Roger and I were recently at a big party in which all the booze and fine spirits were a flowing all free of charge. It was at a beautiful venue in Vancouver, everyone dolled up and corporate players working the room packed with people. We knew before entering this party that we would be the few that had a relationship with God, but we also know we are called to love on all of these people to simply glorify God as we represent Him. We were sitting at the bar enjoying each other and others around as we talked and laughed, even danced. :) Then as there was a man by himself at the side of the bar drinking scotch. We began to converse with him and realized he was a big investor to this company.
As we got talking he asked Roger part way through if he could dance with me? This was interesting to me, as I didn't really know what was going to happen here? This wealthy guy that contributes heavily to this company's profits but my heart for my husband and interestingly enough these two guys were asking for me right in front of me?! My husband looked at him and paused for a moment and then said "No".
Then he asked again a bit more forcefully, "Only 2 minutes". I then didn't want to put anyone in an awkward position and was ready to say, "Babe it's OK... I'll do it." I didn't want to cause commotion or even to feel threatened corporately, it didn't seem worth it to me to just dance for 2 min?? And yet in my heart I didn't want to.
I then thought of Sarah and Abraham and how he lied lied that she was his sister to avoid dying. I also thought of the movie Indecent Proposal and for the sake of money how the husband had given up his wife for one night. I cringed a bit more at the thought, but stared neutrally at the wall simply wondering what would be determined right here. My husband more firmly said, "No, she's mine." And then with frustration the man had a bit of attitude. BUT... I was so pleasantly protected by my husband. I felt so loved in that moment. How no matter what, he wouldn't be tempted even as Abraham was, to let me go even for a moment risking his own reputation. ( I love you baby.)
My heart is for my husband so fully and unconditionally. Truly. I long for no other man. To be honest I turn away from things that may draw my attention. I want a PURE love. An unbelievable marriage that grows deeper and more intimate every day of our lives together!! Is it easy... no. Not at all. But when we press in and hold through these tests and resist temptation we are drawn even deeper into the well of pure love that each possesses for one another. It inspires us both to pursue this level of purity and love for one another.
I thought of God and how He is SO jealous for us. Truly. He too says "NO". "Don't participate in crappy tempting lies that do nothing but lead you to destruction and rob you of the best that I have for you."
But we must join in and chose to allow His protection, and trust that His love is greater than anything else. As we are drawn to this and resist the worldly crap around us, (that yes at the time looks great... it wouldn't be tempting if it didn't) we then deepen our relationship with God. It's so powerful. Then we start to call on Him to rescue us and to help us when we are in these situations and He does. We call on Him to protect us when we are unjustly treated and He moves powerfully on our behalf. IN HIS TIME... which is perfect. Not on our agenda. We need to remember that and trust that He indeed has a jealous love for us that protects us and longs to do so.
See the temptation looks like this to me, Satan, disguised as a handsome man, flirting with me, toying with my mind and looking deep in my eyes, even touching me gently on the arm, and then my God cutting in to say, "NO, she's mine." And in that moment I hear His loving voice that I know so well and I turn from the handsome one to embrace the most handsome of all and in a moment that temptation is gone until yet another time. But for now I am fulfilled by looking deeply in the eyes and face of my Beloved God. With eyes that aren't lusting in a brief moment, but deeply compassionate for eternity. That's my lover, that's my God. That's who I belong to. First my Lord, then my Baby... Roger. My sweet God fearing, protective taste of God, you Roger. I love you Babe. May I too always give you the best of all I have that you would know I am yours and you are mine.
Song of Songs 7:8 "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me."
Exodus 34:14 "Carrie, don't worship any other gods or idols. For I am the LORD. My name is Jealous. I am a jealous God for my children." ... love God.
Give yourself fully to your God. See what He might do. How He may spill over you to invade your marriage in one that is jealous in a godly way for each other.
For Marriage, HIS WAY.... it's awesome!
C
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Prayers Provide Presence
Lately God has been teaching me such a different focus on prayer. Something I used to not find that exciting and with new found respect and awe and even its power all throughout scripture I am humbled that I don't do it more. So I've devoted even more time to conversing with my God. You see, I believe if we truly could see the power it offers in the spiritual realm and also the development it creates in our relationship with God Almighty we would make it more of a priority. God has answers to everything. Wisdom and understanding are HIS... do we ask Him to explain things to us?? Do we have eyes that want to see the truth even if it's not the answer we want? Do we pray trying to lead God in how to answer?? Do we pray simply always asking for things we need? Do we just talk to God to thank Him for something just randomly? How do you feel when your kids or spouse out of nowhere tell you or email you a thankful, sincere and specific note about something you did, said or are simply because they were grateful?? Our God is powerful beyond our little understanding. So if He has all this power why don't we call on Him more, believing that HE will indeed help us if it's meant to be for our good? Sometimes our GOOD isn't our little tunnel vision in that moment. Do we humble ourselves enough to trust that God wants our best even if it's not answering our request the way we're begging for it??
I want to encourage you especially over this season as you come in contact with so many ask the Lord to show you things, reveal things to you. If you are struggling, hurting, need help, even a relationship needs mending as God to show you how to do this. And then as His Holy Spirit begins to bring thoughts and actions to your heart and mind, follow through on them. Study His word to see how it might align with what He's showing you. It's powerful.
As we study Acts I'm blown away by the power these ordinary people had. But how often it was always geared around a deep effort of prayer. Even when Peter was released by the angel in prison!!! Read the line before that action took place. What does it say?
Acts 12:5
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
They were earnestly praying for Him first... wow. This just echoes again what God is teaching me on prayer.
"Carrie, talk to me." I can hear Him say. Remember how it was with Adam and Eve at the very beginning God would walk and simply talk with them. Do you believe He desires that relationship with His children now??
I do. Doesn't His name say it all. Emmanuel. God WITH us.
Talk to Him... Listen to Him. And He shall be WITH you until the very end of the age.
An intimate relationship with Almighty God, why are we so blessed to live in this time??
Humbled, yet grateful, using my voice to prove it.
C
I want to encourage you especially over this season as you come in contact with so many ask the Lord to show you things, reveal things to you. If you are struggling, hurting, need help, even a relationship needs mending as God to show you how to do this. And then as His Holy Spirit begins to bring thoughts and actions to your heart and mind, follow through on them. Study His word to see how it might align with what He's showing you. It's powerful.
As we study Acts I'm blown away by the power these ordinary people had. But how often it was always geared around a deep effort of prayer. Even when Peter was released by the angel in prison!!! Read the line before that action took place. What does it say?
Acts 12:5
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
They were earnestly praying for Him first... wow. This just echoes again what God is teaching me on prayer.
"Carrie, talk to me." I can hear Him say. Remember how it was with Adam and Eve at the very beginning God would walk and simply talk with them. Do you believe He desires that relationship with His children now??
I do. Doesn't His name say it all. Emmanuel. God WITH us.
Talk to Him... Listen to Him. And He shall be WITH you until the very end of the age.
An intimate relationship with Almighty God, why are we so blessed to live in this time??
Humbled, yet grateful, using my voice to prove it.
C
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Streamlining Priorities
I've had a really great week pressing into conversing with God and studying His word intensely. Sometimes I enjoy coming out of the obligations of speaking and preparing to simply let my heart stand bare before God as He speaks and teaches me intimately. I find myself getting ready one morning and this deep revelation of how reversed our priorities have become. How we look to accomplish things, or look forward to the next big thing but what happens as you near the end of your life old and gray, full of years? I realized right there that I'm so distracted by day to day things, home, family, work, achieving the next thing, etc... but REALLY I have one big purpose. Everything else is a tool and a means to simply display His glory through me that others would be drawn to Him and saved. That others would be reached for HIS kingdom. It's a fight between forces. There's God's Kingdom in eternity, a kingdom of Light and Satan's, a kingdom of darkness. Right now am I focused on all my efforts thoughts, the way I bring up our children, the way I encounter every stranger, the way I hate evil, or spur on my brother or sister; is all this focused on displaying Christ in me, light, extending the power of who He is that many would submit to this wondrous God and give there soul to Him now before it's too late?? You see this is our generation... I need to give an account to God of how faithful I was to those around me. HE has placed me here strategically. On my street, in this city, even when I travel the people around me, etc... Have I abandoned myself to this agenda of the Father's will and not mine?? I haven't. I'm so sad to admit I haven't. I still let other priorities sneak in that really are of no value.... hmmmm.... I find the more I spend time with the Lord the more His company and character wear off on me. Even if those around me think it's extreme./ I WANT TO FOLLOW CHRIST's example. I want to be motivated by His extreme desire and love and the way He lived. That is my desire. So as I take on this new approach I find myself reminding my flesh every morning... "I'm yours Lord. Have your way in me. Lead me to where you want me to be with the people you desire to witness to today." You see our life is to be just that...a witness ... a testimony.. not in human strength but with a love that outpours through us from heaven above by His Spirit. It's awesome and the world cannot comprehend it. Let me encourage you today that if you truly seek His priority which is so fulfilling, keep asking Him to take your agenda and make it HIS instead. The fullness, the lack of regrets at the end of our life, will enable us as Paul said, "I have run the race." I want to be able to say to our Father in heaven, "I have finished the work you gave me to do."
May we be faithful today to follow His leading. We don't need the answers.. we simply need to listen and obey.
Motivated, to please an audience of ONE,
Our LORD,
With you,
C
May we be faithful today to follow His leading. We don't need the answers.. we simply need to listen and obey.
Motivated, to please an audience of ONE,
Our LORD,
With you,
C
Sunday, November 20, 2011
When Love Pours Out
I find when we desire to go deeper with God He stretches us and takes us there but often it requires more sacrifice from our fleshly ways. Think of it even when you're training to accomplish something as a marathon or being an Olympic athlete. You keep honing your skills, pushing your endurance in pursuit of winning. No different with God other than His stretching and honing of our hearts is often in strange ways. Ways that the world often can't understand.
For me this week the stretching came in the ask to do a 10 year old girl's funeral. I have done a few young people's funerals now... never easy, BUT God can use them in powerful ways if we go with a sincere love and empathy as I believe Christ would. But this one, was a healthy, vibrant, young lady that came home from a basketball tournament, with a sore throat that Sunday. Then passed away Friday morning. Wow....
I knew God was calling me to extend myself sacrificially and fully to this family during this tragedy. But I knew the sacrifice when initially asked and my flesh wanted to resist. For when I say yes to this, .I literally take it on as if it were my own. This allows me a deeper love, understanding and a complete dependence on God for His words of hope and love to an unchurched family that can understandably only ask "Why?"
So I spent countless hours, with the family, friends, school, and then taking it all back to my Lord saying, "What do YOU want me to say?"
God moved in a tremendous way as the room over flowed with hundreds and hundreds of people. The prayer and support of our church family as we ALL moved together to help and love on this family was powerful. As I looked around the room and saw my teammates serving and loving I felt so proud of representing out God of love even in this horrific experience.
None of us, not you or I have ANY guarantee for tomorrow. Seriously. This was smack in our face with the remaining body of this 10 year old princess. James 4: 14 reminds us of this, "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Are we living full out today? Truly being obedient to His voice in the small things? Are we extending love in a powerful way? Do I tell my husband and children that I love them enough with word and action?
It doesn't even have to be big things, but just being obedient. When I came home from the funeral I find my own heart so tender, now free to allow my own tears to fall before the Lord. And as I passed a neighbor I didn't really know I saw him struggling with all the snow at the end of the driveway, an older man that was struggling and later saw him give up and drive away. I knew God was convicting me to grab my shovel and go down and clear it for him even though he was gone and wouldn't know it was me. It wasn't about that. It was about loving my God and displaying His affection to everyone not needing anything in return. It didn't stop there as my husband and I finally had a date night given him being away for a while we savored this time. We realized at the restaurant that the live entertainment was someone we knew a bit but had recently struggled so much as his wife had left him for another man. This young artist loves God and was hurting and we knew we could relate. And so Roger prayed there that the Lord would bring him over and sure enough and so we invited him to share our date with us. It was of God for us to encourage his saddened heart. And in that moment I knew the Lord wanted me to invite him to our Christmas. So I did. And he may just be at our place this Christmas. Was I being obedient... yes. It's all about being faithful with all that He puts around us. See it's HIS heart above all that I desire to please. I feel such love and joy and peace in my own heart when I follow His leading in this.
My life is His... I desire the world to know that I love the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ above all.
May my actions prove my love,
Carrie
For me this week the stretching came in the ask to do a 10 year old girl's funeral. I have done a few young people's funerals now... never easy, BUT God can use them in powerful ways if we go with a sincere love and empathy as I believe Christ would. But this one, was a healthy, vibrant, young lady that came home from a basketball tournament, with a sore throat that Sunday. Then passed away Friday morning. Wow....
I knew God was calling me to extend myself sacrificially and fully to this family during this tragedy. But I knew the sacrifice when initially asked and my flesh wanted to resist. For when I say yes to this, .I literally take it on as if it were my own. This allows me a deeper love, understanding and a complete dependence on God for His words of hope and love to an unchurched family that can understandably only ask "Why?"
So I spent countless hours, with the family, friends, school, and then taking it all back to my Lord saying, "What do YOU want me to say?"
God moved in a tremendous way as the room over flowed with hundreds and hundreds of people. The prayer and support of our church family as we ALL moved together to help and love on this family was powerful. As I looked around the room and saw my teammates serving and loving I felt so proud of representing out God of love even in this horrific experience.
None of us, not you or I have ANY guarantee for tomorrow. Seriously. This was smack in our face with the remaining body of this 10 year old princess. James 4: 14 reminds us of this, "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Are we living full out today? Truly being obedient to His voice in the small things? Are we extending love in a powerful way? Do I tell my husband and children that I love them enough with word and action?
It doesn't even have to be big things, but just being obedient. When I came home from the funeral I find my own heart so tender, now free to allow my own tears to fall before the Lord. And as I passed a neighbor I didn't really know I saw him struggling with all the snow at the end of the driveway, an older man that was struggling and later saw him give up and drive away. I knew God was convicting me to grab my shovel and go down and clear it for him even though he was gone and wouldn't know it was me. It wasn't about that. It was about loving my God and displaying His affection to everyone not needing anything in return. It didn't stop there as my husband and I finally had a date night given him being away for a while we savored this time. We realized at the restaurant that the live entertainment was someone we knew a bit but had recently struggled so much as his wife had left him for another man. This young artist loves God and was hurting and we knew we could relate. And so Roger prayed there that the Lord would bring him over and sure enough and so we invited him to share our date with us. It was of God for us to encourage his saddened heart. And in that moment I knew the Lord wanted me to invite him to our Christmas. So I did. And he may just be at our place this Christmas. Was I being obedient... yes. It's all about being faithful with all that He puts around us. See it's HIS heart above all that I desire to please. I feel such love and joy and peace in my own heart when I follow His leading in this.
My life is His... I desire the world to know that I love the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ above all.
May my actions prove my love,
Carrie
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Eagerly Desiring
I've recently been pondering the thought that my greatest pursuit in life is to truly fellowship with Jesus that He would bring me in relationship with Almighty God. See without Jesus we have no access to the Father. What a gift Jesus is to us. He is the only way, truth and life. People seem to be okay talking about God, even the demons do scripture says, but JESUS is another story. As I was mediating on 1 Cor 1:9, "God has CALLED us into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord" I was reminding again of the depth of this desire is from God. HE HAS CALLED us... wow. He wants us to KNOW Jesus, His Son which must be our Lord. See that's interesting. Without confessing Jesus as your Lord you have no relationship with Him. That's where it starts. You acknowledge all HE is and surrender to Him as Lord. Then you get to know Him. The more I spend time in His word and dialogue with Him the more I find He reveals himself and his ways to me. I think perhaps we have stopped pursuing a deep relationship with God and maybe just settled with the bare basics. What kind of relationship is that? The more I sense Him and draw close to Him the more I'm intoxicated to want more. Many think I've lost it I'm sure and yet I was telling Roger I feel like I've only scratched the surfaces. Do we realize the inheritance that is ours?? Do we realize all we possess through His gift of the Holy Spirit?? All the gifts He offers to us are for encouraging, building up the body, becoming powerful in word and deed all to reflect His glory. I find myself eagerly desiring more of these gifts. I've begun to walk more powerfully in them the past few years and I want more. So I wondered am I being selfish Lord? But He answers me in His word, for twice in 1 Cor it says, "Eagerly desire the greater gifts" and " Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the spirit especially prophecy." (1 Cor 12:30-31, 1 Cor 14:1-3). This refreshed my soul and now I continue to ask for more from Him and especially prophecy which He has truly begun to give me more. Ask my husband. :) Why prophecy? Because I believe prophecy is a result of a deep relationship with God. For prophets give msgs from God. They become as spokespeople for Him. Wow.... Something I don't take lightly. Lots of people profess to be prophets especially now a days, but the Lord reminds of this and to test them in the truth, watch and see. But the true prophets have and know the heart of God intimately and therefore are required... mandated to share this truth to the church body both the good and the bad or else they are held responsible. Not always an easy job. Often can be shunned as not giving the message people necessarily want to listen to. And yet when the msg is treated with a desire to listen and obey God powerful things begin to happen.
Can I encourage you today to press into your relationship with Jesus, no matter where you've been or fallen off track, jump back in. Make it a priority begin to ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you and give you a hunger for more of Him. EAGERLY desire this and watch what He will do in your life. Promise. :)
Passionately desiring more,
c
Can I encourage you today to press into your relationship with Jesus, no matter where you've been or fallen off track, jump back in. Make it a priority begin to ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you and give you a hunger for more of Him. EAGERLY desire this and watch what He will do in your life. Promise. :)
Passionately desiring more,
c
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Part 2 - Previous Post
Here's your link. First part is our Sr. Pastor, Wayne Alguire. Enjoy.
www.trinitybaptist.net/media.php?pageID=7
Here's your link. First part is our Sr. Pastor, Wayne Alguire. Enjoy.
www.trinitybaptist.net/media.php?pageID=7
Monday, October 31, 2011
Stay Tuned...
This weekend I was given the privilege of teaching God's word and since as a church we're going through the Mark Series I was given the text Mark 2:13-17. I will post on Wed a link so that you can have a blog posting LIVE this week. ;) Be encouraged!!
We took a step as church to activate God's word.... it was pretty awesome!! We'll have over 1000 people joining together in first steps to bring this passage alive in our city. I feel as if God has breathed His Spirit of life into our church body...
I'm all about "doing"! You guys know that. It's the Activator in me. BUT the power and motivation and conviction comes from igniting His word that fires would begin to burn in our hearts. His word will not return void! It's so powerful, splitting joints and marrow! It'll be exciting to see what God might do as we begin to reach our arms seeing people through the eyes of Jesus.
Stay tuned.. I'll post as soon as it's up on our website.
So in love with our Jesus... (sigh)... oh to be with Him for eternity. (Time without time)
c
We took a step as church to activate God's word.... it was pretty awesome!! We'll have over 1000 people joining together in first steps to bring this passage alive in our city. I feel as if God has breathed His Spirit of life into our church body...
I'm all about "doing"! You guys know that. It's the Activator in me. BUT the power and motivation and conviction comes from igniting His word that fires would begin to burn in our hearts. His word will not return void! It's so powerful, splitting joints and marrow! It'll be exciting to see what God might do as we begin to reach our arms seeing people through the eyes of Jesus.
Stay tuned.. I'll post as soon as it's up on our website.
So in love with our Jesus... (sigh)... oh to be with Him for eternity. (Time without time)
c
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Your Brea for MY Brea
Recently I had to attend a wedding but wasn't able to stay as long as Roger and Brea as I needed to be back for work and therfore I had to fly back 2 days earlier. Unfortunately it was the evening of Brea's birthday that I had to return but we had had a good time together that morning. Nonetheless as I was sitting on the plane back reading my bible and talking to the Lord as I always do on the plane especially, the young girl sitting next to me made me think of Brea. She was of similar age to Brea with long blond hair. My heart longed to be with Roger and Brea but I also know commitments too are important.
There was no way I could talk to her or text her being on the plane so I just talked to God about it. The young girl with all her snacks, iphone, DS, etc... was keeping herself entertained and then fell asleep for a bit on her tray her hair spilling over unto my lap, made me miss my princess all the more.
Then the young woman awoke and though she was fidgety and somewhat restless, I knew the Lord wanted me to talk to her, but I felt I didn't have the energy. Then she saw me reading my bible and pulled out her Joyce Meyer book "Battlefield of the Mind" pulled up Romans 8 on her iphone and leaned over to ask me a question. I was pleasantly surprised!
Well... you can just imagine me then. Lol! Those that know me know no matter how tired I am if you ask me about scripture with sincere interest, I come alive!! So we did just that... started to share etc... SOOOOO... get this!! As if God doesn't have the ultimate sense of humor?!
The girl's name is Breanna.. she just moved a year ago and was coming home for a visit as a birthday gift that her dad gave her for her 16th birthday that was last Friday!! We gave Brea the gift to come to the wedding with us as well as it was her 16th birthday! She was flying alone for the first time and was nervous. Much like Brea has done in the past and I could relate. I comforted her and made her laugh and then told her what I did at the church. She was shocked. She recently became a Christian and only her and her mom are saved, not Dad or 2 brothers. She's been struggling a bit just feeling discouraged in her faith walk feeling alone. But she did recently join a bible study Friday. She'd been praying for encouragement from God and so for the next hour YOU know I did just that. She couldn't believe I was sitting right next to her and I couldn't believe this comfort as the next closest thing to Brea, was given to me.
I realized in that moment that I need to continue to love those around me as my family not distinguishing. That "relentless, non judgemental, no respecter of persons" love that Jesus showed those around Him. In this moment she needed the encouragement of a godly mom and I need the comfort of a spirit filled daughter. In this moment I was her mom and she was my Brea. Powerful.
"Matt 6:8 Our Father knows what we need even before we ask Him"
I am so baffled at the deep intimate love our Father has for us... .every single day He's got something new to make my mouth drop in wonder.
Father, you are a Dad like non other. Thanks for loving me so deeply that every care and concern of my heart is precious to you. I desire to love you more and more. May our conversations and my prayers become more and more intimate to you as I learn to trust you above and beyond what only my eyes see.
c
There was no way I could talk to her or text her being on the plane so I just talked to God about it. The young girl with all her snacks, iphone, DS, etc... was keeping herself entertained and then fell asleep for a bit on her tray her hair spilling over unto my lap, made me miss my princess all the more.
Then the young woman awoke and though she was fidgety and somewhat restless, I knew the Lord wanted me to talk to her, but I felt I didn't have the energy. Then she saw me reading my bible and pulled out her Joyce Meyer book "Battlefield of the Mind" pulled up Romans 8 on her iphone and leaned over to ask me a question. I was pleasantly surprised!
Well... you can just imagine me then. Lol! Those that know me know no matter how tired I am if you ask me about scripture with sincere interest, I come alive!! So we did just that... started to share etc... SOOOOO... get this!! As if God doesn't have the ultimate sense of humor?!
The girl's name is Breanna.. she just moved a year ago and was coming home for a visit as a birthday gift that her dad gave her for her 16th birthday that was last Friday!! We gave Brea the gift to come to the wedding with us as well as it was her 16th birthday! She was flying alone for the first time and was nervous. Much like Brea has done in the past and I could relate. I comforted her and made her laugh and then told her what I did at the church. She was shocked. She recently became a Christian and only her and her mom are saved, not Dad or 2 brothers. She's been struggling a bit just feeling discouraged in her faith walk feeling alone. But she did recently join a bible study Friday. She'd been praying for encouragement from God and so for the next hour YOU know I did just that. She couldn't believe I was sitting right next to her and I couldn't believe this comfort as the next closest thing to Brea, was given to me.
I realized in that moment that I need to continue to love those around me as my family not distinguishing. That "relentless, non judgemental, no respecter of persons" love that Jesus showed those around Him. In this moment she needed the encouragement of a godly mom and I need the comfort of a spirit filled daughter. In this moment I was her mom and she was my Brea. Powerful.
"Matt 6:8 Our Father knows what we need even before we ask Him"
I am so baffled at the deep intimate love our Father has for us... .every single day He's got something new to make my mouth drop in wonder.
Father, you are a Dad like non other. Thanks for loving me so deeply that every care and concern of my heart is precious to you. I desire to love you more and more. May our conversations and my prayers become more and more intimate to you as I learn to trust you above and beyond what only my eyes see.
c
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Debit - Love
I see the buzz around Amanda Knox... the injustice and you can't help but feel for her. And yet my thoughts are turned to the reality of Jesus accused wrongfully of no crime and yet not released but rather brutally, brutally killed. The Spirit of Injustice arises for me and yet deep sadness that MY LORD... would undergo such wrongful injustice for you and me. That we would enjoy freedom. Humbled... motivated to give my life more to selflessness as HE did.
There's a shift going on right now in our culture. All the DVD stores around us have closed for instance. These little shifts that seem insignificant are actually bigger than we think. As I ponder this and prepare to be obedient to the call that God has given both Roger and I at this time to REACH our city how does this shift impact even what the lost and outsiders think of church? In an hour Roger and I will talk to this to key leaders God has brought together.
The word is God's WORD and that will never change, and the church is His Beloved Bride and that too will never change. But when I look at our society that we live in I see a few key components that have shifted. "The love of many will grow cold... " Jesus says. Where is love I wonder? The selfless true love that Jesus talks about? The one that is given to serving others? Where is the unity that involves community in a society based on "Independent Living"? Virtual relationships from facebook, to "e" and "i" everything... are the norm for this generation growing up. We can't make them wrong for it, but we need to rise up even stronger as a UNIFIED family of God to demonstrate what Jesus prayed for us before His death. " My prayer is that they may be brought to complete unity that the world may know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me". Jesus prayed that in John 17 to His Father. You see unity and love only comes from the power of God's Spirit. When people especially those around us, can witness a love amongst us and given towards them, that says we would lay down our lives for one another and we want to give to you over ourselves it makes people today stand dumbfounded. "Why??" They wonder.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you MUST love one another. By this ALL people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Jesus gives us this command.
How are we doing with it? I'm failing miserably... but I want to own it. Right now. And hence I want to devote myself with a core of other believers to immerse ourselves in the study of Acts, in community one with another that His Holy Spirit would begin to unite us in a powerful way. That's my heart. Will I make mistakes.. you bet... but I want to lose life oh that I would found before the throne of God in the days to come as being a faithful follower to Jesus.
Yes the one that stands accused unjustly of no crime; not enduring four years of prison to be released but rather being condemned to die brutally. wow... When I imagine His eyes looking at me hanging on the cross...bleeding and whipped, marred beyond human recognition, I can picture Him saying with His eyes"I Love you Carrie." uggghhh... tears well up even now. I owe you my life JESUS... I believe, now please I beg of you, help me by the power of your spirit to indeed impact this city by simply revealing you to them. You... the very essence of love.
Indebted Forever,
Your Carrie
There's a shift going on right now in our culture. All the DVD stores around us have closed for instance. These little shifts that seem insignificant are actually bigger than we think. As I ponder this and prepare to be obedient to the call that God has given both Roger and I at this time to REACH our city how does this shift impact even what the lost and outsiders think of church? In an hour Roger and I will talk to this to key leaders God has brought together.
The word is God's WORD and that will never change, and the church is His Beloved Bride and that too will never change. But when I look at our society that we live in I see a few key components that have shifted. "The love of many will grow cold... " Jesus says. Where is love I wonder? The selfless true love that Jesus talks about? The one that is given to serving others? Where is the unity that involves community in a society based on "Independent Living"? Virtual relationships from facebook, to "e" and "i" everything... are the norm for this generation growing up. We can't make them wrong for it, but we need to rise up even stronger as a UNIFIED family of God to demonstrate what Jesus prayed for us before His death. " My prayer is that they may be brought to complete unity that the world may know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me". Jesus prayed that in John 17 to His Father. You see unity and love only comes from the power of God's Spirit. When people especially those around us, can witness a love amongst us and given towards them, that says we would lay down our lives for one another and we want to give to you over ourselves it makes people today stand dumbfounded. "Why??" They wonder.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you MUST love one another. By this ALL people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Jesus gives us this command.
How are we doing with it? I'm failing miserably... but I want to own it. Right now. And hence I want to devote myself with a core of other believers to immerse ourselves in the study of Acts, in community one with another that His Holy Spirit would begin to unite us in a powerful way. That's my heart. Will I make mistakes.. you bet... but I want to lose life oh that I would found before the throne of God in the days to come as being a faithful follower to Jesus.
Yes the one that stands accused unjustly of no crime; not enduring four years of prison to be released but rather being condemned to die brutally. wow... When I imagine His eyes looking at me hanging on the cross...bleeding and whipped, marred beyond human recognition, I can picture Him saying with His eyes"I Love you Carrie." uggghhh... tears well up even now. I owe you my life JESUS... I believe, now please I beg of you, help me by the power of your spirit to indeed impact this city by simply revealing you to them. You... the very essence of love.
Indebted Forever,
Your Carrie
Sunday, October 2, 2011
For Just a Moment in Time....
We spend so much of our time in life, dreaming, saving, planning for tomorrow and often before we know it we hear ourselves say, “Where did the time go?” or “They’ll be grown up before you know it!”
When we’re young we think we have all the time in the world, so carefree. Pick whatever you wanna do, don’t worry about the cost. Oh the freedom of choices from: whomever you wanna marry, or to pursue whatever you’d like to do as a career, eat whatever you want, go wherever, try whatever having in the back of your mind there’s lots of time, freedom, parents to fall back on…etc..etc…
And yet isn’t it often with age and experience comes the wisdom of life that evaluates things at a deeper level?
I’ve been recently studying Daniel and also history periods in general, evaluating all these great palaces and kingdoms once dominated by the “KING, QUEEN, or some Powerful One” of that time only to be passed on to someone else when their short life is over. HUGE places and power of influences are suddenly worth nothing to them when their lives pass from here to eternity.
Reflecting on these eras in time both from the bible and historical references, simply reminds me more of God’s overall view. No wonder He says our life is but a mist; here today and gone tomorrow. And if that’s not a good enough picture he adds a few other pictures. One is the dew that is here in the morning for a brief moment, or a flower that lasts until it’s petals have served their time displaying such glory.
On top of this, I recently saw a huge stadium (yes it is football season J) LOL! I’m embracing football as my husband so enjoys it . You’d all be proud of me. And yes he’s stood by Detroit always and wouldn’t you know it they’re having a good start! That’s my shout out for you Baby. ;)
As I looked at this massive stadium I imagined it filled with all sorts of people and just myself as one little person. How small we really are in the great scheme of things!! So what then is our purpose in this short life??
There is no greater joy that to KNOW God and His Jesus Christ. Do we really get that?? When we give our lives to Him and He fills us with a part of Him (His Holy Spirit) it is His Spirit that helps us to KNOW Him. The more we desire to KNOW Him the more He will reveal Himself to us. What a privilege this is! The more we draw closer to Him the more we desire to be made like Him. To mirror His image which is nothing of the kingdom of this world. So what does this look like you ask?
Consider Daniel…. a handsome young man. Yes GQ, popular, one of the wisest men in North America let’s say. And you know what… he’s YOUNG. He was brought in as a captive, a prisoner and left a ruler. He had all the wealth and possessions you can imagine given to him and yet none of it had a hold on him. He wouldn’t accept bribes, or steer away from anything God desired as the best for him, EVEN though NO ONE else in all the country was pursuing this God Relationship as He was. He continued in this relationship talking/praying to God 3 times a day as always, even when it was against the law and he knew he would die if he kept it up.
No visions, strange dreams, death threats, slavery, imprisonment, no bribe, fiery furnaces, or den of lions, no fear of hands without bodies writing literally on walls would keep Him from a relentless pursuit and devotion to His best friend, His King, His Father, His Lord……. Yes God himself.
You see Daniel reached a point in their quiet times together, their continuous relationship, their walking and talking, with guidance through the scriptures and God’s deliverance every time Daniel faced death on His behalf, in a way that was incomparable at that time.
You know even the way his enemies LONGED to get him in trouble, they couldn’t. This description blew me away. Daniel 6:4 “They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.”
Wow… there he is; displaying our God. See, even as a young man; not corrupt or negligent but rather trustworthy.
As young people growing up in today’s society it is not easy to live a pure life, to keep oneself from the corruption of the world that seems to lie all around us. It seems the bar is so lowered, watered down. We can all see it. Even in the little ways from what an “R” rated movie was even 15 years ago to what it is now. Or the definition of “dating” to the access of weapons, drugs, alcohol, lack of family foundations, or respect for any authority from parents to teachers to government. BUT…. Will God provide help? YES… and you know what the more you spend time getting to know Him and in His word, He will begin to reveal himself to you. Just you. And you will know Him and have less of a desire for these things because you will see the truth behind how they are distractions and deceptions to pull you off a life that God desires to have with you.
Daniel was a young prisoner turned governor. He had nothing and yet God gave Him everything. He didn’t have 400 facebook friends but he had 3 of the most amazing friendships one could ever imagine. Friends that stand in a furnace because you all serve and love the same God. Daniel trusted God, not because He was told to by his parents, but He got to know Him and the more He knew the more He loved. His devotion came from love.
Won’t you join me in a pursuit that begins to step beyond the way of the world to swim against the current. Not by leading a rally tomorrow afternoon in city square, but by committing ourselves to spending time with God. Allowing Him to teach us, reveal Himself to us, befriend us and love us? When that begins to happen and truly happen, we realize our life is eternal therefore if we stand in the face of death with no fear but rather a relentless pursuit of being set apart, known by the Father, His Son and those even in the world know “She/He is one of HIS”. Wow.
Humbled yet, so thankful for His presence that He would share it with us,
c
Sunday, September 25, 2011
God "GETS" Girls ;)
As water is to the body so God's word is to our heart and soul. Really that sink in.
There are times when I'm reading a common section of God's word and my flesh just wants to skip it as I've read it so many times and I think I know it inside out, and yet the Spirit within me always reminds me that His word is LIVING and active... therefore "I can give you some fresh new insight today Carrie, if you'll let me?"
So here I go... reading the common part of Luke 1 again. Famous Christmas story I've read hundreds of times and yet I do feel surrendered not resigned to the fact that I do want something fresh from it for today if possible.
So the first thing my attitude shift results in is, "Ok Carrie, rather than reading as Narrator, let's play a character. Take a portion and ask me to really make this real to you." So I do just that. I take the portion starting from Elizabeth finding out in her old age she will have a baby right up to the Mary staying with her than leaving. (Luke 1:24-56)
I began to think of both Mary and Elizabeth... I know... I was only supposed to be one, but it fascinated me so much I wanted to understand both of them. Both of them such godly women. Elizabeth was upright in the sight of God and obeyed all His commands blamelessly (v.6) And Mary, Highly favored by God. A young virgin pledged to be married and an old godly woman. hmmm... Both hold to God alone unwavering. Even though Elizabeth is married, keep in mind out of nowhere Zechariah can't speak and she is all of a sudden pregnant!!! In her old age?? Then she remains in seclusion for 5 months! (v.24) Who was her strength, who was her comfort?? God alone was. Did she trust Him, even through this upsurd situation even taking place in her very own body??? YES she did.
And little did she know that young Mary too was going through her own trial of trust in God alone somewhat similar only months behind her?? They didn't have facebook, or cells to communicate. No. So how did they know. God.
An angel appears to Mary out of know where, and interesting enough a young girl's response was quite different even from the Priest Zechariah who the same angel Gabriel appeared to. Though Zechariah questioned Mary responded with, "I am the Lord's servant."
Young ladies... can I encourage you with this powerful thought for a moment. Do you realize how valuable your trust in God and relationship with Him is. He will use you in ways you wouldn't believe if only you trust Him fully as Mary did.
From there I find this so interesting that God knows that both Mary and Elizabeth will find great comfort in each other at such a time and so let's Mary know that Elizabeth is 6 months pregnant! This is so cool!
So Mary without delay knowing that Joseph is inwardly struggling if he should divorce Mary (Matthew 1:19) is left feeling so alone and isolated again with chaos going on inside her very body as a baby is developing and she hasn't even had sex!!! and so she goes to Elizabeth.
She travels alone to her. What a road trip that would've been. Can you just imagine young Mary.... now when she arrives to Elizabeth having spent the last 5 months alone, she instantly through the Spirit of God is connected even to the baby in her womb when she feels the Spirit so strong come from her. Now Mary hasn't even told her she's pregnant and look at Elizabeth's response..."When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a LOUD voice she exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of MY Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who has BELIEVED that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v. 44,45)
Now what joy, encouragement, comfort Mary would've had. For she hadn't told her anything but Elizabeth had known from the Holy Spirit. And Mary didn't need all the comfort from lots of people, true godly people don't, to be honest. But this one divine encounter caused her great joy and peace so much that she expresses a song afterwards. (v. 46-55).
Elizabeth too was comforted in her time, as there was no way that Mary would've known about her situation either. Neither of them had their children in their arms, but them simply trusted God's plan to be good and in relationship with each other loved on each other and comforted each other through this hard time. Mary remained with her for 3 months.
This shows me the tenderness of God's heart even to His dear women. He knows childbearing is hard enough let alone done God's way which is completely opposite the world. He gives women good friends to relate and love on each other together. Greater than even a man may understand at that time as their bodies change etc. I pondered this gracious, carrying side of God and felt like mush in my Daddy's hand. He really gets us women. :)
THEN... if that wasn't enough... He was going to take this ancient penning of scripture and bring it alive to me in a modern day setting that night.
I have 2 of my beloved youth leader women, whom we've served together for the past few years and are truly my loved sisters, both are pregnant with their first child about 2 months apart. Well that night at midnight I get a text that the one is in the hospital already dilated 2 months premature, asking me to pray. I'm on it and texting back and forth as she lay in the hospital. Only to find out the other leader who's baby is due any day goes into labor and is having an emergency C section at the same time!! The premature labor is calmed down, some medicine, needles, etc... but she is to stay in that night and the next so the doctor's can watch her. The other leader had a beautiful baby boy, but after the hurt of a C section. I know, I've been there.
The most blessed part.... was that night as their wheeled into their rooms both in different emotional states with bodies hurting and not knowing they are both in there... YES!!!! their beds end up beside each other and they end up sharing the room together!!! NOW is that GOD or what??? How crazy was all of this to me to not only read it that morning but then witness again the great compassionate hand of our God in 2 women I love so dearly.
Nothing... absolutely.... nothing gets by God. Nothing is too small for Him.... and rather than us women making a man wrong for not knowing our pain or our hurt, I think Elizabeth and Mary took the cake for that one! They turned their face towards their Father and truly trusted Him. What wonderful women we have as examples to us here and now.
Ladies, truly let your Father extravagantly love you. HE knows... really knows.
There are times when I'm reading a common section of God's word and my flesh just wants to skip it as I've read it so many times and I think I know it inside out, and yet the Spirit within me always reminds me that His word is LIVING and active... therefore "I can give you some fresh new insight today Carrie, if you'll let me?"
So here I go... reading the common part of Luke 1 again. Famous Christmas story I've read hundreds of times and yet I do feel surrendered not resigned to the fact that I do want something fresh from it for today if possible.
So the first thing my attitude shift results in is, "Ok Carrie, rather than reading as Narrator, let's play a character. Take a portion and ask me to really make this real to you." So I do just that. I take the portion starting from Elizabeth finding out in her old age she will have a baby right up to the Mary staying with her than leaving. (Luke 1:24-56)
I began to think of both Mary and Elizabeth... I know... I was only supposed to be one, but it fascinated me so much I wanted to understand both of them. Both of them such godly women. Elizabeth was upright in the sight of God and obeyed all His commands blamelessly (v.6) And Mary, Highly favored by God. A young virgin pledged to be married and an old godly woman. hmmm... Both hold to God alone unwavering. Even though Elizabeth is married, keep in mind out of nowhere Zechariah can't speak and she is all of a sudden pregnant!!! In her old age?? Then she remains in seclusion for 5 months! (v.24) Who was her strength, who was her comfort?? God alone was. Did she trust Him, even through this upsurd situation even taking place in her very own body??? YES she did.
And little did she know that young Mary too was going through her own trial of trust in God alone somewhat similar only months behind her?? They didn't have facebook, or cells to communicate. No. So how did they know. God.
An angel appears to Mary out of know where, and interesting enough a young girl's response was quite different even from the Priest Zechariah who the same angel Gabriel appeared to. Though Zechariah questioned Mary responded with, "I am the Lord's servant."
Young ladies... can I encourage you with this powerful thought for a moment. Do you realize how valuable your trust in God and relationship with Him is. He will use you in ways you wouldn't believe if only you trust Him fully as Mary did.
From there I find this so interesting that God knows that both Mary and Elizabeth will find great comfort in each other at such a time and so let's Mary know that Elizabeth is 6 months pregnant! This is so cool!
So Mary without delay knowing that Joseph is inwardly struggling if he should divorce Mary (Matthew 1:19) is left feeling so alone and isolated again with chaos going on inside her very body as a baby is developing and she hasn't even had sex!!! and so she goes to Elizabeth.
She travels alone to her. What a road trip that would've been. Can you just imagine young Mary.... now when she arrives to Elizabeth having spent the last 5 months alone, she instantly through the Spirit of God is connected even to the baby in her womb when she feels the Spirit so strong come from her. Now Mary hasn't even told her she's pregnant and look at Elizabeth's response..."When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a LOUD voice she exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of MY Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who has BELIEVED that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v. 44,45)
Now what joy, encouragement, comfort Mary would've had. For she hadn't told her anything but Elizabeth had known from the Holy Spirit. And Mary didn't need all the comfort from lots of people, true godly people don't, to be honest. But this one divine encounter caused her great joy and peace so much that she expresses a song afterwards. (v. 46-55).
Elizabeth too was comforted in her time, as there was no way that Mary would've known about her situation either. Neither of them had their children in their arms, but them simply trusted God's plan to be good and in relationship with each other loved on each other and comforted each other through this hard time. Mary remained with her for 3 months.
This shows me the tenderness of God's heart even to His dear women. He knows childbearing is hard enough let alone done God's way which is completely opposite the world. He gives women good friends to relate and love on each other together. Greater than even a man may understand at that time as their bodies change etc. I pondered this gracious, carrying side of God and felt like mush in my Daddy's hand. He really gets us women. :)
THEN... if that wasn't enough... He was going to take this ancient penning of scripture and bring it alive to me in a modern day setting that night.
I have 2 of my beloved youth leader women, whom we've served together for the past few years and are truly my loved sisters, both are pregnant with their first child about 2 months apart. Well that night at midnight I get a text that the one is in the hospital already dilated 2 months premature, asking me to pray. I'm on it and texting back and forth as she lay in the hospital. Only to find out the other leader who's baby is due any day goes into labor and is having an emergency C section at the same time!! The premature labor is calmed down, some medicine, needles, etc... but she is to stay in that night and the next so the doctor's can watch her. The other leader had a beautiful baby boy, but after the hurt of a C section. I know, I've been there.
The most blessed part.... was that night as their wheeled into their rooms both in different emotional states with bodies hurting and not knowing they are both in there... YES!!!! their beds end up beside each other and they end up sharing the room together!!! NOW is that GOD or what??? How crazy was all of this to me to not only read it that morning but then witness again the great compassionate hand of our God in 2 women I love so dearly.
Nothing... absolutely.... nothing gets by God. Nothing is too small for Him.... and rather than us women making a man wrong for not knowing our pain or our hurt, I think Elizabeth and Mary took the cake for that one! They turned their face towards their Father and truly trusted Him. What wonderful women we have as examples to us here and now.
Ladies, truly let your Father extravagantly love you. HE knows... really knows.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Communication is Key
We spend so much money on enhancing communication, from latest gadgets to expensive seminars. Is it important? Absolutely!
As Brea gears up for her 16th birthday, I’ve introduced Liegmann Drivers Ed 101. Our recent trip to Vancouver requires her manual and full alertness. (And yes… this is my creative edition.) As we drive she answers all my questions from signs to traffic patterns. If she doesn’t know the answers she has to look it up, which I find solidifies a greater return on the memorization. As I’m teaching her, the Spirit teaches me.
Lesson: (Part A) When we signal in the car, it’s not for US but rather those around us to be aware of our intentions. It’s crucial. It promotes safe, smooth, and unified movement. What peace and joy to all!
Imagine if we never signaled? What chaos would be ours! LOL.
If that didn’t hit home, the Spirit was going to double up significance this teaching to me.
Lesson (Part B) Brea, Roger, and I recently went on an ATV tour in Whistler. Beautiful! We all had to wear helmets and goggles and follow single file up steep rocky mountains and through dense forests. We were all instructed to follow the leader and watch for his hand signal, because you obviously couldn’t hear his voice. It just so happened, that his machine’s chain kept coming off every 5 minutes. We kept starting and stopping, starting and stopping. You can imagine how much I enjoyed this part?? LOL. But as I watched I realized, no one really knew how long this was going to go on, as we weren’t able to communicate. On the 5th time 3 of us broke through the line to come to the leader to remove helmets and communicate solutions. Yes, I was one of them. And yes I ended up sharing my machine with the leaderJ
In both these situations it became plainly apparent that communication is essential in everything in life. Now not JUST essential, but that it brings joy and allows greater progress in any journey, from road trips to ATV adventures.
Conclusion: Now for my four way flashers.
How is our communication with God? Do we follow his lead, obey his laws and signal with obedience our intentions? Or do we wear helmets in which we don’t even hear His voice, only to frustrate ourselves? You see God has given us the GIFT of two-way communication with Him. His word and his Spirit declare His voice on anything and everything.
And our voice is given to us as a means to take off the helmet and ask sometimes when we don’t understand. So the question that we need to honestly ask ourselves is, “How’s OUR communication (God and Me)?” When we are tight, we become confident in our journey, and signal to those around us our intentions with joy, peace and a surety.
Don’t delay, grab the manual (bible), perhaps a good teacher in this area, and start using those two gifts God’s given you: your ears and your voice.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Holiness - Not for the "Common" Folk
When I say "Holy" what comes to mind? Really. Think about it. "Holy, holiness." What thoughts come to your mind?
Initially in my spiritual walk and even before, it seemed somewhat scary to me? Too religious, unattainable, even foreign. When we talk of it today many laugh, mock or roll their eyes to such a term. And yet today in my spiritual walk and growth of Him being in me, I find myself craving it more. Not to the world or what people think but in my own personal pursuit. I am blown away that God would deem me as a holy one of His.
So how does this happen in a young person? What does it look like? Does it mean I wear nun clothing, a wooden cross, ride a horse, eat only bread and water, and never watch a digital screen again? No. I realize that holiness is such a defining quality of our God. He's perfect and therefore holiness is Him. Holiness means to be "Set apart". I just read today this verse that made this come to light even more, in Ezekiel of all places. God is displaying his unhappiness about a few things that are very important to HIm. Ezekiel 22:26 "They do not distinguish between the holy and the common. They teach there is no difference between the clean and unclean." God is upset with His spiritual leaders that they have not taught the importance of this to the people.
Then I got thinking about this in my life. Do I teach this as a pastor to those around me? Not by just words, but how I live. You see holiness, is RARE. God says that. "They do not distinguish between the holy and the COMMON." Therefore the Holy things are uncommon. Do I feel uncommon in the world? Was my desire to be pure and abstain in sexual relationships before marriage made fun of? Oh yes, it sure was, even by reporters that were doing articles on me in newspapers. As a woman in my 30s who quite frankly enjoys love and the physical aspect of it, devoting herself and her body to GOD?? Why... because I want to be like Him. I DO want to be deemed as Holy. Why? Because that's a great quality in which God stands alone, He sets us apart with a desire to abstain from things of the world that we might be known as HIS.
Think of the Princess Kate and Prince William and the dignity they exude. The class and respect that is theirs. Do you know GOD WANTS that for us?? How do we do that?
When we don't fall to trashy common things. It's like smoking cigarettes. As I keep putting that in my body my lungs will be blackened and eventually maybe even cancerous.
What we keep letting into our soul will either become hazardous to us or nourish and refresh us. How does it get in? All of our senses/members (as Apostle Paul calls them) let these things in. Our eyes that lust, our ears that listen and take things in, our mouths that allow toxic things as well as let out profanity, sword slashing wreckage at times, our hands that touch things they shouldn't or hurt, our feet that rush into sin quickly taking us places we shouldn't be, etc,etc. You get it. So does that mean again I chain myself up and live a life of solitude?
No, it simply means, that I want my eyes to be careful what they filter to put in my soul. So yes I will turn away from a handsome man in his bathing suit as I simply want to keep my eyes desiring and pure always intoxicated for my husband and our love. As a result, our intimacy on this level is the best I have ever known, even to this weekend ;) I believe this is blessing God gives those who guard this! Perhaps you don't know because you haven't tried?
My mouth, can enjoy a glass of wine or two, but am I going to indulge in a way that the same mouth will then puke because my liver can't keep up? No. Why?? So I do things I don't remember later? I WANT to remember the things I do.
My hands might desire to use my credit card to buy something I don't need only working in tandem with my eyes, so I simply don't go to the mall to spend idle time, then I'm just tempted to see nice things that I really don't need. I could go on.. but you get the idea. Even the magazines and shows you watch will influence your obsessions with fashion, body image, sex, relationships,etc.... be careful. So why would I resist all of this?? There was a time when I didn't and you know what, I can honestly say the "high" lasts for a moment, maybe a few hours but then you come crashing again.
When you begin to get control by asking God in you to help you, He starts to help you come out of this common, hamster wheel cycle to realize that there's far greater things in life to be had most importantly a clear vision on the purpose of your very life.
One of the greatest promises that I am beginning to experience and long for more, is that the "pure in heart will see God". (Matt5:8) When we keep ourselves from the enemy's territory we realize the promise land that exists for us even here and now and we begin to see much more clearly God and His ways. Not only in our lives but even others. It's awesome.
So holiness.... it's an absolute full out pursuit and desire of mine, oh that the angels would one day begin to see more of Christ in me in His holiness. That more and more angels are needed to encamp around me as I become more and more of a threat to the enemy of bringing others to this great light. Stay focused. Ask HIM for help... then move towards the light... you will not go back.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
Initially in my spiritual walk and even before, it seemed somewhat scary to me? Too religious, unattainable, even foreign. When we talk of it today many laugh, mock or roll their eyes to such a term. And yet today in my spiritual walk and growth of Him being in me, I find myself craving it more. Not to the world or what people think but in my own personal pursuit. I am blown away that God would deem me as a holy one of His.
So how does this happen in a young person? What does it look like? Does it mean I wear nun clothing, a wooden cross, ride a horse, eat only bread and water, and never watch a digital screen again? No. I realize that holiness is such a defining quality of our God. He's perfect and therefore holiness is Him. Holiness means to be "Set apart". I just read today this verse that made this come to light even more, in Ezekiel of all places. God is displaying his unhappiness about a few things that are very important to HIm. Ezekiel 22:26 "They do not distinguish between the holy and the common. They teach there is no difference between the clean and unclean." God is upset with His spiritual leaders that they have not taught the importance of this to the people.
Then I got thinking about this in my life. Do I teach this as a pastor to those around me? Not by just words, but how I live. You see holiness, is RARE. God says that. "They do not distinguish between the holy and the COMMON." Therefore the Holy things are uncommon. Do I feel uncommon in the world? Was my desire to be pure and abstain in sexual relationships before marriage made fun of? Oh yes, it sure was, even by reporters that were doing articles on me in newspapers. As a woman in my 30s who quite frankly enjoys love and the physical aspect of it, devoting herself and her body to GOD?? Why... because I want to be like Him. I DO want to be deemed as Holy. Why? Because that's a great quality in which God stands alone, He sets us apart with a desire to abstain from things of the world that we might be known as HIS.
Think of the Princess Kate and Prince William and the dignity they exude. The class and respect that is theirs. Do you know GOD WANTS that for us?? How do we do that?
When we don't fall to trashy common things. It's like smoking cigarettes. As I keep putting that in my body my lungs will be blackened and eventually maybe even cancerous.
What we keep letting into our soul will either become hazardous to us or nourish and refresh us. How does it get in? All of our senses/members (as Apostle Paul calls them) let these things in. Our eyes that lust, our ears that listen and take things in, our mouths that allow toxic things as well as let out profanity, sword slashing wreckage at times, our hands that touch things they shouldn't or hurt, our feet that rush into sin quickly taking us places we shouldn't be, etc,etc. You get it. So does that mean again I chain myself up and live a life of solitude?
No, it simply means, that I want my eyes to be careful what they filter to put in my soul. So yes I will turn away from a handsome man in his bathing suit as I simply want to keep my eyes desiring and pure always intoxicated for my husband and our love. As a result, our intimacy on this level is the best I have ever known, even to this weekend ;) I believe this is blessing God gives those who guard this! Perhaps you don't know because you haven't tried?
My mouth, can enjoy a glass of wine or two, but am I going to indulge in a way that the same mouth will then puke because my liver can't keep up? No. Why?? So I do things I don't remember later? I WANT to remember the things I do.
My hands might desire to use my credit card to buy something I don't need only working in tandem with my eyes, so I simply don't go to the mall to spend idle time, then I'm just tempted to see nice things that I really don't need. I could go on.. but you get the idea. Even the magazines and shows you watch will influence your obsessions with fashion, body image, sex, relationships,etc.... be careful. So why would I resist all of this?? There was a time when I didn't and you know what, I can honestly say the "high" lasts for a moment, maybe a few hours but then you come crashing again.
When you begin to get control by asking God in you to help you, He starts to help you come out of this common, hamster wheel cycle to realize that there's far greater things in life to be had most importantly a clear vision on the purpose of your very life.
One of the greatest promises that I am beginning to experience and long for more, is that the "pure in heart will see God". (Matt5:8) When we keep ourselves from the enemy's territory we realize the promise land that exists for us even here and now and we begin to see much more clearly God and His ways. Not only in our lives but even others. It's awesome.
So holiness.... it's an absolute full out pursuit and desire of mine, oh that the angels would one day begin to see more of Christ in me in His holiness. That more and more angels are needed to encamp around me as I become more and more of a threat to the enemy of bringing others to this great light. Stay focused. Ask HIM for help... then move towards the light... you will not go back.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Who am I, REALLY?
I am untouchable until the day God has determined that I shall enter eternity. UNTOUCHABLE. Cool eh? God already knows.
I have asked my family not to spend money on a funeral but rather for them to buy a plane ticket to Israel and take my ashes and sprinkle them on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. Then spend time in my favourite country in the world. :)
Is death a morbid thought to you? It shouldn't be. For those who have submitted their lives to Jesus have been given the gift of eternal life. For we only shall sleep in death as we pass through the valley of death He will walk with us. (Psalm 23)
As I journey daily with the God of the universe and His son Jesus Christ, by the power of HIS Spirit in me daily, I am diving deeper than ever beyond the mere thoughts of humans. Why not?
"Who's your teacher Carrie?"
" ... ahhh... God. Yes God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth the sea and everything in it."
"And where exactly is HE?"
"He's in me and His text book that He constantly brings alive is the Bible."
In my studies this week... I'm simply so humbled that everything is about God. I regret to think that I was ever good at anything... really. I'm laughing thinking about it. We are but this little mist, maybe of 70 years, relative to thousands of years and billions of people.... do I really make that big of a difference?? lol.... Who are we?? Who are we next to God? Nothing. So what is my purpose here?
It is this... to bring glory to Him. That people would look at me and see more of Jesus. What does that look like? Nothing selfish, but sacrificially giving of myself. To look something entirely different than how others may be treading through life. That money, fame, honor wouldn't have a hold on me but that I'd be so relentlessly desiring His praise, His glory, His fame and wisdom to be shown off to so many.
Once a fellow pastor told me I was too zealous for God. I humbly took it away somewhat saddened and just asked Him as I always do when someone says something to me. I want Him to just tell me the truth. I trust Him.
"Lord am I too zealous? Do I need to tone it down a bit?"
"Carrie, when you get to heaven with me and I look upon you, do you think I will say, 'Carrie, you really shouldn't have been so excited about me??'" That's all I could hear Him say and instantly I chuckled with Him and was refreshed in my pursuit again of more of Him.
I won't ever push my God on anyone, especially my children as they develop their own journey. BUT ask anyone that knows me well, and even if I am so tired and quiet there is one thing that someone can ask me about and I'll somehow get all fired up and go on and on...... YES... Jesus.
God is so great and so awesome. No one is His equal. And it brings me SUCH joy to say that!! I don't need people to praise me, I don't need to be a great preacher, famous, or have millions of dollars, but I do want Him to know that there is no one greater to ME than Him. He's the apple of my eye, and quite frankly I love it when He shows of.
Even as I was reading Jeremiah 36:26 I chuckled that when you play hide and seek with God, you don't stand a chance. What He hides no one can find. So why do we worry, why don't we trust Him more? When we do we start to talk about everything with Him. We spend the majority of our days talking to Him and then looking to His word for His answers. (See how time in His word teaches us of Him but gives us hope and security in truth)
Even as I saw a clip today of New York Times Square on the news, I gave Him glory. Why?
Well I was there just this past year with my husband, sister and her finance. We had a great time. But as I looked all around at Times Square it BUSTLED with activity. Much like Vegas, but more corporate mixed with tourists and entertainment. There was so much going on in every inch of that square and yet today a LIVE picture showed it as a ghost town. Why? Because God is rolling through His power with a storm that causes everyone to be reminded that we're nothing next to His great power. And instantly I am reminded of His word, " I say to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that all people that He has made know His work, he stops everyone from their labor." Job 37:7
Awesome eh? So why Hurricane Irene? Well as your boarding up your homes, and even the NY subway shuts down, remember that God is God. His power beyond understanding. Let's simply humble ourselves with joy, remembering that "I am nothing.. but you my Lord are EVERYTHING."
May my life bring you glory, Lord. I am yours unashamedly.
xo
(Isaiah 45:14,21b, 46:9, 48:11)
I have asked my family not to spend money on a funeral but rather for them to buy a plane ticket to Israel and take my ashes and sprinkle them on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. Then spend time in my favourite country in the world. :)
Is death a morbid thought to you? It shouldn't be. For those who have submitted their lives to Jesus have been given the gift of eternal life. For we only shall sleep in death as we pass through the valley of death He will walk with us. (Psalm 23)
As I journey daily with the God of the universe and His son Jesus Christ, by the power of HIS Spirit in me daily, I am diving deeper than ever beyond the mere thoughts of humans. Why not?
"Who's your teacher Carrie?"
" ... ahhh... God. Yes God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth the sea and everything in it."
"And where exactly is HE?"
"He's in me and His text book that He constantly brings alive is the Bible."
In my studies this week... I'm simply so humbled that everything is about God. I regret to think that I was ever good at anything... really. I'm laughing thinking about it. We are but this little mist, maybe of 70 years, relative to thousands of years and billions of people.... do I really make that big of a difference?? lol.... Who are we?? Who are we next to God? Nothing. So what is my purpose here?
It is this... to bring glory to Him. That people would look at me and see more of Jesus. What does that look like? Nothing selfish, but sacrificially giving of myself. To look something entirely different than how others may be treading through life. That money, fame, honor wouldn't have a hold on me but that I'd be so relentlessly desiring His praise, His glory, His fame and wisdom to be shown off to so many.
Once a fellow pastor told me I was too zealous for God. I humbly took it away somewhat saddened and just asked Him as I always do when someone says something to me. I want Him to just tell me the truth. I trust Him.
"Lord am I too zealous? Do I need to tone it down a bit?"
"Carrie, when you get to heaven with me and I look upon you, do you think I will say, 'Carrie, you really shouldn't have been so excited about me??'" That's all I could hear Him say and instantly I chuckled with Him and was refreshed in my pursuit again of more of Him.
I won't ever push my God on anyone, especially my children as they develop their own journey. BUT ask anyone that knows me well, and even if I am so tired and quiet there is one thing that someone can ask me about and I'll somehow get all fired up and go on and on...... YES... Jesus.
God is so great and so awesome. No one is His equal. And it brings me SUCH joy to say that!! I don't need people to praise me, I don't need to be a great preacher, famous, or have millions of dollars, but I do want Him to know that there is no one greater to ME than Him. He's the apple of my eye, and quite frankly I love it when He shows of.
Even as I was reading Jeremiah 36:26 I chuckled that when you play hide and seek with God, you don't stand a chance. What He hides no one can find. So why do we worry, why don't we trust Him more? When we do we start to talk about everything with Him. We spend the majority of our days talking to Him and then looking to His word for His answers. (See how time in His word teaches us of Him but gives us hope and security in truth)
Even as I saw a clip today of New York Times Square on the news, I gave Him glory. Why?
Well I was there just this past year with my husband, sister and her finance. We had a great time. But as I looked all around at Times Square it BUSTLED with activity. Much like Vegas, but more corporate mixed with tourists and entertainment. There was so much going on in every inch of that square and yet today a LIVE picture showed it as a ghost town. Why? Because God is rolling through His power with a storm that causes everyone to be reminded that we're nothing next to His great power. And instantly I am reminded of His word, " I say to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that all people that He has made know His work, he stops everyone from their labor." Job 37:7
Awesome eh? So why Hurricane Irene? Well as your boarding up your homes, and even the NY subway shuts down, remember that God is God. His power beyond understanding. Let's simply humble ourselves with joy, remembering that "I am nothing.. but you my Lord are EVERYTHING."
May my life bring you glory, Lord. I am yours unashamedly.
xo
(Isaiah 45:14,21b, 46:9, 48:11)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
What's YOUR Pleasure?
Where is truth? With so many religions to chose from, so many brands of every product, remedies, prescriptions, websites, so many so called "experts", how do you know what's right??
Why do we have such a hard time now drawing a line between right and wrong? Our kids are growing up that everything is acceptable. Teachers don't fail students or even put an "X" on an assignments. Is this good?? How will a child becoming an adult deal with rejection? Will they ever know true right and wrong?
If we don't have enough money, max out credit cards, loans, mortgages, car payments, etc.... If you don't like your look photo shop it and airbrush what you want\. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't like your spouse just get a new one?? Do you see this pattern? Where is our faithfulness; our pursuit and perseverance to seek the truth, the right answer? Are we too gullible?
I look around and it is only spend time in His word do I find my own perceptions are reset to absolute truth. His word is my plumb line, my gauge for authentic truth. And to be honest I often feel alone in my views or too rigid and yet I have chosen to not let down that bar.
"I do DESIRE, more than ever, the absolute truth, Lord. I don't care what everyone else thinks I want YOUR opinion."
Are we more concerned with that or just fitting in? You see I will never fit in here again. Jesus has never been cool, and He won't be to the masses. So if I'm looking for a Jesus that everyone is going to love, it will not happen. For evil is abounding in great measure and the conviction of sin and desire to remain in our own dark ways causes human nature to hate God and light. Therefore I take comfort in the fact that the closer I draw to Him the more of a stranger to this world I become. I find joy in that. I have this smile that gently floods my heart and soul as I can hear His voice talk to me so readily as I ask what He sees in every situation.
I guess the question we must ask ourselves is, is it your desire to please God or people? I was so convicted of this as I read John 12:43 this week. "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Seek to please Him first and all other things will fall into place. My desire above all is to please Him. None of this will last. But one day we will stand before Almighty God and give an account for our lives spent here on earth. And as we look face to face will His eyes penetrate deep to your soul saddened or will His mouth flood into a grin that melts your very heart and soul into one immortal being as complete satisfaction, peace, love and joy unite you with Him? The sheer joy of knowing you chose Him here and now believing that one day you'd meet Him and as a result living for a kingdom now that is not of this world.
Turn your eyes to Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Why do we have such a hard time now drawing a line between right and wrong? Our kids are growing up that everything is acceptable. Teachers don't fail students or even put an "X" on an assignments. Is this good?? How will a child becoming an adult deal with rejection? Will they ever know true right and wrong?
If we don't have enough money, max out credit cards, loans, mortgages, car payments, etc.... If you don't like your look photo shop it and airbrush what you want\. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't like your spouse just get a new one?? Do you see this pattern? Where is our faithfulness; our pursuit and perseverance to seek the truth, the right answer? Are we too gullible?
I look around and it is only spend time in His word do I find my own perceptions are reset to absolute truth. His word is my plumb line, my gauge for authentic truth. And to be honest I often feel alone in my views or too rigid and yet I have chosen to not let down that bar.
"I do DESIRE, more than ever, the absolute truth, Lord. I don't care what everyone else thinks I want YOUR opinion."
Are we more concerned with that or just fitting in? You see I will never fit in here again. Jesus has never been cool, and He won't be to the masses. So if I'm looking for a Jesus that everyone is going to love, it will not happen. For evil is abounding in great measure and the conviction of sin and desire to remain in our own dark ways causes human nature to hate God and light. Therefore I take comfort in the fact that the closer I draw to Him the more of a stranger to this world I become. I find joy in that. I have this smile that gently floods my heart and soul as I can hear His voice talk to me so readily as I ask what He sees in every situation.
I guess the question we must ask ourselves is, is it your desire to please God or people? I was so convicted of this as I read John 12:43 this week. "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Seek to please Him first and all other things will fall into place. My desire above all is to please Him. None of this will last. But one day we will stand before Almighty God and give an account for our lives spent here on earth. And as we look face to face will His eyes penetrate deep to your soul saddened or will His mouth flood into a grin that melts your very heart and soul into one immortal being as complete satisfaction, peace, love and joy unite you with Him? The sheer joy of knowing you chose Him here and now believing that one day you'd meet Him and as a result living for a kingdom now that is not of this world.
Turn your eyes to Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Birthday Presence
My birthday has never been a really big thing for me , I’d much rather make the fuss on other’s special days. I keep getting asked what I want for my birthday, but to be honest I sincerely don’t need anything. To me the best gifts can never hold a price tag. And as I ponder this past year I am reminded of the priceless gift God has blessed me with this year. For 3 John 1:4 has found a new reality in my heart. “ I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth.” All three of our kids have the deepest walk in truth I have yet witnessed. What joy to a parent’s heart, what a gift that I simply want to be joyfully thankful for this year.
I will share with you from this past week and the heart of my eldest while it is so fresh. I can honestly say, she brings me to my knees not only in thankfulness but in a deep and pure love for more of Him even in my own life. May I always press in enough that our children would having a living example before their eyes that spiritually leads them in truth despite the competition of worldly distractions and pleasures.
Recently Brea got her first job. Which in itself took a lot of work including Roger and I helping to encourage resume building, application, gathering, interviewing skills, etc. lol I felt as if I was working back at TELUS in job building skills.
Despite Brea only being 15 she was given an interview that day and the first of 20 applications was indeed the one that hired her. She is years younger than the other women in the teen clothing store, and yet her maturity had led to the belief that she was well beyond what her birth certificate reads. J
As Brea transitions to the “corporate world” I see her pure eyes awakened to the reality of pride, greed, money, ungratefulness, beauty at all costs, hard selfless grunt work, being taken advantage of, being an outlet of stress and still yet finding joy in learning and accomplishing and blessing other staff and customers with you joy and a cheerful attitude.
The stress and pressure, the injustice in 19 year olds lording it over your precious 15 year old rises the hairs on my neck and causes me many deep meditative breaths… ughhh… It’s one thing for me to deal with it, it’s a whole other thing to have your gentle gracious daughter taken advantage of. But yes there are lessons for all of us in this. Lol! So we debrief and talk constantly about what is really going on when she shares the situation and sure enough she seems the truth of it unfold shortly afterwards.
This is a turn in Brea’s life. In a few months she will begin to drive the car and I don’t ever want to hold her back but I have indeed upped my prayers for her and her protection. Interestingly God has been teaching her more than ever through this all.
She’s been faithfully reading through the entire bible every day. She won’t miss a day. We recently read the passage in John 6 where Jesus had just been deserted by so many as his teaching was too hard for them. And then He looks at his disciples and asks them if they too want to desert him? Peter responds, “Where would we go we know you are the Holy one of God.”
Then just this week at work Brea’s manager asked her in a poking fun tone, “Are you religious?”
The famous question… the stand that is so HUGE for every teen. Their identity and fitting in associated with God. She could hear this wrestle in her head wanting to please her boss and others, but knowing she did indeed love her Lord.
As she was telling me I was prepared that she felt pressure to confess she wasn’t “Religious” and just left it at that. BUT to my surprise she said, “No mom, I’m standing for my Lord.” And I said, “Yes I am.”
Her boss was taken back and made some comments that she noticed she never swore and such. But they left it at that. Later it seemed they were acting different towards her; trying to change their own choice of words and somewhat walking on eggshells. Brea called them out on it. (Again you can picture the look on my face as my mouth drops open!)
“Yeah Mom, I just told them they didn’t need to change for me. They should just be who they are I was fine with it. I don’t want to PUSH my religion on them.” Right away they were put at ease respected Brea even more for mentioning it and went back to normal.
I told Brea how proud I was of her. But more importantly God. He was testing her. I reminded her of the passage that declares if we are not ashamed of Jesus He will mention our names before the angels. Then I went on to bring the passage to life in a dramatic way replaying the heavenly conversation as we rode our bikes together. She smiled as did I . Powerful.
Then she added how that very night this happened on TV the Jesus film was playing and as soon as it came on, it came to that part of the verse I’d said earlier with Jesus looking at His disciples asking if they wanted to leave him? The odds were too divine. She then realized that this whole process from when she first read the verse to the practical application was all based on God teaching her intimately. I told her that God is calling her deeper into His relationship with her and she is right smack in the middle of His will. It’s so beautiful. So blessed my heart. An answer to my prayers. And to now encourage her boldly in this pursuit. We ended the conversation with Brea saying, “Mom I can have many conversations with so many people but they are never as deep and as filled with the Spirit as you and I.”
“Lord the very gift you gave me in my precious daughter I give to you fully. She is yours I simply pray that as she walks the road of life you would continue to be ever close to her, protecting and guiding her. I have no greater joy than to see this precious gift walking fully hand in hand with you, my first love. Now becoming her first love.”
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Recent Random Renderings
Recently God has blessed me with the counsel and advice of my very own Social Media Agent. Some of you are already laughing... but it's a gift to me and I know it will keep me on my toes in communicating in a more frequent way. So I'm starting today by working with him. My first prerequisite is to update my blog every Sunday. So ... I shall. :) I'll keep you posted as I've agreed to a twitter account, but haven't given into the facebook quite yet. We'll see.
A few random thoughts that have entered my heart and mind this week for you to chew on...
If only we were as vulnerable in our relationships and hearts as we are in the way our dresses.
On Jan 2, I spoke a sermon here with a reference to the value of a precious metal, gold. Declaring His word is worth far more than gold than much pure gold. (Psalm 19:10) Based on God's word over inflated man created paperbacks, etc, there is a precious gold God has created hidden in rocks that is of some value. Man can't alter it or create it, but rather it's a natural resource made by God's hand therefore the value I increase over time. With all the anxiety of the financial world currently interesting to see the price of gold skyrocket. BUT keep in mind again, worth more than that is God's word. Wow...
I was reminded of the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers and how only one came back to thank Him. The power of thankfulness especially in today's ungrateful society shows a humility and how it so deeply speaks a language of love. One young man, often forgotten and overlooked, with no family that attends church but spending the year faithfully attending Sr.High was in Las Vegas of all places 2 weeks ago reflecting and talking with God, something He had never done before. Realizing He was embracing a new life He had found with joy wanted to use what money he had to buy me a stain glass cross necklace. I was blown away as he nervously approached me last Sunday. So moved in my heart and a tender but so thoughtful gesture. I realized how much more this young man had inspired me to show more often MY thankfulness to others, even after the fact. The cross now hangs on my wall in my room as a reminder.
I recently was bothered knowing something I needed had been stolen. When I approached the one who might have some understanding they dismissed it in unbelief of who I had thought it was. So I let it go to God asking that one day I might know. A month later, I found what had been taken by accident in one's bag. I was upset, angry, wanting to declare to the other.. I told them I knew who it was... but God convicted me to put it back as if I didn't know. Uggghhh.... the next morning that person would be gone and I wouldn't see it again. I did have the thought, it was mine and I could just take it rightfully and that would be it without even making a big deal about it... but again I was convicted. So I literally talked to God about it that morning along with the countless other things we speak about. I simply asked if there was a way He would have it given to me, but I didn't even believe it was possible. An hour later, there in front of me stood the person with the item in their hands claiming somehow it had gotten there by mistake. I was dumbfounded. Dumbfounded... ??? I simply was in awe as I waited on God once again He showed me He would take care of it. Once again my faith increases hourly these days. But to learn I must listen and obey. HIS way.. not mine.
We were at the beach last night as a family having a picnic, swimming and playing volleyball. As we sat there eating in the distance I noticed a man collecting pop cans out of the trash. As our family was laughing and talking, I interrupted to have Brea go over and offer him some food. Our kids used to be hesitant but have now seen the power in it and so she jumps up and offers to which he shocklingly but so gratefully takes some. The other children watch and she sits back down and jumps back into the laughter like it's nothing out of the ordinary. This blessed me a lot. I want to train our children that it is normal to keep our eyes open around us and love. As parents are we teaching our children this? The first couple times I needed to do it, to break the fear for the kids, even to the point to Roger pulling over the car at an intersection so I could reach to a young woman on a bike with a young boy in tow on a very inclement day. KNOWING she was forced to use her bike as transformation you should should of seen the look on her face as I embraced her hand with mine sliding some paperback to her. Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
I have many thoughts and stories I would love to share, but I'll leave you with one simple verse that brings me to my knees yet again when I think of Jesus and how AWESOME He truly is. He doesn't worry about what anyone thinks, but His Father alone. John 2:24,25 "Jesus did not NEED man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man." I just love that. First, why are we more focused about what other's think of us rather than God?? May we concern with what He thinks first and foremost. And then secondly, He knew what was in a person. Left to ourselves we are NOTHING.. it is HE in us that creates a beauty and depth a priceless treasure that brings Him glory and shows a world a deep love. May we continue to strive to please ONE and as He continues to renew us and transform us daily, may we be simply obedient to listen to His Spirit that will cause us to be thankful, loving and no longer afraid to step out of the conformity of the world.
To Him, be ALL glory, honor and praise. NO ONE.... NO ONE compares with my Father!
c
A few random thoughts that have entered my heart and mind this week for you to chew on...
If only we were as vulnerable in our relationships and hearts as we are in the way our dresses.
On Jan 2, I spoke a sermon here with a reference to the value of a precious metal, gold. Declaring His word is worth far more than gold than much pure gold. (Psalm 19:10) Based on God's word over inflated man created paperbacks, etc, there is a precious gold God has created hidden in rocks that is of some value. Man can't alter it or create it, but rather it's a natural resource made by God's hand therefore the value I increase over time. With all the anxiety of the financial world currently interesting to see the price of gold skyrocket. BUT keep in mind again, worth more than that is God's word. Wow...
I was reminded of the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers and how only one came back to thank Him. The power of thankfulness especially in today's ungrateful society shows a humility and how it so deeply speaks a language of love. One young man, often forgotten and overlooked, with no family that attends church but spending the year faithfully attending Sr.High was in Las Vegas of all places 2 weeks ago reflecting and talking with God, something He had never done before. Realizing He was embracing a new life He had found with joy wanted to use what money he had to buy me a stain glass cross necklace. I was blown away as he nervously approached me last Sunday. So moved in my heart and a tender but so thoughtful gesture. I realized how much more this young man had inspired me to show more often MY thankfulness to others, even after the fact. The cross now hangs on my wall in my room as a reminder.
I recently was bothered knowing something I needed had been stolen. When I approached the one who might have some understanding they dismissed it in unbelief of who I had thought it was. So I let it go to God asking that one day I might know. A month later, I found what had been taken by accident in one's bag. I was upset, angry, wanting to declare to the other.. I told them I knew who it was... but God convicted me to put it back as if I didn't know. Uggghhh.... the next morning that person would be gone and I wouldn't see it again. I did have the thought, it was mine and I could just take it rightfully and that would be it without even making a big deal about it... but again I was convicted. So I literally talked to God about it that morning along with the countless other things we speak about. I simply asked if there was a way He would have it given to me, but I didn't even believe it was possible. An hour later, there in front of me stood the person with the item in their hands claiming somehow it had gotten there by mistake. I was dumbfounded. Dumbfounded... ??? I simply was in awe as I waited on God once again He showed me He would take care of it. Once again my faith increases hourly these days. But to learn I must listen and obey. HIS way.. not mine.
We were at the beach last night as a family having a picnic, swimming and playing volleyball. As we sat there eating in the distance I noticed a man collecting pop cans out of the trash. As our family was laughing and talking, I interrupted to have Brea go over and offer him some food. Our kids used to be hesitant but have now seen the power in it and so she jumps up and offers to which he shocklingly but so gratefully takes some. The other children watch and she sits back down and jumps back into the laughter like it's nothing out of the ordinary. This blessed me a lot. I want to train our children that it is normal to keep our eyes open around us and love. As parents are we teaching our children this? The first couple times I needed to do it, to break the fear for the kids, even to the point to Roger pulling over the car at an intersection so I could reach to a young woman on a bike with a young boy in tow on a very inclement day. KNOWING she was forced to use her bike as transformation you should should of seen the look on her face as I embraced her hand with mine sliding some paperback to her. Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
I have many thoughts and stories I would love to share, but I'll leave you with one simple verse that brings me to my knees yet again when I think of Jesus and how AWESOME He truly is. He doesn't worry about what anyone thinks, but His Father alone. John 2:24,25 "Jesus did not NEED man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man." I just love that. First, why are we more focused about what other's think of us rather than God?? May we concern with what He thinks first and foremost. And then secondly, He knew what was in a person. Left to ourselves we are NOTHING.. it is HE in us that creates a beauty and depth a priceless treasure that brings Him glory and shows a world a deep love. May we continue to strive to please ONE and as He continues to renew us and transform us daily, may we be simply obedient to listen to His Spirit that will cause us to be thankful, loving and no longer afraid to step out of the conformity of the world.
To Him, be ALL glory, honor and praise. NO ONE.... NO ONE compares with my Father!
c
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Arms To Hold Me
This morning I awake before the sun rises as I love to. I look across my bed, missing my husband's arms to awaken to and yet the arms of another calling me. Going on day four of missing my husband in his work travels and yet a peace extends to my soul that even he couldn't give me. I approach our dining room table in which I meet our Lord every morning, often long before anything stirs in our home. I love this peacefulness and I have come to find He speaks so clearly to me in this time. I share communion with Him, longing to partake of intimacy with my Lord. I turn to our daily reading that we've been doing together as a church and it takes me to Isaiah and Hebrews. Quite contrasting books. And yet many thoughts flood my spirit as I meditate on them. I see the awesomeness of our mighty God displayed in Isaiah and that same awesomeness displayed in a man named Jesus revealed in Hebrews, yet this awesomeness given as a sin offering a sacrifice for me. I see how there is so much more than what we see on earth. The tabernacle, the law, the burnt offerings, all of that was simply a shadow of what was coming, not the realities themselves. Isn't this amazing. Hebrews 10:1, "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming - not the realities themselves." ONLY a shadow.... then I think wow...everything physical is only a shadow, it's temporary. My flesh, my physical being is a shadow. My reality of who I am is yet to come. Yet to be revealed... how exciting that is. In this my faith is encouraged and my spiritual eyes enlightened that I am living for a life eternal that is my reality. Therefore I find my attitude renewed even now. Jesus, God of all displayed such humility and commitment in 2 phrases that follow to His father. Hebrews 10:7 "Here I am... and "I have come to do your will, O God." My heart then utters to the Lord, "Help me Lord to confess those 2 statements constantly to you. " 1. Here I am. 2. I have come to do YOUR WILL O my Lord.
Changes my focus entirely for the day at hand that He would lead me to who and what He desires me to do. That I would simply be ready to say Here I am. Interesting but Isaiah's response was the exact same when God called Him. Isaiah 6:8.
Then I read Hebrews 11. What a fired up breath of inspiration that exudes! Rolling through great lives of faith, all of them looking forward to the REALITIES of eternity, a HOME and a city that didn't exist here. Oh once again I am fired up at the thought of the city He is preparing for us that will truly blow our minds. If this beauty of our world is a shadow... can you even begin to imagine the REALITY itself. ???
I am left with the gift God gives each of these men and women of faith in Hebrews 11:16 "Therefore God is NOT ASHAMED to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Isn't that awesome! He's not ashamed to call Himself our God. We walk around thinking we own God, when I read that I stand in holy fear. He will be not be ashamed. He is glorious and awesome and deserves the best. I want to live a life of faith that makes Him proud. That simply means I believe this is all a shadow and that my Jesus holds the reality, the KEY that life eternal is found through Him.
Once I spend time digging through scripture like this I go to prayer, my conversations with God often in nature. Untouched nature that resists man made buildings and the busyness of people, often with worship music in my ipod.
Now here's He's how He blesses me when He puts my whole worship experience together.
Roger showed me this app called SoundHound that allows my ipod to hear any song and give me the name and title instantly anywhere. It's pretty cool and free. :) Sometimes I will hear a song and sense a strong anointing on it as my Spirit grabs hold of it. This happened a few weeks and I captured the song and left it on a stick note until I could download it on my ipod. Well I did last night finally. I'd never heard this woman before, Nicol Sponberg. As I'm praying and worshipping Him talking of how I long to be in His arms now, in the city prepared for me the song "Home" comes on. Well.. it overwhelms me. Overwhelms me. Every word. Captures all that I've read in scripture and my prayer now summed up in music in a picture that floods my heart as I listen to it, a gift from Him. All I can say at the end in the middle of huge forest all alone is "I love you Jesus" and as the words fall from my lips I burst with tears just longing to have that fulfillment of every word of that song, that I know will come in time for I believe. How did He put all of that together in one morning as if He was with me in every moment? He is. And in that moment I realize that though I love the arms of my husband more than any human being, the arms of my Lord, my First Love have embraced me from heaven this morning.
Jesus... do you know His warm embrace? This isn't a shadow but a reality.
Changes my focus entirely for the day at hand that He would lead me to who and what He desires me to do. That I would simply be ready to say Here I am. Interesting but Isaiah's response was the exact same when God called Him. Isaiah 6:8.
Then I read Hebrews 11. What a fired up breath of inspiration that exudes! Rolling through great lives of faith, all of them looking forward to the REALITIES of eternity, a HOME and a city that didn't exist here. Oh once again I am fired up at the thought of the city He is preparing for us that will truly blow our minds. If this beauty of our world is a shadow... can you even begin to imagine the REALITY itself. ???
I am left with the gift God gives each of these men and women of faith in Hebrews 11:16 "Therefore God is NOT ASHAMED to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Isn't that awesome! He's not ashamed to call Himself our God. We walk around thinking we own God, when I read that I stand in holy fear. He will be not be ashamed. He is glorious and awesome and deserves the best. I want to live a life of faith that makes Him proud. That simply means I believe this is all a shadow and that my Jesus holds the reality, the KEY that life eternal is found through Him.
Once I spend time digging through scripture like this I go to prayer, my conversations with God often in nature. Untouched nature that resists man made buildings and the busyness of people, often with worship music in my ipod.
Now here's He's how He blesses me when He puts my whole worship experience together.
Roger showed me this app called SoundHound that allows my ipod to hear any song and give me the name and title instantly anywhere. It's pretty cool and free. :) Sometimes I will hear a song and sense a strong anointing on it as my Spirit grabs hold of it. This happened a few weeks and I captured the song and left it on a stick note until I could download it on my ipod. Well I did last night finally. I'd never heard this woman before, Nicol Sponberg. As I'm praying and worshipping Him talking of how I long to be in His arms now, in the city prepared for me the song "Home" comes on. Well.. it overwhelms me. Overwhelms me. Every word. Captures all that I've read in scripture and my prayer now summed up in music in a picture that floods my heart as I listen to it, a gift from Him. All I can say at the end in the middle of huge forest all alone is "I love you Jesus" and as the words fall from my lips I burst with tears just longing to have that fulfillment of every word of that song, that I know will come in time for I believe. How did He put all of that together in one morning as if He was with me in every moment? He is. And in that moment I realize that though I love the arms of my husband more than any human being, the arms of my Lord, my First Love have embraced me from heaven this morning.
Jesus... do you know His warm embrace? This isn't a shadow but a reality.
I attached a youtube video that has the song on it. BUT the only request I have is simply click it to play but will you close your eyes, even lay your head down and simply listen. Let it pour over your spirit. May it refresh you and embrace you as it did me in the wee hours of this glorious morning.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Taste Test
We are living in a time in which deception is at an all time high, but the bible warns us of this. Are we digging deeper to find the truth in all situations or do we just listen and accept what we're hearing? Are we teaching our children not to be so gullible but to ask questions, to discern, to seek advice, to ask for the Spirit of Truth?
Jesus words remind me today that He's given us a code that tells us of true Christ followers. It's the presence of good fruit.
Matthew 7:18-20
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
You will recognize them by their fruit. Hmm... think of that. The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self control, goodness, longsuffering...
Rather than evaluating others first, I turn to look at my own life through this lense.
"Do I exude this presence of fruit Lord?"
When people mention my name what is the first things that come to mind? Is there something good I can offer them to taste and see, nourish and refresh them with? Our fruitfulness comes from Him. He causes our fruit to grow. Therefore are we spending that relational time growing with Him that we would overflow such a harvest to all those that would come around us?
With this thought I am convicted.
"Lord I want to bear an abundance of real fruit in this world, that many would know you. The goodness you offer, the love so real. Lord nourish me today with your presence that I could have the privilege of bringing Almighty God of the universe glory.
Authentic Christ followers bear good fruit.
Jesus words remind me today that He's given us a code that tells us of true Christ followers. It's the presence of good fruit.
Matthew 7:18-20
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
You will recognize them by their fruit. Hmm... think of that. The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self control, goodness, longsuffering...
Rather than evaluating others first, I turn to look at my own life through this lense.
"Do I exude this presence of fruit Lord?"
When people mention my name what is the first things that come to mind? Is there something good I can offer them to taste and see, nourish and refresh them with? Our fruitfulness comes from Him. He causes our fruit to grow. Therefore are we spending that relational time growing with Him that we would overflow such a harvest to all those that would come around us?
With this thought I am convicted.
"Lord I want to bear an abundance of real fruit in this world, that many would know you. The goodness you offer, the love so real. Lord nourish me today with your presence that I could have the privilege of bringing Almighty God of the universe glory.
Authentic Christ followers bear good fruit.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Commuter Convos
As I'm driving to work in the midst of so much change in my life, from my husband's job, my job, Brea just got a job! :), kids just finishing school, their step mom just had a baby, my husband travelling a lot, my whole family away right now in Fort Lauderdale on vacation, saying goodbye to some of my youth leaders that I've done ministry with for the past 3 years to release them to other spots in the world, to releasing many of the youth that have now graduated... and tears fill my eyes as I simply share my heart with the Lord. Lord I feel in the midst of all this change I stand empty handed knowing not what any of it beholds, and yet you remind me that I have you. My complete dependency is in you. When all is stripped away that really is what it comes down to. Seasons of change are never easy, but amidst the storm if I don't feet on the rock I'm doomed.
I thank Him for the reminder that HE is the guest that lives within me. His Holy Spirit. Wow. I truly am never alone, for He never leaves me nor forsakes me.
Then I turn to listen to my bible on cd, and am truly blessed by this thought in scripture. (Yes this is all happening on the way to work(the church.)). I'm listening to Acts wanting to be refreshed and reminded of the truest roll out of church from the very onset, not the thousands of books that teach us church their way. I desire HIS way. But as I'm listening Acts 5:40-42 new revelation hits me.
Here's Peter and the apostles in jail the night before, brought before the Sanhedrin and the high priest being questioned. Gamaliel gives an address that persuades the others to be careful for these men activity isn't of human origin but of God's. So they agree to let them go for now... but FIRST they beat them!!!
v. 40 " They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
I imagined myself coming into the the church foyer and a bunch of our police and city lawyers handcuffing me and saying "Pastor Carrie, we've had enough of you preaching about Christ." Then beating me and letting me go with threats that I can't mention Jesus again.
??? Honestly. How would I react? My first thought is to give my head a shake and call Roger to ask him if this is really the job for me?? And then I grab a hold of myself and the guest inside me arises with boldness and confidence. And I find my heart aching as I pray to Him for that same boldness. That if that did happen that I would react as they did.
v. 41" The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING because they had been counted WORTHY of suffering disgrace for the Name."
Wow... rejoicing! Again I picture myself being released with bloody nose, black eyes, wounds all over back into my car running into people in the parking lot, rejoicing. "No this is a good thing."
Dumbfounded they respond, "WHY????"
"Because...in this moment I have been counted WORTHY of suffering for my Jesus." Counted worthy. wow...
You see there is disgrace from the world when we stand for Jesus. It has always been that way and will continue. So why do we shy away from even the littlest conversations that we can feel him prompting us to share. Fear of rejection or disgrace? Perhaps it's a shift of our mind to release that a little disgrace and a lot of rejection should bring us some rejoicing and a passion to persevere.
v. 42 "Day after day in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
Would we go on stress leave from work or would we be bold enough to be at the next day? Really.
My simple prayer is "Lord rise up in me with a holy jealousy for your world and the people you so love. That I would boldly share your love to all and everyone, despite any opposition. But rather knowing opposition is often a sign of the enemy's jealousy. And nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."
Interesting... but it was in the previous chapter that they prayed for this boldness, (Acts 4:29,30) God was answering their prayer. Perhaps we have not, because we haven't asked for help?
And yes.. this was my Spirit taught devotional in the car on the way to work. LOL! And you wonder why don't need a lot of entertainment....duhhh...
I thank Him for the reminder that HE is the guest that lives within me. His Holy Spirit. Wow. I truly am never alone, for He never leaves me nor forsakes me.
Then I turn to listen to my bible on cd, and am truly blessed by this thought in scripture. (Yes this is all happening on the way to work(the church.)). I'm listening to Acts wanting to be refreshed and reminded of the truest roll out of church from the very onset, not the thousands of books that teach us church their way. I desire HIS way. But as I'm listening Acts 5:40-42 new revelation hits me.
Here's Peter and the apostles in jail the night before, brought before the Sanhedrin and the high priest being questioned. Gamaliel gives an address that persuades the others to be careful for these men activity isn't of human origin but of God's. So they agree to let them go for now... but FIRST they beat them!!!
v. 40 " They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
I imagined myself coming into the the church foyer and a bunch of our police and city lawyers handcuffing me and saying "Pastor Carrie, we've had enough of you preaching about Christ." Then beating me and letting me go with threats that I can't mention Jesus again.
??? Honestly. How would I react? My first thought is to give my head a shake and call Roger to ask him if this is really the job for me?? And then I grab a hold of myself and the guest inside me arises with boldness and confidence. And I find my heart aching as I pray to Him for that same boldness. That if that did happen that I would react as they did.
v. 41" The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING because they had been counted WORTHY of suffering disgrace for the Name."
Wow... rejoicing! Again I picture myself being released with bloody nose, black eyes, wounds all over back into my car running into people in the parking lot, rejoicing. "No this is a good thing."
Dumbfounded they respond, "WHY????"
"Because...in this moment I have been counted WORTHY of suffering for my Jesus." Counted worthy. wow...
You see there is disgrace from the world when we stand for Jesus. It has always been that way and will continue. So why do we shy away from even the littlest conversations that we can feel him prompting us to share. Fear of rejection or disgrace? Perhaps it's a shift of our mind to release that a little disgrace and a lot of rejection should bring us some rejoicing and a passion to persevere.
v. 42 "Day after day in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
Would we go on stress leave from work or would we be bold enough to be at the next day? Really.
My simple prayer is "Lord rise up in me with a holy jealousy for your world and the people you so love. That I would boldly share your love to all and everyone, despite any opposition. But rather knowing opposition is often a sign of the enemy's jealousy. And nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."
Interesting... but it was in the previous chapter that they prayed for this boldness, (Acts 4:29,30) God was answering their prayer. Perhaps we have not, because we haven't asked for help?
And yes.. this was my Spirit taught devotional in the car on the way to work. LOL! And you wonder why don't need a lot of entertainment....duhhh...
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