Words Laced With Conviction

Will you humor me and imagine something with me? What would happen if there was a generation that lived on the earth today-a generation that let their actions flow out of their core convictions? Imagine if the Christians alive today actually lived out their day thinking about the all powerful and all loving God who wanted to reach every person they passed by. What if we really understood the undeserved love that is lavished on us every day? How would you act differently? Would you smile at the people whom you passed on the street? Would you take the time to say 'how are you'-and really listen to the answer? All this was stirred within me at the Radiant Youth Conference I attended this weekend. David Perkins' closing session challenged us to live without caring what others think- to live radically found on our convictions.

+ Romans 11:33-34a Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How wonderful are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking?

This is the God that we serve. He is wonderful and marvelous; we don't even pray like he is so awesome. God help us!

Have you ever been convicted by a fictional character? Any avid readers would know what I'm talking about. I recently started to read Francine River's Mark of the Lion Trilogy, in it there is a young Jew girl named Hadassah. You see her stand up for her convictions in face of most horrible ridicule. She never speaks a sentence without allowing her heart for an Almighty and all loving God to shine through. Rivers depicts young Hadassah as such a convicted young woman that I felt my heart ache to live with such zeal, such passion. I like to fancy I have my helping of zeal, but when it comes down to it-how man opportunities, the little one-have I passed up in the last week alone. How many conversations have I been involved in without as much as a thought of letting my God come into the conversation. You ask me and I'll tell you God-he is my all, he is my life. But are my actions, my conversations reflecting that? I was moved to tears reading Rivers' book about a girl who faced death because she knew one who held her life. We can't even endure the mocking expressions of friends, let alone the leering of thousands as we are lead out to the center of an arena where hungry lions await. Dear one, how much could God reach our friends-our coworkers-our family if we would make every decision based on the convictions that our hearts were tied to.

One afternoon as I let my mind muse over my life, over my convictions, over the seemingly lack conviction in my conversations- and God laid this poem in my heart. I pray it speaks to you. I pray it challenges you. I pray it convicts you.

Words Laced With Conviction

I want to speak words laced with conviction

In light of heroes of the past

Shadow to follow-their words did last

My steps have hardly followed.

Their words I have borrowed.

But now its time.

I see a girl standing in the arena

No sign of fear upon her face

The crowd jeers and lions roar

She is solid to her core.

An unseen God holds her tight.

The smile on her lips reflect days past

When she stood and broke fear-

Those are the times she felt him most near.

With death at the door

Pain round the corner

Suffering was a small cost.

Her words rang true in the ear of accusers

Her words were laced with conviction.

The conviction I feel with comparison done-

I can hardly stand tall.

Falling down has been my pattern

My fears had wrapped me tight.

But to a fight I've been called-

Flesh against Spirit.

Words of lie are on my tongue

But how am I to live a life without a care?

Will my God carry me there?

I know he has seen passed opportunities-

Too many to count!

Does he still care to use me again?

Am I able to walk the path

Only martyrs go there.

I am to die to self daily.

But my words are full of me

Words are things to easily taken

Words are things to be treasured and spoken

Stand up for your beliefs.

Declare the One God's Glory

Live a life of love

Out loud speak the words-

Words laced with conviction.

How do I measure up?

Fear or Faith

Pain of Peace

Chilled or Charged

Hateful or Healing

Dragging or Determined

Shy or Saving

Helpless or Hearty

Angst or Righteously Angry

Careless or Convicted?

With the power I know

With the Father I have

With the glory I've seen

I must stand.

I will follow the path walked before-

Silence won't rule me now.

My words will drip with passions aflood

No excuses to grand

No hesitation to true

My god calls me forward

No matter the depth of friction

I will speak words of Conviction.

+Job 37:1-5 My heart pounds as I think of this. It leaps within me. Listen carefully to the thunder of God's voice as if rolls from his mouth. It rolls across the heavens, and his lightening flashes out in every direction. Then comes the roaring of the thunder-the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain the thunder when he speaks. God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of his power.

Friend-this is the God we serve, this is the one we have the privilege to announce to the world. How do we ever go a day without tears for the missed opportunities to point the way? How can we go one more minute without an ache in our souls for a passion that consumes? May your passion be for God alone, and may that zeal rise up in a fire that burns in your words. I pray that God would awaken this generation to live radical lives that drip with the living water that is offered from a mighty, powerful, loving God.

Ruth’s Word of Abundance in HIS Absence

I recently shared with you the things God revealed to me through the beautiful story of Ruth. On the day that he was speaking to me on that subject and pointing out the little treasures amidst the sand, he also spoke a rhema word, a Word for right now, a sort of word of wisdom. This little whispered word to my heart I believe was also meant as a shout to your soul!

Allow me to remind you of the points that I discussed in "The Ruth In The Rest Of Us" and you can see how God just nailed these nuggets of truth home as he spoke a personal word to my heart.

1. 
   
   Ruth was lead back home by the voice of one who has been there.
   


1. Follow the leading of those who have been there.
2. 
   
   Ruth chose the set-apart life.
   


1. Our life's destiny could be changed by a small hinge in the door of destiny. Look for your peripety-live a different life then that of the word
   
3. 
   
   Ruth moved forward.
   
1. Take the initiative to keep moving forward, then allow God to direct you.
   
4. 
   
   Boaz offers refreshment and Ruth recognizes her insufficiency
   


1. When you feel insufficient-God offers refreshment and rest as we worship him.
5. 
   
   Boaz provided an abundance.
   
   
   
   1. Jesus came to give life and life more abundantly!


6. 
   
   Ruth took hold of what was legally hers.
   
   
   
   1. Take what is legally ours-Jesus paid the price, don't waste the inheritance!


7. 
   
   Boaz fights for Ruth
   
   
   
   1. Jesus our Redeemer has fought and still battles on our behalf today!
      

With these points on my mind I listened to the Spirit whisper the following words to my heart-let them sink in. Let him speak to you in the way only he knows how to.

"Dear one, do you see my hand moving and working? In the little things child-Oh Beloved do you see the provision I left behind? As you slowly opened your eyes to see how I was drawing you to myself. Do you see my child- I have moved in the circumstances to bring you back to me and to my home land. Oh beautiful child-listen to the instruction and allow me to fight for you. I will not force your hand. But Oh the joyous tears that overspill as I see you prostrate at my feet. Oh! The surge of my heart as I see your willing heart ready to come to my household. But dear one, please, please listen to what you have to do. I must go and fight. I will rightfully and legally take my rights to you back. Will you wait? Oh child do not grow weary in your waiting. Oh beloved- if you only allow me to provide for you whilst I am not present. Before all the witnesses of Heaven I took your name, took your heart as my own. But will you be waiting for me? Have you done as I asked? Did you walk away from your surrender empty handed? Oh dear child-dear bride of mine- see your cup overflows in my absence how much more as my beloved wife whilst you be provided for! Now come to this new life. Come to this new family and see how I have reversed your end-From widow to wife, bereaved to a blushing bride, from famine to feast. Yes, from seemingly insignificant to the bloodline of the King and his inheritance. Come lay at my feet. Beloved-my Beloved and Bride I say Come."

+ Psalm 19:5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

God wants to move in your life, all you must do is listen to his voice as he calls you even now to wait for him in his seeming absence, because dear child-dearly beloved of the MOST HIGH REDEEMER-your God is giving you the abundant life in his apparent absence. Hear his plea-feel his heart beat and respond. Enter into this life that is meant for more than to just survive. Your Prince has legally taken your name-now set him as a seal upon your heart-take his name. Walk in his ways-live always out of his inheritance and his home. And trust-you must trust him, he knows your needs. He is attentive to your hearts innermost desires-he is taking you to a new level of fellowship-spend your every moment with him on your mind. He is working a miracle in the mundane circumstances of your life. Embrace the abundance in his apparent absence!

The Ruth in the Rest of Us

I have just recently finished up Beth Moore's study on Esther and one point that she stressed was how God sometimes chooses to conceal his majesty so we can find miracles in the mundane. Well as this thought had been in my mind I found myself reading the book of Ruth. As I read through it I started to see God's majesty working in the mundane things of Ruth's life. I then began to see a parallel between us and Ruth. Many a person has drawn the conclusion of Christ as our "kinsmen redeemer." In other words-as Boaz was Ruth's redeemer- so is Christ to us. But God began to speak to me about a few other similarities that we can draw and I wanted to share. These are just little things that brought a smile to my face and a warm rush to my heart as I saw God yet again speaking to us through his amazing Word. Whether your familiar with the story of Ruth or not, I pray that these little illuminations speak to you as they did me.

You can almost see a parallel of a person's walk to salvation as you watch Ruth's journey to becoming part of Boaz's household. In Ruth 1:7 it talks of when Naomi sets out from her home land and " took the road that would lead them back to Judah."

1. Ruth was lead back home by the voice of one who has been there.

Naomi had been there. She knew the direction of home, and Ruth set out with her in the direction of home. Who is it in your life that helped guide you home? Whether you were once a wandering prodigal who left home for the world and returned through the love and concern of a friend, or if you were lead home-to saving knowledge of Christ by a respected leader-someone has taken the time to sow into your life and help you take the road that leads you home. Take the time to thank God for how he brought these people into your life through his divine providence.

Then in Ruth 1:15-17 we see how Ruth passionately declares her faithfulness to Naomi and Naomi's God. Naomi asks whether Ruth would just go her own way as her sister-in-law did when their husbands died. She advises her to do the same thing. However Ruth was different-she chose to be different and set her life apart. "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."

2. Ruth chose the set-apart life.

When we make the decision to be serious with our relationship with God, it may not be a heart pounding, world altering moment but it will change the way you live the rest of your life. God calls us to be a set apart nation, we are holy unto him. We have to be different then the world. We aren't going to make a difference in this world if we blend in. You parents aren't going to make the decision for you. In fact people you trust might suggest you do otherwise-but you have to make the choice. You have to decide, am I going to live this life for God or not? Will you allow yourself to have God and God alone as your Lord? You tell me, its up to you.

Another point that struck me was found in chapter 2:2, the simply sentence that reads "One day Ruth said to Naomi…"

3. Ruth moved forward.

This was a pivotal moment for Ruth. She didn't know it-but it changed the course of her life. Again, riding on the shirt tails of the Esther lifegroup study-this was the hinge in the door to a reversal of destiny. This seemingly mundane moment where Ruth took the initiative to head into the field-it changed her destiny from widow to wife. I've heard it said, and found it personally to be true, that God can't direct you when you're not moving. Only when you take steps forward, can God turn you to the right or left. He orders your steps, but he won't make you move. Are you crying out to God for direction only to find yourself standing still? What is God calling you to? Move forward, it could just be the hinge point to a door of destiny!

Here is the moment that we meet the 'prince charming' of our story. Honestly it makes me think of in Beauty and the Beast when Belle is sitting on the fountain singing of her book- you know the scene! Let me sing it to you as I unfold this awesome story of Ruth! "Oh! Isn't this amazing! Its my favorite part because –you'll see! Here-is where she meets prince charming! But she won't discover that its him till chapter three!" For our story it even happens in CHAPTER THREE! Back to Ruth- she is going out into the field like SHE decided to do. And she meets Boaz, who when he finds her gleaning from his field, kindly declares in chapter 2 verse 9 "And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water…"

4. Boaz offers refreshment and Ruth recognizes her insufficiency

Oh Beloved! Do you see it!? Jesus is the living water, and he offers it freely without judgment. We are receiving blessing from a place not our own-look at Ruth's response to the kindness of Boaz. Ruth 2:10 says "Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. 'Why are you being so kind to me?' she asked. 'I am only a foreigner." She recognized herself as unworthy of the nourishment Boaz freely offered. She was a foreigner to that land. Oh, the summersault that my stomach does as the comparison is drawn! We too are foreigners to this land of God, to the family of God- but he offers us living water! But one mistake to many of us make is that when we see our unworthiness we too often sulk in it rather than bow at the feet of our Redeemer.

In the following scriptures Boaz continues to provide blessing for this foreigner to his homeland. We read in chapter 2:14 a phrase with one word that shows a foreshadowing of our ultimate Redeemer- "and Boaz gave her food-more than she could eat"

5. Boaz provided an abundance.

Did not Christ declare "I came to give you life and life more abundantly"? Do you see dear Ruth-though you do not deserve such a cup of overflowing blessing-your Redeemer is giving you the abundance!

Then the story takes a strange turn as we see Naomi advising Ruth to "do as I tell you…go to the threshing floor…uncover (Boaz's) feet and lie down…" (v. 3_3-4). You may be asking- Why would a virtuous woman do such a aggressive thing? You see, it was custom in that time that a widow would have legal claim to her deceased husband's closet male relative as found in Duet. 25. Naomi was urging her to again move forward.

6. Ruth took hold of what was legally hers.

Just as Boaz was according to law called to marry Ruth and uphold the name of her late husband-we have legal right to all that Christ's blood purchased us-but do we operate therein? No! Let us move forward at the urging of the Spirit and take hold of that which is ours. Christ's sacrifice shall not be for naught!

This next part thrills my spirit within me. And I must confess my romantic side bubbles over as well! This precious scripture just enlightens the chivalry of our King of Kings. Set the scene-the moon hanging low, as Boaz awakes to Ruth lying at his feet (v.3:9, 11)

Ruth: "I am your servant Ruth, spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer…" (this could be translated as "I am just a servant-but if you would only take me into your home-I know that you are the only one who can save me!"

Boaz: "Now don't worry about a thing my daughter (daughter was not a creepy thing to call Ruth-it was an endearment). I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are an honorable woman."

7. Boaz fights for Ruth

Oh the grin that I can't get off my face! Even after Ruth reminded him oh so begrudgingly- I am your servant. She didn't expect to be treated any higher, yes she was claiming her legal right-but she expected the bare minimum. But Boaz not only blessed her abundantly he fought for her. Oh weary hearts soak that in! Jesus, your Redeemer will fight for you. Even when you view yourself as a mere slave, a servant, he will fight for you! Let him fight for you-he says to not worry, for he will take care of it all, once we surrender ourselves to him he will make all things right. The legal has already been done. Dear one- please listen to your Redeemer's voice as he whispers of how he has fought for you! All you must do is follow the leaders in your life, choose the set apart life, move forward, worship in the midst of your sufficiency, receive the abundant life, take hold of what Christ has done for you-and watch your God fight for you!

Now take heart and laugh with joy at the comfort in this scripture we find in the last chapter- 4:13 "So Boaz married Ruth and took her home to live with him." And do you know dear one- that through this work of God's providence – Ruth was one of the ancestors of Jesus of Nazareth, that's right dear one-your Redeemer brings you right into the bloodline of the Messiah. Our Redeemer is coming for us after the fight of the ages and he is taking us home for eternity. Now go forward and live your life with your Redeemer, he is fighting for you, will you worship at his feet and surrender?

The Power of God; Breaking the Box

So I owe you all a recap on my amazing Nicaragua trip, its taken so long to post this beacuse..well honestly-I sent this same thing out as a thank you for those who supported me :) So I wanted them to get their hard copy before I shared the digital. :)
If you were one of the many who supported me in ways whether monetary or spiritually I can't thank you enough-this recap can't barely sratch the surface of what God did in that country or in me, but I hope it give you a glimpse anyhow!

I have learned afresh the lesson that whenever you 'know' what to expect in an event, God has already planned to smash your nicely created box into unrecognizable splinters. My box this summer was comprised of previous mission trips, preconceived notions of how God works, and the confidence in my own ability to be used as a vessel for God. I knew how they would act. I knew how they would respond, I knew. It was all about me; but His box is crafted in the shape of the power of God. I thought I knew; then came Monday afternoon.

At our first ministry site we had just left a small church and crossed a muddy street to spend time at a nearby school. A girl on our team slipped in the mud and got her foot dirty. Allow this snapshot to materialize before your mind's eye-an elderly woman on her hands and knees with a bowl of water literally washing this girl's feet with her hand. I couldn't hold back the tears that gingerly slid down my face. God was blatantly saying, "La bienvenida a Nicaragua Cassie; welcome to Nicaragua." God began to pull at my quaint box; he was allowing me to see the heart of these beautiful people.

As the week progressed we went to the schools, kids grasped the idea of how God saw them. The dramas were impacting lives and hearts were being captured by Christ. However, one defining difference between these people and those we met in the Dominican were how receptive they were. The people of Nicaragua weren't quite as quick to trust. One example in particular was our bus driver Carlos. The first two days he had with us were hard as he adjusted to the new experience. When we decided to buy him a dinner after a particularly hard evening he had, you could see God softening his heart. He smiled, he thanked us; nails fell from my box. Our third day together was another encounter with the Holy Spirit where God tore my heart from my chest as I saw the servant heart of our friend Carlos. We attended a 2 hour church service and when we left our bus pulled over and through our interpreter, Carlos told us his three year old daughter was in the hospital due to a heart attack. He asked us to pray. He "knew that when we prayed, God did things." Carlos stayed with us even though his daughter was sick; this trip was NOT about me. This trip was about the people God wanted to reach. God preserved Carlos' daughter, God heard our prayers, and God began to show us how even our actions were reaching people for eternity.
We had numerous opportunities to pray with the staff of the hotel where we stayed. Maids were healed, cleaning crew got saved! My deceivingly sturdy box was being crushed yet it was barely still intact. The response of these people tore at my heart strings. They were so hungry for a touch from God. There was a boy on our last night at the crusades that had a tumor on his forehead, as our group prayed over him the tumor began to shrink! A woman was healed from spine and stomach pain and as she cried and thanked God, her children ran up to embrace her with tears of their own.

The people were asked what they felt when God touched them with healing and time and time again different people at different times said it was the power of GOD. I experienced the power of God anew. We cried for God to open the flood gates and capture these people once more, he did. We put the results of our prayers in God's hands and anything you commit to his hands will succeed.

Every prayer you uttered, every penny you gave is counted to you in God's record of remembrance. He will bless you, he will move on your behalf. Thank you for investing in the precious nation of Nicaragua, thank you for ushering in the power of God to satisfy the hungry hearts of a generation.
The power of God broke my box and the power of God broke the hard hearts of these people, and you dear one, made all the difference.

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power 1 Corinthians 4:20

Sacred Song of Intercession

I finally found a spare moment to sit down and share with you my fourth installment of what God has revealed to me on the age old subject of worship. I have already strived to show you the precious power that is behind the unique song that God set in your heart, this unique song that you must allow to part your lips and lift up your heart. Secondly I tried to take you to the scriptures and show you how much of a treasure worship is with the fact that is ushers the very presence of God into a place. Thirdly I ran with you into the throes of a battle where one of our most powerful weapons is a heart and life in a posture of worship before the King of Kings. Now however, I want to take you to a place that is often uncomfortable. God is always stretching and growing us, so why wouldn't an aspect of using worship as a tool be uncomfortable? Here is a place where we feel the pain of others and we weep bitter tears on behalf of others, here is a place where we take worship to the place of intercession.

Four things I know to be true about worship.

1) God has placed unique and powerful songs within each of his precious children that are just waiting to pour out.

2) God dwells within the praises of his people.

3) Worship is a powerful tool against Satan's devices.

4) We can tap into a depth of intercession as we identify with the heart of those around us in song.

+Psalm 149:1, 3, 6 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful…Praise his name with dancing…Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"

"The Unhindered Interceding Heart"

Intercession by definition is an entreaty or pleading in favor on behalf of another, a prayer to God on behalf of another person. In this simple form, prayers on behalf of another, intercession is an amazingly powerful tool. One of the most well known examples in the Old Testament is found in Genesis 18 when Abraham nearly argues with God on behalf of the wicked city of Sodom. He stands on behalf of the few righteous in the city and God relents on the standard he is asking to find therein. Another well known instance is found in Exodus 32 when God's anger is stirred toward the Hebrew people and Moses intercedes on their behalf. God relents from the judgment he was going to pour out because Moses pleaded with him and asked for his mercies to once more be showered on them. In the instances we see the power behind pleading to God on behalf of another person.

Now I want to build my case as to why we too can see powerful prayers answered when we step into intercession. We may not ever have the opportunity to see our intercession on behalf of a nation answered (even though God knows we need to see the US turn back to God in a big way) I want to address personal intercession for specific people. You may not realize you are already interceding for your friend who was once so strong in their faith and has now wandered away. Perhaps you have cried out to God and told him "God, they've been so wounded, their heart is hard, please shower your love on them and make yourself real to them once more!" Have you prayed a prayer like that? Have you had a family member who isn't saved make one more seemingly catastrophic choice and you find yourself on the floor during your devotional times with tear streaked cheeks asking God to make himself known to them in a big way? Dear friend each time you've prayed anything on behalf of another-you are interceding.

Will you let me show you how this can be so powerful in the place of worship? There are songs that at times we may not be able to relate to. Maybe you feel secure in your place with God and in this season of your walk with God the Desperation Song that declares:

"I need you Jesus to come to my rescue! Where else could I go? There's no other name for which I am saved! Capture me with grace!"

You don't need a valiant rescue at this point in time. While you can acknowledge that God has rescued you and his name has saving power, but this season, this moment you don't identify with that. Well may I ask you-how long is the list of people in your life that you believe DO need to be rescued by Jesus and captured by grace? Whether they see it or not-you can be their voice when they have none. Imagine the multitudes that are so weary and tired and lost that they have no strength to life their voice up to God to ask for a miracle, you can be their voice. When you encounter a song that may not be one you identify with at the moment-flip it around into a prayer on behalf of the people in your life. Instead of numbly reciting the words in worship as a little ditty that is fun to sing along to, let your heart be ripped to pieces on behalf of your prodigal friends. Cry out for God to rescue them.

There is a weekly prayer meeting I get to be a part of on Wednesdays before youth at my church, one specific evening a few weeks ago God laid it heavy on my heart to dedicate the night to interceding on behalf of the people in our lives that need a God encounter. We had songs that were al geared toward our need for God in our lives, our need to have him show up, a need to be saved-and we opened up the white board to write the names of the people God was laying on our hearts. It was one of the most powerful prayer times I've ever had. We all positioned our prayers in a way that it wasn't about us. We realized the desperate need of so many in our lives and we allowed our hearts to be torn on behalf of them. There are times when we don't have the words to pray for our loved ones. We begin to feel desperate for them just as they are desperate for a touch from God and we have no words to pray. In those times the Spirit will often give us words from a source deep inside that bubbles out. But another way God can give us words is through the hearts of others. We can turn to songs and specifically allow the heart within the song to pour forth from our lips on behalf of the ones so dear to us. In this prayer time exactly that happened. We all wept at the sheer amount of names on the board, it was covered with names all over. There are so many people in need of God. We just cried out

"Save me! Lord save me! I have nowhere else to go! Lord I trust in You alone to save me! My Savior I call on your name, Jesus save me!" (Save Me, by Gateway Worship)

"One tear in the dropping rain! One voice in the sea of pain! Could the maker of the stars hear the sound of my broken heart? One light, that's all I am! Right now I can barely stand! If you're everything you say you are, won't you come close and hold my heart!?" (Hold My Heart by Tenth Avenue North)

"There are tears from the saints, for the lost and unsaved. We're crying for them come back home! Come back home…" (Tears From the Saints by Leeland)

There are so many hearts that need us to intercede on their behalf. When we cry out on behalf of the hurting God shows up. You see, we are acting and identifying with Christ in this act. Christ is interceding on our behalf continually. We ourselves have a intercessor at the Throne of Heaven pleading on our behalf.

+ Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through Him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.

I challenge you to devout a set amount of time in your prayers to singing out in intercession on behalf of the people you love. God will see your heart, and he will hear your prayers, and the words will come to you as you lift up the lost friend our prodigal son to the Kingly intercessor. Do not underestimate the power of simply praying in intercession, but I want you to see worship as the tool it is in the realm of intercession. Pray for those who have no voice. There are hearts that are too hard to ask God to act-be their voice. Be the voice for the prodigal whose pride won't allow him to turn back. Be the interceding voice on behalf of a generation who has lost all hope.

Do not overlook the power of worship,
allow the unique song to pour forth and usher in the presence of God in order to battle the attack of the enemy and call upon God's grace to save the lost people in your life.

+Psalm 149:1, 3, 6 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful…Praise his name with dancing…Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"

Savior to Servant

God has really been dealing with me on the subject of having a savior mentality. This comes in two scenarios, first- when you have a friend who knows God, knows the Word and gets disillusioned and wanders away from God. Secondly this can happen when you find yourself in some form getting attached to a non-believer and wish they knew what you know about God. If you aren't careful you begin to think that it's your responsibility to help, fix, and get them to God. But in short, God has shown me that that is not my job at all. We are not to try and take Christ's place in someone's life. We are to reflect God to the people around us and point them to HIM. Because you see, friend- when we take the weight of someone's soul on our shoulders we are bound to fall under the pressure. We will fail them and we will be left wounded on the ground with the false feeling of failure. Please don't take this the wrong way. We are supposed to help each other and lead each other back to God when we get distracted, but it's not our job to get someone to Heaven, we in our own flesh and strength can only do so much. Then we have to leave room for God to take the reins. Yes we are to encourage each other along our walk. Yes we are to bear with each other and love in all things. Yes we are at times called to exhort each other on certain actions. But no dear one- you do not have to hold them up as they trip. God has other plans for you. All these thoughts came together in poem that I decided to write last night after a conversation with some good friends about what we are to do with these situations…what I learned above all else-is God calls us to be servants to the wounded and weary person, not savior. I hope this speaks to you in some way. I really feel that this is directed those of you who know exactly how heavy the burden is to carry another on your shoulders…

+ Hebrews 3:12-15 Be careful then, dear brothers. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. But never forget the warning: 'Today you must listen to his voice. Don't harden your hearts against him as Israel did when they rebelled.'

Savior to Servant

Equally yoked are we

Such great friends you and me

We build each other up in this place

As we walk along, side by side

Encouragement flows face to face

Nothing from you I feel I have to hide

As days go by we make our way

I never noticed the edges start to fray

Just like a sunset in its last glimmer

Or a lightning bolts blinding flash,

The fire for God in you was turned to simmer

All the sudden you're convinced there's a catch

The finely built cord begins to unravel

Soon there is a swerve in these two that we travel

I notice now, it's nearly to late

How am I to hold you up as you trip and stumble?

Can't let you slip into such a fate

Am I to let this defended friendship so easily crumble?

Sturdy I set my feet apart

There must be a way for me to hold to your heart

With all my strength I lift you up

But you only pull away

All doors for me to help seem shut

I can't allow this failure over me to lay

All at once I realize you're too far off for me

Tears fall as frustrations rise to the feeling you won't ever be free

What sort of a friend am I to fail you?

My strength is sapped now I see

I can't save you, but then who?

The answer is a strong resounding HE

He is the one who orders your steps

He is the one for you who descended into the depths

He has an arm not too short to save

He is the one who sees your wandering heart

He is the one who will calm your raging waves

He is the one who from you will never depart

Where I lost, He has victory

Where I was blind, he alone can see

Where I fell, he stands his ground

Though he draws near to the humble, He opposes the proud.

So I see now I'm not the one to save

He alone is the author of your days

I must trust Him to do his work

Let him rightfully be savior

I, myself, cannot heal your hurt

I'm letting Him lift you as an eagle to sore

As I stand back I see the place to be

I tried to play savior-but God has other plans for me

He has called me to be your servant

Here I devout myself on your behalf to prayer

For you my heart shall be rent

I let go.

I am not Savior, but servant

I commit you, dear one, into my loving Father's capable care.

Sacred Song of the Battle

I am so excited to share with you this point of the revelation that hit me on subject of worship. I have already endeavored to share with you how I have found in scripture and in personal experience that worship can be thing that firstly is created as a unique song that is within you that takes you to a deeper form of worship. Secondly, worship is the gate to the very presence of the Most High God. Thirdly I want to share how I have found that worship, songs sang to honor my Father God-these songs become a vital tool in battle against all that would hinder us from the abundant life that Jesus Christ came to bring. When we sing and praise God it ushers in the very presence of God into that place, whether it be your room, a church sanctuary or around a campfire, God's presence can wash over you. Wherever that presence is, satan and his attacks are powerless.

Four things I know to be true about worship.

1) God has placed unique and powerful songs within each of his precious children that are just waiting to pour out.

2) God dwells within the praises of his people.

3) Worship is a powerful tool against Satan's devices.

4) We can tap into a depth of intercession as we identify with the heart of those around us in song.

+Psalm 149:1, 3, 6 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful…Praise his name with dancing…Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"

"Undefeatable Weapon of War"

+ Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm."

Now I want to draw your attention to a specific line in the verses I've been focusing in on. Do you see how it says in the last portion "Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"? Praises in their mouth as they hold a sharp sword in their hands; worship is a weapon of warfare. When God enters a room, satan cannot stay. In the laws of the Israelites we hear God tell his people "You must be holy as I am holy" no sinful thing can enter into his presence. Just as all darkness flees to the furthest corners of a room when the light switch is turned on, the light of his presence cannot be withstood by a sliver of darkness. During worship services in foreign countries during a crusade, spontaneous healings can take place right in the middle of worship. There is an injection of God's healing power right into the thirsty vein of a people in desperate pursuit of the presence. Bondages of the enemy are broken as God shows up in our worship, the well thought out plans and battle strategies of the enemy are broken in an instant.

When I was in Nicaragua this past summer with my youth group there was one evening in particular where we attended a church service. Our bus driver, Carlos drove us there and sat out with the bus during the two hour service. In the service there was some awesome worship, I was a very powerful and touching experience to sing along to worship song hearing the church singing in Spanish as my group sang just as passionately in English. There was something about the unity that the scene stirred that particular pricked my heart, and I believe the heart of God. He responds to hearts in unity, to hearts focused on him. We were none-the-wiser of how God was moving on our behalf this night. The service went well and two men even gave their life to Christ. However, it isn't to this point that I am taking you to. Come along further. We departed from this church and as we were driving away from the building Carlos, our driver, pulled over. Through our interpreter, Louis, Carlos told us that while we were in the service his daughter was taken into the Hospital. She had a heart attack and was rushed there to be treated. Carlos had stayed at the church because it was his job he didn't want to let us down or those who had contracted him. At his solid servants heart's display tears spilled generously down my cheeks and passed by hanging jaw. How could he stay when his daughter has been rushed to the hospital in such a state? What's more-his daughter was three years old. Carlos had pulled the bus over cause he knew that "when we prayed, God did things." However, his request for prayer wasn't that she would make it through, for you see-even while we were still in the service, as we worshipped the Lord his daughter was found in stable condition. She was going to be perfectly fine. He was asking simply for prayers for her continued health. I don't know if you caught that or not-his three year old daughter who had a heart attack was firstly attacked, secondly restored. The enemy was perhaps attempting to get us distracted from the service where he was going to lose two more souls for eternity-he didn't want the testimonies and the dramas to impact those lives. But God in his infinite power and wisdom intercepted the advances of satan and right in the midst of or worship intervened on our behalf. The enemy went for a swing and the power of the Spirit in worship blocked it and cut him down.

In the scriptures you find numerous examples of how music and worship was a piece of war. In Numbers 10:9 there is a reference to how the people would blow a trumpet to remind the Lord of his promises and to call him to rescue you. The same scripture goes on to say to also blow the trumpet in times of gladness to remind the Lord of his covenant. We worship to ask the Lord to act on our behalf and quell the enemy's strategies and we worship to magnify God.

Another example in scripture that we see is that of Jericho. God told Joshua in Joshua 6 that the land was already his, he just had to follow his instructions, and what were they? He was to walk around the walls, and on the 7^th day of this they walked around the guarded city with shouts and trumpets. They were using music, shouts-to break down the walls. They enforced the victory that God has bestowed to them-with worship. In worship the walls and strongholds of the enemy fell down.

In the same way as we worship we can rid ourselves of a spirit of depression, as Bill Johnson says "Physical obedience brings spiritual release." The very act of worshiping is sending the enemy running with his tail tucked between his legs. Do you see the amazing tool we have in worship? Do you see the threat it is to the enemy. When a child of God truly gets a hold of who they are in Christ, when they are worshiping and have their focus on God-there is NOTHING the enemy can do to attack them. Arm yourselves with praise on your lips and a sword on your hand. Let's break down the walls the enemy has built and take the territory that we have been given by God and let's do it in the midst of our worship.

Sacred Song of the Presence

In my last blog (Sacred Song of the Heart) I shared what I've learned about singing in the Spirit, how God can bring a unique song out of you that hasn't ever been sang before. Its an amazing tool to be used to usher yourself into the presence of God. Not only does singing and worshiping take you to a deeper level of intimacy with God but it opens the door for God's presence to flood over you. David understood this, in the times he most needed a touch from God he would pour his heart out in song and God would come and there would be a sincere God encounter.

+Psalm 149:1, 3, 6 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful…Praise his name with dancing…Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"

Four things I know to be true about worship. 1) God has placed unique and powerful songs within each of his precious children that are just waiting to pour out. 2) God dwells within the praises of his people. 3) Worship is a powerful tool against Satan's devices. 4) We can tap into a depth of intercession as we identify with the heart of those around us in song.
We can tap into a depth of intercession as we identify with the heart of those a

"Ushering in the Presence"

+ Psalm 22:3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel

Have you ever been in a worship service and the atmosphere just changes? You are singing with your whole heart and something happens. You can't really say what it is but all the sudden the entire room seems to be on the same page, the entire room is laying their heart before the God of the universe and just praising him for what he has done in their lives. Everyone without any kind of signal all raise their hands at the same time, whatever it is, maybe they all jump out of excitement, maybe they fall to their knees and are in deep worship only to open their eyes to see the rest of the room in the same humble position. Whatever that atmosphere looks like, we have all seen it. If you have ever corporately been worshiping and everyone's heart is focused on God-then you know what I'm talking about.

This phenomenon can even happen at the most unlikely times. There has been moments when I'm alone in my car and as I have my Hillsong, Desperation, Abbey Johnson, Glorious Unseen-whomever is in the CD player at the time-I have it blaring and I'm just singing, then I feel my stomach flipping, my whole body all the sudden responds to the change of atmosphere right there in the car. Something just changes. Have you ever felt that? Maybe I'm just listening to the music is my personal quite time with God and as a song is playing I feel that inner ache and tears spring to my eyes, it happened. God showed up. God's presence is revealed in a real and tangible way.

When we are worshiping and allowing the Spirit to flow through us we create an environment where our hearts are wide open to experience a genuine God encounter. Our Father God's heart is moved by our willing worship and he draws near. (James 4:8) It isn't some mythological idea or philosophy, the God of the universe; the God whose hand spans the universe
(Isa. 40:12) can manifest his presence to you in your times of worship.

There is no questioning the fact stated by King David that God is enthroned, he dwells, inhabits the praises of his people. We see this in Isaiah's vision in the year that King Uzziah died..

+ Isaiah 6:3-4 In a great chorus they [the angels] sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.

Smoke is often representative of the presence of God, the Israelites were lead by a cloud by day and a pillar of smoke and fire by night, God's presence was guiding them. Here we see that this powerful God who could have anything that entered his mind chooses to surround himself by the praises of his creation. Do you see that they were SANG holy
holy
holy, the sound of their SINGING was changing things! In response God's presence was filling that place! In the same way when we worship God, we center our focus on Him; he comes and dwells in that place. Have you ever been worshiping and felt that initial change, where you feel like someone just literally opened the door to let the King of Glory come in? That is your Spirit when it connects with the One who made you. It is a divine moment where there is a deep fellowship with this marvelous Creator. In these moments when God is so manifested and near to you there is more than a change in the atmosphere. Often in the presence of God people will begin to weep because they are being washed by God's love or they are feeling convicted as

he cleanses their hearts. This experience is something you should envy, something you should guard, this communing time with your Heavenly Father can strengthen you in a dry season and it can minister to you in your pain. With his presence comes healing, comes words of encouragement, it is most often in my times of prayer and worship that I hear God whispering things to my heart.

We should invest our time into worshiping our God, usher him into our every day. Begin to live an attitude of worship, not just with music but where we are focusing on God throughout our every day mundane activities; it makes the little things holy things. Even when we are singing to ourselves as we go about our day you can feel a nearness
with God that you may have never felt before as you washed the dishes, whatever it is-invite God into your everyday life. Allow him to be the centerpiece. Personally the best way that I have found to focus on my Father God, is worship, because I know that when I am allowing the Spirit to flow through me-he will worship the Father, and in worshiping the Father, in worshiping God-things change. His presence floods over me, and my drive to work becomes a God appointment. I challenge you, worship God today. Take time to set aside and just worship him, sing out, blare your music and allow God's presence to flood over you.

+ Psalm 95: 6-7 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the sheep under his care. Oh, that you would listen to his voice today!

Sacred Song of the Heart

I sing all the time. I sing in the car, in the shower and I've heard you singing around that corner I was walking around…the first thing I do when I wake up is flip open my trusty laptop and light up Windows Media Player and let the melodies saturate my mushy morning mind. (Sorry all you MAC lovers, my HP is faithful! Anyways...) Lately God has been revealing more and more to me how he has designed us to use singing and worship to as one of the avenues delve into the deeper things of God. These things have revolutionized
my mindset in worship and turned it from a precursor to a possibly 'boring' message into a encounter time that I can't get enough of! God wants to show you too how you can use worship as a means to an amazing end!

+Psalm 149:1, 3, 6 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful…Praise his name with dancing…Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…"

Four things I know to be true about worship. 1)
God has placed unique and powerful songs within each of his precious children that are just waiting to pour out. 2) God dwells within the praises of his people. 3) Worship is a powerful tool against Satan's devices. 4)
We can tap into a depth of intercession as we identify with the heart of those around us in song.

Let me state my case will you?

"A Unique Song"

Right here in the word we read David encouraging the reader to 'sing a new song .' You may slap a smile across your face and say "awesome! Come on Chris Tomlin, let me hear you're newest song!" Or maybe you think "God is so awesome to inspire all those Australians in Hillsong to write those impacting songs!" Well yes, God uses those, yes they are amazingly powerful, but David, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, here says to sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful, referencing the body of Christ. That means if you count yourself as one of God's children, he is exhorting you to sing a new song.

Now I said I would tell of the personal experiences I've had with this, well let me give you an example of what this looks like. To follow the word set forth in this scripture doesn't mean you have to start your own worship band, but think now of some of the live songs you have heard. There are these fill in moments where the artists will just sing words that are magnifying God, or phrases that are cries of their heart in that moment, or entire lines will flow from somewhere deep within and it just flows perfectly into a build up and others somehow join in, with this...new song. In the times you feel a desire to sing one random phrase that comes to mind in the middle of an instrumental fill-that's the new song God has deposited. It's at the door pounding, and the thud
thud
thud suddenly beats in time with the music that is filling the room you're in and then you hear the words, Jesus! Jesus! My heart it cries-Jesus! Jesus! You know what I mean.

Those moments the sanctuary at church erupts into spontaneous random songs all at once, they are all letting that song break down the door and pour out. This happens a lot for me personally. I will just sing words on my heart in the middle of a song. One of the most powerful times this happened was recently after a prayer time, I was sitting outside with some of my gal friends. One of them just played the guitar and we all just sang whatever came to mind, however it came out and God put together this beautiful harmonizing melodic song that had words and phrases that weaved in and out. It was just this raw beautiful time where we just worshiped together in Spirit. We were singing in the Spirit.

+ John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

It is such a God moment when your spirit is unleashed to pour out a new song. There is always this refreshing atmosphere that washes over you in times of obedience to the word. Here, when you let go of any inhibitions and let your spirit make a connection with God in a way it hasn't before. While the four of us were sitting in the parking lot I felt God's presence so strongly. It was so amazing, we were just sitting there and decided to sing together in the Spirit and see where it lead us. In the midst of this corporate spirit melody we would even be singing about different things and say the same word at the same time. You can't help but smile, God loves to sing through us, the Spirit wants to sign out- will you let that song come forth?

Do not worry about if its biblical, where do you think David's psalms of pain and joy all came from? In Exodus as the people and Moses sang their song of deliverance as they left Egypt, that was an inspired song. In the New Testament when Mary is visiting Elizabeth she begins to sing a song of praise for how God has chose to use her (Luke 1). God has placed a song within your heart that you can find release and a new level of worship when you dive into it.

In the times when your heart is overcome with grief you can allow yourself to sing out a new song, a song straight from your heart. In the times when you are bubbling over with joy, allow thanksgiving to pour out. Worship him in Spirit with the unique song he has placed there and a new level of intimacy can be found. Next time you have the chance, let those words out, flow freely in the Spirit and you will delve well into the deep. Allow that unique and power filled song out. You will feel his presence surround you whenever you allow Him to sing though you.

 

This link below is a "prophetic song" from the International House of Prayer, this is just one example, but just watching it you can feel how the Spirit is orchestrating both the lyrics and the instruments. Youtube Prophetic Worship songs to look into more…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1q8PfXCx-U

Fortifying Word Amidst the Flood Waters

+ Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah…

I have been praying over this season we seem to be entering. This being a season where a flood of answered prayers is coupled with uncomfortable growth and I have found solace in these last principles that God has impressed upon my heart as I studied Genesis 6 and 7 and was then lead to chapter 8. After Noah was obedient to the Lord and was found at the center of God's favor he built the ark. The flood came and he was ready, though the flood destroyed some of the things Noah had invested in, God was also destroying everything in the dry places. God was about the business of making all things new. Throughout this, Noah had to trust that God would keep him safe above the flood waters, even though he could no longer see the mountaintops; the victories of days gone by were covered by the overwhelming circumstances. It is here that we find Noah, floating for an extended amount of time on the waters that covered the earth.

Just as Noah trusted that God was working out his plans for him, we must cling
to the fact that when the rain has come, when we see nothing but devastation, know God is in control. In the times where you look out your window with the last glint of hope falling with your tears on your cheeks, you look out at the glassy surface of the vast waters around you and wonder how long you can survive, trust God as your provider. As you stare intently into the depths just beyond your safety boat's edge and search desperately for some indication of the flood receding, and see nothing but darkness, hold fast to the Light
of the World who is at your side. For it is in these moments, when we let our hope take flight as Noah released the bird time and time again, just waiting for the sign that there was change-let your hope carry you. Let your faith breath for you. But never forget that God brought you this far-he is a finisher of the work he begins. When we are leaning with all our strength upon our Creator, this is when we see the words on our hearts as we see in Genesis 8:1.

Isn't it intriguing that the name Noah means peaceful, and has a myriad of meanings, one of which is wandered. At the moment our last hope seems to fall to the ground we can hear the soft reminder that says "But god remembered the wanderer…" Oh heart you must leap with joy at the declaration! At the end of this testing time, finally the ark, the wandered within, came to rest atop a mountain…

+ Genesis 8:1-5 But God remembered [the wanderer] and all the animals in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the waters, and the floods began to disappear. The underground water sources ceased their gushing, and the torrential rains stopped. So the flood gradually began to recede…the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat...as the waters continued to go down, other mountain peaks began to appear.

 

The Holy Spirit will come to you in your time of growth and testing and begin to withdraw you from the trying times. Your foundation will be set, the cleansing rain
will turn to the sunlight of peace and you will come to rest atop a mountain unlike any before. Noah started his journey in the valley places of the familiar and was relocated to a new victory. A new place on the mountains, and as he trusted God through even this mind blowing time-the victories of past began to reinstate their hope.

Don't you see? If we obediently follow God through this season of the flood, we will come to land on a mountain top victory like we have never before experienced! God has greater things in store for you! He has greater victories then those of past ahead. Mount Ararat was above the flood waters before the other mountains began to appear, this mountain you have come to my dear ones, this victory will be so glorious! God brought the wanderer to rest atop a new mountain, but he also gave him a promise and eternal covenant. Beloved just as God gave Noah the rainbow as a reminder of his pledge to never again send such a physically devastating flood, our God is taking us to a place of promise!

Victory and promise are ahead for you dear child of the Creator of all things!

As I was thanking God for these things, he spoke to my heart a word for you who are seemingly drowning in the flood. As you read what follows open your heart to hear the words the Spirit may be speaking to you right now in this time. Open your mind to receive the revelation of the Holy One who has brought you through your past trials and the one who sustains you. Let these words be a gentle confirmation or a firm exhortation to cling to the Trustworthy One. Read these words and be encouraged, for these are fortifying words amidst the flood waters!

    Come beloved, you see the clouds rolling in. You have heard my warning, know this is to strip away the dry places. You have asked for a rain, it comes. The clouds are heavy with prayers; angels now stand on the ready for a word from me to begin. Build. Build. Build upon all I have spoken. Trust I am a performer of my Word. I am not a man that I would lie. No. I have said it, I will do it. Just listen, listen and know that as the rain comes down, people won't understand. Some may turn and choose to break under the flood. But trust and you will rise safely atop the rain waters. I am calling you my wife; I am calling my bride to come to this place of safety and transformation with me. Rise to a place where you are preserved despite the inability to see the victories in the past. Behold as Elijah saw a rain cloud just a small way off. This way it comes. Hear the thunders heavy with purpose. See the strikes of lightening coming closer. Come beloved prepare. Come and be made new. Come and trust my plan. Come and raise above all the hindrances. Come for here lies a season of the evident absence of my presence while I choose to work through the natural. Come, Ah the thunder! Ah the rain! The miracles of the first drop!

+ 1 Kings 18:41-43,45 Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go and enjoy a good meal! For I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!" So Ahab prepared a feast. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and fell to the ground and prayed. Then he said to his servant, "Go and look out toward the sea." …And sure enough, the sky was soon black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm…

Floating Above the Flood Waters

We are on the verge of a season of forthcoming flood waters; uncomfortable change; a time where flood waters will be released from Heaven. The prayers of God's people have been lifted up to Heaven and the clouds are heavy with the weight of their plea. God is about to open up the flood gates, with this release comes growth. Change. A turning point. A new start. New patterns. A time where our past bondages will be broken and God will preserve us through this time of trial and uncomfortable change. But what are we to do in this season? We have learned we must prepare, be obedient to the Spirit's leading-here let me show you what I have learned will be some of the events could be in the midst of this flood. I also feel God spoke a word, but that I will place in another blog..

I was praying over these little promptings the Spirit was depositing in me and asking him what it meant for me personally. As I was studying Genesis 6 and 7 some points jumped out, a outline, a glimpse of what the coming season means. I don't know where you are in all this. Maybe you are in the prep for the season of rain. Maybe you are in the desert just crying out for anything from God-even if it means a time of uncomfortable change, or maybe you are in the flood, and you don't see an end. Either way-this is what the Spirit spoke to me as I read.

Are you at a place where you just need a change, no matter what that means? I can feel the thickness of the air in the Spiritual realm God is moving, and I want to be around to see what he is doing. But as I've said, I feel like what is coming will call for endurance and ultimately sincere faith
in a Creator who is working all things together for your good. We read in Genesis of the 7 days until the rain. Then once this rain comes, it comes hard. It's a crushing feeling that washes away all we once knew. But our Protector doesn't leave us by ourselves. Oh the jewels he reveals in his inspired Word!

+ Genesis 6:18 But I solemnly sweat to keep you safe in the boat…

Amidst our obedience to God he will guide us through the flood waters…

+ Gen 7:11b-12 …the underground waters burst forth on the earth, and the rain fell I mighty torrents from the sky. The rain continued to fall for 40 nights.

This is a violent picture of the confusion and overwhelming sensations that can reign in your time of flood, these times are an outpouring of God's answered prayers, but he is always giving us the opportunity to grow and to learn and to change. The underground waters burst onto the earth-the foundation you think you have laid, will be tested. Can you confidently stand and say that you won't be shaken, you wont be swept away in the middle of a catastrophic flood?

+ Gen 7:18 As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth.

Please know, this season that some of us feel like we are entering is not a thing to be afraid of, we just know that as we go into it that you need to trust God to help you through any trial that may present itself. But note, in the above scripture-one, the boat floated safely above the waters. Second, the flood waters covered the mountains. As I prayed over this I thought of the mountains in my life as two things. It could be the mountains-obstacles-I can't seem to get over. Or are these mountains that are covered, in the midst of this overwhelming uncomfortable change, are they our past victories? The change that is coming-we will be safely delivered through it. But in the middle of it, if we aren't careful we can lose sight
of all past victories. BUT PRAISE GOD HE IS IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING ALL THINGS NEW AGAIN!

+ Gen 7:22 Everything died that breathed and lived on dry land.

Do you see how God is still in control even when we can't see the victories? Do you see that he is working all things to our good as he makes all things new? A month or so back I was at this amazing event called "Jesus Now" where area youth groups and young adults from all sorts of denominations come together for one purpose-to praise and worship God. At the end we were all just listening to God and what he had to say to us in that time. I kept hearing him say the wilderness is over. The wilderness is over. Do you see that in this flood that he is allowing to rush into our lives and make us uncomfortable- it is REMOVING ALL THAT THE ENEMY HAS CREATED THAT IS THRIVING IN THE DRY PLACES. The dry areas of our lives have become breading places for apathy, discontentment and our complacent spirit. This flood that is painful, frightening and seemingly unending-it is striping the dry places in order to bring NEW LIFE! Yes, in the middle of this flood that covers all our victories we may not see the end. Yes, it will be painful, yes it can be intimidating-YES your God will carry you through!

+ Gen 8:1 But God remembered Noah…

Oh God. OH Father, you do not forget us in the midst of our trials. When we can no longer see the places you have brought us through- you are still ever so close. You are allowing us to grow, you are calling us to change, you are calling us deeper. We have cried out for an increase of your presence-may we see your hand in every drop of rain. Every answered prayer, God may we understand you have greater things for us and Lord, may we trust that you REMEMBER your children. God in the middle of the unknown, unmatched, unveiled flood, we cling to the one who has called us righteous! Lord Jesus, hold us and teach us in this flood, you are not a man that you would lie Oh god. Oh God , Oh Jesus, open the flood gates..

Forthcoming Flood Waters

God has been really speaking to me about the rain. I've learned to feel God's presence and grace with every drop of rain. There is purpose and there is peace in the rain, even in a thunder storm's torrential down pour. God has been teaching me and dealing with me in the books of Genesis 6 and 7, the story of Noah. So I am recording all this in two blogs, cause I've received random confirmations that someone, perhaps YOU need to hear of what God has for you with the first drop of rain. Last Sunday evening I was at a weekly prayer meeting and just praying for God to release the rain.

Firstly, he showed me the parallel to be drawn between rain heavy clouds with prayer. As we pray, our prayer rise up to Heaven and they build up. I picture these storm clouds up above, growing heavier an heavier with every prayer we pray, until the moment comes. Until our persistent prayers reach the cloud and the first drop of rain falls… The cloud bursts, a clap of thunder echoes across the spiritual realm-the sounds of God's power coming forth from the throne. Down comes the rain, things in our life shift, prayers are answered, we have encounters with God like never before-the rain clouds release the built up pressure that has been building for days, months, maybe years. However, while this rain is refreshing, it challenges us. While it is answers to our prayers, it means change, change in our spiritual life, and that also means change in our earthly life. It is a season of uncomfortable growth, we might need to be pruned before new buds can grow from this life giving rain. As I was thinking about all this and God was just ministering to me, I hear Genesis 7. So I turn to read

+ Genesis 7:4 One week from today I will begin forty days and forty nights of rain…

That is no mistake; it's a confirmation of what God was already ever so gently telling me. God, I feel, is telling of a coming rain, a coming season of rain. As God was speaking to me about this season of down pour, I began to wonder what brought Noah to that point; to the point of hearing of God's plans, the point of building an arc to float above the waves of crashing change. I turned to Genesis 6 for answers as I asked the Spirit to just speak to me what he wanted me to see and I found some things worth noting.

+ Genesis 6:5-6 Now the Lord observed the extent of the people's wickedness, and he saw that their thoughts were consistently toward evil, Do the Lord was sorry he had made them. It broke his heart.

How much more different could this present generation be from that of old? How wicked we are, how evil our thoughts have become being constantly filled with bitterness, anger, jealousy and lust! When we have a lustful thought, do we think twice about the pain to the HEART OF GOD we are causing? This generation that had developed in Noah's time were breaking the heart of their creator and they didn't-even-know. God makes us conscious of the times we are grieving the Holy Spirit! God open our eyes to see the painful consequences of not just our actions but also our thoughts!

As I read on, I was introduced to Noah. You see in even the New Testament letters that at the beginning of a letter the writer will state their position and name so as to clarify with what authority they write. The main character of this event God had brought me to-Noah enters the scene awash with the favor of God

+ Genesis 6:9 This is the history of Noah and his family…Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless man living on the earth at that time. He consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with him.

Do you feel that ache in your stomach at those words…can you help but wonder what scriptures would announce your profile as? Could we dare to hope it would contain such precious words and descriptions as Noah was accredited? The scriptures make it an important piece of Noah's identity that he "was righteous…and enjoyed a close relationship with [God]." Oh if only we could know that we to would be known for our relationship with our Heavenly Father!

It is obvious that he truly had a close relationship as we see in Gen 6:18, God tells Noah of his plans to flood the earth, but he also declares that he will keep Noah safe in the boat. While the flood, the season to come-is violent, painful perhaps- and seemingly unending purifying process, God wasn't going to allow Noah and his family to come to harm in the days to come. In order to get to the point of the flood gates of Heaven being opened up, we better know our foundation is set with God. He is telling us what to do to prepare for this coming season of growth and testing.

+ Genesis 6:22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

When we build upon our relationship with him, he keeps us safe. We can with stand his purifying process. But we must act in obedience!

Beloved please move in obedience to the Spirit! Prepare yourselves for whatever work, whatever growth, whatever change he has for you. Do not harden your hearts toward the call of the Father to build the ark, to build on your relationship with him in order to withstand a trial, do not harden your hearts toward the pressing of the Spirit to step out in faith and do the unusual. Get ready, the storm clouds are about to release all their pent up pressure. You have so long stood in faith that your prayer were to be answered, wont you now prepare for the stretching that comes with the answers? Beloved-you see the clouds rolling in; you have heard the warning-get ready.

But God

A poem for the times when you feel you've lost your grasp on everything. A song for the heart that feels it has lost hope in all else but God. A psalm for all who have realized their foundation must be on God and god alone, or else they will be shaken beyond recognition. A word of encouragement for the person who has realized that those two words, change the course of history.

⁴But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.. –Ephesians 2:4-5

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. – Psalm 73:25

Things in life fall from my plan,

I thought I had a hold.

Maybe my hold broke it.

I'm learning what I am to do.

I know even still, God there is always you.

But God
has the knowledge

That I won't ever know.

The pain of hopes lost can hurt more than a bullet.

The shot of ache in my stomach reveals

How far I went.

I'm sorry I did not keep the door

Closed.

I'm regretting the first stage

Of hope.

But God
you make all things work together for my good.

I dive

In quickly

Only to find you on the shore.

I hesitate

On the edge just to hear you

Call me in.

But God your thoughts are higher than mine.

I hold to deferred hope.

But God
has desire for me

I grasp at strings of a gone season

But God
is making all things new.

I anchor to the dull ache

But God
wants me to live in the miracle of the moment

I feel lost in routine

But God
shows miracles in the mundane.

I wonder at words of past

But God
is speaking to me rhema, right now

But God
has victory

But God
knows my name

But God
sees my tears

"But God
remembered Noah"

But God remembered Noah…and the floods began to disappear –Genesis 8:1