From KP Yohannan's book on Prayer:
"Prayer is our willingness to say no to our own desires and accept suffering in the flesh to experience the pain and agony the Lord feels for the events and people in our generation.
Prayer is our willingness to join with the unseen Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and experience His pain and heartbreak for a world that is lying in utter darkness, plunging into eternity to perish forever.
Prayer is standing in the gap on behalf of the needy and hurting, asking the Father to heal and to save before it is too late (see Ezekiel 22:30).
E.M. Bounds said it perfectly: “Prayer is the outstretched arms of the child for the Father’s help.”2"
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand it's own way. Love is not irritibale and keeps no record of when it has beeen wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices in the truth. Love never gives up, never loses faitth, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Love does not demand it's own way...
Love doesn't always mean getting what you want. Love often looks like death. Jesus loved us so much that he died so that we might be free and gain life through his death. Often when we think of love, we think of laughter, joy and roses. These are parts of love. But sometimes love means letting go of the things that we want, letting go of our desires, and sacrificing them for the benefit of others. Romans 12 says to take delight in honoring one another in love. Love is often doing what is hard, not what is easy. We have made love so romantic, we have made it something so light and airy. But deep love is not so much romantic as it is sacrificial. And the greatest example of this love is Christ's love for his bride. Do you think it was easy to give up his will, his fear, his comfort? Do you think he found it easy to die for people who may never even love him back? It says he was sweating blood in the garden as he prayed asking God to "take this cup away from me" before he went to the cross. That's hard love. That's perfect love.
Father teach us to walk in perfect love.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand it's own way. Love is not irritibale and keeps no record of when it has beeen wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices in the truth. Love never gives up, never loses faitth, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Love does not demand it's own way...
Love doesn't always mean getting what you want. Love often looks like death. Jesus loved us so much that he died so that we might be free and gain life through his death. Often when we think of love, we think of laughter, joy and roses. These are parts of love. But sometimes love means letting go of the things that we want, letting go of our desires, and sacrificing them for the benefit of others. Romans 12 says to take delight in honoring one another in love. Love is often doing what is hard, not what is easy. We have made love so romantic, we have made it something so light and airy. But deep love is not so much romantic as it is sacrificial. And the greatest example of this love is Christ's love for his bride. Do you think it was easy to give up his will, his fear, his comfort? Do you think he found it easy to die for people who may never even love him back? It says he was sweating blood in the garden as he prayed asking God to "take this cup away from me" before he went to the cross. That's hard love. That's perfect love.
Father teach us to walk in perfect love.
Friday, February 12, 2010
"Love Me"
I came across this on John Eldridges blog today. It inspired me. We often go through questioning times...and often the answer seems unclear. But God is always asking us "Love Me".
A Valentine's Day Story
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Matthew 26:6-13)
Often as I move through my day, trying to navigate the whirlpools of this world, the relational, spiritual and social whitewater, I will often turn to Jesus in my heart and ask, "What do I need to do, Lord?" My question is usually fueled by some twist or turn I don't know how to handle - some test or trial, some oncoming battle. Life as usual. His response is nearly always, "Love me."
That's it? Love you?
That's it. That is what is most needed.
For when I love God, my whole being is re-oriented, re-aligned, healed. When I love God, the internal effects are almost immediate; they are often profound. I can't hold onto that grudge, not while I am loving God with "all that is within me." I can't covet or worry or fear. When I love God, really, it changes everything.
And this is why he said, start here. This is core. Love me.
A Valentine's Day Story
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Matthew 26:6-13)
Often as I move through my day, trying to navigate the whirlpools of this world, the relational, spiritual and social whitewater, I will often turn to Jesus in my heart and ask, "What do I need to do, Lord?" My question is usually fueled by some twist or turn I don't know how to handle - some test or trial, some oncoming battle. Life as usual. His response is nearly always, "Love me."
That's it? Love you?
That's it. That is what is most needed.
For when I love God, my whole being is re-oriented, re-aligned, healed. When I love God, the internal effects are almost immediate; they are often profound. I can't hold onto that grudge, not while I am loving God with "all that is within me." I can't covet or worry or fear. When I love God, really, it changes everything.
And this is why he said, start here. This is core. Love me.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Falling In Love with Jesus
I remember the first time I really fell in love with Jesus. I was sitting in an evening class at the Helms' house at Canada West School of Worship. Our teacher that night had just finished his lecture, and had picked up his guitar and began to lead us in worship. In the past, I would always sing along during worship and try and focus on the words. But this time I closed my eyes and found myself dancing in a golden field. It felt amazing. I had never felt so much freedom before. And oddly enough my dancing was actually beautiful (you would understand why this might surprise me if you have ever seen me dance in real life). In fact, I don't think I've ever felt as beautiful as I did dancing in that field.
As I was dancing I noticed Jesus walking in the field nearby. As soon as I saw him, I started running toward him with so much excitment and joy. He came running to meet me and as soon as he reached me he picked me up, twirled me around (like a daddy would twirl his little girl) and spoke these words, "I Delight In You". And that was it, the moment I fell in Love with Jesus. I remember sitting there, being completely blown away! You delight in ME Jesus? In ME? I couldn't believe it. The God who created the entire universe and made all things beautiful, delights in me. And what girl doesn't want to be told that? We all have this desire to know that we are loved, delighted in. I often revisit that moment. There are days when I'm down or moments were I'm sad, and sometimes in those moments I go back there to be with Jesus in that field.
About a month ago, God reminded me once again of his deep love for me. This time it was through a vision he gave a friend of mine at the College and Career retreat. During that weekend I had been thinking about the people I knew in my own life who seemed to have a clear sense of where they were going. They were doing something important, something that mattered and I had been asking God, "what about me"? Well that night my friend pulled me aside and started to tell me how she had seen me standing in a field. There were people dancing beautifully around me. And as I stood there and watched, Jesus came up to me, picked me up and put my feet on top of his, and said "Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, this dance is just for you". That night I felt so romanced by God. Literally Silly in love with Him! If you've ever been in love, it was like that, but ten thousand times better. I don't really know how else to describe it.
And there are days, especially lately, where I feel heavy and burdened. But God always, sweeps me away in His love. And so even though times are hard, His Love is ENOUGH. And He's ALWAYS there when I need him. He will NEVER let me down, he NEVER leaves me or abandons me. How amazing. And guess what, He feels exactly the same way about YOU!
As I was dancing I noticed Jesus walking in the field nearby. As soon as I saw him, I started running toward him with so much excitment and joy. He came running to meet me and as soon as he reached me he picked me up, twirled me around (like a daddy would twirl his little girl) and spoke these words, "I Delight In You". And that was it, the moment I fell in Love with Jesus. I remember sitting there, being completely blown away! You delight in ME Jesus? In ME? I couldn't believe it. The God who created the entire universe and made all things beautiful, delights in me. And what girl doesn't want to be told that? We all have this desire to know that we are loved, delighted in. I often revisit that moment. There are days when I'm down or moments were I'm sad, and sometimes in those moments I go back there to be with Jesus in that field.
About a month ago, God reminded me once again of his deep love for me. This time it was through a vision he gave a friend of mine at the College and Career retreat. During that weekend I had been thinking about the people I knew in my own life who seemed to have a clear sense of where they were going. They were doing something important, something that mattered and I had been asking God, "what about me"? Well that night my friend pulled me aside and started to tell me how she had seen me standing in a field. There were people dancing beautifully around me. And as I stood there and watched, Jesus came up to me, picked me up and put my feet on top of his, and said "Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, this dance is just for you". That night I felt so romanced by God. Literally Silly in love with Him! If you've ever been in love, it was like that, but ten thousand times better. I don't really know how else to describe it.
And there are days, especially lately, where I feel heavy and burdened. But God always, sweeps me away in His love. And so even though times are hard, His Love is ENOUGH. And He's ALWAYS there when I need him. He will NEVER let me down, he NEVER leaves me or abandons me. How amazing. And guess what, He feels exactly the same way about YOU!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Taking a Time Out
I'm always posting other people's words that inspire me lately...and well, here I go again...here is a post by Stasi Eldridge (writer of Captivating)...
I’m trying to relate to my sixteen year old son. It is not going well.
Sometimes I feel that he looks at me like I am a strange (not exotic, just strange) fish swimming inside of a tank. What?!? Huh?
I don’t like it. I want to snap at him for looking at me weird, dismissing me, not responding to me with awed respect. I want to go into the pantry and eat some forbidden food by the handful. Bury my face in a pan of brownies. That’ll show him.
Instead, as those godless roads are closed to me, I escape to my bedroom and give myself a time out. Big breath. What is true? Who is the grown up here? How do I love from this out of sorts place? Jesus, please come. Help me rise above my hormones and sugar addiction and self centeredness. Fill me Holy Spirit. I breathe you in. I let go of my own agenda and complusions. Thank you.
I’m still hungry but choose to reengage.
“Ping pong?”, I offer. He says no thanks. I am still a fish.
“I turn my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.” I love you, Jesus. I know this is about me, not my son. You are the only One who can fill this hungry heart.
This got me thinking about how I respond to similar situations. I obviously don't have kids of my own...but I think this concept works in most scenarios. Taking a Time-Out and asking God to re-focus us is a good thing to be doing.
I’m trying to relate to my sixteen year old son. It is not going well.
Sometimes I feel that he looks at me like I am a strange (not exotic, just strange) fish swimming inside of a tank. What?!? Huh?
I don’t like it. I want to snap at him for looking at me weird, dismissing me, not responding to me with awed respect. I want to go into the pantry and eat some forbidden food by the handful. Bury my face in a pan of brownies. That’ll show him.
Instead, as those godless roads are closed to me, I escape to my bedroom and give myself a time out. Big breath. What is true? Who is the grown up here? How do I love from this out of sorts place? Jesus, please come. Help me rise above my hormones and sugar addiction and self centeredness. Fill me Holy Spirit. I breathe you in. I let go of my own agenda and complusions. Thank you.
I’m still hungry but choose to reengage.
“Ping pong?”, I offer. He says no thanks. I am still a fish.
“I turn my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.” I love you, Jesus. I know this is about me, not my son. You are the only One who can fill this hungry heart.
This got me thinking about how I respond to similar situations. I obviously don't have kids of my own...but I think this concept works in most scenarios. Taking a Time-Out and asking God to re-focus us is a good thing to be doing.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Words of Mother Theresa
“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
– from Mother Teresa’s wall
Saturday, June 6, 2009
God Speaks
June 6, 2009
"Work Out" What God "Works in" You
. . . work out your own salvation . . . for it is God who works in you . . . —Philippians 2:12-13
Your will agrees with God, but in your flesh there is a nature that renders you powerless to do what you know you ought to do. When the Lord initially comes in contact with our conscience, the first thing our conscience does is awaken our will, and our will always agrees with God. Yet you say, "But I don’t know if my will is in agreement with God." Look to Jesus and you will find that your will and your conscience are in agreement with Him every time. What causes you to say "I will not obey" is something less deep and penetrating than your will. It is perversity or stubbornness, and they are never in agreement with God. The most profound thing in a person is his will, not sin.
The will is the essential element in God’s creation of human beings— sin is a perverse nature which entered into people. In someone who has been born again, the source of the will is Almighty God. ". . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." With focused attention and great care, you have to "work out" what God "works in" you— not work to accomplish or earn "your own salvation," but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposing will up against God’s will— God’s will is your will. Your natural choices will be in accordance with God’s will, and living this life will be as natural as breathing. Stubbornness is an unintelligent barrier, refusing enlightenment and blocking its flow. The only thing to do with this barrier of stubbornness is to blow it up with "dynamite," and the "dynamite" is obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Do I believe that Almighty God is the Source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it.
"Work Out" What God "Works in" You
. . . work out your own salvation . . . for it is God who works in you . . . —Philippians 2:12-13
Your will agrees with God, but in your flesh there is a nature that renders you powerless to do what you know you ought to do. When the Lord initially comes in contact with our conscience, the first thing our conscience does is awaken our will, and our will always agrees with God. Yet you say, "But I don’t know if my will is in agreement with God." Look to Jesus and you will find that your will and your conscience are in agreement with Him every time. What causes you to say "I will not obey" is something less deep and penetrating than your will. It is perversity or stubbornness, and they are never in agreement with God. The most profound thing in a person is his will, not sin.
The will is the essential element in God’s creation of human beings— sin is a perverse nature which entered into people. In someone who has been born again, the source of the will is Almighty God. ". . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." With focused attention and great care, you have to "work out" what God "works in" you— not work to accomplish or earn "your own salvation," but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposing will up against God’s will— God’s will is your will. Your natural choices will be in accordance with God’s will, and living this life will be as natural as breathing. Stubbornness is an unintelligent barrier, refusing enlightenment and blocking its flow. The only thing to do with this barrier of stubbornness is to blow it up with "dynamite," and the "dynamite" is obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Do I believe that Almighty God is the Source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it.
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