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Archive for the category “Faith”

21 Nov 2012

Pulling Weeds

I wrote a newsletter a few years ago about pulling weeds. I remembered the newsletter one morning when I was outside pulling weeds in my flower beds. I am reminded how diligent I have to be to keep the weeds at bay. But I also have to get down to the root in order to get it removed completely. When it was really hot this summer, I let things go. I didn’t want to be outside in the hot and humid weather pulling weeds. They completely took over my beds. Now, I have to take more time digging down deeper because they have been in there too long. It takes more effort to remove them. This thought leads me to consider the roots of sin in my life. There is sin in my life that relates to just a few small things that really aren’t a big deal when looking on the surface. But it’s the small sins that can get down deep and take more effort to remove them.

When I started writing my story this summer, I realized some of the small sins that really did get in deep soil. I thought I had done a good job in removing the sins in my life, but I didn’t get into the deep soil. I only got the weeds that were sticking out. I have been asking God to show me the places in my life where He wants to prune. Slowly, He has been revealing places in my life where the sin has dug down deep. There was a sin of unforgiveness that I didn’t recognize until He revealed it. There was the sin of pride that keeps sprouting up when I least expect it. Each time I see a sin, I am reminded I need to get down to the depth of the cause. Why is it an issue still? Why haven’t I removed it completely? It’s a lifelong pursuit of becoming like Christ. It is the process of sanctification – of becoming holy. God is still revealing. I am still pulling the weeds out knowing that as they are revealed, I repent and at once I am forgiven!

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23

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14 Nov 2012

Going Public

Several months ago I was questioning God. I asked Him – what’s hindering me from moving forward? What’s hindering my relationship with the Holy Spirit? Why am I not working in the power of the Holy Spirit? I started searching in my soul, in the Word, listening to different speakers and reading a few books. One thing kept coming up: baptism. I considered this answer. I had often thought when I saw others being baptized whether I need to be re-baptized. I had received the gift of salvation at the age of 11. I was baptized soon after. Even though I really didn’t understand any of the ramifications of what being “born again” really meant at the time, I believed I had covered all my bases. But as I was considering baptism this time, one of the speakers spoke about being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I started questioning that aspect since I knew I was not really working in the power of the Holy Spirit, maybe this is what the answer was. I thought about it, prayed about it, read about it and asked a couple of people about their thoughts on the matter. And then let it go.

A few weeks ago, I started questioning God on the matter again. I heard a few sermons soon after this on the Holy Spirit. Two pastors spoke on the subject in length. Both said “we have all we need already in us if we have the Holy Spirit, if we are born again.” I believe I am born again – my life is living proof of it. So if I have all I need already in me, what’s hindering me? God placed baptism in front of me again. Even though I did it when I was 11, I didn’t really start living my life as a born again follower of Christ until a few years ago. This is the time to fully acknowledge His work in me. This is the time to go public.

I started attending a new church a few weeks ago. They are having a baptism this evening. I will be in that group who are being baptized. It’s a simple obedience to what I believe I am to do next in order to move forward in complete surrender to His will. Whether I receive any deeper anointing or find a new power working through me is irrelevant. I am to follow where God leads me. I am excited to find out what’s next in my life. Each small step of obedience leads to another small step. As I take each one, a true walk of faith is occurring. My journey is not about a destination since I know the ultimate destination, but it’s about the process to getting there. Celebrate with me today for I am alive in Christ!

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)

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07 Nov 2012

Foundations and Buildings

I have recently heard two messages on both the foundations of God and Jesus building the church. I don’t believe in consequences. I believe God is giving us a word. Jesus said over two thousand years ago that He is building His church. He is still doing it today. The church has grown from 120 people when Jesus started to millions today. The foundation was laid through Jesus’ ministry. His words came from God. He spoke the truth of God. Then He laid down on a cross. He is building on the foundation that cannot be shaken. It is the Truth spoken by Jesus and through Jesus.

I listen to several sermons a week through different ministries. God is building a firm foundation in me. I am hearing the truth through scripture, the spoken word and the written word. God is building a church through each person that is willing to listen, learn and put the Word into practice. God is not a god of duplication but multiplication. His church is not dying but thriving. There are multiple churches out there in the world that are bringing the Truth to light and people are responding. God is at work.

I am in the process of becoming ready to join the movement in whatever role I am to play. God is preparing my heart. He is preparing my mind. He is preparing my body. He is at work. He is not preparing me for a ministry that is duplicated but is unique to what He is calling me to. Beth Moore recently spoke about rebuilding the temple in Ezra 3. She spoke about the same foundation was used to rebuild temple, the same materials, same architectural plans, but the temple came out different. God didn’t dwell the same in the second temple as He did the first. We are in the temple age where He now dwells in us. He doesn’t dwell the same with everyone. Whoever is ready, let him receive the Holy Spirit for the greater work God is doing. Join the movement – build the church. Others are waiting to be introduced to Jesus.

For those that have ears, let them hear.

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 3:5,7

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31 Oct 2012

Mountain Tops

I don’t know about you, but I love the mountain tops. I don’t love climbing to get there, but the view from the top is worth the effort. I have been contemplating what God’s vision is for my life. The trouble is: right now, I am on the climb up the mountain. I don’t have the vision from the top yet. As I was considering my vision, I discovered I have had quite a bit of loss in my life. I didn’t recognize it as loss when I was in the midst – except for the loss of a friend in the early 90’s and the loss of my Mom back in 2009 (see “Letting Go” dated February 29, 2012 about the experiences). But when I see the major life events in my life, it was usually a result of loss.

I have had a moment to step to the side of the mountain – a scenic overpass if you will, and look out. This is what I have discerned. I am in the midst of a paradigm shift. I have looked at the loss of loved ones, circumstances or things and have wept for them. The thing about loss is this, there is pain in the midst of it. However, once you get to the other side, there is usually something better in store. I have had to let go of many things, but I have gained something so much better than I would have dreamed possible. I still don’t know what better advantage I have with the death of my Mom, but I know God is showing me a new perspective on that as well.

I had a major life event early in my life. I was devastated. It turned my whole world upside down. We moved from my hometown when I was thirteen years old. I left behind two married sisters and a nephew. What I see from this perspective is a new life that came from that loss. When I was in the middle of the transition, it was the most difficult thing I had faced at the time. If we had stayed in my hometown, I would never have experienced all the things that I experienced in my new city. I went to college in my new city. I joined the women’s basketball team at that college. We experienced winning a national title my senior year. If we had not moved when I was thirteen, I wouldn’t have gone to that particular college – my life would have been totally different. Yes, loss is difficult. If I can focus on the good that will come from it instead of what I am losing, my paradigm shift will give praise and glory to God.

The loss can give freedom to experience something new. It’s time to turn the losses in life to the winning moments instead!

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:21-22

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24 Oct 2012

Fence Posts

I don’t like this political season we’re in. I will be glad when it’s over in a couple of weeks. I also don’t like commenting on the political agendas of either side. However, there are issues that keep coming up that one day, I will have to get off the fence and stand my ground. God tells us in scripture that He doesn’t like us to be lukewarm. He would rather us be either hot or cold (Revelation 3:15-16). He tells the church at Laodicea, “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Based on the Greek text, spit should be translated as vomit. Those are some pretty strong words.

I have been pretty lukewarm on several topics, understanding in a way of both sides of the issues. Does it make it right that I can sit on a fence post instead of agreeing with God? God has some pretty strong words when it comes to some of the political topics we’re fighting over. And the country is pretty divided right now on those topics. We are a divided nation. Race used to divide us and maybe in some cases still does. God doesn’t care about race, color of the skin, or anything on the outside. He looks at the heart. He also cares about sin. We don’t talk about sin anymore. We have justified our sins now. We’ve allowed many sins to infiltrate our morals without giving them a second thought. God’s book is pretty clear what happens to those who do not repent of their sins.

Jesus said in Mark 3:24 “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Jesus also said in Luke 12:51 “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” It’s not about how we feel about the Bible. It is the truth of God, and it will stand on its own merit. It is meant to divide. It is the sword of truth. Since I am a follower of Christ, I am to believe what I read. I have to quit setting on the fence. At some point, I have to stand by God’s Word or I will have to deny I know Him.

It’s tough to stand up alone. Peter couldn’t do it. But God wants His people to remember who He is. The Sovereign King, the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty. It’s time to take a stand for what is right in His sight and not in man’s even if that means I lose family, friends or respect from the community. I cannot deny my Savior any longer. He has done too much for me. I am forgiven, and I live because of Him.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

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17 Oct 2012

Ouch!

Don’t you just hate when your toes are stepped on? In my self-righteous moments, praying for divine wisdom, asking God to show me what area in my life is hindering my relationship with Him – thinking, all is well in my little world. Not! Not too long after praying about what is hindering me to greater understanding, I heard a sermon that knocks me down a peg, steps on my toes and leaves me feeling about two inches tall. The Holy Spirit is not condemning me – that’s not the case at all. He is pointing out exactly what I did that is causing this blockage. I heard the sermon, and knew exactly what I had done. There was one point but two branches that smacked me on the head.

The pastor’s main point was: greed will kill the work that God wants to do in and through you! This sermon was from Perry Noble (Senior Pastor NewSpring Church). The title was actually on generosity – and I thought, “I don’t really need to hear this; I’m a pretty generous person.” That should have been my first clue. I also heard a sermon recently on insecurity. I think both are pretty relevant for this particular point through the Holy Spirit’s nudging. I don’t trust God to provide for my needs. I am insecure about my financial picture. I have said I believe God can do more than I can imagine, but I guess I don’t believe that relates to my financial well-being.

But greed can be about forgiveness as well. If I don’t forgive as Jesus forgave me, then I am being greedy. Greed is selfishness and focuses on my needs instead of others needs or what God wants. God can deal with the situation. We have to leave it in His hands. I am asked to forgive just as God has forgiven me. Jesus asked forgiveness for those that were hanging Him on a cross. Why can’t I forgive the one that hurt me? It’s time to let it go. It’s time to seek forgiveness, and ask to be cleansed of these sins that have kept me from experiencing His presence. I am ready to experience His fullness. And it only comes when my heart has been made clean.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

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10 Oct 2012

Jesus Wept

I hate to cry. It makes my eyes all puffy, my nose run forever, my sinuses get all messed up, etc. But there is a benefit to crying. They say that tears of grief are different from tears of joy. I know in my heart, it feels different. I was reminded on this particular morning how different my heart feels when I cry. I was experiencing a good morning of joy in my heart. I had a good devotional time rejoicing in my freedom from death due to my sin. I picked up one of the many books I am currently reading and read another chapter from the Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz. The book follows the life of Abraham. This particular chapter was on Sarah’s death. Anne writes about the death of her beloved Mother. It brought the memories of my Mom’s death to the forefront of my mind. And I wept.

My Mom’s death was three years ago this month. I don’t have many spells of grief anymore, but on days like today, it comes back like a wave. Thankfully, the wave doesn’t last long not like when the grief was still fresh. My grief doesn’t come without hope. I have the hope that one day I will see her again. I mourn on this day because I miss my Mom’s presence. I miss her calls. I miss the opportunity to have a hug, a kiss or just sit with her talking about the ordinary stuff.

I take comfort that Jesus knows my grief. He knows my heart grieves for my loss of fellowship with my beloved Mom. He felt the loss of Lazarus through Martha and Mary. He felt their pain, and wept with them. I believe my tears were felt as well. Jesus knows that the tears that came after the tears of joy were different. He saw my heart went from joy to sorrow. But my heart didn’t stay in sorrow. I am more joyful now because I know one day I will see her again. She is with Jesus, and she will be meeting me one day in a joyful place. My heart rejoices in the promises of Jesus. I have included one of Mom’s favorite verses below. She knew the promise and wanted her family to remember it as well. I believe it!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

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03 Oct 2012
2 Comments

It’s Official

I love watching people. When I go to the gym, while I am resting between sets, I watch the people around me. One day, I was stretching out in a room that was surrounded by mirrors. A guy came walking in. I didn’t notice anything at first, but then I turned my attention to him. He was flexing his muscles. Looking in the front, the side and the back mirrors to see how he was looking (I’m assuming). He did this for a couple of minutes then walked out.

I also noticed there are quite a few people who are very angry. I came in the other day with a fellow who was a bit irate at the gym for charging his credit card after he quit coming. He was beyond livid. I noticed a guy not too long ago throwing a mini tantrum when the machine he wanted was already occupied. Were these really issues to do with the circumstances at the gym or was it about something else totally? As I was observing people’s behavior, I realized this is all pretty normal stuff for the average population.

I came in one Sunday after church. I hadn’t exercised all week due to lack of facilities on my vacation (and lack of desire!), and I wanted to get back into it. It was relatively early since my church has an early service. There were more people there than I would have thought, but less than the average number when I usually go. The crowd was definitely more men than women. Actually, I probably could have counted the women on one hand. As I was looking around, I realized we all worship something.

I also realized I am no longer normal. Its official, I’m weird. I don’t worship the same things others do, I worship only God. My heart experiences joy and hopefully my face (and body language) reflects it. My attitude has changed, and I don’t get upset like I used to. I am much more patient than I have ever been. I am not in a rush to get anywhere. I may still get discouraged and have a bad day with some loneliness or grief or something. But my life is no longer normal compared to the average population. I used to want to be like everyone else, but now I want to stand out and be different. It’s weird how things have changed. It’s official. I am different but in the “weird for Jesus” way. And I’m okay with that!

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:6-7 (NLT)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

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26 Sep 2012
2 Comments

Walking the Wire

A couple of months ago, I viewed a man on a wire walking across Niagara Falls from the US to Canada. It was exciting to see in person, I’m sure. The anticipation of it all. Can he do it? Will he fall? As I contemplated, I am reminded he took a risk. Even though he knew he trained well for it; even though he had done many stunts before; he still had to get up on the wire (cable) and take that first step, then the next step until he reached his destination.

I know I am capable of taking risks. I used to climb trees in my younger years. I don’t remember my first time. I’m sure I was scared to do it if I had thought about falling. But I know I took the first step, then the next step was right there, so I took that one until I reached the top of the tree. I didn’t stop climbing that particular tree until a few years later. I don’t know if I outgrew climbing trees or the reality that I could fall and break a leg changing my climbing endeavors. A friend had fallen out of a tree and broke her leg so I knew then it was a possibility.

I love when scripture keeps popping up for me to contemplate. I was reminded recently that Peter took that first step out of the boat. Many others could have done it as well, but he was the only one that took the chance. I have taken a few risks over the years. I have left jobs to move to other cities or just recently left a well-paid job to follow where I believe God is leading. I am reminded it takes more than one step. It takes many steps to reach a destination. I have to remember I take the next right step. I follow the course before me, just as the fellow did on the wire. What was amazing to me during that walk, he kept praising God and thanking Jesus (and they televised it!). Maybe it’s not a risk after all. Maybe it’s just the life of a follower of Jesus, take a step and praise God for it. Having the hope and assurance that no matter what, Jesus is walking with me. Let me be bold like Peter, have the faith of Abraham and the walk of Jesus.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

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19 Sep 2012

Greater Things

I have heard two messages in the last week that tie in with this season of my life. God has placed a new theme over the last few years called “greater things.” He is calling me to greater things. The sermon I heard first was from Steven Furtick at Elevation Church. The scripture was 1 Kings 19:19-21. In this scripture we see Elijah placing his cloak on Elisha – Elijah is passing the mantle. Elisha took up the cloak and followed Elijah. Elisha went on to do greater things than Elijah. But Elisha first had to burn his plow. He had to get rid of the thing that would tempt him to go back. He was called to a higher purpose than plowing fields. Everything changes when the mantel is passed to us.

Then the next message was from Beth Moore from her simulcast on Saturday (September 15). Her message began with “the Lord speaks; many, many women spread the good news!” Psalm 68:11 (NET) The story continues with Elisha and two women (found in 2 Kings 4:1-33). One woman had almost nothing, and the other had almost everything. Both needed a miracle. The one with nothing knew she needed a miracle. The other thought she had everything and didn’t need a miracle. Girl A had nothing but a little oil. All she needed was more jars. With more jars, she received a blessing of a personal testimony for God’s unending supply to fulfill needs. Girl Z had about everything but lacked a son. She didn’t want to be disappointed again and decided “doing fine” was good enough. We are not called to a “fine” life but a faith life. If we have everything we need, then we are not living a big enough life. We have taken faith out of faithfulness. We have given ourselves over to fear instead of faith. (From my notes from Beth)

The mantle has been passed. There’s nothing to go back to. God has called each of us to tell, and it’s my turn to tell my story. Time is getting short. This is the season for being prepared to offer people the hope of which God gives in abundance. God has an unending supply of everything needed for an abundant life. The only thing that will keep the oil (the Spirit of Truth) from flowing is a closed jar (mouth).

Let this jar of clay shine the brightest light through all the cracks so that others may be drawn to the Light.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

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