thank God for pastors and leaders that take time to invest their time in the lives of those they are put in charge of. It was those times at the alter, speaking over my life the things I couldn't even fathom then, but in time those words sank deep down into my heart. That’s where my passion comes from, it’s seeing women where I was back then, going to church Sunday to sunday, just existing. They love the Lord and they serve the ministry but no desire to move into a intimate relationship with Him. Going through my process made me realize that it’s worth it to feel the pain of getting the healing.
I’ve come to realize that this christian walk is a process that never ends. I am constantly being pruned and cultivated round about, and sometimes I think why am I going through this? The question is Why not? Everything in the earth realm go through cycles, humans are the only ones who question and fight it. No one loves pain but in reality pain is a must in the process of healing, just ask anyone who’s had any kind of surgery on the road to recovery. As we approach the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, I encourage, no I beg you to ask the Holy Spirit’s help to release those issues of your past that keep you stuck in a rut of spiritual mediocrity and into the fullness of God’s best for you. He has a plan for you that far outweighs the one you wish for yourself. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, October 3, 2011
WISDOM FROM THE PAST
I've been reading about the women of faith who paved the way for us, and have found great encouragement from them. They too had great struggle in their faith walk as we do sometimes, and they never gave up until they saw the end of their faith. We now have their testimonies to encourage us. Let me share two quotes with you form these great women.
Love and blessings.
Love and blessings.
Marjorie (Warrior-bride)
"A bird is free in the air. Place a bird in water, and he has lost his liberty. A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes. He is out of his realm. So, young people, the Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God's command. This is as natural a realm for Gods' child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird."
(Henrietta Mears)
“Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.”
{Jane Adams}
Friday, September 23, 2011
THE CALL - GALATIANS 1:15-16
IT'S NOT COMPLICATED
But God had special plans for me and set me apart for his work even before I was born. He called me through his grace and showed his son to me so that I might tell the Good News about him to those who are not Jewish. When God called me, I did not get advice or help from any person. (Galatians 1:15-16)
In my quiet time, I came across a passage of scripture that was unfamiliar to me. In fact I was surprise when I read Galatians chapter 1 and came to verse 16b, Paul saying to the church there that when God called him he did not consult with anyone, nor did he go to those who were experienced apostles to find out how to be one. I never saw that scripture before today, at least I don't remember reading it.
Paul had such a mighty encounter with God that no one could talk him out of it. He didn't care who believed or trusted him. He went on doing what God called him to do till they started to say, look the guy who used to persecute Christians is now one of them. (Galatians 1:23) He did it with the help and support of the the Holy Spirit. Paul didn't have any problem believing God called him, he didn't need a conformation either. If you had his experience you would just go do what you were told to do. I'm not saying you need to be knocked off your horse and see a shining light and all that, all I'm trying to say is we need an encounter with God that is so real we'll get to doing as Paul did.
I am not advocating that we just run around and do what we want, I'm just saying, when you know that you know, that you know it was from God then go in His grace. Trust Him to send the right confirmers.
I believe that when we receive the call, which is the purpose we are here, no one, or nothing can deter us. It's what we think and dream about constantly. Everywhere we look we see it, we want to study it, we talk about it all the time, our friends know that's all we want to talk about. It consumes us and when we are doing it, it's like breathing. The opposite is detrimental, we feel out of place and out of touch, feelings of depression seethe into our lives. It doesn't matter what else we do we still feel as if we are unfulfilled. (I do anyway)
I am convinced that this is the feeling of many in the Body Of Christ today. We remain unfulfilled waiting for our leaders and others to confirm the call, when at times they don't know or they don't have the time to see your potential. It is God who calls us and so we really should be seeking Him for direction, or clarification. Whether or not someone helps us we have to be fully persuaded in our heart and mind. A few years ago I threw away my confidence in God for man's approval and now I struggle to find my way back realizing, just right now it doesn't have to be a struggle any longer, WOW (light bulb moment). All I have to do is turn to Him and ask forgiveness, then get on the path to purpose. Yes, it's that simple.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, confess to Him your lack of trust in Him, and watch what happens. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)
But God had special plans for me and set me apart for his work even before I was born. He called me through his grace and showed his son to me so that I might tell the Good News about him to those who are not Jewish. When God called me, I did not get advice or help from any person. (Galatians 1:15-16)
In my quiet time, I came across a passage of scripture that was unfamiliar to me. In fact I was surprise when I read Galatians chapter 1 and came to verse 16b, Paul saying to the church there that when God called him he did not consult with anyone, nor did he go to those who were experienced apostles to find out how to be one. I never saw that scripture before today, at least I don't remember reading it.
Paul had such a mighty encounter with God that no one could talk him out of it. He didn't care who believed or trusted him. He went on doing what God called him to do till they started to say, look the guy who used to persecute Christians is now one of them. (Galatians 1:23) He did it with the help and support of the the Holy Spirit. Paul didn't have any problem believing God called him, he didn't need a conformation either. If you had his experience you would just go do what you were told to do. I'm not saying you need to be knocked off your horse and see a shining light and all that, all I'm trying to say is we need an encounter with God that is so real we'll get to doing as Paul did.
I am not advocating that we just run around and do what we want, I'm just saying, when you know that you know, that you know it was from God then go in His grace. Trust Him to send the right confirmers.
I believe that when we receive the call, which is the purpose we are here, no one, or nothing can deter us. It's what we think and dream about constantly. Everywhere we look we see it, we want to study it, we talk about it all the time, our friends know that's all we want to talk about. It consumes us and when we are doing it, it's like breathing. The opposite is detrimental, we feel out of place and out of touch, feelings of depression seethe into our lives. It doesn't matter what else we do we still feel as if we are unfulfilled. (I do anyway)
I am convinced that this is the feeling of many in the Body Of Christ today. We remain unfulfilled waiting for our leaders and others to confirm the call, when at times they don't know or they don't have the time to see your potential. It is God who calls us and so we really should be seeking Him for direction, or clarification. Whether or not someone helps us we have to be fully persuaded in our heart and mind. A few years ago I threw away my confidence in God for man's approval and now I struggle to find my way back realizing, just right now it doesn't have to be a struggle any longer, WOW (light bulb moment). All I have to do is turn to Him and ask forgiveness, then get on the path to purpose. Yes, it's that simple.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, confess to Him your lack of trust in Him, and watch what happens. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)
Monday, June 14, 2010
DON'T DISMISS THE THOUGHT
I read this devotion about two years ago that moved me to tears, and thought of it today after hearing Pastor's message yesterday and thinking about some things he said. My hope is that it will inspire you to be sensitive to the voice of God by the Holy Spirit.
The Talking Mummy!
Sharon Glasgow (Proverbs 31 Ministries)
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)
One morning I went to start my car, but it wouldn’t start. I called the mechanic to pick it up.
The day got worse. After missing my dentist appointment, I got a call from the bank telling me I had overdrawn my account, then the mechanic called to say it would cost $900 to fix the car! He said I could pay later and pick up the car right away. Time was short because I had an appointment at 6:00 pm.
I was running late when, out of the blue, I remembered a lady I’d met at a Christmas party months ago. She’d mentioned she lived in my old neighborhood and that she had a swimming pool. I felt compelled to find her and drove to my old neighborhood five miles away. Once there I found hundreds of houses and many had pools.
I took a left, then another left, and drove into the driveway of a house with a pool. I knocked on the door and then started to reason with myself: Why do I think this is the lady’s house? I don’t even know her name! What will I say to explain why I’m here? About that time, a man opened the door. Quickly I said, “Hi! I’ve come to see your wife. I think I met her at a Christmas party. My name is Sharon,” He scowled and said, “My wife doesn’t want visitors!” before slamming the door.
Embarrassed, I ran to my car. As I started to leave, the man knocked on my window. “My wife wants to see you,” he said, “She’s downstairs.” I made my way inside and noticed there were no noises and no lights. It was a bit scary. I rounded the bottom stair and saw his wife lying on a recliner wrapped like a mummy from head to toe. Only her eyes and mouth showed between the gauze. I froze. “Why are you here?” she asked. “I don’t know,” I replied. She repeated herself and I explained that I was on my way to an appointment when I remembered her, and that I didn’t recall her name and wasn’t sure how I landed at her house. Tears started spewing from her gauze as she said, “I’m the woman you met.”
I walked closer as she continued, “Three hours ago I was in so much pain my husband wrapped me tightly to ease my discomfort. I have lupus and asked God to show me that He still loved me. I needed a miracle or I couldn’t keep on living. I told Him, “If You don’t show me by 6:00 p.m., then I am taking pills to end this misery forever. Turn around and look at the clock.” It read 5:57. Then she said, “On my mantle I have a bottle of oil. I want you to anoint my head with oil.”
Oh, I can’t anoint your head. I’m not worthy—I’ve bounced checks today!”
“Sharon, get the oil!” she insisted. I rubbed a drop on her head and we prayed.
When we finished she said, “I feel better, not completely, but that’s not what I asked God for today. I asked Him to show me He loved me and He answered. Thank you for following the Holy Spirit’s nudging even though your day was busy.”
What an honor to be used by the Holy Spirit. Jesus told believers that the Holy Spirit would dwell in us and never leave us or forsake us even to the end of the world. (Hebrews 13:5). God’s Spirit leads us. We have access to His supernatural leading, power, comfort, peace that passes all understanding, and divine illumination of the inspired Word.
He will lead you, too, just as He leads me. He speaks and leads through the living Word of God, a life of obedience, and through your thoughts when you surrender your whole being to Him.
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be more focused on Your supernatural leading in my life. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The next time someone comes to mind don't dismiss the thought, or say to yourself, "I wonder how they are doing?" Try calling or visiting them, you never know how God will use your obedience to answer someone's prayer and strengthen your faith.
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
The Talking Mummy!
Sharon Glasgow (Proverbs 31 Ministries)
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)
One morning I went to start my car, but it wouldn’t start. I called the mechanic to pick it up.
The day got worse. After missing my dentist appointment, I got a call from the bank telling me I had overdrawn my account, then the mechanic called to say it would cost $900 to fix the car! He said I could pay later and pick up the car right away. Time was short because I had an appointment at 6:00 pm.
I was running late when, out of the blue, I remembered a lady I’d met at a Christmas party months ago. She’d mentioned she lived in my old neighborhood and that she had a swimming pool. I felt compelled to find her and drove to my old neighborhood five miles away. Once there I found hundreds of houses and many had pools.
I took a left, then another left, and drove into the driveway of a house with a pool. I knocked on the door and then started to reason with myself: Why do I think this is the lady’s house? I don’t even know her name! What will I say to explain why I’m here? About that time, a man opened the door. Quickly I said, “Hi! I’ve come to see your wife. I think I met her at a Christmas party. My name is Sharon,” He scowled and said, “My wife doesn’t want visitors!” before slamming the door.
Embarrassed, I ran to my car. As I started to leave, the man knocked on my window. “My wife wants to see you,” he said, “She’s downstairs.” I made my way inside and noticed there were no noises and no lights. It was a bit scary. I rounded the bottom stair and saw his wife lying on a recliner wrapped like a mummy from head to toe. Only her eyes and mouth showed between the gauze. I froze. “Why are you here?” she asked. “I don’t know,” I replied. She repeated herself and I explained that I was on my way to an appointment when I remembered her, and that I didn’t recall her name and wasn’t sure how I landed at her house. Tears started spewing from her gauze as she said, “I’m the woman you met.”
I walked closer as she continued, “Three hours ago I was in so much pain my husband wrapped me tightly to ease my discomfort. I have lupus and asked God to show me that He still loved me. I needed a miracle or I couldn’t keep on living. I told Him, “If You don’t show me by 6:00 p.m., then I am taking pills to end this misery forever. Turn around and look at the clock.” It read 5:57. Then she said, “On my mantle I have a bottle of oil. I want you to anoint my head with oil.”
Oh, I can’t anoint your head. I’m not worthy—I’ve bounced checks today!”
“Sharon, get the oil!” she insisted. I rubbed a drop on her head and we prayed.
When we finished she said, “I feel better, not completely, but that’s not what I asked God for today. I asked Him to show me He loved me and He answered. Thank you for following the Holy Spirit’s nudging even though your day was busy.”
What an honor to be used by the Holy Spirit. Jesus told believers that the Holy Spirit would dwell in us and never leave us or forsake us even to the end of the world. (Hebrews 13:5). God’s Spirit leads us. We have access to His supernatural leading, power, comfort, peace that passes all understanding, and divine illumination of the inspired Word.
He will lead you, too, just as He leads me. He speaks and leads through the living Word of God, a life of obedience, and through your thoughts when you surrender your whole being to Him.
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be more focused on Your supernatural leading in my life. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The next time someone comes to mind don't dismiss the thought, or say to yourself, "I wonder how they are doing?" Try calling or visiting them, you never know how God will use your obedience to answer someone's prayer and strengthen your faith.
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
BUILT FOR EXPANSION
This month as we focus on women expanding in ministry, I would like to share with you how women in the bible knew their life was one of expansion and would not allow anyone or anything to stop them. They knew in their hearts that they were born to do something great.
Why do I say that a woman is built for expansion? Just look at the pregnancy and birthing process, a sperm swims against millions to get to one egg and when they collide a baby begins to form and expansion begins. All this is going on inside of a woman (hopefully she is married) and in a few months time she’ll begin showing signs of expansion.
There is nothing flattering about being pregnant and giving birth, it’s hard work yet very rewarding. There is morning sickness, weight gain, swollen feet, big nose, pimples/rashes, crazy cravens, stretch marks, weak bladder and waddling to consider. Yet women go through this process over and over again, I should know I’ve done it four times. The bible says that after a woman gives birth she forgets the pain at the sight of her baby (John 16:21).
There is no way to get around this kind of expansion and not change. In fact your whole life as you know it changes dramatically. From what you wear to what you eat and how you sleep. As the baby grows on the inside, so do you on the outside. It does not matter who you are, you will expand on every side. Notice that this expansion is pointing forward, you get the feeling that someone is pulling you forward and there is nothing you can do but go. There is no turning back now you are in the process of becoming a mother and it’s not easy. You’ll have to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate this expansion.
Women in the bible expected expansion when they got married, and if that didn’t happen they would be miserable. Isaac pleaded with God for his wife Rebekah because she was barren, and probably gave him grief (Genesis 25:21). Rebekah gave birth to two nations (Genesis 25:23). Tamar tricked her father-in-law into sleeping with her, by pretending to be a prostitute just for the honor of giving birth (Genesis 38). We see King David coming through her son Perez, and she being named in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3). Hannah pleaded with God for a son because she was barren and promised him back to God. She was saying to God just let me give birth, let me have the privilege of pushing something out of me (1 Samuel 1:11). Her son Samuel was one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. What would have happened if these women settled with the barriers they faced. These women decided that future generations were well worth the process.
On a spiritual note, what has God placed within you that you need to give birth to in this season? Spiritual expansion is just has heard as the physical. It is not going to be easy, but you can do it. You were born with the ability to do it. You will be stretched beyond what you think, it's uncomfortable doing something new the first time but you are not alone the Holy Spirit is here to help you through the labor, just listen to Him. Lady Akuazaoku encouraged us to rise up because it’s our time to move into purpose without excuses. God spoke that very statement to me last week and Sunday it was conformed by her. When things get tough we tend to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves and having pity parties. This is the time to move with confidence because God says it’s your time and the next generation is at stake if we don't. When Rebekah’s pregnancy got hard and she wanted to give up she realized her only hope was in God, so she went to Him and He told her she was caring two nations in her womb and it wasn’t time to quit, it was time to go through the process for the nations that were coming.
My encouragement to you women of purpose is, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1) You've got what it takes, you are well able to do it. Be blessed.
Why do I say that a woman is built for expansion? Just look at the pregnancy and birthing process, a sperm swims against millions to get to one egg and when they collide a baby begins to form and expansion begins. All this is going on inside of a woman (hopefully she is married) and in a few months time she’ll begin showing signs of expansion.
There is nothing flattering about being pregnant and giving birth, it’s hard work yet very rewarding. There is morning sickness, weight gain, swollen feet, big nose, pimples/rashes, crazy cravens, stretch marks, weak bladder and waddling to consider. Yet women go through this process over and over again, I should know I’ve done it four times. The bible says that after a woman gives birth she forgets the pain at the sight of her baby (John 16:21).
There is no way to get around this kind of expansion and not change. In fact your whole life as you know it changes dramatically. From what you wear to what you eat and how you sleep. As the baby grows on the inside, so do you on the outside. It does not matter who you are, you will expand on every side. Notice that this expansion is pointing forward, you get the feeling that someone is pulling you forward and there is nothing you can do but go. There is no turning back now you are in the process of becoming a mother and it’s not easy. You’ll have to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate this expansion.
Women in the bible expected expansion when they got married, and if that didn’t happen they would be miserable. Isaac pleaded with God for his wife Rebekah because she was barren, and probably gave him grief (Genesis 25:21). Rebekah gave birth to two nations (Genesis 25:23). Tamar tricked her father-in-law into sleeping with her, by pretending to be a prostitute just for the honor of giving birth (Genesis 38). We see King David coming through her son Perez, and she being named in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3). Hannah pleaded with God for a son because she was barren and promised him back to God. She was saying to God just let me give birth, let me have the privilege of pushing something out of me (1 Samuel 1:11). Her son Samuel was one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. What would have happened if these women settled with the barriers they faced. These women decided that future generations were well worth the process.
On a spiritual note, what has God placed within you that you need to give birth to in this season? Spiritual expansion is just has heard as the physical. It is not going to be easy, but you can do it. You were born with the ability to do it. You will be stretched beyond what you think, it's uncomfortable doing something new the first time but you are not alone the Holy Spirit is here to help you through the labor, just listen to Him. Lady Akuazaoku encouraged us to rise up because it’s our time to move into purpose without excuses. God spoke that very statement to me last week and Sunday it was conformed by her. When things get tough we tend to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves and having pity parties. This is the time to move with confidence because God says it’s your time and the next generation is at stake if we don't. When Rebekah’s pregnancy got hard and she wanted to give up she realized her only hope was in God, so she went to Him and He told her she was caring two nations in her womb and it wasn’t time to quit, it was time to go through the process for the nations that were coming.
My encouragement to you women of purpose is, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1) You've got what it takes, you are well able to do it. Be blessed.
Friday, February 26, 2010
A TRUE INSPIRATION GO ON!
I have been watching the Olympics on and off here and there, and for what I've seen Canada is doing great. But I have to tell you tonight, I cried with a "Woman Of Purpose" Joannie Rochettee. As most of you know her mother came to watch her skate at the 2010 Olympics but passed away suddenly on Sunday. This Woman Of Purpose had the prize in mind when she traveled to Vancouver and was determined to go forward with the support of her dad and those surrounding her. I'm sure there was a question asked of Joannie, "can you go on?" I believe she answered, “yes I must.” The rest is now history as we all watched Joannie receiving her bronze medal. I don’t believe there was one dry eye. As she received her medal and the camera panned the audience I saw a banner that read “GO GO ON JOANNIE” It reminded me of something I read regarding Paul’s admonition in Philippians 3:13-14.
A missionary was laboring to teach his tribal people the meaning of this scripture. Several days after the lesson one of the students approached him and ask permission to read a poem he had written about the meaning of Paul’s words.
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
Go on, go on, go on.
Go on, go on, go on, go on,
Go on, go on, go on!
The writer goes on to say there were seven more identical stanzas to this poem. He really got the message down pat. (From Loving God With All Your Mind – Elizabeth George)
If we are going to experience “Expansion” this year, then we must “Go On” no matter what. I think we've become soft and at the slightest sent of trouble we want to quit, but take it from Joannie, this is not the time or season to quit there is a race to win. I’m sure it was hard for Joannie, she loved her mother and thought of how she pushed her and encouraged her to be the best, and how much she loved and admired her. She skated with her mother on her heart. Her mother had to Go On as well, when her fiancé died tragically weeks before they were to be married. Joanne is here at the olympics because her mother made a decision to go on.
Lets take some advice from those who have gone on before us. Corrie Ten Boom when suffered two strokes at age 86 that left her unable to walk or barely able to speak she spent the rest of her life praying for others, pressing on to the end.
Amy Carmichael a missionary to India had tough days but prayed "Father I'm not soaring today, help me." The answer was, Daughter, soaring is not always flying high above the world, sometimes one is soaring only two feet above the ground, just enough to keep you from getting tangled in the thorns and crashing against the rocks." (Elizabeth George - Loving God With All Your Mind)
I could go on and on but I think you got the picture. There are others waiting for us at the crossroads of life, so we must like those before us, Go On, Women Of Purpose!!!!
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