For a more comprehensive view of my work, please go to:
inhisheartbeat.weebly.com

Thank you for your interest.

Shawn

Enjoying Your Journey

Not too long ago, a friend of mine could not understand why I didn't enjoy gardening or planting flowers. She could not understand why I would prefer to build sandcastles over gardening. To her, sandcastles quickly become washed away, while with planting flowers you see the fruition of your labors. This way you having something more tangible for you and others to enjoy, to have something left behind.

While I understand why she would feel this way -- wanting tangible results of your toil -- she did not grasp my perspective. It all boils down to enjoying the journey on your way to your destination, or your desired end result.

         Yes, the goal may be the same, your destination may be the same, but what are you doing to get there? Are you enjoying yourself? Are you learning anything along the road? Also, without smaller, manageable, short-term goals along the way, the end goal would never be reached because you would give up along the journey, for nothing would be keeping you going. You would not find it worth it: worth the struggle, the hard times, the low points. Your endurance would suffer.

          Sandcastles, for example, may seem temporary, fleeting, not worth the time a person spends in building, where the coming tide quickly comes and washes it away. But what of the joy one has from the feel of sand running through his/her fingers, the cold, wet sand forming shapes beneath the fingers. What about the delight of knowing that there are individual grains coming together too make one structure, reminding you of how we are all one part of the Lord's body, joining together in unified purpose for something special. And what of the Father playing in the sand with their child, the expression of creativity that reminds you that God makes you unique, as every "castle" is. Moments in time that you will never have back, sure

         Sure, it won't last the test of time, because it was a temporary thing, as it was meant to be. You can always take the photos and memories to go with it. But even flowers fade and die, but did you enjoy the process, did you enjoy what you received out of it? 

         Life is often so serious, that one can forget to take joy from it. It can become tedious, repetitious, stale, tiresome. If all one does is focus on the long range goals, yeah, they'll get there -- sometimes that's what keeps them going -- the end result. It makes all there hard work and effort worth it. And if that is your motivation, what drives you, delights you, GO FOR IT!!! But what about the times you get weary, you need to be inspired, to get back in touch with who you are doing things for? What are of your example to them? Work hard, there's no time for fun? Focus on the results, you don't need to enjoy the journey?

          Consider this, could it be, that a "sandcastle" could just be a means of enjoyment, a respite, that can be given out to others? Like a cup of cold water, some encouragement, that may be needed to "energize," "inspire," "encourage" you in this marathon of life, and by doing so, it blesses me, because it's my way of giving forth, my way of expressing who I am, and it has value, just as the work and dedication you put into your tasks have value. Both types are needed. Both are important.

          "Sandcastles" are like bubbles, bubble wrap, butterflies, mere vapors in the air. They are fleeting, short-lived, and yet, it gives forth something wonderful. Perhaps, it is but merely a break, a quick drink of refreshing water, before going back to the task at hand, but it is still necessary. Yes, your accomplishments may become glorious, last the test of time, leave a tangible legacy for those who follow you. But what I leave may be an important -- or at least, a necessary part -- in the road to your success. For we are only different components of the same project, purposes knitted together, to provide something quite beautiful, to reach the required end result. Sometimes, it is the seemingly, "unrequired" or hidden part of a process is what can make the end what it is.

"For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function" (Romans 12:4).

          Differences and diversity  is what it is about. If God did not want it this way, He would have made us all the same. Copies of one another. We are all needed. Each of us have something very different to contribute, a different task to do, a different way of expressing ourselves, and the Bodycould never be all that the Lord has intended, without all of our parts.

          So let's us rejoice the Lord together in serving Him in the place and in the capacity to which we are called. Being who we are called to be and enjoying our journeys in the process.  

Big Dream or Status Quo? -- Part 3/3

Hold onto the dream God's given you. It may be years, but God holds the key to your dreams in His hands. Like a lump of clay on a potter's wheel, it is not destined to stay a lump. It is a process. Just like you would not give up on your child and call him or her hopeless, don't give up on the dream God has given you. Yes, God may tweak it, it may "feel" as if God is starting from scratch and all your work went to nothing, but God is doing the building. Nothing God puts His hands to do is worthless or pointless.

Though it tarries, it will come to pass, if your hope does not fail. Do not settle for that status quo. Do not  get so used to not having it that you get comfortable where you are at. Get your mind out of that rut. Things could change at a moment's notice. The rut is not God's norm for you. The waiting time is a doing time, not a sit-on-your-butt time; it's preparation time. You want change, expect change to happen.

God doesn't want us to just settle. He has big plans for you, for each and every one of you. So what are you doing? 

Deam Big!  Nurture the dream, by focusing on aspects of it, mulling it over in your mind, feeding it. Ask God for a "living" dream...for God to make it tangible for you. 

What big dreams does He have for you? If it's not big, it's not God's. His dream for you is a God-sized dream, otherwise, it's just something man could do in his own strength, his own way. But if it's a dream God has given you, you will not be able to do it on your own. And only God-sized dreams can satisfy the soul of a believer.

Look at each dream. How does it feel? What lives are supposed to be touched for the Glory of God through this dream? What kind of Kingdom difference can it make? What is God using to feed it? How are you trying to feed it? Are you feeding it what God knows will make it thrive? 

Want different results than what you have been getting? Change the process. Ask God how to get on track. He will tell you if you ask. Be willing to work with His timetable. Ask Him what your next step is. He will tell you, He will give you a plan. 

Ask for specifics, get and set clear goals. You don't want fuzzy or vague goals. So there needs to be some type of structure. But at the same time, be flexible, give the dream breathing room. A dream will get smothered if you try to force it into a strict time-table. 

Hold your dream up to the Light. Let the Light of God shine upon it. Ask God what He sees. Allow God to direct the process, knowing that He wants this dream He has for you far more than you ever can. 

And remember, He chose you to be His vessel for this work upon this earth. He chose you to be the carrier for His call and His dreams. Will you accept this honor?

And if for no other reason than your Love for the Lord God, and your willingness to obey Him, you cannot say no. 

So...

Dream Big!

Big Dream or Status Quo? -- Part 2/3

Sometimes in between our calling or promise from God and the waiting for the fulfillment of that promise, we may start to think that God's forgotten us, or that we somehow did something that derailed our qualification in receiving the promise that God had given us so many years ago.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

Dig deep. Look back at the original dream , the original plan, God had given you. Are you staying true to what He gave you, or have you detoured away from the root of what He's shown you? Your dream may have many branches, be very diverse, but the root of what God has given you, is the core, the basic foundation to what God wants for you. His plan, His call on your life! His destiny for you. His way, not your way, of fulfilling His plan. 

Let's look at Sarai and Hagar. What happened when Sarai and Abram desired to fulfill God's promise (Genesis 15) themselves. 

Genesis 16:1-4

 "Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, 'Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.”

Here Sarai was so desperate to make God's promise happen, that she tried to make it happen, force God's hand, if you will. But God is not to be manipulated. Faith moves God, not manipulation. You must believe that God can, know that He is working, and that His promises will come.

Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

It took another 14 years for the promised son to be born. It had to be God's timing, done His way, for the working of the flesh removed from the picture. That in order for the promise to come, flesh had to be unable. Man could not do it in their own earthly abilities. 

Isaac wasn't born till after Abraham was 100 years of age. (Abraham was circumcised at 99 years old, and Sarah was 89 at that time. It was an outward sign of an inward change.) Abraham had to go through a name change--a character change--for the timing of the promise to come. A tempering time does not mean you are out of favor with The Lord or that He's given up on you, or that you blew it so badly that He'll never want to use you.

God is not just merely the God over the day, of joyful times, of everything going peaches 'n cream, although they are good things. He still works even when you are in the night time of your life, during your low times, even when there seems to out. But just because your surroundings and your circumstances may be dark, you don't have to live there. They don't have to affect you. You can rise above it.

Discouragement lives and thrives in the darkness, but we are children of the Light, and our hope rests in Jesus. It's that Hope that is the Light that shines upon you and your dreams.

So shine His Light upon it.

Big Dream or Status Quo? -- Part 1/3

Too many in the Body of Christ have gotten used to the status quo. But the Christian Life is more than this. If we do not dream a BIG dream with God, how can we be where we need to be. Christians who choose to live in the status quo are living out there walk in a rut. God wants more for His people than this.

The prophet, Samuel was birthed via the desperation of his mother, Hannah. She wanted to have a child so deeply that she faced years without any. Scripture says in Proverbs 13:6, that "hope deferred makes the heart sick." Year after year, Hannah, having no child, while Peninnah, her husband's other wife, was having child after child. Penninah would use Hannah's barreness to provoke her to tears, sobshe would not eat.

All Hannah knew to do was to lay her heart bare before the Lord. So she sought the Lord out. It's that type of desperation that often moves the hand of God. Hannah was in position for a miracle to happen. Like her, you must know where to put that desperation. Desperation is often that fertile ground that God uses to propel you forward into the destiny that He has for you.

1 Samuel 3:10-11says, 

"She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, 'O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.' ”

Hannah was willing not to own, lay personal possession of the promise, but to give him unto the Lord God for service. Her dream, her desire, was placed in the hands of God. She wanted God's promise fulfilled His way.

1 Samuel 1:20

"And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, 'I have asked for him from the Lord.' ”

The Word goes on to say that when Samuel was three years of age, Hannah brought him to the temple to serve there, as fulfillment of the promise she gave the Lord, and in turn, the Lord gave her five more children (3 boys and 2 girls).

Like Hannah, we need to be able to release what God has placed within us. Every dream has to start somewhere. All dreams start with faith, faith that God has a plan for you, that you to know and believe He can do it, and to be obedient to His commands.  

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare (your good/peace) and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

First, we need to listen to the Lord and keep His Word--whatever He asks of us to do, for the promise will come.

Habakkuk 2:2-3

 "And the Lord answered me:

 'Write the vision;

make it plain on tablets,

so he may run who reads it.

 For still the vision awaits its appointed time;

it hastens to the end—it will not lie.

If it seems slow, wait for it;

 it will surely come; it will not delay.'"

God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. Just do as He shows you. 

Christian Cliff Notes

Now...let me see if I can reconstruct this post that had recently gone missing early this Wednesday morning when I tried to post it online.  Unfortunately, remakes are generally never better than the original...we'll see what happens. I pray it comes across how the Lord wants it expressed. 

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With the start of the new school year upon us, I began thinking about college students going to school for the first time. They have more freedom than when they were at home to make their own decisions. And with that new freedom comes many more responsibilities. There are class schedules, extra curricular activities, outside jobs, college tuition, book fees, general living expenses. They face many decisions that they may not have had earlier in their life. So where does that leave their spiritual growth? With such busy days ahead, will they take the time to continue growing in the Lord, taking the time to be in His presence. Or will they merely seek the cliff notes' version for their spiritual walk, trying to just coast along on having only the basics? 

Sometimes a person doesn't even need to be in college to have a very busy schedule. So, in everyday situations, do we, as Christians hunger for more of the Word, more of the Lord, or do we just settle for only cracking open the Word, maybe once a week, or only after a crisis hits?

In Deuteronomy 11:18 the Lord commands, “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." Basically, we are to focus upon the Word as a continual reminder, so that we are ever meditating upon it, and APPLYING it our daily lives. The Word is here to not only teach or instruct us, but also that we know it deeply within our lives, that we are enabled to face every situation BEFORE something hits.

If we just settle for having milk, allowing others to feed us, we will never be strong, nor be equipped to share forth the gospel and present it to a dying world. How will God get the glory then? Living only by the milk of the Word, how can we stand like we are admonished to do in Ephesians 6:10-20. 

We are called to be salt and light to a darkened world (Matthew5:13-16). If we are merely smoldering embers, how can we light the way to the Lord? How will our lives stand as a witness to God's glory? We cannot do this without keeping built up in the Word, not by eating merely milk, staying weak, but digging into the Bread--the Bread of Life--and the meat of the Word also. For our Lord wants more for our lives Han merely existing. We need to live, to grow, to be on fire for the Lord. And when finished, to know that we have done all that He has asked of us, fulfilling our destiny in Him.

Technological Problems

Apparenly the iPad blogger app is no good, because the post that I was working on yesterday--and saved--they deleted as soon as I gained a Wi-Fi connection this morning. I am ridding myself of the app. It is so much easier to just go online and post something and NOT go through the app. They do not delete it on you then.

I apologize for not having it ready to post. I will try to get something soon.

A Piece of My Passion

My Beloved,

     How I long to draw closer into your arms, to feel Your heart beating next to mine. So that the nearer I draw to Yours the more my heart will beat as one with You. Show me Your ways, my Love -- show me the power of Your Love so that I may know it in its fullness.

     Oh, Your heartbeat--such a strong beat--how I  long to continually feel that strong pulse echoing through the recesses of my vessel. The rhythmic thunder of Your mighty pounding within my being--oh! What addiction! Such sweet desire! More, my Lord, more of Your life--Your Glory--flowing forth from within me.

     How I long for the world to see--the world to know--Your mighty splendor for themselves. Pour it forth, pour it through me, Lord.

     Overwhelm me, Lord, with the strength of Your Love for me. The intensity of Your Love, so strong and yet, so gentle. All consuming and so liberating! 

     Oh, what words? How can I express such a force? It surpasses all mortal comprehension, and I overflow. For how could anyone hinder the floodgates of Your Love from bursting through? Such perfection--Your Love--the flawless source of unconditional love.

     Transform me, My Love. Change me that I may fully express forth Your Love to a dying world. Free me to fully embrace all You have for me and the destiny You have mapped out for me. Conform my will to match Yours that I may forever be in sync with deep pulsing of Your heartbeat. Oh, that I would carry that heartbeat to all whom I encounter that I may be a catalyst in stirring their embers into flames for You.

     Continue transforming me by the power of Your Love, that I may fully know Your heartbeat, Your passion, so that Your Glory be made manifest, revealing Your very Presence, My Lord. For I can never be the same again. Nor would I desire it, my Love. For I am Yours, You are mine, for all Eternity.

Your Angel
(SeekingHisheartbeat @OneHeart.com)

A Thought--Personal Resurrection of Dreams and Visions

This past weekend A group of ladies and I went to a Ministers'  Conference in Iowa. It was very refreshing, uplifting, and engaging. Old dreams were resurrected, my (spiritual) vision was broadened and added to, and my direction in the Lord has become sharper, more tangible. I now have so many more ideas for my writing, more ways in using that gift for God's glory. Areas that have gone stagnant, or simply unproductive, have started producing again. I praise God for the added clarity.

More will be coming...for now I've got to scoot.

Just today I stumbled across an excellent artist, with a song,that speaks forth what I believe...as if she had tumbled into my prayer closet and heard the words I was praying to my Lord, a desire for deeper intimacy with Him. It hit that close...a kindred spirit. The artist is Misty Edwards and the song, is "Favorite One."

Here are her lyrics to "Favorite One":
Jesus,
Here I am your favorite one
What are You thinking, what are You feeling?
I have to know
(Repeat x 2)

For I, I’m after Your heart
I'm after Your heart
I am after You
(Repeat x 2)

(Repeat all x4)

And I'll crown You with my love.
(Repeat x7)

Jesus,
Here I am your favorite one
What are You thinking, what are You feeling?
I have to know
(Repeat x 2)

For I, I’m after Your heart
I'm after Your heart
I am after You

You know that I,
Than I’m after Your heart
I'm after Your heart
I am after You

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The music to "Favorite One" makes this so much richer.. Also, her song "Dove Eyes," touches my very soul...

(The Lyrics to "Dove Eyes":)
I don't want to talk about You like You're not in the room
I want to look right at You I want to sing right to You

I believe that You are listening
I believe that You move at the sound of my voice

Give me dove's eyes

Give me undistracted devotion for only You

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For More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/misty_edwards/#share

My apologies to everyone who has been following this blog. Between working on my writing, helping my pastor to get a website up and running, editing her new manuscript--God's Glory--working on my website, and my "regular" job and other miscellaneous household tasks, I have been wearing myself a little thin. (Let alone all the email I'm still going through.) The good news is that I am catching up. Well, back to working on my website...I'll let you know when I put it up. :)

Just meditating on the Word...

Psalm 62:
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples. Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

Mmm...such gems in the Word...His love letter to us; we are so precious to Him...
"I am my Beloved's and He is mine..."
(Oh, to sings songs over Him, of Him, for Him, forever...I can't imagine a more wonderful thing now...I can't help but love Him.)

Hope and (Progressive) Vision (Part 2)

(Part 2)

Now hope is tied to vision. With a vision, you have been given hope for a Godly purpose. He has called you out for His good purposes. Without a vision from the Lord, you wander around aimlessly. When you seek God for a vision, a purpose in Him, don't set your mind on a having to receive that vision in picture format. It may not come that way, but it will be clear direction, one of which you are certain of being from God. It is bigger in you and it will take God to have it come to pass.

A Godly, progressive vision is one of God's way of wiring our brain. Research has shown that when you have a goal, a purpose, that is difficult—that is beyond man's limitation—that they are in fact easier to reach than simple ones. Why? Because there are certain chemical changes that occur in the brain that take place when pursuing that purpose. It leads to a brighter mood, increased performance, and other positive health changes. It changes your perspective for the good.

God's vision for your life must be activated, engaged, spoken forth, acted upon. Jeremiah 29:18-19 says, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond." 

You gotta' respond. Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, "And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Seek God for that vision. It comes in response to prayer. Acts 10:1-6 says, "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter."

Through that first step, God moved mightily. Miracles occurred, things beyond expectation.

Move down to verse 9 (in Acts 10). *****Peter saw one that lead to the tearing down of ethnic barriers -- GOD'S children coming together -- LEAD TO PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL, SALVATION FOR CORNELIUS AND HIS FAMILY and the miraculous speaking in tongues - Acts 10:9-20 thru Acts 10:44-48 (esp v. 46)

A vision is dependent upon God's timing. (Acts 16:6-10.) (When to go to Macedonia; first no, then yes.)

A vision encourages you to keep pressing on through difficult circumstances: "And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them" (Acts 18:9-11).

You are called to go forth. God will enable you. You must place your hope in the Vision He has given you. It is tied together.

What is your vision; what have you been called to do? Do you believe it; do you hope for it? Because if you believe, down in the depths of your soul, you can know amd say... "I am anointed to (do this "given thing" b/c I have this vision from the Lord to do this) all for the glory of God. B/c if He doesn't get the glory, it is dust.

Hope and (Progressive) Vision

(Part 1)

A Christian needs both hope and a progressive vision in this life to be able to serve God (to the fullest) and obtain the breakthrough God has called each of us to. Without hope, miracles cease, God's hands become tied, and one doesn't expect change nor for God to move at all. Without vision — a progressive, ongoing vision — there is no hope nor expectation that the Godly desires God has given you will be fulfilled. A progressive vision means that God gives you a piece at a time, and adds to it. It is also fluid, meaning it can adapt to changing situations.

Without hope placed in Christ, you lie in darkness, depression and despondency. You plain give up. Then you become apathetic and lukewarm.

A Godly vision gives a person purpose in life, a goal, something to accomplish, a reason for going on, pressing on. Recalling that vision motivates you within your Christian walk.

(Let's look at what the scriptures have to say about it.)

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

We must seek Him. Let's turn to Psalm 42:4 — No, let's go up to verse 1.

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

And again in verse 11, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." Hope in God. Put your trust and hope in Him.

In Psalm 71:5-6, "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you." Praise keeps hope strong.

Studying the Word keeps you strong. Psalm 119:49-50 says, "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life."

Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Psalm 130:5,6, "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning."

Psalm 63:6-8, "When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." You can endure if you hold onto Him, and put your hope in God.

It delights God when you put your hope in God, and not the circumstances around you. Psalm 147:11 says, "the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."

So, speak to yourself. Speak back the promises of God that He's given you.

Ezekiel 37:11-14 says, "Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.” "

To be continued...

Are You Playing House With God -- Part 2

God's not after a Church to be merely one who does mighty deeds in His Name—to be able to pull out their spiritual resumé just to say, "I did this for You; I did that for you—all in Your Name."

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness' " (Matthew 7:21-23).

He's more interested in who you are — your relationship with Him — than what you can do for Him. God will always honor His Name, His Blood, and His Word, but how well does He know you? Yes, how well does He know you? He may be omniscient, but do you share with Him, confide in Him, reveal yourself to Him, as one does a friend?
In verse 23 He said, "Depart...I never KNEW you." Think about that. A sovereign God who knows all there is about you — all the facts — but have you "allowed" Him to know you? How much have you let Him into your life? Is it all business with Him — serve, serve, serve — or is He your best friend, you can do anything with?
In a relationship you share with the other person, you open up to them, you become vulnerable. Marriage is the ultimate example of this.

Turn to Ephesians 5:22.

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body."

You have to choose relationship with Him. He draws you; He desires it! But it's still your choice.
In a relationship with God, you are in a commitment to follow Him, to obey Him and submit to Him, not just surrender. You cannot just be self-centered, stomp your feet and say, "You were supposed to do it this way."

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light" (Colossians 1:9-12).

This relationship is a partnership: He gives, you give. You work together for one another, not merely for your own motives and rights to be upheld. It's teamwork; it's not meant to be a cake-walk all of the time. Any worthwhile commitment will take work.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:2-5).

One cannot have a partnership with one another in the Body of Christ without knowing one another—as they currently are—the good, the bad and the ugly. As with the Lord, He takes us where we are at and it's His Love that changes us, but we must be willing to accept that Love and Love Him in return and not just be playing house.

Are You Playing House With God? (Part 1)

     The Lord God desires intimacy with His people, the Church, His Bride. He'll use your dry times, your desperate times, to draw you closer to Himself. He desires a relationship with you that has you leaning joyfully upon Him, and not leaning upon our own resourcefulness, or the ways of the world.

In Hosea 2:14, the Word says that God allures us. 

     “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her."

God wants us so deeply He woos us, He "allures" us. The word, allure, means (1) to attract something desirable; entice, (2) to be highly, often subtly, attractive (American Heritage College Dictionary).

     Let's look at GOD'S intention toward us in Hosea 2:14-20.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. “And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘Ishi,’ and no longer will you call me ‘Baali.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more. And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD (Hosea 2:14-20).

     In verses 16 and 17 it says, 

" 'And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘Ishi’ and no longer will you call me 'Baali.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more."

Ishi means "my husband," whereas Baali means only "my lord." The Church will no longer cry out for things of gods —little "g"— of this world but will be a thing of the past and totally uninteresting.

God does it want a Church that is merely "playing house" with Him. His desire is that the Body of Christ mature and not act as children wanting their own way, acting as if God is supposed to be obedient to their whims and serve them.

     "They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep’ " (Luke 7:32).

He wants us to KNOW HIM intimately. He wants us beyond those childish behaviors and become matured in the Kingdom of God. We must grow past the games and role-playing.

(To be continued...)

RINGTONES AND DRAMA FREAKS

“As soon as they heard me approach, they grew quiet. I mean nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

“What do you mean, nothing?” Staci rolls over, propping herself up on her bed.

“You could literally hear a pin drop. It was that quiet. It was like time stood still in a black hole. And they just sat there with their mouths open like a guppy. It was embarrassing. I didn‘t know what to say, so I just stood there and waited for a few minutes. And when they finally did do something, they raised the volume on their speakers or went back to their iPods.”

“I don’t see why you tried going over there in the first place. They were probably in shock and when you had nothing to say, it was back to same-o, same-o living in their machines,” Staci rationalizes.

“But Evan was the one who invited me and he acted as surprised as the rest of them.”

“You know the ‘Ringtoness’…” Staci trails off. “You’re not cool unless you own all the latest in video-graphical equipment. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. What a bunch of noise. ‘Tech-noise’ is what they should be called.

“I’m amazed they even know how to communicate apart from all their technological gadgets. I mean, come on, text messaging one another while you’re in the same room, when all you have to do is open your mouth and talk to the person next to you.”

“Why did you go over there, anyway? Besides Evan inviting you.”

“Oh, you know,” Emily sighs, “ ‘The Company’ really could use their technological skills in our production of Macbeth. I think it would be kinda’ cool.”

Emily jumps up, her face lit, “Imagine, a deep and dark forest, fog crawling eerrily across the ground, while the three witches are mixing their brew. ‘Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble,’” as Emily pretends to stir the cauldron.

“Quit being dramatic, Emily. You don’t need to convince me. I know the play would be better with some cool techno effects, but,” she sighs in emphasis, “they’re the Ringtones and we’re the drama freaks.”

“Speak for yourself! I am not a freak. Liking drama, Shakespearean plays and musicals does NOT make you a freak. And besides, Evan was excited about the idea and I thought that was why he invited me to meet the group in the first place.”

“Hey, don’t get into a tiff at me. I’m not the one who told you to go over there. That was your decision. Plus,” Staci tilts her head, “Why didn’t you say something if they didn’t?”

“Evan invited me there, so I thought it would be better coming from him, but when he didn’t even say anything, what could I say? They don’t know me. And they might not even see me as credible.”

“Why do you say that? I see you as credible; I know you to be credible.”

“C’mon, Staci,” as Emily rolls her eyes, “Just look at me. I don’t even own a cell phone. Horror of horrors to a Ringtone. Let‘s face it, they probably just think I live in a technologically deficient time zone.”

Chosen Vessels

While in prayer with the Lord this morning, I was discussing a long-time dream with Him. It has been such a long time coming to pass, and I had been, and still am doing what I can, what if that dream is dying, or has already has. Why is it delayed? I do not have forever upon this earth. Or perhaps why the dream has not reached fruition was due to some kind of flaw within me, a shortcoming, that made me ineligible.

He told me to stir up the gift within me, to sacrifice unto Him regardless of what occurs. This delay was not due to some kind of character flaw, but of tempering and growth that was needed, and that certain types of development cannot happen overnight or else this clay pot would crack and be of no good to anyone.

He did not make me less, or with beauty only He knows is there, or is able to see. He called me one of His chosen vessels. I had to be requested from the potter, retrieved from the back, and trusted to be the vessel needed, whether I appeared to be one or not.

We have to trust His choice and His timing, and not lean upon our own understanding and perceptions. For the "what ifs" in our lives are merely platforms of doubt. And our lack of trust, of faith, is the foundation for that doubt.

Should we allow the fickle "if"s in life to give us pause and form our destinies? Or should we seek His wisdom and understanding and be made into those choice vessels of destiny for Him?

For we are all made to be God's chosen vessels, used in positions that honor Him for the task for which we were formed. And He has sent forth this clarion call of destiny upon all His vessels, to give Him glory.

Choice vessels are unique, one of a kind, special vessels, that doesn't just sit out in the middle of the shop, thinking everything or everyone revolves around them. They are hidden, silently waiting in the back of the potter's shop, in anticipation of destiny's call.

Battle Weary?

I'm not sure of whom the author of this is, but I think it bears posting at this time:

(Also, please, if anyone knows who wrote this, let me know so I can give proper credit to them for this wonderful illustration.)

Dear Commander and Chief of Spiritual Armed Forces:

I'm writing a request to transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons:

I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private. I realize that you have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But sir, I must present you a realistic picture of my equipment.

My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and encourage the instructed troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use. The words are now smeared.

You have promised You would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear you, Sir. I feel so alone. I am so tired! I’m discouraged and I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask you for a discharge. I love being in your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I’ll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle - please, Sir.

Your Faithful but Tired Soldier.

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Dear Faithful but Tired Soldier on the Battlefield:

Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present My reasons:

You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word to supply your need. You do not need a demotion and transfer. (You’d never cut it on latrine duty.) You need a period of “R and R” - Renewal and Rekindling. I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated from all sound and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and “make all things new.”

You have been wounded in the battle, My soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. You have been weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My Words will rekindle within you a renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm. Report to Me tattered and empty. I will refill you.

Compassionately,

Your Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ

(May God bless the author(s) of this work.)
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2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (Amplified)
Ephesians 4:22-24 (Amplified)
Romans 4:20-21
Ephesians 3:16-20
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (Amplified)
Romans 15:5-6 (final admonishment--given encouragement, go do to others now)

Different Christian Acronyms

I LOVE ACRONYMS; THEY’RE SO MUCH FUN!

Here are just a few I’ve composed:

CHRISTIANS: Christ Has Risen Inside So That Individuals Are Nearing Sanctification

JESUS: Joyful with Every Saint Under Salvation

SOAR (IN JESUS): Staying Over All Roadblocks (I'm Now Joyful with Each Step Under Salvation)*

TRUST: Total Rest Unto Surrender Today

STOP: Stand Together On (Godly) Principle(s)

STAND: Stay Tough And Never Detour (or Derail)

Here are a couple from my pastor, Pastor Betty Moede:

SWAT: Spiritual Warfare Advanced Training

BELIEVE: Because Emmanuel Lives I Expect Victory Every time

RISE UP: Respond In Sincere Expression Until Purpose and destiny are accomplished! (FOR THIS ONE ONLY: she's not sure if this one had been hers or she read it somewhere--many years ago)

Here is one Helene Peters came up for at my church:

CPR: Christians Praising (or Praying) Relentlessly

And...

Here are some better-known ones (AUTHORS UNKNOWN -- at least to me):

FROG: Fully Rely On God

DOG: Depend On God

GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

ASAP: Always Say A Prayer

TGIF: Today God Is First

OR

Thank God I ’m Forgiven

FEAR: False Evidence Appear Real

FAITH: Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him

OR

My personal rendition:

Forsaking All I Trust Him

*Originally-- "Roadblocks" was "Rejection" when I came up with this acronym, but I changed it to become more inclusive. And that's a whole other story for another time.