Things have been hectic and wonderful this month..
Let's see- we had family in town for a few days.. it wasn't long enough, though. I have been dealing with the "post- visit blues" since they left last week. It feels like the day after Christmas. Do you know what I mean? All the excitement is over, church services and parties done, decorations have to come down.. the end of the fun puts me in a blah mood. Having family here is such a blessing and so hard when they leave!! Plus, they were only here three days, and we all had such a great time together, it just wasn't long enough. Better than nothing though.
On the upside -
That family I told you about.. the ones who had to foreclose on their home? The ones we helped move into the new place.. have assisted financially and the ones I have totally fallen head over heels in love with? THEM?!?? They came to church!! Two weeks in a row.. AND the beautiful wonderful 14 yr old precious daughter came to Youth group last week and LOVED it! She is also wanting to volunteer in Kidz Church , she was GREAT with the little ones, AND their mom wants to come check out Youth group this week.. she might want to help out with that! My heart soars just thinking about how good our God is!
Their little 9 yr old.. cute as pie.. loves Kidz church. She begs to come.. doesn't want to leave.. did I mention I love that family? God has placed the strongest urge in my heart to love them. It has to be supernatural.. God wants a family relationship there, so it is there. I adore spending time with them. I am praying for this to be the most amazing Easter ever, for this sweet family. Pray with me!! God is doing something huge here!!
Something else God is talking to me about the past couple of weeks.. He has actually been speaking to my heart about this topic since last May- it comes up again and again, because apparently I have not nailed the lesson down yet. My Father is so patient with me, praise Him!
So, here I am , reading this book called 'Heart of Worship' by Matt Redman. He is a pretty well known Christian artist and worship leader. Great book, challenging... I am nearly done with it and already wanting to read it again.. and I hit upon one of the devotional extras done by this chick named Daphne Rademaker. She is a Vineyard worship leader in Canada.
"Let God be your defense, and advertiser. I continue to learn over and over that we don't need to make room for ourselves, or strive to become a part of things. We just need to work on our craft, and knock on the door with whatever we have to offer God. "
Then.. this, which hit me in the gut:
"There is a distinct difference between trying to gain favor with people , and doing what God has asked you to do. Always go with what God is telling you to do, not what others think you should or should not be doing."
I like to please people. Everyone. I like to, but as I am getting older, and learning about my God, I know in my heart that I am to be pleasing in HIS sight. Along with these lessons, come things like patience to wait on His timing for things to pan out.. patience with myself.. patience with others. I pray diligently , I rarely skip on my quiet time.. I know I can't. I want to go to Him with things. One of the blessings of the way God created me is the fact that I honestly do have a desire to be obedient. Problem is.. I also need to be able to discern God's voice from disapproval of men. ( Remember that part where I like to please? ) I know that my ministries have specific Godly order to them. God, my marriage, my family, my ministries.. that is the order. I get into trouble when I start feeling like others want to define my order- or when I try to define it myself. Only God can do that. But I do struggle when I hear things from loved ones that seem to contradict what God has already told me. My life the past two years has been abundantly blessed by God because He is faithful. He directs my path, and when I listen to Him , He blesses that. I now spend alot of time praying for Godly reminders of how He blesses me when I am obedient to Him, and Him alone. Not praying really for the blessings, just thanking Him for the reminders.
My desire is to have a pure heart before Him. I pray daily for Him to keep my heart right and my motives pure. On my own, I fail , alot. Thankfully, all I have to do is ask again, and there He is again to bless that. If ever there was an unworthy soul, here I sit. Aware of His grace and mercy.. and thankful to the core that He loves me in spite of my sin, and in spite of my lack of faith in Him, and in spite of the fact that I have to be reminded over and over that I serve HIM. I love that direction comes from God, and not whatever expectations or boundaries anyone else would like to put there.
Last May, God spoke something to my heart that I have used as my daily mantra with this church plant thing. It was just something really simple, that has profoundly affected my life and how I view ministry, whether it be my family, or church/community related. It reminds me that it really isn't about me( Oh, how I need that reminder daily!) and it isn't about where someone else thinks I should or shouldn't be serving.. or how anyone views my role in the church or in this life. He said " Just do the work." I think what He meant by that was .. " Just do what *I* ask, remember to thank Me , and you will do just fine."
I wouldn't want it any other way.
:)
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Oh!! I forgot!
This past weekend marked Lifecoast Church's FIRST ANNIVERSARY!!
Our baby church is officially a toddler now.. learning to walk in ministry, in faith, and in His light. We had a large crowd there yesterday, over 200 people in the service, lots of video clips from happenings of the past year, awesome worship ( I have never seen that many folks getting into it and reaching up to the Holy Spirit- and He was REIGNING in there..) Pastor Mike's message was wonderfully challenging .. there was ICE cream involved.. ( after the service, not during the message, heheh) - It was just a most amazing celebration of God's goodness.
Mike's message was part two of Luke 15- the contemptuous boys. He challenged us all not to be like the older son.. angry and bitter and far away from the Father's heart, but to be AFTER His heart. Where is that? Look at where Jesus went. He spent His time seeking out the lost, the fallen, the ignored, the left behind, the sick ... those people that no one else would love. That is where His heart is. As Christ- followers, this is where we go if we want to be about our Father's business.
I pray that God will take me there at every opportunity.. into the places where " the least of these" are. If that is where He is, then I want to go, too. I don't want to stay in a boxed up safety zone if God isn't here. I am chasing my Father's heart.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Our baby church is officially a toddler now.. learning to walk in ministry, in faith, and in His light. We had a large crowd there yesterday, over 200 people in the service, lots of video clips from happenings of the past year, awesome worship ( I have never seen that many folks getting into it and reaching up to the Holy Spirit- and He was REIGNING in there..) Pastor Mike's message was wonderfully challenging .. there was ICE cream involved.. ( after the service, not during the message, heheh) - It was just a most amazing celebration of God's goodness.
Mike's message was part two of Luke 15- the contemptuous boys. He challenged us all not to be like the older son.. angry and bitter and far away from the Father's heart, but to be AFTER His heart. Where is that? Look at where Jesus went. He spent His time seeking out the lost, the fallen, the ignored, the left behind, the sick ... those people that no one else would love. That is where His heart is. As Christ- followers, this is where we go if we want to be about our Father's business.
I pray that God will take me there at every opportunity.. into the places where " the least of these" are. If that is where He is, then I want to go, too. I don't want to stay in a boxed up safety zone if God isn't here. I am chasing my Father's heart.
Blessings,
Cheryl
One church, and a truck-
And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me!"
Jesus never turned His head from need. He is our example.
A few posts ago, I told you about a couple that I met a while back who were struggling financially to the point of losing their home. Well, the worst has happened.. they are in the middle of foreclosure proceedings, and had to move this past weekend. I don't know about you, but from an earthly standpoint, that looks and feels like one of those "rock bottom" places to me. I know we each deal with our own individual demons, but financial issues have always scared the living daylights out of me, and for God to ask me to work with a family facing something that is terrifying to me, is odd, I think. ( His ways are not our ways..)
I also told you that my friend made the comment to me " You know, sometimes rock bottom is the best place to be, because that is where people find Jesus." I know in my heart that is true, I found Him there myself ( or at least was re-aquainted with Him in such a way that I have not been the same since)- and I have seen it a hundred times. This weekend I think I saw it again.. Jesus showed up to move these folks and minister to them in a most amazing way!
Our church has this unspoken ministry.. The Moving Guys. Sid and I were both astounded a year ago when they came into our home like a SWAT team, packed us up and moved us in less than a day. Did you hear me say I AM NOT PACKED YET??? ( This was my recurring question as my brothers and sisters threw everything we owned into any bag or box and carried it across the street.. )I felt like I was in an indoor tornado. My head was spinning and I felt dizzy.. but my heart was full of love and gratitude for these amazing people. WHO would do that for someone?
Jesus. There He was , with skin on, moving all my stuff.
I was blessed to experience this from the other side , this past weekend. My friends were the ones watching in shock and amazement as these big guys came , loaded up their house of furniture, drove it to the new place and unloaded in less than two hours. I watched Jesus, in the form of these giant hearted men , wrap love all over a family who does not yet know their Father.. but they sure saw Him that day- for the first time. I know she saw Him, because she told me. For the first time.. she thinks there really may be something to the whole "Jesus" deal. Her hubby, who is pretty much agnostic- asked her for the first time in the 15 years she has known him... if she thought they should maybe check out this "Church" thing. There is more to come.. God is NOT done here yet!! Praise Him!
I am overwhelmed, I am humbled beyond words, and I am on my knees thanking my Abba Father today. He is huge. He is love and He is very real... and He is on the "MOVE" in more ways that you can count.
Lord, You are good.
Bring your lost ones home, Father.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Jesus never turned His head from need. He is our example.
A few posts ago, I told you about a couple that I met a while back who were struggling financially to the point of losing their home. Well, the worst has happened.. they are in the middle of foreclosure proceedings, and had to move this past weekend. I don't know about you, but from an earthly standpoint, that looks and feels like one of those "rock bottom" places to me. I know we each deal with our own individual demons, but financial issues have always scared the living daylights out of me, and for God to ask me to work with a family facing something that is terrifying to me, is odd, I think. ( His ways are not our ways..)
I also told you that my friend made the comment to me " You know, sometimes rock bottom is the best place to be, because that is where people find Jesus." I know in my heart that is true, I found Him there myself ( or at least was re-aquainted with Him in such a way that I have not been the same since)- and I have seen it a hundred times. This weekend I think I saw it again.. Jesus showed up to move these folks and minister to them in a most amazing way!
Our church has this unspoken ministry.. The Moving Guys. Sid and I were both astounded a year ago when they came into our home like a SWAT team, packed us up and moved us in less than a day. Did you hear me say I AM NOT PACKED YET??? ( This was my recurring question as my brothers and sisters threw everything we owned into any bag or box and carried it across the street.. )I felt like I was in an indoor tornado. My head was spinning and I felt dizzy.. but my heart was full of love and gratitude for these amazing people. WHO would do that for someone?
Jesus. There He was , with skin on, moving all my stuff.
I was blessed to experience this from the other side , this past weekend. My friends were the ones watching in shock and amazement as these big guys came , loaded up their house of furniture, drove it to the new place and unloaded in less than two hours. I watched Jesus, in the form of these giant hearted men , wrap love all over a family who does not yet know their Father.. but they sure saw Him that day- for the first time. I know she saw Him, because she told me. For the first time.. she thinks there really may be something to the whole "Jesus" deal. Her hubby, who is pretty much agnostic- asked her for the first time in the 15 years she has known him... if she thought they should maybe check out this "Church" thing. There is more to come.. God is NOT done here yet!! Praise Him!
I am overwhelmed, I am humbled beyond words, and I am on my knees thanking my Abba Father today. He is huge. He is love and He is very real... and He is on the "MOVE" in more ways that you can count.
Lord, You are good.
Bring your lost ones home, Father.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Monday, February 26, 2007
Come on back..
OK, so most of us have heard the story about the prodigal son. He went to his father, demanded his inheritance early... his father gave in to his requests, and the son went off " to find himself" and make a place in the world. The "world" basically ate him up, and spit him back out.. he squandered it all and was left sitting in a pig pen full of slop. Defeated, and broken, he goes back to Dad and offers to work his way back into the family and into Dad's good graces.. but none of that is necessary. Dad throws a huge party, a feast, showers him with love, and a robe fit for royalty, completely forgiving his wayward child.
Many things were tossing around in my mind as I listened to Pastor Mike teach yesterday. One, I totally relate to the wayward son. I did exactly that. I turned away from God for a time, made myself a big pile of pig slop to sit in, allowed the world to break me, and eventually came back to my Father. He did just what the father in the story did... accepted and loved me and has blessed me beyond measure. How great is our God?!?!?
The second thing was.. will I be able to do this as a parent? There have been times when my oldest son has been "contemptuous" toward me, and it makes me FURIOUS!! I know that there have been times when the LAST thing I felt like doing was being forgiving, and gracious towards him when he does that. That's the flesh acting out, and that is not the example that Jesus gave us in this teaching parable. We are called to forgive, forgive, forgive.. as we have been forgiven. I pray God gives me the strength to do that as I go through life with my kids.
The last thing God brought to my mind was .. memories of how I had been less than respectful to my own Mother. I went through the middle school years ( and probably some of High School) thinking that she really didn't know much, and that she was old fashioned in her thinking, and because of some things that had happened in our family, I did not have enough respect for her. I did what the prodigal son did. I demanded from her, then went my own way and ended up in a pig pen, needing Jesus. Although thinking about that time fills me with sadness, and makes me sorely miss my Mother.. ( she passed away about 8 years ago- our relationship was great at the time that she died), I am grateful for that time of learning. I am grateful that Jesus welcomed me back with open, loving arms. I am thankful that he restored me , and healed my messed up relationships and gently picked me up and set me back on the track.. the one that lead to His will for my life. It fills me with deep happiness to know that He has forgiven me, and continues to forgive me for the times that I fall into sinful ways. I am so thankful to be a loved child of God!!
Thank You, Lord, for loving us back into a state of grace. Thank You for never running out of " I forgive you's".. we need all we can get from You. Thank you for times of teaching and pruning, when You pull back Your hand and let us experience what life is apart from You. I have had that, and I am not interested. Thank You for showing me that my life only has meaning when YOU are my top priority. I pray that I would never break Your heart again.. but I thank you for breaking mine.
In Christ's precious name,
Amen.
Many things were tossing around in my mind as I listened to Pastor Mike teach yesterday. One, I totally relate to the wayward son. I did exactly that. I turned away from God for a time, made myself a big pile of pig slop to sit in, allowed the world to break me, and eventually came back to my Father. He did just what the father in the story did... accepted and loved me and has blessed me beyond measure. How great is our God?!?!?
The second thing was.. will I be able to do this as a parent? There have been times when my oldest son has been "contemptuous" toward me, and it makes me FURIOUS!! I know that there have been times when the LAST thing I felt like doing was being forgiving, and gracious towards him when he does that. That's the flesh acting out, and that is not the example that Jesus gave us in this teaching parable. We are called to forgive, forgive, forgive.. as we have been forgiven. I pray God gives me the strength to do that as I go through life with my kids.
The last thing God brought to my mind was .. memories of how I had been less than respectful to my own Mother. I went through the middle school years ( and probably some of High School) thinking that she really didn't know much, and that she was old fashioned in her thinking, and because of some things that had happened in our family, I did not have enough respect for her. I did what the prodigal son did. I demanded from her, then went my own way and ended up in a pig pen, needing Jesus. Although thinking about that time fills me with sadness, and makes me sorely miss my Mother.. ( she passed away about 8 years ago- our relationship was great at the time that she died), I am grateful for that time of learning. I am grateful that Jesus welcomed me back with open, loving arms. I am thankful that he restored me , and healed my messed up relationships and gently picked me up and set me back on the track.. the one that lead to His will for my life. It fills me with deep happiness to know that He has forgiven me, and continues to forgive me for the times that I fall into sinful ways. I am so thankful to be a loved child of God!!
Thank You, Lord, for loving us back into a state of grace. Thank You for never running out of " I forgive you's".. we need all we can get from You. Thank you for times of teaching and pruning, when You pull back Your hand and let us experience what life is apart from You. I have had that, and I am not interested. Thank You for showing me that my life only has meaning when YOU are my top priority. I pray that I would never break Your heart again.. but I thank you for breaking mine.
In Christ's precious name,
Amen.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Can others see Christ in me?
Joy Williams sings a song about this. The following are the first verse and chorus:
Is the face that I see in the mirror the one I want others to see?
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life the love that You've given to me?
My heart's desire is to be like You in all that I do, all I am
CHORUS:Do they see Jesus in me?
Do they recognize Your face?
Do I communicate Your love and Your grace?
Do I reflect who You are in the way I choose to be?
Do they see Jesus, Jesus in me?
The words are something to think about. God's word tells us to go proclaim the good news to the world.. but I have asked God how to do this, if "preaching" isn't really my style. It just doesn't come out right- and as a friend of mine asked me the other day " I just never seem to see the fruit of my labor and I don't know why? It must be something I am doing wrong!"
A couple of things came to my mind.. one, being the whole "seed-sower" issue. God told me long ago, maybe in my teens, that this would be my "modus operandi" where He was concerned. Some of us get the gifts of prophecy and teaching or evangelism ( I didn't get much of those) and others of us get gifts like mercy, serving, or shepherding gifts. Apparently that was the line yours truly was in. :) I praise Him for those gifts, and cry out for Him to use them through me to accomplish His works.. but being a seed- sower is hard sometimes. I have seen others get to lead the very people to Christ that God had put in my life for a time of "softening" or something like that. I could go one of two ways with this. I could cop an attitude with God :" HEY!! Those were MINE!" ( probably not wise, since they were never mine, they are HIS) or, I can praise Him that they are now in the family of God and will be in Heaven for all eternity. I choose that. :)
Other times, God might put people in your life for a time of softening, and you grow to love and care for them, then *poof* they leave . Maybe you keep in touch, maybe you don't- but God always knows where they are. In His time, and according to His will, He pursues and answers those prayers. This is probably harder for me to swallow- but my Father admonishes me to go ahead in faith, knowing that HE is always faithful. Amen? :)
Back to my original pondering... as Christians, we are called to preach the gospel, in whatever way we can do that. One of the most powerful ways this can happen is for someone to recognize Christ in us and in our lives and families. How can a person see this? One little word. "Grace."
Much grace was poured upon us at the time of Christ's persecution and death for our sins. For what we have been given, a lifetime and an eternity with God , we are thankful and we praise Him. Out of that thanks , our hearts are transformed through the work of the Holy spirit... the Holy Spirit, when we ask, gives us all we need for others to see Christ in us. We are being made into His likeness.. meek, humble, loving and kind, generous, gracious and selfless servants of the Living God who are called into the world to love the hurting and lost. Take this seriously. If we aren't loving the hurting and lost , who is? The world? Satan may try to lure them, but he certainly isn't loving on them.. and to a hurting person, being lured looks like love sometimes. Temptations and worldly acquistions look alot like acceptance to many people. I believe it doesn't take much for people to see something different in us as Christians, but I believe we must ask God for the ability to BE different. Pledge to be kind today to someone "different" from yourself. Pledge today to choose a smile and soft heart over anger and spite. Pledge today to use words that uplift someone, as opposed to tearing them down ( even if you feel like they "deserve" it. ) A friend of mine said to me once " Every chance you get, take the high road." Another friend says that her Mother in law tells her to "Just do the next right thing." Basically we can look at Christ, and ask God " Lord, make me more like Him." He always took the high road, and He always did the next right thing.
Father, create in me a clean heart. Remind me daily that my first order of business with You is to say Thank You for all the blessings you have showered upon me. God, I pray that you would fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and use me to do Your work here on this earth. I pray You would lure me further and further away from the world and it's temptations, and closer to You and Your plan for me. Lord, I ask that you would help me give others grace. Let there be a smile or a hug from me that is sent to a hurting person, from You. Love others through me, Father. Let them see Jesus in me.
In Your Son's precious name I pray,
Amen.
Is the face that I see in the mirror the one I want others to see?
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life the love that You've given to me?
My heart's desire is to be like You in all that I do, all I am
CHORUS:Do they see Jesus in me?
Do they recognize Your face?
Do I communicate Your love and Your grace?
Do I reflect who You are in the way I choose to be?
Do they see Jesus, Jesus in me?
The words are something to think about. God's word tells us to go proclaim the good news to the world.. but I have asked God how to do this, if "preaching" isn't really my style. It just doesn't come out right- and as a friend of mine asked me the other day " I just never seem to see the fruit of my labor and I don't know why? It must be something I am doing wrong!"
A couple of things came to my mind.. one, being the whole "seed-sower" issue. God told me long ago, maybe in my teens, that this would be my "modus operandi" where He was concerned. Some of us get the gifts of prophecy and teaching or evangelism ( I didn't get much of those) and others of us get gifts like mercy, serving, or shepherding gifts. Apparently that was the line yours truly was in. :) I praise Him for those gifts, and cry out for Him to use them through me to accomplish His works.. but being a seed- sower is hard sometimes. I have seen others get to lead the very people to Christ that God had put in my life for a time of "softening" or something like that. I could go one of two ways with this. I could cop an attitude with God :" HEY!! Those were MINE!" ( probably not wise, since they were never mine, they are HIS) or, I can praise Him that they are now in the family of God and will be in Heaven for all eternity. I choose that. :)
Other times, God might put people in your life for a time of softening, and you grow to love and care for them, then *poof* they leave . Maybe you keep in touch, maybe you don't- but God always knows where they are. In His time, and according to His will, He pursues and answers those prayers. This is probably harder for me to swallow- but my Father admonishes me to go ahead in faith, knowing that HE is always faithful. Amen? :)
Back to my original pondering... as Christians, we are called to preach the gospel, in whatever way we can do that. One of the most powerful ways this can happen is for someone to recognize Christ in us and in our lives and families. How can a person see this? One little word. "Grace."
Much grace was poured upon us at the time of Christ's persecution and death for our sins. For what we have been given, a lifetime and an eternity with God , we are thankful and we praise Him. Out of that thanks , our hearts are transformed through the work of the Holy spirit... the Holy Spirit, when we ask, gives us all we need for others to see Christ in us. We are being made into His likeness.. meek, humble, loving and kind, generous, gracious and selfless servants of the Living God who are called into the world to love the hurting and lost. Take this seriously. If we aren't loving the hurting and lost , who is? The world? Satan may try to lure them, but he certainly isn't loving on them.. and to a hurting person, being lured looks like love sometimes. Temptations and worldly acquistions look alot like acceptance to many people. I believe it doesn't take much for people to see something different in us as Christians, but I believe we must ask God for the ability to BE different. Pledge to be kind today to someone "different" from yourself. Pledge today to choose a smile and soft heart over anger and spite. Pledge today to use words that uplift someone, as opposed to tearing them down ( even if you feel like they "deserve" it. ) A friend of mine said to me once " Every chance you get, take the high road." Another friend says that her Mother in law tells her to "Just do the next right thing." Basically we can look at Christ, and ask God " Lord, make me more like Him." He always took the high road, and He always did the next right thing.
Father, create in me a clean heart. Remind me daily that my first order of business with You is to say Thank You for all the blessings you have showered upon me. God, I pray that you would fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and use me to do Your work here on this earth. I pray You would lure me further and further away from the world and it's temptations, and closer to You and Your plan for me. Lord, I ask that you would help me give others grace. Let there be a smile or a hug from me that is sent to a hurting person, from You. Love others through me, Father. Let them see Jesus in me.
In Your Son's precious name I pray,
Amen.
Monday, February 12, 2007
A harlot came to church today-
Shocking, isn't it?
Actually, our Pastor's wife was a harlot. Not really, but she played one today in church. She will probably not like me saying this, but she was GREAT at it!
Seriously, she portrayed the love and devotion part perfectly. Holly is a unique person that God has woven together with some amazing gifts. Teacher, prophet, friend, actress , creative spirit, wild woman, ( in the best sense of that word, kind of like John the Baptist, it would never shock me to watch Holly eat a locust for Jesus's sake) she is the most interesting person I think I have met in my adult life. Totally sold out for Christ, and constantly challenges the leadership of our church to head that direction, as well. I'm listening, Holly!!
Anyway, about the story she and Mike presented today.. Holy smokes.
Mike played the part of the judgemental pharisee. You have to know, this is NOT his character. I think he was ALL bout the whole " I'm a Jew" thing, he dressed the part and was singing in Hebrew after the service, he truly cherishes being grafted into the family.. but you have never met a more gentle soul than this guy. He wears Jesus like a robe, and it's all over him. When he walks into a room, he brings the Savior in as well.. you can feel it. He is genuine, and truly feels compassion for the flock under his care. Anyway, he did bring the pharisee to life , in spite of how much it probably goes against his grain. He told the story, played the part- we were all sucked into the scene- then out comes Holly, dressed like an old testament harlot. All in pink and purple silk.. talking about this man Jesus, who says He came for all of us.
As the scene went on, her dialogue went from disbelief, to "are you kidding me with that", to "HE LOOKED AT ME!!" - the harlot fell in love ... and was transformed!! Holly herself was brought to tears, crying out to her Savior, and she took an auditorium of about 200 people with her, to the Savior's feet.
I have heard her say many, many times, as I have asked her for advice, when I am working with people who are in need, or distressed - " Just point them to Jesus."
She did that today. I had a headache from crying so hard during the service, then had to lead worship after that?? How?? " Just point them to the Savior.." God did His thing, as He always does.. and sang through me. I love that.
God is on the move at Lifecoast Church. You can feel it when you enter the doors. You can feel it in the various activities during the week. I know something is happening when I am moved to tears doing my bible study homework during the week. He is touching hearts and changing lives and using this new church as His tool to do that. May He increase, and I pray that we would all decrease.. until all you can see of any of us , is Him.
I love my job,
Cheryl
Actually, our Pastor's wife was a harlot. Not really, but she played one today in church. She will probably not like me saying this, but she was GREAT at it!
Seriously, she portrayed the love and devotion part perfectly. Holly is a unique person that God has woven together with some amazing gifts. Teacher, prophet, friend, actress , creative spirit, wild woman, ( in the best sense of that word, kind of like John the Baptist, it would never shock me to watch Holly eat a locust for Jesus's sake) she is the most interesting person I think I have met in my adult life. Totally sold out for Christ, and constantly challenges the leadership of our church to head that direction, as well. I'm listening, Holly!!
Anyway, about the story she and Mike presented today.. Holy smokes.
Mike played the part of the judgemental pharisee. You have to know, this is NOT his character. I think he was ALL bout the whole " I'm a Jew" thing, he dressed the part and was singing in Hebrew after the service, he truly cherishes being grafted into the family.. but you have never met a more gentle soul than this guy. He wears Jesus like a robe, and it's all over him. When he walks into a room, he brings the Savior in as well.. you can feel it. He is genuine, and truly feels compassion for the flock under his care. Anyway, he did bring the pharisee to life , in spite of how much it probably goes against his grain. He told the story, played the part- we were all sucked into the scene- then out comes Holly, dressed like an old testament harlot. All in pink and purple silk.. talking about this man Jesus, who says He came for all of us.
As the scene went on, her dialogue went from disbelief, to "are you kidding me with that", to "HE LOOKED AT ME!!" - the harlot fell in love ... and was transformed!! Holly herself was brought to tears, crying out to her Savior, and she took an auditorium of about 200 people with her, to the Savior's feet.
I have heard her say many, many times, as I have asked her for advice, when I am working with people who are in need, or distressed - " Just point them to Jesus."
She did that today. I had a headache from crying so hard during the service, then had to lead worship after that?? How?? " Just point them to the Savior.." God did His thing, as He always does.. and sang through me. I love that.
God is on the move at Lifecoast Church. You can feel it when you enter the doors. You can feel it in the various activities during the week. I know something is happening when I am moved to tears doing my bible study homework during the week. He is touching hearts and changing lives and using this new church as His tool to do that. May He increase, and I pray that we would all decrease.. until all you can see of any of us , is Him.
I love my job,
Cheryl
Friday, February 9, 2007
God helps those....
who help themselves...? That's not even in the Bible.
I read something today that says that is even the exact opposite of what is biblical. Basically.. we can't help ourselves. We need Jesus to help us - believing we can stand alone is a lie from the pits of Hell.
Jer 17:5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD."
Prov 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool...
God is teaching me something about benevolence, and how His throne of grace fits into that picture. God is a benevolent, giving, loving God.. and those of us He has blessed are called to give back to needy people, and bring Jesus along to introduce them to Him. All the charities, fund-raising and money in the world won't help if the hurt and lost don't know Christ. Can I get a witness, here?
I recently met a woman through ministry who has always been a hard worker, she takes care of her kids, loves and supports her husband, but due to some hard life circumstances, is about to lose her home. Not only that, they have not even been able to set aside money to cover security deposits and the like to get into a rental home. My first reaction is to throw money at the situation, and beg others to do that. God says " Ask me first." I have asked and asked and asked, made calls upon phone calls to people that I know who own, or know people who own rental property who MIGHT be willing to work with them. I have prayed with every group of people I have been with over the past two weeks, for this woman and her family, and spent hours on the computer researching foreclosure prevention, and charitable help for families in this area and have pretty much come up empty. So what is God doing here? This lady is His child. So are her children and her husband.. they just don't yet know their Father. What kind of example am I setting here if I can't help them? Or worse.. what if GOD chooses not to help them this time? Moreover, there are people IN my own church who are in the same boat... but for some reason, THESE people are on my heart. I am begging God to help, bring help from SOMEWHERE - and He speaks to me. " I am on My throne, here." *I* know He is in control.. how do I convey this to someone who doesn't know Him?
I am learning about Godly guidelines, and boundaries. I am learning about His loving control over every single thing that happens here. He knows what my friend is going through. I am praying and asking that no matter what, she sees Him in me- and maybe even comes to accept that He loves her. Rock bottom can be the best place a person can be, if that person finds Jesus there. ( Thanks, Holly, I needed to be reminded of this, today.)
Thank you, God, for being on Your throne. Help me bring my friend to see You.
In His name and covered by His blood,
Amen.
I read something today that says that is even the exact opposite of what is biblical. Basically.. we can't help ourselves. We need Jesus to help us - believing we can stand alone is a lie from the pits of Hell.
Jer 17:5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD."
Prov 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool...
God is teaching me something about benevolence, and how His throne of grace fits into that picture. God is a benevolent, giving, loving God.. and those of us He has blessed are called to give back to needy people, and bring Jesus along to introduce them to Him. All the charities, fund-raising and money in the world won't help if the hurt and lost don't know Christ. Can I get a witness, here?
I recently met a woman through ministry who has always been a hard worker, she takes care of her kids, loves and supports her husband, but due to some hard life circumstances, is about to lose her home. Not only that, they have not even been able to set aside money to cover security deposits and the like to get into a rental home. My first reaction is to throw money at the situation, and beg others to do that. God says " Ask me first." I have asked and asked and asked, made calls upon phone calls to people that I know who own, or know people who own rental property who MIGHT be willing to work with them. I have prayed with every group of people I have been with over the past two weeks, for this woman and her family, and spent hours on the computer researching foreclosure prevention, and charitable help for families in this area and have pretty much come up empty. So what is God doing here? This lady is His child. So are her children and her husband.. they just don't yet know their Father. What kind of example am I setting here if I can't help them? Or worse.. what if GOD chooses not to help them this time? Moreover, there are people IN my own church who are in the same boat... but for some reason, THESE people are on my heart. I am begging God to help, bring help from SOMEWHERE - and He speaks to me. " I am on My throne, here." *I* know He is in control.. how do I convey this to someone who doesn't know Him?
I am learning about Godly guidelines, and boundaries. I am learning about His loving control over every single thing that happens here. He knows what my friend is going through. I am praying and asking that no matter what, she sees Him in me- and maybe even comes to accept that He loves her. Rock bottom can be the best place a person can be, if that person finds Jesus there. ( Thanks, Holly, I needed to be reminded of this, today.)
Thank you, God, for being on Your throne. Help me bring my friend to see You.
In His name and covered by His blood,
Amen.
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